Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday termed the withdrawal of the lockdown a major challenge, said that his government was in favour of a modified lockdown in the state. It, however, depends on the government of India, he added. Gehlot said the state government was examining and exploring possibilities of something on the lines of a modified lockdown at the local level. If the lockdown continues, we would see whether is it possible to create a situation at the local level which can be called a 'modified lockdown'. This is my own thought and it depends on the government of India how far this can be executed. The next phase of lockdown is dependent on the centre. If possible, we would try a modified lockdown, he said. This is my own thought. It depends on the government of India how far this can be executed. If possible, we would try for a modified lockdown, Gehlot added. The chief minister said the state government's committee was brainstorming on the possibility of giving relaxations to industries in which internal resources like labour are available and to interstate transportation. Imposing a lockdown is easy but withdrawing it a big challenge. It will have to be withdrawn. If not after a period of 21 days, it will have to be withdrawn 15 days later. The economy will come on track when financial activities like opening shops, industries will take place and then only state and the centre will get revenues, he told reporters at a briefing held via video-conferencing here. The chief minister reiterated his demand of a stimulus package for the country to overcome the economic crisis. He said the financial condition of the states has deteriorated and the Centre should announce a grant of Rs 1 lakh crore. Gehlot also demanded to raise the limit of fiscal deficit from three per cent, as per the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, to five per cent and other measures to help the states. He said former finance minister Yashwant Sinha was of the opinion that more currency notes should be printed to tackle the current crisis. The financial conditions of states have weakened and there is a drastic decline in revenue collection. We are doing good financial management in Rajasthan but the situation of any state may deteriorate in this difficult time therefore the centre should come forward to announce a package, Gehlot said. The Centre has RBI and resources and it can print more currency notes. Former minister Yashwant Sinha has said that notes should be printed in this time of crisis, he added. Expressing concern on the rising number of COVID-19 patients in Jaipur, Gehlot said that it has become a challenge for the state government and all efforts were being made to contain the spread. He, however, asserted that the situation was under control despite the rising number of cases. The chief minister said the government has ordered 10 lakh rapid testing kits. There has been no requirement of ventilators for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the state so far, he added. In Bhilwara, we controlled the spread through ruthless containment model. All possible efforts are being made in Jaipur's Ramganj area also. All places where there are cases will be treated in the same way and we will win the fight against coronavirus with the cooperation of all, Gehlot said. In Jaipur, he said, quarantine facilities have been set up in hostels and hotels, and possibilities were being explored to use stadiums as well. On a question related with job security, the chief minister said industrialists should consider their staff as family members and see that they do not face difficulties. He informed that apart from 10 lakh rapid testing kits, the state has ordered 1.5 lakh PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi met April 11 with government leaders in his efforts to quickly form a Cabinet he said would be a government that serves the public, a government of services. Kadhimi, who has been director of Iraqs National Intelligence Service since 2016, pledged in a televised address April 9 to work tirelessly to present Iraqis with a program and Cabinet that will work to serve them, protect their rights and take Iraq toward a prosperous future. Iraqi President Barham Salih named Kadhimi as prime minister-designate after Adnan al-Zurfi, a former governor of Najaf, withdrew his candidacy. Kadhimi, who is not affiliated with any Iraqi political party, is the third candidate for the post since Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned in November 2019 in response to widespread anti-government protests. Prior to his appointment as intelligence director, Kadhimi worked as a journalist and was previously editor of Al-Monitors Iraq Pulse. Salihs first choice, Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, a former communications minister, withdrew March 1 after failing to reach agreement on a new Cabinet within 30 days. Kadhimi appears to have widespread backing for his candidacy among Iraqs key political parties. Salih described Kadhimi as a patriot and cultural figure well known for his integrity, moderation [and] giving consideration for all Iraqis regarding their general rights." The United States and Iran both reacted relatively positively to Kadhimis appointment last week. US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker said April 9, If Kadhimi is an Iraqi nationalist, if he is dedicated to pursuing a sovereign Iraq, if he is committed to fighting corruption, this would be great for Iraq, and I think it would be great for our bilateral relationship. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi welcomed the consensus reached among Iraqi political groups today, resulting in the designation of Mr. al-Kadhimi as the new prime minister of Iraq, and considers it as a right step in the right direction. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo referred April 7 to the United States as Iraqs closest friend when he announced a renewal of the US-Iraq strategic dialogue in June, to be led on the US side by Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale. Schenker, in his remarks, said the threat from Iranian-backed militias to US forces in Iraq remains significant, adding that the strategic dialogue would encompass a wide range of financial, economic, security and diplomatic issues. This story contains reporting from The National (United Arab Emirates). Originally scheduled for April 4, the Alaska Democratic primary was shifted to a mail-in contest with ballots due by April 10. The state is expected to release results on Saturday, April 11. The state has 15 pledged delegates. The results, whatever they are, will be anticlimactic, with Joe Biden now the presumptive nominee after Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign earlier in the week. It is worth noting that in 2016, Sanders won Alaska with nearly 82% of the vote. The contest that year was a caucus. The Alaska Republican party had previously cancelled its primary in a show of support for Donald Trump. The president has already reached the 1,276 delegates needed to win renomination. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Pennsylvania reached a grim milestone Sunday when the states death toll from the coronavirus climbed past 500 with 13 new deaths reported, including two Lehigh County residents. Just a week ago, there were 11,510 positive cases and 121 deaths statewide. The Pennsylvania Department of Health released its daily COVID-19 update at noon Sunday, reporting another 1,178 positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 22,833 across all of the states 67 counties. There will not be a media briefing Sunday. There are currently 2,101 people hospitalized from the virus with 644 of the patients requiring ventilators to help them breathe, according to the state hospital preparedness dashboard. Officials said on Saturday they are finally seeing a positive trend for the curve of cases. Statewide new cases were only up 5% on Sunday, although there has been a reporting lag on weekends. With 13 new deaths recorded Sunday, the new viruss death toll stands at 507. Most of the deaths have been in people 65 and older. There have been no pediatric deaths. Locally, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 41 Lehigh Valley residents across the two county-region, including two more Lehigh County residents reported Sunday. There are 1,082 positive cases in Northampton County and 1,684 positive test results in Lehigh County. As of Sunday, there were 42 COVID-19 patients in Lehigh County on ventilators and 187 available. In Northampton, there were 15 patients relying on respirators and 48 ventilators free. While there have been 22,833 positive test results to date, 102,507 people have tested negative. Health officials warn that the official total is almost certainly an undercount and that Pennsylvanias peak in cases and deaths is still ahead. The peak is projected April 16-17, but that may vary by region. Residents are urged not to ease up on social distancing. State Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine on Easter Sunday asked Pennsylvanians to stay home to protect the vulnerable and healthcare workers and frontline responders. Now more than ever, as we continue to see COVID-19 cases and deaths rise in Pennsylvania, we need Pennsylvanians to take action, Levine said in a news release. Those actions should be to stay calm, stay home and stay safe. If you must go out, please limit it to as few trips as possible and wear a mask to protect not only yourself, but other people as well." Philadelphia has by far the most cases (6,352) and deaths (128) of any county in the state. But when adjusted for population, the Lehigh Valley and Poconos are Pennsylvanias most impacted areas. The health department has said it plans to set up a field hospital in East Stroudsburg to deal with the regions cases and ease the burden on hospitals. Plans for a mass testing center in the Lehigh Valley or Poconos are also being developed. The state does not release information on recoveries the health department can track hospital discharges but is unable to monitor those with mild symptoms who recover at home, Levine said Friday. If you may have been exposed or exhibit the symptoms of COVID-19 fever, cough and shortness of breath contact your healthcare provider. For more information on the coronavirus, consult your state health department at www.health.pa.gov or www.nj.gov/health and the CDC website. 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. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email her. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Those holding Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant (MCX:CHKZ) shares must be pleased that the share price has rebounded 45% in the last thirty days. But unfortunately, the stock is still down by 10% over a quarter. Unfortunately, the full year gain of 9.8% wasn't so sweet. Assuming no other changes, a sharply higher share price makes a stock less attractive to potential buyers. While the market sentiment towards a stock is very changeable, in the long run, the share price will tend to move in the same direction as earnings per share. The implication here is that deep value investors might steer clear when expectations of a company are too high. Perhaps the simplest way to get a read on investors' expectations of a business is to look at its Price to Earnings Ratio (PE Ratio). A high P/E implies that investors have high expectations of what a company can achieve compared to a company with a low P/E ratio. View our latest analysis for Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant Does Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant Have A Relatively High Or Low P/E For Its Industry? Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant's P/E of 15.40 indicates some degree of optimism towards the stock. You can see in the image below that the average P/E (8.9) for companies in the auto components industry is lower than Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant's P/E. MISX:CHKZ Price Estimation Relative to Market April 12th 2020 That means that the market expects Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant will outperform other companies in its industry. Clearly the market expects growth, but it isn't guaranteed. So further research is always essential. I often monitor director buying and selling. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios Probably the most important factor in determining what P/E a company trades on is the earnings growth. That's because companies that grow earnings per share quickly will rapidly increase the 'E' in the equation. And in that case, the P/E ratio itself will drop rather quickly. So while a stock may look expensive based on past earnings, it could be cheap based on future earnings. Story continues Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant increased earnings per share by 6.7% last year. And earnings per share have improved by 13% annually, over the last three years. Remember: P/E Ratios Don't Consider The Balance Sheet Don't forget that the P/E ratio considers market capitalization. Thus, the metric does not reflect cash or debt held by the company. Hypothetically, a company could reduce its future P/E ratio by spending its cash (or taking on debt) to achieve higher earnings. Such spending might be good or bad, overall, but the key point here is that you need to look at debt to understand the P/E ratio in context. Is Debt Impacting Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant's P/E? Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant has net debt worth a very significant 114% of its market capitalization. This is a relatively high level of debt, so the stock probably deserves a relatively low P/E ratio. Keep that in mind when comparing it to other companies. The Verdict On Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant's P/E Ratio Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant's P/E is 15.4 which is above average (7.9) in its market. With relatively high debt, and reasonably modest earnings per share growth over twelve months, it's safe to say the market believes the company will improve its growth in the future. What we know for sure is that investors have become more excited about Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant recently, since they have pushed its P/E ratio from 10.6 to 15.4 over the last month. For those who prefer to invest with the flow of momentum, that might mean it's time to put the stock on a watchlist, or research it. But the contrarian may see it as a missed opportunity. When the market is wrong about a stock, it gives savvy investors an opportunity. As value investor Benjamin Graham famously said, 'In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run, it is a weighing machine. We don't have analyst forecasts, but shareholders might want to examine this detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. Of course you might be able to find a better stock than Chelyabinsk Forge-and-Press Plant. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 12:26:54|Editor: yhy Video Player Close SYDNEY, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A plane carrying 112 Australian and New Zealand cruise ship passengers, with up to 70 suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus, landed in Victoria state capital Melbourne early Sunday, local media reported. The passengers were stranded on luxury Antarctic cruise ship Greg Mortimer for weeks before taking the flight from Uruguay's capital Montevideo on Saturday and was allowed to dock, the Nine News channel reported. One passenger was taken to the hospital, while the others were tested by medical staff and set to be isolated for 14 days in a hotel with more follow-ups scheduled. Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne thanked Uruguay's government for its assistance in facilitating the return of the passengers, which were repatriated using what the Uruguayan government called a "humanitarian corridor" with strict biosecurity measures, the SBS News channel reported. The vessel's operator, Aurora Expeditions, which organized the flight, confirmed this week that 128 of the 217 people on board had tested positive for the coronavirus, the channel reported. Eight people were transferred to Montevideo hospitals with "life-threatening" conditions. Uruguay's foreign ministry told reporters that three Australians who received hospital treatment were also allowed to fly home as they were in sufficiently good health to travel. It has been one year since the United States government, with the support of the governments of Ecuador, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, dramatically escalated their political prosecution against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. On April 11, 2019, Assange was expelled from the Ecuador embassy in the U.K. British police arrested him and charged him with violating bail conditions when he sought asylum in 2012, but the arrest was also connected to an indictment and extradition request filed by the U.S. government. Video showed police carrying the body of a long-haired and bearded Assange, who was in clear distress. He begged the UK to resist President Donald Trumps administration as officers loaded him into a van. Assange was taken to Her Majestys Belmarsh Prison, where he served a 50-week sentence for the bail charge imposed against him. He remains in jail, despite his deteriorating health, the way it inhibits his ability to work with his legal team on his extradition case, and the reality that the global coronavirus pandemic threatens the lives of every incarcerated or jailed person. Vaughan Smith, a friend who allowed Assange to live with him under house arrest in 2010, wrote on April 9 that Assange is confined alone in a cell 23 and a half hours every day. He gets half an hour of exercise and that is in a yard crowded with other prisoners. With over 150 Belmarsh prison staff off work self-isolating, the prison is barely functioning. We know of two COVID-19 deaths in Belmarsh so far, though the [Ministry] of Justice have admitted to only one death. Julian told me that there have been more and that the virus is ripping through the prison, Smith added. On March 25, British Magistrate Court Judge Vanessa Baraitser denied Assange bail, despite widespread calls for the release of detainees and prisoners to halt the spread of the coronavirus. Assanges legal team asked Baraitser to postpone a three-week extradition hearing scheduled for May 18. Baraitser refused to move the date. According to Smith, [Assange] is convinced this is happening to disadvantage him legally. Unable to meet with his lawyers, he cannot prepare his defense properly. In 2017, Lenin Moreno was elected president of Ecuador. His government has advanced conservative policies that include establishing closer ties with the U.S. government, and following his election, a pressure campaign was waged against Assange in order to coerce him into leaving the embassy. Between March 2018 and April 2019, as United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer summarized, The progressively severe harassment of Mr. Assange by the Ecuadorian authorities reportedly culminated in a situation marked by excessive regulation, restriction and surveillance of Mr. Assanges communications, meetings with external visitors (including lawyers and medical doctors) and his private life; by various degrees of harassment by security guards and certain diplomatic staff; and by the public dissemination of distorted half-truths, defamations and deliberately debasing statements, including by the state leadership. In March 2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $4.2 billion financing deal to support the Ecuador government over the next three years. Authorities subsequently suspended Assanges citizenship and ended his asylum, without much notice, on April 11. U.S. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning, who provided over a half million documents to WikiLeaks that exposed war crimes and diplomatic corruption, was subpoenaed that same month to testify before a grand jury empaneled by the Justice Department. She refused to testify and was held in contempt in a jail in Alexandria, Virginia. Following his arrest, the Justice Department unsealed an indictment that charged him with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. It involved an allegation that Assange tried to help Manning crack a password so she could search the militarys secret information networks anonymously. Mathew Ingram at the Columbia Journalism Review wrote, The fact that Assange wasnt charged under the Espionage Act for receiving or publishing classified documents, some argue, means the indictment isnt as much of a threat to journalism. However, as Ingram highlighted, an affidavit against Assange described the core of the governments case. Much of it, Gosztola argues, appears to be an attempt to criminalize a wide range of standard practices engaged in by investigative journalists. (Note: Shadowproof was one of the few media outlets to emphasize the computer crime charge included language from the Espionage Act, which was a major warning sign.) Manning was released from jail on May 9, when the grand jurys term elapsed. The government immediately reconvened the grand jury and subpoenaed Manning. Again, she refused to comply with the subpoena and faced worse punishment. A federal judge punished her with fines$500 per day after 30 days and then $1000 per day after 60 days. On May 23, Assange was charged with seventeen violations of the Espionage Act. It explicitly criminalized the publication of information and sought to impose U.S. secrecy law against a non-U.S. publisher. Ben Wizner, the director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, reacted, For the first time in the history of our country, the government has brought criminal charges against a publisher for the publication of truthful information. This is an extraordinary escalation of the Trump administrations attacks on journalism and a direct assault on the First Amendment. *** Spanish newspaper EL PAIS reported on July 9 that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was spied on by a Spanish private defense and security firm called Undercover Global S.L., when he lived in the Ecuador embassy. The report was based on documents, video, and audio material that was used in an extortion attempt against Assange by several individuals. In May, Spanish police arrested journalist Jose Martin Santos, who had a record of fraud, and a computer programmer for their alleged involvement in an attempt to make 3 million from the sale of private material. Journalists for EL PAIS found the spying on Assanges legal defense meetings to be most significant. They were stunned by the fact that Assange held meetings in the womens bathroom if he wanted to ensure privacy. And they took note of U.C. Globals feverish, obsessive vigilance toward Assange (the guest), which became more intense after Moreno was elected. The Justice Department subpoenaed Jeremy Hammond, who was months away from completing a federal prison sentence related to his role in the leak of files from a now-defunct private firm known as Stratfor, which WikiLeaks published in 2012. He joined Manning in resisting the grand jury and was held in contempt. Further revelations on the espionage operation against Assange came in October, when EL PAIS reported the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was apparently involved in compiling reports on journalists, attorneys, doctors, and any Russians or Americans, who visited Assange. U.C. Global operated a security checkpoint. When visitors entered, they were instructed to hand over their bags, computers, electronic devices, and cellphones. Employees of the company put together a report that could be shared with the CIA via a server in Jerez de la Frontera. Reports contained the date of the meeting, a copy of the visitors passport, the content of their conversation, and video from the meeting. (The FBI allegedly had access to files too.) The company took apart and photographed cellphones. Journalist Glenn Greenwald, the co-founder of The Intercept, had photos taken of his cellphone as well as Russian visas in his passport, which he obtained to visit NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. Greenwald told Shadowproof, Affiliates of the U.S. government, including the CIA and FBI, were effectively spying on their own citizens, including me, through an elaborate fraud in which visitors to the Ecuadorian Embassy in London who visited Julian Assange were lied to, told they had to give their passport for identification purposes and their cellphone for security purposes when, in reality, those items were seized so they could be photographed and put on a server, which both the CIA and FBI could access. What EL PAIS exposed constituted an illegal and unconstitutional search of his personal property by the U.S. government, Greenwald added. *** The Swedish prosecution authority again re-opened a preliminary investigation into sexual allegations against Assange after he was expelled from the embassy in April. But by November the effort to revive the case a third time, without any new information, fell apart. Assange was detained in conditions of solitary confinement until January 2020, when he was moved from the medical wing of Belmarsh to a wing with 40 other inmates because his legal team and inmates at the facility convinced the prison governor to transfer him. A one-week extradition hearing in February offered a wider glimpse into the U.S. governments political case against Assange. James Lewis, the Crown Prosecution Authority attorney tasked with securing extradition for the U.S. government, showed how frustrated he was by Mannings resistance to the grand jury. Lewis also made it clear that he does not think Assange should be protected by a U.S.-U.K. extradition treaty that provides some protection for those charged with political offenses. Assanges legal team outlined several details related to Trumps politicization of the Justice Department, as well as U.C. Globals espionage operation. The hearing concluded with an episode that brought attention to the magistrate court judges contempt for Assange. His legal team asked the judge to allow him to leave a glass box at the back of the courtroom so he could hear proceedings and participate in his legal defense. Lewis informed the court the prosecution was neutral on the matter, yet Baraitser denied the request. Days before much of the United State shut down to halt the spread of the coronavirus, the grand jury investigating WikiLeaks was dismissed. Manning was set free, yet ordered to pay a $256,000 fine. Hammond was transferred to complete his sentence. Assanges legal team have feared for his survival ever since he was confined at Belmarsh, but the coronavirus represents a new threat to his life. More than 60 medical doctors have condemned the torture and medical neglect of Assange and urged the Australian government to intervene in order to protect the health of one of their citizens. Over 1200 journalists from 98 countries have united to protest the gross miscarriage of justice that is unfolding. Italian journalist Stefania Maurizi, who was targeted by the CIA-backed espionage operation, believes only public pressure will save Assange. What I have seen in this case is completely unacceptable, completely incompatible with freedom of the press in our democratic societies, Maurizi declared. Maurizi contends if the U.S. succeeds in putting Assange on trial, the whole WikiLeaks team of journalists, including Sarah Harrison, who helped Snowden get asylum in Russia, WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson, and Joseph Farrell, a WikiLeaks ambassador, will be next. The post Julian Assange Has Been Detained At Belmarsh Prison For One Year appeared first on Shadowproof. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-13 05:16:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Sunday expressed condolences to the family of a COVID-19 victim, the Egyptian cabinet said in a statement. Madbouly expressed his condolences during a phone call to the husband of the victim, a 64-year-old female doctor, a day after the victim's burial triggered a protest among her villagers in Daqahlia province, northeast of the capital Cairo. "I speak to you as an Egyptian citizen rather than a prime minister to offer my sincere condolences and apologize on behalf of all Egyptians for the shameful behavior of some residents of the village," said Madbouly. "Those who made a mistake will be held accountable by law," he added. The Egyptian prime minister expressed his and all Egyptians' appreciation of the efforts and sacrifices made by Egyptian medics to combat the pandemic, describing them as "the first defense line." On Saturday, the Egyptian Medical Syndicate said that at least three Egyptian doctors died of COVID-19 and 43 others were infected with the virus since the pandemic appeared in the country. Until Sunday night, Egypt has confirmed 2,065 COVID-19 cases including 159 deaths and 447 recoveries. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 19:23:07|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close KABUL, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The European Union here on Sunday announced an aid package worth 117 million euros (128 million U. S. dollars) to help Afghans contain the COVID-19 pandemic. "The EU recognizes that Afghanistan may be severely affected by the pandemic. Afghanistan's public health system is weakened by years of conflict, has to cope with limited resources, and is not accessible throughout the country," the office of the EU delegation to Afghanistan said in the statement posted on its website. The fund would specifically give attention to Afghans returning from Iran and Pakistan or internally displaced persons as well as awareness raising, sanitation and hygiene measures, to mitigate the illness effects in the war and poverty-affected nation, the statement noted. The EU delegation in Afghanistan also called on the government and militants to observe an immediate humanitarian ceasefire as the COVID-19 is feared to further spread in the country. As of Sunday afternoon, 607 cases of the COVID-19 infection have been confirmed in Afghanistan. A total of 19 people had died and 38 patients recovered from the infectious disease, according to Afghan Ministry of Public Health figures. A little girl examines eggs she collected in her backyard during an Easter egg hunt, in Plymouth, Michigan, U.S. An egg hunt is an Easter-tide game during which decorated eggs are hidden for children to find. Real hard-boiled eggs, which are typically dyed or painted, artificial eggs made of plastic filled with chocolate or candies, or foil-wrapped egg-shaped chocolates of various sizes are hidden in various places. For weeks, elected officials and public health experts have stood at podiums day after day, offering updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and urging residents to heed their latest warnings. Its not a given that those potentially life-saving messages reach everyone who needs to hear them. Especially those for whom English is a second language and who have fled their homelands to escape authoritarian governments. In Westfield and West Springfield over the past several weeks, municipal officials worked together with leaders of large Russian-speaking communities to help ensure the warnings were heard and, most importantly, understood. Getting information out in various languages during this public health crisis is very much an unmet need in Massachusetts. Its something that has been neglected, says Marion Davis, communications director for the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, a network of 130 locally-based agencies throughout the commonwealth. Everyone is in this situation, but immigrants even more because of how they live, she says. They may be isolated or, you dont know where theyre getting their daily news. Didnt everyone see all the briefings on CNN? Or local news outlets? No, they didnt. That challenge has played out in recent weeks in Westfield and West Springfield, where city officials say they have mounted outreach efforts in the large Russian evangelical community. The efforts came after staff at area hospitals shared anecdotal spikes in illness and death within the population with municipal officials, according to multiple sources. For decades, the communities of Westfield and West Springfield have been welcoming Russian-speaking refugees from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Belarus and other former Soviet republics. Mayors in both cities and members of their police departments say they have gone to special lengths, working with religious leaders as they attempt to deliver vital public health messages about social distancing and other measures meant to stem the spread of the virus. Going back about two weeks we began distributing literature to Russian agencies, churches, neighborhoods and through the School Department, translated into Russian, saying Look, this is serious, said Westfield Mayor Donald F. Humason. I reached out personally to pastors and church leaders. The community has been incredibly responsive. Adds Westfield Police Capt. Michael McCabe, who has worked closely with the Russian community over several decades and met personally with some church leaders last month, Im trying to stay away from any hysteria about the Russian community or any other group. Im not sure its well-founded. I know from my personal interactions they have difficulty understanding social distancing and understanding why it is so important. They are also reticent to accept governmental intervention, and you understand that when you recognize where they came from. In West Springfield, Mayor Will Reichelt said he received complaints regarding the Cross Light Gospel Church a Russian megachurch in an old Big Y supermarket on Route 20 after Bakers executive orders limiting the size of community gatherings. In response, West Sides Law Department sent a cease-and-desist letter to church leaders on March 16. While I am sure that this may have been an oversight on your part, it was reported to the Town that there appeared to be in excess of 250 people gathered at your property on Sunday morning, the letter read. Please cease and desist holding any events at which more than 25 people will gather for the foreseeable future. Violations, the letter added, could result in up to a year in jail or a $500 fine. Reichelt said he and members of his police force have checked the large church since issuing the letter. It appears they are listening, he said. Immigrant advocates say these cities efforts reflect fire drill interventions across the state hastily unfolding to combat disparate impacts on limited-English and first-generation orthodox communities. Orthodox religious communities have presented a unique challenge here and in other states. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has urged Hassidic Jews to observe shelter-in-place and social distancing orders as the persisting crisis has thrown their faith into upheaval. Closer to home, outreach efforts in the Russian community followed reports of large religious ceremonies taking place in the days after Gov. Charlie Bakers March 13 mandate that capped public gatherings at 250 people. A message from one health care worker to another, shared with The Republican, laid out the challenge: We are hoping you can help out our community with your connections. As you know, the country is practicing social distancing as a way to control the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, members of the Russian community are continuing to go to church and attend weddings with 400 people, read the message authored by Dale T. LaFayette Jr., emergency medical services coordinator for Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. 10 people that we know of have been intubated after attending the wedding; 8 at Noble and 2 at Mercy. Would you be able to get the word out to discontinue gathering? I have attached a flyer in case it helps. Thank you. Stay safe, it continued. The original recipient of the text message is unknown, but a spokeswoman for Mercy Medical confirmed its legitimacy. In an effort to slow the community spread of Covid-19, the colleague-to-colleague email was sent based on anecdotal information that came into our Emergency Department. We are not able to confirm any background information about the situation, said Mary Orr. Humason and other municipal officials in Westfield also said a lack of available data early in the state's outbreak meant they were hearing about local cases primarily through contacts with doctors and executives with Baystate Health, which runs Baystate Noble Hospital in that city. Baystate Health did not respond to calls for comment. There were these doctors calling me and saying: This is coming down and its gonna be bad; youre going to have a problem in Westfield, said the citys health director, Joseph Rouse. Then it came to them calling on the phone and screaming because they thought we werent doing anything. That wasnt the case but that information hadnt come into our workflow yet. We needed the numbers and the science to back it up. Those figures did arrive, according to Rouse. An initial glitch in the states evolving database to track the spread of the disease made for a bumpy start for cities and towns. The text message from Mercys Lafayette came after confirmed coronavirus cases in Westfield appeared to spike. The numbers of positive tests leapt from five to 24 in just a few days time in late March, then to 84. As of Wednesday morning, the city reported 141 cases a rate of 33 infections for every 10,000 residents, which is tracking higher than the statewide rate. Both Rouse and Humason say there is no evidence the Russian community played a role in the spread of the virus in Westfield. There hasnt been one particular neighborhood, or one particular church, the mayor said. Rouse said cases confirmed by the state do show two cluster outbreaks in apartment complexes on opposite sides of the city. While declining to identify them, he said the vast majority of residents in each represent two totally different demographics. A YouTube video posted in mid-March showed a large wedding reception in a banquet hall at the Westfield Russian Evangelical Baptist Church at 866 North Road. The reception was held on March 14, the day after Bakers initial limit of 250 people and one day before he dropped that number to 25. The pastor of that church which has a congregation of more than 1,000 said he knew of four congregants who had fallen ill with COVID-19, including two who died. Nikolay Gorobinskiy said those who died were churchgoers in their 80s and 90s. He added that he did not know if anyone at the March 14 reception had become ill with the novel coronavirus. How do I know how many people in my congregation are sick? I can only speak for myself, Gorobinskiy said through an interpreter. He said he has been conducting his sermons online through a live videostream since mid-March. I think if we keep praying, Gorobinskiy said, we will make this virus go away. The wedding reception video was deleted from YouTube one day after a reporter inquired about the event. News outlets across the country have published reports on so-called super spreading events two funerals in rural Georgia in late February and early March, a swanky 40th birthday party in Westport, Connecticut, on March 5 and the Biogen Conference at the Boston Longwharf Marriott in late February. Neither Westfield officials nor the state Department of Public Health have provided data on cases for specific ZIP codes or cases traced to specific events, if the information exists. Rouse did share a copy of the screening form the city uses to map or analyze possible modes of transition. The form asks for basic information including age, address and workplace, in addition to questions about race and ethnicity and possible dates and circumstances of exposure. Rouse noted that the state Department of Public Health does not share the numbers of COVID-19 deaths by city or town. A spokeswoman for that agency did not respond to a request for information. Rouse says Westfields numbers are in line with the states trajectory of cases in similar-sized communities, adding that slow availability of testing and information-sharing at the beginning of the crisis shaped the public arc of the disease. The health director, like Humason and McCabe, said they are sensitive to preventing having any group of residents being stigmatized or assigned blame amid the pandemic. People need to understand, all of this finger-pointing is not going to help anything. Were kind of past that. Its now widespread community transmission, he said. McCabe said he personally met with church leaders after March 15 and clarified some initial questions the pastors had about possibly spreading out small groups throughout the properties. I reiterated to the folks at the churches that they cannot have their congregations meeting, McCabe said. I can tell you unequivocally they have been following that directive since we met. McCabe said regular patrols at all large gathering places within Westfield have assured compliance with social distancing. The Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition's Davis said getting the word out on government mandates and social distancing is only the tip of an iceberg of what immigrant groups and all Americans will need as the longer-term effects of the pandemic unfurl. These include easier access to unemployment benefits, small business loans and help keeping their households afloat. One of these days, some immigrants may find their pantries empty and they may not know how to access food, Davis said. They need to know that local school departments are providing meals and which school parking lots to go to at which times. She added that this could represent a critical snapshot in history when policy change during a public health emergency can be applied to society for generations to come. We have to make sure we recognize it, and we have to take emergency measures right now, but we have to make sure were making longer-term changes for the future, because a lot of these things arent coronavirus specific, she said. Related Content: Dear Virginia, Your little friends are wrong. There will be an Easter this year. Initially, I was informed that what I do on Easter morning is not considered essential business. I immediately applied for an exemption. I told them that the children need chocolate and they need Easter eggs filled with treats and they must be delivered on Easter morning. My exemption was approved as long as I promised to wash my paws and practice social distancing. They added that licking my paws with my tongue was not considered proper paw-washing. As far as social distancing, I do my work alone when no children are around so that will not be a problem. Since I had to limit my travel for the necessary materials and products to prepare the goodies for distribution and since some of my work areas were converted for use in the production of items needed for fighting the spread of the virus, the quantity of items which I deliver to your house this Easter may be less than last year. Sorry. But you know, Virginia, even if I could not come to your house this Easter, there would still be an Easter. Easter is the celebration of Jesus resurrection when Jesus came back to life. Yes, Jesus was alive and He still lives and will live forever. No Easter? No way! For a thousand years, Christians have been celebrating Easter, Jesus resurrection, the gift of eternal life to all who believe. And this year, Virginia, and ten times ten thousand years from now, we will be celebrating Easter. Gary Ankabrandt, North Middleton Township STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The district attorneys office said it hasnt seen a dramatic increase in overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic, a worry many in the mental health and recovery field feared due to increased stress and anxiety. As of April 1, there have been 23 fatalities and 33 saves this year, according to the offices Overdose Response Initiative (ORI), a spokesman for District Attorney Michael E. McMahons office said. The overdose numbers are tracked in real time through the NYPD and district attorneys ORI and are preliminary. Numbers are subject to change as final toxicology reports and new information is received. The Advance last reported on Feb. 7 that there had been 10 fatalities and seven non-fatal overdoses. The new numbers show an increase of 30% in two months. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** McMahon said the HOPE team at his office -- which includes peer advocates, social workers and attorneys are available 24/7 and have ramped up outreach efforts to those who may be struggling. We understand the anxiety many are feeling, but the last thing we want is for people to use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, so please pick up the phone and call us, McMahon said. The HOPE team can be reached at 917-334-8019 or by emailing Floyd.Miller@rcda.nyc.gov. McMahon said thankfully many of the boroughs resource and recovery centers are still operating during the social distancing and PAUSE orders, offering virtual meetings and counseling services instead of in-person. We are here to help connect you or a loved one with treatment providers, or to just talk if that is what you need. As Staten Islanders, we are all in this together and I know that we will get through this current crisis just as we have done in the past. Remember: Dont give up help is only a phone call away, he said. FENTANYL ANALOGS ADDED TO STATE CONTROL LIST Seven fentanyl analogs were added to New York States list of controlled substances, it was announced Wednesday, now giving law enforcement the ability to charge defendants with the proper crimes. Currently, if the chemical structure of fentanyl is altered, even slightly, it is no longer a drug found on the controlled substance list and hinders law enforcement. McMahon thanked Assemblyman Michael Cusick and Senator Andrew Lanze for shepherding the successful effort. It is abundantly clear that the prevalence of fentanyl and its analogs is the primary cause of overdose deaths on Staten Island, and we must do all we can to stop the flow into our borough and into our country," McMahon said. Lanza commended Gov. Andrew Cuomos partnership during the opioid epidemic. The scourge of fentanyl and its analogs has plagued our State with an intolerable death toll for far too long, Lanza said. Cusick said, "Ensuring law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to crack down on drug peddlers has been a top priority for me in the State Assembly. I am proud to see this important update to state law come into effect, and I want to commend DA McMahon and Senator Lanza for their vigilance. McMahons ORI showed that 81% of Staten Islands fatal overdoses in 2018 and 60% in 2019 were caused by fentanyl. FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. *** Sign up for text message alerts from SILive.com on coronavirus: Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. Fourteen more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Haryana taking the number of those infected by the disease in the state to 179. With the first positive cases reported in Kurukshetra and Yamunanagar districts, coronavirus has now entered 19 of the 22 districts of the state. As per the morning bulletin of the state health department, 7 new cases have been reported in Nuh district, two each in Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar and Faridabad and a nurse of Karnals Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College and Hospital has tested positive. With 45 infected people, including 7 new cases, states Nuh (Mewat) district has the maximum number of coronavirus patients, followed by 32 in Gurugram, 31 in Faridabad and 29 in Palwal. At present, the state has total 151 active coronavirus patients and 26 patients have been cured and discharged and two patients have died, the bulletin reads. . However, the health department officials said that the fresh samples of the new patients will be sent for the second test. First cases in Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra With the government likely to take a decision on the extension of the lockdown, the first coronavirus patients have been reported in Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra districts. Chief Medical Officer, Yamunanagar, Vijay Dahiya said that two persons of Mumidi village have tested positive. We had sent their samples for medical examination at BPS Government Medical College for Women, Khanpur on April 8, As per the information both persons -one is a 19-year-old and the other is 35 years old, along with 12 other people had gone to Gujarat to join a Tablighi Jamaat in February 2020 and they returned to their homes in Yamunanagar on March 20. In Kurukshetra, CMO Sukhbir Singh said that a 20 year old woman from Taraori of Karnal district and a 32 year old man resident of Kurukshetra have tested positive in the initial reports. He said that they are suspected coronavirus patients and another sample will be sent for a second examination. In Karnal, another staff nurse of Karnals Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College and Hospital has tested positive of coronavirus, taking the number of infected health officials to three in the hospital and infected people to six in the district. Karnal deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav has confirmed that the 36 years old staff nurse of KCGMCH has tested positive in her report from the newly set up lab at KCGMCH Karnal. Earlier, a woman doctor and staff nurse of the KCGMC also tested positive as they were in contact with a 58 year old first coronavirus patient of the district, who was admitted in the hospital from March 25 to April 1 and died on April 4 at PGI Chandigarh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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 The Cuban Sandwich (The Cubano) Tips for making the best Cuban sandwich. Ingredients in a Cuban sandwich. What kind of bread should you use to make a Cuban sandwich? More sandwich recipes you will love. All the grilled cheese from our dinner table! Cubano Sandwiches Cuban Yield: 6 servings Author: Karen Kerr Print With Image Without Image The Cuban Sandwich This Cuban Sandwich Recipe reflects the delicious sandwich from Florida, the birthplace of the authentic Cubano. Ingredients: For the Pork 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 cup coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley leaves 1 cup sliced scallions 3 large garlic cloves, smashed 2 tablespoons ground cumin 1 cup lime juice 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup olive oil 4 pound boneless pork butt Salt and pepper For the Sandwiches 3 loaves Cuban bread (about 10 inches long each) 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 12 ounces deli sliced ham 10 ounces Cuban roast pork 6 ounces salami 6 ounces sliced Swiss cheese 18 dill pickle chips 1/4 cup mustard 2 tablespoons pickled jalapenos (optional) 4 tablespoons melted butter Instructions: How to cook The Cuban Sandwich To Make the Pork In a food processor, pulse the cilantro, parsley, scallions, garlic, cumin, lime juice, orange juice, and olive oil until combined. Place the pork into a zip lock bag and add the marinade ingredients. Coat the pork with the marinade and place the pork in the refrigerator overnight. Heat the oven to 275 degrees F. Bring the pork to room temperature. Place the pork into a large baking dish, fat side up, and season with salt and pepper. Discard the marinade. Cover the pan with foil and bake for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the pork reaches about 180 degreed F. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Slice the pork and place the slices into a bowl. After skimming off the fat, add the juices to the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. To Make the Sandwiches Slice the Cuban bread lengthwise and then cut each crosswise. Mix the mayo and Dijon and spread it on the bottom pieces of bread. Divide and layer on the ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and pickled jalapeno among the the breads. Spread the mustard on the bread tops. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium low. Heat the oven to 200 degrees F and place a baking sheet on the center rack. Place two of the sandwiches in the skillet and place a cast iron pan on top. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Brush the tops of the sandwiches with melted butter and flip them over. Top with the cast iron skillet and continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the oven and repeat with the rest of the sandwich ingredients. Cut the sandwiches in half to serve. Calories 559.71 Fat (grams) 40.66 Sat. Fat (grams) 14.79 Carbs (grams) 7.86 Fiber (grams) 1.03 Net carbs 6.84 Sugar (grams) 2.08 Protein (grams) 39.62 Sodium (milligrams) 713.87 Cholesterol (grams) 150.55 Permalink ? https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2020/04/the-cuban-sandwich-cubano.html Karen's Kitchen Stories Did you make this recipe? Tag @KarensKitchenStories on instagram and hashtag it #KarensKitchenStories Created using The Recipes Generator This Cuban Sandwich Recipe reflects the delicious sandwich from Florida, the birthplace of the authentic Cubano.Making a Cuban sandwich requires a few extra steps, including roasting your own pork, but it is totally worth it.I even made my own Cuban bread, or Pan Cubano de Manteca Cuban sandwiches are filled with mojo marinated pork, thinly sliced ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, yellow mustard, and salami. Then, the sandwich is buttered on the outside and grilled in a panini press. If you don't have a panini press, you can press the sandwich down with a cast iron pan, a brick wrapped in foil, or a frying pan filled with cans for extra weight.I used a heavy cast iron pan to press down on the sandwiches while they were cooking.Evidently, there is a debate as to whether or not you should put salami in the sandwich. In Tampa, where there was also a large Italian community, they add salami.The application of the mustard and the order in which you layer the ingredients is also taken very seriously. Should the mustard go on top or on the bottom?First, do the best you can to layer the ingredients so that they edges align with the bread. I still had some of the ingredients slide around and peek out. Plus, the cheese on mine oozed out of the sides as the sandwiches were grilling.If you want to make sure that your sandwich fillings stay neatly inside the bread, you can butter the outside of the bread, wrap it in foil, and grill it that way. I tried that with my second batch and it worked great at keeping the sandwiches neat, but I misjudged how brown the outside of the sandwich would get.Hint: don't grill it any longer even if it's wrapped in foil. The foil wrapped sandwich is very portable too!To layer the sandwiches, start with the ham, then the pork, then the salami, followed by the Swiss cheese and pickles. Spread the mustard inside the top half of the bread.I went a little rogue and spread the bottom half of the bread with a mixture of mayo and Dijon mustard. I also added some pickled jalapeno along with the hamburger pickles.First, you will need to marinate a pork butt in a mojo sauce, which, in this case, is a mixture of olive oil, garlic, scallions, parsley, cumin, lime juice, orange juice, and salt and pepper. It's typically oil, garlic, citrus (or some kind of acid), and herbs.Next, you will roast the pork "low and slow" in the oven. There will be enough pork so that you can serve the roast pork for dinner (it's wonderful with rice and veggies) and use the leftovers for these sandwiches.After that, gather the following ingredients: salami (I used soppressata), deli ham (I used black forest), Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, hamburger pickles, and butter. If you want to go rogue, grab some mayo, Dijon, and pickled jalapenos.If you really want to be authentic, make your own Cuban bread . It is distinguished by its thin crispy crust and soft interior. Typically, it is made with lard for extra deliciousness.If you are not a bread geek like me, you can also use Italian-style sandwich rolls with a thin crust. French-style baguettes are too crusty for this sandwich.I am completely in love with these sandwiches. And guess what? You can make these ahead of time, refrigerate them, and reheat them in the toaster oven. You can also freeze the grilled sandwiches! Just wrap them in foil, and then plastic wrap before freezing.Between the pork, ham, salami, and the mustard, plus the pickles... this is one of my all-time favorite sandwiches. I recently discovered them when I went to Cuban restaurant for lunch. I ordered the Cubano and totally fell in love.I just have to learn not to present the sandwiches upside down now that I know that the order of the ingredients is sacrosanct!If you want to learn more, definitely check out the history of Ybor City , which is a Tampa neighborhood, to learn more about its heritage. These sandwiches are derived fromsandwiches from Cuba. The sandwich came to the US as a lunch for laborers in the cigar factories of the Tampa area (Cook's Country, Feb/Mar, 2020).Ybor City, which many historians agree is the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich, has an annual Cuban Sandwich Festival.The competition between "Tampa-style," with salami, versus "Miami-style." no salami, is fierce.These Cuban sandwiches are totally worth the effort that it takes to make them. The roast pork is delicious. These sandwiches are wonderful as a main course. You could also cut them up into strips to serve them as appetizers.We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table ! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board , too!Be sure to check out everyone's grilled cheese recipes! We are getting fancy with the grilled cheese! Mala in Alleppey, Rashmi in Sitamarhi and Sarita in Damoh are busy making masks to protect thousands from coronavirus and at the same time are supporting their family financially during the lockdown period. Several self help groups, NGOs and local administration have joined hands to ensure that masks -- a very essential means of protection from the infection-- reach everyone in the country. The move has not only helped in protecting others but has also given livelihood opportunities to several women specially during the period of lockdown when most of them from the unorganised sectors have lost their jobs. In Kerala, over 300 women-led micro enterprises under the Kudumbashree State Poverty Eradication Mission in Kerala -- have manufactured more than 14.50 lakh cloth masks, a representative from the Gram Panchayat of Veeyapuram said. Priced between Rs 10 and 15 depending on the layering in the mask, the micro enterprises have by that measure grossed a turnover of around Rs 2 crore through these units to meet the demand for masks and providing a reusable option in cloth, he said. The masks are being sought through bulk orders by government departments and essential service providers, he added. Child rights body Save the Children said they had provided support in setting up the apparel training centre in 2018 and women are beneficiaries. "These women were trained, provided material support and currently they are making masks. This unit is self sustainable and at this crisis time this is not only providing service to the community but this is also a livelihood support for the marginalised and BPL category women," said Anindit Roy Choudhury, Director Programmes, Save the Children. These masks are not only ensuring protection of people from coronavirus but also giving a means of livelihood for people like Mala. Mala has got Rs 8000 so far by for stitching masks under the initiative. She says she can stitch up to 200 masks every day. "Sale of the masks is a means of livelihood in this period of lockdown. Earlier, I was not contributing to my family but now I am able to support them financially," she told PTI. In Assam's Dibrugarh district, the masks are manufactured by Partner NGO of Save the Children, SEWA. The masks are being made as per request of the district administration. Till now 800 pieces which have been made will be distributed in the tea estate, Chaudhary said. As per SEWA's request the district administration issued a general order to shop owners to supply raw material to SEWA. "A worker can produce 40 to 50 masks per day. The main aim is to promote the use of masks amongst the common people and also to make the masks available for poor and vulnerable people," he said. In Damoh in Madhya Pradesh, around 156 women have been involved in production of masks and have made over 50,000 masks till now which are ready for distribution, a local administration official said. Sarita, who used to earlier work as a daily wager, is now stitching masks in Damoh. "This way, I can support my family till things return to normal. She says she knew basic training and it is helping her now," she said. In Bihar's Sitamarhi, women are making masks with support from the government and supplying it to primary health centres. "We are selling one mask for Rs 20. It is our way to ensure that these affordable masks reach every one," said Rashmi, a volunteer, involved in stitching these masks. In east Champaran district and Gaya too, Save the Children is involved in the production of masks. "In east Champaran district, our partners have received the approval from the government on helping spread the awareness on COVID-19 and on the importance of lockdown and physical distancing. The masks were also made and distributed on the basis of same approval," said Choudhury. In Gaya, an adolescent group of girls prepared the masks at a local level on the basis of specifications advised by the government and distributed in their community, he said. He said the materials were procured locally from local vendors. Due to non-availability of materials they couldn't make many masks. He said around 3500 masks were made in two days in Gaya and east Champaran. "The aim of this program is to orient and make aware children and communities on COVID-19 and its preventive measures. The focus is to mitigate the risk factors related to COVID-19 transmission," he added He said the move not only aims at providing immediate respite to communities through food (dry ration) baskets, hygiene and dignity kits, but also provide livelihood support to make sure that families can deal with the economic blow that the pandemic has brought on to them, said Choudhury. India is currently under the biggest lockdown with around 1.3 billion people asked to stay home in view of the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 273 lives and infected more than 8,000 people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Washington Post is providing this news free to all readers as a public service. Follow this story and more by signing up for national breaking news email alerts. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz reportedly approved an extension of the kingdoms curfew until further notice as coronavirus is rapidly spreading across the region. Initially, King Salman had ordered a curfew for 21 days, which took effect on March 23, however, with increasing COVID-19 cases, the authorities decided to extend the curfew. According to an international media outlet, currently, Saudi Arabia had more than 4,000 confirmed cases and that deadly virus has claimed nearly 273 lives in the kingdom. While the entire kingdom was on a curfew from 7pm to 6am for 21 days, the authorities reportedly place its capital Riyadh and other big cities under a 24-hour curfew. Earlier the week, Saudi Arabias Health Minister, Tawfiq al-Rabiah also warned of a massive surge in coronavirus cases, expecting up to 2,00,000 infections within weeks. According to Saudi Arabia's state media, the minister said that the number of cases in the coming weeks will range from a minimum of 10,000 to a maximum of 2,00,000. READ: Donald Trump Claims Russia, Saudi Arabia 'close To Reaching A Deal' As Oil Prices Plummet According to reports, holy cities of Mecca and Medina have been completely sealed off, but authorities are yet to confirm whether the annual Hajj pilgrimage will take place this year or not. Public places like restaurants, malls, and cinemas have also been shut in the richest Middle-Eastern country. Meanwhile, the authorities reportedly confirmed that approximately 720 people managed to recover from the deadly disease. READ: Saudi Arabia Halts Parental Visitation Rulings To Curb Virus Coronavirus outbreak Meanwhile, coronavirus, which originated in China in December 2019, has now claimed over 108,000 lives worldwide as of April 12. 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 404,000 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: g20org/Twitter) READ: Saudi Arabia Expects 2,00,000 More Coronavirus Cases Within Weeks: Health Minister READ: Saudi Arabia Sharply Rebukes Russia Over Oil Price Collapse Slate is making its coronavirus coverage free for all readers. Subscribe to support our journalism. Start your free trial. Business was slow at the Union Square farmers market in New York City last week, which is why Zaid Kurdieh had time to talk. Over the past month, hes been working 17-hour days to change the entire business model of Norwich Meadows Farm, the organic farm he owns with his wife upstate. The old model was no longer cutting it: Their farm stand, where the Kurdiehs do almost 40 percent of their business, hasnt been drawing enough customers. Most of the rest of their revenue came from selling produce to stalwarts of the citys restaurant scene: Gramercy Tavern, Blue Hill, Eleven Madison Park.* Then the coronavirus pandemic hit. Were in a save-our-farm-from-collapsing mode, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But farmers like Kurdieh may have some hope: The pandemic seems to have made people more thoughtful about where their food comes from and how many steps in the supply chain it takes for groceries to reach them. Demand for community-supported agriculture shares and one-off deliveries from local farms has increased rapidly since quarantines started. But farms are struggling to meet this demand. Most dont have the infrastructure, even as they desperately need the new source of revenue. In general, food production in the U.S. is tailored to big purchasers such as restaurants and wholesale distributors. The collapse of the restaurant industry in recent weeks has left farmersparticularly small ones with low profit marginsat risk. According to a report by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, local and regional farms could see a decline in sales from March to May of nearly $689 million. Suddenly, food needs to be redirected from restaurants to homes and grocery stores. The scale of this shift is extraordinary. Its actually breathtaking, said T. Garrett Graddy-Lovelace, an American University professor who researches agricultural policy and agrarian politics. As Kurdieh put it, In the end, everybodys got to eat. So its just a matter of: How are we going to go about providing that food? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of it is going to waste. Produce farms that cater primarily to restaurants, for instance, are seeing their harvests rot. The model in that business is sell it or smell it, said Daniel Sumner, the director of the University of California Agricultural Issues Center. Dairy is another sector thats facing large amounts of waste, in part because milk is so perishable. Dairy farms throughout the country have been dumping milk for the past month. Other farmers are working to develop home-delivery systems or expand their CSAs on the fly. Dena Leibman, the director of Future Harvest, a group that supports farmers in the Chesapeake region, told the Washington Post shes been overwhelmed by the interest in local food from people who arent just part of the typical CSA crowd. Community-based food sources have traditionally been limited by price and availabilityCSAs require a large upfront payment, and farmers market hours are limited. The pandemic is now pushing local farms to become more accessibleto attract more people than, as Sumner puts it, foodies who have discretionary income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the logistics of connecting with customers remains a major hurdle, even for farms with established online ordering. Nichols Farm in Marengo, Illinois, has opened a virtual farmers market, with home deliveries three days of the week for a flat fee. Todd Nichols, a second-generation owner of the farm, said that hes already bought two new smaller delivery vans and spent thousands of dollars enhancing the farms website. Much of the farms staff, even those who worked desk jobs, have taken on new roles to execute home deliveries. The changes have left Nichols overwhelmed, but he says he needs to make up for plummeting food service industry and farmers market sales, which normally account for 90 percent of his business. Kurdiehs farm is revitalizing its CSA by increasing the number of shares on offertheyve dwindled from 2,000 to 800 in the past five years, as more farms in the area launched CSA programsand has started offering a la carte delivery boxes. Kurdieh has hired a few people he knows around the city to help get hundreds of boxes a week out, as well as professional tricycle deliverers. Were trying not to leave any stone unturned, he said. Even the rare farms that already have a robust home-delivery fleet are overwhelmed. South Mountain Creamery, a dairy farm in Middletown, Maryland, has stopped accepting new customers and delivering certain items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the key thing is that consumers will realize how vulnerable our food system is, how our cities are a few days away from not having food. T. Garrett Graddy-Lovelace Another route is to sell to grocery stores. But these sales require making contacts at the stores, as well as new packaging and retooled production lines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working to tweak regulations so that food can move into these new supply chains, Graddy-Lovelace said. For example, its lifted certain labeling requirements for eggs that had applied to grocery sales but not to restaurant ones. But panic buying has slowed, and even if you cant nab a bag of flour before another stress-baker, stores have fewer bare shelves than they did a couple of weeks ago. (Ive been stunned at how little disruption there was, Sumner noted.) Groceries simply may not need farmers surplus, especially the large chains that already have contracts with industrial farms in the U.S. and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Still, people are starting to care more about how they source their food and whether their communities can provide stability in times of crisis. I think the key thing is that consumers will realize how vulnerable our food system is, how our cities are a few days away from not having food, Graddy-Lovelace said. Theres not stockpiles, theres not grain reserves. Theres not a kind of peri-urban agriculture that can supply a lot of the fresh produce if the supply chains break down. Turning locally for foodwhether thats through a CSA, one-off deliveries, or local food hubsis a way of finding security amid mass uncertainty during a pandemic. It also gives you a sense of community, said Sumner. That, I think, is an emotional connection that helps people connect to the food system. Advertisement Advertisement Higher demand for local agriculture, however, wont be enough to make up for small farms losses. Sumner estimates that about a quarter of farm output is being redirected away from food service and toward grocery stores and home delivery, but we dont know the exact number. (As Graddy-Lovelace pointed out, the two Department of Agriculture divisions responsible for this research lost 75 percent of their staff last year when the Trump administration relocated both offices to Kansas City.) And even though the stimulus package allots as much as $23 billion in assistance for farmers, its unclear how that money will be distributed. There are serious concerns in the agriculture community that the federal government will fund industrial farm operations rather than family farms that feed regional communities. Graddy-Lovelace believes it will end up exacerbating disparities among farmers by going to largely white farmers, largely male farmers, largely the big commodity crop growers. Advertisement Whether these changes will fundamentally alter the American food system is unclear for everyone involved, though Graddy-Lovelace hopes the pandemic will be a general wake-up to the need to regionalize and localize to provide resilience to events like this as well as to climate catastrophes. As for the small farmers who are redefining their entire businesses, they seem to hope some of the changes will stick around in one form or another. Because Im investing 17 hours a day, seven days a week now and changing my model, I would hope to God that this is not going to go poof after this is done, Kurdieh said. But there are no guarantees in life. A medical staff in HCMC Hospital of Tropical Diseases takes samples for Covid-19 tests. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. The Health Ministry reported no new Covid-19 infection Sunday morning, keeping the national tally at 258, 144 of whom have been discharged. In the past 24 hours, Vietnam had just one new Covid-19 patient, taking the number of active cases to 114. Most of the 258 Covid-19 infections recorded so far have been people entering the country from abroad. Of the total, 99 cases contracted the virus within the country. Of the currently active cases, 12 have tested Covid-19 negative twice and 13 have done so once. The total number of people who came to Vietnam from pandemic-hit countries and have been quarantined is 72,000. Of these, 1,200 are quarantined in hospitals, 18,000 are in quarantine centers and 54,000 at their homes. The Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, the nations top Covid-19 hotspot, ended its 14 days of quarantine at 12 a.m. Sunday. Hanoi still leads the nation in the number of Covid-19 infections with 121 cases, of which 58 have been discharged, followed by HCMC with 54 cases and 40 discharges. Speaking Friday at an online conference of the National Steering Committee tasked with battling the novel coronavirus, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam said Vietnam got many things right about handling the Covid-19 crisis, but warned "the war is still ahead." The global death toll in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has reached more than 108,700 people. The Tory Cabinet Minister accused of flouting virus lockdown rules is now under fire for claiming he understands what it is like to be 'cooped up'. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is under increasing pressure to quit for allegedly defying a ban on travelling to second homes by going 150 miles from London to his mansion in Herefordshire. But last night, Mr Jenrick who insists the country manor house is his main family home faced new claims of trying to 'con' the public over his domestic arrangements. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is under increasing pressure to quit for allegedly defying a ban on travelling to second homes by going 150 miles from London to his mansion in Herefordshire The Minister, who with wife Michal Berkner has three small children, told the BBC last week that he understood the plight of families crammed into small flats during the lockdown and the need to keep local parks open. He said: 'I am very aware of how difficult this is already. 'I am a father of young children. I know what it's like to have a family cooped up...' But Tory MPs reacted in fury last night to the comments. One backbencher said: 'Jenrick's position was already pretty dire, to be honest. 'But to go on the radio and claim you understand what it's like to be cooped up is an insult to my constituents who are enduring the lockdown in small flats. But last night, Mr Jenrick who insists the country manor house is his main family home faced new claims of trying to 'con' the public over his domestic arrangements 'Whether his family were already in that country pile of his or still in his London home, he can't possibly say that. 'He really has to go.' Another Tory MP said: 'This really is stretching the definition of cooped up to farcical levels.' In another blow yesterday, one of Mr Jenrick's neighbours in Herefordshire said the idea that the country manor was his main home was 'codswallop'. Mr Jenrick could not be reached for comment last night. Robert Jenrick home in Herefordshire, which he claims is his family home despite having a property in London and his constituency for his work as an MP It comes after Mr Jenrick stayed in his 2.5million London home for the first six days of the lockdown until March 29 when he travelled 150 miles to his country house in Herefordshire to be with his wife Michal and their three daughters. Mr Jenrick, who has a 2,000-a-month taxpayer funded third home in his Newark constituency, said last night he considers the Herefordshire property to be the family home - but his official Conservative website says different. It fails to mention his 17th-century Grade I listed country house, and instead says the family 'live in Southwell near Newark, and in London'. The couple are understood to spend most of the week in the capital because of Mr Jenrick's ministerial work and his wife's job as a partner for a major US law firm in the City. Mr Jenrick moved his family from London to his Grade I-listed Herefordshire mansion before the lockdown. He then delivered food and medicine to his parents in Shropshire , 40 miles away, He has a third home in his constituency, 106 miles from his Herefordshire house he claims is the family home Under the lockdown rules he has been promoted any travel to second homes is banned - and Scotland's chief medical officer, Catherine Calderwood, was forced to resign at the weekend after visiting her second home twice. In Australia, New South Wales Arts Minister Don Harwin resigned after leaving his Sydney apartment to stay at his Central Coast holiday home and was caught by police. Mr Jenrick has also been criticised after he drove to visit his parents in Shropshire with supplies last weekend, despite urging others to stay at home for 'all bar the most essential activities'. The minister tweeted last week: 'For clarity - my parents asked me to deliver some essentials - including medicines. They are both self-isolating due to age and my father's medical condition and I respected social distancing rules'. But the couple's neighbours told the Guardian that they had already been dropping off supplies at Mr Jenrick's parents' house during the lockdown. This was not denied, though a source close to Mr Jenrick said he had been asked to collect and deliver medication to them too. Commenting on Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick visiting his elderly parents, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The Secretary of State has set out in two different statements the reasons for the journeys which he made. We're confident that he complied with the social distancing rules.' The spokesman said Mr Jenrick has said himself that his wife and children consider their home in Herefordshire to be their family home. Asked about Cabinet ministers commuting to and from London, the spokesman said: 'Like everybody else, ministers have been told to work from home wherever possible, and not make unnecessary journeys. 'As part of the coronavirus response there will be occasions when ministers have no option but to work from Whitehall. In the event this is required, and the rest of their household is living elsewhere, it's not an unnecessary journey for them to travel to rejoin their family.' The government on Sunday ordered 12 South Delhi neighbourhoods to be brought under the containment zones, reportedly after fresh confirmed cases were reported from these localities. Sundays orders increase the total number of containment zones in Delhi to 43. A government order expanding the list of containment zones came hours after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the city governments decision to seal every locality that reports a Covid-19 case. These areas, he said, would be declared as containment zones and brought under the governments operation shield. All the containment zones have been classified as red zones, areas where movement of people is strictly prohibited. Areas which are seen as high-risk zones are being classified as orange. In both these areas, the government will launch a massive sanitisation drive to minimise spread of the infection. The details of the cases reported from these 12 localities werent immediately available. In containment zones, all shops are closed and essentials, including medicines, are procured through orders routed though appointed community leaders and residents welfare association office-bearers. These are delivered to common collection points by health workers and sanitation workers. In the buffer zones, shops dealing in essentials are open but have been subjected to staggered timings. Police and government officials personally monitor social distancing norms outside these shops when open. The spike in the list of containment zones in Delhi comes a day after Delhi saw the highest jump in coronavirus patients with 183 fresh cases. The national Capital had 903 coronavirus positive cases till Friday evening, which included 14 deaths and 26 recoveries. Of the 903 cases, 584 were linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation, while 269 were related to foreign travel and local transmission. The number of new Nizamuddin Markaz cases on Friday were 154. List of 12 new containment zones (Red Zones) 1. Gali No. 5 & 5A, H-2 Block, Bengali Colony, Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi 2. H. No. 811 to 829 and 842 to 835 - Khadda Colony, Jaitpur, Extension , 3. Part-II1 4. H. No. 1144 to 1134 and 618 to 623 - Khadda Colony, Jaitpur, Extension , 5. Part-II 6. Gali No. 16, Kachhi Colony, Madanpur Khadar, Extension 7. Mehela Mohalla, Madanpur Khadar 8. H-Block, Near Umra Masjid, Abu Fazal Enclave 9. E-Block, Abu Fazal Enclave 10. H No. 97 to 107 and H. No. 120-127 Kailash Hills, East of Kailash 11. E-Block (E-284 to E-294) East of Kailash 12. H. No. 53 to 55 & 25, Shera Mohalla, Garhi, East of Kailash SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Gov. Ralph Northam is recommending that the increase to the minimum wage and a few other labor measures be delayed to May 2021. Northam is also suggesting a delayed enactment for legislation allowing localities to engage in collective bargaining with employees, establishing a prevailing wage for government contractors, and allowing local and state agencies to require bidders on public works developments to enter into project labor agreements . His amendments come as the coronavirus crisis is threatening to shutter small businesses and wreaking havoc on local government budgets. Business and local government groups pushed back against the legislation as it moved through the legislature. As the economic effects of the coronavirus worsened, businesses stepped up their pressure on Northam to delay or veto it out of fear of increased operational costs. Labor groups argued the pandemic has reinforced the need to improve the conditions of low-wage workers. Virginias public service workers, many of whom are on the front lines of this pandemic, today realized the sting of empty campaign jargon from 2017, Doris Crouse-Mays, the president of the Virginia AFL-CIO, said in a statement. Virginia is ranked last in the nation for workers, and the governors decision to postpone the effective date of this legislation, along with the delay in the minimum wage increase, reinforces that record. The General Assembly voted to raise the minimum wage to $12 over the next three years, with the first increase from $7.25 to $9.50 beginning Jan. 1, 2021. A year later, itll go to $11. And then in Jan. 1, 2023, itll rise to $12. Northam is not recommending any other changes to the timeline. Northam signed several other measures to enhance protections for workers, such as prohibiting employers from discriminating against workers based on sexual orientation and pregnancy or childbirth. He also signed bills to tackle the problem of workers being misclassified as independent contractors and wage theft. Every Virginian deserves access to a safe and well-paying job, Northam said in a statement. These new laws will support workers and help our economy rebound as quickly as possible from COVID-19. Saturday night was the deadline for Northam to take any action on legislation. The legislature will reconvene in Richmond on April 22 to take up his recommendations. The General Assembly sent Northam more than 1,200 bills. The only one he vetoed was HB 119, which sought to define milk as coming from a healthy, hooved animal and prohibit plant-based food companies from labeling their products with the same word. The bills supporters said the bill would help dairy farmers. Northam made dozens of changes to the biennium budget. He put a hold on new spending as the administration adapts the budget to the new economic circumstances brought on by the coronavirus. Northam is expected to call a special session later this summer for the General Assembly to approve the budget. He gave final approval to the Clean Economy Act, which would set energy standards intended to get Virginia to 100% carbon-free by 2050. Northam signed numerous bills expanding access to voting, a top priority for Democrats in their first year having majorities in the House of Delegates and Senate. He signed legislation to allow people to vote 45 days prior to an election without having to provide an excuse, remove the photo ID requirement and extend in-person polling hours . Another new law will implement automatic voter registration for people when they access services at the Department of Motor Vehicles. We need more access to the ballot box, not less, Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, said in a statement. I am so proud to be a part of new laws that expand access to voting and make our Commonwealth more representative of the people we serve. Northam also signed a batch of bills to reform the criminal justice system, including increasing the minimum for felony theft and raising the age when a juvenile can be tried as an adult from 14 to 16. Northam is sending the proposal to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana back to the General Assembly with a tweak. The bill creates a work group to study the impact of legalization, and Northam wants that report complete by Nov. 30, 2021. The bill creates a $25 civil penalty , seals records of convictions and prohibits employers from asking about past convictions. Northam signed legislation to repeal the practice of suspending the drivers licenses of those who didnt promptly pay their court debts. Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, has been championing this issue for years, criticizing the law for creating what he called a debtors prison. Similarly, Northam approved legislation to stop the practice of suspending drivers licenses for non-driving related offenses, including drug offenses. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod (MCX:NNSB) shareholders are no doubt pleased to see that the share price has bounced 33% in the last month alone, although it is still down 13% over the last quarter. But shareholders may not all be feeling jubilant, since the share price is still down 26% in the last year. All else being equal, a sharp share price increase should make a stock less attractive to potential investors. In the long term, share prices tend to follow earnings per share, but in the short term prices bounce around in response to short term factors (which are not always obvious). The implication here is that deep value investors might steer clear when expectations of a company are too high. Perhaps the simplest way to get a read on investors' expectations of a business is to look at its Price to Earnings Ratio (PE Ratio). A high P/E implies that investors have high expectations of what a company can achieve compared to a company with a low P/E ratio. View our latest analysis for TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod How Does TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod's P/E Ratio Compare To Its Peers? TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod's P/E of 22.61 indicates some degree of optimism towards the stock. The image below shows that TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod has a significantly higher P/E than the average (6.5) P/E for companies in the electric utilities industry. MISX:NNSB Price Estimation Relative to Market April 12th 2020 TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod's P/E tells us that market participants think the company will perform better than its industry peers, going forward. The market is optimistic about the future, but that doesn't guarantee future growth. So investors should always consider the P/E ratio alongside other factors, such as whether company directors have been buying shares. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios When earnings fall, the 'E' decreases, over time. Therefore, even if you pay a low multiple of earnings now, that multiple will become higher in the future. A higher P/E should indicate the stock is expensive relative to others -- and that may encourage shareholders to sell. Story continues TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod increased earnings per share by 6.6% last year. Unfortunately, earnings per share are down 12% a year, over 5 years. A Limitation: P/E Ratios Ignore Debt and Cash In The Bank The 'Price' in P/E reflects the market capitalization of the company. In other words, it does not consider any debt or cash that the company may have on the balance sheet. Hypothetically, a company could reduce its future P/E ratio by spending its cash (or taking on debt) to achieve higher earnings. Such expenditure might be good or bad, in the long term, but the point here is that the balance sheet is not reflected by this ratio. How Does TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod's Debt Impact Its P/E Ratio? Net debt totals 81% of TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod's market cap. This is enough debt that you'd have to make some adjustments before using the P/E ratio to compare it to a company with net cash. The Bottom Line On TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod's P/E Ratio TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod has a P/E of 22.6. That's higher than the average in its market, which is 7.9. With relatively high debt, and reasonably modest earnings per share growth over twelve months, it's safe to say the market believes the company will improve its growth in the future. What we know for sure is that investors have become much more excited about TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod recently, since they have pushed its P/E ratio from 17.0 to 22.6 over the last month. For those who prefer to invest with the flow of momentum, that might mean it's time to put the stock on a watchlist, or research it. But the contrarian may see it as a missed opportunity. When the market is wrong about a stock, it gives savvy investors an opportunity. People often underestimate remarkable growth -- so investors can make money when fast growth is not fully appreciated. Although we don't have analyst forecasts you could get a better understanding of its growth by checking out this more detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. But note: TNS energo Nizhny Novgorod may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a P/E ratio below 20). If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 04:21:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Video: A brief collection of the scences that local Chinese Americans donate masks and other supplies to hospitals, police departments, firefighters, city governments, nursing homes and more. (Xinhua) "We care about the American people, so when the outbreak happened, we wanted to donate money and supplies to help them." LOS ANGELES, April 11 (Xinhua) -- As COVID-19 cases skyrocket in Southern California in the Unites States, Chinese Americans who saw Chinese people undergo hardship during the outbreak in China are stepping up to help their American neighbors as well. Local hospitals and first responders in Southern California are all experiencing drastic shortages of key medical supplies, equipment and personnel that are affecting their ability to treat patients and keep their own health workers safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Local Chinese American organizations and individuals have responded to the shortages with impressive speed, civic-mindedness, and dedication. Using their extensive personal and professional social networks, they are rapidly sourcing and donating tens of thousands of hard-to-come-by masks and other supplies to hospitals, police departments, firefighters, city governments, nursing homes, and more. Simon Shao, president of the Chinese American Federation, told Xinhua, "We helped China when they needed it and now we are helping the U.S. and our local communities. We need to take a united stand to get through this together." Representatives of the Chinese American Federation (CAF) pose for a photo as they deliver donations to AHMC Healthcare Inc. in Alhambra City, Los Angeles County, the United States, on April 8, 2020. (CAF/Handout via Xinhua) The Chinese American Federation, comprising more than 120 Chinese American associations and business coalitions, has donated more than 180,000 masks and other protective equipment to more than 30 medical and first-responder organizations around California. The federation is also cooperating with various CVS and Walgreen shops in Southern California to distribute free face masks to help local residents in need. Also pitching in are the Beijing Association USA, Committee of 100, US-China Culture Exchange Association, Chinese American Association, Irvine Chinese American Federation, GanSu Chamber of Commerce USA, US Sichuan Chongqing Chamber of Commerce, to name just a few of the many other Chinese American organizations that have come forward with desperately needed donations and medical supplies to help out in Southern California. The US Sichuan Chongqing Chamber of Commerce donated 1,000 N95 masks to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and more to the City of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center. "We care about the American people, so when the outbreak happened, we wanted to donate money and supplies to help them," Phoebe Chen, president of the US Sichuan Chongqing Chamber of Commerce, told Xinhua. Representatives of the Chinese American Federation (CAF) pose for a photo with Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva (C) as they deliver donations to the sheriff department in Los Angeles County, the United States, on April 1, 2020. (CAF/Handout via Xinhua) The Beijing Association USA donated 3,300 face masks, 5,500 gloves, as well as disinfectant and other supplies to the City of Industry's Sheriff's Station and other first responders, with more donations on the way. "With doctors and nurses in hospitals across the country facing the growing threat of the lack of adequate personal protective equipment, every single donation could help attenuate the danger felt by medical personnel and first responders," Hong Li, executive chairwoman of the Beijing Association USA, a Chinese American business and philanthropic organization, told Xinhua. David Salcedo, a law enforcement officer from the City of Industry's Sheriff Department, told Xinhua, "Beijing Association USA is constantly partnering up with local law enforcement groups and local governments to help strengthen our resources. This builds trust with local leaders and strengthens our partnerships." "It's one for all and all for one," Lester Fujimoto, vice president of development and community relations for Beverly Hospital in Montebello, told Xinhua, after receiving cases of donated masks and supplies from the Chinese American Federation for their healthcare workers struggling to contain the COVID-19 threat. "Therein lies the solidarity that we feel from the Chinese American community -- that we are not in this alone. That means a lot to the frontline workers taking care of the ill, who are running toward danger, not away from it," he said. Representatives of the Chinese American Federation (CAF) pose for a photo as they deliver donations to a store of Walgreens in Temple City, Los Angeles County, the United States, on April 7, 2020. (CAF/Handout via Xinhua) Even more touching are the spontaneous outpourings from local Chinese American individuals who felt personally called to action. Angela Zhang used her WeChat social media group to source, buy and donate 1,000 N95 masks. Kent La, 75, a former community leader, bought 500 N95 masks himself to donate. Grace Cheung, local to the LA area, also donated 300 N95 masks. Beverly Duan, a young actress and voiceover artist who has worked for Radio Disney and Nickelodeon, first donated her own masks, and then used her Instagram following to ask for additional donations. Chinese American volunteers deliver donations to the Little Sisters of the Poor, a senior center for low income seniors in the city of San Pedro, Southern California, the United States, on April 2, 2020. (Xinhua) When she was just four years old, Beverly worked as a child actor on KSCI-18, a local LA news network, where, as an on-air child spokesperson, she taught other kids how important it was to wash their hands. Sixteen years later, she is doing the same thing -- but with much higher stakes. "We can change the world when we work united," Duan told Xinhua. "Even in darkness there is hope." "These Chinese American donors are real heroes too, because, instead of hoarding, they are unselfishly giving of their own personal resources. They have the vision to see that it's important to strengthen our first-line personnel," Officer Salcedo told Xinhua. "We don't have the option of staying home. With the gear they provide, it gives us another layer of protection," he said. A police officer of Hermosa Beach Police Department poses with a face mask donated by the Chinese American community, in Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles County, the United States, on April 8, 2020. (Hermosa Beach Police Department/Handout via Xinhua) The Hermosa Beach Police Department posted a photo of a police officer wearing one of the face masks donated by the Chinese American community in Palos Verdes and Greater South Bay Area on Wednesday and expressed their gratitude to the Chinese American community for their timely donation of 2,000 face masks. "The men and women at HBPD appreciate your efforts in keeping us safe," wrote the police department. (Article by Julia Pierrepont III, Gao Shan) There are nights, Gary Riggi admits, that he can't find sleep. He'll toss and turn inside his Altamont home before finally throwing off the covers and going back to work. His job? Helping people. "I have gone out at 12 at night, 1 in the morning, if someone has a need," Riggi said. "I literally can't sleep if I know someone has a need." The 58-year-old Riggi is the director of engagement at Schenectady's City Mission. He is also there for people living in poverty in Schoharie, Montgomery and Schenectady counties through his work with the Joshua Project, a separate faith-based nonprofit that focuses on rural areas. And he is an ordained deacon at Our Lady of the Valley, a Catholic church in Middleburgh. Some days, especially lately, it can seem there are not enough hours in the day. If anyone is counting, Riggi puts in roughly 93 hours a week helping those who need the most help. Riggi said he would not even want to guess how many new people have needed the City Mission's help since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the United States. With people out of work, it's been very difficult for many to pay their bills and feed their children. Riggi and the City Mission do whatever they can to ease those fears. They do so not only by providing food and home supplies but also encouragement and counseling. He said the City Mission, which is under the direction of Mike Saccocio, serves three meals a day to whoever needs them. "No one gets turned away from a meal," said Riggi, who has been with the Mission four years. Riggi said there is an abundance of food at the City Mission. It is cooked on the premises by volunteers as well as residents who live there. Much of the food is donated. When people come into the Mission lately, social distancing is practiced. With the pandemic, there is obvious concern for those who do not have a place to go. "Extremely concerned," Riggi said. "We are trying to do the best we can to keep them all safe." People who dont have a vehicle run a risk of exposure to the virus by using mass transit to get to a grocery store. Aiming to lower that risk, the Mission is offering food deliveries to homes. "We are trying to bring hope to people who are in despair," Riggi said. "We also want to build relationships with people. There is no greater thing than when you can build trust in light of all the darkness out there." Latest coronavirus-related cancellations, postponements The latest coronavirus numbers in NY Sign up for the Times Union coronavirus newsletter Full coronavirus coverage Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Want more stories like this? Join our new Facebook group. Riggi said he is grateful none of the people he deals with have tested positive for coronavirus. Riggi said a need came up for housing for homeless people three weeks ago. He called on the Rev. Dominic Isopo, the pastor at St. Joseph's Church in Schenectady, and asked for help. Isopo suggested the use of the rectory at the church. A dozen people live there now under the 24-7 supervision of staff put in place by Riggi. Riggi became involved with the Joshua Project in 2011 after the flooding in Schoharie County. The nonprofit group of faith-based volunteers had a mission to help as many people as possible. "People need to eat every day," Riggi said. "Out in Montgomery and Schoharie Counties, it's like the Appalachian Mountains of New York state. It's the poorest of the poor. We have been taking care of a lot of families for a long time." Besides delivering food, there is help given for heating homes, putting gas in the car, the rent. Many times, Riggi said, money comes out of his own pocket and he said he is not a rich man. Even though the flood crisis ended, the Joshua Project continues to help those in poverty in those counties. He and his wife of 34 years, Sharon, have three grown sons, Matthew, Joshua and Paul. He has seen people with children who are 5 and 6 years old. There have been those in need in their 80s. Everyone is welcome, everyone is helped. If people want to donate to help, that is fine, but Riggi does not look for it. "There are so many people doing so many good things," Riggi said. "I enjoy seeing so many everyday heroes. There are thousands of them!" twilkin@timesunion.com 518-454-5415 @tjwilkin Former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday asked the Uddhav Thackeray-led state government to borrow money from the cash-rich Mumbai civic body and MMRDA to buy the equipment required in the fight against coronavirus. Money should not be an excuse for delay in procurement of such items, he said speaking to a Marathi channel. "The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have bank deposits worth thousands of crores, which can be utilised for raising money during the ongoing fight against the coronavirus outbreak," the senior BJP leader said. The BMC is controlled by the Shiv Sena, which is headed by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Fadnavis said the state can utilise these funds for buying more testing kits, personal protective equipment (PPE- needed by health staff) and other necessary equipment. "Once wheels of the economy start moving after some months, the borrowed money can be refunded. In any situation, money should not be an excuse for delay in procurement of such items, the leader of opposition in the state Assembly said. On the state government's approach to curb spread of the viral disease, he said, "The containment zone (system) seems to be working out. It is an important stage before we enter the third phase of community transmission, he said. He said the State Reserve Police Force can be used more effectively to keep people indoors during the lockdown. "At times, the state will have to be strict and unpopular in some decisions, but such strictness is necessary in the larger interest of society. We are with this government," he said. He also said the state needs to work on the recommendations of the exit policy chalked out by the Centre, where it could offer some relaxations in areas where no coronavirus cases have been reported. "The Centres recommendations are self-explanatory, but the state being the implementing agency, the (Thackeray- led) government needs to take some steps," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BATAVIA One day after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced they would be releasing people vulnerable to COVID-19 from detention facilities, multiple detainees at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility tested positive for the deadly disease. According to ICE, there are now seven detainees in the facility located in Batavia who have tested positive for COVID-19. Officials said the individuals who tested positive include a 62-year-old Pakistani, a 29-year-old Somali, two Hondurans, ages 37 and 31, two 21-year-old Salvadorians and a 35-year-old Dominican. ICE officials would not provide information about the current status of their health, or whether they had underlying health conditions. There are nearly 189,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York, and 9,385 people in the state have died of the disease as of Sunday. Most victims in New York state have been over age 70, and have had co-morbidities like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems. The Times Union reported Wednesday that ICE was to start considering individuals who are pregnant or older than 60 for release or to be placed in "alternative detention options" because those populations are more susceptible to the virus, according to Centers for Disease Control guidelines. The Enforcement and Removal Operations has also limited the number of new detainees to be housed in detention facilities across the country, ICE officials said. The agency's protocol changed following pressure from immigrant advocates to release detainees, including an emergency petition filed by the nonprofit Prisoner's Legal Services to immediately release 23 detainees in the facility. Jennifer Connor, executive director of Justice for Migrant Families Western New York, characterized ICE's procedural changes as "too little, too late," considering COVID-19 was declared a pandemic one month ago. She said people inside the Batavia facility have been concerned about the disease and began reporting illnesses weeks before ICE finally confirmed there were positive tests. While there were not yet positive cases of COVID-19 at the beginning of last week, there were two individuals who had a fever and reported symptoms of body ache and persistent coughs, according to court documents. They were ultimately placed in isolation in the medical unit, and another four detainees who had been in close contact with them were also removed from the general population. All six detainees were tested, but ICE did not disclose whether they were among the seven individuals who ultimately tested positive. A group of people detained in the facility also penned a letter to advocacy groups asking for help amid the global pandemic. They sent the letter after completing a multi-day hunger strike, according to Justice for Migrant Families and the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement. "Being detained here, we are like the proverbial lamb waiting to be slaughtered," the letter read. "There are cancer victims, cardiac patients, diabetics, lung disease victims, those afflicted with chronic auto-immune diseases being detained here." The authors of the letter also raised concerns about the high volume of traffic that goes through the facility, heightening potential exposure to the coronavirus. Connor cited other dangerous practices and protocols within the facilities, including multiple people housed together in small cells, the women's unit reportedly running completely out of soap two weeks ago and the detainees' limited access to a small medical staff of just 13, including one doctor, for a facility that was holding 374 people as of March 30. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "Immigration detention is not designed as a healthcare system," she said. "The healthcare in Batavia is limited and insufficient under normal circumstances I don't believe they can actually protect people from COVID with the design of the detention." Connor also said there have been reports of detainees being moved around to different cells within the facility, and that 30 detainees were moved out to other facilities this past weekend a move she said was an irresponsible and even criminal attempt to bring down the number of confirmed cases in Batavia, exposing others in the process. Advocacy by immigrant groups comes hand-in-hand with prison advocates who have been calling for the release of older prisoners and other inmates at risk of infection from COVID-19. Syracuse University's Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) issued a report last week observing that if ICE were to release detainees that had not been charged with any criminal offenses, they could get a better handle on containing the spread of COVID-19. In March, according to TRAC, 61 percent of detainees across the country had no conviction, even for minor petty offenses. At the Batavia facility, 48 percent of detainees had no convictions as of July, and only 18 percent had been convicted of what ICE classifies as a serious offense where they are considered to be a threat to public safety. "These results show that most of the beds in ICE detention on any given day are occupied by civil detainees with no criminal conviction or at most a conviction for a misdemeanor or petty offense," the report read. "ICE possess more flexibility for detainees with little or no criminal history including where they are detained, the amount of staff required for supervision, and the range of options available for release including ICE's alternatives to detention (ATD) programs." Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 03:00:54|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BUDAPEST, April 11 (Xinhua) -- China National Machinery Imp. & Exp. Corporation (CMC) has donated 30,000 surgical masks to Kaposvar, a city in the southwestern part of Hungary, the company said in a press release on Saturday. The donation will support the local government and the people of Kaposvar in their fight against the novel coronavirus, said the release, adding that the CMC believes the city will win the war against the COVID-19 pandemic. "A friend in need is a friend indeed. It warms my heart to receive the medical supplies in this time," Kaposvar's mayor Karoly Szita said after receiving the donation. The CMC made a 100-million-euro investment in Kaposvar in 2019 to build a photovoltaic power plant. Work on the solar farm is scheduled to be complete this year. "We laid the ground stone of the project last year. And now the construction is at around 50 percent. There is no delay despite the virus, and I am sure we will be ready in 2020," said Szita. Captain (rtd) Edmund Kojo Koda, the security aide to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has, on Saturday, April 11, 2020, made donations of Personal Protective Equipment to the chiefs and people of Akyem Abenaso in the Kwaebibirim Municipality. The items which included Veronica buckets, hand gloves, sanitizers, overall jackets, boots, goggles and disinfectants were presented to Nananom at the Abenaso chiefs palace. The donations consisted of 10 pairs of medical boots, 30 pieces of medical examination gowns, 30 pieces of medical boots, 30 pieces of medical goggles, 20 pieces of medical aprons, 20 boxes of medical gloves, 5 Veronica buckets and bowls, 1 carton of Sunlight liquid soap, 1 carton of sanitizers, 6 pieces of tissue, among other items. The donations were made on behalf of Captain Koda by the Municipal Chief Executive, Alexander Incoom. Delivering the items, Honourable Incoom emphasized that the items form part of Captain Modas contributions towards the fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic which has since infected over 350 Ghanaians since it was first detected in the country. Captain Koda, prior to these donations, on 7th April, 2020, made donations of PPEs to the Asene Manso Akroso Health Directorate to support the Municipality in its fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic. 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 United States may be ready to start gradually reopening next month, the government's top infectious diseases expert said Sunday, as signs grew that the coronavirus pandemic is peaking. President Donald Trump had earlier wanted the world's largest economy to be "raring to go" by Sunday, but most of the country remained at a standstill and churches took Easter celebrations online to halt the spread of the virus that has killed more than 20,000 people in the US. Trump has cast the decision on when to ease the lockdown as the biggest of his presidency as he faces competing pressures from public health experts and businesses along with some conservative allies who want a swift return to business as usual. Anthony Fauci, the veteran pandemic expert who has quietly sought action to stem infections, said in a televised interview that parts of the country could begin easing restrictions next month -- but was cautious. "I think it could probably start at least in some ways maybe next month," Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN. "We are hoping by the end of the month we can look around and say, okay, is there any element here that we can safely and cautiously start pulling back on?" Fauci said. "If so, do it. If not, then just continue to hunker down." Fauci said that regions would be ready at different times rather than the United States turning on a "light switch." Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said it was premature to say that the country would reopen on May 1. "We're hopeful about that target, but I think it's too early to be able to tell that," Hahn said in an ABC interview. Unlike in most Western countries, lockdown decisions are primarily up to local governments, not the president, and leaders of a number of hard-hit, densely populated states have made clear that they will take action as long as necessary. "I fear if we open up too early and we have not sufficiently made that health recovery and cracked the back of this virus, that we could be pouring gasoline on the fire, even inadvertently," New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, told CNN. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, cautioned against an "artificial deadline" and called for more extensive testing. Trump said in early March that any American who wants to be tested for coronavirus will be able to do so but has walked back his promise amid a shortage, saying that rural states were not a priority. 'Cautiously Optimistic' The United States has been recording nearly 2,000 deaths a day from the coronavirus, disproportionately older people with weakened immune systems and ethnic minorities with less access to health care and teleworking. Fauci said he was "cautiously optimistic" as admissions into hospitals and intensive care had begun to decline even in worst-hit New York. There are sign the outbreak "not only has flattened, it's starting to turn the corner," he said. The United States, which has 4.25 percent of the world's population, accounts for almost a fifth of the world's nearly 110,000 deaths from COVID-19 since the disease first emerged in China late last year. The New York Times, in an extensive article published Sunday, described Trump as failing to act quickly in part due to his confidence in his gut instincts and his distrust of civil servants he brands as a conspiratorial "deep state." Fauci, who has advised six successive presidents, acknowledged in the CNN interview that the United States could have saved lives by shutting down public spaces when the disease's seriousness became clear early in the year. "But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then," said Fauci, without naming Trump. Trump had been hoping to campaign on a strong economy as he seeks re-election in November. Instead, some 17 million people have lost their jobs in a matter of weeks and his presumptive Democratic rival, Joe Biden, has been hammering him for not doing more to stop the virus. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Over two thousand years ago, a Jewish carpenter found himself on the short end of the stick with both the Jewish teaching elite and Roman government, and was put to death by crucifixion, and then placed in a tomb. His followers were crushed and fearful that the same thing would happen to them, and so for the next few days they did their best to stay out of the way of anyone who might link them with their now dead rabbi. But something happened that changed everything. Without warning, the Jewish carpenters unknown twin brother appeared on the scene, stole and then disposed of his dead siblings body. With the tomb now empty, the twin claimed to be his dead brother resurrected from the dead. So convincing was the twin that he was able to win over his dead brothers disciples and even some others who thought his brother was a fraud. These individuals immediately began to publicly proclaim that their teacher had been raised from the dead by God and started the largest religious movement ever that continues to this day. This is the true story and history behind Easter. At least it is according to Dr. Robert Greg Cavin who holds a Masters in theology from Fuller and Ph.D. from U.C. Irvine. His doctoral dissertation entitled, Miracles, Probability, and the Resurrection of Jesus[1] spells out his arguments and his Twin Theory for the first Easter.[2] Just the Facts Maam As many learned historians on the subject both Christian and secular have pointed out, there are a number of undeniable facts concerning the resurrection account of Jesus: 1. Jesus of Nazareth was murdered by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate and buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. 2. Three days afterward, His body was found missing by a group of His women followers. 3. There were reported appearances of Jesus over the course of many days to various people, including both believers and skeptics. 4. Christs reported appearances transformed both His followers and some skeptics into becoming bold proclaimers of his teaching and resurrection. Again, no one who has studied the subject of Jesus resurrection disputes these facts. What is disputed, however, is the best explanation for the data. By far, the most used hypothesis by skeptics and atheists to explain Christs resurrection has been the hallucination theory.[3] For example, atheist Richard Carrier writes, I believe the best explanation, consistent with both scientific findings and the surviving evidence . . . is that the first Christians experienced hallucinations of the risen Christ, of one form or another.[4] Other lesser and mostly never-used-anymore skeptical arguments put forward to explain the resurrection facts include the legend/myth, theft, wrong tomb, apparent death, and spiritual-only hypotheses. But a twin brother of Jesus that suddenly appears out of nowhere and pulls off the biggest deception in human history? Now thats a new one. What Are The Odds? Cavins nearly 400-page doctoral dissertation defends the twin theory of the resurrection primarily by asserting that the probability of Jesus having a twin brother who set all the resurrection events into motion is higher than that of God raising Jesus from the dead. Cavin, who says he believes in God and the supernatural, dismisses the hallucination hypothesis as not being credible and instead argues that for every element of his twin brother theory that seems implausible, the supernatural act of God raising Jesus from the dead contains a corresponding element that is more improbable.[5] This line of reasoning is somewhat akin to the Scottish skeptic David Hume who wrote, When anyone tells me, that he saw a dead man restored to life, I immediately consider with myself, whether it be more probable, that this person should either deceive or be deceived, or that the fact, which he relates, should really have happened. I weigh the one miracle against the other; and according to the superiority, which I discover, I pronounce my decision, and always reject the greater miracle.[6] Although Cavin may say he is not a naturalist thinker like Hume, his reasoning against God raising Jesus from the dead traverses down much the same path as the Scottish philosopher. Why Not a Resurrection? Since Cavin says he believes in God, why rule out a supernatural event like the resurrection of Jesus? As C. S. Lewis said decades ago: But if we admit God, must we admit Miracle? Indeed, indeed, you have no security against it. That is the bargain."[7] When Cavin and skeptics tell me that the nature of Christs resurrection is incredible, I always tell them the same thing: Thats the point! Think about it. A carpenter from a nowhere town begins to make some pretty spectacular claims about himself. While his teaching is weighty and meaningful, and some eyewitnesses claim he performed miracles, the things he said concerning himself are still astonishing. Whats more, He puts himself on par with God (John 8:58), forgives sins (Mark 2:5), accepts worship (Luke 24:52), says he is not just a teacher of truth but truth itself (John 14:6), claims that those who believe in him will never die (John 11:25), and much more. How do you verify / falsify such claims? Paul tells us in the opening chapter of Romans; He says that Jesus was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead (Rom. 1:4). Jesus had said the same thing years earlier when His detractors asked for a sign. He would give them the sign of all signs, which was the sign of Jonah (His resurrection, see Matt. 16:4). The resurrection is the single event in history that validates everything Jesus said and His identity. It alone bridges the gap between the historical Jesus that both Christians and non-Christians accept and the God-Man Jesus. It is what brings together philosopher Immanuel Kants noumenal (certainty) and phenomenal (experience/faith) worlds, which he claimed could not be joined. But it does even more than that. The Victories of the Resurrection Without the resurrection of Jesus, as Paul says, our faith would be in vain (1 Cor. 15:14). Despite what skeptics say about there being nothing that could prove to a Christian that his/her faith was invalid, finding the body of that Jewish carpenter is all thats needed to put Christianity down for the count. Its the resurrection of Jesus that is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the single event in human history that provides all of the following victories to Jesus and those who put their trust in Him: 1. Victory of Christs person He is who He claimed to be (Rom. 1:4). 2. Victory of Christs word Everything He said was true (Matt. 12:38-40; John 2:18-22). 3. Victory over death Christs resurrection proves life beyond the grave (1 Cor. 15:20-26). 4. Victory over Satan Jesus resurrection robs Satan of his power (1 John 3:8; Heb. 2:14). 5. Victory over sin Jesus work breaks the bondage we have to sin (Rom. 6:8-10). 6. Victory of eternity Christs resurrection assures us of everlasting life (John 6:39-40). If Dr. Cavin is right about the resurrection of Jesus being nothing more than a scam pulled off by some unknown twin brother, then none of the above are true and every person who has put their trust in Jesus actually has no hope for today or the future. However, because God exists, and because He is more than able to intervene in His creation and bring about true miracles, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep (1 Cor. 15:20). I hope you will join me today in thanking and praising God that this is the true truth behind Easter. [1] Robert Greg Cavin. Miracles, Probability,and the Resurrection of Jesus. Ph.D dissertation. (University of California-Irvine, 1993), 389 pages. [2] Beyond Cavins arguments are those who reference the Gnostic writing The Book of Thomas the Contender where Jesus calls Thomas his twin: "Now, since it has been said that you are my twin and true Companion See: http://goo.gl/eZsgzD. [3] For my short rebuttal against this theory, see: http://blogs.christianpost.com/confident-christian/the-resurrection-of-jesus-a-miracle-in-one-of-three-ways-15254/. [4]http://goo.gl/npzKpJ, pg. 184. [5] See statements from Cavin in this collection of email exchanges: http://goo.gl/cigew8. [6] http://goo.gl/bNVgy. [7] C. S. Lewis, Miracles, Harper Collins, 1974, pg. 169 I booked my ticket to Pakistan in February, thrilled about the prospects of visiting family and friends after spending seven cold and snowy months in Toronto. I was particularly excited because my visit was planned around a theatre play, The Bus That Didnt Stop, written and directed by director and actor, Corinne Jaber and based on my first book, The Footprints of Partition. Corinne and the actors had been working tirelessly to bring forth not only Partition experiences but also narratives of displacement, exile and longing across time and continents. My partner Haroon and I couldnt wait to join them in the final days before the play was scheduled to be performed at the International Performing Arts Festival organized by the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Karachi and supported by the Goethe Institut. However, three days before I was meant to fly out, WHO declared Covid-19 a pandemic. Within the next few days, as the number of infections spiked in Canada and Pakistan and the play was indefinitely postponed, I felt as if I was stuck watching a movie that in ordinary circumstances Id steer clear of because it was far too unrealistic for my taste. Hours before the flight, Haroon and I debated about whether to fly or not. We wondered whether it would be better to remain in Toronto or be closer to family; we argued about which place may be safer, knowing fully well that there was soon going to be no safe nor insulated place. I consider us to be one of the few very lucky ones because, armed with gloves and disinfectant wipes, we eventually boarded one of the last few flights prior to cancellations by airlines and lockdown by states, which has left several travelers stranded since. 264pp, 399; HarperCollins Today, as I write this, its been 19 days since we landed in Lahore, and I find myself fortunately healthy and well after our 14 day post-travel quarantine period, privileged to have family within reach and a home to socially distance myself in. I also find myself with more time on my hands than I have had in the last several years. Yet, I find it far harder to write than I have in the past, even though I was earlier juggling three day jobs, spending the majority of my day outside the house, rushing from one meeting to the next, from one assignment to another. Strangely, however, for me this doesnt seem to be an issue of overall productivity. I am still able to meet deadlines for my day job, read coursework for the degree Im currently enrolled in, and conduct Skype sessions with the clients to whom I provide psychological therapy and counselling. I am even able to do grant/proposal writing or other kinds of writing tasks. I find myself present and able to deliver in these roles as required. Why then, one may ask, am I not able to extend the same productivity to the writing I do for myself, for the books and articles I write? Why am I unable to use the extra time I have on my hands to work on the ideas Ive long complained to have no bandwidth for? 320pp, 599; HarperCollins While every writer is different, I have always found that writing requires a different kind of tuning. I write from an intuitive place, more often than not driven by anger at the distortion of history, the furthering of jingoistic narratives, the instilling of hate, the otherization of certain communities, and the persistent use of state violence against citizens in South Asia. Frankly, I write when I dont know what else to do. I write because I find that is all I can do in those moments. It is the only thing I can turn to. It requires me to feel, to process the emotionally-charged moments before I can turn them into some form of coherent storytelling. The problem is, the current pandemic has posed us with a situation so unprecedented, so bizarre, so frightening, that I find myself oscillating between moments when I can think of nothing else and others when I am too numb to feel at all. To write is my normal but life feels anything but normal at this time, and it feels almost strange to be trying to create normalcy when we are surrounded by illness and death. While I find myself in an incredibly privileged position, not having to worry about a running income, shelter or food, the reality of how this pandemic is devastating already vulnerable populations, some of whom Ive worked with and written about in recent years, is a reality that cannot and must not be minimized. I dont find the argument that the pandemic may be a great equalizer convincing at all. As much as it may be a crisis which leaves no country or people unaffected, the imprints it will leave will be fundamentally shaped by structural dynamics and the interplay of class, caste, religion, ethnicity and gender. Anam Zakaria (Courtesy the author) As an oral historian, my writing is driven by peoples stories. It is shaped by the interviews I conduct; by sitting with people; by observing their affective states, their spoken words and perhaps, most importantly, their silences. At its essence lies the ability to connect and to share. While some of this work can indeed be conducted through video calls, and I have resorted to these mediums when necessitated in the past, I am aware that physical proximity cannot be replaced with online tools. And so for now, I turn to journaling - when I find the energy - and reading fiction, things I have wished I had more time for over the last few years. I ration read every day, worried about what I will do when the books I have on me finish and bookstores are still closed (I am not an e-reader). And I try to get lost in the narratives I read till I can again sit with the people whose stories they and I work together to tell. Anam Zakaria is the author of 1971: A Peoples History from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India, Between the Great Divide: A Journey into Pakistan-administered Kashmir and The Footprints of Partition: Narratives of Four Generations of Pakistanis and Indians Three nurses have died after contracting coronavirus while fighting on the front lines of the crisis, it has been confirmed. The nurses were from Watford, Worcestershire and Wales and all were confirmed to have died on Saturday. They join dozens of NHS staff thought to have died after testing positive for Covid-19. Sara Trollope, a matron for Older Adult Mental Health Services in Hillingdon, died at Watford General Hospital. She was described by colleagues as kind and selfless and will be missed her husband Gary, daughters Gemma and Freya, and twin sons Kyle and Michael, said the Central and North West London Foundation Trust. According to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, 52-year-old Julie Omar was self-isolating prior to her death. Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, said in a video on Twitter: Julie was a dedicated and highly experienced trauma and orthopaedics nurse and very many of you will know her because she worked in both Redditch and Worcester. I know this news will have a profound impact on many of you, not least because it brings the tragic consequences of this outbreak even closer to home than it already was. The death of a third nurse, Gareth Roberts, was confirmed by Cardiff and Value University Health Board. The board said in a statement: Gareth had been part of our nursing family since the 1980s 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 with Hello Cariad when he saw them. Staff say he was such a kind and helpful person, and that they learned so much from him. He had a lovely way with relatives and always offered the caring personal side, he was very much an old school nurse. Other NHS workers thought to have had their lives claimed by the coronavirus pandemic include: A nurse based at St Cross Hospital in Rugby, whom the trust is not identifying, died of suspected coronavirus Elsie Sazuze, a care home nurse who worked for Wolverhampton-based agency Totallycare, died this week Two porters, both married to nursing staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford, where they also worked, have died Liz Glanister, a nurse at Aintree University Hospital, died on Friday 36-year-old nurse Areema Nasreen died on 2 April in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands, where she had worked for 16 years Aimee ORourke, 29, was a nurse at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate Kent. She died on 2 April Rebecca Mack, 29, died on Sunday after going into self-isolation with symptoms of Covid-19 Donald Suelto, also died after going into self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms. He worked at Hammersmith Hospital in west London John Alagos, 27, a nurse at Watford General Hospital, reportedly died after a shift on Friday Nurse Alice Kit Tak Ong, 70, died on Tuesday 54-year-old midwife Lynsay Coventry died on 2 April, said the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex Healthcare support worker Janice Graham, 58, died on Monday in Scotland Healthcare assistant and father of seven Thomas Harvey, 57, died at home on 29 March. He worked at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford, east London Healthcare assistant Glen Corbin, 59, has also died. He worked at the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in Harlesden, northwest London, for more than 25 years Dr Habib Zaidi, 76, died in intensive care at Southend Hospital, Essex, on 25 March Ear, nose and throat consultant Amged El-Hawrani, who was with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, died on 28 March at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester Dr Alda Saadu, 68, died on Monday at the Whittington Hospital in north London. He had returned to the front lines after retirement Transplant surgeon Adil El Tayar, 63, died on 25 March at West Middlesex University Hospital in west London Professor Sami Shousha, 79, died on 2 April. He worked at UK cancer research laboratories and Hammersmith and Charing Cross hospitals since 1978 Consultant geriatrician Anton Sebastianpillai died on 4 April Consultant urologist Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, who wrote a Facebook post pleading with Boris Johnson to provide PPE to every NHS worker, died on Wednesday night Dr Edmond Adedeji, 62, worked as a locus registrar in the emergency department of Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Wiltshire. He died on 8 April Associate specialist in cardio-thoracic surgery Jitendra Rathos died on Monday morning GP Fayez Ayache, 76, died in Ipswich Hospital on 8 April Syed Haider, a family GP who worked in Dagenham, east London, died in hospital on Monday Barbara Moore, 54, was a patient discharge planner. She died on Monday, said the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Additional reporting by agencies Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Billions around the world marked Easter Sunday from lockdown at home as the pope addressed followers from an empty cathedral to urge solidarity in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and the European death toll topped 75,000. Unprecedented scenes of empty churches emerged from Italy to Panama and the Philippines as religious leaders found creative ways to address parishioners marking the holiday weekend from the confines of their homes. More than half the world -- over four billion people -- are in lockdown worldwide as governments scramble to halt the pandemic's deadly march across the globe. The toll from the virus soared past 109,000 this weekend, with more than 1.7 million reported infections globally. But with only those most serious cases tested, the real number of cases is thought to be much higher. Hard-hit New York set up makeshift hospitals, even as officials said the peak of deaths and infections may be near. By Johannes EISELE (AFP) Europe, by far the hardest-hit continent, on Sunday marked a grim milestone with more than 75,000 dead, according to an AFP tally. The United States, which is quickly emerging as a hotspot, on Saturday marked its own dark landmark: more than 20,000 dead, out of around half a million infected. The US now has the highest death toll and the most cases of any country in the world from the virus, which first emerged in China late last year. Virtual prayer Speaking from a near-empty Saint Paul's Cathedral in Rome, Pope Francis' Easter Sunday message was largely focused on the pandemic, offering prayers for the ill. "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 livestreamed message beamed around the world. He called for European "solidarity" in the face of the virus, adding: "After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again." On the outskirts of Rome, one devout follower held a video session with two other families 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 isolation at home. "We will defeat this coronavirus and defeat it together," Boris Johnson vowed, thanking medics he said saved his life "no question" . By Pippa FOWLES (10 Downing Street/AFP) The pope had earlier urged creativity to mark the holy weekend -- a call that was met by some of the world's two billion-plus Christians. 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 and US President Donald Trump said he would follow Easter services online. 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. "Those photos are the representations of the people who are watching and attending mass through livestreaming, so 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." Plateau reached? As virus-tinged Easter celebrations were held worldwide, leaders in some hard-hit countries expressed cautious optimism that the number of deaths and infections could be starting to peak. Spain saw its daily death toll drop for three days straight -- but on Sunday reported a slight spike again with 619 fresh fatalities. And though Italy was nearing the 20,000 dead mark, its daily death toll and rate of new infections has started to level off. France's lockdown continued over the Easter weekend, while the government said the virus's plateau may have been recahed. By Ludovic MARIN (AFP) In France, newly reported coronavirus deaths fell by one-third from Friday to 635 on Saturday. "A very high plateau for the epidemic appears to have been reached, but the epidemic remains very active," said French health official Jerome Salomon, urging people to remain vigilant. In the United States, New Orleans and hardest hit New York saw a slowdown in the number of new infections, deaths and hospitalisations, offering a shred of hope. Trump said this past week that the disease was near its peak in the US and he was considering ways to reopen the world's biggest economy as soon as possible. But in Britain, the death toll crossed the 10,000 threshold Sunday after more than 700 new deaths were reported. The number came in as virus-stricken Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from a weeklong stay in hospital -- including three days in intensive care -- vowing to lead Britain in beating the outbreak. "We will defeat this coronavirus and defeat it together," the 55-year-old leader said in a video message, thanking medics he said saved his life "no question". 'Slumdog Millionaire' outbreak Despite signs of good news emerging in some countries, the World Health Organization has warned countries against lifting lockdown restrictions too early. India has imposed a nationwide lockdown but dozens of cases were reported in a Mumbai slum, Asia's biggest. By Arun SANKAR (AFP) Life in the central Chinese city of Wuhan has started to creep back to normal after lockdown measures were eased, but the country is now seeing more imported infections -- compounding fears of a so-called second virus wave. Governments around the world 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. The world's top oil-producing countries said they would hold an emergency videoconference on Sunday afternoon to address the problem of plummeting oil prices caused by the pandemic. There are also worrying signs the virus could be taking hold in new -- and vulnerable -- parts of the world, from the crowded slums of Mexico City, Nairobi and Mumbai to conflict hotspots in the Middle East. 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. All shops, except pharmacies, were closed near so-called "containment zones" to limit the number of people in public spaces. "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," sai Mumbai official Khabale-Patil. burs-jv/gd Interaction shows how 'community of a shared future for mankind' seen in deeds Chinese medical and technical experts share their experience with their Venezuelan counterparts in Caracas, Venezuela, April 1, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua] 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. At least four fair price shops in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra are set to lose their licenses for allegedly not following the coronavirus lockdown guidelines, senior officials said on Sunday. Similarly, authorities in neighbouring Osmanabad district, also in Marathwada region, have permanently cancelled the licenses of eight beer bars located in different tehsils for selling liquor during the ongoing lockdown period, they said. These shops are located in Kalamb, Omerga and Osmanabad tehsils, a district official said. "We have already initiated action against four fair price shops located in Gangapur tehsil in Aurangabad district. We have issued show cause notices to them, and we will cancel their licenses as we have received complaints against them for (various violations) during the lockdown period," said Aurangabad District Supply Officer Mahadev Kiravale. The Maharashtra government on Saturday extended the period of the ongoing lockdown, which was supposed to end on April 14, till April 30. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Children living in poverty are even harder to reach in a pandemic, and years of austerity policies have not helped. Under normal circumstances, it would now be the spring holidays for most schools. But, instead of packing the car to take one of my daughters to visit her grandparents for a few days, I just got off the phone to students who attend my school. We are more than three weeks into a lockdown in the UK. My school an academy on the outskirts of West London serves a wonderfully diverse community, but nearly half of all students are what the UK government determines as disadvantaged. Their families are eligible for free school meals as a result of being in receipt of Universal Credit, a monthly payment in the UK to help with living costs for those on a low income or out of work. However, sitting above that group, perhaps a further 20 percent or more of our school population, whose families are not eligible for Universal Credit, are still very much the working poor. Both of these groups constantly live on the edge of poverty. Their already fragile economic situation is easily tipped by an unexpected expense a pair of new school shoes, an electricity bill or a broken washing machine. This situation is now exacerbated tenfold by the ravages of a global coronavirus pandemic. And this is the issue. While the daily news bulletins bring unfathomable death tolls from every corner of the globe, tales of woefully unequipped hospitals, overflowing morgues, exhausted front-line hospital staff and desperate grieving relatives, there lies beyond that a further crisis of poverty and desperation in Britain. In 1940, at the start of the second world war, the mass evacuation of nearly 1.5 million British children from the cities to the countryside exposed a chasm in society. Tales of malnourished and diseased children arriving in the countryside from the inner cities galvanised a team of civil servants, led by social reformer William Beveridge, to work on creating a fairer post-war society that would eradicate evils including poverty and lack of education by bringing in social insurance and equality of education through the 1944 Butler Education Act. Nearly 80 years on, the lockdown of our nation, including the decision to close schools, has once again revealed huge inequity and inequality. Currently, 1.3 million children in England are classed as disadvantaged the number entitled to free school meals. These children are now prisoners in their own homes, many of which are small, cramped flats with little or no outside space. Here, they are supposed to participate in distance learning. This involves accessing online lessons and resources for anything from two to five hours a day. But, for many of the 1.3 million as well as the 20 percent beyond them who are not entitled to income support, this learning is not taking place in a quiet corner of a room seated at a desk with books, pens and a helpful, well-educated adult on hand. Not for these children the accoutrements found in many a middle-class home including access to a device, whether a tablet or a personal computer, or the internet. Data sourced from TeacherTapp an app that pings daily questions to more than 6,000 UK teachers revealed at the end of the first week of lockdown, that 10 percent of students in their schools do not have access to either a device or the internet. While it is difficult to determine the accuracy of that statistic, I know from my own school that a childs access is likely to be an allocated 60 to 90 minutes on a shared household laptop, personal computer or tablet. In a number of families, their only access to an online classroom is via their mobile phone, which makes any completion of work and uploading it onto an online platform almost impossible. The same data set also revealed that teachers working in the most disadvantaged state schools felt that 43 percent of their students were doing less than an hour of learning a day, compared with only 14 percent of students as reported by teachers working in more advantaged state schools. It is a significant difference. What is clear is that the learning and, therefore, the attainment gap between those who are disadvantaged and those who are not that has worried the profession and the government for over a decade will grow exponentially. As our lockdown looks set to be extended possibly until the end of the academic year the impact of more than three months of missed schooling will have long-lasting effects. Academics who have looked at home/school effects on academic attainment by children often refer to the 1:9 ratio. This means that it is thought that home impact accounts for nine-tenths of the influence on a childs development, habits and behaviour, while school only accounts for one-tenth. But the reality for those of us working in disadvantaged communities is that the school effect can be a powerful one-tenth. If many already vulnerable children cannot attend school for the duration of lockdown, then that effect and long-lasting impact is lost. If, for three months or more, the learning habits acquired within the structure and routine of a well-equipped school are pulled away, then without a doubt we will see a huge dip in the learning gap. The question for us now is how will we plug that gap? The schooling we will need in place for September will need to look and feel very different. It becomes a much wider question of what the role of school and education is, how schools cannot be the catch-all safety net for wider societal issues, and crucially how schools are held accountable for these things. Following a decade of government austerity policies causing schools to be underfunded, ministers obsession with high-stakes testing, and schools then being held to account by inspectorates in the UK, it is no surprise that school leaders have been facing a national recruitment and retention crisis. The fight against coronavirus has shown us that schools are much more than just education providers. For more than one and a half million children in the UK at least, school is a place of safety, sanctuary and at least one meal a day. As millions are now being spent on mitigating against the biggest recession the UK has ever faced, there is also a need to design and properly invest in an integrated social care, health and education system fit for our post-pandemic world. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Even as President Donald Trump continues to tout the health benefits of a drug commonly used to treat arthritis as a possible cure for the coronavirus, doctors and hospitals in South Carolina have been told they shouldn't prescribe it to all COVID-19 positive patients. Hydroxychloroquine, which has long been used as a prescription treatment for malaria, lupus and arthritis, is under investigation as a drug to treat patients who have been diagnosed with coronavirus. In some studies, the drug, also called by its brand name Plaquenil, has been shown to be effective as an anti-viral medication. Inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., were recently the first in the country to be enrolled in an ongoing clinical trial to test if the use of this drug works against the disease. But its efficacy has not been proven and the use of hydroxychloroquine comes with significant side effects, such as cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, skin reactions and hypoglycemia, according to the National Institutes of Health. At the Medical University of South Carolina, only the sickest patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 have been administered the drug, said MUSC spokeswoman Heather Woolwine. "Although there is a lot of hope for the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine, the data are still very unclear," she said. "This is not a magic pill nor is it without side effects of its own. At this time, we are not dispensing hydroxychloroquine for treatment of ambulatory and mildly symptomatic patients." Likewise, a spokesman for Trident Health in North Charleston referenced a joint statement issued by the S.C. Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Pharmacy that advises health care providers to limit "their usage for treatment of COVID-19 infection preferably such a patient who has been admitted to a hospital where the treatment can be appropriately monitored." The state boards are particularly worried about the supply of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, a common antibiotic also under investigation as a potential COVID-19 treatment. In a joint order published March 25, the boards reported that prescribers have started issuing these drugs "in such numbers that it has caused shortages." Some of these drugs are currently on backorder and hospitals in South Carolina have expressed concerns about their availability, the order stated. While these aren't concerns unique to South Carolina, Trump has repeatedly pushed for these drugs to be used as a front-line treatment in the pandemic, even as some in the scientific community have called for further study. "HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine. The FDA has moved mountains - Thank You! Hopefully they will BOTH ... be put in use IMMEDIATELY. PEOPLE ARE DYING, MOVE FAST, and GOD BLESS EVERYONE!," the president tweeted on March 21. Trump has also cited the results of a small study in France that found the use of hydroxychloroquine was associated with a "viral load reduction/disappearance in COVID-19 patients." The study, which has been discredited by some scholars, concluded that the use of azirthromycin in conjunction with hydroxychloroquine seemed to reinforce this outcome. Effective therapies for COVID-19 are urgently needed, said James P. Kiley, director of the Division of Lung Diseases at the Clinical Trials Network of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. "Hydroxychloroquine has showed promise in a lab setting against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and preliminary reports suggest potential efficacy in small studies with patients," Kiley said in a federal news release. "However, we really need clinical trial data to determine whether hydroxychloroquine is effective and safe in treating COVID-19. Tom Hanks joked about forgetting how to do up buttons, not knowing what day of the week it is and how his coronavirus diagnosis made people feel 'uncomfortable' around him as he hosted the first ever virtual, stay-at-home episode of Saturday Night Live. This was the first episode of SNL to air in five weeks after an episode scheduled for March 28, featuring first-time host John Krasinski and musical guest Dua Lipa, was scrapped due to the coronavirus lockdown in New York City. Hanks, 63, kicked off the landmark episode and used his SNL opening dialogue to joke about how his battle with coronavirus made him feel more like 'America's Dad' than ever, mainly because nobody wanted to be around him. The rest of the cast filmed sketches from their homes, including Pete Davidson making a Drake-inspired music video from his basement, Kate McKinnon as Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg in a home workout routine, and Chloe Fineman as an array of celebrities, including Tiger King's Carole Baskin, in a parody of Masterclass advertisements. And like most Americans working from home, the SNL cast were seen preparing for the week's episode on a Zoom call, with McKinnon declaring: 'Live from Zoom, it's sometime between March and August!' Tom Hanks hosted the very first SNL from Home after the show had a five week break And like most Americans working from home, the SNL cast were all seen preparing for the week's episode on a Zoom call, with McKinnon declaring: 'Live from Zoom, it's sometime between March and August!' The show wanted the night to feel like a regular episode, keeping with its tradition of having a celebrity host and its musical guest, which was Coldplay's Chris Martin. In his opening, Hanks said: 'This Saturday Night Live is going to be a little different, for one thing it's been filmed entirely by the SNL cast who are currently quarantined in their homes. 'Also, there's no such thing as Saturdays anymore. And we're not really live, but we're doing everything we can to make this feel like the SNL you know and love.' 'It is a strange time to try and be funny, but trying to be funny is SNL's whole thing, so we thought, 'What the heck? Let's give it a shot!' Hanks said. Hanks also added a more solemn note at the end of his appearance, thanking the people who are unable to stay at home and are continuing to go to work amid the pandemic. 'Stay safe,' he said. 'We are in this for the duration, and we will get through this together. We are going to thank our hospital workers, the first responders and all the helpers. 'The supermarket stockers, the people who are making takeout for us, the men and women who are keeping this country going at a time when we need them more than ever before. 'We are going to take care of them, and take care of each other.' During his monologue, the actor joked that he had forgotten how to do up a button Hanks also attempted a question and answers segmented by dressing up in different characters including this Australian cowboy who asked about Vegemite Pete Davidson, 26, led the first sketch on the at-home edition of SNL with a Drake parody directed by his mother Amy Davidson Davidson's music video was filmed from a tricked-out basement at his mother's home, which was swathed in swirling purple light vaguely reminiscent of Drake's Hotline Bling video Next up was Pete Davidson, who did his best approximation of a Drake song, appropriately titled This Is A Drake Song. The emotional slow jam had lines such as, 'This is a Drake song,' 'I miss my ex,' and 'Number one on the billboard.' Davidson's music video was filmed from a tricked-out basement at his mother's home, which was swathed in swirling purple light vaguely reminiscent of Drake's Hotline Bling video. He ended the segment with a card crediting 'Pete's Mom.' Poking fun at Zoom, which most Americans working from home have utilized since the pandemic, Mikey Day led a Zoom conference call with a group of office co-workers. Everyone seemed to grasp the concept except for Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon, who played the office's secretaries. 'I got an email just for this,' Kate said. Later, Aidy accidentally aimed her webcam at her crotch, before taking her laptop into the bathroom with her, adding: 'I thought this computer only did Solitaire.' Real life: Following Pete's musical sketch, Mikey Day led a zoom conference call with a group of office co-workers Everyone seemed to grasp the concept except for Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon, who played the office's secretaries. 'I got an email just for this,' Kate said. Later, Aidy accidentally aimed her webcam at her crotch, before taking her laptop into the bathroom with her McKinnon portrayed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg doing a workout routine from home, complete with a Super Diva sweater McKinnon portrayed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg doing a workout routine from home, complete with a Super Diva sweater. Using Q-tips as weights, McKinnon describes how she keeps her 87-year-old self in peak mental and physical shape, saying: 'Every day I eat half a chicken. Sorry, chickpea.' Next up was a parody of the Masterclass advertisements with Masterclass: Quarantine Edition. Chloe Fineman showed off her impression skills, first as Timothee Chalamet, whose fashion tutorial was just about putting on navy blue hoodies. Then she appeared as a hyperactive JoJo Siwa, who had 'a voice like a wooden roller-coaster track,' according to one of the on-screen plugs. She ended with a segment as Carole Baskin of Tiger King fame. The animal rights activist performed a song while inserting the phrase, 'I didn't kill my husband.' Topical: She ended with a segment as Carole Baskin of Tiger King fame. The animal rights activist performed a song while inserting the phrase, 'I didn't kill my husband' Spot on: She also appeared as a hyperactive JoJo Siwa, who had 'a voice like a wooden roller-coaster track,' according to one of the on-screen plugs Masterpiece: Afterward, Tom Hanks introduced Chris Martin, who skipped his own music in favor of a fitting classic: Bob Dylan's Shelter From The Storm, from 1975's Blood On The Tracks The show kept to its traditional structure with a musical guest and 'Weekend Update.' Martin, on acoustic guitar, played a version of Bob Dylan's Shelter From the Storm. Signs on the wall behind him said 'Entrance to Trains,' a nod to the Grand Central Terminal-themed SNL set. Colin Jost and Michael Che imported an electronic audience for laughs during Weekend Update, since Che said telling jokes with no reaction reminded him of a hostage video. 'Tuesday was National Beer Day,' Jost said. 'Which is the first time alcohol had helped me remember what day it is.' Che took note that minorities were suffering disproportionately in the pandemic. 'Once Trump starts calling this the Harlem Flu, we ain't never going to get a cure,' he said. The show ended on a bittersweet note, as the whole cast filmed a segment in tribute to their colleague Hal Willner, (right) who died from Covid-19. 'I'm glad I spent it with you': The segment was soundtracked to the late Lou Reed's (left) Perfect Day, a fitting tribute, as both men worked together and were friends Pete's voice quivered with emotion as he remembered Willner, who selected the music to be used in the sketches Alec Baldwin, portraying Trump, called in to the 'Weekend Update' segment, although without video since Baldwin didn't have access to makeup. The faux president noted that 'every night at 7pm all of New York claps and cheers for the great job I'm doing,' a reference to the nightly tribute to medical workers. The show ended on a bittersweet note, as the whole cast filmed a segment in tribute to their colleague Hal Willner, who died from Covid-19. Pete's voice quivered with emotion as he remembered Willner, who selected the music to be used in the sketches. The segment was sound tracked to the late Lou Reed's Perfect Day, a fitting tribute, as both men worked together and were friends. Former SNL stars joined in to sing along, including Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Molly Shannon, Fred Armisen, John Mulaney, Adam Sandler Rachel Dratch and Ana Gasteyer, among others. The church was closed to the public on March 13, and the illnesses began cropping up in the past two weeks, so Kerkeres doesnt believe the cases are associated with events at the church. He said most of the 18 people who became sick are from three different households who likely were exposed by other family members. People came out of their houses in Uttarakhand's Haldwani on Sunday to protest an imam's quarantining in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. There was a minor protest when the imam of a mosque in the Banbhulpura area of Haldwani was being quarantined after it was found that he had come in contact with members of the Tablighi Jamaat, Nainital SSP Sunil K Meena told PTI. A sparse crowd gathered on a narrow lane in the area to oppose but the matter was soon resolved with the intervention of police, the imam himself and the ulemas, he said. People went back to their houses after the imam and the ulemas appealed to them to return, saying there was nothing wrong in being quarantined for his own health as well as that of those around him, the SSP said. The imam has been quarantined at the mosque. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shoppers browse in a supermarket while wearing masks to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in north St. Louis, Missouri. Lawrence Bryant/Reuters In St. Louis, Missouri, all but three people who have died after being infected with the coronavirus were African American. Of the confirmed coronavirus cases whose race was reported in St. Louis County, 55% positive cases were black while 36.6% were white however, only 24.9% of its population is African American only, while 68.2% of its population are white only. Although data has laid bare the glaring racial disparities in the impact of the novel virus in St. Louis and beyond, the impacts on the black community have more to do with inequity than just race. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. In St. Louis, Missouri, all but three people who have died after being infected with the coronavirus were African American. In St. Louis, at least 14 of the city's 17 residents who died from the novel virus were also African American. Related: What Could Be the Fastest Way to End COVID-19 Crisis? All of the St. Louis' reported COVID-19 deaths were African American until April 10, when the City of St. Louis Department of Health reported the first deaths outside the racial minority group. The deaths of a Hispanic female in her 50s, a white male in 90s, and a woman in her 80s whose race was not identified in reports to the public health officials were announced on Friday in a press release. Broadly, the novel virus has ravaged St. Louis' black community. Of the confirmed coronavirus cases whose race was reported in St. Louis County, 55% positive cases were black while 36.6% were white, according to data obtained by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis County. (40% of St. Louis County's positive cases were unknown.) Although African Americans make up more than half of St. Louis' coronavirus cases, only 24.9% of its population is African American only, while 68.2% of its population are white only, according to the US Census Bureau. However, the unfortunate reality is that St. Louis is not the only US city to be grappling with the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19. Story continues "If you look at the health disparities in the city of St. Louis, they're not unique," St. Louis' health director Dr. Fredrick Echols said during a briefing Wednesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. "Inequities exist across the U.S. and across the world, and it's posed a challenge for public health agencies, (which) have to address those issues and ensure all individuals, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, income, or educational attainment have access to quality health-related resources," he added. The novel coronavirus has swept across the country infecting more than 542,000 and killing over 21,000 in the US alone, according to data collected by John Hopkins. As the number of people stricken by the coronavirus continues to soar, emerging data on the novel virus in the country shows that black communities have been hardest hit by the novel virus. In Chicago, African Americans make up 30% of the population but 72% of the people who've died from COVID-19 were black. The racial disparity is also evident in emerging data on coronavirus deaths in Louisiana, Illinois, New Jersey, and Michigan, according to CNN. Although data has laid bare the glaring racial disparities in the impact of the novel virus in St. Louis and beyond, US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams said the impacts on black communities across American have more to do with social issues than race. "We do not think people of color are biologically or genetically disposed to get COVID-19," Adams said Friday at the White House coronavirus press briefing. "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 from coronavirus." Research shows that the US's long history of racism and social inequity has contributed to racial minorities being disproportionately impacted by national health crises, such as the coronavirus outbreak. Dr. Alex Garza, the head of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, said that these social and racial inequities have long exited in St. Louis and beyond long before the coronavirus ravaged the US. " "We know that populations that are socioeconomically challenged that don't have access to good health care, that don't have access to nutritious food, are victims of many diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, " Gaza told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "It's an indication of social inequities that existed before this pandemic came around." Business Insider WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer PLC LEI: 2138003QW2ZAYZODBU23 02 March 2020 WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer PLC (the Issuer) Reminder Notice regarding the proposed delisting of trading lines of ETP Securities issued by WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer PLC Further to the announcement made by the Issuer on 11 February 2020 (the Original Notice), the Issuer wishes to remind investors that notice has been given that application has been made to the London Stock Exchange for certain trading lines of securities issued by WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer PLC to be delisted from that exchange (the Delisting). Where the security has no remaining trading lines listed on the London Stock Exchange, an application will be made to UK Listing Authority for removal from the UKs Official List on 24 March 2020. The Delisting will become effective at 8am on 24 March 2020 (the Effective Date) and therefore the last opportunity to trade on the London Stock Exchange will be prior to close of business on 23 March 2020. For each trading line of the security that will be delisted, at least one other trading line on a regulated European exchange will be maintained, however this may not be in the same currency as that which is delisted. Annex 1 to this notice, entitled Trading Lines of Securities to be Delisted from the London Stock Exchange and the Remaining Trading Lines, sets out the trading lines of securities to be delisted from the London Stock Exchange and the details of at least one other trading line of each security on a regulated European stock exchange which will remain after the Effective Date. Investors are strongly advised to consult with their broker/advisor prior to the Effective Date to assess any actions that must be taken to affect a sale or conversion, the timing and the costs of such sale or conversion. Effect of the Delisting From the date of this notice up to the close of business on 23 March 2020 (being the day prior to the Effective Date), you can continue to sell your securities on the London Stock Exchange via your broker or financial advisor. Following the Effective Date, the pricing and valuation of the securities will continue and the latest Net Asset Value (NAV) for each security will continue be found on the relevant product page at www.wisdomtree.eu. However, access to the underlying value of the security through the delisted trading lines will no longer be available following the Effective Date, and instead investors may access the underlying value of the security through a remaining listing. Following the Effective Date, you should be able to continue to hold securities purchased through a trading line which has been delisted but you will not be able to sell those securities through that trading line. You should be able to sell those securities on exchange by converting your holding of these securities into a remaining trading line of the same product. This remaining trading line may trade in a different currency on the London Stock Exchange or on another exchange in another country which may or may not be in the same currency as the delisted trading line. You will need to contact your broker or financial advisor directly to do so and there may be additional costs associated with this conversion. Such charges could be significant and could be disproportionate to the investment amount. Action to be taken Prior to the Effective Date investors can take 2 actions: Contact their broker or financial advisor to convert their securities from the delisted trading line(s) into the remaining trading line(s) up to the close of business on 23 March 2020; or Sell their securities before or up to the close of business on 23 March 2020 and if investors wish to maintain their exposure to the security, they may purchase a remaining trading line of this security. Further information Annex 2 of the Original Notice contains answers to some of the key questions we believe investors will have in connection with the Delisting. Further information is available on the website of WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer PLC at www.wisdomtree.eu or by email to infoeu@wisdomtree.com Annex 1 TRADING LINES OF SECURITIES TO BE DELISTED FROM THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE REMAINING TRADING LINES Carl and Ann Leafstedt have been members of historic St. Marks Episcopal Church in downtown for more than a dozen years. But this Easter brought something entirely new. Instead of dressing up in their Easter finery and heading to church, where they normally worship with hundreds of fellow parishioners, they refilled their coffee cups and pulled up a chair on their tree-shaded patio in Alamo Heights. Amid joyous birdsong and the antics of their two rescue dogs, Lacey and Josephine, the couple and their son Wendell, 23, celebrated the Resurrection via laptop. Like many faith communities across San Antonio, St. Marks has closed its doors to physical gatherings because of the highly contagious coronavirus. Even before Holy Week, the churchs services and other programming had moved exclusively online. For the past few weeks, the clergy prerecorded elements for the Holy Week and Easter services, including lay people videoing themselves doing religious readings, that were then interwoven with the livestreamed service Sunday morning. For Ann Leafstedt, an attorney who serves as junior warden at the church, the move to online worship has been an unusual change but one that has brought with it some surprising upsides. Its almost made my faith stronger, she said. Yes, we miss being together in our beautiful sanctuary. But taking part in worship from my own home has served to more deeply integrate my faith into my everyday life. Easter figures largely in the history of St. Marks, a grand, 500-seat sanctuary at 315 E. Pecan St. that has some 1,400 members. It was on Easter Sunday in 1858 that the Rev. Lucius H. Jones, a missionary priest from Seguin, gathered a small core group of Episcopalians for the first worship service. Jones would go on to become the churchs first rector. It was also Easter Sunday in 1875, 17 years later, when the sanctuary was finished. San Antonio historian Lewis Fisher, who is a member of St. Marks, said the church likely closed its doors on Easter in 1918, when the Spanish flu ravaged the city, infecting more than half the population and killing more than 800. All the newspapers at that time said the churches were closed, he said. But the vestry minutes were not available, and I didnt run across anything saying it closed. We can say that perhaps it was closed. In closing the churchs doors at Easter for perhaps the second time in its history, the Rev. Beth Knowlton, the head rector, said she, too, is looking for the positives. On ExpressNews.com: Houses of worship celebrate in time of pandemic The virus has given us the opportunity to use a broad swath of our congregation for our (Holy Week) services, she said. Our hope is this will be a real joy to our people, to see each others faces on screen and hear each others voices. Knowlton, along with Associate Rector the Rev. Matthew Wise, a few members of the choir, the organist and several other members and staff, took part in the livestreamed elements of the Sunday service. Altogether, more than 30 lay people, along with Associate Rector the Rev. Ann Benton Fraser, who is out on maternity leave, helped create the Holy Week online services. Knowlton said that during this most sacred time in the Christian calendar, with the virus throwing things askew, her focus has been on being grateful that God is accompanying us on this journey. We are stripping away all the externals, she said. Rather than meet in a beautiful church, we can still gather with the presence of God and Christ within and around. The spiritual invitation is to acknowledge the pain and sadness of those sick and suffering, but at the same time go to a place of joy and gratitude. Some days thats harder, some days its easier, but when we are truly in communion with one another, we are on solid ground. Knowlton said another unexpected blessing of the virus is how it has enabled some of the elderly and infirm members of St. Marks, who havent been able to attend a physical service in some time, to take part in worship. Shes marveled at 90-year-old congregants learning how to use technology, just to be able to be included in the celebrations. Carl Leafstedt, who is on the music faculty at Trinity University, said hes heard of St. Marks members who have moved away and are now reconnecting via the online Holy Week and Easter services. People from as far away as London are taking part, he said. On ExpressNews.com: Staying sober during the coronavirus Knowlton has been able to find a bit of ironic humor in how the coronavirus has come along in the not-too-distant wake of a major scaffolding accident last September. Some 230 feet of twisted metal from a nearby construction project collapsed in 60-mph winds and slammed into the church buildings. Offices, classrooms, rehearsal rooms and a large gathering space were destroyed, while the sanctuary was untouched. The church is still involved in the repair. Whoever thought the scaffolding accident would become a footnote to the main event? Knowlton said wryly. During her online Easter sermon, in which Knowlton sat before a table holding candles representing the 50 days of Easter, she delivered a message that was both simple and profound. In the week leading up to the resurrection, she said, Jesus was surrounded by crowds. But on that final morning of the empty tomb, there was no clamoring throng, just two of Jesus female followers and an angel. The angel delivered to them a clear message one that seems to resonate in this time of pandemic. The angel told them, Do not be afraid, Knowlton said. To watch archived videos of St. Marks Episcopal Churchs Holy Week and Easter services, visit www.stmarks-sa.org. mstoeltje@express-news.net SPRINGFIELD A fire in a multi-family home late Saturday night sent two people to the hospital with smoke inhalation, displaced seven residents and killed two dogs. The fire was reported at about 11:30 p.m. in a 2 story, two-family home at 26 Parkside St. When firefighters arrived they could see flames coming from the attic, Fire Capt. Drew Piemonte said. All seven residents escaped the home safely but two were brought to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Their injuries are not believed to be serious, he said. Two dogs also died in the fire, Piemonte said. The fire was under control in five to 10 minutes. It was a good stop. They were able to get the lines up there fast, he said. The fire caused between $50,000 and $60,000 in damage. All seven residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross of Western Massachusetts, he said. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Fire Departments Arson and Bomb Squad, he said. Many recognize writer Stephen King as one of the finest horror authors in the world. Some of the topics King writes about seem strangely prescient. And now more than ever, The Stand, a novel he published in 1978, is one of those stories. Recently, King sat down with Terry Gross from NPRs Fresh Air to discuss how the coronavirus outbreak has affected himand his work. Stephen King on how one his most famous books The Stand is reminding people of the coronavirus pandemic Author Stephen King in 2014 | John Lamparski/WireImage NPRs radio show Fresh Air, hosted by Terry Gross, recently invited King on as a guest. Gross asked the famous author if the coronavirus outbreak is the closest thing [hess] come to living in one of [his] own horror stories. Now that we are dealing with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Stephen King fans are comparing our own reality to Kings story in The Stand. Well, it is and it isnt, King responded. He said he received the same feedback from fans after Trump won the 2016 presidential election. Many at the time compared Trumps rise to power to his novel The Dead Zone. And now that Trump is actually president of the United States and there is a pandemic worldwide it seems almost like those two books cross-pollinated somehow. Its not very comfortable to be me. King admitted to the Fresh Air host that when people tell him its like were living in a Stephen King story, his only response to that is, Im sorry, its not your fault.' Stephen King is getting a lot done on his new novel in quarantine When Gross asked the writer how he was doing personally, King replied: Short answer to that is what Im living with, and what I suspect a lot of people are living with right now, is cabin fever. While he watches the news and is concerned for health workers, King has gotten a lot of writing done. He said: to be in the house day after day, all I can say is Ive made wonderful progress on a novel because its really not too much to do and its a good way to get away from the fear. But the pandemic anxiety is not overwhelming for King. Stephen King in 2006 at a book signing | Fred Duval/FilmMagic Its not terror that I feel that I think most people feel, he said. Its a kind of gnawing anxiety where you say to yourself, I shouldnt go out. If I do go out, I might catch this thing or I might give it to somebody else.' The Outsider author talks about what hes had to change about his upcoming book If It Bleeds Gross also pointed out a recent tweet of Kings. People writing novels (including me) set in the present are going to have to rethink a great deal of their works in progress, King tweeted last month. The NPR interviewer asked King if he had to rethink anything in his current project because of the ever-changing world. People writing novels (including me) set in the present are going to re-think a great deal of their works in progress. To quote Bob Dylan, "Things have changed." Stephen King (@StephenKing) March 20, 2020 For the novel King has been working on since 2019, If It Bleeds, he will in fact have to change a major detail: the year it takes place. King told Gross he was originally going to set the novel in 2020, the year just before it was set to be published. But when the coronavirus pandemic came up, King said: I immediately looked back through the copy that I had written, and saw a problem. King recalled: I saw that one of the things that was going on was that two of my characters had gone on a cruise on a cruise ship. And I thought, well, no, I dont think anybodys going on cruise ships this year. Rather than rewriting an entire plot point, he changed the time frame. I immediately set the book in 2019 where people could congregate and be together and the story would work because of that, King told the radio host. There are a lot of interesting ramifications. These days, more people are turning to the internet to shop for groceries. If they arent delivered to our door, they can be brought to our cars and put in the trunk. Its not just a convenience, but in our present pandemic many people see it as a necessity. Unfortunately, not everybody has access to this option. People who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, generally have to show up in person to buy groceries. They can't do what wealthier people do and limit their exposure to COVID-19 while engaging in the essential activity of buying groceries. There are exceptions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, began a pilot program last year with a handful of states (Iowa happens to be one of them) so that SNAP recipients can shop for groceries online. However, the options are limited. In Iowa, Walmart and Amazon are the only retailers in the program, according to USDA. Illinois isnt even in the program, although the state is working on a plan to make it possible for SNAP recipients to shop online, according to an article in the Chicago Tribune last week. As I told the people in Louisiana when the president came here three times to campaign against me last year, Edwards said in the Post interview, I said: This is the political season. Hes going to come down, and hes going to try to get you to vote for my opponent. But when the elections over, Im going to win, and its going to be time to govern. 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. PHILADELPHIABy now were all familiar with the guidance that one of the best ways to protect against contracting the coronavirus is to stop touching our faces. So what does that mean for contact lens wearers? We spoke with Christopher J. Rapuano, chief of cornea service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, for some advice. Opt for glasses instead of contacts. Mouths and noses have gotten the most attention as potential entry points for the virus, but germs can just as easily enter your body through your eyesand wearing contacts requires touching your eyes at least twice a day to insert and remove them. Its pretty logical that if people can decrease their amount of contact lens use or stop contact usethats what were recommending, Rapuano said. If you typically opt for contacts out of convenience or appearance, but can see just as well with glasses, consider sticking with glasses for now. One added bonus for glasses, especially if you have one of the popular oversized styles: They can act somewhat as a shield, blocking things from getting in your eyes. Elderly people may have to be kept isolated until the end of the year to protect them from the coronavirus, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in comments published Sunday. "Without a vaccine, we have to limit as much as possible contact with the elderly," she told the Germany daily Bild. "I know it's difficult and that isolation is a burden, but it is a question of life or death, we have to remain disciplined and patient," she added. "Children and young people will enjoy more freedom of movement earlier than elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions," she said. She said she hoped that a European laboratory will develop a vaccine towards the end of the year. To ensure that people can be quickly vaccinated, authorities are already in talks with producers on gearing up for world production, she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jerusalem, April 12 : Top Ministers with Israel's ruling Likud party called President Reuven Rivlin on Sunday to pass a mandate to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a coalition government after months of a political impassh. The ministers urged President Rivlin to refuse a request by Benny Gantz, Netanyahu's main rival and leader of the centrist Blue and White party, for additional time to try to establish a unity government with the incumbent premier, reports Xinhua news agency. "The mandate should be passed on to Netanyahu," Yariv Levin, Tourism Minister and Netanyahu's close associate, told Army Radio. Levin, who heads the Likud's negotiation team for the coalition talks, said Netanyahu should be given a chance to form a governing coalition because he now has more lawmakers' support than Gantz. The calls came after Gantz asked Rivlin late on Saturday to extend the 28-day mandate to form a coalition government following inconclusive results on the March 2 election. The mandate he received from Rivlin would expire on April 14. In an official letter to Rivlin, Gantz wrote that he and his party held "intensive talks" with Netanyahu's Likud. "I think we are very close to signing a deal," he wrote, adding he needs the extension in order to reach "a final deal." Rivlin did not immediately respond to the request. Gantz ran against Netanyahu in three rounds of inconclusive elections over the past year. Gantz's main promise to his supporters was to put together a government without the long-time leader, who is facing corruption charges. But in a sharp turn in March, he agreed to join forces with Netanyahu and form an "emergency" government in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Such a government is expected to leave Netanyahu as Prime Minister for at least one year and a half before he would rotate with Gantz. After some progress, the talks seemed to have reached an impasse last week. A failure to form a governing coalition could see elections for a fourth time. 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. Fans of Outlander are still trying to deal with everything that happened in episode 7 of season 5. It appeared that Roger (Richard Rankin) was dead from hanging and the main characters were more than a little devastated. Once episode 8 starts, fans learn almost immediately the true fate of Roger. Read on to learn what happened. There are major spoilers ahead. Roger was hung in a tree to die in episode 7 Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, Caitriona Balfe, and Sam Heughan | Michael Tran/Getty Images Roger was told to deliver a message to Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) and the regulators on the eve before a massive battle. He suddenly finds a woman who just so happens to be his ancestor hes encountered before. However, her husband assumes the worst and beats Roger. Next, fans learn that Roger and some other men were hung from a noose to die. Episode 8 reveals Rogers shocking fate In episode 8, Jamie (Sam Heughan) orders Roger to be cut down and discovers that he is miraculously still breathing. His airway is having difficulty getting air to pass, so Claire (Caitriona Balfe) must use her surgical skills to open it up. She makes a hole and inserts something to allow air to escape from Rogers lungs. Fast forward to three months later and Roger is at home healing nicely. But it seems hes afraid to speak. Claire assures him it will sound raspy at first, but get better over time. Hes having flashbacks of what happened to him. One of his ancestors, a MacKenzie, puts him with the British militarys prisoners. Three of the prisoners are chosen to be hanged as an example to others, and of course Roger is one of those men before he is rescued. Brianna is worried about her husband Brianna (Sophie Skelton) recalls a friend of hers who dated a man who fought in Vietnam. He had been back almost a year from war after being hit by shrapnel. He had what her mother calls shell shock, or PTSD from the trauma. Bri is understandably worried that Roger has the same thing. He isnt talking and doesnt seem like himself at all. The governor has granted Roger 5,000 acres for the mistake of hanging him, which isnt enough when you think about all the stress and trauma it has caused. Bri is upset, and she says she just wants her husband back, not the land. When Bris parent come to visit them, a child almost touches a hot tea kettle and Roger screams, Stop. It scares the child, but excites everyone else to hear him speak after so many months being silent. Brianna begs him to try and say something else, but he cant. The silence is definitely causing problems for Bri and Roger. Everything seems to remind Roger of how he almost lost his life. Hes trying to move on from things, but its more than difficult. Roger talks about things with Young Ian Young Ian (John Bell) returns to Frasers Ridge and agrees to survey the gifted land with Roger. It turns out hes going through a lot after leaving the Mohawk, but he isnt saying much about it. When he tries to kill himself by consuming water hemlock, Roger stops him and they get into it. Ian asks Roger what he saw as he was dying and he tells him he saw Briannas face. Apparently Ian lost someone when he was with the Mohawk. Roger asks if shes dead, and Ian tells him no but shes lost to him. He wanted his pain to end, just like Roger does. Who can say where your soul may go if youYou could be parted forever, Roger tells him. Not only from her but all who love you. They both return as new men. Roger tells Bri that a part of him died the day he almost died. He tells her he will always sing for her. And with that, Roger is talking again and its good to hear his voice. Although China is claiming success in its battle against the coronavirus, millions have lost their jobs in the economic fallout, throwing into jeopardy an ambitious target to eradicate poverty this year. Beijing has been working to fire up the economy again after bringing it to a near standstill to curb the spread of COVID-19, but many firms have had a bumpy restart and workers are bearing the brunt of the pain. Despite being a country of skyscrapers and high-tech innovations, China still has millions of people on meagre incomes. About 5.5 million rural Chinese live in poverty, defined by the government as surviving on less than 2,300 yuan ($326) a year. A slowing economy puts pressure on a key Communist Party goal to become a "moderately prosperous society" by the end of 2020, an ambition in place long before the virus emerged. It also threatens a long-held tacit agreement between people and party that freedoms can be sacrificed in return for economic progress, an understanding that largely forms the basis of the authoritarian government's legitimacy in the absence of elections. China has little in the way of social security benefits and workers who lose their jobs have an inadequate safety net, meaning mass unemployment often brings a fear of unrest. Official statistics show jobless numbers have soared, with roughly five million more people out of work between December and February. Data firm Caixin said its services purchasing managers' index, a key indicator of activity in the services sector, showed companies cut staff at the quickest pace on record in March. Hu Fangdi, 23, lost her job as a saleswoman at an airport retail store two weeks ago and has had no luck finding a new role. "No one was buying things during the outbreak and the company laid us off," she told AFP. Lily Han, who lost her sales job at a tech firm last month, said she needs a new job within two months just to make ends meet. The 24-year-old has applied for over 300 positions but has come up empty handed. - 'Constant anxiety' - With much of the rest of the world still locked in all-consuming battles against the virus, the pandemic is expected to heavily weigh on demand for Chinese goods. Analysts at financial services firm Nomura said the nation could lose around 18 million jobs in the export sector -- nearly a third of the industry's workforce. This growing unemployment will be a major blow to consumption -- a key driver of China's growth, said Louis Kuijs of Oxford Economics. Workers and businesses are beginning to feel the squeeze as cash flow dries up. One worker in construction management surnamed Zhao, 28, told AFP his employer stopped paying salaries in February. "I have housing and credit loans to pay... My family is now covering my housing loan and I work part-time to cover my daily expenses," he said. "I feel constant anxiety." Some businesses still can't reopen amid lingering lockdowns. Eric Liu, owner of Maomaochong Bar and Pizza in one of Beijing's ageing hutong neighbourhoods, says business is paltry as the narrow alleyways remain sealed off. Relying on his home delivery customers, sales are barely 10 percent of pre-virus levels and Liu has cut salaries. Some firms have taken dramatic measures to stay solvent, including paying just a minimal living allowance. And Beijing authorities have allowed companies to waive some social security payments, including contributions to pension, unemployment and work injury funds -- measures that could further hit vulnerable workers. - Slipping into poverty - Job losses also raise the likelihood of laid-off migrant workers returning to poorer rural areas and slipping into poverty. Liu Sihua, 49, a domestic worker, has been stranded in her village in eastern Anhui province since mid-January with no income or unemployment benefits. "My landlord in Beijing refuses to allow outsiders to return after the virus scare," she said. "The family I was working for... went back to the Netherlands, and now I don't know when they will come back since China has temporarily banned foreigners from entering." To compensate, authorities are easing stringent regulations governing the lives of rural migrants working in urban areas, allowing them greater access to the property market, healthcare and education in some smaller cities. "Poverty eradication is harder to achieve given the current situation, which could not possibly have been foreseen," said Zhao Litao of Singapore's East Asian Institute. Other analysts warn not to place too much weight on achieving artificial targets. Wiping out extreme poverty could prove a "narrow" concept that distorts the real economic picture, said Kuijs, as local governments pursue all means possible to be seen meeting targets, sometimes at considerable cost. Slate is making its coronavirus coverage free for all readers. Subscribe to support our journalism. Start your free trial. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked the staff of the National Health Service as he left St Thomas Hospital on Sunday after a week of treatment for the coronavirus. I have today left hospital after a week in which the NHS has saved my life, no question, he said in a five-minute video message posted on Twitter. Johnson specifically thanked two nursesJenny from New Zealand and Luis from Portugalfor watching over him for 48 hours when things could have gone either way. Johnson said that the reason in the end my body did start to get enough oxygen was because for every second of the night they were watching and they were thinking and they were caring and making the interventions I needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is hard to find the words to express my debt to the NHS for saving my life. The efforts of millions of people across this country to stay home are worth it. Together we will overcome this challenge, as we have overcome so many challenges in the past. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/HK7Ch8BMB5 Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) April 12, 2020 Johnson was taken to the hospital last Sunday and was moved into intensive care Monday night. He was never put on a ventilator but received standard oxygen treatment. Johnson was taken out of intensive care on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Johnson will now continue his recovery at Chequers, which is the prime ministers country house. On the advice of his medical team, the PM will not be immediately returning to work, Johnsons office said in a statement. He wishes to thank everybody at St Thomas for the brilliant care he has received. Johnsons pregnant fiancee, Carrie Symonds, sent a series of tweets in which she said she cannot thank our magnificent NHS enough. I cannot thank our magnificent NHS enough. The staff at St Thomas Hospital have been incredible. I will never, ever be able to repay you and I will never stop thanking you. Carrie Symonds (@carriesymonds) April 12, 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Johnson continues recovering, other members of his government are under increasing pressure to explain why the death toll in the country is increasing so quickly, as the United Kingdom on Sunday became the fourth European country to pass the 10,000 mark for deaths related to COVID-19. On Friday the countrys death toll was 980, which surpassed the highest number of deaths in a single day in Italy. Johnson continued urging everyone to follow social distancing guidelines. I want you to know that this Easter Sunday I do believe that your efforts are worth it, and are daily proving their worth, he said. Because although we mourn every day those who are taken from us in such numbers, and though the struggle is by no means over, we are now making progress in this incredible national battle against coronavirus. Flashback: the Nokia N95 was a high point for Symbian but also the beginning of the end The Nokia N95 was peak Symbian the phone came out in early 2007 and did everything. It was a feature rich phone that got even better when the Finns introduced the Nokia N95 8GB (aka N95-2) a few months later. Nokia N95 This was around the time that the original iPhone was introduced and while Apple stunned the world with the carefully thought out user interface built around a capacitive multi-touch screen, the smartphone capabilities were lacking at best. Remember that the Apple App Store wasnt introduced until the following year, Steve Jobs and company initially bet on web apps only. The iPhone had no GPS and its 2MP camera couldnt record video at all, let alone match what the N95 was capable of. The 5MP camera with Carl Zeiss Tessar lens produced stunning photos. It was the subject of one of our earliest shootouts when we compared it with the Sony Ericsson K850, another famous camera phone from that era. And it was the first time that the Nokia edged out its Japanese-Swedish rival, having lost the 3MP shootout the year before. Nokia N95 vs. Sony Ericsson K850 And it could record DVD-quality video VGA at 30fps something that few non-Nokia opponents could pull off (the K850 only managed a quarter of the resolution, for example). The camera user interface The 2.6 screen with 240 x 320px resolution of the original N95 wasnt the largest or the sharpest, but it was okay. The 8GB model upgraded to a 2.8 screen while keeping the same physical dimensions clearly this was the one to have. Nokia N95 vs. Nokia N95 8GB - the dimensions are almost identical This screen had a lot of work to do. With 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity offered the full web browsing experience. There was also Bluetooth 2.0, which allowed you to send files locally (Wi-Fi and cheap data plans were not so common back then). The Nokia N95 came loaded with Word and Excel document viewers. You could even buy the full version of Quickoffice to enable editing. Nokia N95 8GB comes with preinstalled document readers for .doc .xls and .pdf files And if youre going to do that, you may as well pick up this foldable Bluetooth keyboard. It was a full size keyboard that was nevertheless easy to carry and even had a built-in stand for the phone. The Nokia N95 even provided something of a desktop experience the 3.5mm headphone jack could also output Composite video so you could connect it to a TV and edit your documents on a large screen. Today we have desktop modes from Samsung and Huawei, stock Android 10 has a not-quite-complete implementation too. The N95 offered similar features, though perhaps it suffered from "ahead of its time" syndrome - people just weren't ready to use their phone as a desktop replacement. To be fair, the software wasn't really ready for that either. The retail package contained a TV out cable and a wired headset for the 3.5mm jack More realistically, you could play Quake III, Asphalt 3 or FIFA 2007 on the TV, using the phone as a sort of console. It supported the N-Gage mobile gaming service and its TI OMAP 2420 chipset was powerful enough to run 1999s hottest 3D FPS game. It had a 330MHz main CPU accessible by apps and a PowerVR MBX GPU (the whole thing was built on a 90nm process). Here the Nokia N95 8GB had a distinct advantage double the ram, 128MB vs. 64MB. Sorry, we almost wrote GB there out of habit - many of todays phones have more RAM than this phone had storage. Especially since Nokia made the questionable decision to remove the microSD card slot (the original N95 had one). The phone supported MP3 playback, of course, and could even play video with the RealPlayer app (we remember that one from the dial-up days). It could serve as your main music player on the go, no need to bother with CDs anymore. And as you can imagine, the TV out functionality came into good use, throwing movies and your own DVD-quality video onto a large (probably CRT) TV screen. Gallery FM radio File browser Oh, and speaking of multimedia, we should mention the dual-slider design. Obviously, sliding one way revealed the keypad so you could dial on enter text (that was a pain, even with T9). Sliding the other way revealed the multimedia controls Nokia was really pushing the N95 as a music and video player. Another advantage of the 8GB model was a larger battery - 1,200mAh, up from 950mAh. We can tell you from experience, the N95's battery didn't last through the day, but those extra 250mAh certainly extended its endurance. Also, the screen could automatically rotate to landscape mode as you turned the phone sideways (this is something we take for granted these days). There was a built-in GPS receiver and Nokia Maps, which was one of the best apps at the time. Turn-by-turn navigation was a paid upgrade, however. Nokia would make navigation free on its phones three years later, but that only when Symbian was starting to get pushed out by other smartphone platforms. Nokia Maps before navigation became free And the Symbians did get pushed out. Initially, the Nokia N95 was outselling the iPhone, but before 2007 was even over the Apple phone came out ahead. We feel that the N95 was the last hurrah for classic Symbian. As weve discussed before, Symbians transition to touch with the 5800 XpressMusic was hardly smooth (and yes, we know about UIQ, but most of the market didnt pay it much attention). We did get the Nokia N8 and 808 PureView, which were spiritual successors to the N95, but well go back to those two another time. As great as those were, Symbian was dying (or to quote a certain former Nokia CEO it was a burning platform) and the gamble on Microsofts OS didnt pay off. The Nokia N95 in 2007 was both a high point and the beginning of the end for Symbian. Beginning Sunday, all residents and visitors to the city of Lynn must stay home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., Mayor Thomas McGee ordered. The mayor issued two executive orders on Saturday after consulting with the city council, department of public health and the city solicitors office. The stay-at-home order does not apply to people providing or receiving COVID-19 essential services. Sick people are prohibited from leaving their homes unless they are going out to receive medical care. As the outbreak of COVID-19 through person to person transmission continues to significantly affect the way of life and health of our community here in Lynn, we must take additional steps to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the spread to protect the health and welfare of all of us, McGee said. Therefore, I am issuing two Executive Orders to ensure that residents and businesses in Lynn act consistently with the imperative public health mandate. These orders will ensure that the entire community can achieve the maximum amount of social distancing, while continuing to provide and receive essential services, and ultimately slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent that we can. The mayor said taking the measures now will help people in the long run. All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are prohibited. The orders also limit any concentration of individuals outside their home to workers providing essential services or individuals who are undertaking essential tasks. The order does allow for outdoor activity but limited to activities that are non-contact or where people would come into close contact with other people. McGee said the order also requires individuals to practice social distancing when in public and wear a cloth face covering, such as a fabric mask, scarf or bandana over their nose and mouth when entering any essential service business, in any communal spaces of a residential or commercial building complex, and when social distancing in public cannot be met. The city said surgical masks, or N-95 respirators, are not recommended for members of the general public in an effort to preserve medical PPE for healthcare workers and first responders. McGee ordered all essential services to limit the number of customers and staff inside establishments to 40% of existing occupancy permits. Employees are required to wear face coverings when interacting with the public or a coworker, businesses must enact a plan for the regular cleaning and sanitizing of high touch surfaces and must have visible floor markings or signage that establish proper social distance between customers waiting to enter the business or waiting to check out, the order states. There is a zero-tolerance policy for the gathering and loitering of customers within stores premises or outside of a store upon completion of sale. No customers are allowed to enter restaurants, bars and similar establishments. Customers will be able to get services from those businesses via drive-thru windows, curbside pickup or delivery. Another provision within the orders prohibits landlords or owners from enforcing an eviction upon a resident of Lynn. This includes residential tenants and commercial tenants. Landlords and owners cannot access a tenants home for general inspections or to show the space to future tenants. A landlord may only access a tenants dwelling space to make repairs requested by the tenant, repairs required as a matter of law or to respond to a life-threatening emergency, the mayor said. The orders begin Sunday, April 12. Any violation will result in a suspension/revocation of any and all city of Lynn licenses and permits and fines of up to $1,000. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh urged people to stay at home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. while he issued a set of stricter guidelines for the city last week. The public health advisory does not apply to essential workers. The mayor also asked everyone, including essential workers, to wear masks while outside. The stay-at-home advisory was enhanced to a recommended curfew in Boston. Related Content: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been discharged from St Thomas hospital in London after a week that saw him spend three days in an intensive care unit even as the national death toll passed 10,000. He will not immediately be returning to work, but rather will continue his recovery at Chequers, the prime ministers official country residence, said media reports citing a statement from his office. Johnson, 55, said it "could have gone either way" as he thanked healthcare workers for saving his life after being discharged from hospital. The British Premier was taken to London's St Thomas' Hospital on Sunday - 10 days after testing positive for Covid-19. He spent three nights in intensive care before returning to a ward on Thursday, reported BBC. He said in a video on Twitter that he had witnessed the "personal courage" of hospital staff on the front line. Johnson said two nurses - Jenny from New Zealand and Luis from Portugal - stood by his bedside for 48 hours at the most critical time and named several other hospital workers who cared for him this past week that he wanted to thank. He said NHS workers "kept putting themselves in harm's way, kept risking this deadly virus". "It is thanks to that courage, that devotion, that duty and that love that our NHS has been unbeatable," he added. Downing Street said the PM would continue his recovery at his country residence, 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." The UK has recorded 737 new coronavirus-related hospital deaths as of 17:00 BST on Saturday, taking the total number to 10,612. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was "delighted" the PM was out of hospital and continuing his recovery at Chequers. He added that staff at St Thomas' would "have cared for him as they would have cared for anybody in this country," which was "one of the things that makes me so proud that the NHS is there for us all". Asked how long it would be before the prime minister returned to work, he said: "That will be a clinical decision for his doctors to take with him. "The government is operating perfectly efficiently within the strategy he set out." Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is currently in charge of running the government, with aides reportedly expecting Johnson to be out of action for as long as a month. The Food and Drug Administration has approved solutions created by scientists at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center that both expand and accelerate COVID-19 testing across Ohio. Health systems worldwide have struggled because of the critical shortage of test kit components, including the swabs used to collect samples and the sterile solution needed to transport the swabs. The testing kits include the swabs and vials filled with a liquid called viral transport media (VTM). Recognizing the threat, a rapidly assembled team of Ohio State researchers worked overnight and, within 24 hours, created an in house "recipe" to make the crucial VTM. Essentially, it's a salt solution buffered in the way necessary to stabilize the virus. In addition, the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, working with faculty and staff in the university's colleges of Engineering and Dentistry, have created and 3D printed more than 50,000 new swabs for COVID-19 test kits that will be shared with hospitals across Ohio, which will allow more people to be tested. We're fortunate to have the scientists and the resources at Ohio State's seven health sciences colleges and across campus to create these vital materials and to be able to serve other hospital systems in Ohio and around the country that need them. This is what Buckeyes do. We collaborate to solve society's biggest problems. We're all in this together." Dr. Hal Paz, executive vice president and chancellor for Health Affairs at The Ohio State University and CEO of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center In mid-March, Peter J. Mohler, vice dean of research at The Ohio State College of Medicine and director of the Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, asked a diverse team of immunologists, microbiologists, pathologists and pharmacists to create this new solution. He asked Jacob Yount in the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity to lead the project. Yount found a World Health Organization recipe that he and Dr. Ana Sarkar in the Department of Internal Medicine were able to re-create in a lab at Ohio State's Biomedical Research Tower. Yount's research team shared the VTM with the pathology department for quality-control testing and the pharmacy team for packaging in sterile tubes. The supply chain department distributed these to the testing sites and emergency departments for use. The lab has continued to expand to produce VTM for healthcare teams around the state. Each test kit uses about 3ml (about one tablespoon) of VTM. Ohio State has created more than 100 liters of VTM, which is enough for up to 30,000 test kits, Mohler said. Ohio State continues to use commercially produced VTM when it is available, but it's unfortunately still in short supply. "Because of this new viral transport media, thousands of people will be tested for COVID-19 who otherwise would have had no other option," said Dr. Andrew Thomas, chief clinical officer at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. He said that sharing the VTM recipe and the actual solution with other health systems is key to making testing more widely available. "This has been a team effort across the medical center, university and our colleagues across the state. The coronavirus crisis has mobilized the scientific community, and I'm pleased to see how quickly we're exchanging ideas of what works and what doesn't work," Mohler said. For example, last month Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and Battelle announced a jointly developed new rapid, sensitive diagnostic test for COVID-19. The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is administering the new test in alignment with FDA guidelines. The new rapid test allows for substantially faster turnaround time on test results and increased processing volume, which will help "flatten the curve." "Researchers at Battelle and Ohio State continue to work each day to refine the testing platform to increase accuracy, speed and capacity. Testing will continue to be critical both during the surge and the immediate future," Mohler said. Another example of ingenuity and creativity involves new protective plastic shields for use during intubation procedures. Ohio State engineers are making the portable shields using 3D printers and an injection molding machine. This device reduces the need for PPE during these procedures, conserving this vital equipment that's in short supply nationwide. Much more COVID-19 research is happening at Ohio State University, with almost 80 research projects underway across campus. "As an academic health center, we have the unique ability to quickly move treatments and innovations from the lab to the bedside to help patients receive the most current treatments when they need it most," Paz said. "This, combined with the unique collaborative culture of Ohio State and Columbus, has allowed us to accelerate these discoveries by leveraging all of our resources and talent around the common enemy of COVID-19." The OPEC+ group led by Saudi Arabia and Russia finalized plans Sunday to steeply cut oil production by a combined 9.7 million barrels per day, Bloomberg and Reuters report, capping a tumultuous, days-long stretch of international talks that included the U.S. Additional cuts are expected from producers outside the OPEC+ group. Why it matters: The agreement marks oil producers' first coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused an unprecedented collapse in global oil demand and pushed prices to very low levels. As Axios reported Friday, the deal is expected to help the market avoid complete collapse, but it won't prevent substantial damage to the sector. The demand and price declines are causing distress for U.S. oil producers and drilling contractors, who are steeply cutting spending and beginning to pare staff. The intrigue: President Trump has been touting his involvement in the negotiations and has held direct talks in recent days with the heads of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Mexico. He tweeted on Sunday: "The big Oil Deal with OPEC Plus is done. This will save hundreds of thousands of energy jobs in the United States. I would like to thank and congratulate President Putin of Russia and King Salman of Saudi Arabia. I just spoke to them from the Oval Office. Great deal for all!" What's next: All eyes will now be on the market response to the agreement when oil futures trading resumes Sunday evening. Driving the news: Sunday's reported deal follows a tentative agreement Thursday that was temporarily derailed by Mexico's opposition to its level of allotted cuts, as well a wider G20 energy ministers meeting Friday and talks that stretched into the weekend. Per multiple reports, Mexico will agree to cut its production by 100,000 barrels per day, which is 300,000 barrels per day less than its allotment in Thursday's tentative deal that Mexican officials rejected. Trump said Friday that he has offered to help Mexico "pick up some of the slack," though there have not been details on the agreement. The big picture: "The U.S., Brazil and Canada will contribute another 3.7 million barrels as their production declines," Bloomberg reports, adding that OPEC officials are waiting to hear from more G20 members. Last week as I was grappling with the strange, tortured sleep thats become my companion during the Covid-19 crisis I got shaken awake by the sound of rotor blades. It didnt have the insect-like buzz of the police helicopter, but the dull, monotonous thud of one of the giant Chinooks. I later discovered it was ferrying medical personnel on a training run to the ExCel Centre in nearby Docklands the RAF once again making final preparations to protect the capital from a deadly invader. Of course, we are no longer supposed to use language like that. Over the past few days a liberal consensus has formed that such imagery is trite, even divisive. We are not a nation at war, and should not pretend to be. Prime Minister Boris Johnson chairing the morning Covid-19 Meeting in 10 Downing Street from No11 Downing Street, after self isolating after testing positive for the Coronavirus This narrative then proceeded to devour everything in its path. Dominic Raabs assertion that the Prime Minister was a fighter was seized upon. At best, it was fatuous. At worst, it implied those who succumb to the disease are weak. One of my regular social media followers even claimed it was further evidence that eugenics were at the heart of No 10s coronavirus response. And once again, with unerring consistency, the liberal consensus is wrong. Of course we are a nation at war. A cruel, brutal, pitiless war one that will claim thousands of lives, and shatter hundreds of thousands more, before it has run its course. Nearly 3,000 military personnel are deployed in the fight against Covid-19. Another 20,000 stand at the highest state of readiness. Britain is in lockdown under powers never before deployed in peacetime. Our manufacturing industry is retooling to enable it to make its contribution to the war effort. The rest of the British economy has effectively been nationalised. The reassuringly named Nightingale Hospital is basically just a sanitised version of the field hospital from M*A*S*H. And thats just in the UK. Because this is a global conflict. In Lombardy, there is nothing sanitised about the field hospitals. In New York, giant trenches are being dug to create mass graves. In Wuhan, the police and military have been conducting house-to-house searches, rounding up the sick and confining them to giant quarantine centres. But though this is a world war, its not liberal Britains war. It cant be. The wrong people are fighting it. Actually, lets be honest. The wrong person. There is nothing that will convince the British liberal elite to set aside their political differences and join a national effort led by Boris Johnson. They are not, in the main, malicious people. But they are a beaten people. They lost the Brexit referendum. They lost in their bid to overturn the result of the Brexit referendum. They lost Decembers General Election. And over the course of the coronavirus crisis, Boris Johnson has done three more unspeakable things that the liberals will never forgive. 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 The first was that he nearly died on them. Remember the caricature. Boris was Jeremy Corbyns part-time PM. The lazy Old Etonian dilettante who spent his time idling at Chequers when he was supposed to be leading the country. And then the country saw the reality. A man who had worked himself into the ground and then intensive care in his attempt to keep Britain safe. HIS second deadly sin dates back to the very start of the outbreak. Liberal Britain was again poised to pounce. This was a scientific and medical emergency. The disdain of Boris and his Brexit colleagues for sober, expert analysis would lead us to catastrophe. At which point Boris stood up and placed his faith squarely in the hands of the medical and scientific experts. Yes, there have been desperate attempts to peddle fake-news lines about herd immunity and taking it on the chin. But deep down the Governments critics know Boris decided from the outset to let his strategy be led by the science. They know the subsequent inquiry will confirm that. And they cannot stand that he has destroyed another of their sacred narratives. But theres one thing above all else the denizens of liberal Britain cannot forgive. And thats that the people of Britain have chosen to again turn their backs on them and line up behind their Prime Minister. The British people do want a fighter. They know we are engaged in the collective struggle of our lives. They have no interest in scoring political points, or undermining the struggle against Covid-19 by making it a proxy Brexit or culture war. They just want to see this evil virus beaten, so they can be reunited with their families and their friends. And this weekend it can be beaten. If this is a war, then the next 48 hours represents our D-Day. Or C-Day. The evidence is clear. As I wrote last week, away from the sneers and the smears, the Governments strategy is working. Infections are flattening. The number of hospital admissions is flattening. The horrific death toll appears to be starting to decelerate. 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' But we have now reached the defining moment. This weekend will decide whether we finally turn the tide of the outbreak, or give the virus a new lease of life. AS A Government official explained: Some people think its over and we can start lifting the lockdown. Thats like saying, OK, weve beaten Hitler, lets go home back in 1944. We have to keep going. People need to stay at home over this bank holiday to keep themselves and their families and the NHS workers safe. No one inside Government or out of it is embracing the language of war for the hell of it. Or through misguided jingoism. When the Queen in the address that will come to define her reign evoked the spirit of 1940, she was not trading in cheap anachronisms. She was issuing a rallying cry to the nation. One that liberal Britain cannot even hear, never mind bring itself to answer. At least not for as long as Boris Johnson is Prime Minister. But that no longer matters. He is our leader for the duration. If he has to spend the next few weeks away from the front line, so be it. His deputies are able. The strategy is in place. The country, with a few irrelevant exceptions, is united behind him. All that is required is one last effort. Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives. Yes, the battle is wearing. But we are close now. All we must do is ensure tomorrow is our longest day. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 23:19:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Some 100,000 masseuses in Thailand, who are currently jobless due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are yet to be given cash aid, a senior government official said on Sunday. The masseuses, mostly employed at massage and spa parlors nationwide and currently jobless, have earlier registered with the Department of Health Service Support, said Tharet Karatnairawiwong, director general of the department. All massage and spa parlors throughout the country have been ordered to temporarily shut down as part of the social-distancing measure to contain the pandemic. Among the affected masseuses, those who may be entitled to Social Security coverage will be provided a maximum of 7,500 baht (about 229 U.S. dollars) in cash monthly, Tharet said. However, those who are not covered by Social Security might probably be among some 24 million people who have applied online for a sum of 5,000 baht (about 153 U.S. dollars) in monthly grant from the Ministry of Finance. The department has been compiling a list of jobless masseuses, who may not have earlier registered with the agency, so that they be as well given the cash aid, he said. The special envoy to the World Health Organization doesn't expect the coronavirus to disappear entirely until a vaccine is developed. "We think it's going to be a virus that stalks the human race for quite a long time to come until we can all have a vaccine to protect us," Dr. David Nabarro, a representative for the WHO, told NBC's "Meet the Press." Nabarro was asked what the United States should expect in the fall from the coronavirus as countries around the world continue to struggle with overcoming the pandemic. "There will be small outbreaks that will emerge sporadically and they will break through our defenses," he added. The U.S. has reported at least 530,000 coronavirus cases with at least 20,608 deaths. There are over 1.7 million cases globally with at least 110,042 deaths. The Small Business Administration says the demand for $350 billion in relief to small businesses suffering from the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic is overwhelming and the application process now underway is fraught with problems. I dont know of anyone in the state of Virginia thats gotten a check yet, said Michael C. Scales, business analyst for the Small Business Development Center at Longwood University. Scales answered questions during Thursdays briefing with local leaders via a Zoom conference call. My primary job is to check on the health of small businesses, and there is a tremendous amount of information coming in, Scales said. It gets updated before we can get the information out. Scales said there are two basic programs available economic injury disaster loans that are managed by the SBA and processed online and the paycheck protection program that is managed through a local bank. But the banks are not prepared for the onslaught of frantic business owners in need. Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, the largest two banks in the U.S. were hit with 625,000 requests for $80 billion in loans by Tuesday. They have attempted to increase the manpower needed to verify the loan amounts and process the paperwork, but smaller banks are unable to keep up. Sonam Lalchandani and her husband are the owners of Urban Trends, Inc., parent company of Suit City, with stores in Roanoke, Danville and Collinsville. We have huge rents [rental expense], 12 employees on payroll, and we didnt want our employees to suffer, Lalchandani said. She asked for help from HomeTrust Bank in Martinsville, where she has two business checking accounts, and her brother-in-law followed up with a Wells Fargo bank in Roanoke. Lalchandani said she and her brother-in-law were told by both banks the program wasnt ready on April 1 but would begin on April 3. On April 2 I got a call from HomeTrust asking if I had a loan or a lending account with them, and I said, No I dont. All I have are two business checking accounts and personal savings accounts, Lalchandani said. I was told I cant apply through my bank because I dont have a lending relation, and they turned me down. I was very upset, so on April 4 I contacted the SBA director at HomeTrust, and he emailed me saying that he added me to the list, and once their portal is ready, I will be informed. ... I can go online and apply. Monday morning I got an email saying they are not accepting any applications due to the overwhelming response. Lalchandani said the next five banks she tried would not accept her application because she wasnt a customer. Finally I got in touch with Carter Bank & Trust [in Martinsville], and they took my application, although I am not their customer, but we dont know yet if it will be approved. Lalchandani said her brother-in-law had no luck with Wells Fargo in Roanoke. He was given a PPP loan application to review, and they took his number and email and told him once the online portal is ready, they will contact him, Lalchandani said. He checked multiple times through the weekend to see if they had opened the application process. On April 7 he got an email saying they closed the applications to new submissions late Sunday due to overwhelming applications. Bigger banks were able to create their portals in a few days and are now working to automate the process of verifying the information on the applications while smaller banks do not have the resources to keep up. The SBA has problems of its own. Lenders have been told some of the forms being generated are not correct and will be rejected if used. The SBA also warned approved loans with incorrect forms could also leave the business owner ineligible for loan forgiveness. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had encouraged small business owners last week to contact their local lenders for assistance. Any FDIC institution will be able to do this, he said, adding the money would be available the same day the loan was approved. Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Fultz said her staff stands ready to help with the process. We are here to hand-hold any of the business owners through the process, Fultz said. Weve helped 30 businesses in the short time of the application process. We are really, honestly, every hour assisting someone, but they need to contact us to get that help sooner than later. Chamber Deputy Director Sharon Shepherd said the staff is coordinating its efforts with other chamber groups across the state. The SBA is overwhelmed, Shepherd said. Lalchandani received a personal phone call from the local HomeTrust Bank manager late Thursday afternoon. They apologized for the confusion and said they now have their portal up, Lalchandani said. If I had not already applied through another bank, I could now apply through them. Lalchandani said she had planned to go to the bank on Friday and close out all of her accounts, but she reconsidered after the bank manager called. I have banked with them for 19 years, and they have been wonderful. But the corporate people not so much. Bill Wyatt is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at 276-638-8801, Ext. 236. Follow him @billdwyatt Bill Wyatt is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at 276-638-8801, Ext. 236. Follow him @billdwyatt Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. New mobile testing kits that were hailed by the White House as a game-changing development in the US response to coronavirus are sitting idle across several states as officials say they arrived without enough supplies. The federal government purchased a fleet of the Abbott Laboratories testing machines, which are able to deliver results within minutes instead of days, and began distributing them among the states last week. Every state except for Alaska was given 15 machines, regardless of its population or severity of its outbreak. Governors who were thrilled at the prospect of being able to run up to 3,000 tests per day are now expressing frustration that the machines arrived with only 120 cartridges, enough for about 100 tests. 'There was a lot of talk about this device, a lot of hype on it nationally, and it's wonderful, and when they showed up, expectations were really high,' New Hampshire Gov Chris Sununu told a news conference on Wednesday. 'But to actually have 13 of these devices and have no way to use them - I'm banging my head against a wall. I really am. It's really frustrating.' Sununu, a Republican, said that most of the machines would sit idle until he figures out how to get more cartridges, one of which is needed to complete each test. New mobile testing kits that were hailed by the White House as a game-changing development in the US response to coronavirus are sitting idle across several states as officials say they arrived without enough supplies. One of the Abbott Laboratories machines is pictured New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu was one of many top state officials across the country who expressed frustration over the limited supplies for the Abbott Laboratories testing machines. 'There was a lot of talk about this device, a lot of hype on it nationally, and it's wonderful, and when they showed up, expectations were really high,' Sununu told a news conference on Wednesday (pictured). 'But to actually have 13 of these devices and have no way to use them - I'm banging my head against a wall. I really am. It's really frustrating' The federal government has faced fierce criticism over nationwide testing shortages that have crippled the US response to coronavirus, which has sickened more than 534,000 Americans and killed at least 20,647 as of Sunday morning. Public health officials including top members of the White House coronavirus task force have acknowledged the testing failures, while President Donald Trump has maintained that the system is the strongest in the world. Trump unveiled the plan to distribute Abbott testing machines about two weeks ago - calling them a 'whole new ballgame' in the fight against the pandemic. The excitement over the 'game-changing' machines quickly dissolved as they arrived in states with so few cartridges. Asked about the issue but the Wall Street Journal, US Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) spokeswoman Mia Heck said that states are able to order more supplies through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heck explained that the federal government purchased limited quantities of Abbott machines for state labs because it wanted to allow enough for hospitals to buy them as well. She did not respond to a question about why 49 states received the same number of tests and machines. Alaska received 50 machines - despite having the third-smallest population of any state - to bolster testing efforts in remote areas, Heck said. President Donald Trump showed off one of the Abbott machines at a press conference on March 30 (pictured) - calling the kits a 'whole new ballgame' in the fight against the pandemic The federal government has faced fierce criticism over nationwide testing shortages that have crippled the US response to coronavirus, which has sickened more than 550,000 Americans and killed at least 21,715 as of Sunday morning Illinois Gov J.B. Pritzker said he spoke to Abbott, which is based in his state, over a week ago and made an agreement to conduct 88,000 tests a month, or about 3,000 daily. After the federal government took over purchasing and distribution of the tests, Illinois received far fewer than Pritzker had anticipated. 'That's eight tests per machine for all of Illinois,' the Democratic governor said. In New York, the epicenter of the US outbreak, said their Abbott machines wouldn't be used until they acquire enough cartridges to make them practical. In Louisiana, which has the highest COVID-19 infection rate in the nation, Gov John Bel Edwards said he had hoped to deploy the Abbott machines statewide to help keep health-care workers on the job while preserving personal protective equipment. 'We have the machines, but not necessarily the cartridges to make a big difference,' Edwards said. HHS also allocated 250 machines for the Indian Health Service, which provides health care for 2.6 million Native Americans. Tori Kitcheyan, chair of the National Indian Health Board, said the agency wasn't given nearly enough cartridges to meet demand on remote reservations with limited access to any COVID-19 testing. Abbott is currently manufacturing 50,000 cartridges per day and has vowed to continue increasing production to meet states' needs. The company's headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, is shown above Abbott is currently manufacturing 50,000 cartridges per day and has vowed to continue increasing production to meet states' needs. Each cartridge costs $40, while the machines cost $4,500. A spokesperson said that as of Friday the company had shipped nearly 500,000 cartridges to doctors' offices, universities and laboratories that have placed their own orders, in addition to those purchased by the federal government. If and when the Abbott machines do get up and running, they're expected to significantly improve testing delays in states scrambling to keep up with demand. Such improvement has already been seen in Detroit, which purchased a large number after the tests were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration late last month. The Detroit mayor's office said the city has already administered more than 1,000 since the start of the month, initially focusing on first responders and bus drivers who had been placed in quarantine. Detroit recently ordered an additional 4,000 tests which are expected to be used at nursing homes and homeless shelters. Heloise Letissier is familiar with isolation. The artist, who goes by Christine and the Queens or Chris, spent a large portion of her youth in solitude. Losing herself in books and art, discovering who she was by spending time with only herself. Christine and the Queens. Now, like the rest of the world, she is in endless isolation. Alone in her Paris apartment, her only link to the outside world is through social media. It's a place she is comfortable. This is something I have known how to do since I was young, it actually reminds me of the situation I am in now. I was comfortable being lonely, escaping into music and books and art. I think it is important to do that, she says. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Clarissa Batino (Bloomberg) Manila, Philippines Sun, April 12, 2020 12:15 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd15467d 2 Business COVID-19,Philippines,Rodrigo-Duterte,Manila,economic-cost Free The Philippines should gradually reopen the economy and allow businesses to operate at 50 percent capacity to protect jobs, according to Teresita Sy-Coson who helps run an empire from banking to retail under SM Investments Corp. If all the industries can start operating 50 percent, including the transport, with all the medical precaution like making test kits more available and disinfecting measures and sanitation safeguards, then we can gradually increase the employment after the lockdown, Sy-Coson said in an e-mailed statement. President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the main island of Luzon, home to 60 million people and which accounts for 70 percent of the economy, on lockdown from mid-March, shuttering hundreds of businesses. Gross domestic product could shrink by as much as 1%, its first contraction in more than two decades, according to a government estimate. Enabling establishments are important to help absorb Filipino workers returning from abroad, Sy-Coson said. Employment is also the key to the health of their family by having enough food for their own immunity and the key to the health of our economy, she said. Carman's Fine Foods founder Carolyn Creswell says she got ahead of the curve when the coronavirus struck China late last year and ramped up production of the brand's muesli and porridge. "I sort of saw the writing on the wall," Creswell says. "You could see because Australia wasn't the first, other countries had gone through it, so we definitely started ramping up production a bit earlier." During March demand for Carman's products including muesli, snack bars and porridge was up 50 per cent and staff worked through the night and on weekends to keep up. When coronavirus panic-buying set in Creswell was quietly pleased to see that in most stores she was able to ensure the products remained stocked. Carolyn Creswell at her farm in Gippsland where she is staying with her family. Credit:Simon Schluter "It went ballistic," Creswell says. "We were receiving orders that were months worth of stock within days and just worked like crazy just to try and stay ahead of it." : This was a day which used to be marked by special prayers, church visits, cooking of traditional delicacies from grandma's recipe books and joyful get-togethers at relatives' houses. But empty churches, virtual prayers, live-streaming of holy mass and Facebook live/YouTube speeches of bishops and priests marked the Holy Week and Easter Sunday in Kerala this time, cutting across villages and cities due to the lockdown to halt the spread of COVID-19. Easter marks the end of the Holy Week of prayers and penitence recalling the final phase of Christ's life from his arrest and cruxification, followed by resurrection. The virus outbreak and precautionary lockdown have gifted an unprecedented Easter Sunday to the traditional Christians in Kerala, where the occassion would have otherwise been celebrated with religious fervour and colourful festivities. According to the 2011 census, Christians comprise 18.38 percentage of the total population of Kerala. Adhering to the government's lockdown norms, people, even the ardent laity, kept away from churches and confined themselves in front of television sets or were glued to their mobile phones to catch a glimpse of holy services at churches. Instead of sumptuous feasts with an array of ethnic mouth watering non-vegetarian delicacies, many families limited their menu to usual items. Giving a go by to house visits, a large number depended on WhatsApp video calls to get connected during the occassion. Sexagenerian Mariyamma Samuel was sad this morning as she could not go to her nearby parish in Ranni,a high range hamlet in the central district of Pathananthitta and offer prayers, a practise she had been religiously following since childhood. For the first time, she was seeing an empty church courtyard on Easter morning, which normally bustles with the hymns of Jesus Christ and the joyful chats of parishioners. A retired school teacher, she and her husband waited eagerly this morning for their neighbouring children to watch the Facebook live of the Easter prayers in their mobile phone. "We don't know how to operate smartphones. So we have sought their help to watch the church services and special prayers. Parishners were informed by the church that it will be live on the Facebook," she told PTI. As their son and daughter were away from home and no relatives could visit them due to lockdown restrictions, special delicacies were not prepared this time. People in Ranni were extra vigilant as three Italy returnees had tested positive, along with six relatives, including an elderly couple aged 93 and 88, in the second wave of the virus outbreak in the state, hailing from there. 86-year-old Rebecca Mathew from Chathannur in Kollam felt "strain" to watch church services on the cellphone. "This was a very different Easter from the usual.We could not attend Easter service in church. Some hymns and webcasts of services are available online, but I find it a strain to watch them on the small cellphone screen," she told PTI. She said normally they have a 'sibling get-together' on Easter with three families meeting at one house by turns for each meal of the day. Each family would either bring a dish or make a full meal, cooking up something special, she said,adding they would also make up food gift parcels to give their maids and other household help. "This year, the families remained in their individual homes. The traditional non-vegetarian dishes were also not there" Rebecca, who retired as Deputy Controller of Patents and Designs, a government of India company, said. "Our two children and grandchildren have not been able to make it here it due to the lockdown and my husband and me were hoping so much to see all of them," she said. An ardent devotee and regular church-goer, 32-year-old Riya from Thodupuzha didn't hide her despair and sadness that she missed church services and other festivities this time. "Otherwise,we used to be at the church throughout the Holy Week. My family is very particular that we should not miss any ritual.But there was no feeling of Easter this time...no church visits...no guests...and a very simple and normal lunch...," she told PTI. Detailing the lip smacking Easter delicacies, she said all kinds of meat, from chicken to pork,would be bought to prepare traditional dishes. The dishes and it's combinations would be different in various Christian pockets in the state, she said. "We used to prepare chicken and egg curry, duck roast, pork vindaloo and so on.. stew and rice would also be there. But this time, we limited it to chicken only," the woman said. There was a shortage of pork and beef in the local market, may be due to the lockdown, she said, adding that the quality of the meat also could not be ensured. In some places on the eve of Easter, heavy rush was noticed ay meat shops with police even using lathies to chase away people, who flouted the social distancing norms. The traditional feast is served in Christian homes this day, marking the end of the 40-day period of Lent when believers shun luxuries and widely pleasures. Meanwhile, major church denominations have given prior information to devotees about the live telecast of Easter mass and church services through the YouTube channel and Facebook page and their own devotional channels. Only a very limited number of people, including bishops and senior priests, took part in the church services and gave messages of spiritual revival. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Farmers are dumping milk and plowing crops back into the soil across the U.S. after the closings of restaurants, hotels and schools in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Farmers are dumping 3.7 million gallons of milk daily and a single chicken processor can smash 750,000 eggs per week, reports Dairy Farmers of America, the largest dairy farm cooperative in the country. The International Dairy Foods Association also estimates that farmers are currently dumping about 5 per cent of the milk supply in the U.S. Many are also are being forced to bury fresh vegetables, or in some cases, donate them to organizations like Meals on Wheels. Limited resources and money, however, are making it difficult to provide the donations. Farmers are dumping milk and plowing crops back into the soil across the U.S. after the closings of restaurants, hotels and schools in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Fresh milk gushes down a drain at Golden E Dairy farm near West Bend, Wisconsin A drop in business has forced the dumping of about 5 per cent of the milk supply in the U.S., according to the International Dairy Foods Association. Cows are pictured at a dairy farm in Hastings, Minnesota Farmers also are being forced to bury fresh vegetables for the same reasons, or in some cases, donate them to organizations that provide food to those in need, like Meals on Wheels. A worker harvests collard greens at Footprint Farms of Jackson, Mississippi Farmers also say they are facing challenges repackaging products as some switch from supplying the food service industry to grocers and other retail food sellers they are not normally prepared to work with, the New York Times reports. The move to dump milk and destroy fresh food comes as the spread of the deadly flu-like virus, also known as COVID-19, continues and has resulted in job losses for millions of Americans. Farming, meanwhile, is among industries across the country that have struggled to adapt to the crisis when they are still greatly needed. There have been more than 561,700 confirmed cases in the U.S. of the coronavirus, which has been blamed for at least 22,129 deaths. As America's agricultural industry is confronted by the impacts of the virus, there have been some striking examples of food waste. Wisconsin and Ohio farmers have dumped thousands of gallons of fresh milk into lagoons and manure pits. An Idaho farmer found himself digging ditches to bury 1 million pounds of onions. There have been more than 561,700 confirmed cases in the US of the coronavirus, which has been blamed for at least 22,129 deaths Meanwhile, South Florida farms, which supply much of the East coast, have sent tractors across the fields to replow beans, cabbage and other ripe vegetables right back into the ground. 'It's heartbreaking,' Paul Allen, co-owner of R.C. Hatton, tells the Times. The company has had to destroy millions of pounds of beans and cabbage at his farms in South Florida and Georgia. As Allen and other farmers plow fresh vegetables into the soil, they have had to plant the same crops again in the hopes the economy's recovery will come by the time they have have grown enough to harvest. Otherwise, they may have to destroy the fruits of their labors again, while so many in America are in need. Arrivals to Beijing must provide nucleic acid test certificate from Sunday People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:20, April 11, 2020 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Even in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Hollywood divorcees Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have continued to practice amicable custody of their children. And on Saturday, the 47-year-old actress donned a face mask while picking up the pair's 14-year-old daughter Violet at Ben's home in Brentwood, CA. Meanwhile, Affleck's quarantine partner and girlfriend Ana de Armas, 31, enjoyed a solo stroll with her fluffy white pooch in Los Angeles. Custody: The 47-year-old actress donned a face mask while picking up the pair's 14-year-old daughter Violet (left) at Ben's Brentwood home on Saturday afternoon Garner, her hazel peepers concealed behind a pair of RayBan sunglasses, kept it casual for her afternoon pick up. The Alias star kept her brunette tresses tied back in a low ponytail and mostly concealed beneath a blue ball cap. Donning a cozy grey sweatshirt, Jennifer leaned out of her car window to dial herself into Ben's secured estate. Daughter Violet proved be the spitting image of her famous mother as she took her place in the passenger's seat of the car. Riding solo: Meanwhile, Affleck's quarantine partner and girlfriend Ana de Armas, 31, enjoyed a solo stroll with her fluffy white pooch in Los Angeles Garner and Affleck share the 14-year-old, as well as 11-year-old daughter Seraphina Rose and eight-year-old son Samuel. The former couple, who wed in 2005, ended their marriage in 2018. Affleck, 47, recently moved on and entered into a loved up lockdown with his new lady Ana de Armas. And the Cuban beauty proved just how she caught the actor's eye during her walk on Saturday afternoon. Ana, rocking a noticeably makeup-free complexion, flaunted her slender frame in a pair of light wash high waisted jeans and a simple white tee. Amicable: Donning a cozy grey sweatshirt, Jennifer leaned out of her car window to dial herself into Ben's secured estate Natural: Garner, her hazel peepers concealed behind a pair of RayBan sunglasses, kept it casual for her afternoon pick up Protected walk: Jennifer took her kids on a hike in the Brentwood neighborhood, with all of them covering their faces in masks to protect themselves from COVID-19 The Knock Knock actress layered up in charcoal grey peacoat and slipped her feet into a pair of squeaky clean trainers. Her tiny pup forged the way down the desolate sidewalk, as the majority of Los Angeles remained indoors due to the city's Safer At Home mandate. Surprisingly Ana, who usually dons a face mask while in the company of her Hollywood beau, was sans any personal protective equipment while braving the open air. Earlier in the day, de Armas made a quick stop with her dog at Ben's humble abode. Earlier in the day: Ana de Armas made a quick stop with her dog at Ben's humble abode in Brentwood Pit stop: Ana suited up for the brief visit with Ben in a flaming red sweatshirt Walk: Later in the day Ana was spotted on a solo walk in the Pacific Palisades walking her dog She waited patiently with her hand on her face after dialing the code into the actor's call box. Ana suited up for the brief visit with Ben in a flaming red sweatshirt. De Armas and Affleck began dating after working together on their new film, Deep Water. Last month, a source told People that the couple have been making the most of their time in isolation. 'They order delivery food and groceries and only leave the house for walks around the neighborhood with their dogs. Ben looks incredible happy. They are flirty and goofy,' explained the source. London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday thanked the state-funded NHS medics and staff for their hard work through the coronavirus pandemic as he was discharged from hospital, saying he owed them his life after testing positive for the deadly virus over two weeks ago. Downing Street said that Johnson left St Thomas' Hospital in London and will head to his prime ministerial residence of Chequers in Buckinghamshire, south east England. On the advice of his medical team, he will not be returning to work immediately, with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to continue deputising as he recuperates. The PM has been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery, at Chequers, a Downing Street spokesperson said. 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, the spokesperson said. Earlier, in his first public statement since being moved out of the intensive care unit of the hospital, the 55-year-old UK prime minister said: I can't thank them enough, I owe them my life. Johnson, who completed a week in hospital on Sunday after being shifted there with persistent COVID-19 symptoms, had been making very good progress while on the hospital ward. He was able to take short walks as his doctors monitored his recovery after being moved out of intensive care and was watching films and doing puzzles in his hospital bed. Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant with their first child, is said to have sent him letters and baby scans to lift his spirits during his time in hospital. Thousands of get-well cards have also poured in for him since he went into self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus over two weeks ago. Asked about plans for his return to work, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Saturday that Johnson needed "time and space to rest, recuperate and recover". The Indian-origin Cabinet minister, who led the daily Downing Street update on the pandemic on Saturday, said that the UK has recorded 917 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total hospital deaths in the country to 9,875. She urged people to stay at home over the Easter weekend to curb the spread of the virus, despite warm and sunny weather across parts of the UK. We have given the police powers to enforce the necessary measures we have put in place, including through enforcement fines," said Patel. "If you don't play your part... our selfless police will be unafraid to act. You will be endangering the lives of your own family, friends and loved ones," she said. Meanwhile, an Easter message posted on the official 10 Downing Street Twitter account on behalf of the UK prime minister also urged people to stay at home to save lives. It reads: Wishing everyone a very happy Easter from Downing Street. This year across the country churches will remain closed, and families will spend the day apart. But by staying home, remember, you are protecting the NHS and saving lives. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 16:19:26|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Staff members load medical supplies to Belarus on a plane in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, April 11, 2020. Uzbekistan has sent medical supplies to Belarus, the "Dunyo" Information Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan said Sunday. The cargo, which will be delivered by an Uzbek Defense Ministry plane, includes medical masks and gloves, protective gear, antiseptics and other medical items, Dunyo said. (Dunyo/Handout via Xinhua) TASHKENT, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan has sent medical supplies to Belarus, the "Dunyo" Information Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan said Sunday. The move, under the order of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, "will support the friendly people of Belarus in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic," the report said. The cargo, which will be delivered by an Uzbek Defense Ministry plane, includes medical masks and gloves, protective gear, antiseptics and other medical items, Dunyo said. Uzbekistan, which reported 796 coronavirus cases as of Sunday morning, has sent similar aid earlier to Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Washington, as Vice President Mike Pence listens. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Associated Press Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday that public health officials could consider measures to reopen the country next month, depending on the status of the outbreak in different states and cities. Though there were some indications that the outbreak was "starting to turn the corner," any reopening of normal life across the country would occur in a "gradual" or "rolling" reentry, Fauci said. President Donald Trump's administration has touted encouraging statistics from across the country as a sign much of the US economy could soon be reopened, but the president and public health officials have remained cautious. Despite encouraging numbers from hospitalizations and intubations that suggest part of the outbreak had begun to "level off," Fauci said that "there is always the possibility" for a resurgence in the fall. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday that the country could begin reopening in some aspects as early as next month, but the response will be different across the country. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and one of the top experts on President Donald Trump's coronavirus task force, appeared on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday after what many officials cast as the worst week yet in the US coronavirus outbreak, saying he had noticed reasons for "cautious optimism." "[We knew] this was going to be a really bad week with regard to deaths," Fauci said, adding that despite record-high death counts in hard-hit places like New York City, there were indications that part of the outbreak had begun to "level off" from statistics like hospitalizations and intubations that are "starting to turn the corner." There's "cautious optimism that we are seeing that decrease," Fauci said, pointing to other countries that "turned the corner then saw sharp decline" before considering reopening public places. Story continues Any return to normal life in the US would occur in a "gradual" or "rolling" reentry, Fauci said. "You want to make sure you don't do something prematurely and precipitously at the same time pay attention to need to try and get back to normal," Fauci said. "It's not going to be a light switch that we say, okay it is now June, July, or whatever and the light switch goes back on." Though the response will not be "one size fits all"," Fauci said that officials were hopeful reopening measures could "probably start at least in some ways next month," depending on the status of the outbreak in different states and cities. Still, Fauci said despite hopes for a reopen, "there is always the possibility, as we get into next fall and the beginning of early winter, that we could see a rebound." The resurgence would hopefully be met with reliable testing, surveillance, and responses like effective drugs to make it "a totally different ball game" from the initial outbreak, Fauci said, but it's unclear if activities like voting will be affected by the virus. State of the Union (@CNNSotu) April 12, 2020 Fauci's comments came the same morning as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn told ABC's "This Week" that he expects the peak of the outbreak to come soon. "The models do show that we are very close to the peak," Hahn said. "This has been a really fast-moving outbreak, so we really have to take this day by day." Though Hahn cautioned that "it's too early to be able to tell" plans for a specific date with regard to Trump's May 1 target to reopen the country, but said officials "see a light at the end of the tunnel." Read the original article on Business Insider 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. Advertisement In New York City hundreds of people lined up outside the Bowery Mission homeless center for a free Easter Sunday meal, as desperation grows in the country amid the coronavirus crisis. Locals were seen lining up along the block Sunday afternoon, many of them wearing hats, masks and gloves and practicing social distancing, as they waited for their hot meal. The homeless center has served the needs of the citys poor and hungry who arrive to its iconic red doors since the 1870's. The lines were longer than usual as the city reels from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak which has shuttered businesses, let to a spike in over 16million Americans being unemployed, and has left many families struggling to make ends meet. On Friday it was reported that the Mission in Manhattan was seeing double the lines for regular meal distributions a sign that food security has become an issue for New Yorkers. In New York City long lines of people were seen outside the Bowery Mission homeless center in Manhattan to feed the hungry an Easter Sunday meal, as desperation grows in the country amid the coronavirus crisis Locals seen after getting their to-go hot Easter meals at the Bowery Mission's iconic red doors in Manhattan A woman pictured leaving the Mission with her Easter lunch in hand on Sunday afternoon as she walks through Manhattan The lines were so long barricades were set up to ease guest flow as people braved the cold Sunday morning Lines were seen going beyond down the block with many people seen wearing protective masks and gloves On Friday it was reported that the Mission in Manhattan was seeing double the lines for regular meal distributions a sign that food security has become an issue for New Yorkers Two people pictured walking away from the Mission with their Easter lunch in hand on Sunday 'This Easter weekend, our thoughts are with you amidst all the uncertainty and challenges facing our community and city. And we remain hopeful because of the promises of Gods love, often shown through the compassion of friends like you. So we want to say: Thank you,' the Bowery Mission shared on social media. 'Many guests coming to our Red Doors today have fallen on hard times. Weve seen more and more new faces, with new worries due to recent events. Your support has reminded them that they are not alone!' the group added. The mission said it would serve over 60,000 meals to hungry New Yorkers on Easter. In the US there are over 550,000 cases of the virus and 20,000 deaths due to COVID-19. In New York, the global epicenter of the outbreak, there are 188,000 cases of the virus in the state and over 9,000 deaths as of Saturday evening. The Big Apple reported 98,715 cases and 6,367 deaths as of Saturday evening. The outbreak has seen states lockdown, businesses close and cause unemployment to surge as fears over the nations stability spreads. The Trump administration has said May 1 is the target date for relaxing the stay-at-home restrictions, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Stephen Hahn, said on Sunday. But he cautioned that it was still too early to say whether that goal is actually feasible. 'We see light at the end of the tunnel,' Hahn told ABCs This Week adding, 'Public safety and the welfare of the American people has to come first. That has to ultimately drive these decisions.' As of Saturday evening there were over 188,000 cases of the virus in New York state and over 9,000 deaths The Bowery Mission said it anticipated serving 60,000 meals to homeless and hungry New Yorkers on Sunday Lines have seemed to grow at the Mission, meaning New Yorkers are getting hit hard in the coronavirus crisis Feeding America - the largest hunger-relief organization in the country - estimates it will need to feed an additional 17.1million people in the pandemic - many of whom are replying on food banks for the first time A view of the long line outside the Bowery Mission on Sunday morning pictured with the Empire State building in the background Locals pictured digging into their hot Easter Sunday lunches that were packed to-go in brown paper boxes Guests pictured walking away from the Mission after getting their special Easter meals on Sunday Feeding America - the largest hunger-relief organization in the country - estimates it will need to feed an additional 17.1million people in the pandemic - many of whom are replying on food banks for the first time. This, on top of the 37million people that were previously food insecure, including 11million children and 5.5million seniors. 'Ive never witnessed a system being more strained,' Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. 'For the first time probably in our history, weve had to turn some people away,' she said, not that 'We dont want to do that, ever.' Sunday marked a somber Easter celebration for the country as mass services and gatherings are not allowed amid stay-at-home orders. In Italy Pope Francis shared a solemn Easter Sunday service from the nearly empty St. Peters Basilica where he said: This is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship the pandemic is causing, whether from physical suffering or economic difficulties. The number of cases of coronavirus in the state of New York have surged dramatically since March In the US, some defiant religious and political leaders argued their right to worship is more important than social distancing warnings and insisted on gathering. Reverend Tony Spell told Reuters he expected more than 2,000 to congregate for services on Sunday at his evangelical Life Tabernacle megachurch near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. U.S. Attorney General William Barr will be monitoring the regulation of religious services, Department of Justice spokeswoman Kerri Kupac wrote on Twitter on Saturday. 'While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly & not single out religious orgs,' Kupac wrote. 'Expect action from DOJ next week!' In Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warned anyone that attended a mass gathering may have their license plates recorded so attendees can be contacted by the government and be ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days. Many US churches opted for online, live-streamed messages. The White House also felt the impact of the stay-at-home restrictions. Both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attended Easter services remotely. Trump tuned into an online service led by Pastor Robert Jeffress of the 4,000-member First Baptist Church in Dallas. The annual White House Eater egg roll, which dates back to 1878, was also cancelled in light of the pandemic. Kylian Mbappe continues to slip through Real Madrid's fingers. The French striker escaped Florentino and Zidane in 2017. Gareth Bale, who Jose Mourinho tried to entice to Old Trafford, ended up staying and that meant there was no room for Mbappe at Madrid. The young forward joined PSG instead for or 180 million euros. After numerous approaches this year, Madrid were very close to getting their man but the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has scuppered Zidane's plans this time. At least that is the version which former PSG player Jerome Rothen, who has very good connections at the Parisien club, explained to Radio Montecarlo this weekend. I know from club sources that a deal to take Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid was almost done. But with what has been happening, I'm sure that Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid will be postponed. Mbappe 2021 The possibility of a one-year wait for Mbappe was reported by AS back on 7 April. The coronavirus crisis, which is hitting clubs' finances hard, has forced Madrid to reassess their transfer strategy and as a result, Operation Mbappe, the most ambitious which the club has in mind for the next few years, has been put on hold until after the 2020-21 season. Madrid are hoping that the France international decides not to renew his contract with PSG, which will expire in 2022. So far the player is keeping to the plan and in Paris, they are fully aware that they have just another year to enjoy Mbappe's qualities. There is no way that Mbappe will extend his contract with PSG. They will have an agreement between them in place because PSG agreed to let him go this summer. In my opinion, it's just question of time, Rothen added. The player's determination not to sign a new contract is they key to let PSG know that within the next 12 months, they have no choice but to negotiate his departure. In 2022, Mbappe will be able to leave for the club of his choice and demand a huge salary - something which isn't in either club's interest. The relationship between Madrid and PSG, by the way, is excellent. According to Rothen's surprising declarations, Madrid are practically assured of landing Mbappe. He hasn't been far off the mark in the past - in March last year, Rothen said: What I can say, from a reliable source, is that Griezmann will go to Barcelona next summer. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe President Donald Trump speaks during a coronavirus task force briefing at the White House, Friday, April 10, 2020, in Washington. Associated Press/Evan Vucci President Donald Trump was informed in late January of a memo written by his trade adviser, Peter Navarro, warning that 'half a million American souls' could die of coronavirus, The New York Times reported Saturday. Trump has denied he saw the memo at the time. The Times also reported that Trump was displeased that Navarro had put the information in writing. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Related Video: What Would Be the Fastest Way to End the Coronavirus Crisis? President Donald Trump was reportedly told as early as January about a memo written by one of his advisers that warned of mass death in the United States from a coronavirus outbreak, though he has denied that he saw the memo at the time. In a damning profile of the White House's actions leading up to the US's coronavirus outbreak, The New York Times reported Saturday that Trump did indeed learn of the January 29 memo written by his trade adviser, Peter Navarro. The memo reportedly included a warning that up to 30% of the US population could be infected, and the death toll could be "on the order of a half a million American souls." White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, who is now serving as national defense production act policy coordinator, gestures to President Donald Trump as he speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Thursday, April 2, 2020, in Washington. Associated Press/Alex Brandon Navarro had also urged in the memo to limit travel from China, then the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. Trump implemented a travel ban shortly after. "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," Mr. Navarro's memo said. "This lack of protection elevates the risk of the coronavirus evolving into a full-blown pandemic, imperiling the lives of millions of Americans." 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. According to The Times, aides discussed the memo with Trump, and he was displeased Navarro put the information in writing. Story continues Navarro also wrote a second memo on February 23 warning that up to "1 [to] 2 million souls" could die of the virus, according to Axios. Just one day later, Trump tweeted that the coronavirus was "very much under control in the USA." Read the original article on Business Insider The photos are one of many adaptations that Holy Spirit and other churches across St. Louis have had to make during this time. Palm leaves normally given out at church the Sunday before Easter instead were available for pickup outside. Confessions had to be adapted to allow the priest to sit six feet from the person asking for forgiveness for their sins. And, for Evans, the priest has to use his cellphone to post live videos of church services. That will include Easter, which typically is the busiest Mass of the year. I thought about having people send in photos in their Easter finery to add to the church, Evans said, laughing. But that would be a lot of work. Evans gave a live online video tour of the photos on the churchs Facebook page April 1, saying hello to individual church members as they began to watch. The priest ended with a prayer looking out on the rows of photographs, asking God to look over the congregation. He asked for help for all those working on the front lines of the epidemic and the scientists trying to find a vaccine and treatment that might bring an end to the social distancing keeping everyone apart. Fill them with your wisdom, fill them with your knowledge, Evans prayed. Fill all of us with your hope. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 09:56:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARBIN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Like most students in China, Cao Rihan, a grade three high school student, had the longest ever two-month "winter vacation" this year. Wearing a mask and dressed in her school uniform, Cao finally returned to school in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on April 7, to prepare for the Gaokao, China's national college entrance exam, which has been postponed by one month to July due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic. Cao's school had more than 700 returning school seniors on the first day of reopening. But preparations for the new term began a month ago. Classrooms were rearranged to reduce the risk of infection. The original class of about 50 students is now divided into two small classes in two adjacent classrooms, and the desks are 1.5 meters apart. A poster introducing a "seven-step handwashing method" is pasted at the main gate and on the wall of the teaching building. Hand sanitizer and trash bins to recycle discarded masks are put at the door of each classroom. Every student must have their temperature tested and hands disinfected before entering the school. The campus, which had been quiet for a long time, began to return to its former bustle. According to Wang Ru, principal of Harbin No. 13 Middle School, the school has worked out a temporary curriculum design for the first two weeks to help students quickly adjust their modes from vacation to school. "Smaller classes mean a double workload for the teachers, which can be stressful but is effective in helping students get into their best study state," said Han Ying, a teacher at the school. The efforts made by the school is a microcosm of class resumption under the current situation in high schools across China. More than a dozen provinces, including Heilongjiang, Henan, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi and Hunan, have reopened school for senior students in high school, as the fate-deciding Gaokao is drawing near. The first class is about epidemic prevention. Some biology teachers explained the types and characteristics of the virus on the first day, while over 200,000 students in eastern China's Fujian Province were given a video lecture by renowned respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan and front-line medic Chen Wei. "All of you should remember that the epidemic situation is not over yet. You are facing the double tests of college entrance examination and epidemic prevention and control. Please continue to do a good job in epidemic prevention, especially take good care to protect yourself," said Zhong in the video. "We were greatly encouraged by Academician Zhong," said Xu Yuanyuan, a student at Fuzhou No.1 Middle School. The educational department in Harbin's Nangang District required a break of no less than 15 minutes between classes and physical exercise of no less than half an hour twice a day to ensure the physical health of both students and teachers. In some schools, isolation rooms have been set up to cope with emergencies. Students take turns dining at the canteen, and the meals are ordered at the advice of nutritionists. China's decision to postpone this year's college entrance examination to July 7 and 8 has won wide support from the public. "I'm drafting a review plan with the help of the teacher; I'll sprint all-out preparing for the Gaokao," said Cao. Steel bars are loaded at the Viet Duc Steel Manufacturing JSC in Vinh Phuc Province. In the first quarter, VSA-member enterprises produced 5.4 million tonnes. (Photo: nhandan.vn) In the first quarter, VSA member enterprises recorded a plunge of 15 percent in steel output to 5.4 million tonnes and 20 percent in consumption to 4.4 million tonnes year-on-year. Meanwhile, steel exports reached 300,000 tonnes, a reduction of 38 percent from the same period last and 21 percent compared to December 2019, according to the association. VSA vice-chairman Trinh Khoi Nguyen said the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the domestic steel industry because steel producers depend on importing input materials from China. Trading activities between Vietnam and China have greatly slowed and have even been temporarily suspended due to the disease. The Viet Trung Metallurgy and Mineral Co, Ltd (VTM) is the most severely affected company among members of the Vietnam Steel Corporation (VNSTEEL) due to the pandemic. VTM is located near the Vietnam-China border and depends on trade between the two countries. Most of VTM's raw materials and equipment are imported from China, meaning all the firm's trading activities are now stagnant and its coal inventory is insufficient to meet the demand for steel production. The Vietnam-Italy Steel Joint Stock Company (VIS) has also faced many difficulties. VIS expects its total revenue to reduce by 65 billion VND this year to 3.6 trillion VND. In the first quarter alone, it lost tens of billions of dong. The VSA has forecasted that this year, the steel industry will continue facing difficulties, including from protectionism in global markets and a lack of recovery in the domestic real estate market. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and price reductions in the world steel market have caused a plunge of steel prices and trading activities on the domestic market, according to the association. Higher inventories of steel products and high bank loan interest have made their business efficiency reduce. Nguyen said to solve those difficulties, the Government needs to give financial support to steel enterprises, reduce interest and extend debt payment deadlines. It should also have solutions to smooth customs clearance for import input materials that steel producers need to maintain their production. Besides that, domestic steel producers need to restructure their products, improve the competitiveness of their products and seek more export markets, Nguyen said. According to steel expert Nguyen Van Sua, steel producers with modern production technology and low energy consumption would be able to continue running while producers with old production technology and high production costs would struggle to compete. He said the State should extend tax payment deadlines and cut tax for steel producers to help them overcome difficulties. Bengaluru, April 12 : With 17 patients testing positive over the last 24 hours, Karnataka registered the highest Covid cases in a day, taking its tally till date to 232, an official said on Sunday. "We have registered 17 positive Covid-19 cases during the last 24 hours, taking their total to 232 so far, including 54 discharged and six dead in the state," the health official said in a statement here. Of 172 active cases, including a pregnant woman, 168 are stable in isolation, while 4 in the intensive care unit (ICU) at designated hospitals across the southern state. Of 17 cases, 11 are men and 6 women, with 6 in Vijayapura (Bijapur), 4 in Belagavi, 3 each in Bengaluru and Kalaburagi and one at Mysuru. "Four patients, including 2 in Bengaluru and one each at Kalaburagi and Vijayapura were diagnosed to have Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI)," said the official. One Bengaluru patient has travel history and returned to the city from Indonesia on March 21. "Out of 6 patients at Vijayapura in the state's northwest region, contact tracing of 5 is under progress," added the official. With 76 cases, India's tech city (Bengaluru) leads the coronavirus hotspots in the state, followed by Mysuru 48, Belagavi 14, Kalaburagi 13, Dakishna Kannada 12 and Bidar 11. Of 30 districts across the state, 19 are affected by the pandemic, while 11 remained virus free till date. Of the total cases, 9 are transit passengers of Kerala who landed at Bengaluru and Mangaluru airports from overseas trip. Meanwhile, 7 patients were discharged from a Covid hospital at Mysuru, about 150km southwest of Bengaluru. "Out of 7, 6 are employees of Jubilant pharma plant and one is a foreign returnee," Mysuru deputy commissioner Abhiram Shankar said in a statement here. 23:12 The Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to take welfare measures, including food, shelter, medicine, mobile and video call facilities, for migrant labourers living in various relief camps across the country. In a communication to the state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) highlighted the Supreme Court directions regarding welfare of migrant labourers housed at relief shelters and camps in different parts of the country. The home ministry has written to all states/UTs to take necessary action in compliance of the directions of the top court, while implementing lockdown measures to fight COVID-19 effectively, an official statement said. The Supreme Court has directed that adequate medical facilities besides proper arrangements for food, clean drinking water and sanitation be ensured for migrant workers at relief camps across the country. Further, trained counselors or community group leaders belonging to all faiths should visit the relief camps and shelter homes and deal with any consternation that the migrants might be going through. The apex court had also observed that the anxiety and fear of migrants should be understood by police and other authorities, and that they should deal with the migrants in a humane manner. Further, the state governments/UTs should endeavour to engage volunteers along with the police to supervise the welfare activities of the migrants. The home ministry communication also reiterated the directions given by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to all states to deal with psychosocial issues among migrants. The health ministry had said the migrants are less familiar in their new environment in which they temporarily live and are prone to various social, psychological and emotional trauma in such situations, emanating from fear of neglect by the local community and concerns about well being and safety of their families waiting in their native places. Migrants are forced to leave their native places in search of better opportunities and earnings, sometime leaving behind their families. In many instances, the families in native places depend partially or entirely on the money sent by the migrant earning members of the family. During the outbreak of communicable diseases such as COVID-19, and the restrictions imposed on routine activities as part of social distancing norms to prevent the spread of the disease, scores of migrant workers tend to move back to their native places. During the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic also, many migrant workers used all possible means to reach their native states. Many of them are, however, stuck at borders, including at state, district and national border areas. These are the most marginalised sections of the society who are dependent on daily wages for their living, and in times of such distress need sympathy and understanding of the society. Sometimes, they also face harassment and negative reactions of the local community. All this calls for strong social protection. As an immediate response, measures to be taken should include ensuring community shelters and kitchens, making other relief material available, emphasising on the need for social distancing, identification of suspected cases of infection and adherence to protocols for management of such cases, putting up mechanisms to enable them to reach their family through telephone, video calls etc, and ensuring their physical safety, the communication added. -- PTI The Farmworkers Putting Food on Americas Tables Are Facing Their Own CCP Virus Crisis More than a million farmworkers arent hunkered down at home as the CCP virus pandemic paralyzes much of the country. Their laborin fields, orchards and packing plantsis keeping food on Americas tables. But workers and groups who represent them are sounding an alarm. Their warning: As the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, spreads, many farmworkers are living and working in conditions that put their health particularly at risk. And if outbreaks hit farmworker communities hard, they say, that could put the nations food supply at risk, too. Growers and farmers say theyre doing everything they can to keep production going and keep employees safe, including scaling back the number of workers theyre transporting on buses, spacing workers out more as they harvest, and increasing the number of hand-washing stations. But workers and advocates who spoke with CNN detailed concerns about lapses in on-the-job safety, such as some farms that lack soap and protective equipment, and others that fail to enforce social distancing guidelines. Limited access to medical care and crowded living conditions, they said, are also major hurdles to keeping workers healthy. Greg Asbed fears its not a question of if, but when, a devastating outbreak will hit. As a co-founder of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, which represents thousands of farmworkers in Florida, he says rural communities like his arent prepared for a health crisis. Once the virus takes root in a town like Immokalee, it will take off like wildfire, he says. Thats our fear We will see this problem explode. Erik Nicholson, vice president of United Farm Workers, says its not a hypothetical. In the last two weeks, he says hes heard about dozens of farmworkers testing positive for the CCP virus in Washington state, where hes based. Were living this in real time, he says. And the fear and the anger is rising. Workers Bring Supplies From Home, Hoping They Wont Get Sick At one orchard where cherries, pears, and apples are grown in Washingtons Yakima Valley, workers recently began bringing their own soap from home to wash their hands because the company wasnt providing any. We were feeling very desperate, very helpless, very disillusioned, because no one was supporting us or giving us anything to protect ourselves. No gloves, masks or disinfectantnothing, Maria, a worker at the orchard, told CNN. We feel forgotten, and really terrified and afraid. The 37-year-old was one of several workers across the country who spoke with CNN on the condition that only their first names be used, saying they feared theyd face repercussions at work for sharing their stories. Over the past two weeks, Maria says shes watched the number of workers at the orchard drop, day by day, amid growing concerns about their safety. Many have young children, she says, and were scared theyd bring the virus home to their families. But Maria says staying home isnt an option for her. She was already out of work for two months this year due to an injury and burned through her savings. We have to keep working, even though were afraid something is going to happen, she says. We surrender ourselves to God and hope. If she gets sick, Maria says shes told her children not to take her to the hospital. Her biggest fear is dying alone there and leaving her family with crushing medical debts. Carmen, a 44-year-old worker at a strawberry farm in Oxnard, California, says shes been trying to remind people about social distancing guidelines, but fellow workers arent heeding her warnings and the company isnt forcing anyone to stay six feet apart. Every time you hear a sneeze or a cough, you think, God, dont let it be this virus. We are taking a risk. We are afraid, but at the same time we dont have a choice. If we dont work, we cant pay our rent. We cant buy food, she says. Like many workers, shes started carrying a document that notes that shes an agriculture worker who the government considers essential (pdf)a description authorities have used to describe the work of employees and businesses that are too critical to stop during this crisis. Carmen hopes it will help her if she gets stopped by police or immigration authorities. We are supposedly working so other people can be at home, so they can have food, she says. They called us essential workers, but we dont have any rights. Growers Doing Everything They Can to Protect Workers At least half of farmworkers are undocumented immigrants, according to government estimates. Many dont have health insurance or receive sick leave. Recently passed federal legislation make farms with less than 50 workers or more than 500 workers exempt from requirements to provide paid sick leave, says Nicholson of United Farm Workers. Neither of these exclusions make common sense when youre talking about protecting the food supply, he says. Theres a significant economic disincentive for workers to do the right thing. But Dave Puglia says even growers who arent required to extend sick leave provisions are doing so. Puglia, the president and CEO of Western Growerswhich represents farmers in Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexicosays doing everything possible to protect workers is a top priority. So far, he says, major outbreaks havent been reported at produce farms, but he says the possibility is something that has many growers walking on eggshells. Its a huge concern. The nation needs farmers and farmworkers to continue providing food, and obviously if the virus sweeps through the workforce, that will inhibit our ability to continue to providing food to the country, he says. A lot of people are going to great lengths to keep those workers safe. Whenever possible, social distancing measures are being implemented, he says. But Puglia says the way some crops, like lettuce, are harvested, requires workers to stand close together. In Florida, some growers have started buying groceries for their workers, trying to limit their trips to the store, said Mike Carlton, director of labor relations for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. Others have set up additional handwashing stations and have been regularly briefing employees about how to stay safe. Fortunately we are in a position where we are able to continue to harvest at this point. The best we can do is take the most active measures we can to protect those workers, Carlton said. The only other measure is to stop them from working, and we cant do that and continue to supply the country with food. In upstate New York, where the CCP virus cases among farmworkers are starting to pop up, concern is growing, says Mary Zelazny, CEO of Finger Lakes Community Health. Farmers there are trying to protect workers, she says, but arent always sure what steps to take. On a recent call with farmers in the region, she says, questions came up about whether gloves should be worn during harvests and best practices for disinfecting trucks that have multiple drivers. Theres fear on everybodys part, she says. Cramped Conditions Are Recipe for an Outbreak Irma couldnt believe her eyes this week when she looked across the Walmart parking lot near her home in eastern North Carolina. A large bus pulled in, full of workers. For weeks, the 36-year-old had been taking extra precautions to protect herself. So had her employer, a produce packing company, where she says workers have been encouraged to wear protection and wash their hands more often. Irma says for her, the bus was a troubling sign that other employers and workers arent taking the situation as seriously. They arent keeping their distance like theyre supposed to, she says. Buses and vans packed with workers are a typical sight in farming communities across the country as the harvest season kicks into high gear. So are campsoften located on farm propertywhere workers live in cramped conditions. Its a recipe for a widespread outbreak, says Nicholson of United Farm Workers. Living conditions for migrant workers are chronically and extremely overcrowded, says Asbed of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Sometimes, he says, 10-12 people are housed in one single-wide trailer. The organization has been posting flyers in stores and on social media to educate workers about risks the virus poses. But theres only so much they can do, he says. Its a simple fact that if somebody living in a situation like that contracts the virus, its just a matter of time before everybody else in that same housing unit does as well, he says. That raises another question that health officials in upstate New York are weighing, says Zelazny, whose health center has been helping with virus testing in farmworker communities. When farmworkers test positive, where can they go to quarantine and recuperate? Were very worried about what are we doing with these guys as they convalesce? she says. Theyve got to go somewhere. And theres no place to go. Farmworkers Have Hard Time Getting Medical Care On top of all of the environmental risks farmworkers face, Sylvia Partida, CEO of the National Center for Farmworker Health, says shes been hearing troubling reports from community health centers she works with across the country. Some are worried they may have to curtail the services they offer to farmworkers because of funding shortages, she says, and it couldnt come at a worse time. Clinics might not be able to function, she says. Theres going to be an impact in the access that farmworkers have to healthcare services, and really also to information that will help protect them and provide them with information about how they protect themselves. While the massive aid package Congress recently passed provided money to community health programs, Partida says it didnt specifically earmark funding for farmworker health. That, she says, means mobile clinics and other crucial programs for migrant workers could very easily get lost in the shuffle of competing priorities for limited resources. Its already happening, she says. Health centers have had to furlough staff. Theyve had to close some of their sites. Monica Ramirez was already concerned about the toll the virus could take on farmworkers. Learning that some clinics are scaling back services made her even more worried. I was shocked, says Ramirez, the president of Justice for Migrant Women, which advocates for workers rights. They are being put out on the frontlines to continue feeding this country, she says, and we cannot stand by and allow them to go without the care they need. Step That Could Help In Florida, Asbed is pushing for officials to set up a field hospital in his community while theres still time. It is quite possible that in a matter of a couple weeks here in Florida we may not have enough people to harvest the states fruits and vegetables, he says. Thats just an absolutely predictable outcome of the current configuration of things. On the national level, advocates who spoke with CNN said several policy changes could have a significant impact on the situation: Requiring farmsno matter their sizeto provide sick leave for workers Earmarking federal funding to guarantee healthcare services for migrant farmworkers Covering the cost of COVID-19 testing and treatment regardless of immigration status Maria is hoping a longer-term solution will emerge from this crisis, a way for undocumented farmworkers to come out of the shadows. Being officially deemed essential workers was a small step in the right direction, she says. But officials are sending mixed messages. Its contradictory. Its an achievement that theyre calling us this, she says. But without any benefits, its like saying, you are good, but you are not important.' Once the pandemic passes, she says, President Trump and other leaders in Washington should remember that they stayed in the fields and didnt falter. But no matter what, Maria says shell be getting up in the morning and heading back to work. She knows shes essential, whether the government does or not. The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. The Epoch Times staff contributed to this report Against the odds, linemen from the Ravalli Electric Cooperative and other electric cooperatives from Montana brought electricity to a rural village in Bolivia last month. In Pando (Northern region of Bolivia) in the village called Villa Cotoca, the Big Sky effort now provides electricity to the 38 homes and 150 people, including 30 kids in the village school for grades K-6. Each student was awarded a computer through a government program they originally could not participate in due to no electricity. Also, two local stores recently opened and Pando governors office expects greater economic growth as result of electrification. Ravalli Electric Co-op Manager of Operations Kyle Kearns served as the team leader to oversee and direct the installation. The International Project had 13 linemen and communication personnel from co-ops across Montana. The vast project spanned 11 kilometers (7 miles) and 91 power poles. The groups duties were to prepare poles with hardware, set power poles, string and attach wire to poles leading to Villa Cotoca. Electrification projects are selected and designed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association International and electric co-ops from across the nation participate. In June, the Montana team learned they were tapped to serve several years earlier than expected and didnt have much time to prepare. Fund raising was held at REC co-op events, sponsors and other electric co-ops contributed so REC felt little financial impact. Kearns said his team took their own tools and climbing equipment, but lines and poles were provided. Travel delays for the team meant that the project began two-days behind schedule. By the time we got there we ended up with eight construction days [the original plan was for 10], Kearns said. We had quite a few different groups to work with. A local engineer could speak some English and two interpreters helped with communication. Bolivian construction crews set poles and cleared the right of way while local village crews cleared vines and trees. Only about half the poles needed had been set by the time the Montana crew arrived. Heat was the biggest problem for Montana linemen who came from winter weather with snow as the trip was from Feb. 26 March 14. Temperatures in Bolivia were in the high 90s with over 90% humidity. Kearns said it felt like 110 degrees and 100 degrees in the shade. One of the most important things I focused on was keeping the crew cool and hydrated, Kearns said. If they were up on a pole too long in the sun it really took a toll on their bodies and minds. With crew members feeling dizzy and nauseous they had to take breaks in the shade and each drink over 10 bottles of water a day. To make up for the two-day late start, and not having all the poles installed and right of ways cleared, the Montana crew put in the extra effort of long days every day and they worked dawn-to-dusk the last day to complete the project. We had to adapt to what we had down there, I knew we came all this way with one job to do and I didnt want to go home feeling defeated, Kearns said. I hate to lose, and I wanted to be able to walk away with a victory. [These guys] fought hard to get the job done and were extraordinary. They rallied together and took care of each other. REC Manager of Communications Melissa Greenwood traveled to Bolivia with the team, and State Communications Director Ryan Hall, to assist with documenting the project. Using photography, video, observation and interviews Greenwood brought home the message of success in Bolivia. This is the first time a group of all Montana linemen have done such a ground-breaking event, Greenwood said. We documented the project, the Montana linemen and villagers. She said part of the trip that impacted her the most was visiting the towns school that was only 10 years old but in rough shape. The kids were happy as could be and excited to see new faces, Greenwood said. They were eager to talk to us, but I dont know Spanish, so communication was challenging. The teachers were excited because the addition of electricity to the village meant that students would have computers and could do homework at night. The teachers were excited that their students could have more ways to communicate with people and learn more, Greenwood said. The teachers are hoping students growing up will have a better outlook on life and a better future ahead of them. The Montana crews lived in the third-world conditions of bamboo huts, no electricity, large insects and hot weather. The environment was hard, but the overall impact and what we accomplished made it a really neat experience, Greenwood said. It was not a luxury vacation. When the project was completed the crew and village held a lighting ceremony and one token light bulb was lit. The children smiled and danced. After the crew left, the community was connected to the ENDE-Cobija distribution system (local government utility) and every house will be wired for full-time electricity. Kearns said the trip had a big impact on him. Just to see the happy villagers, the smiles on the kids and knowing we had contributed to life-change for them was a big deal, Kearns said. They made us necklaces and everything was an amazing experience. It was very rewarding. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Media freedom watchdogs have expressed concern regarding the alleged pressure authorities in Kosovo are putting on KoSSev, an online news portal based in the Serb-majority town of North Mitrovica. Journalists play a key role in the coronavirus crisis by providing vital information to the public, the representative on media freedom for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Harlem Desir, said in a statement on April 12, citing two recent incidents involving KoSSev. Access to information and a free working environment are therefore essential and need to be ensured at all times, Desir added. On April 11, KoSSevs editor in chief Tatjana Lazarevic was briefly arrested for allegedly violating a curfew announced by the authorities to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the Balkan country. Lazarevic was on her way to a medical center treating patients affected by COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and presented her press credentials, but police took her in for questioning, according to the journalist. Lazarevic now reportedly faces criminal proceedings, although working journalists are supposed to be exempt from the curfew. The European Center for Press and Media Freedom on April 11 condemned Lazarevics arrest, saying journalists must be able to continue working, even during the curfew. In another incident, the head of the Crisis Headquarters of North Mitrovica, Aleksandar Spiric, called out the news portal on April 9 for live-streaming an online press conference by officials overseeing the coronavirus outbreak. In particular, Spiric urged the portal not to cause instability by posing political questions, but instead to help the authorities in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Desir. The Association of Journalists of Kosovo on April 12 said that obstructing journalists work is a pressure, not only on their work but also on freedom of expression. This is also contrary to the constitution and Kosovo laws, as well as international conventions on human rights, it added. By Online Desk With 905 new positive COVID-19 cases and 51 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, India's total number of cases rises to 9352 and death toll stands at 324. Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh and Puducherry became the latest states to extend the lockdown till April 30. PM Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation at 10.00 am tomorrow which is also the last day of the 21-day-nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. The Prime Minister is expected to make an official announcement on the lockdown. Meanwhile, Global toll rises to 114,539 with the United States, now the epicentre of the pandemic as the death toll stands at 22,109 with 557,590 infections. Colombo, April 12 : Sri Lanka celebrated a quiet Easter Sunday amid the coronavirus lockdown, while remembering the victims of the terror attacks that killed at least 270 people on the resurrection day last year. People largely stayed indoors and offered prayers from home with the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, leading an Easter mass from a TV studio because of the pandemic, reports Efe news. During his service aired on national TV, Cardinal Ranjith remembered last year's Easter when suicide bombers hit three churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, leaving a trail of death and destruction on one of the most important Christian festivals. The Archbishop said the Catholics had forgiven these "misled youths (who) attacked our lives" that killed Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. "But as Catholics what did we do? We remembered Jesus Christ's message and we should love our enemies, we forgave and showed compassion. We asked them not to do the same again," Cardinal Ranjith said. Sri Lanka witnessed carnage last year on April 21, when eight suicide bombers rattled the island's minority Christian community, which makes up for nearly 7.5 per cent of the country's total population of 21.4 million. The attacks wounded over 500 and deepened communal tensions in Sri Lanka. The bombings, carried out by local Islamist extremists with suspected foreign ties, was claimed by the Islamic State. Police said that they have killed or arrested all suspects in various counter-terror operations carried out in the days after the mayhem. The Archbishop's House in Sri Lanka plans commemoration of those who died in the attacks on April 21. "We planned week-long events to commemorate the Easter Sunday attacks. But because of the health situation, we have canceled most of it but the main event will be held," Fr. Jude Chrysantha Fernando said. Cardinal Ranjith during his televised mass urged everyone to act responsibly and not to violate restriction orders put in place to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus infection. Sri Lanka police have so far arrested nearly 20,000 violators and seized over 5,000 vehicles since the government imposed the prohibitory orders on March 19. The island nation has 199 confirmed COVID-19 cases so far, with seven deaths. By Dave Graham and Rania El Gamal MEXICO CITY/DUBAI (Reuters) - The biggest supply cut ever contemplated by the world's top oil producers is hanging in the balance as a refusal by Mexico's leftist leader to imperil his plans to rebuild state oil company Pemex has angered the Saudi prince who helped craft the deal. For the past three days, Mexico has kept the oil industry on tenterhooks by resisting Saudi pressure to sign up to global cuts worth nearly a quarter of output for participating countries, aimed at reviving prices from their lowest level in decades. Prices have collapsed as the new coronavirus outbreak has shuttered economies around the world and destroyed demand for fuel. The refusal by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to compromise his plan to revive Pemex by agreeing to steep cuts has shone the global spotlight on Mexico as he prioritizes his domestic agenda over the collective interests of the world's largest oil producers. Determined to shore up the money-losing and heavily indebted Petroleos Mexicanos, as Pemex is officially known, Lopez Obrador offered only a cut of 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), rather than the 400,000 bpd the group of global producers sought. In a compromise hammered out with U.S. President Donald Trump, Lopez Obrador said on Friday the United States had offered to cut an additional 250,000 bpd on Mexico's behalf, bringing them close to the target. However, Saudi Arabia - the heavyweight of global oil diplomacy - has balked at that and dug in its heels, despite some other producers from the group of OPEC nations and their allies - known as OPEC+ - calling for the cuts to go ahead regardless. Lopez Obrador, a staunch advocate of non-intervention in other countries' affairs, defended his stance on Friday, harking back to a time Mexico was "strong" and "self-sufficient" in oil. "There were stories in the papers trying to blame us, that there wasn't a deal because of us," the 66-year-old president told reporters, adding that Mexico could not afford the 23% production cut asked of it, but had offered 5.5%. "Mexico is doing its bit." Story continues Lopez Obrador's insistence on the importance of rescuing Pemex was crucial in the arguments he used to persuade Trump to help out, a senior Mexican official told Reuters. Meanwhile, his representative at the OPEC+ talks, Energy Minister Rocio Nahle, upset some other countries, notably the host Saudi Arabia, whose negotiator Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman argued that making exceptions could encourage others to dodge output commitments, according to several delegates. "If OPEC+ accepted this and everybody who doesn't like the numbers can just withdraw or leave, then we are in for a really bad time," said one OPEC source. The source said Nahle, who only last month signed up to smaller planned cuts, was intransigent over the proposed reductions. For producers, the cuts are bitter but necessary medicine for low prices. Iraq is relying on oil revenue to rebuild after years of brutal internal conflict, and yet committed to reductions of 1 million bpd. MEXICAN WALK OUT Some delegates accused Nahle of hanging up on the other ministers during the video conference, but she pushed back against that on Friday, saying in a Mexican radio interview she had been "respectful of the other countries" and that each government had to consider its own capacity. "We all lose in this situation: The producing countries lose and even the consumers do too," she said. At the heart of the debate has been the reference production level used by Mexico, which for this year has hedged its oil output at $49 per barrel, well above current prices, said one source. It will lose revenues if forced to make cuts. Delegates tried various ways to get around the issue, but in the end Saudi Arabia "was inflexible," said one OPEC source. On Friday, Prince Abdulaziz told Reuters the future of the deal hinged on Mexico joining the cuts. The Saudi government was not immediately available for comment on Saturday. Saudi Arabia has for years complained it has to bear the brunt of global output cuts to prop up prices even as other countries have increased production. The desert kingdom is also currently chair of the Group of 20 economic powers. Other top oil producers have signaled the U.S.-Mexico arrangement is no hindrance to getting a deal, with the United Arab Emirates and Algeria saying on Saturday a workable deal had been reached. Moscow does not mind how the output cut share would be split between Mexico and the United States, and it considered the deal to be already done, a Russian source said. Some diplomats in Mexico City were baffled Lopez Obrador had struck a deal with Trump, who has been a thorn in the side of Mexico on trade and migration since he took office. Without offering details, Trump said Mexico would reimburse the United States at a later date, although it is unclear how the deal would work. The diplomats agreed that Mexico would likely pay a price in future. Lopez Obrador's commitment to Pemex has given him a nationalist flag to fly, but energy experts are doubtful he has the means to significantly turn around the company's fortunes. Lopez Obrador's plans have put him out of step with the world's energy sector in other ways. His government announced investment plans for Pemex last week, even as the world's biggest private and state-run energy firms slashed their spending plans by an average of about a third. Even some veterans of the Mexican left who lived through the expropriation of U.S. and British oil assets in 1938 that led to Pemex's creation think he has placed too big a bet on it. Those who know him well do not think he will back down. "(Oil) was the banner he flew for years to get to the presidency," said Polimnia Romana Sierra, a longtime close aide to Lopez Obrador. "I don't think he'll let up." (Reporting by Dave Graham in Mexico City and Rania El Gamal in Dubai,; Additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar in London, Olesya Astakhova in Moscow, Marianna Parraga in Mexico City; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) A screen capture from "Hong Kong Spring," an online comics exhibition held to show solidarity with democracy activists in Hong Kong Screen Capture from Hong Kong Spring By Park Ji-won A group of comics artists and illustrators gathered to show solidarity with pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, holding an online exhibition through June 25. The artists, including Ko Il-kwon who publishes a webtoon on Naver, began releasing 17 original short comics online for free from April 3 to June 25. The artworks were themed on democracy movements held largely in the 1980s in Korea and currently underway in Hong Kong. To date, the works are written in Korean, but their English versions will start coming out today. They started raising funds through crowdsourcing in February and raised about 5 million won from 148 participants so that they could get paid for their work and operate the website. The pieces will be published as a book in May and given to their donors. The move came amid a months-long fierce confrontation between activists and the government in Hong Kong over an extradition law and democracy that began last June. There have been many campaigns among civic activists in Korea to support the democracy protests in Hong Kong so far. Lee Jae-min, a comics critic Justin Bieber, his wife Hailey Baldwin, and their reality star friend Kendall Jenner sparked a furious backlash after bragging about their wealth amid coronavirus lockdown. The 26-year-old Canadian pop star, his 23-year-old American model wife, and 24-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star Kendall provoked outrage when they shared an Instagram Live video with fans and followers. The trio discussed the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has caused huge unemployment across the globe, caused tens of thousands of deaths, and seen nations around the world order nationals to stay indoors. However, the small group were on the receiving end of some choice words when they appeared to brag about their wealth while relaxing in their mansions. How blessed are we to be able to like a lot of people are obviously in this time have a cr***py situation and they look at us, Justin said as he addressed the two women. Obviously you know weve worked hard for where were at so its like we cant feel bad, you know, the things we have, he went on. But I think, just us taking that time to acknowledge that there are people who are really crippling is important, he added. Kendall nodded in agreement and added: So blessed. I think about it all the time. Many followers took to social media to slam the trio for their comments. Thank god theyre acknowledging us. SO GRATEFUL. Suddenly my debts are wiped clear and im no longer unemployed, one follower sarcastically typed. Another noted that Hailey is of the Baldwin acting dynasty, and Kendall of the Kardashian family, writing: Both Hailey and Kendall were born into a mad rich family. While another said the conversation had become a final straw after witnessing too many similar discussions online. They raged: I cannot take it anymore with celebs and influencers making COVID comments. Maybe just be a human you are not an expert. Shut up and bake banana bread and stay home. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates It seems lately as if everything that's old is new again. One-hundred-and-two years after the Spanish Influenza, we're back to having a national pandemic. And sixty-six years after the Supreme Court's 1954 decision in Brown v. Board of Education, we're back to having government-sanctioned segregation, this time in Portland. Brown is Americas seminal civil rights case, in which the Supreme Court explicitly held against segregation. In doing so, it overruled the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson decision from 1896, in which the Supreme Court held that making separate, but theoretically equal, facilities for different races satisfied the 13th and 14th Amendments. In Brown, the Supreme Court rejected the Plessy doctrine, holding that it has no place in American education: We conclude that, in the field of public education, the doctrine of "separate but equal" has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated for whom the actions have been brought are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment. This disposition makes unnecessary any discussion whether such segregation also violates the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Although the decision was limited to public education, the underlying idea is so profound that it now applies as a matter of law, not just to all government-run facilities, but to all American institutions, public or private. Hard-left academia, though, has been busy reinstating segregation based upon race and sexuality. For example, colleges now offer separate dorms for different races and sexual orientations. Recently a video emerged showing a black woman at the University of Virginia kicking white people out of a multicultural student center: Leftists at the University of Virginia are dictating who is and who isnt allowed in the new Multicultural Student Center. Frankly there is just too many white people in here, and this is a space for people of color. This kind of racist intolerance is NOT multicultural. pic.twitter.com/XkefKqfqLA YAF (@yaf) February 12, 2020 If youre wondering what happens to the college students who embrace this impulse to segregate, some of them may be working for the municipal government in Portland, Oregon. As is true in other Democrat-run cities, Portland has a sizable homeless population. While other cities are moving the homeless into hotel rooms or other indoor facilities to protect that population and, by extension, the rest of their city from COVID-19, Portland has a different approach. Its setting up three outdoor tent cities to house the homeless: Portland will open three organized camps for homeless people during coronavirus an unprecedented step for a city that has long resisted sanctioned camping. The three sites two on Southeast Water Avenue and one near the westside base of Broadway Bridge will also group residents in a way that has rarely been done in Portland shelters. Whats genuinely unprecedented about this move, though, is that Portland is officially segregating the tent cities by race and sexual orientation: One site will give priority to LGBTQ people and one for people of color. Anyone who wants the services specific to those sites will also be allowed to camp there. The third site will be for everyone, with an emphasis on older people. The Oregon Live report from which the above quotation comes does not offer any explanation for this policy. Nor does OPB, a Portland NPR outlet, which reports on the same story. Still, one doesnt need a journalist to explain this segregation impulse. You can tell that it comes from college graduates just by paying attention to the words that Jo Ann Hardesty, a Portland Commissioner, uses when describing the citys homeless situation: The reality is that a stay-at-home order leaves those without homes to return to behind, and we cant let that happen, said Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. While the housed community can take refuge in their homes and have the bulk of their needs met during this time, our houseless neighbors have lost the many resources and support networks they depended on. Only in academia do you see sensitivities so delicate that the phrase homeless is no longer permissible. Instead, one has housed community and houseless neighbors. This is the same mentality that has taken the accurate phrase illegal alien and morphed it into undocumented immigrant. This hyper-sensitivity is at odds with the Democrat policies that drive homelessness in the first place. The reality behind the euphemisms is that leftists are comfortable allowing people who are mentally ill and addicted to live on the streets while granting them easy access to food and drugs. In light of Portlands new policy, this video, from August 2019, is quite apropos: The Azadpur mandi, the largest wholesale fruit and vegetable market in the country, has decided to introduce odd-even rules from Monday to maintain social distancing in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. It has also been decided to stagger timings -- 6 am to 11 am for sale of vegetables and 2 pm to 6 pm for sale of fruits -- at the mandi. The decisions were taken following reports that social distancing rules were not being followed at the mandi, which spreads over 80 acres. Adil Ahmad Khan, chairman of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), Azadpur, said there are 22 big sheds under which hundreds of traders sell vegetables and a huge number of people visit the market on a daily basis. "Under the odd-even rules, we will allow all the 22 sheds to operate according to their numbers. For instance, on an even date, even-numbered sheds such as 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 will be allowed to function. "This will help us maintain social distancing in the market in view of the COVID-19 outbreak" Khan told PTI. Odd-even rules may also be implemented at other wholesale markets of the national capital. Delhi Development Minister Gopal Rai has called a meeting of officials of all the wholesale markets on Monday to discuss ways to ensure social distancing in the mandis. Khan said the traders have also been told that only one truck per trader will be allowed inside the Azadpur mandi. Until now, a trader would take three-four trucks inside the mandi, shrinking the space for others. According to Khan, APMC Azadpur has also directed its officials to ensure effective social distancing and mask-wearing at the mandi. The number of coronavirus cases mounted to 1,069 in the national capital on Saturday, with 166 fresh cases and five deaths reported in a day. Of the total cases, 712 were brought to hospitals through special operations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There is an uneasy calm in Walewale, the West Mamprusi Municipal capital as the family of a 19-year-old young man who died from the COVID-19 disease at the Walewale Government Hospital last Monday has rejected a medical report of the deceased. They have also refused to adhere to directives by authorities to self-quarantine as well as cooperate with the Municipal Emergency Response Team in contact tracing. The deceased who was said to be an asthmatic patient died on admission at the hospital after a short illness last Monday 6, 2020. He was confirmed positive after health officials suspected some symptoms of the virus on the deceased and sent samples to the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) for testing. Graphic Online has gathered that the deceased had no traveling history before he was taken ill and died four hours after being admitted at the hospital. Due to the lack of mortuary at the hospital, management was forced to release the body to the family for burial on Wednesday 8, 2020, while awaiting the test results. But after receiving the result on Friday, April 10, 2020, the family said the death of their relative which was attributed to COVID-19 was fake and unacceptable and that they suspected a cover-up plot by management of the hospital. The spokesperson of the family, Mr Ibrahim Alhassan in an interview said From the beginning until our relation died, we have not been told the truth in it, we are not saying the disease doesnt exist but our son did not die with that virus. According to him, the deceased was an asthmatic patient who had been suffering from the condition for the past five years with his medical records available at the hospital The guy was even crying for oxygen but the nurses denied him and after he died, they took the sample; they didnt have hands to treat him so which hands did they use to take the sample, he quizzed. The test result cited by Graphic Online shows that samples of the deceased were taken on Saturday 4, 2020, contrary to reports by authorities that the samples were taken on Monday 6, 2020. Mr Alhassan said they doubt the authenticity of the report because their relative was admitted at the hospital on Monday 6, 2020 and the samples were taken same day after he passed on, but not as captured on the test result. The family is therefore threatening to take legal action if authorities do not come out as a matter of urgency to clarify the matter. When contacted the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Issahaku Aremeyaw Somo who chairs the Emergency Response Team said We are in talks with the family to cooperate with us to self-quarantine and also support efforts in the contract tracing. Commenting on the family rejecting the test result, he said they could seek legal redress if they doubted the report. The situation is under control because so far we have made efforts in the contract tracing. I urge all not to panic because we are working hard to ensure that we bring the matter under control," he assured. The death of the teenager has sparked fear and panic in the town as it has emerged that the remains of body was released to the family for burial on Thursday before the test results confirmed the deceased positive Friday Morning. Graphic online has learnt that some health officials who visited the family house after the announcement Friday morning to conduct contact tracing, were not given the needed attention by the relatives as they refused to allow their samples to be taken for testing. Source: graphic.com.gh 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 Homeowners along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are being warned to brace for a day of high winds, shoreline erosion and possible flooding problems Monday as a strong low pressure system is taking aim at the Great Lakes. Heavy snow is forecast for the Upper Peninsula starting tonight. By Monday, a long-duration high wind event packing gusts as high as 60 mph will create problems up and down the shoreline of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. These dune-eating conditions are expected to target stretches where high water and beach erosion have already sent some Lakeshore homes tumbling down bluffs toward the water. Gale Warnings have been issued for both lakes ahead of the storm, which is also expected to bring down tree limbs, causing power outages across the state. The erosion ... is looking to be significant, given the 12-24 hours of gale force winds, meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids said in their recent forecast update. Roughly 12 hours of the 24 (Monday during the day) look to be high-end gale. So, serious erosion will take place on Monday and continue into Monday night with a loss of property as the toe of the dune is eroded by large waves and high water levels, allowing for property on the top of the dune to fall down the bluff. Property owners on the Lakeshore should take precautions as much as they can today and prepare for a rough 24 hours beginning early Monday morning. According to the NWS, most of us in Michigan should feel the winds ramp up between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Monday. In port towns, along Lake Michigan, sustained west-northwest winds of around 30 mph will likely push waters back into channels and cause localized flooding. Waves along Lake Michigan could reach 14 feet. We are expecting high-end gale force winds of 45 knots (52 mph). We cannot rule out a few storm-force gusts to around 50 knots (57 mph), especially downwind of the longer fetch from Muskegon to South Haven ... . NWS said. Strong winds are still forecast on Monday. The winds will abruptly increase Monday morning between 6am and 10am. Winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Grand Rapids Michigan on Sunday, April 12, 2020 From Manistee and north along the Lake Michigan shoreline, waves of up to 7-10 feet are expected Monday. There is potential for property damage as waves may completely submerge pier decks and boat docks, NWS meteorologists at the Gaylord office said. In the Upper Peninsula, a band of heavy snow is expected to start falling later today. A Storm Warning has been issued for Lake Superior near Marquette. Wind gusts up to 57 mph are expected there, the NWS said. Waves of up to 16 feet are forecast. Due to gusty west to northwest winds, lakeshore flooding is expected Monday and Monday night. Waves 7 to 10 feet... Posted by US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan on Saturday, April 11, 2020 READ MORE: High Wind Watch now in effect for all of Lower Michigan; See when you get the howling winds Storm details: Highest wind gusts expected at your Lower Michigan city, 2 feet of snow in U.P. Beach house falls into Lake Michigan How houses falling into the Great Lakes impacts all of Michigan Web Toolbar by Wibiya Oxford University-educated particle physicist Dr. Katherine Horton argues, based on her research and personal experiences, that the 5G network is intended as a "Directed Energy Weapon" system that aligns with the goals of the global elite to enslave humanity. In the above video she is interviewed by Alfred Lambremont Webre. In this interview, 5G is represented as a technological device under the control of manipulative aliens that seek to use it to encourage humans to robotize themselves (called "transhumanism") after fear of catching "viruses" so humans can be then used by the demonic aliens as a "resource" while supporting a totalitarian agenda by a Deep State. Dr. Horton is a particle physicist and systems analyst with a masters degree in physics and a doctorate in particle physics from the University of Oxford. She worked as a high-energy physicist on the particle collider at the German Electron Synchrotron DESY in Hamburg, Germany, and on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. She taught nuclear physics and particle physics at Hertford College, University of Oxford, conducted admissions interviews for undergraduate physics at St. Hildas College, Oxford, and served as a research fellow at St. Johns College, Oxford, a position that allowed her to expand her research into medical physics and the physics of complex human systems. Dr. Horton's research suggests that the coronavirus is part of an alien and human elite supported depopulation and "transhumanism" agenda. She warns that there is a "quantuum" difference between existing 4G systems and the alleged weaponized microwaves that 5G uses which would create an entrenched matrix of platforms under the direction of archons. You be the judge. Pakistan Death Row FILE - In this July 8, 2006 file photo, women prisoners celebrate the news of their release on bail, at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Kanizan Bibi, charged with murdering her employer's wife and five children, remains a prisoner on death row for the last 29 years. Shes one of more than 600 mentally ill prisoners in Pakistans overcrowded prisons. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed,file) ISLAMABAD (AP) Kanizan Bibi was 16 when she was charged with murdering her employers wife and five children. The police said she was having an affair with her employer, who was also arrested and later hanged. Until his execution in 2003, Khan Mohammad swore he and Bibi had never had an affair and had not killed anyone. He maintained his wife and children were killed as payback in a long-running land dispute with his relatives. Yet Bibi, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2000, remains on death row, where she has been for 29 years. The Cornell Center on the Death Penalty Worldwide is spearheading efforts along with the independent Justice Project Pakistan to get Bibi released. But the coronavirus pandemic that has shut down most of Pakistan seems to have also shut down Bibis chance at freedom. Shes one of more than 600 mentally ill prisoners in Pakistans overcrowded prisons. A March 30 hearing to present yet another psychiatric evaluation was postponed when courts closed. Most days Bibi can barely dress herself. She hasnt spoken in more than a decade and her father, before he died in 2016 pleaded in a letter to Pakistans president to free his only child. My daughter was accused of murder, which was a lie, he wrote telling of how she was tortured in police custody. They hung her from a fan with ropes thicker than her tiny wrists, beating her small frame with all their might. They let mice loose in her pants, which they tied from the ankles so that they could not escape. Kanizan had been terrified of mice her whole life, he wrote. I am a poor man and I beg that the death sentence of my daughter be converted into life in prison. He never received a reply. Justice Project Pakistan this week warned of a steep rise in COVID-19 cases in Pakistan's crowded jails. The Supreme Court of Pakistan this week agreed to release some mentally ill and disabled prisoners to ease conditions, but only those whose sentences are less than three years. Story continues That meant Bibi had to remain in prison. A land dispute between relatives was at the center of her case. Her employer's cousins had been feuding with him over land and had originally been arrested for the murders. They pointed to Bibi and accused her of adultery, a crime of shame in conservative Pakistan, saying that's why she killed her employer's wife and children. In villages adultery can bring summary executions by family members. Bibi was accused of involvement in the killings and charged with murder. Unsubstantiated adultery claims and a confession elicited after days of torture were enough for the judge to sentence her to death. Delphine Lourtau, who heads the Cornell Center on Death Penalty Worldwide said the group's research showed that women often aren't just punished for crimes they are being charged with but also for transgressing gender norms. Lourtau said three decades on death row have taken a severe toll on Bibi. She has lost touch with reality and is oblivious to her surroundings. There are days when she is unable to eat or dress herself. She trembles, hears voices, and is rarely able to recognize family members, the Cornell Center said. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the employer's name was Khan Mohammad, not Sher Mohammad. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Luis Gallardo's favorite place to study was the library at the University of California at Berkeley. He preferred to work at night, when it was quiet and the distractions of the day didn't pull at his mind. But last week, with the campus closed because of the novel coronavirus, his refuge and the resources that came with it were gone. He spent more than one morning at his family's kitchen table, staring at his laptop, his thoughts frayed. He was looking after his younger sister, brother and cousin, who were trying to manage their own schoolwork, now online. His mom eventually came home after her shift at McDonald's and sat down next to him. All the chairs were filled. He tried to study at night, when the two-bedroom Los Angeles apartment he shares with seven family members settled down. But his mind felt crowded even then. He sleeps on a futon in the living room, with his uncle nearby, and after a long day that resists structure, it's difficult to focus. "It's a lot more challenging to be able to concentrate and fully deliver," said Gallardo, 20, who is a junior majoring in political science and the first in his family to go to college. "I try to make a to-do list, but I end up not even finishing it. It's just a very unpredictable time." Gallardo is determined to finish his classes this semester and stay on track for graduation, although he's not sure how all the financial pieces will fit together. He has a job he can do remotely, but it ends this month, and he hasn't gotten an offer from any of the summer positions to which he has applied. For many students, the switch from the classroom to studying at home is mostly a disorienting inconvenience. They miss their friends, their freedom and learning from a human being instead of a screen, but their chances of graduating are unlikely to change. For low-income students, though, the situation can be dire. Earning a degree is challenging in the best of circumstances - graduation rates for low-income students have remained stubbornly low for decades. Only 14 percent of the lowest-income students earn a bachelor's degree within eight years of first enrolling, according to the most recent government data. Juggling bills, jobs and family responsibilities can make it difficult to find the time and head space to study. The coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating those pressures. Students who lived on campus are trying to keep up their grades at home, some in cramped or emotionally tense living conditions. Adult students who have children are being buried by home-schooling demands. Some students don't have internet access or the computers they need to do their coursework. And even without technology problems, catastrophic job losses are plunging some families into economic peril. As a result, the risk of dropping out is growing among the students who most need a degree to pry themselves out of poverty. "We know from experience that even small, unexpected expenses can really trip up low-income students and interfere with their likelihood of returning," said Jenna Sablan, an assistant research professor at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. "Now, with the coronavirus, you have a double whammy of not only new expenses but the likelihood of lower incomes both for the student and their families." Vasiki Konneh, 21, is back home from Colby College in Maine, trying to complete his courses online, in close quarters. He's under a stay-at-home order with five family members in a two-bedroom apartment in New York City. A physics major, he worries about not being able to go to his professors for help with difficult classes. Konneh's dad is a carpenter; he doesn't get paid if he doesn't work. "I have to worry about my schoolwork, but also my family and well-being," he said. Maria Romo-Gonzalez, a 22-year-old senior at UC Berkeley, struggles with spotty internet access; her mom's salary as a grocery store cashier doesn't allow for extras. She worried she would have to withdraw from classes last month after her Internet kept going down during a class designed to prepare students for a midterm. For older students struggling to support themselves, the road to graduation can be even tougher. Consuela Robinson, 35, returned to college in 2017 after dropping out more than a decade earlier, working two, sometimes three jobs to make ends meet. Last month, she lost her night job at a Marriott hotel in Seattle after Washington state was hit hard by the coronavirus. She bought her first house last fall - owning her own home had been her dream since she was a young girl in foster care. Now, she doesn't know how she'll pay her mortgage. "It would be really hard not to finish my classes because I've worked extremely hard to get to where I am now," said Robinson, who is majoring in health-care management online at Park University. "But it would be hard if I lost my house, too. Either way, it's going to be a hard pill to swallow." Most students who drop out of college don't return soon, if at all. In 2013, there were some 29 million students who had left college in the past two decades before earning a degree. Five years later, only 13 percent of them had re-enrolled, according to a study by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. "Once a student stops out, it can be harder to go back," said Malik Brown, executive director of Graduate! Philadelphia, a nonprofit group that works to help low-income adult students. "If you need to focus on making sure you and your children have food, shelter - education comes after those things." Brown said students told his group that since the stay-at-home orders started, their most persistent problems have been lack of Internet access, child care and food. An education technology company called Course Hero surveyed students last month about their financial needs; among the more than 14,000 who responded, rent and food were nearly tied for first place. Some students are considering postponing enrollment this fall, and many say that the pandemic will affect their ability to pay for college, according to other recent surveys. Classes at the University of California at Davis stopped meeting in person the week before final exams, which almost made Paul Abrena sorry that he had opted for upper-level computer science classes. Abrena, a sophomore, had never taken a class online and finds studying that way takes much longer. When he signed up at 1 p.m. for a professor's virtual office hours, with questions about an assignment due at midnight, he didn't get to talk to the professor until 9 p.m. The university is allowing students to take some courses pass-fail, but that option isn't available for the three computer science courses he's taking that are required for his major. "My future really relies on how I perform academically now," said Abrena, who is 19. "If I want to become employable, I need to keep a good GPA." Adding to the stress of his coursework is his family's financial situation. His dad's company cut his hours and slashed his pay to minimum wage, Abrena said, with no guarantee of how long he would stay employed. Both he and his dad took out loans for Abrena to go to college, which covered tuition, but he still needs to buy a few books for this semester, and then there's rent and food. His dad has always helped him out financially, but now that support may be impossible. His current job with the university's IT department can't cover everything. The idea of withdrawing from classes for a year has crossed his mind, but he knows that he needs a degree if he wants a shot at financial security, especially given the debt he's taken on. "One of the things I think about now is, 'Am I going to have enough money to continue?' " he said. "I feel like it's going to be a long time before we can ever get back to normal." - - - This story qas produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization covering inequality and innovation in education. The normally crowded Tan Son Nhat Airport has just a handful of people after local carriers suspended most flights on all routes. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. Bamboo Airways and Vietjet Air will resume domestic flights starting April 16, after the governments 15-day social distancing campaign ends. In addition to resuming most of its previously suspended routes on April 16, Vietjet Air will also operate three individual flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on April 11, 12, and 13, a representative of the budget carrier told VnExpress. Bamboo Airways will resume flights on the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh route from April 16, while other routes will begin operating from April 20 onwards. National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has said it is considering resuming Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh flights and some other niche routes. All carriers have said they will continue to implement Covid-19 protection measures such as requiring passengers and crew to keep a safe distance from each other when queuing up or sitting in the aircraft. Passengers are required to check in online, produce health reports, wash hands regularly, and wear masks and gloves. The carriers will refuse to take on board those who cannot produce medical reports, those who show symptoms such as fever, or those who have recently passed through epidemic-stricken areas. The government had asked all carriers to suspend most domestic flights from April 1 to April 15 as it launched a nationwide social distancing campaign to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. During the campaign, only two flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, one between Hanoi and central Da Nang City, and one between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang have been operating each day. As of Sunday morning, Vietnam had recorded 258 Covid-19 infections, of whom 144 have been discharged. On Monday, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long suggested Vietnam should extend the social distancing campaign to curb community transmission of the virus. Christy Karras and her husband received a tantalizing text the other day from friends they had not seen since February, when all four were among the first people in the United States to be sickened by the new coronavirus. "Dinner at our place?" It had been a week and a half since any of them had experienced symptoms, past the point when COVID-19 patients are thought to be contagious. And, assuming conventional virology wisdom applies, they were not at risk of immediate re-infection. Karras had been told she was probably "one of the safest people in the country" by a researcher she asked. She and her husband, Bill Harper, who had each endured a weeklong headache as well as the disease's hallmark fever and dry cough, longed for social interaction. "Let me check our calendars," Karras typed back. "Oh, who are we kidding? Nothing on the calendar." So it was that the two Seattle couples entered a phase of pandemic life that most of America can still only dream of. As recently as mid-March, fewer than 5,000 people in the United States had tested positive for the new coronavirus. Some are still coughing or tethered to oxygen tanks. Many have died. But the first large wave of COVID-19 survivors, likely to be endowed with a power known to infectious disease specialists as adaptive immunity, is emerging. They linger in grocery store aisles and touch doorknobs without flinching. They undertake not entirely essential travel. They have friends over. They hug. With most Americans still desperate to avoid contracting the virus, and the number of known cases nearing half a million, several dozen spoke to The New York Times about what it was like to recover. Health care workers who have fallen ill and bounced back fill the hospital shifts of colleagues who are still at risk. Many who have overcome the infection, including some of America's newly unemployed, donate blood to biotech companies and researchers seeking to manufacture treatments from their antibodies. They are giddy; they are grateful. "My son kept asking, 'Is Daddy going to die? Is he going to die today?'" said Clement Chow, 38, a college professor who has changed his Twitter handle to "Clement 'I beat COVID19' Chow." The first COVID-19 patient at the University of Utah's intensive care unit, he recently received his all-clear. "It was good to be able to tell him no," Chow said. They are sometimes guilt-ridden, about possibly having spread the disease before its existence was widely known, and about recovering when others did not. "The death toll from our ship is 11," said Carl Goldman, 67, who spent 29 days in a Nebraska biocontainment unit after being evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which in mid-February was home to the highest concentration of coronavirus cases outside China. "That could have been any one of us." In Italy, some public officials have proposed issuing "immunity certificates" that would allow those with antibodies to the virus to move freely and return to work an ethically fraught concept also under discussion by the White House's coronavirus task force. Even in the absence of public policy, people who have recuperated from COVID-19 say they are wondering about the responsibilities that come with the powers of probable immunity. "I am acutely aware of the privilege I have in not being afraid," Karras, a writer and editor in her mid-40s, wrote in a recent Seattle Times column. But uncertainties abound. While Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading expert on infectious diseases, has said he is "really confident" that people who recover are protected against re-infection, there is no perfect test for immunity, and it is not clear yet how long it may last. Guidance from health officials as to the precise moment people who had been infected can no longer infect others is often conflicting, and testing is often not available to confirm when a person is virus-free. Some COVID-19 survivors face stigma from neighbors who know they had been sick. On the night of their outing, Karras and her husband brought good wine they had been saving for a special occasion. Their friends ordered out from a local barbecue place. Everyone talked loudly, the couple recalled, and often at the same time. They agreed not to post any photos of the reunion on social media. As much as they wanted to send a message of hope, they were at pains to avoid giving off the impression they were gloating. "There aren't that many people yet who had it and are well," Karras said. "It's like it's up to us to figure out how to be." Daughter boards flight Elizabeth Schneider hated to appear to be violating rules that were meant to protect others and that she knew relied on collective determination to enforce. But the state health department said people who had tested positive for the coronavirus were allowed to leave self-isolation seven days after their first symptom and three days after their last fever. By those metrics, she was free to fly from Seattle to Tucson, Arizona, to visit her parents. Schneider, 37, who holds a doctorate in bioengineering, had read the study about monkeys that indicated survivors of the new coronavirus would, at least at first, be resistant to further infection. She would be more useful in Tucson, she had reasoned, as her family's designated grocery shopper. Especially since her mother has asthma, which puts her at a higher risk for a poor outcome should she contract the virus. But re-entry to a society that is largely shut down can also come with a new sense of isolation, Schneider found. "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 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 flyers that she would have had no opportunity to speak to anyone even if she had wanted to. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "Empty," she texted. Doctor returns to ER It was midway through Dr. Dara Kass' 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, 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. She qualified. "They called me," Kass said Sunday evening from the hospital, where the wails of ambulance sirens did not let up and COVID-19, she said, "is everywhere." That morning, Kass had tweeted a photograph of herself in the subway, wearing a mask. "On the way to my first ER shift in 3 weeks," she wrote. She had already been prepared to step in on procedures, like for cardiac arrests, for colleagues who had not been infected. "When you find out you have antibodies you have a sense of obligation to just help," she said. "Everyone else is doing a great job. But on some level, there's a layer of, 'You're lucky enough to have had it.'" Antibody elixir The thing to do, the thing that throngs of COVID-19 survivors are uniformly eager to do, it seems, is participate in antibody studies. "If there's a chance I can help humankind, I'm in," Rick Wright, of Redwood City, Calif., said. In the case of Wright, who had tested positive multiple times over the course of several weeks but experienced no symptoms, the blood draw came to his home the moment his self-isolation order was lifted. A co-founder of the drug-discovery startup Augmenta who read about him in The New York Times in early March concluded that Wright's antibodies might be particularly potent. On one recent evening, members of the Young Israel synagogue in New Rochelle, where many congregants tested positive in early March, watched a Zoom presentation by researchers from Rockefeller University about the value of donating plasma, while reviewing similar solicitations from scientists at the nearby Montefiore Medical Center. But plenty of erstwhile coronavirus patients need no persuasion. Jacob Brown, 26, of Manhattan rode his bike 5 miles from the East Village to the Upper East Side to donate blood to the Mount Sinai study last week. Then he visited Rockefeller the next day to do the same. Brown, who has been laid off from two jobs as a result of the shrinking economy, was not feeling flush with the power of immunity. But the blood donations made him feel better. "I'm not a health care worker so I can't be in the trenches," Brown said. "One of my friends was like, 'You could lick the benches and you'll be fine.'" The nurse that sounded the alarm over concerns of the conditions at the Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley has died as a result of coronavirus. "We kept waiting for the ball to drop," said Maria Krier in an interview with WCVB. "Like, when are you going to tell us were exposed to it?" She fell ill two weeks ago and tested positive for COVID-19 after only working for the Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley for a short time. We are deeply saddened by the passing of one [of] our associates during these challenging times the country is experiencing, stated Kate OConnor, regional vice president. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends. The facility has 10 residents who have died from the virus, 67 of the facilitys 109 original residents have tested positive for the viral respiratory infection. The nursing home has been the subject of town and state officials scrutiny after the center allegedly failed to properly follow health protocols outlined by the Littleton Board of Health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Guard was mobilized to the facility last week to test all of its residents. Our nurses and frontline workers are the heroes in the fight against this unprecedented outbreak," said OConnor. We are fighting a virus that is still largely unknown, and our nurses and staff continue to provide the best care given the guidance we have received from both federal and local health agencies. Of the 686 coronavirus-related deaths reported in Massachusetts by Saturday, 44% were reported in long-term care facilities. Related Content: While the whole country has been asked to stay indoors for the lockdown period, some people are facing trouble deciding which home they need to be locked up in. According to a TOI report, a Bengaluru resident has found himself in quite a fix after his first wife complained about his absence to the police, since he was allegedly locked up with his second wife. Based on the first wife's statement, the man who is a garment entrepreneur has broken a tripartite agreement which states how he is supposed to divide his time between both wives. Reportedly, the man's first wife called Bengaluru police's women helpline, so that her husband returns home to her. BCCL The report further adds that the 40-year-old man is married to his first wife and also has a child with her. While being married to her, she started having an affair with another woman who is now his second wife. After his first wife found out about the affair, he confessed to her that he had gotten married again. Initially, the first wife had taken up the matter with Bengaluru police's women helpline, but the man convinced her to not involve the authorities. The Knot After that, the elders of all three parties intervened and it was decided that the man will take up the expenses of both the families and stay one week each with both his wives. However, he found himself in a fix since he was at his second wife's place when the lockdown was announced and failed to show up at the first one's place a week later. Running out of supplies and furious over her husband breaking the agreement, the first wife approached the police authorities in order for the man to return home. However, the report also says that further enquiry by the police revealed that the man had left his second wife's home and was now staying with his friend. Economic Times Let's hope there's no third wife or wife-to-be in the picture. As it is, he is juggling one too many balls than he should be. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Close to 1.4 million Indian physicians have come together as part of Global Indian Physicians Covid-19 collaborative, to foster a cross-system of learning about the pandemic. They were brought together by The Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), the Canada India Network Society (CINS), and the Canadian Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (CAPIH). The collaborative aims at fostering cross-systems of learning to arrive at the best possible approach for preventing and managing the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. It will encompass vaccination, newer diagnostic tests, ventilation strategies, early warning algorithms to identify deterioration, use of antiviral therapy, plasma therapy and novel agents. Every country needs to share the experience of treating Covid-19 and learn from each other, which will help define and standardise the protocols for testing and treatment, said Dr Sunil Patel, President of CAPIH, Canada. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal A lot of people are taking their work home right now as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses into embracing telecommuting. But for Bernalillo County Urban 4-H agent Brittany Sonntag, taking work home was much more involved than just setting up a computer on the kitchen table. When the state announced that public schools would shut down to help slow down the spread of the coronavirus, Sonntag and two co-workers had to evacuate about 60 incubating eggs and 15 chicks from more than a dozen classrooms across the county that 4-H was partnering with. They wouldve hatched while the schools were closed, Sonntag said of the eggs, which were donated by a local farmer. Some of the chicks ended up living in Sonntags bathroom since nonessential businesses including the 4-H office also closed. The chicks and eggs were in elementary classrooms as part of a program the local 4-H office runs each spring to teach kids about incubation and to aid in other core content lessons. We use the chickens a lot in education, Sonntag said. We do a lot of math and journaling with the chickens. 4-H, which began as an agricultural organization and has broadened into other life skills development, will often work with schools for projects such as this. Sonntag said teachers will incorporate the little poultry classmates into daily lessons, and students are encouraged to read out loud to them. While the chicks and the unhatched siblings can stay in the classroom during a normal week, they shouldnt be left alone for longer than one night. Thats because the chicks cant stay in the incubator for long after they hatch. Also, they can be rascals when left alone. They cant even be left alone over a weekend. We usually pick them up on Fridays because we dont want them to be left alone, she said. They will do things like dump their water or dump their food. They really shouldnt go more than a night without somebody being there with them because they tend to get into trouble. So, when the coronavirus hit New Mexico and schools prepared to close, Sonntag had roughly a day to figure out how she was going to transport the animals out of the 15 classrooms. On March 13, the last day schools were open, Sonntag and her coworkers drove across the county from the South Valley to Los Ranchos and elsewhere to liberate the critters. Transporting eggs and the little chicks isnt as easy as putting them in a carton or buckling them in. Sonntag had to keep the incubators hooked up to a power source in her vehicle, drive them safely to the office and later transport them to her home in the South Valley. To keep the incubators running while in transit, she said, the crew found an adapter that plugged into the vehicles cigarette lighter. It was a frantic and even risky move. Its not healthy for the chicks to be moved once they are in the incubator It really puts a lot of strain on the chicks, she said. It was very nerve-wracking. She said the 4-H team tried to stay light-hearted about it all and see the humor in a chick rescue mission amid a pandemic. Originally, Sonntag thought she was temporarily fostering the baby chickens because students were tentatively scheduled to go back to school April 6. But then the state ordered schools closed for the rest of the academic year. Thats how Sonntag became the housemate to 26 chickens with names including Cluck Norris and McFeathers at one point. Thankfully, I live in the South Valley. So I do have a little two-acre farm, and I happen to have an extra bathroom, she said, adding that they lived in her spare bathroom in big plastic tubs for the first bit of their lives. Other than them being a little smelly, you just kind of get used to them, she said with a laugh. As of Thursday, she had 17 chicks from the classroom programs living with her. They had just hatched on Monday and Tuesday. I check on them a couple of times a day, socialize with them and interact with them, she said. Sonntag has been giving the school chicks back in batches to the farmer who donated them. Despite the stress of the evacuation, Sonntag said looking back on it, the hardest part of it all is knowing the kids wont get to interact with the fun fowl. This has definitely been the first time we have ever had to go and take so many chickens in so many different stages of incubation, and that was definitely stressful, she said. Im more just disappointed for the kids who are missing out on this experience. What is the coronavirus? A coronavirus is a type of virus which can cause illness in animals and people. Viruses break into cells inside their host and use them to reproduce itself and disrupt the body's normal functions. Coronaviruses are named after the Latin word 'corona', which means crown, because they are encased by a spiked shell which resembles a royal crown. The coronavirus from Wuhan is one which has never been seen before this outbreak. It has been named SARS-CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. The name stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2. Experts say the bug, which has killed around one in 50 patients since the outbreak began in December, is a 'sister' of the SARS illness which hit China in 2002, so has been named after it. The disease that the virus causes has been named COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019. Dr Helena Maier, from the Pirbright Institute, said: 'Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that infect a wide range of different species including humans, cattle, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats and wild animals. 'Until this new coronavirus was identified, there were only six different coronaviruses known to infect humans. Four of these cause a mild common cold-type illness, but since 2002 there has been the emergence of two new coronaviruses that can infect humans and result in more severe disease (Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronaviruses). 'Coronaviruses are known to be able to occasionally jump from one species to another and that is what happened in the case of SARS, MERS and the new coronavirus. The animal origin of the new coronavirus is not yet known.' The first human cases were publicly reported from the Chinese city of Wuhan, where approximately 11million people live, after medics first started publicly reporting infections on December 31. By January 8, 59 suspected cases had been reported and seven people were in critical condition. Tests were developed for the new virus and recorded cases started to surge. The first person died that week and, by January 16, two were dead and 41 cases were confirmed. The next day, scientists predicted that 1,700 people had become infected, possibly up to 7,000. Where does the virus come from? According to scientists, the virus almost certainly came from bats. Coronaviruses in general tend to originate in animals the similar SARS and MERS viruses are believed to have originated in civet cats and camels, respectively. The first cases of COVID-19 came from people visiting or working in a live animal market in Wuhan, which has since been closed down for investigation. Although the market is officially a seafood market, other dead and living animals were being sold there, including wolf cubs, salamanders, snakes, peacocks, porcupines and camel meat. A study by the Wuhan Institute of Virology, published in February 2020 in the scientific journal Nature, found that the genetic make-up virus samples found in patients in China is 96 per cent identical to a coronavirus they found in bats. However, there were not many bats at the market so scientists say it was likely there was an animal which acted as a middle-man, contracting it from a bat before then transmitting it to a human. It has not yet been confirmed what type of animal this was. Dr Michael Skinner, a virologist at Imperial College London, was not involved with the research but said: 'The discovery definitely places the origin of nCoV in bats in China. 'We still do not know whether another species served as an intermediate host to amplify the virus, and possibly even to bring it to the market, nor what species that host might have been.' So far the fatalities are quite low. Why are health experts so worried about it? Experts say the international community is concerned about the virus because so little is known about it and it appears to be spreading quickly. It is similar to SARS, which infected 8,000 people and killed nearly 800 in an outbreak in Asia in 2003, in that it is a type of coronavirus which infects humans' lungs. It is less deadly than SARS, however, which killed around one in 10 people, compared to approximately one in 50 for COVID-19. Another reason for concern is that nobody has any immunity to the virus because they've never encountered it before. This means it may be able to cause more damage than viruses we come across often, like the flu or common cold. Speaking at a briefing in January, Oxford University professor, Dr Peter Horby, said: 'Novel viruses can spread much faster through the population than viruses which circulate all the time because we have no immunity to them. 'Most seasonal flu viruses have a case fatality rate of less than one in 1,000 people. Here we're talking about a virus where we don't understand fully the severity spectrum but it's possible the case fatality rate could be as high as two per cent.' If the death rate is truly two per cent, that means two out of every 100 patients who get it will die. 'My feeling is it's lower,' Dr Horby added. 'We're probably missing this iceberg of milder cases. But that's the current circumstance we're in. 'Two per cent case fatality rate is comparable to the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918 so it is a significant concern globally.' How does the virus spread? The illness can spread between people just through coughs and sneezes, making it an extremely contagious infection. And it may also spread even before someone has symptoms. It is believed to travel in the saliva and even through water in the eyes, therefore close contact, kissing, and sharing cutlery or utensils are all risky. It can also live on surfaces, such as plastic and steel, for up to 72 hours, meaning people can catch it by touching contaminated surfaces. Originally, people were thought to be catching it from a live animal market in Wuhan city. But cases soon began to emerge in people who had never been there, which forced medics to realise it was spreading from person to person. What does the virus do to you? What are the symptoms? Once someone has caught the COVID-19 virus it may take between two and 14 days, or even longer, for them to show any symptoms but they may still be contagious during this time. If and when they do become ill, typical signs include a runny nose, a cough, sore throat and a fever (high temperature). The vast majority of patients will recover from these without any issues, and many will need no medical help at all. In a small group of patients, who seem mainly to be the elderly or those with long-term illnesses, it can lead to pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection in which the insides of the lungs swell up and fill with fluid. It makes it increasingly difficult to breathe and, if left untreated, can be fatal and suffocate people. Figures are showing that young children do not seem to be particularly badly affected by the virus, which they say is peculiar considering their susceptibility to flu, but it is not clear why. What have genetic tests revealed about the virus? Scientists in China have recorded the genetic sequences of around 19 strains of the virus and released them to experts working around the world. This allows others to study them, develop tests and potentially look into treating the illness they cause. Examinations have revealed the coronavirus did not change much changing is known as mutating much during the early stages of its spread. However, the director-general of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Gao Fu, said the virus was mutating and adapting as it spread through people. This means efforts to study the virus and to potentially control it may be made extra difficult because the virus might look different every time scientists analyse it. More study may be able to reveal whether the virus first infected a small number of people then change and spread from them, or whether there were various versions of the virus coming from animals which have developed separately. How dangerous is the virus? The virus has a death rate of around two per cent. This is a similar death rate to the Spanish Flu outbreak which, in 1918, went on to kill around 50million people. Experts have been conflicted since the beginning of the outbreak about whether the true number of people who are infected is significantly higher than the official numbers of recorded cases. Some people are expected to have such mild symptoms that they never even realise they are ill unless they're tested, so only the more serious cases get discovered, making the death toll seem higher than it really is. However, an investigation into government surveillance in China said it had found no reason to believe this was true. Dr Bruce Aylward, a World Health Organization official who went on a mission to China, said there was no evidence that figures were only showing the tip of the iceberg, and said recording appeared to be accurate, Stat News reported. Can the virus be cured? The COVID-19 virus cannot be cured and it is proving difficult to contain. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, so they are out of the question. Antiviral drugs can work, but the process of understanding a virus then developing and producing drugs to treat it would take years and huge amounts of money. No vaccine exists for the coronavirus yet and it's not likely one will be developed in time to be of any use in this outbreak, for similar reasons to the above. The National Institutes of Health in the US, and Baylor University in Waco, Texas, say they are working on a vaccine based on what they know about coronaviruses in general, using information from the SARS outbreak. But this may take a year or more to develop, according to Pharmaceutical Technology. Currently, governments and health authorities are working to contain the virus and to care for patients who are sick and stop them infecting other people. People who catch the illness are being quarantined in hospitals, where their symptoms can be treated and they will be away from the uninfected public. And airports around the world are putting in place screening measures such as having doctors on-site, taking people's temperatures to check for fevers and using thermal screening to spot those who might be ill (infection causes a raised temperature). However, it can take weeks for symptoms to appear, so there is only a small likelihood that patients will be spotted up in an airport. Is this outbreak an epidemic or a pandemic? The outbreak was declared a pandemic on March 11. A pandemic is defined by the World Health Organization as the 'worldwide spread of a new disease'. Previously, the UN agency said most cases outside of Hubei had been 'spillover' from the epicentre, so the disease wasn't actually spreading actively around the world. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-13 06:50:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SANTIAGO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Chile's government on Sunday reported a total of 7,213 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and 80 have died of the disease since the start of the outbreak. In the past 24 hours, 286 more cases of infection were detected and seven patients succumbed to the disease, which can cause pneumonia. Of those infected, 2,059 have recovered, and of the fatal victims, six suffered from "pre-existing health conditions," the Health Ministry said. Chileans who have recovered from COVID-19 will soon be eligible to receive a type of "discharge card" that will exempt them from lockdown measures, according to the ministry. Meanwhile, Chile's government plans to build up a supply of 3,315 respirators. The country currently has 553. Chile has imposed stringent measures to contain the outbreak, including a nationwide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., closing its borders to foreign visitors, and closing schools and non-essential businesses. The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) officials have informed that the outbreak of the Wuhan Coronavirus has resulted in a sharp decline in infiltration and smuggling of cattle, gold, marijuana, fake Indian currency notes (FICN) through the porous 2,216.7 km India-Bangladesh border. At the South Bengal frontier, only 371 km is fenced out of the 915 km. BSF IG South Bengal Frontier YB Khurania said that even though their vigilante surveillance has not been relaxed, infiltration and smuggling across the South Bengal frontier region had reached a rock bottom level. Another senior official informed that the fake currency notes that were being thrown at the Indian side of the fence were just photocopies of original currency notes. We can safely say the high-quality FICN trade has taken a huge hit, he emphasised. The BSF has attributed the decline in smuggling to the fear of the Chinese virus, sealed borders with Bangladesh, increased patrolling of the porous region and apprehensions of a pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise. Since the nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, only 13 Bangladeshi infiltrators had been captured till April 10. During the same period in 2018 and 2019, the numbers were at staggering 76 and 33 respectively. While only 35 kg of marijuana has seized so far in 2020, the number of cattle smuggling cases has declined to 45 from 1700. In view of the Coronavirus pandemic, the BSF troopers are now equipped with personal protective gear such as gloves, masks and suits to avoid unwarranted physical contact with smugglers and infiltrators. Earlier, in an unprecedented move, Bangladesh has closed the operations of Daulatdia, the largest brothel in the country located on the bank of river Padma, amidst the outbreak of coronavirus that has infected 20 people in the Islamic Republic. 1500 sex workers are known to work in the brothel and serve around 5000 customers. Local Police Chief Ashiqur Rahman was quoted as saying, The brothel at the Daulatdia was closed temporarily as part of precautions against coronavirus. The sex workers were asked not to allow any visitor until April 5. He revealed that even though prostitution was illegal in the country, law enforcement authorities never interfered in their operations. North Korea called for stronger measures against the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic at a meeting presided by leader Kim Jong Un, state media reported Sunday, without acknowledging whether the country had reported any infections. The already isolated, nuclear-armed North quickly shut down its borders after the virus was first detected in neighbouring China in January, and imposed strict containment measures. Officials in Pyongyang and its state media have repeatedly insisted that the North remains totally free of the virus, but Sunday's report did not make that assertion. The coronavirus epidemic -- which has infected more than 1.7 million worldwide -- had become "a great disaster threatening the whole mankind, regardless of borders and continents", the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. "Such environment can become a condition creating some obstacles to our struggle and progress," it said, adding Pyongyang maintained "very stable anti-epidemic situation". The meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea on Saturday discussed changing policy tasks in the wake of the epidemic, KCNA reported, as officials called for strict and thorough check of the infiltration of the virus. A joint resolution was adopted "on more thoroughly taking national measures for protecting the life and safety of our people to cope with the worldwide epidemic disease", it added. Photos carried by the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed none of the officials -- including Kim -- wearing masks and sitting close to each other side by side around a round table. Experts have said North Korea is particularly vulnerable to the virus because of its weak healthcare system, and defectors have accused Pyongyang of covering up an outbreak. As part of its anti-virus efforts North Korea put thousands of its own people and hundreds of foreigners -- including diplomats -- into isolation and mounted disinfection drives. The World Health Organization said 709 people -- 11 foreigners and 698 nationals -- have been tested for the virus as of April 2, while more than 24,800 people have been released from quarantine. Nearly every other country has reported coronavirus cases. Aside from China, South Korea endured one of the worst early outbreaks of the virus. Recorded cases of infection across 193 countries now exceed one 1.7 million, including more than 108,000 deaths, according to an AFP tally Sunday based on official country data and WHO figures. The number of confirmed cases in Laois of Covid-19 has risen by another ten people again this Easter Sunday, April 11. There are now 71 confirmed cases in the county, up from 61 reported on Saturday. It means the case numbers in Laois have almost doubled in the last three days, since the tally of 37 cases last Thursday. Neighbouring counties have also seen big rises as testing ramps up and national backlogs are cleared. In Offaly, there are now 119 cases up from 104 cases the previous day. Tipperary has 175 cases up from 166 announced on Saturday. Kilkenny now has 124 cases up from 115 on Saturday, while Kildare has jumped by almost 30 new cases in a day to 360. Carlow has seen its biggest jump in cases yet, 10 since yesterday now 32. Westmeath has risen to from 181 on Saturday to 192 today. Longford has 49 cases. The number of infections in Dublin has risen to 4514 cases, or 53% of the country's cases. The county breakdown relates to latest figures confirmed on April 9. Another 14 people nationally have died in the past 24 hours from the virus, bringing the toll to 334 deaths. With the latest test results from German labs included, there are now a total of 9,655 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. 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 Slate is making its coronavirus coverage free for all readers. Subscribe to support our journalism. Start your free trial. A few minutes before Sunday morning service on March 8, Ebenezer Baptist Church pastor Jermaine Landrum spotted Ronald Rhodes sitting in his usual spot in the pews. Ebenezer Baptist is a small, 98-year-old church in New Orleans. With only about 75 members, everyone at Ebenezer knows one another, and Landrum knew the 28-year-old Rhodes, one of a handful of young male regulars at the church, as a welcoming and playful guy. Advertisement I would even make jokes with him during the sermon, Landrum said. So as I passed by his pew, I was speaking with him, and we just laughed a little bit. That morning Landrum spotted something else: Another of the churchs fixtures, 86-year-old Antoinette Franklin, wasnt there. Landrum couldnt recall a time when Franklin, a member of Ebenezer for more than 60 years, had skipped a Sunday service, including those months after Hurricane Katrina when the physical church had been reduced to folding chairs on a cement foundation. She doesnt miss church, he told me when we spoke this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few days later, Landrum called off service for the following Sunday, something he hadnt done since Katrina. There were reports that the novel coronavirus was rapidly spreading around town, and Landrum decided it was best for the members not to gather. He never saw Rhodes or Franklin again. Advertisement Advertisement Antoinette Franklin died of complications from COVID-19 on March 23; Ronald Rhodes did the same on March 29. Several more of Landrums congregants ended up in the hospital, and some others who had not yet been tested were running fevers and showing symptoms like the ones associated with the coronavirus. Most tragically, in a span of just nine days, three of Franklins sons died from the virus. We lost everything in Katrina, Landrum said of the last time the small church and its community had to deal with such adversity. These losses are whats making it tougher [this time]. Because we didnt have any losses like that during Katrina. Jacqueline Franklin, the ex-wife of one of Franklins sons, agrees: Losing everything during Katrina, including the clothes on my back, has not shook me like this here. Advertisement Ebenezer Baptist sits in the Central City area of New Orleans, about a mile west of the Superdome. Its a black church in a historically black neighborhood, one of the enduring institutions in a gentrifying city post-Katrina. Advertisement Its also near the center of a city where black residents disproportionately live in poverty and suffer from chronic disease, putting them at the mercy of a virus that thrives on density and weakened immune systems. The deaths at Ebenezer represent only a fraction of the crisis in a city and parish rocked by a wave of coronavirus infections. As of Saturday, Orleans Parish had recorded 5,416 cases and 225 deaths. Those figures are the highest in Louisiana, one of the states hit hardest by the virus. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced earlier this week that his state would release preliminary data on race and coronavirus deaths, noting, Slightly more than 70 percent of all the deaths in Louisiana are of African Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And not just in Louisiana. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data last week suggesting that black populations might be disproportionately affected by COVID-19. In Chicago, black patients represented 72 percent of the coronavirus-related deaths, even though the city is 32 percent black. Black people are 14 percent of the population in Michigan but represent 41 percent of the deaths. There was a smaller discrepancy in Los Angeles, where the black population is 9 percent but 17 percent of the deaths. There have also been disproportionate rates of infection and death for black people reported in Connecticut, North Carolina, South Carolina, and the Las Vegas area, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Antoinette Franklin was a regular at Ebenezer Baptist before Landrum, 47, was even born. Advertisement She and her late husband Herman Franklin Sr. raised their 12 children in New Orleans 3rd Ward neighborhood. Over the years Ms. Antoinette, as she was known, gradually became a matriarch to many in the community. She was like everyones Big Mama, said her grandson Anthony Franklin Jr., who also lost his father and two uncles to the virus. She wasnt big. But she was a Big Mama. Advertisement Advertisement Antoinette celebrated her 86th birthday on March 2, a week before the first case of the coronavirus was reported in the New Orleans area, and well before Louisianas governor issued a stay-at-home order. On March 2, going to church and meeting up with friends were still part of the daily routine in New Orleans. Advertisement Instead of a birthday party, Franklins family members and friends streamed in and out of her neat little shotgun home throughout the day. It was then, her family believes (though they cannot know for sure), that someone brought the coronavirus into her house. A few days later, many of Antoinettes visitors started feeling sick. Antoinette was admitted to the hospital on March 7. Advertisement Next thing I know, Jacqueline Franklin said, it was the whole family. Anthony Franklin Sr. went to the emergency room five days later. His brothers Herman and Tim were also hospitalized, both of them suffering from pneumonia. They were all placed on ventilators in neighboring rooms. On the same day his father went to the hospital, Anthony Franklin Jr. left work with a fever and chills. He fell asleep as soon as he got home. In the morning, he texted his father, who was still in the emergency room. Me and him were talking about LeBron [James], Anthony Jr. said. The next day he was in the ICU. That was the last time I spoke with him. Within days of each other, they were all gone. Herman Franklin Jr. died on March 21, Antoinette Franklin on March 23, Anthony Franklin on March 26, and Timothy Franklin on March 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his misgivings, Landrum acquiesced to the familys desire to hold a memorial service at the church. It was a small ceremony where people were only allowed to sit in every other pew and at opposite ends of the bench. Advertisement Advertisement I just couldnt say no, Landrum said. I just said a prayer and sacrificed for that. It wasnt long, and we did everything as best we could. But a lot of church members wanted to be there and didnt come. The remaining Franklins cant believe how quickly they went from celebrating their matriarchs life to mourning so many deaths. The familys story has become national news, a macabre oddity even among so many other COVID-19 tragedies. (The Franklins are joined in their staggering grief by a Detroit-area woman who endured the deaths of her husband and only son and a family in New Jersey that lost four to the virus early on.) Advertisement People have been calling us from all over the country, all over the world, Jacqueline Franklin said. What I want people to know is that this is real. Stop saying this is a hoax. Dead at only 28, Ronald Rhodes represents another sort of anomaly: a member of the relatively small group of people under the age of 50 killed by the coronavirus. A recent analysis from the Washington Post showed that only 8 percent of people who have died from COVID-19 in Louisiana were under 50. (It is not yet clear if Rhodes had any preexisting health conditions.) Advertisement Advertisement Known as Bo, Rhodes brought a youthful energy to a church of mostly older members. Landrum came to count on him, even putting him in a couple of leadership roles in the church. He didnt quite have a voice for Ebenezers choir, but he made sure he was heard. He was trying to over-sing the choir, said Dajhawn Varnado, one of his longtime friends and an Ebenezer congregant. He loved to sing. You could not tell him he wasnt hitting the right notes. Rhodes started feeling sick in mid-March and went to the hospital on March 21 but was sent home, Varnado said. When Rhodes went back on March 23, complaining of chest discomfort and shortness of breath, doctors confirmed he had pneumonia in both of his lungs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called me and said he was in the hospital, Landrum said. He said, Pastor, pray for me. A couple of days later, Landrum and Rhodes family members and friends got news that he was doing better and might be able to go home. I knew in my heart that he was going to make it, said Varnado, who works as a medical assistant at the hospital where Rhodes was admitted. Then it just took a turn. Rhodes was placed on a ventilator, and his kidneys failed soon after. He died on a Sunday morning, March 29. He is survived by his longtime partner Unique Veals and their 4-year-old son, Ronald Jr. The reality of it is it will never be the same, Varnado said of losing her friend, whose Facebook profile still reads, Live life you only get one. I dont even know how it is going to feel when we go back in the church. Advertisement No one does. I spoke to Landrum in the middle of Holy Week. He told me that only in the past few days have he and the members had a chance to free themselves from the cycle of sickness, hospitalization, and grief. They have been attempting to summon energy and optimism all week, he said, while grappling with the losses. Just imagine trying to celebrate eternal life amid so much death. Advertisement Advertisement Up until now, Katrina had been the line of demarcation for many native New Orleanians. There was the city before the hurricane and subsequent floods, and the city after. When the storm hit in 2005, some Ebenezer members found themselves trapped in the Superdome awaiting rescue from the drowning city. The church itself was completely destroyed, and many members simply couldnt return home when Ebenezer eventually reopened later that year. This plague, Landrum said, reminds him of that time. Unlike many churches, Ebenezer hasnt been regularly livestreaming services, though Landrum delivered a sermon and hosted five musicians on Facebook Live last week. Several church members also took part in a Good Friday prayer group over the phone with Landrum. But by Saturday, he still wasnt sure there would be an Easter Sunday service. Some people have asked me about it, Landrum said. But I dont think Im going to do anything special. When I checked Facebook Live on Easter Sunday morning, there was nothing. It has been nearly a month since South America reported its first case of coronavirus and since then the deadly pandemic has spread to all the 14 nations of the region. As of April 12, Latin American has reported over 48,103 cases of the virus with 1,952 deaths and 5,246 recoveries. Brazil which reported the first case of the virus on February 26 remains the worst-hit nation in the region. COVID-19 hits protected lands Brazil, where the COVID-19 infection has now spread to indigenous tribes including the Yanomami has raised an alarm for the government. Brazil has till now reported 20,964 positive cases and 1,141 deaths. However, only 173 people have recovered in the nation. This comes as the Jair Bolsonaro-led government has now turned to local manufactures to tackle the shortage of medical equipment. Ecuador, which has reported over 315 deaths has now launched an investigation into the management of bodies of people who died from coronavirus infection, especially in Guayaquil. Ecuador has reported 7,257 cases of infection and 411 cases of recovery. Meanwhile, Chile, which has reported 6,927 cases till now has been effectively treating COVID-19 patients. In Chile, only 73 people have died and 1,864 people have recovered. In addition, authorities in the country are reportedly manufacturing face masks with the help of prisoners. According to the Chilean Ministry of Justice, ten inmates in Santiago Sur Preventive Detention Center started production in April and have already manufactured more than 2,400 face masks. Read: Prisons In Chile Start Producing Face Masks Read: South Africa's President, Ministers Take 33% Pay Cut To Fund COVID-19 Measures Peru has managed to become the country with the second-highest number of recovered patients with 1,739 cases treated successfully. The country has reported 6,848 cases of infection and 181 deaths. Colombia, where police officers have been holding Zumba classes residents stuck inside homes during the lockdown has reported 2,709 infected cases and 100 deaths. Argentina recently extended its lockdown till April 26. However, the Argentinan government has announced that it will reactivate public works to help revive the economy. The country has reported 2,142 cases of infection and 89 deaths. Uruguay which is dealing with COVID-19 in the Australian cruise ship, Greg Mortimer, docked at Montevideo has reported 501 total cases seven deaths. Meanwhile, other nations like Bolivia has reported over 300 cases and 24 deaths, Venezuela has reported 175 cases and nine deaths and Paraguay 134 cases and six deaths. This comes as remaining French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname And Falkland islands have reported 86, 45, 10 and five cases respectively with six deaths on Guyana and one in Suriname. Read: Colombian Police Hold Zumba Classes In Residential Locality Amid COVID-19 Lockdown Read: Uruguay Evacuates 112 Australians, New Zealanders From Ship (Image credit: AP) President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook look around Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican in October 2018. Moon delivered a message for Easter, Sunday, encouraging the Koreans to draw strength from the nation's wealth of experience in overcoming adversity. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae ASEAN+3 virtual summit to take place Tuesday By Do Je-hae President Moon Jae-in encouraged Koreans to draw strength from the nation's wealth of experience in overcoming adversity in a hopeful Easter message, Sunday, amid the ongoing struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. "Resurrection is a mystery for believers, but even for the general public, resurrection is a message of hope. It's the hope that comes to us after overcoming death," Moon said. "Korean history is one of resurrection. We achieved independence from colonial rule, democracy from dictatorship and economic growth from absolute poverty. All of this, we have done on our own, while trusting and encouraging one another." He thanked the people for their efforts and sacrifice to contain the virus. "Like Jesus Christ, who changed a history of hardship into a history of hope through resurrection, our people are turning a crisis into hope with courage and love during these difficult times," Moon said. "There are still many challenges ahead, but we will certainly overcome the pandemic and rise again." The President underlined the need to prepare for post-pandemic challenges in various sectors. "Many predict world history will face a turning point after COVD-19. We will face a distinctly different world after sweeping changes in health care, quarantine, economy, industry, diplomacy and culture. Like the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we must create new hope in order to be able to return to a new daily life." President Moon, whose Christian name is Timothy, and first lady Kim Jung-sook are both devout Catholics. The Easter message came amid concerns about reopening of churches and mass worship services for celebrating Easter at a critical juncture in the nation's struggle against the COVDI-19 pandemic. Last week, the number of new infections began to fall, which has renewed hopes among the Korean public. The government has advised churches to refrain from holding worship services with large congregations during the national social distancing campaign to combat COVID-19. "Of course, it's still early to say that the worst is over. But If we get past Easter and the general elections, we may be able to ease social distancing," Moon wrote in a social media message on April 10. Other leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are also using Easter as an occasion to send out a message of hope and encouragement to overcome COVID-19. "Almost 3,000 years ago, the Prophet Isaiah wrote these words: 'Darkness covers the Earthbut the Lord rises upon you, and His glory appears over youFor the Lord will be your everlasting light,'" Trump said during a prayer session at the Oval Office on April 10. "One hundred and eighty-four countries, as of this morning, are fighting this enemy and we pray for them all. Though we will not be able to gather together with one another as we normally would on Easter, we can use this sacred time to focus on prayer, reflection and growing in our personal relationship with God. So important." Working with ASEAN on post-virus reponses On Sunday afternoon, Cheong Wa Dae announced that President Moon will participate in the ASEAN+3 virtual summit on April 14. "During the summit, the President will propose measures to step up cooperation in public health and minimize the impact of the COVID-19," vice presidential spokesperson Yoon Jae-kwan said in a briefing, Sunday. "The proposals will include ways to maintain essential personnel exchanges and travel, in addition to keeping open global supply chains." The leaders will adopt a joint statement on joint responses against the COVID-19. It remains unknown whether or not Moon will be holding separate talks with leaders from Japan and China. Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and is a spring harvest festival celebrated in Punjab and other parts of North India. Baisakhi falls on 13 April this year and it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth, under the leadership of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the year 1699. Hindus celebrate the descent of Goddess Ganga on Earth on this day. In her honour, devotees gather for a holy dip along the banks of the river Ganga. In Punjab, Baisakhi marks the harvest of the rabi crops and farmers pay their tribute by thanking God for an abundant harvest, which is a symbol of prosperity. ALSO READ: Happy Baisakhi 2020: Images and wishes to share with your loved ones on Facebook, WhatsApp On Baisakhi, the Khalsa Sikh order was founded after which the Guru Teg Bahadur was persecuted and beheaded by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb when he refused to be converted to Islam. Following these events, in the year 1699, the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji laid the foundation of Panth Khalsa, by baptizing Sikh warriors to defend religious freedom. This festival is celebrated across Punjab and parts of North India. A number of processions called Nagar Kirtan led by five Khalsas, dressed as Panj Pyaare passes across the streets in the wee hours of the morning. Devotees visit Gurudwaras to offer special prayers and a number of fairs are organised where festivities are observed with Bhangra and Gidda performances, folk songs, amusement rides and good food. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Coronavirus has brought the entire world to a standstill and Indonesia is no exception. Many ceremonies including weddings and prayers have been either cancelled or postponed indefinitely. Amid all the chaos and destruction, a couple from the south Asian nation decided to tie a knot and stream it online live for their relatives. According to reports, the couple, Mohammad Nurjaman and Ugi Lestari Widya Bahri exchanged vows on April 10 in a ceremony that was attended by only close family members. However, another multitude of guests joined the possession and watched the wedding via live stream. Speaking to international media later, the 31-year-old groom, Nurjaman said that they were definitely disappointed. But he added that the pandemic was not only affecting one or two people but everybody. He also said that they must accept the situation. The couple, who had reportedly been planning their marriage since last October, got married in a traditional Islamic ceremony in Tangerang. Bride Bahri, who is 24 years old, said that in a normal ceremony they expected their relative and friends to join them, however, in the present condition, they were relying on technology. According to reports, the reception which was supported to be held on April 12 in Jakarta and attended by over 500 guests has been postponed indefinitely. Indonesia has reported 4,241 positive cases as of now. Read: Indonesia's Anak Krakatau Volcano Shoots Ash, Lava Read: Indonesia Reports 219 New COVID-19 Cases, 26 Fatalities Arrested for holding wedding ceremony While, in contrast, a couple from South Africa was arrested for flouting lockdown rules and celebrating their wedding ceremony with 53 other guests in attendance. According to reports, police stormed the wedding ceremony with guns and face masks and arrested the couple along with the priest and the guests who were present there. The couple had just finished taking their wedding vows when the police arrived and arrested them. Media reports suggest that the police were alerted by concerned citizens following which they arrived at the venue and stopped the ceremony. The footage of the couple's arrest is doing rounds on social media with people calling them 'COVIDIOTS' for not following the lockdown orders and putting the lives of others in danger, including their own. In the video, the groom and the bride can be seen getting into a police van in their full wedding dress. All the arrested people were taken to the Empangeni police station on April 5. As per reports, the couple was released under stringent bail conditions. Read: Indonesian Starts Business To Make Hazmat Suit For Hospitals Read: 3 Rebels Linked To Indonesia Gold Mine Attack Die In Clash (Representative Image, Credits: Unsplash/ drewcoffman) The scientists have tracked COVID-19's movement /Peter Forster, Lucy Forster, Colin Renfrew, and Michael Forster/PNAS The COVID-19 virus has mutated as it has spread, research has found, allowing scientists to track its origins and potentially predict future trends. The study may also help to establish whether the divergence in severity of the illnesses suffered by different people may be linked to infection from different strains of the coronavirus. What is believed to be the earliest known strain of the virus, most closely related to that found in pangolins and bats, is termed by the scientists as "Type A." This variation is commonly found in the U.S. and Australia. Type A appears to have mutated into "Type B," which then evolved into a "Type C," which is the predominant strain found in Europe. Lead author of the study, Peter Forster of Cambridge University in the UK, (above) told CGTN Europe how the journey from Type A to Type C was not apparent before this new research. "Type A is the original type that would have infected humans and then it would mutate and change into Type B. This Type B was then the first genome to be picked up in Wuhan when the disease became apparent. "And so researchers might be forgiven for thinking at the time that B is the original type. But actually it's not, it's Type A, which on one hand is only a minority type, but B has become the majority type during the outbreak. And that has mutated further into C." The scientists noticed that Type B was almost exclusively found in East Asia, leading them to question whether people living outside the region had some kind of resistance to it. But as Forster pointed out, it's hard to find a full picture of the virus because "the research effort is very different from country to country." "We have 40 genomes sequenced by laboratories [in the UK] which is not a great deal, but it's better than nothing. For Italy we have five or six. For Germany we have five or six. Netherlands has done 100, the Americas 300," he told CGTN Europe. The study, conducted by scientists from the University of Cambridge, the University of Kiel, the German Institute of Forensic Genetics and Fluxus Technology and Lakeside Healthcare in the UK, can be used to create a map of the coronavirus's journey around the world. The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The researchers reported they could not trace the virus to its roots as yet. However, subsequent work, which has not been peer reviewed, allowed the researchers to conclude that the virus's first transmission to humans was between the middle of September and early December 2019, Forster said. The shattering news that Boris had been admitted to intensive care will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the coronavirus outbreak. Until then, for those of us lucky enough not to have severely ill friends and family, there was still an element of this being a phoney war, something we were waiting to happen. Our Prime Minister's admittance to an ICU shifted that dial. Nothing could have demonstrated more effectively how there was no barrier to anyone getting sick. If someone as driven and energetic and physical as Boris Johnson could be laid so low, what hope was there for the rest of us? The shattering news that Boris had been admitted to intensive care will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the coronavirus outbreak, writes ALEXANDRA SHULMAN If a man receiving the very best medical advice, in hugely comfortable circumstances and seemingly robust health could be toppled, how could any of us hope not to be struck? It demonstrated that, to some degree, we were all at the mercy of fate. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who woke in the middle of that night feeling like the world was spinning off its axis. Now Boris appears to be on the mend, and hopefully will eventually be restored to his usual bouncing persona. But his having been knocked so hard adds to the evidence that this is a good time to be a wimp. Just before Boris became seriously ill, I had been wondering why so many of the most alpha-males I knew had been sick and not just slightly sick, but pretty badly laid up. Many of them were bed-bound with a fever for weeks. Another was in intensive care. By contrast, their wives who also contracted the virus have almost all emerged far quicker, having undergone less of an ordeal. Then it was revealed that there's a link between the severity of the symptoms and testosterone. I've no idea whether successful, commanding blokes actually do possess more testosterone than others but they certainly demonstrate the qualities associated with that hormone: competitiveness, dominance, aggression, impatience. They also share an inability to admit to any kind of vulnerability or weakness, which is why so many of them spent the early days of their illness denying that they were sickly. Or refused, like Boris, to give up work and rest. One man who definitely fits that Tiggerish mould is conservationist Hylton Murray-Philipson curiously, like Boris, an Old Etonian. Millions saw video footage of him being clapped out of Leicester Royal Infirmary by a medical guard of honour after a 12-day stay including a spell in intensive care. Murray-Philipson moved viewers with his obvious gratitude and excitement at still being alive and by describing NHS workers as the Spitfire pilots of our time. I don't think there are many who would disagree with him. Our lonely people need rainbows too Walking round the block, it's lovely to see all the rainbows in the windows indicating there are children in the house who are creating these icons of hope. Wouldn't it be terrific if there were another symbol to signify people who were living alone? Walking round the block, it's lovely to see all the rainbows in the windows indicating there are children in the house who are creating these icons of hope It could be cheering to know that there were others nearby who were in similar circumstances, and it would also tell the rest of us who might need help with provisions, or appreciate a wave or chat through the windows. But what would an appropriate symbol be? All suggestions welcome. How I'm washing all my cares away... As our lives turn inwards, we are all discovering things about ourselves that in more outgoing times were less obvious. I've never regarded myself as particularly obsessive about how clean my clothes are, but now I wonder if I'm extreme. Certainly that's how I was left feeling when I told a friend the other day about how much time I seem to be spending doing the household washing. Forget the Chinese flu, it's the Chinese laundry round here. She couldn't understand why I was spending so much time washing clothes. In her home they were just wearing the same few items and didn't need to wash them that much. After all, they weren't going out or seeing anyone. Neither are we, but my reaction to being shut in is different. More than ever I want our clothes and household linen to be not only spotlessly clean, but immaculately ironed. This new-found obsession means I'm never not flinging towels into a 60-degree cycle (something for ecological reasons I don't normally agree with) and I've never spent so much time changing sheets. On which note, I don't understand how the best-selling Mrs Hinch can make a fortune advising us that the best way to change a duvet cover is to stuff the wretched duvet into the corners and shake it down. Surely, this is stating the mind-numbingly obvious. As for washing ourselves well admittedly I am someone who in normal circumstances has been known to have two baths a day just because I love the escapism of the tub. But now there's something purifying (and yes, I know that sounds a bit over-the-top) about being immersed in the water and scrubbing away. It's perfect for social isolation and as far as I am aware our water is one of the few things we know is guaranteed virus-free. A blank white slab is the height of fashion I had been wondering which magazine would be the first to put nothing on the cover. It must be a nightmare thinking of appropriate cover stars right now. The prize goes to Italian Vogue whose May issue cover is a blank white slab. Other editors must be envious that they nabbed this simple solution first. D isney World has furloughed 43,000 workers, with no end date in sight to the park closure amid the coronavirus outbreak. The workers at the Florida theme park will keep medical, dental and life insurance benefits for up to a year after being furloughed on April 19, according to a statement by their union to its members. Employees will go back to their previous salary rate and seniority once they return to work, the Services Trades Council added. They are immediately eligible for state unemployment benefits until then. A total of 200 staff will stay on to perform "essential duties" while the park is closed, the union said. Disney World before the coronavirus outbreak / Mark Ashman/Disney Parks via Getty Images The park has been closed since March 19 amid fears over coronavirus transmission. Employees who are members of the Services Trades Council were being paid to stay at home since then. Disney World has 77,000 staff - making it reportedly the biggest single-site employer in the US. Many other non-union employees had already been furloughed. The Services Trades Council said: "The union agreement provides stronger protections and benefits for 43,000 union workers at Disney than virtually any other furloughed or laid-off workers in the United States." Disney World, which calls its employees "cast members", said: This agreement provides an easier return to work when our community recovers from the impact of Covid-19. We are grateful to have worked together in good faith to help our Cast Members navigate these unprecedented times." Singer Ariana Grande at Disney World / Getty Images Unions for musicians, security guards and facilities management at Disney World have reached similar agreements over the past week. Other US amusement parks have also been forced to close due to the coronavirus outbreak, with many workers either furloughed or on lower wages. The US economy has been hit hard by coronavirus, with record numbers filing for unemployment in recent weeks. An 11-year-old boy and cancer patients are among the vulnerable children whose parents are being asked to sign do not resuscitate forms. GPs asked Ilhan Ates-Suddes's mother Margaret, from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, to fill out an order for if he catches coronavirus in a move she branded inhumane. Meanwhile a 16-year-old boy was called by his doctor surgery and asked to consent to the document. GPs asked the mother of 11-year-old Ilhan Ates-Suddes, pictured, if she wanted to sign a do not resuscitate form Ilhan has to be fed through a tube due as he suffers from fibrosarcoma in his neck and jaw The paperwork gives permission for medics to avoid using CPR to attempt to restart a patient's heart when it's stopped beating. NHS England has warned against these blanket decisions but in the current climate, some argue there is a need to embark on these highly sensitive conversations. The deadly bug has swept through the country, having killed 917 people in 24 hours yesterday making the total death toll 9,875. The family of Ilhan, who has to be fed through a tube due as he suffers from fibrosarcoma in his neck and jaw, said they were shocked by the request. Margaret, 32, said she was shocked by the inhumane request and thought it was irresponsible Margaret, 32, told the Sunday Mirror: 'They asked if we wanted a DNR if Ilhan had to be taken to hospital with coronavirus. 'When I complained, one GP told me there had been a mistake. But how on earth can someone see an 11-year-old boy's age on a computer and think that it is responsible behaviour? 'Ilhan is an oncology patient and this is something we would decide with his consultant at Leeds General Infirmary, where the treatment has been amazing.' But it appears not to be an isolated incident, as the 16-year-old from Colchester, Essex, was also said to have received a DNR form. The patient, who has not been named, has the connective tissue disorder Ehlers-Danlos but has control over his care. His mother blasted the move and said her son now thinks the Government wants him dead. A Welsh GP surgery is said to have sent a letter to patients with life-limiting illnesses, recommending they agree to forgo CPR treatment if they go into cardiac arrest. 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.' 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 should not be done. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said no one should ever feel pressured into making this highly personal decision. But she added: '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 it's the right thing for them. 'But that's 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, said 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. While Prof Marshall acknowledges doctors need to continue having these chats during the Covid-19 pandemic, he said the focus should be on the individual patient and their needs. Abrahams agrees: 'Blanket decisions in care homes are completely unacceptable.' 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 will not 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. Why are so many older people being forced to sign away their right to life as medics raise the Do Not Resuscitate dilemma 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. Web Toolbar by Wibiya 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. Making sure that Boeing is strong again is very, very powerful and very important, and well do whatever is necessary to do, Mr. Trump said on Friday at a briefing on the governments coronavirus response. He noted that the company has not asked for aid yet, but I think they probably will. Yet as negotiations over the stimulus heated up late last month with Boeing officials working closely with the White House and key members of Congress to communicate the companys needs and preferences Mr. Calhoun gave an interview that provided fodder to critics, left supporters puzzled and created confusion among government officials involved in the negotiations. Mr. Calhoun suggested in an interview with the Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo last month that Boeing would not accept taxpayer money if it meant giving the government a stake in the company, a condition that was being debated at the time as part of the federal bailout legislation working its way through Congress. The final legislation included conditions for some of the aid, including the possibility of the government taking an equity stake and limits on layoffs and stock buybacks. I dont have a need for an equity stake, Mr. Calhoun said in the interview. If they force it, we just look at all the other options, and weve got plenty of them. He added, If they attach too many things to it, of course you take a different course. The comments prompted a flurry of phone calls from members of Congress to Boeing executives and lobbyists, according to people familiar with the exchanges. Was Mr. Calhoun saying that the company didnt want to be included in the bailout, or that its internal prognosis was better than the companys debt-laden balance sheet suggested? The responses from the companys lobbyists to lawmakers were emphatic, if at odds with Mr. Calhouns pronouncement: Yes, Boeing needed the federal money, and no, it was not in better shape than it looked. Internally, Mr. Calhouns colleagues informed him that he had sent the wrong message, according to two people familiar with the matter. Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect that the start date delay decided by the Maine legislature's revenue committee was not due to licensing issues, according to the state's Office of Marijuana Policy. The long-delayed rollout of Maine's recreational cannabis market is being delayed yet again. On Friday, the state's Office of Marijuana Policy (OMP) announced that its opening won't occur this spring, as was the most recently stated goal. The reason is the same for virtually every business hiatus in these times -- the rapidly spreading SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that has put the world economy at a virtual standstill. On the same day as its announcement, OMP sent a letter to businesses potentially involved in the recreational marijuana trade. In the document, it said that because of the coronavirus the planned spring market launch "is simply unrealistic." This postponement, in addition to being far from a surprise given current conditions, was previously anticipated by the state. In early March, the revenue forecasting committee in Maine's legislature pushed back its estimate of the start to June, rather than the previously anticipated March. Although Maine technically legalized recreational consumption and sale in 2016, it is only now getting around to licensing cultivation facilities and dispensaries in order to create a proper market. Meanwhile, medical cannabis -- which was made legal in 1999 -- has been a busy market for many years now. This will probably be the same for recreational, as the state had received nearly 200 applications for licenses to sell, grow, or process it. Maine hasn't provided much detail about those applicants. It's very possible one is Curaleaf (OTC:CURLF), a marijuana company headquartered in nearby Massachusetts. Curaleaf already operates a medical dispensary in the small Maine town of Auburn, and it's conceivable that it would like to push into the recreational segment too. On Thursday, Curaleaf's shares moved more or less in concert with the broader stock market, rising by 1.5% on the day. Dressed in their Sunday best, hands clasped together and staring intently at their television, Ashley and Lindsay Mitcham and their three children Jane, 7, Francis, 4, and Dominic, 3, were committed to keeping their church-going tradition alive. The Blackburn North family was one of thousands which tuned in to watch the Easter Mass from St Patricks Cathedral on Sunday morning, broadcast in real-time to Channel 31 and live-streamed online. The Mitcham family - Ashley, Lindsay, Jane 7, Francis 4 and Dominic 3 - watch the Easter Sunday Mass on their television. Credit:Chris Hopkins While ritual church services have been closed to the public, the federal government classified priests and other religious leaders as 'essential workers', allowing live-streams like those held at St Paul's Cathedral and Temple Beth Israel's virtual synagogue to continue. Mrs Mitcham admitted it was very strange watching easter services in her lounge room. Yonhap Self-isolators will be allowed to cast ballots in the upcoming parliamentary elections if they do not show symptoms of coronavirus infection, authorities said Sunday. "People who were ordered to go into self-quarantine from April 1-14 and show no symptoms on the day of voting can cast ballots," Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said in a press briefing. "Wearing face masks, they should go to polling stations on foot or by car, while using mass transportation is strictly banned." When we think of Easter, most people recall Easter egg hunts, bonnets, or even large family meals. But who can forget the Easter baskets filled with delicious treats such as chocolate bunnies, jellybeans, and marshmallow eggs? Children in Bloomington-Normal were lucky enough to find treats from nationally known local candy company, the Paul F. Beich Candy Co., tucked into their Easter baskets. Paul F. Beich, the man, was born in 1864 in the town of Wehlau in East Prussia. At the age of 18, he decided to immigrate to the United States and reached Bloomington not long after landing in New York. He soon became engaged in the confection trade and, by the early 1890s, organized his own firm in St. Louis called Beich Buffe Candy Co. By 1893 he was back in Bloomington and bought out J.W. Gray, whose candy company was located at the 200 block of East Front Street. The Paul F. Beich Candy Co. succeeded beyond Beichs expectations, expanding until the firm occupied a three-story building on the 100 block of East Front Street. In 1899, Beich and Oscar Buffee (his partner from St. Louis) expanded the firm by purchasing the Lancaster Caramel Co. from Milton S. Hershey. In 1908, needing more space for his growing operations, Beich moved the factory to a 170,000-square-foot building on West Grove Street. The Paul F. Beich Candy Co. was considered one of Bloomingtons leading industries, employing more than 200 people at the time. By 1929, the factory employed 400 people, mostly women. The women who worked at Beich were a force to be reckoned with. From 1937 to 1938, in order to get better pay and hourly wages (instead of being paid by how many boxes of candy they packed each day), the women organized the Bakery, Confectionery & Tobacco Workers Local 3423 union and staged several strikes. While all of their demands were not met (like receiving the same rate of pay as their male counterparts), the company did begin to pay them increased hourly wages. The Paul F. Beich Candy Co. produced a whole host of delectable treats, including giant chocolate Easter eggs. By examining advertisements of the time, seekers of Easter treats such as these could purchase three-fourths of a pound or full one-pound chocolate Easter eggs at various local shops. One of the most popular candies Beichs produced was the Whiz Bar (the Best Nickel Candy there iz-z!). The Whiz Bar was a delightful marshmallow, peanut concoction covered with chocolate and was the companys best seller. In the accompanying photograph, women pack Whiz Bars into boxes for shipment throughout the country. The photograph was taken around 1936 and was published in The Pantagraph on April 8 that year (four days before Easter Sunday). The photograph accompanied a story announcing that an additional 100 employees were being hired that year (bringing the total to 750). This was good news for the local economy as the nation was still in the depths of the Great Depression. The McLean County Museum of History collects and preserves countless photos just like the two seen here. Interior photographs like these can be rare finds in our collection and provide invaluable information to the museum about local businesses like Beichs. Paul F. Beich passed away on Sept. 9, 1937. His descendants continued to operate the factory until 1984, when it was sold to the global food giant Nestle (by that time the factory had relocated to 2501 Beich Road). Most recently, the firm was sold to Italian candy company Ferrero in 2018. The West Grove Street building stood empty for many years until it was lost to arson in May 2005. To this day, many local residents fondly remember Beich candy. And for those of us who never got to indulge in it, we can learn more about the Paul F. Beich Candy Co. by visiting the museum and exploring the Challenges Choices and Change: Working for a Living exhibit, or studying the collections of the library and archives. Editor's note: Pieces From Our Past is a weekly column produced by the McLean County Museum of History. Gov. John Bel Edwards was tracking every last ventilator in Louisiana, with projections showing the medical system was days away from being overwhelmed by surging novel coronavirus infections. The state had ordered more than 12,000 of the medical devices, needed to help the most seriously ill patients breathe. "Today, we have received exactly 192," Edwards told reporters March 27, with characteristic precision. None came from the federal government, he noted. The Louisiana Democrat's desperation caught President Donald Trump's attention. Three days later, in a video conference call with governors, the president committed to sending ventilators to Louisiana, Edwards announced at a news briefing later that day. The governor publicly thanked Trump - but added that he still didn't know exactly how many ventilators were coming. Then within hours, at his own news conference, Trump specified the state would be getting 150. That evening, Edwards released a statement with more thanks for the president, packaged with a prod: "While this does not meet our overall need, each ventilator we get in Louisiana helps." The tale of the 150 ventilators is a snapshot of how Edwards has deftly managed his relationship with Trump. He advocates methodically for his state, highlighting gaps in federal resources, but in a manner that Trump hasn't interpreted as criticism of his leadership. On television, the U.S. Military Academy graduate and former captain in the 82nd Airborne lacks the witty charisma of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo or California Gov. Gavin Newsom. At daily news briefings, he relishes weedy statistics and invites experts and even political rivals to share the spotlight. Louisiana was an early coronavirus hotspot, amassing 20,014 cases and 806 deaths. But as the latest data suggests the curve of new infections is flattening, Edwards' handling of Trump stands as one important piece of an overall crisis response that is drawing bipartisan praise in Louisiana. "I think Louisiana is darn lucky to have him right now where he is," said John Alario Jr., a Republican who was state Senate president during Edwards' first term. "He tells some things people really don't want to hear, but I think he's very transparent about what's going on." Former New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu, a Democrat, praised Edwards' balance in showing graciousness to the president when appropriate. "But at the same time, he's also been very clear about what the holes are in the delivery from the federal government," Landrieu said. "And so you see him trying to thread that needle in a constructive but resourceful way." Edwards, 53 - an antiabortion, pro-gun-rights, devout Catholic who also championed Medicaid expansion, equal pay for women and criminal justice reform - was elected in November to a second term, despite Trump holding three rallies to defeat him. In a state that Trump carried by about 20 points, Edwards had to convince tens of thousands of Trump voters to choose him over his Republican opponent. During the reelection campaign, Trump said, "A vote for John Bel Edwards is a vote for radical leftists, who despise your values." Now, he compares Edwards favorably to some other Democratic governors. Washington's Jay Inslee is "always complaining" and Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer "blame[s] the federal government," Trump said on Sean Hannity's show March 26. "In the case of Louisiana, where you have a very good governor, John Bel Edwards - but he's a Democrat - and he's very thankful for what we're doing." In an interview with The Washington Post on Wednesday, Edwards said that he's using the same approach he took in seeking help from President Barack Obama in 2016, when record flooding rendered 56 of 64 Louisiana parishes major disaster areas. "I don't care who the leader is, you need to have the best possible working relationship with them if you want your request to be considered in the most favorable light," he said. Not that Edwards has scored a windfall of coronavirus resources from Trump - but he has ensured that Louisiana is a significant player in the fierce 50-state competition for equipment, hospital beds and staff. Louisiana eventually received another 200 ventilators from the national stockpile, for a total of 350. The state also secured 400 from other sources. That's still not everything the state needs, Edwards said. "But we're not being ignored either. . . . I really do feel like we're getting our fair share." Trump had called him earlier that day, he said: "He just asked me how things are going." Certain Democratic governors have criticized the federal response to the coronavirus threat as too slow and disorganized. Some Louisiana Democrats roll their eyes at Edwards' solicitousness toward Trump - but they consider it essential for the good of the state. "He's biting his tongue on a lot of things," Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Democrat, said. "Not because he's weak. He's biting his tongue because it's life or death for his constituents, and I just applaud him for that." With the flattening curve of new infections, Louisiana hasn't needed as many ventilators as forecast. Edwards recently cut his total orders to 1,000. Edwards grew up in tiny Amite City north of New Orleans. His father was sheriff of Tangipahoa Parish, and his mother was a nurse at Charity Hospital. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna, who became a schoolteacher, and they have three children. After eight years in the Army, Edwards went to law school and was later elected to the state House of Representatives. Raised outside the state's traditional urban power centers by a medical professional in a political family and trained in crisis management in the military, Edwards is the right leader for the moment, said James Carville, the Democratic operative and Louisiana native. "His general demeanor, his background, his hometown - it's just like if you said, 'Hey, the state's going to face this crisis, go in the lab and get me the perfect person,' you might have come up with someone close to him," Carville said. Current and former members of Edwards' administration say his dealings with Trump are a hallmark of the pragmatic, bipartisan approach he has embraced as one of the few Democratic governors in the South. He appointed one of the Republicans who ran against him for governor in 2015, Jay Dardenne, to be his commissioner of administration. His chief of staff, Mark Cooper, a nearly 30-year veteran in the field of disaster response, also is a Republican. He appointed a supporter of abortion rights, Rebekah Gee, as secretary of health during his first term, and she helped him get health care to nearly 500,000 residents through Medicaid expansion. "His approach is sorely needed throughout this nation, the ability to cross party lines and work well regardless of political divisions," Gee said. Edwards acted relatively quickly as the threat of the pandemic became clearer. During the two weeks after the state's first reported infection March 9, cases in Louisiana spiked at a more rapid rate than anywhere in the world, according to a researcher at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Edwards issued a stay-at-home order March 23, behind only California, Illinois and New York, according to a state policy database created by researchers at Boston University. Orders in Washington and Oregon also took effect March 23. Still, Edwards and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell have faced criticism that they should have canceled Mardi Gras festivities, which epidemiologists suspect helped spur the deadly community spread. In an interview April 5 on "State of the Union," Edwards said, "There was not a single suggestion by anyone - a doctor, a scientist, a political figure - that we needed to cancel Mardi Gras." Edwards' stay-at-home order was initially criticized by some as government overreach. After issuing the order, he held a conference call with pastors and religious leaders, and as he tried to explain his policy, he got choked up. "We were talking about something that is important to me as a person of faith," Edwards said in the Post interview. "I haven't missed Mass in more than six years. . . . To have people of faith questioning my commitment to the First Amendment and to their ability to continue to worship wasn't something that I found pleasant." For the time being, a priest who is a friend visits the governor's mansion on Saturday evenings to celebrate Mass with the governor and his family, permitted because it's gathering of fewer than 10 people. During the pandemic, Edwards has been working out of a conference room overlooking the emergency operations center in Baton Rouge - a space used in Louisiana's tragically well-rehearsed responses to hurricane disasters. To practice social distancing, just about 10 members of his team also work there, instead of the normal 40 or so, and about 75 toil on the main floor of the ops center, rather than the capacity of up to 400, Cooper said. The rest check in via conference calls. In another gesture of bipartisan support, state Rep. Charles Henry, a Republican, said he recently sent a load of meals from Louisiana's prized Drago's Seafood Restaurant to Edwards' staff in the war room. Edwards speaks almost daily with Pence and periodically with Trump. His relationship with the president has been complicated since Trump was elected. As the president hurled partisan insults during Edwards' reelection campaign, the governor never responded in kind. During his victory speech, Edwards said simply, "As for the president - God bless his heart." The crowd erupted in laughs and cheers, while Edwards held his silence for 11 seconds, gazing at his audience with the same inscrutable poker face that he displayed when delivering the news that Louisiana hadn't received ventilators from the federal government. "As I told the people in Louisiana when the president came here three times to campaign against me last year," Edwards said in the Post interview, "I said: 'This is the political season. He's going to come down, and he's going to try to get you to vote for my opponent. But when the election's over, I'm going to win, and it's going to be time to govern.' "And that's exactly what I'm going to do," he said. "And if there was ever a time to govern and not be focused on politics, it is during a public health emergency like we're having right now." Washington: More than 10 percent of the 4,800 crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Navy said Saturday, days after the navy chief resigned over his mishandling of the outbreak. "92 percent of the TR crew have been tested. As of today, 550 were positive, 3,673 were negative," a US Navy spokesman told AFP. The spokesman said 3,696 have been moved to hotels and barracks available on Guam, where the ship has been docked since its former captain blew the whistle on the outbreak, igniting a public standoff with the Pentagon that culminated in the resignation of US Navy Secretary Thomas Modly on Tuesday. Modly stepped down five days after removing the Roosevelt's captain, Brett Crozier, for writing a letter -- that was leaked to the media -- describing the virus-struck vessel's dire situation and alleging the Pentagon was not paying adequate attention to it. The removal of Crozier, respected in the military and popular with his crew, was seen as heavy-handed and decided too quickly, before an investigation was carried out. A navy veteran with a spotless career, Crozier had written a letter to his superiors in late March complaining of an uncontrolled COVID-19 outbreak among the Roosevelt's crew, and called on the Pentagon to allow him to vacate the nuclear-powered ship and sterilize it. "The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating," Crozier wrote. "We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die." The letter was published by the San Francisco Chronicle, a leak Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Modly insinuated was deliberate and violated the Pentagon's chain of command. Modly sparked outrage Monday after he flew from Washington to Guam, where the warship is docked, to defend his actions to the crew in a forceful, profanity-laced speech in which he accused Crozier of "betrayal". Hours later, back in Washington, Modly issued an apology, but President Donald Trump publicly questioned Crozier's treatment and said he would get directly involved. Modly "resigned of his own accord," Esper has said. A global aircraft charter specialist founded in the UK has helped more than 10,000 people get home and organised 180 emergency flights, both commercial and VIP, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Chapman Freeborn, which also aided evacuations during the Middle East crisis of 2011 and the H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic of 2009, say it is working day and night to help stranded travellers and expats return to their home country. Its broker teams have recently completed large-scale repatriation programmes to the US from South America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. However, its flights have delivered people to destinations right across world. Neil Dursley, chief commercial officer at Chapman Freeborn, said: No-one would ever wish for a situation like the one were facing now, but thankfully, as an experienced aircraft charter business there are things we can do to help." We are currently working around the clock on behalf of global corporations, governments, NGOs and military divisions to get people home. This isnt the first time the company has helped co-ordinate a response to global crisis. Back in 2011, it evacuated 15,000 people following unrest in the Middle East. And, in 2009, it helped co-ordinate repatriation flights during the H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic. Due to the evolving rules and regulations set at local border and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) levels, Chapman Freeborn reports that passenger flights are requiring very close monitoring. The complications include crew being held for varying observation periods, countries only issuing landing permits for passenger aircraft provided the passengers are citizens of that country, and local operators being told they cannot return to the embarkation point if they operate flights outside of the country. These rules and regulations make it highly challenging to bring aircraft in from abroad. Chapman Freeborns in-house 24/7 flight support company Wings 24 has a dedicated team monitoring the situation daily providing updates to the companys worldwide charter departments. Dursley added: Im proud to be a part of a company that can respond when needed and provide genuine support. We know what a difficult time it is for everyone, including our own staff of course. Despite that, Ive witnessed first-hand the level of dedication and professionalism shown by our teams globally because they want to help. It also continues to support the battle against coronavirus with cargo charters for medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) from China as well as utilising in-house assets to bring cargo capacity to the market. - TradeArabia News Service Bethany Bump / Times Union COLONIE Police are investigating the death of a a 29-year-old man after he was found shot in the groin in a room at the Central Avenue Days Inn. Colonie Police said they responded to the Days Inn, 1606 Central Ave., at 12:13 p..m. Sunday for a man who was shot. Police and Colonie EMS did first aid at the scene, but the man died shortly thereafter. The US must not repeat the same mistake it made after 9/11 by allowing the scapegoating of a whole minority population. The scapegoating of an ethnic group during a national emergency has begun. Rumours are circulating that Chinese people are spreading the coronavirus in America. School children are bullied for being of Chinese origin. Racial slurs are hurled at people who look Chinese. Chinese culture is increasingly represented as backward and as a threat to America. The predictable consequence is an upsurge in racial violence. In the most egregious hate crime thus far, an Asian American family, including a two-year-old girl, was stabbed at a Sams Club Store in Midland, Texas. The attacker admitted to police that he tried to kill them because he believed they were Chinese people infecting Americans with the coronavirus. We have seen this script before. Almost two decades ago, Muslims and Arabs were blamed for the worst terrorist attacks on US soil. In those early months of the national crisis, we failed to thwart anti-Muslim racism before it became mainstream. During the subsequent war on terror, Muslim doctors and small business owners who had served their communities for years became targets of boycott campaigns and vandalism. Students whose names were Mohamed, Osama, Hussain, etc were physically assaulted and taunted for months. Women wearing headscarves became afraid of being in public spaces as hate crimes against Muslims skyrocketed. Cab drivers and gas station owners were murdered, some of whom were Sikhs mistaken for being Muslim. Some Americans either joined in blaming Muslims or excused Islamophobia as a rational response to a national emergency. Too many remained silent. The few who condemned anti-Muslim bigotry mistakenly believed it was a temporary backlash that would eventually wane. It was not until January 2017 when Trump issued the Muslim Ban that a critical mass of Americans finally rose up at airports across the country to protest against anti-Muslim racism. But by then, Islamophobia had been normalised. Just as Muslim and Arab Americans were scapegoated for 9/11, Chinese and Asian Americans are being collectively blamed for the coronavirus pandemic. As early as February, Asian Americans started reporting an increasing number of hate crimes. On February 1, a man in Los Angeles verbally accosted a Thai American woman, calling Chinese people disgusting. On February 14, a 16-year-old boy in San Fernando Valley in California was physically assaulted by other teenagers who accused him of having the coronavirus solely on account of his Asian American identity. By the end of March, xenophobic incidents had occurred across the country, according to a report by the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council. Of the 673 cases of anti-Asian discrimination reported on its website between March 19 and 25, 67 percent were in the form of verbal harassment, 23 percent were shunning, and 10 percent were physical assaults. A Korean American standing in line at a local grocery store, for instance, heard a shopper tell her child they had to move to another line, or they would get sick. A 51-year-old Asian woman at a bus stop in the Bronx was verbally assaulted and hit in the head with an umbrella by three teenage girls as they allegedly shouted: You caused the coronavirus, b***h. Sadly, blaming Asians for public health crises has a long history in the US. The undercurrent of anti-Asian racism has always lingered in the backdrop of US national security practices. Referred to as the yellow peril, Chinese and other Asians were lawfully excluded from entering the United States starting with the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. Asians living in the US could not naturalise as US citizens until 1943. When the Trump administration refers to COVID-19 as the Chinese Virus, Wuhan Coronavirus, or Kung Flu, these racist framings are not accidental. They aim to distract us from the federal governments failures to prepare for and mitigate this pandemic. The same happened after 9/11 when the Bush administrations portrayal of Muslims as terrorists redirected the publics anger at a vulnerable minority rather than a government whose foreign policy had produced instability and violence in the Middle East and Central Asia. Americans after the 9/11 terrorist attacks were scared. They sought an easy scapegoat to make sense of an unprecedented national crisis; as they do today. If the months following the attacks are to teach us anything, it is that anti-Chinese racism and xenophobia will increase with time if we do not confront it head on now. We must immediately adopt a no-tolerance policy. Not after a few months or a year as the hate crimes escalate, but today. Just like we have to act early to fight the spread of the coronavirus, we must act now to fight anti-Asian hate before it can no longer be contained. Editors note: A previous version of this piece incorrectly claimed the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1872. It has been updated with the correct year: 1882. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung (R) and Ambassador of Myanmar to Vietnam Kyaw Soe Win at the handover ceremony (Source: VNA) Speaking at a ceremony in Hanoi on April 10th, Dung said Vietnam and Myanmar are not only both members of ASEAN but also close cooperative partners. Vietnams decision to provide the funds to Myanmar in the context of it 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. He expressed a hope that the aid will partly help Myanmar overcome this difficult time. The Deputy FM affirmed that with its role as Chair of ASEAN in 2020 and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2020-2021, Vietnam will maintain close coordination with Myanmar and other countries inside and outside of the region to together conquer the global pandemic. He asked the Myanmar Government to continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country to stabilize their lives and gain access to necessary healthcare services. Ambassador Kyaw Soe Win said the Vietnamese Governments support provides great encouragement to Myanmar during this time. He spoke of Vietnams achievements in disease prevention and control and added that its active support for and cooperation with other countries expresses its sense of responsibility as Chair of ASEAN in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2020-2021./. P rince William has praised the UK for pulling together during the coronavirus outbreak and says Britain is "at its best" when faced with a crisis. The Duke of Cambridge also hailed the UKs community spirit that he said has come rushing back during the pandemic. William, who today becomes patron of the National Emergencies Trust (NET), said the British people all pull together in the face of extreme difficulty, with local charities providing that little bit of reassurance to those who feel alone. In phone calls to small charities in Yorkshire and Wales, William passed on thanks to volunteers who are keeping their communities running with the help of grants from the NET, saying he wants to make sure the money is reaching the right people at the right time along with the knowledge they are supported. 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 Speaking via videolink to the Moorlands Community Charity in the East Riding of Yorkshire, which runs a food bank and delivers hot meals on wheels to the vulnerable, he was told: Theres nothing like a crisis to bring you all together. He replied: I agree with you. I think Britain is at its best, weirdly, when were all in a crisis. That community spirit and community feel comes rushing back quicker than anything else. The charity is one of many benefitting from the NETs coronavirus appeal, which has already raised millions of pounds to be distributed to local charities where the money can help the most. Last week, the Duke made video calls to two beneficiaries - the Moorlands Community Charity and Dal Dy Dir, a community farm in Wales - praising their instinct for coming together and looking after each other. Speaking to Natalie Webster, who runs Dal Dy Dir to support people with disabilities, he heard how they have used funding to distribute food parcels to vulnerable people nearby. Britain's Prince William reacts during a call with a member of the National Emergencies Trust on a conversation about the coronavirus disease outbreak / via REUTERS After checking his pronunciation of the name - which he was assured was very good, absolutely right - William said: Thank goodness youre there, Natalie. Its got to be reassuring for everyone when so much is changing around them to know that youre still there and your team are still looking out for them. That little bit of reassurance goes a long way. Natalie told him: Weve really tried to encourage people to think about communities working together. I think that really really helps. People thinking that even if its something really small from home, they can join in and kind of look out for each other. Were lucky in Wales, we have a really good community spirit. Its really good to see that, the Duke replied. Ive always felt that. The Welsh are always really good at coming together and looking after each other. You see that always in the rugby matches, theres always a good Welsh national vibe going on there. I love it. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge has spoken about Britain's spirit in the face of coronavirus / POOL/AFP via Getty Images The charity has received 2,000 from the NET to support community work, which Natalie described as massive. As he asked her to pass on my best wishes and huge thanks to your team for everything theyre doing, Natalie told the Duke: It means so much that an agency like yours would spend the time talking to a little charity like ours. Our volunteer group, theyve been told all their lives that because theyve got learning difficulties they cant achieve, she said. Now theyve got the message saying that you guys have listened and youre proud of them. Its just made an incredible difference to them. In a second call, to Jacky Crawford, head of service at Moorlands Community Charity, he heard how the speed of funding granted through the NET had been critical in hitting the ground running to help the vulnerable rural community to survive stockpiling. The charity, which is now providing emergency supplies of baby formula, sanitary products, nappies as well as food, has seen a really dramatic increase in referrals since the outbreak of Covid-19, she said, and is now set up as a Government Support Hub to help isolated and vulnerable locals. The Duke asked her: What are the particular challenges your volunteers are facing? Is it getting around the people? Is it funding? Is it time? 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 Told that receiving funds quickly had been the key, after everything has gone up in price, he heard that the NETs help had allowed the charity to distribute those things that were vital but were being taken off the shelves of the supermarkets to those who needed them. In a lighthearted aside, Jacky told the Duke she and her husband, a paramedic, were living separately in their own home - taking half each - to stay safe and healthy to keep helping others, saying: Its very challenging out there. Is this the excuse youve been looking for for a while Jacky? the Duke teased her, joking she could now wield the remote control herself. Laughing, she agreed: Im having the double bed to myself!" Loading.... "Theres nothing like a crisis to bring you all together," she added. The Duke added: Thats good to hear Jacky. I agree with you. I think Britain is at its best, weirdly, when were all in a crisis. That community spirit and community feel comes rushing back quicker than anything else. Youre doing a fantastic job. Please pass on many good wishes and thanks to your volunteers up there. Asked to deliver a virtual high five to boost the spirits of her team, the Duke happily obliged. Prince William spoke at the launch of the NET in November 2019, and in March launched its coronavirus appeal in partnership with the British Red Cross. The Trust is designed to work with other charities and organisations to distribute funds fairly and efficiently through community foundations across the UK. On the announcement of The Dukes patronage, Lord Dannatt, chairman of the NET, said: After his steadfast support for the National Emergencies Trust from our launch last November through into this Coronavirus Appeal, all connected with the NET are delighted that The Duke of Cambridge has honoured our work by becoming our Patron for 2020. By Trend The heads of state of Turkic Council have been resolute and acted swiftly towards achieving a steady, effective cooperation amid spreading coronavirus, Peter M. Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend. The virtual Extraordinary Summit of Turkic Council, held on the initiative of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on April 10, 2020, brought together the leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and other countries, the expert said. The agenda items discussed in the latest Turkic Council Summit are in the strategic interest for all involved countries, Tase said. The Turkic Council has been resolute, dynamic and has taken swift actions as the world is succumbed into a public health plague that has taken the lives of over 103,000 people. The strong alliance established under the framework of Turkic Council is an example to be followed by other international organizations, Tase said. The heads of state of Turkic Council have been resolute and acted swiftly towards achieving a steady, effective cooperation in the fields of health care, pharmaceutical manufacturing, economic integration measures and promotion of infrastructure, the expert said. What Turkic Council is doing is far superior to what Brussels has been implementing until today, the expert said. In the post plague environment, Turkic Council will acquire more leverage and is expected to further strengthen the economic and commercial cooperation and pave the road for a greater cooperation in regional infrastructure, engineering, energy economics, Tase said. International Humanitarian Assistance and effective Crisis Management orchestrated by Azerbaijans government is also essential, Tase said. The urgent handling of the ongoing global public health pandemic and implementation of social distancing among the population in a record time comes first and it is indeed a success story that places Azerbaijan at the top (achieving great - impressive results in prophylactic medicine or preventive healthcare), the expert said. A round half the A&E staff at one hospital of have tested positive for coronavirus, according to a consultant. Dr Tim Rogerson said 50 per cent of the consultants and nurses working in the Royal Gwent Hospital's department have tested positive for Covid-19. The staff at the hospital in Newport, south Wales are working in one of the worst-hit areas of the UK. The doctor revealed the statistics in a video shared by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board - as he said he had also tested positive for the 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 health board area, which includes Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen, has the highest number of cases in Wales and one of the worst in the UK. Dr Rogerson said he had been off work since experiencing "mild to moderate" coronavirus symptoms and that his son has also tested positive for the virus. "This has obviously happened despite all of the PPE that we've got and all the hand washing that we're doing but it's probably just a likely thing that's going to happen when we're faced with such numbers of patients coming in with coronavirus," he said. "We're probably up to around 50% of the consultant workforce at the Gwent in A&E who have swabbed positive for the coronavirus and a similar percent in our nursing team. "It's probably inevitable and it is proving a challenge when it's coming to staffing the department when we are facing these numbers coming through." He added: "All staff on the various frontlines are putting themselves into harm's way when we're dealing with patients who have coronavirus symptoms." Dr Rogerson also urged members of the public to stay indoors over the Easter weekend as breaching social distancing guidelines would hit the hospital's intensive care unit capacity in "two weeks' time". "Although it's difficult, we really do want people to abide by the guidance, to stay at home and protect the NHS," he said. By PTI BHOPAL: A 25-year-old man, who in a TikTok video ridiculed the use of masks for protection against COVID-19, has tested positive for the disease in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, an official said on Sunday. Authorities at the hospital where he is admitted had to seize his mobile phone as he kept posting more videos from the isolation facility even after testing positive. His condition is stable, Sagar's Government Bundelkhand Medical College Dean Dr G S Patel told PTI. In one of the videos, apparently shot after the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, the man was purportedly seen sitting on a bike and when someone asked him to wear a mask, he dismissed it saying, Is kapde ke tukde par kya bharosa rakhna, rakhna hai to us upar wale par rakho (why to trust a piece of cloth, keep faith in God). In later part of the video, he was seen throwing a piece of cloth in the air while the song 'Faya Kun, Faya Kun', from the movie "Rockstar" played in the background. Patel said the man came to the government hospital with complaints of cough and fever and tested positive for coronavirus on Friday. FOLLOW COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES HERE This is the first COVID-19 case reported from Sagar district, the official said, adding that the man does not have any travel history. Even after testing positive for the disease, he posted a video on TikTok from the isolation facility of the hospital where he is admitted. In this video, he was seen sporting a mask and asking people to pray for him. "Following complaint that the coronavirus patient shot the video from the quarantine centre and uploaded it through internet, we took his mobile phone in our custody," Patel said. After the man uploaded these videos on TikTok, several people mocked him for making fun of the mask. A new NHS app that uses contact tracing to tackle coronavirus must be open to proper scrutiny over its use of data, MPs have said. Matt Hancock said the app, which is currently being tested, will alert users if they have recently been in contact with someone who now has symptoms. The Health Secretary said developers of the app were working with the world's leading tech companies and experts in clinical safety and digital ethics "so that we can get this right". Making the announcement at the daily Downing Street press conference, he said: "If you become unwell with the symptoms of coronavirus you can securely tell this new NHS app and the app will then send an alert anonymously to other app users that you've been in significant contact with over the past few days." 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 This should mean people can act even before they have symptoms. Mr Hancock said in a commitment to transparency, the source code will be published, and he sought to reassure people that data will not be held any longer than is necessary. He said: "All data will be handled according to the highest ethical and security standards and would only be used for NHS care and research and we won't hold it any longer than it's needed." While the use of technology in the coronavirus fight was welcomed by shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth and acting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, both said the use of such an app must be open to proper scrutiny. Acting leader of Liberal Democrats Ed Davey / AFP via Getty Images Mr Ashworth said it is "vital to have the proper safeguards and transparency when it comes to capturing or mapping people's data." Sir Ed called for "transparency", and said it bolsters the case for an emergency recall of Parliament. He said: "Any proposal on the use of mobile phone data or other technology to track people must also be scrutinised properly by MPs before a final decision is made, further strengthening our argument that Parliament should be recalled urgently." Jonathan Ashworth, the Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care / REUTERS The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it would be offering advice to the NHS on ensuring the new technology protected user privacy. Chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said: "The right to privacy is one of our most precious rights and it is good to hear the Health Secretary give assurances of handling this information with the highest ethical standards and for the shortest period necessary. "We will be contacting the NHS to offer our advice and assistance in what they will need to consider." Professor Keith Neal, emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said the app could potentially be used as a route out of lockdown. He cautioned that it will work better with widespread testing and large numbers of people using it. Prof Neal said: "Even with only testing clinical cases in hospital it will still identify some of those at risk. "With widespread testing it will work much better. The more users of the app the better. An option is having the app as an early route out of lockdown allowing app users less restrictions.." Flash Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), presided over a political bureau meeting of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) on Saturday, discussing anti-virus measures, budget issues and organizational matters, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday. In the meeting, a resolution was adopted "on more thoroughly taking national measures for protecting the life and safety of our people to cope with the worldwide epidemic disease," the report said. The government took strict top-class emergency anti-epidemic measures from the outset and established thorough-going organization, consistency and compulsoriness in the nationwide protective measures, it said, adding that the country has been maintaining very stable anti-epidemic situation. The DPRK, which closed its border with China in late January, is one of a few countries in the world that claim to have no COVID-19 infections so far. The meeting called for consistently strict national countermeasures to thoroughly check the inroads of the virus amid the rapid spread of the pandemic. It also studied and approved "On the execution of the state budget for 2019 and the state budget for 2020" and discussed organizational matters, including the appointment of Kim Yo Jong, the top leader's younger sister, as alternate members of the Central Committee of the ruling party, the report added. The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday issued an order stating that in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, the public are prohibited to chew and spit smokeless tobacco. Special Chief Secretary Medical, Health and Family Welfare, KS Jawahar Reddy has issued the government order (GO) in this regard. "Keeping in view the provision under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and provisions made under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the government hereby orders the general public is hereby refrained from consuming the smokeless tobacco or chewable tobacco/non-tobacco product, sputum etc and spitting in public places/institutions with immediate effect during the COVID epidemic," reads the order. It further stated that if anyone is found violating the order, he will be held under the provisions of IPC-1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc). As per the latest update by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the State is 420 and seven people have died of the virus so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A few days ago, actor Purab Kohli took to Instagram to share with the world that he and his family were diagnosed with Coronavirus and how all four of them have recovered and are safe and sound. The Rock On star has shared details of how he and his family battled coronavirus without going to the hospital even once, to the extent that they never even got officially tested for the virus. In an interview, Purab Kohli shared how he and his family never got officially tested for the virus. "You can't get tested in the UK unless the situation is serious and you need to be hospitalised. Continuous conversations with our GP confirmed that we had COVID-19 symptoms." Purab Kohli / Instagram The actor then went onto explain how everyone in his family including his two little kids got infected. "My daughter first contracted, then my wife, then I got and then my son got it. My GP (General Practitioner) then confirmed to us that we have got it and asked us to sit at home. My wife and son were hit stronger, but me and my daughter had mild symptoms. It went on for 15-16 days... to completely recover." Purab Kohli / Instagram Purab Kohli concluded with sharing how Ayurvedic home remedies really helped the entire family to recover and regain strength. "Ayurvedic medicines are something that people should talk about. Turmeric, ginger, honey help for sure," he said. We are delighted to know that Purab Kohli, his wife, Lucy Payton and children Inaya and Osian, are all okay and doing well. Purab's experience is important as it gives us an idea as to how other nations such as the United Kingdom, in this case, is handling the situation. We are quick to criticise how India isn't testing enough and that numbers are not predicting reality but Purab shares how he and his family weren't even allowed to test for the virus. We are handling the situation better than most countries and just for this fact, we should be very proud! Stanley I. Chera, a friend and donor to President Donald Trump who was in a coma and seriously ill after becoming infected with the coronavirus, has died. He was 78. Chera's death Saturday was reported by The Real Deal, which covers the New York real estate industry. He was worth around $4billion as of 2017. The publication cited unidentified sources who have worked with Crown Acquisitions, the firm Chera founded and ran. A White House official on Sunday confirmed Chera's identity and ties to the president. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details about Trump's personal friendships. Stanley I. Chera (center), a prominent real estate developer in New York, died from complications of the coronavirus on Saturday As New York quickly became the epicenter of COVID-19 cases in the country, Trump reportedly advised Chera to leave the city and travel to his summer home in New Jersey. Chera followed Trump's advice but contracted COVID-19 anyway. He was transported to New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in late March. Chera's wife, Frieda or 'Cookie', also tested positive for the coronavirus, but has since recovered, according to a source familiar with the familiar with the matter. 'Stanley loved the chase,' Steve Witkoff, a known New York real estate investor and developer, told The Real Deal. Chera (left), pictured with his wife Frieda (right), reportedly left New York City to escape the rising COVID-19 infections, but contracted the disease anyway The Cheras (pictured), ardent supporters of President Trump, reportedly donated $514,000 to his campaign as of August 2018 'He knew what the trend lines looked like before anybody else does. Its not dissimilar from being a great hedge fund manager someone who can see through a particular environment, a particular marketplace, and see how a customer is going to buy.' New York has recorded 188,902 confirmed cases and 9,385 deaths. On Sunday, the city had 98,715 infections and 5,742 people had died. Trump had spoken at recent White House briefings about a friend who had fallen ill with the virus, which infected 534,242 Americans and killed 20,637. Trump first spoke about his friend as he described the 'viciousness' of the disease on March 29. 'I had a friend who went to a hospital the other day. He's a little older, and he's heavy, but he's tough person,' Trump said. 'And he went to the hospital, and a day later, he's in a coma...he's not doing well.' President Trump referred to Chera when discussing the severity of COVID-19 during a daily briefing in March 'The speed and the viciousness, especially if it gets the right person, it's horrible. It's really horrible,' he said. The president, who is 73, alluded next to having 'friends' who were ill. 'I have some friends that are unbelievably sick,' Trump said. 'We thought they were going in for a mild stay. And, in one case, hes unconscious - in a coma. And you say, "How did that happen?"' Trump left the impression that having personally knowing someone who had become sick with COVID-19, the disease the virus causes, had influenced his decisions about how to handle the outbreak. According Vanity Fair, the severity of Chera's illness reportedly caused Trump to take a more serious approach to the coronavirus and may have stopped his call to re-open the economy by Easter. But asked at a later briefing whether his friend's case had marked a turning point in his thinking, Trump said it had not because he had been seeing the statistics and the rising case numbers. 'He's sort of central casting for what we're talking about, and it hit him very hard,' Trump said April 1. 'I've never seen anything like it.' Trump called out his friend and campaign donor at a 2019 rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, describing him as 'one of the biggest builders and real estate people in the world.' 'He's a great guy, and he's been with me from the beginning,' Trump said. He has not yet publicly addressed Chera's passing. Trump (pictured) lauded Chera at a 2019 rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and called the 78-year-old 'a great guy' New York City has reported more than 98,000 COVID-19 cases and nearly 6,000 people have died since the disease appeared in early March During Trump's 2016 election, Chera hosted a fundraiser for the current president and donated thousands of dollars to his campaign. As of August 2018, Chera and his wife donated $514,000 to the Trump Victory fund. Before Chera's death, day-to-day operations at Crown Acquisitions were spearheaded by two of his sons, Isaac and Richard Chera. Haim Chera, the middle son, leads retail at Vornado Realty Trust after Crown Acquisitions purchased a 24 percent stake in the company's Manhattan retail portfolio. Chera reportedly took on the role similar to an advisor, counseling his three sons navigate their respective verticals, deals, politics, finances and leveraging business relationships. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But it can cause more severe illness in some people, especially older adults and people with existing health conditions. The vast majority of people recover. Trump has been tested at least twice for the virus, with negative results each time, the White House said. Six houses were affected on Saturday in a bomb explosion that rocked Dumez Street, on Benin-Auchi Road, Eyean, a suburb of Benin City in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, with residents scampering to safety, but no life was lost. The early-morning bomb explosion, as gathered by our reporter, took place at No. 4, Dumez Street, with the impact felt in five other houses in the neighbourhood, making some policemen to quickly rush to the area to prevent looting by hoodlums and to confirm what led to the incident. One of the landlords in the area, Pastor David Iginua, whose house was also affected by the explosion, revealed that he heard the bang, which shattered the window panes of some of the houses, with thick smoke coming out of No. 4, Dumez Street. Iginua, of No. 42, Arete Street, Eyaen, also stated that neighbours claimed that owner of the mostly affected house, a well-known bomb maker, was testing one of the bombs in a well, when the explosion suddenly occurred. It was also gathered that men of the nearby Aduwawa police station were informed of the bomb explosion and they quickly arrived, inspected the area and they arrested a man, while operatives of the Edo police commands anti-bomb squad later arrived the area to ensure that everything was all right. Edo state Commissioner of Police, Lawan Jimeta, through the telephone, yesterday confirmed the bomb explosion and said investigation by officers and men of his command was ongoing. Jimeta also urged Edo residents to be calm, while assuring that police would always ensure the protection of lives and property in the state, without allowing any hiding place for criminals. In the absence of international flight operations and owing to the ongoing nationwide lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the ministry of external affairs has stepped up the process of reaching out to people of Indian origin abroad through high commissions and embassies, said an official aware of the details. The ministry gets hundreds of phone calls, emails and messages on social media platforms from people seeking help in flying back as well as for aid in visa renewals. Minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan said on Sunday apart from the helplines that are operational, he has also started answering phone calls from Indian nationals who call on dial-in programmes on Malayalam television channels. In the last few days I was part of at least four such programmes where I answered calls from people based in the Middle East, United Kingdom and other countries. These were on Malayalam channels, since a large number of people from Kerala are in countries around the world, he told HT. Even as the Congress has criticised the ministry for failing to bring back Indians stuck abroad, especially students, the minister said high commissions and embassies are taking care of students whose universities and colleges are shut. In the United Kingdom for instance, we are providing food at subsidised rates for students, who could not take the flight back home. Temporary arrangements have also been made for their accommodation. Helplines are being run across many countries and our missions are taking all the steps required to help people, he said. Citing examples, he said the mission in Dubai was able to reach out in hours to an expectant woman who needed medicines and to a group of three people who needed quarantine facilities after a fourth person sharing space with them tested positive for Covid-19. The minister said special arrangements have been made to help those whose visas are expiring or have expired during the pandemic. From March 20, the ministry has received as many as 7,100 calls from Dubai and Abu Dhabi; 450 from Jeddah, 700 from Riyadh, 920 from Oman, over 200 from Qatar. Arrangements have also been made for Indian students in Bangladesh. These students are being put up in Dhaka, where their food and other necessities are being looked after, said a person aware of the details. But Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill alleged that while the BJP government is in active mode for foreign nationals, it is in sleep mode for the Indian students stranded abroad. As per the external affairs ministry, he said, over 20,000 foreign nationals have been evacuated to different parts of the world by India while there over 200,000 Indian students stranded in the United States, 300 at Heathrow airport, 16.000 in Philippines besides hundreds of others in Australia, Canada and Malaysia. When the India government can facilitate evacuation of 20,000 foreigners then why not adopt the same approach for stranded Indian students? Shergill asked. He said the government should give a definitive timeline of their evacuation to the worried parents. Ajay Devgn is fuming at the reports of doctors getting attacked by their neighbours and patients while serving people during the coronavirus pandemic. On Sunday, the usually calm actor took to Twitter to share a rare, strong-worded and incensed tweet. DISGUSTED & ANGRY to read reports of educated persons attacking doctors in their neighbourhood on baseless assumptions. Such insensitive people are the worst criminals #StaySafeStayHome #IndiaFightsCorona, he wrote in his tweet and even added an angry face emoji. DISGUSTED & ANGRY to read reports of "educated" persons attacking doctors in their neighbourhood on baseless assumptions. Such insensitive people are the worst criminals#StaySafeStayHome #IndiaFightsCorona Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 12, 2020 Ajays fans agreed with him. You are right sir this type of people is 100parcent criminal, wrote one. These people should be arrested immediately, wrote another. A man in Delhi recently attacked two doctors for spreading coronavirus when they were buying groceries outside their residence on Wednesday night. He has now been sent to judicial custody till April 24. Also last week, a group of young doctors, including a woman, returning from emergency duty at the AIIMS in Bhopal sustained injuries when police beat them up with sticks. We showed them our IDs and we had our aprons on. There were some more colleagues. The policemen were abusive and said we were the ones causing the viral infection, they said. Also read: Rajeev Khandelwal shares casting couch horror with top director: He asked me to go to his room which I refused The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern over several incidents of violence against the doctors and medical staff, saying that such incidents are bound to instil a sense of insecurity among them. The apex court said the doctors and the medical staff who are the first line of defence to combat this pandemic have to be protected by providing Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) as recommended by WHO on February 27. There were also reports that landlords are threatening to remove doctors and health workers as tenants. Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma on Wednesday said legal action can be taken against landlords who do so. Follow @htshowbiz for more One of the most remarkable cases is India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has imposed a three-week lockdown on his 1.3 billion people, which was necessary and made an extraordinary effort to muzzle the journalists among them, which was not. The government sought a ruling from Indias Supreme Court requiring all media to publish only official accounts of the pandemic. Though the court did not go quite that far, Modi has bullied most of the media into behaving as if it had. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ An eccentric French doctor has become a YouTube sensation and been approached by the French president for advice after he claims he has gotten astonishing results using Trump's favorite coronavirus treatment on sick patients. Didier Raoult, a 68-year-old French infectious-disease specialist, has been using controversial antimalarial drug hydroxycholoroquine to treat COVID-19 patients. The doctor has a history of defying conventional medicine practices, including blaming the pharmaceutical industry for the state of research, dismissing climate change predictions as 'absurd' and, more baffling still, touting the growing fears in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic 'crazy'. But Raoult has now become an unlikely hero amid the pandemic, after he said he has given the experimental drug to more than 2,400 patients, with highly positive results. His stance has divided opinion in France and overseas after many conservative medics warned of the dangers of using the drug to treat the virus, typically used to treat malaria and some autoimmune diseases, due to a lack of evidence over its effectiveness. Didier Raoult, a 68-year-old French infectious-disease specialist, has been using controversial antimalarial drug hydroxycholoroquine to treat COVID-19 patients, with highly positive results But panicked members of the public view him as a hero in the pandemic, with his each of his YouTube videos getting at least one million views and people urging their doctors to let them try the medication. Raoult is not the most conventional of doctors, often sporting a long white beard and a skull ring on his finger in his online videos and being known for challenging conventional medicine throughout his career. The doctor has spoken out on Twitter and YouTube urging healthcare professionals and governments to not delay their use of hydroxychloroquine until after clinical trials. Trials could take several months by which point thousands more lives could be lost to the killer virus. 'Some people have gone crazy with methodology,' Raoult argues in a video posted this week. 'Our objective as doctors is to make people better.' The eccentric doctor has divided opinions in France and overseas after many medics have warned of the dangers of using it to treat the virus while he has become an online sensation with members of the public clamoring to get their hands on the drug Emmanuel Macron met Raoult this week at his research institute in Marseille (pictured), where the doctor presented his research on coronavirus to the French President Several experts have argued that further clinical trials are needed to determine its effectiveness in treating coronavirus while others say there isn't time to wait Emmanuel Macron met Raoult this week at his research institute in Marseille, where the doctor presented his research on coronavirus to the French President. French authorities have now permitted the drug to be used in 'the most severe cases.' However, Raoult's approach has come under fire from many in the medical world. Several experts have argued that further clinical trials are needed to determine its effectiveness in treating coronavirus. Concerns have also been raised that it can have fatal side effects, especially in people with pre-existing heart conditions. The controversial drug is a favorite with Donald Trump who has repeatedly plugged the use of hydroxychloroquine as a miracle cure for the deadly virus More than 50 cases have been reported where coronavirus patients have developed serious heart problems after taking hydroxychloroquine, according to a doctor at France's drug-safety monitoring center. Raoult said that 10 of the 2,400 patients he has treated using the drug have died, and recommends it be administered at an early stage of the virus. Jean-Paul Stahl, a French doctor of infectious diseases, told the Wall Street Journal that he was turning patients away after they have seen Raoult's campaign and are now asking for the drug. 'We have to say no,' Stahl said. 'It's a matter of patient safety.' The controversial drug is a favorite of Donald Trump's. During his daily coronavirus press briefings, the president has repeatedly plugged the use of hydroxychloroquine as a miracle cure for the deadly virus. He has even said he'd consider taking hydroxychloroquine himself. The president announced Sunday the government has purchased and stockpiled 29 million doses of the hydroxychloroquine to send to hot spot areas of the country battling the virus. 'I want people to live and I'm seeing people dying,' he explained Sunday about why he continually touts the drug, which scientists say has not gone under enough testing in regards to the coronavirus. ARE CHLOROQUINE AND HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE PROMISING DRUGS? Chloroquine sold under the brand name Arlan kills malaria parasites in the blood, stopping the tropical disease in its tracks. But tests of the drug which has been used for 70 years on COVID-19 patients in China show it has potential in fighting the life-threatening virus. Chinese officials claimed the drug 'demonstrated efficacy and acceptable safety in treating COVID-19 associated pneumonia'. South Korea and China both say the drug is an 'effective' antiviral treatment against the disease, according to a report by US virologists. The Wuhan Institute of Virology in the city where the crisis began claimed the drug was 'highly effective' in petri dish tests. Tests by those researchers, as well as others, showed it has the power to stop the virus replicating in cells, and taking hold in the body. Twenty-three clinical trials on the drug are already underway on patients in China, and one is planned in the US and another in South Korea. Professor Robin May, an infectious disease specialist at Birmingham University, said the safety profile of the drug is 'well-established'. He added: 'It is cheap and relatively easy to manufacture, so it would be fairly easy to accelerate into clinical trials and, if successful, eventually into treatment.' Professor May suggested chloroquine may work by altering the acidity of the area of cells that it attacks, making it harder for the virus to replicate. Chinese scientists investigating hydroxychloroquine penned a letter to a prestigious journal saying the 'less toxic' derivative may also help'. Advertisement 'I've seen people that are going to die without it, and you know the expression, when that's happening, they should do it. What really do we have to lose? We also have this medicine's been tested for many years for malaria and for lupus, so it's been out there. It is a very strong powerful medicine, but it doesn't kill people,' the president said. 'But what do I know? Im not a doctor,' Trump conceded. 'I'm not acting as a doctor. I'm saying, do what you want.' The president has also argued there isn't time to conduct in-depth studies on hydroxychloroquine's effect on the coronavirus. 'I would love to go to a laboratory and spend a couple of years testing something. We don't have time. We don't have two hours because there are people dying right now,' he said. But his claims have often contradicted his own advisers, who say studies of its effectiveness are still too small to prove it is safe. Dr Tony Fauci has previously warned against seeing the malaria medication as a wonder drug, saying Americans should not consider it a 'knock out' drug when it comes to treating the coronavirus. 'Weve got to be careful that we dont make that majestic leap to assume that this is a knockout drug. We still need to do the kinds of studies that definitely prove whether any intervention is truly safe and effective,' he told 'Fox & Friends' last week. Some doctors in the US have already started treating patients with the drug but there have been reports of at least one death connected to the medication. Lack of availability is also sparking a worrying trend for people self-medicating with hydroxychloroquine. Demand for a cure is ramping up as the US death toll topped 20,000. The US has now become the deadliest nation in the world for the pandemic, surpassing Italy. Italys biggest insurer Generali on Friday said it would pay its 2019 dividend in two tranches, confirming a total payout of 0.96 euros per share, citing its strong capital position. The announcement flies in the face of calls by industry regulator EIOPA for insurers and reinsurers in the European Union to suspend dividends and share buybacks and consider postponing bonuses to ensure continuity in services during the coronavirus pandemic. Generali said it would pay a first tranche of 0.50 euros per share in May and that it plans to pay the remaining portion by the end of the year, subject to a board assessment of capital and regulatory requirements. The company said it had taken EIOPAs recommendations into account and that its decision was consistent with the fact that all of the conditions to proceed with the dividend distribution for 2019 continue to exist. Even if the final impact of the COVID-19 crisis is still uncertain, there is no reason to doubt the groups stability, it said, adding that its solvency ratio remains comfortably within the target operating range. Germanys Allianz, the regions biggest insurer, told Reuters last week that it was in good shape and wanted to maintain both its dividend and a share buyback. Generalis solvency ratio, a key measure of its financial strength, stood at 200% on March 6, compared with 224% at the end of 2019 partly because of an acquisition in Portugal, but also because of falling prices for Italian government bonds. The insurer held 63 billion euros ($68 billion) in Italian bonds at the end of 2019. Italian bonds have been hit as the coronavirus crisis and a nationwide lockdown aimed at stemming contagion rock the economy, forcing the government to ramp up spending. Generali also announced voluntary pay cuts at management level. Chief Executive Philippe Donnet, the members of the groups management committee and other executives with strategic responsibilities have decided to reduce their fixed salary by 20% for the remainder of the year, the company said. Frances biggest insurer AXA has postponed its annual meeting to allow time for discussions with European regulators, though draft resolutions to pay a dividend remain unchanged. Generalis smaller domestic rival UnipolSai last week said that it would pay its planned dividend on 2019 results while parent company Unipol Gruppo suspended its own dividend payment. ($1 = 0.9205 euros) (Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro Editing by Valentina Za and David Goodman) A Tory minister accused of flouting the coronavirus lockdown has billed the taxpayer for around 100,000 in rent and council tax for a house in his constituency, despite claiming his main family home is 130 miles away. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is facing renewed questions over his decision to see out the lockdown at a house in Herefordshire, despite being the MP for Newark in Nottinghamshire. After it emerged he traveled 150 miles from London to the country pad near Leominster - despite having a 2.5million flat in the capital - he said it was his family's main home. But his wesbite says that he, his wife Michal and their three daughters 'live in Southwell near Newark, and in London'. Parliamentary expenses records show that he has claimed 100,000 in rent, council tax and travel expenses since elected in a 2014 by-election. Last night, one of Mr Jenrick's neighbours in Herefordshire said the idea that the country manor was his main home was 'codswallop'. Mr Jenrick, 38, a successful commercial lawyer with a string of multi-million pounbd properties, is also under fire for claiming he understands what it is like to be 'cooped up'. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is under increasing pressure to quit for allegedly defying a ban on travelling to second homes by going 150 miles from London to his mansion in Herefordshire Mr Jenrick's website says they live in Southwell, near Newark in Nottinghamshire, and London. There is no mention of a property in Herefordshire. The minister told the BBC last week that he understood the plight of families crammed into small flats during the lockdown and the need to keep local parks open. He said: 'I am very aware of how difficult this is already. 'I am a father of young children. I know what it's like to have a family cooped up...' But Tory MPs reacted in fury last night to the comments. One backbencher said: 'Jenrick's position was already pretty dire, to be honest. 'But to go on the radio and claim you understand what it's like to be cooped up is an insult to my constituents who are enduring the lockdown in small flats. 'Whether his family were already in that country pile of his or still in his London home, he can't possibly say that. 'He really has to go.' Another Tory MP said: 'This really is stretching the definition of cooped up to farcical levels.' But last night, Mr Jenrick who insists the country manor house is his main family home faced new claims of trying to 'con' the public over his domestic arrangements Robert Jenrick home in Herefordshire, which he claims is his family home despite having a property in London and his constituency for his work as an MP It comes after Mr Jenrick stayed in his 2.5million London home for the first six days of the lockdown until March 29 when he travelled 150 miles to his country house in Herefordshire to be with his family. Mr Jenrick, said last night he considers the Herefordshire property to be the family home - but his official Conservative website says different. It fails to mention his 17th-century Grade I listed country house. He and his wife are understood to spend most of the week in the capital because of Mr Jenrick's ministerial work and his wife's job as a partner for a major US law firm in the City. Mr Jenrick moved his family from London to his Grade I-listed Herefordshire mansion before the lockdown. He then delivered food and medicine to his parents in Shropshire , 40 miles away, He has a third home in his constituency, 106 miles from his Herefordshire house he claims is the family home Under the lockdown rules he has been promoted any travel to second homes is banned - and Scotland's chief medical officer, Catherine Calderwood, was forced to resign at the weekend after visiting her second home twice. In Australia, New South Wales Arts Minister Don Harwin resigned after leaving his Sydney apartment to stay at his Central Coast holiday home and was caught by police. Mr Jenrick has also been criticised after he drove to visit his parents in Shropshire with supplies last weekend, despite urging others to stay at home for 'all bar the most essential activities'. The minister tweeted last week: 'For clarity - my parents asked me to deliver some essentials - including medicines. They are both self-isolating due to age and my father's medical condition and I respected social distancing rules'. But the couple's neighbours told the Guardian that they had already been dropping off supplies at Mr Jenrick's parents' house during the lockdown. This was not denied, though a source close to Mr Jenrick said he had been asked to collect and deliver medication to them too. Commenting on the minister's visit to his parents last week, the Prime Minister's official spokesman on Friday said: 'The Secretary of State has set out in two different statements the reasons for the journeys which he made. We're confident that he complied with the social distancing rules.' The spokesman said Mr Jenrick has said himself that his wife and children consider their home in Herefordshire to be their family home. Asked about Cabinet ministers commuting to and from London, the spokesman said: 'Like everybody else, ministers have been told to work from home wherever possible, and not make unnecessary journeys. 'As part of the coronavirus response there will be occasions when ministers have no option but to work from Whitehall. In the event this is required, and the rest of their household is living elsewhere, it's not an unnecessary journey for them to travel to rejoin their family.' BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12 Trend: Ministers of OPEC+ countries will meet again today, on April 12, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijans Ministry of Energy. Today at 20:00 Baku time, the ministers of OPEC and non-OPEC countries will meet online. "The meeting will be held as part of consultations on issues arising from the 9th meeting of OPEC+ ministers. The meeting, which will be chaired by the Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman and the Minister of Energy of Russia Alexander Novak, will bring together ministers from OPEC and non-OPEC countries participating in the Declaration of Cooperation. Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan Parviz Shahbazov will also take part in the discussions of the ministers of OPEC+ countries. On April 9, at a meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC ministers, there was made a decision to reduce the daily oil production from May 1 to April 2022 in three stages by 10, 8 and 6 million barrels per day, respectively. World Economic Forum: Cybersecurity and space pose new risks to the global economy Defense Ministry confirms Armenian side has 2 victims Satanovsky on sending Armenian servicemen to Kazakhstan Unofficial data: 2 servicemen killed as a result of Azerbaijan provocation CSTO and Kazakh Defense Ministry developing plan WHO thinks it's too early to consider COVID-19 pandemic European Commission to require Poland to pay fine of nearly EUR 70 million White House announces $308 million humanitarian aid for Afghanistan Erdogan angry at minister after efforts to strengthen lira failed Armenian FM has phone call with US Assistant Secretary of State India imposes one-week quarantine even for vaccinated tourists Armenian ex-president expresses condolences on poet Razmik Davoyan's death Traction Programme to showcase 8 startups during the Digital Demo Day Azerbaijan uses artillery and UAVs, 3 Armenian soldiers wounded NEWS.am daily digest: 11.01.22 Austrian Chancellor confirms plan for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in February Armen Sarkissian and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discuss situation in Kazakhstan Gulf, Iran and Turkey FMs to visit China 20 pregnant women with COVID-19 die in Azerbaijan in year Armenia hands over wanted US citizen to United States Economy ministry: Organizing of accommodation and public catering increased by 61.1% in Armenia Armenia parliament speaker expresses condolences on European Parliament President death Azerbaijan opens fire toward Armenia village sector, one soldier wounded Shoigu: CSTO peacekeepers deployed in Kazakhstan thanks to Syrian and Karabakh experience Azerbaijan official pledges to remove Armenian toponyms from Google Maps UN offers two plans to help Afghans totaling $ 5 billion in 2022 Armenia attorney general travels to Moscow on working visit Azerbaijan MOD blames Armenian side for soldiers death Dollar drops in Armenia Shirak Province captives families hold protest outside Armenia government building Rolls-Royce sales rise to record high in 2021 Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis directed gun at Armenia residents car in which his wife, 3-year-old child were ANCA urges President Biden and Congress to hold Azerbaijan and Turkey accountable for war crimes Serbia's Orthodox Patriarch tests positive for COVID-19 Brothers, sisters of 2020 Artsakh war military casualties to get compensation in lieu of their deceased parents Turkish authorities sanction arrest of 33 suspected FETO ties Copper rises in price Erdogan's spokesman, Biden's adviser discuss Armenian-Turkish relations Armenia deputy defense minister: No one can rule out border tension at any moment New commander elected of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia official: Those 100 soldiers absence will not assume any change in terms of border tension Millionaire Robert Durst dies aged 78 Reuters: Over 1.13 million cases of COVID-19 detected in US per day Great Armenian poet Razmik Davoyan dies 2 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Deputy PM Matevosyan: About 1,190 subvention programs implemented in Armenia from 2018 to 2021 243 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia MP: It would be right to put pressure on Azerbaijanis to remove their firing positions Oil is getting more expensive Nearly 10,000 people detained in Kazakhstan in connection with riots Tokayev: CSTO peacekeepers will pull out from Kazakhstan within 10 days Newspaper: Armenia businessmen pay customs duties to Azerbaijanis to go to Iran European Parliament speaker David Sassoli dies Alikhan Smailov appointed Kazakhstan Prime Minister Newspaper: Health minister makes decision full of contradictions in terms of Covid-related restrictions in Armenia Newspaper: Armenia authorities once again showed their being unprincipled, worthless, opposition MP says Germany teacher who had cannibalism fantasies is sentenced to life in prison Israel's military and other security services undergo largest rearmament in years Spain PM calls for a debate to consider COVID-19 endemic disease Flyone Armenia and Pegasus receive permission for Yerevan-Istanbul-Yerevan flights Pope condemns "baseless" ideological misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines Arab foreign ministers to visit Beijing Azerbaijanis stoned an Armenian car on the Stepanakert-Goris road Armenian FM has a phone call with his Polish counterpart Macron travels to French Riviera to discuss internal security issues Artsakh Foreign Ministry: Azerbaijan's aggressive behavior aims to disrupt Russian peacekeepers' activities US COVID-19 cases reach 60 million European Parliament President hospitalized due to immune system dysfunction Washington and Ankara discuss normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey WHO excludes emergence of deltacron strain In Karabakh Azerbaijanis shelled tractor Indian Defense Minister tests positive for COVID-19 US-Russia talks on security guarantees lasting for seven hours already NEWS.am daily digest: 10.01.22 Pashinyan appoints Hayk Mkrtchyan as Deputy Governor of Kotayk province Blast in eastern Afghanistan kills nine children Pashinyan: One of key priorities of Armenia presidency at CSTO is strengthening of crisis response mechanisms Internet cut off in Kazakhstan Armenia, Kazakhstan ombudspersons confer on Armenian communitys rights Armenia, Russia defense ministers discuss Kazakhstan Turkey defense minister meets with their envoy in process of normalization of Armenia relations Iranian Foreign Ministry reports progress in Vienna negotiations Dollar continues going up in Armenia New attempt by migrants in Belarus to storm Poland border Skat Airlines resumes Yerevan-Aktau and Aktau-Yerevan flights New Covid-related restrictions to be introduced in Armenia Karabakh police: Firefighters also targeted by Azerbaijan shooting (PHOTOS) Artsakh Defense Army has not fired on Azerbaijan positions Azerbaijani military are protesting amid military awards deprivation Azerbaijanis open fire in Nagorno-Karabakh Karabakh MFA: Events in Kazakhstan are result of actions planned by Turkey Armenia army General Staff has new deputy chief Australia to buy US $ 2.5 billion of armored vehicles Artsakh emergency service: Search for soldiers remains continued during holidays Kazakh Colonel Nazanov dies after heart attack Australia begins to vaccinate children aged 5-11 with COVID-19 vaccine Putin: Peacekeeping contingent to stay in Kazakhstan for a limited period Armenia 2nd-President Kocharyan v. premier Pashinyan lawsuit court session is closed Azerbaijan commandos conduct military exercises Part of the Great Wall of China collapsed due to earthquake President Barack Obama gestures at the Interior Department in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, prior to signing the "don't ask, don't tell" repeal legislation that would allow gays to serve openly in the military. AP Photo/Evan Vucci Former President Barack Obama had some words of advice on Thursday for a group of US mayors on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic: "speak the truth." "The biggest mistake any [of] us can make in these situations is to misinform, particularly when we're requiring people to make sacrifices and take actions that might not be their natural inclination," Obama said. This comes as misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic has run rampant not just on the fringes of the internet, but in President Donald Trump's own White House press briefings. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Former President Barack Obama had some words of advice on Thursday for a group of US mayors on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic: "speak the truth." Obama told local leaders from 300 cities that they should do everything they can to communicate accurate information about the crisis with "empathy." "Speak the truth. Speak it clearly. Speak it with compassion. Speak it with empathy for what folks are going through," Obama said during a virtual convening hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies. "The biggest mistake any [of] us can make in these situations is to misinform, particularly when we're requiring people to make sacrifices and take actions that might not be their natural inclination." The former president added that the mayors should always follow the experts. "The more smart people you have around you, and the less embarrassed you are to ask questions, the better your response is going to be," he said. This comes as misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic has run rampant not just on the fringes of the internet, but in President Donald Trump's own White House press briefings. Trump is currently pushing for the US economy to reopen even as US health officials say widespread testing must be established before physical distancing practices can be relaxed. Story continues Throughout the crisis, Obama has urged the country to listen to experts and follow the data and science. He tweeted on Wednesday that in order to move away from social distancing policies, "the key will be a robust system of testing and monitoring something we have yet to put in place nationwide." As of this week, 42 US states, Guam, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico home to 95% of the US population have issued stay-at-home orders, which require residents to remain in their homes except for essential activities, including trips to grocery stores and pharmacies, solo outdoor exercise, and medical appointments. But the US is far from building an adequate system of testing for the virus, which would help track and isolate the disease and prevent it from resurging before a vaccine is developed. Katie Hill, a spokeswoman for Obama, told The Washington Post that the former president would "continue to lend his voice throughout the pandemic and to remind Americans that we'll get through this like we've done throughout our history: together, looking out for one another." With Sen. Bernie Sanders' exit from the Democratic presidential primary this week, Obama is expected to endorse former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive nominee, setting Obama up for a more active role in public life than he's had since he left office. Read the original article on Business Insider Chinese representatives tried to influence German government officials to give positive comments about Beijing's management of the coronavirus outbreak, Germany's Die Welt newspaper reported Sunday. The virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December and Beijing has been criticised by some, most notably US President Donald Trump, over its initial handling of the crisis. Senior officials and staff at German government ministries were invited "to speak in positive terms about China's management of the coronavirus," Die Welt said, citing a confidential foreign ministry document. The foreign ministry recommended that all German governmental departments reject such approaches, the newspaper added. The ministry has declined to confirm or deny the report. However a German intelligence source told Die Welt that "Chinese officials are pursuing an intensified information and propaganda policy with regard to the coronavirus". Beijing has sought to counter the narrative that the outbreak began in China and highlighted its assistance to Western countries "in order to present the People's Republic as a trustworthy partner," Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution said. The pandemic has shaken the world, killing more than 107,000 people and infecting over 1,745,000, wreaking vast economic damage and prompting a rash of finger-pointing. Trump and his administration had made a point of referring to COVID-19 as the "Chinese virus" or the "Wuhan virus", infuriating Beijing. The US president has also cast doubt on the accuracy of official Chinese virus figures and accused the World Health Organization of pro-China bias. As the United Kingdom government scrambling to secure protective gear, a group of teachers in Berkshire has been using the schools lab to make hundreds of protective masks in a bid to help the NHS workers. While speaking to an international media outlet, Wendy Hayes, the head of Design and Technology at Park House School, said that after the lockdown, the teachers started to look for ways that could help the NHS. As per reports, the teachers started making the masks two weeks ago and since then they have managed to make around 260 masks. Soon after Park House School, other schools in the area also pitched in and reportedly made 160 masks to help the healthcare workers. Wendy has been able to provide the much-needed equipment to local hospitals in the area, such as West Berkshire Community Hospital, Hospital Forensic Services and The Newbury CV19 Hot Hub. Furthermore, Wendy also set up a JustGiving page to help replenish the schools stock and carry on providing masks. READ: Amid Lockdown, UK Churches To Livestream Easter Services Online Countries help Britain With a shortage of medical equipment, the UK is also seeing a rapid spread of the deadly disease. Currently, the country has more than 78,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and the virus has claimed nearly 10,000 lives. In a bid to help with the shortage of PPE, Turkey reportedly sent a military cargo plane carrying protective gear, such as surgical masks, industrial masks, and hazmat suits. READ: COVID-19: UK Nationals Stranded In Gujarat To Be Evacuated April 13 Onwards Amid Lockdown According to reports, Germany is also lending a helping hand to the British government. The German government official said that the countrys armed forces would donate approximately 60 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. Meanwhile, the UK 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. (Image source: AP) READ: UK Govt Faces Questions On PPE Supply READ: UK Group Concerned By NHS Worker Deaths Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, countries including the Philippines celebrated this year's Holy Week sans the normal traditions. Citizens were urged to celebrate virtually from the safety of their homes, as healthcare workers and frontliners attempt to control the spread of the infectious disease. While Filipino Catholics may not have celebrated Holy Week at church, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the spirit of Easter is still "alive" in every Filipino's service and sacrifice. "Indeed, it is so moving and so heartwarming to see individuals trying to save and protect the life of ailing patients, whose hearts are filled with selfless goodness for others, especially for the sick and the poor, individuals who have the courage to offer heroic service and sacrifice with the clear risk of losing their very own lives," CBCP said in its Easter Sunday message. "Moreover, we see people of all walks of life, men and women, old and young, manifesting simple acts of appreciation and gratitude to all those who offer their lives so that others may live. Are these not concrete manifestations of the Easter spirit?" CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles likewise emphasized how Jesus Christ remained "victorious" over death, adding that this accomplishment has been shared to all human beings. "Together, with hearts filled with goodness and love, filled with deep sense of service and sacrifice, I begin to see the hope of Easter in us, and this hope is stronger when we, together, have hearts like that of Jesus in his sacrifice in Calvary. We see that, together, our life is more powerful than the menace of death that this pandemic brings," the message further read. The Philippines has recorded 4,428 COVID-19 cases, as of the Health Department's latest record. Of this number, 247 have died, while 157 have recovered. Globally, there now over 1.7 million cases of the infectious disease in 185 different countries including China, the epicenter of the virus outbreak. Queensland has recorded 12 new cases of the coronavirus overnight, bringing the number of total confirmed cases in the state to 983. Those figures, released on Sunday, take into account three false positives from Saturday that have since been removed from the figures. Twelve COVID-19 patients are still in intensive care units and five Queenslanders have died, including one after travelling to NSW. Most of Queensland's confirmed cases are in Brisbane - split across the Metro North and Metro South regions -where there are still 373 active cases from 535 cases notified to health authorities. The other 160 cases have been confirmed as recovered. Advertisement Christians across the country celebrated Easter today by tuning into church services online, attending drive-ins and even flouting bans on gatherings, amid the coronavirus pandemic and the nation's death toll surpassing 20,500 deaths. With most of the country under stay-at-home orders to curb the spread of the deadly virus, many were forced to get creative in order to mark the holiest day in the Christian calendar. A group of early risers used their phones to read lyrics as they sang hymns on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Other churches, including some in Florida, New Hampshire, Kansas and Kentucky, had drive-in services, with members listening into the Sunday message from the safety of their cars. In Baltimore, Maryland, a local pastor defied the governor's order to stay closed, as members of the congregation attended the church's service wearing face masks and gloves while practicing social distancing. In New York City, which has been hit the hardest by coronavirus, churches sat empty, including St. Patrick's Cathedral, where normally hundreds flock to services held throughout the day. Hundred were seen lining up outside Mission Bowery in the city to receive free Easter lunches. While some came wearing gloves and face masks, several had nothing on. Donald Trump promised that people would be back in churches soon in his Easter message on Sunday morning, as he urged people to 'bring the family together' as coronavirus prevents usual family gatherings and church celebrations. As of Sunday, there has been more than 20,500 deaths, with roughly 2,000 deaths a day reported for the last four days in a row, the largest number in and around New York City. WASHINGTON D.C.: A group of early risers used their phones to read lyrics as they sang hymns on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. today as America celebrates Easter during the coronavirus pandemic, as the death toll surpasses 20,500 NEW YORK CITY: In NYC, the epicenter of the pandemic, Archbishop Timothy Dolan delivered his homily over empty pews as he leads an Easter Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Due to coronavirus concerns, no congregants were allowed to attend the Mass but it was broadcast live on a local TV station NEW YORK CITY: Hundreds of people were seen lining up outside Mission Bowery in the city to receive free Easter lunches NEW YORK CITY: While some came wearing gloves and face masks, several had nothing on NEW YORK CITY: A man wearing a costume is seen outside the Saint Patrick Cathedral during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease BALTIMORE: Congregants attend Sunday morning Easter services at The Friendship Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. The church pastor, Alvin Gwynn, has decided to keep his church open for Easter Sunday despite an order from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to remain closed amid the Coronavirus pandemic SAN FRANCISCO: Men raise their hands during a song as people gather at the Mount Davidson cross in San Francisco DAYTONA: Florida's stay-at- home order exempts religious services, but Governor Ron DeSantis has advised against attending crowded religious gatherings COLORADO: Pastor James Conley, from the Delta First Baptist, raises his hands in prayer as parishioners sit in their cars during a drive-in Easter service via a radio transmission organized by the Delta Ministries at the Tru Vu Drive In theater Trump's message comes as the death tolls surpassed 20,500 as of Sunday morning and social distancing guidelines remain in place to stop people spreading or contracting the highly-contagious respiratory disease In New York City, the epicenter for the pandemic, churches sat empty, including St. Patrick's Cathedral. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who led a televised Mass, said he was pleased congregants could have a virtual celebration. 'We miss you though,' he added. 'We'd rather you be here physically.' In the morning, members of churches from across New York sang 'Christ the Lord is Risen Today' from balconies and windows. 'Even if you didn't hear everyone, God heard everyone,' said Kathy Keller, of Reedemer Presbyterian Church, who helped organize the event online. Hundreds of people were seen lining up outside Mission Bowery in the city to receive free Easter lunches. While some came wearing gloves and face masks, several had nothing on. In a brief Sunday presser, Mayor Bill de Blasio doubled down on his decision to shutter NYC schools for the rest of the year a day after locking horns with Governor Andrew Cuomo. The mayor said it was a decision he 'had to make', adding: 'The bottom line here is about health and safety. This is not about legal jurisdictions, but a moral one.' As of Sunday afternoon, there are more than 9,000 coronavirus deaths and nearly 190,000 cases in New York state. NEW YORK CITY: A man wearing bunny ears and face mask records a videos in front of the Saint Patrick Cathedral on Easter Sunday MASSACHUSETTS: Peter Lando and his family take part in Easter Mass line-streamed on their television in their home from St. Mary's Catholic Church BATON ROUGE: Members of Life Tabernacle megachurch stand as they welcome local residents for Eastern mass challenging state orders against assembling in large groups to prevent the spread of coronavirus DAYTONA: People in cars attend Easter Sunday services at the Daytona Beach Drive-in Christian Church as a way to practice social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic NEW HAMPSHIRE: Pastor Aaron R. Goodro, 46, speaks and plays music to his parishioners from the rooftop of his church during a drive-in Easter Service at the First Baptist Church in Plaistow, New Hampshire BALTIMORE: A woman sings and claps during Easter Sunday morning services at The Friendship Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland SEATTLE: The Rev. Kelly Wadsworth sits alone in a parlor adjacent to the empty sanctuary at the Alki United Church of Christ as she live streams a sunrise Easter service in Seattle NEW YORK CITY: Governor Andrew Cuomo said Sunday the number of hospitalizations in New York state is down, but also confirmed 758 more people had died in just 24 hours NEW YORK CITY: At the end of the day Saturday, there were 18,707 people hospitalized with the virus in the state. That was up only 73 since the previous day Governor Andrew Cuomo said Sunday the number of hospitalizations in New York state is down, but also confirmed 758 more people had died in just 24 hours. At the end of the day Saturday, there were 18,707 people hospitalized with the virus in the state. That was up only 73 since the previous day. The strangeness of this Easter was evident at the Vatican. St. Peters Square, where tens of thousands would normally gather to hear Pope Francis, was empty of crowds, ringed by police barricades. Pope Francis broke with centuries of tradition and delivered his service to empty pews with a live feed broadcasting it to the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. The 83-year-old pontiff called global solidarity in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, urging the relaxation of international sanctions, debt relief for poor nations and ceasefires in all conflicts. While several churches are broadcasting their Easter services online, others are hosting drive-in services. At the Happy Gospel Church in Bradenton, Florida, about 100 cars carrying 250 people gathered in the parking lot to hear Pastor Bill Baileys Easter sermon. Some sat in lawn chairs or on tailgates, but families stayed at least six feet apart; those in their cars occasionally honked to convey agreement with Bailey's remarks. On Fire Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, also had a drive-in service, after a judge overruled the mayor's ban on such gatherings, citing the move 'unconstitutional' and something 'out of a dystopian novel'. Donald Trump signaled Sunday morning in an Easter message that everything would be back to normal soon as he urged Americans to 'bring the family together like no other' in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak Pope Francis delivered his traditional Easter Sunday mass via live stream inside a nearly-deserted St Peter's Basilica MARYLAND: A member of Community of Hope A.M.E. church prays during a drive thru food bank on Easter Sunday WASHINGTON D.C.: With most of the country under stay-at-home orders to curb the spread of the deadly virus, many turned to online church services to mark the holiest day in the Christian calendar. Pictured: A man holding his Bible takes a selfie as he waits for sunrise on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial during the coronavirus disease outbreak, where normally thousands of Christians would gather for worship at Easter sunrise MASSACHUSETTS: Claudia Frigerio, dressed in an Easter Bunny costume, along with her daughters Emma (L) and Alice (C), wave to children in Arlington DAYTONA: People in cars attend Easter Sunday services at the Daytona Beach Drive-in Christian Church as a way to practice social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic KANSAS: The first of two Easter parking lot services is held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lawrence, Kansas BALTIMORE: Congregants attend Sunday morning Easter services at The Friendship Baptist Church LAS VEGAS: Pastor Paul Goulet leads a drive-in Easter service amid the Coronavirus pandemic at the International Church of Las Vegas President Trump and Melania planned to watch an online service led by the Rev. Robert Jeffress of the Southern Baptist megachurch First Baptist Dallas. The pastor, a staunch ally of the president, mentioned Trump in his remarks, 'We are going to get through this crisis with your continued strong leadership and the power of God,' Jeffress said. In their own Easter message, the Trumps paid tribute to the medical professionals, first responders and other essential workers striving to combat the pandemic. The United States has seen its highest death tolls to date from the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus, with roughly 2,000 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 understated, as New York is still figuring out how best to include a surge in deaths at home in its official statistics. As the death toll has mounted, President Trump mulled over when the country might begin to see a return to normality. Trump told Fox News on Saturday that he wants to rebuild the country to honor those who died, adding in his video message: 'We're winning the battle, we're winning the war. 'Celebrate. Bring the family together like no other. We have a lot to be thankful for.' NEVADA: Patty Duffey, wearing a mask, stops at a station at a drive-thru Stations of the Cross for social distancing due to the coronavirus on Good Friday at the New Song Church BALTIMORE: An empty overflow room during Easter Sunday morning services at The Friendship Baptist Church on April 12, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland MASSACHUSETTS: Father Thomas Reilly delivers the homily to parishioners via live stream during virtual Easter Sunday Services in North Reading NEW YORK CITY: People receive Easter lunch at the Bowery Mission ILLINOIS: Victoria Bittle and her grandmother Alice Stearns watch a sunrise Easter service, a service which typically sees thousands of people each year but this year was closed to the public and moved to a television broadcast due to health guidelines in regard to the coronavirus disease NEW HAMPSHIRE: Volunteer Al Wheeler wearing bunny ears keeps an eye on the service and cars during a drive-in Easter Service at the First Baptist Church in Plaistow His administration sees May 1 as a target date for relaxing the stay-at-home restrictions, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn said on Sunday. But he cautioned that it was still too early to say that target would be met. 'We see light at the end of the tunnel,' Hahn told ABC's 'This Week,' adding, 'Public safety and the welfare of the American people has to come first. That has to ultimately drive these decisions' The top U.S. infectious disease expert said he was cautiously optimistic that some of the country is starting to see a turnaround in the fight against the outbreak. Dr. Anthony Fauci pointed to the New York metropolitan area, which had its highest daily death toll last week alongside a decrease in hospitalizations, intensive care admissions and the need to intubate critically ill patients. 'Not only is it flat, it's starting to turn the corner,' Fauci said on Sunday on CNN's 'State of the Union.' 'Once you turn that corner, hopefully you'll see a very sharp decline and then you can start thinking about how we can keep it that way and prevent it from resurging,' he said. The Trump administration renewed talk of quickly reopening the economy after an influential university research model cut its U.S. mortality forecasts to 60,000 deaths by August 4, down from at least 100,000, assuming social-distancing measures stay. However, new government data shows a summer surge in infections if stay-at-home orders are lifted after only 30 days, according to projections first reported by the New York Times and confirmed by a Department of Homeland Security official. NEW YORK, April 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. ("Norwegian" or the "Company") (NYSE: NCLH) Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980. The investigation concerns whether Norwegian and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On March 11, 2020, the Miami New Times published an article entitled "Leaked Emails: Norwegian Pressures Sales Team to Lie About Coronavirus." The article described several leaked internal emails indicating that some Norwegian managers asked sales staff to lie to customers regarding COVID-2019 in order to protect the Company's bookings. For example, one such email directed Norwegian's sales team to tell customers that the "Coronavirus can only survive in cold temperatures, so the Caribbean is a fantastic choice for your next cruise." On this news, Norwegian's stock price fell $5.47 per share, or 26.68%, to close at $15.03 per share on March 11, 2020. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Donald Trump has skipped his daily coronavirus update for the first time in a month as he reveals he will tune in to an Easter Sunday service with a controversial pastor who says Islam 'promotes pedophilia' and homosexuality is 'filthy'. The president was notable by his absence on Easter Saturday as he failed to hold a coronavirus task force press briefing or any public update on the virus, which has now infected more than 530,000 Americans. Trump has been addressing the nation on a daily basis, usually from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the White House, since mid-March as the nation has grappled to bring the pandemic under control. But on the day that the US became the deadliest nation in the world from coronavirus, as its death toll inched past hard-hit Italy's and topped 20,000, and on the eve of the day he had previously vowed the nation would reopen from the pandemic, the president was nowhere to be seen. The president skipped his daily coronavirus update for the first time in a month on Easter Saturday as he takes an Easter break. Trump has been addressing the nation on a daily basis, usually from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the White House, since mid-March as the nation has grappled to bring the pandemic under control Instead, Trump simply tweeted to wish Americans a 'safe and blessed Easter Sunday' and to plug controversial pastor and his evangelical adviser Robert Jeffress whose service he said he will be watching remotely. 'Wishing all a safe and blessed Easter Sunday. I will be tuning into Pastor @robertjeffress at firstdallas.org/liveworship Church in Dallas, Texas tomorrow morning at 10:20 AM Eastern,' his tweet said. Trump's choice of pastor and one of his evangelical advisers has long been a source of concern for some due to the pastor's extreme right-wing views. Jeffress, pastor of the 4,000-member First Baptist Church in Dallas and a Fox News contributor, has sparked controversy on many occasions for his homophobic and anti-Islam comments. Back in 2010, Jeffress said Islam 'promotes pedophilia'. 'The deep, dark, dirty secret of Islam: It is a religion that promotes pedophilia sex with children. This so-called prophet Muhammad raped a 9-year-old girl had sex with her,' he said. He seemed to be taking an Easter break and instead tweeted to wish Americans 'a safe and blessed Easter Sunday'. He also plugged an Easter Sunday service with controversial pastor and his evangelical adviser Robert Jeffress Jeffress is known for saying Islam 'promotes pedophilia' and is an 'evil religion'. He has called homosexuality 'filthy' in the past and claimed Barack Obama was 'paving the way' for the Antichrist A few weeks later, he stood by his comments and even rallied Christians and conservatives to stand up to 'this evil, evil religion'. The pastor is also known for his discriminatory comments towards the LGBT community, having branded homosexuality 'filthy' and 'degrading'. 'What they [homosexuals] do is filthy. It is so degrading that it is beyond description. And it is their filthy behavior that explains why they are so much more prone to disease,' he said. The controversy doesn't end there, after he has made no secret of his Republican views and even used his faith to promote his political support of Trump. Former President Barack Obama was 'paving the way' for the Antichrist', according to Jeffress in 2012. By contrast, he agreed that Trump has been chosen by God to run America. Citing the New Testament, Jeffress claimed in August 2017 that, 'In the case of North Korea, God has given Trump authority to take out Kim Jong Un.' Even when reports of Trump's unholy past reared its head when it emerged in 2018 that hush money was paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, Jeffress brushed it off saying voters 'knew they weren't voting for an altar boy' when they appointed him as their president. Trump with First Lady Melania Trump (right) and daughter Tiffany Trump (left) arrive for Easter service at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach on Easter Sunday 2018 Trump, accompanied by a person dressed as the Easter Bunny, at the 141st Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in 2019 Children take part in the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll which was canceled this year due to coronavirus As he watches the pastor's service remotely, it will mark the first time since Trump entered the White House that he has remained in Washington DC for the Easter weekend. Over the last three years, the president and his family have traveled to Mar-a-Lago in Florida and enjoyed spending the holidays with a brunch on the lawn of his Palm Beach estate and attending a service at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, an Episcopal church where Trump and First Lady Melania married in 2005. The annual White House Easter Egg Roll, one of the oldest White House traditions, has also been cancelled. The event has only ever been canceled on two other occasions since 1878 - during World War I and World War II. Easter Sunday will mark another major milestone for the president - after he originally said he wanted the US to reopen for business and for social distancing rules be relaxed by April 12. 'We're opening up this incredible country. Because we have to do that. I would love to have it open by Easter,' Trump said on March 24. 'I would love to have that. It's such an important day for other reasons, but I'd love to make it an important day for this. I would love to have the country opened up, and rarin' to go by Easter.' He repeated the importance of the date, saying the holiday was a possible deadline because 'Easter's a very special day for me.' 'Wouldn't it be great to have all the churches full?' Trump asked. 'You'll have packed churches all over our country I think it'll be a beautiful time.' The president was forced to later backpedal on his plans as the pandemic continued to spread and medical experts - including his own advisers - warned him that reopening the country too soon could see more deaths from the virus. On March 29, in a rare moment of humility, he admitted that reopening for Easter would be a 'mistake' and announced a 30-day extension of his coronavirus guidelines. Trump then toyed with the idea of allowing churches a social distancing exemption to celebrate Easter. 'And I brought it up before, I said, maybe we could allow special - for churches - maybe we could talk about it, maybe we could allow them for great separation outside on Easter Sunday,' he said at the White House press briefing last Saturday. 'But somebody did say that, "well, then you're sort of opening up to that little - do we want to take a chance in doing that when we've been doing so well?"' The president then said like many Americans he would watch both Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday services on his laptop. On his last briefing on Good Friday, Trump said the upcoming decision of when to reopen the country for commerce, travel and ordinary life is among the biggest he has ever faced. 'I'm going to have to make a decision, and I only hope to God that it's the right decision,' Trump said. 'Without question it's the biggest decision I've ever had to make.' The president is now saying he will rely on scientists and a team of as-yet unannounced advisors as he ponders the decision. Public health officials have warned that if Americans go back to school and work too soon, the nation could face a second wave of infection and additional economic setbacks. Jason Alexander hosted the Seder. Idina Menzel sang the Four Questions. Sarah Silverman found the afikoman in ... an interesting place. It was like Passover, but make it at a major awards show. Womehow, all of this came together in just two weeks, thanks to a collection of willing and able celebrities who reported for duty from their homes. The Saturday Night Seder, a live-streamed Passover event designed to raise funds for coronavirus relief, was chock full of famous faces. Bette Midler showed up as the prophet Elijah (who has been sober for 300 years, it turns out, so stop with all the wine) while Pose star Billy Porter sang Go Down Moses. This is a holiday that celebrates transitions, said Newark native Jason Alexander (Seinfeld), starting the Seder. From confinement to liberation, from winter to spring, and, aptly, its a holiday that celebrates tenacity and resilience in the times of overwhelming adversity. Alexander, who grew up in Maplewood and Livingston, began the Seder with version of Dayenu tailored to the pandemic: So youre stressed by all the stories that you hear on cable news, well its time to trade the cable for a table full of Jews!" Jason Alexander started the Saturday Night Seder with a song tailored to Passover during the coronavirus pandemic.Saturday Night Seder/YouTube Celebrity non-Jews Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and Josh Groban joined in for the tune, which suggested using beef jerky instead of brisket and wiping celery in your own tears this holiday. The benefit, which raised funds for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundations Coronavirus Emergency Response Fund, featured a long list of celebrities including Schitts Creek star Dan Levy, Broad City" co-creator Ilana Glazer, Bravos Andy Cohen and Fran Drescher from The Nanny. Cynthia Erivo teamed up with Shoshana Bean for a soaring version of Whitney Houston and Mariah Careys When You Believe from the 1998 movie The Prince of Egypt." Broadway, film and TV stars each put their own stamp on the scripted Seder, which took a few detours from the traditional haggadah. The full lineup included (but was not limited to) Ben Platt (The Politician"), Mayim Bialik (Big Bang Theory"), Nick Kroll (Big Mouth), Henry Winkler, Debra Messing, Darren Criss (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story) Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things), Pamela Adlon (Better Things), Billy Eichner (Billy on the Street, The Lion King), Trenton natives Richard Kind and Judith Light, Tan France (Queer Eye) and Beanie Feldstein (Lady Bird, Booksmart). Harvey Fierstein wrapped up the evening with a searing monologue on what next year in Jerusalem meant to him. After a few cracks about Israel, he said he was looking to a 2021 where we could be freed from fear. Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. 11.04.2020 LISTEN April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month and an ideal time to learn more about Parkinson's disease. So what is Parkinson's Disease? It is a progressive disorder of the nervous system. Parkinson's 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 don't 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 Parkinson's, 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, Parkinson's 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 Parkinsons disease at the present time, medications, surgical treatments and other adjuvant exercise, 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. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and it progressively impacts and reduces patients' quality of life .Parkinson's disease (PD) is an extremely diverse disorder. While no two people experience Parkinson's the same way, there are some commonalities. Parkinson's affects ten million worldwide. In Africa, there is limited data on prevalence on the disease; from publications a prevalence of PD ranging from 7/100,000 isfound in Ethiopia to 67/100,000 in Nigeria has been reported. In Ghana, Parkinson's 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 Parkinson's 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 Parkinsons 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 LtdMr 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 Parkinson's 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 Parkinson's 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 Parkinson's diseasewhich 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 Parkinsons disease and ensuring a better future, today. Contact the Foundation at [email protected] , www.anidasopd.org or 0545919887 and 0541111724 for more information. 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 is not uncommon to see companies perform well in the years after insiders buy shares. On the other hand, we'd be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So shareholders might well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in The Cross-Harbour (Holdings) Limited (HKG:32). Do Insider Transactions Matter? It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, rules govern insider transactions, and certain disclosures are required. Insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing. But it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. For example, a Columbia University study found that 'insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own companys stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers'. View our latest analysis for Cross-Harbour (Holdings) Cross-Harbour (Holdings) Insider Transactions Over The Last Year Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Chairman of the Board Chung Kiu Cheung for HK$250m worth of shares, at about HK$11.08 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher than HK$11.06 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock when an insider has bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price. Chung Kiu Cheung was the only individual insider to buy during the last year. Notably Chung Kiu Cheung was also the biggest seller. Chung Kiu Cheung bought 75.21m shares over the last 12 months at an average price of HK$11.04. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! Story continues SEHK:32 Recent Insider Trading April 12th 2020 Cross-Harbour (Holdings) is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Does Cross-Harbour (Holdings) Boast High Insider Ownership? Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Cross-Harbour (Holdings) insiders own about HK$939m worth of shares (which is 23% of the company). Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders. So What Does This Data Suggest About Cross-Harbour (Holdings) Insiders? It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchase. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. Once you factor in the high insider ownership, it certainly seems like insiders are positive about Cross-Harbour (Holdings). Nice! In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Cross-Harbour (Holdings). You'd be interested to know, that we found 1 warning sign for Cross-Harbour (Holdings) and we suggest you have a look. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. 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. ~ Disaster Pass Holders allowed to enter Supermarkets to shop.~ PHILIPSBURG:--- Field testing for the COVID-19 is currently on hold as the test kits St. Maarten was expecting to arrive on Friday and Saturday did not arrive announced Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs on Saturday evening. Jacobs said that tests that are taken have to be sent to Guadeloupe for analysis. Jacobs said on Friday evening three new persons were hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Center, these persons were tested because they have strong symptoms of the COVOID-19. Currently, there are four persons at SMMC, one of which is still critical, while one of the three admitted on Friday night is from Saba. Training sessions took place on Saturday for all AMI personnel and volunteers. Some 29 medical professionals arrived on St Maarten for the past two days and they too were part of the training sessions. Jacobs said as of Sunday all Disaster Pass Holders are allowed to enter supermarkets and shop for themselves, this she said is to lessen the amount of food distribution within the community. Jacobs said that Monday some 1,500 boxes to be distributed, while supermarkets are doing their best to deliver as fast as they could. Jacobs called on the community to be patient with the delay but now taxi drivers, and postal workers and ESF 7 will be assisting with the deliveries. Jacobs said arrangements are being made with the banks for the seniors to go to the banks to access their funds since they are on pension. Workers that were paid late will also get an opportunity to access their funds. Jacobs said some ATMs are active at the main branches. People of St. Maarten, both here on St. Maarten and abroad, I hereby address you as Prime Minister and Chair of the EOC for today's update on April 11, 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. COVID-19 Cases As of today, April 11, 2020, I can update you on the COVID-19 cases. Self- Quarantine: 136 Self-Isolation: 194 Number Tested: 134 Number Positive: 50 (1 hospitalized) Male: 34 Female: 16 Number Negative: 82 Number Pending: 4 (3 hospitalized) Inconclusive: 1 Deceased: 9 Recovered: 5 SMMC Training Sessions for AMI Healthcare Personnel & Volunteers The requested personnel for St. Maarten consisting of 29 medical professionals arrived on the island on April 7th and 8th to assist SMMC with COVID-19 patients. I can announce that the training sessions for the 29 medical personnel from AMI Healthcare and the local medical volunteers are underway. The training sessions include refresher courses, crash courses for basic ICU care, CPSI training sessions carried out by SMMCs ICT department and other essential training in order for these teams to provide the most efficient care possible. The AMI Healthcare personnel have all traveled from the US, prior to their arrival they all tested negative for COVID-19. Upon arrival to St. Maarten, they were swabbed again by HCLS and those tests also came back negative. COVID-19 Admission Update As of today, April 11, 2020, there have been 3 new COVID-19 related patients that have been admitted to the St. Maarten Medical Centre (SMMC). All three patients are not confirmed COVID-19 positive, however, they are highly suspected cases and one of the patients is from Saba. This brings the total to 4 COVID-19 related patients currently admitted to SMMC with three being stable and one in critical condition. Today ICU nurses from AMI will work with our staff in caring for these patients. Food Distribution Over the weekend, including today, the ESF7 team of social services, community development, community police, community leaders and volunteers have been distributing food packages in the different communities to those persons who are most vulnerable and have already been registered with social services. Please be patient as Social Services will also begin to distribute food packages to those who have registered via the social impact assessment form. The first batch of food distribution will be completed by Monday and later in the coming week, the second batch of food will be packaged and distributed. Opening Times For Deliveries & Shopping Allowed For Disaster Pass Holders Orders from the public must be submitted to the respective grocery stores between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Grocery stores, both large and small, will have the opportunity to deliver between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Between 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, employees may work on packaging items for the deliveries of the following day. Each grocery store operator needs to ensure that a priority system is implemented to guarantee that priority is given to orders of the basic necessities. All purchases and orders should be on a strict need-basis only. More grocery stores, including the smaller grocery stores operated by Chinese nationals, started as of today taking orders for persons living in their district. A list of the current grocery stores that are delivering may be found on the Facebook Page Government of Sint Maarten. As I allow for more options in order for persons to access food, public bus drivers and taxi drivers are being contacted to connect to a grocery store or supermarket in your neighborhood to assist in delivering food orders. This cooperation can also serve as another way for the grocery stores and the locals in the community to help each other during this time in the same manner. Id like to announce that persons with a disaster pass and essential workers are now allowed to carry-out their grocery shopping at the supermarkets opened as of tomorrow, April 12, 2020, however, these persons must adhere to hygiene requirements such as wearing a mask and sanitizing your hand when entering and leaving the store. This decision will allow for less orders to be made to the grocery stores and therefore, will result in quicker turn-around time for orders that are being delivered. I kindly ask the public, not to order from more than one supermarket as this is causing confusion. Arrangements are being made for key persons within the community to assist with deliveries from neighborhood grocery stores and will be required to wear a mask. These persons will also have access to gas stations to facilitate deliveries within their respective neighborhoods. Grocery stores, as well as consumers, are also strictly forbidden to sell or purchase alcohol during the remainder of the lockdown. In order to ensure that persons remain in their neighborhoods, there will be a heightened police presence at round-a-bouts. Follow our Government Radio station 107.9FM. For official information, statements and news updates or visit the Government website at www.sintmaartengov.org/coronavirus and our Facebook Page: Government of Sint Maarten. In closing, Id like to thank all those essential workers who are working tirelessly including ESFs 1 to 10 for all that you are doing. I must commend and say thanks to all those businesses that are practicing social responsibility and I encourage other businesses in the community to do the same as we all have a role to play. I urge and encourage the people to show that we are a strong, united and powerful people and country, and we will overcome this challenge. Thank you to the people of St. Maarten. Thank you to all our front-liners. May God continue to bless each and every person on St. Maarten. While many countries around the world and cities in the U.S. are pointing toward positive signs that social distancing might be finally flattening the curve, the novel coronavirus death toll continues to be staggering. In the U.S., more than 524,000 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. At least 20,389 people in the U.S. have died, the highest out of any country. Across the globe, at least 108,200 people have died from the coronavirus. Worldwide, more than 1.7 million people have been diagnosed since the virus emerged in China in December. The actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to testing shortages, many unreported cases and suspicions that some governments are hiding the scope of their nations' outbreaks. Today's biggest developments: US death toll highest in world, cases now over half a million Michael Avenatti granted release from prison due to COVID-19 Global death toll tops 100,000 Disaster declared in all 50 states Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern. Please refresh this page for updates. 7:03 p.m.: Puerto Rico extends curfew Puerto Ricos governor has extended an island-wide curfew until May in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 on the island. While wearing a face mask and gloves, Gov. Wanda Vazquez announced the lockdown continuation that started on March 15 would be extended until at least May 3. The curfew orders people to stay home from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and remain there even outside those hours unless they have to buy food or medicine, go to the bank or have an emergency/health-related situation. Violators face a $5,000 fine or a six-month jail term, and police have cited and arrested hundreds. Nonessential business were closed in March. According to Puerto Ricos health secretary, the peak in cases for the island is not expected until early May. There have been about 7,700 people tested so far with more than 780 confirmed cases. Forty-two people have died on the island from COVID-19. There is a backlog of over 1,300 tests that are pending results. Story continues 5:20 p.m.: More Navy crew members test positive The number of crew members testing positive for COVID-19 has increased to 550 from 447 on Friday, according to the Navy. About 4,800 are aboard the ship. The Navy originally had planned to move only 2,700 ashore to quarantine facilities in Guam, but that number has since increased to 3,696, about three-quarters of the ship's crew. PHOTO: The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) enters the port in Da Nang, Vietnam, March 5, 2020. (Nguyen Huy Kham/Reuters, FILE) 5:03 p.m.: US to punish countries that don't accept deportees President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum allowing the government to punish any countries that refuse to accept citizens whom the U.S. wants deported or removed. The development comes as Mexico and three Central American countries have urged the U.S. to halt removals of migrants or put stronger protections in place to ensure deportees and others removed don't bring COVID-19 with them. All four countries' more fragile health care systems could be easily overwhelmed by a COVID-19 outbreak. The new memo from the administration allows the State Department, working with the Department of Homeland Security, to issue visa bans for officials from those countries as punishment. Though a common tactic for countries that don't accept their deportees, its issuance during a pandemic has been criticized. A State Deptartment spokesperson declined to comment on "diplomatic discussions" with these countries and referred questions about removing COVID-19-positive migrants to the Department of Homeland Security. 4:35 p.m.: Disaster declared in all 50 states President Donald Trump has approved a disaster declaration for Wyoming, the last of the 50 states to request one. The White House said this is the first time in history a president has declared a major disaster in every state at the same time. The declaration allows the state to receive federal funding. 3:59 p.m.: US surpasses 20,000 deaths At least 20,071 Americans have died because of COVID-19, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins. Earlier today, the U.S. surpassed Italy as the nation with the most confirmed deaths. 3:40 p.m.: Queen says Easter needed 'as much as ever' Britain's Queen Elizabeth II delivered a message of hope ahead of Easter Sunday, saying that although the holiday will be different, it is needed "as much as ever." "This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe. But Easter isn't canceled. Indeed, we need Easter as much as ever," 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." She continued: "As dark as death can be -- particularly for those suffering with grief -- light and life are greater." The Queen ended her message wishing everyone of all faiths and denominations a happy Easter. 3:20 p.m.: Louisiana surpasses 20,000 cases Louisiana is now reporting at least 20,014 cases, with 761 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, according to the state's Department of Health. Deaths increased to 806, up from 755 Friday, the department reported. More than 2,000 people are in the hospital, with 470 on ventilators. All the state's 64 parishes are reporting cases. 2:40 p.m.: Numerous cases, 8 deaths at Colorado nursing home The majority of residents at a nursing home in Aurora, Colorado, have tested positive for COVID-19 and eight people have died, according to the state's Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Five of the eight deaths at Juniper Village were confirmed as COVID-19 related, according to a statement from the department. The coroner is considering the remaining three deaths as probable cases of COVID-19. Out of the 46 residents, 33 tested positive, along with 16 of the 25 staff members, according to the statement. "We know that the populations in these facilities are among the most vulnerable and are at highest risk of severe illness from this virus," Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist at the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment, said in a statement. "The department is doing everything we can to be as transparent as possible regarding reported outbreaks to keep people safe while protecting patient privacy." Testing began at the facility after state officials learned that several staff had tested positive. The testing was done through a private lab. An investigation at Juniper Village began on March 27 after epidemiologists from Tri-County Health Department notified CDPHE that their local investigations of positive COVID-19 cases included several health care workers from the facility. Since then, infection preventionists and epidemiologists from both departments have conducted virtual consultations with Juniper Village, including assessing the facility's current practices. A team from CDPHE's Health Facilities Division conducted an on-site visit on April 2 after receiving a formal complaint about the home's infection prevention practices. The investigation remains ongoing and could take several months. PHOTO: A Google Maps Street View image shows the Juniper Village nursing home standing in Aurora, Colo., Sept. 2019. (Google Maps Street View) 2:09 p.m.: 12,561 cases, 254 deaths in Texas There are at least 12,561 cases reported in Texas, with Houston reporting the most in the state at 3,261 cases, according to the state's Department of Health. The total number of people tested so far is 120,533. At least 254 people have died, while at least 1,617 people have recovered. Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday that he would issue an executive order this week, outlining his plan to reopen businesses. 1:29 p.m.: US surpasses Italy for most confirmed deaths The United States has surpassed Italy for the highest national death toll. At least 19,701 people have died in the U.S., according to the Johns Hopkins University tally. Earlier today, Italy reported a total of 19,468 deaths nationwide. PHOTO: The remains of Courtney Clarke, 67, who died of COVID-19, are taken from Smith Funeral Home in Elizabeth, N.J., March 27, 2020. (Todd Heisler/The New York Times via Redux, FILE) 12:57 p.m.: UK death toll at 9,875 The latest daily death toll reported in the UK is 917, bringing the total to 9,875, according to the Department of Health and Social Care. There are at least 78,991 people who have tested positive out of the 269,598 people who have been tested, according to the department. 12:30 p.m.: Stimulus payments to arrive via direct deposit for some Some Americans will see their first stimulus check payments via direct deposit, ABC News has confirmed with a senior official at the Department of Treasury. The first payments to Americans who received their 2018, 2019 tax returns via direct deposit will be going out no later than April 15th, according to the official. Non-filers are being directed to go to IRS.gov to enter their information so they can get their economic impact payments faster by direct deposit. There is not yet a commitment from the Treasury at this time regarding people who are waiting on paper checks, which is expected to take longer to disburse. The Treasury will also launch a new app next week called Get My Payment to expedite the delivery of funds for filers who did not receive their refund electronically. 12:02 p.m.: Death toll in New York reaches 8,627, Cuomo pushes back on mayor's school closure There were 783 deaths in New York in the last 24 hours, putting the total number of people who have died at 8,627, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at a press conference. Cuomo continued to say that New York is flattening the curve, though he said the numbers were still stark. "The [death toll] is somewhat stabilizing, but it is stabilizing at a horrific rate," he said. "These are just incredible numbers, depicting incredible loss and pain." He also spoke about reopening the state, saying the decision was both a public health and economic decision. The governor said he will put together a team to look at what happened in Wuhan, China, which was at one point the epicenter, when the city reopened. Cuomo also pushed back on New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announcement earlier this morning that the city's public schools would close for the remainder of the year. Cuomo called it the mayor's "opinion" rather than a definitive decision. He said any decision would be made not only for New York City, but the state as a whole. He said in this situation "it is my legal authority." The mayor's office responded to Cuomo's remarks in a tweet. "The Governor's reaction to us keeping schools closed is reminiscent of how he reacted when the Mayor called for a shelter in place," Freddi Goldstein, de Blasio's press secretary, tweeted. "We were right then and we're right now.Schools will remain closed, just like how we eventually - days later - moved to a shelter in place model." PHOTO: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a briefing on the coronavirus, March 29, 2020. (ABC News, FILE) 10:51 a.m.: PPP estimated to run out of money April 17 More than 600,000 forgivable loans have been approved for the Paycheck Protection Program, amounting to a total of $168 billion of the $350 billion program, according to White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow. Kudlow appeared on Fox Business' "Lou Dobbs Tonight" Friday evening and provided the update. The program is part of the $2 trillion economic relief package. Even with that money, Kudlow said the administration estimates that earmarks for small businesses will be exhausted by April 17. He said that's the reason he's asking Congress for an additional $250 billion. Democrats in Congress blocked the measure this week because they said they want more money for hospitals, states and cities. 10:44 a.m.: US providing assistance to Italy The State Department announced that President Donald Trump has authorized an assistance package to help Italy, one of the hardest-hit countries amid the pandemic, as they continue to fight the virus. The package includes support for international organizations and NGOs, many of which provide essential relief to Italian communities, according to a statement from the State Department. The U.S. will also encourage donations from the country's private sector, while American military personnel who live in Italy will help provide telemedicine services, facilitate the transport and assembly of field hospitals, treat non-COVID-19 patients and support the transport of supplies, fuel and food. The State Department said that Italy "has been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19." "This critical assistance will not only help the Italian people, but will also bolster global trade and supply chains. We are all in this together, and only through transparency, cooperation, and mutual support will we be able to defeat COVID-19," the statement read. PHOTO: A nurse puts on his Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before starting to work in the Intensive care unit for patients infected by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 at the Policlinico di Tor Vergata hospital, in Rome, April 8, 2020. (Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images, FILE) 10:23 a.m.: Governors ask Congress for $500 billion for relief funds Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the leaders of the National Governors Association, have asked Congress for $500 billion for the states as they continue to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The funds would help states bridge their revenue shortfalls and allow them to continue providing services amid the crisis. Hogan, a Republican, and Cuomo, a Democrat, asked the money be added to the next relief package since the CARES Act did not provide money for state governments. It's not clear when Congress will advance another tranche of relief funds. Democratic leaders have said they would continue negotiating with Treasure Sec. Steven Mnuchin on a broad, follow-up emergency relief package. However, GOP leaders issued a statement Saturday morning saying that the Paycheck Protection Program needs to be replenished before anything else can happen. 9:50 a.m.: NYC public schools to remain closed for rest of year The New York City public schools will remain closed for the rest of year, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in a press conference. He called it a public health decision. "It's not an easy decision. It's not a decision that is satisfying for all of us who have devoted so much time to make sure our kids got the very best education, but it is the right decision," de Blasio said. The mayor said he would work with schools to ensure tele schooling continued. He outlined his five-point plan to better serve the families of students, including handing out an additional 240,000 tech devices to students who need one by the end of April, expanding the parent help line and staffing, launching new online activities, graduating members of the senior class, and preparing so that schools will be ready to reopen in September. De Blasio also spoke on how the city would better protect the homeless population. The mayor said that around 6,000 homeless people are expected to be housed in hotels by April 20, with a priority for those with COVID-19 symptoms or are COVID-19 positive, seniors, and those in shelters where maintaining social distance is difficult. PHOTO: New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio speaks to the media during a press conference in New York, April 10, 2020. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters, FILE) 7:46 am.: Some COVID-19 patients testing positive again: WHO 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 from hospitals. South Korean officials on Friday reported 91 patients thought cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again. "These are very sensitive tests, so you can vacillate sometimes between negative and positive," said ABC medical contributor and infectious diseases physician Dr. Todd Ellerin when asked about the report. "What's more important is to make sure these patients don't have symptoms. If you don't have symptoms but have a positive test, it may be that you have dead virus that's still being picked up, but you can't transmit," said Ellerin. 6:15 a.m.: 70 Georgia nursing home resident test positive A nursing home in Georgia announced Friday that 70 of its residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Three of those residents have been hospitalized. "We are doing everything we can to protect our residents and staff. This includes providing appropriate PPE, taking heightened precautions and adhering to protocols outlined by the Center for Disease Control," Windermere Health and Rehabilitation Center's parent company, SavaSeniorCare Administrative Services, said in a statement Friday. The senior living center said it has isolated the positive patients, is screening employees before every shift and has cut off visitation to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. "We know that this is an unsettling and scary time for our residents and their family members," the nursing home said. "We are in the process of contacting the family members of every single resident in our Center to keep them informed of their loved one's condition as it evolves." MORE: Cut off from loved ones in nursing care by coronavirus, families fear the unknown Nursing homes and other facilities that care for the elderly have been particularly hit hard by the coronavirus. The Life Care Center of Kirkland, Washington, was the scene of one of the first and most-deadly coronavirus outbreaks last month, with 81 residents infected and 34 deaths. Since Feb. 29, at least 400 nursing facilities in more than 25 states have seen at least one resident contract COVID-19, according to the CDC. 4:47 a.m.: Michael Avenatti granted temporary release from prison due to COVID-19 Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti, who represented adult film star Stormy Daniels in her lawsuit against President Donald Trump, was granted temporary release from jail by a California federal judge late Friday due to COVID-19. Once released from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City, Avenatti will be quarantined for 14 days at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to make sure he's not infected with the coronavirus. After completing the mandatory quarantine, he will be allowed to travel to Los Angeles to stay at the home of a friend for 90 days. PHOTO: Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti walks out of a New York court house after a hearing, July 23, 2019 in New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images, FILE) 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. He will not be allowed to leave the house except for emergencies and must wear a monitoring bracelet. The judge also said Avenatti can't use the internet, can't open any new bank or credit accounts and can't engage in any transaction exceeding $500. Avenatti's $1 million bail was posted by Hubert Bromma, who has authored a book called How to Invest in Offshore Real Estate and Pay Little or No Taxes. A jury convicted Avenatti in February for trying to extort Nike. He was found guilty on wire fraud, extortion and transmitting a threat in interstate communications charges. 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 PHOTO: Signs pleading for help hang in windows at the Cook County jail on April 09, in Chicago. With nearly 400 cases of COVID-19 having been diagnosed among the inmates and employees, the jail is nations largest-known source of coronavirus infections. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) ABC News' James Hill, Joshua Hoyos, Benjamin Siegel, Sarah Shales, Liz Alesse, Matthew Vann, Clark Bentson, Phoebe Natanson, Conor Finnegan and Luis Martinez contributed to this report. Coronavirus updates: US surpasses 20,000 deaths, the highest national death toll originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The UN Security Council adopted a resolution April 9 on the Western Sahara peace process between the Polisario Front and Morocco. In essence, it reiterated prior UN resolutions: that a political solution to the ongoing conflict over Western Sahara territories can only be achieved through negotiations between all concerned parties, and in the form of a roundtable process. Amid the global crisis of the coronavirus, few in the international community paid attention to the resolution, which appears to have not contributed much to the UN-sponsored peace process. Also, the threat that the coronavirus will spread more widely in North Africa did little to bring Morocco and Polisarios ally Algeria any closer when it comes to the disputed Western Sahara. It could even be said that tensions over Western Sahara didnt diminish an inch, and that if anything, the coronavirus pandemic only escalated them. As if reflecting international indifference, the UN Security Council website did not even feature the resolution the day after it was adopted. The conflict over Western Sahara has lasted for many decades, ever since Spain decolonized this large stretch of desert land in 1975. Shortly after decolonization, the Polisario Front launched an armed struggle against Morocco, seeking self-determination and recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. But despite several peace initiatives, and despite countless UN resolutions, the Moroccan claim to these territories shows no signs of winding down. Over the years, various international organizations and many countries recognized the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. But such recognition did not deter Rabat. Indeed, a number of those countries have withdrawn or suspended their recognition, and since the end of 2019, 10 African states have opened diplomatic consulates in Western Sahara under their missions to the Moroccan capital in a clear sign of recognizing Moroccan sovereignty. Algeria recalled its ambassador from Ivory Coast after the West African country opened a consulate in the Western Sahara region, but the diplomatic pressure yielded no results. Prior to the April 9 meeting, the UN representative of the Polisario Front, Sidi Mohamed Omar, asked the Security Council to discuss the delay in the appointment of a new UN envoy and mechanisms for responding to the opening of the consulates. Former UN envoy to the region Horst Kohler resigned in May 2019 due to health problems, and the UN is still searching for a replacement. Leaders of the Polisario movement expressed double disappointment after the Security Council meeting. Not only did the UN keep silent on the recent moves by Morocco to reinforce its claim on the region, but no candidate was presented for the role of the new UN envoy two clear signs that the international community is losing interest. Apparently, the times of the coronavirus are not conducive for resolving seemingly never-ending regional conflicts. The novel coronavirus shows little sign of slowing down in the San Antonio area as three more people died and another double-digit increase in the daily number of new confirmed cases pushed the total to 723 on Saturday. We know these numbers can be discouraging, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said at the daily briefing, but he encouraged the public to keep their eye on the future. Dont give up on staying home and staying safe. We have some ways to go, but were taking actions and we are making a difference. A woman in her 70s died at St. Lukes Baptist Hospital and two more residents of Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center succumbed to COVID-19, Nirenberg said, bringing Bexar Countys death toll to 27. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases There have now been 14 residents of the Southeast nursing center who have died. A virulent outbreak of the disease at the facility has infected at least 74 residents and 27 staff members. Most of the residents have remained at the center, receiving care there. But some who tested positive became seriously ill and had to be taken to the hospital. Second inmate infected Also Saturday, County Judge Nelson Wolff reported that a second Bexar County jail inmate had tested positive for COVID-19. The inmate, who had been held on a capital murder charge since March 17, was housed in a unit with minimal face-to-face contact with other inmates, Wolff said. Deputies who worked in the unit wore protective equipment at all times so their risk is believed to be low. The inmate is now in a negative-pressure cell. Wolff said the inmate was not housed in the same area as the first inmate who tested positive, so its believed the two cases are separate. As of Saturday, the cause of the infection was not yet known. On ExpressNews.com: First inmate tests positive for novel coronavirus at Bexar County jail Of the 723 total cases, 263 were the result of close contact with someone who already had the virus. Another 232 were the result of community transmission and 156 contracted the disease while traveling outside the San Antonio area. Nirenberg said 84 are in the hospital. Of those, 52 are in intensive care and 46 are on ventilators that are helping them breathe. On the positive side, the number who have fully recovered jumped past 100 to 119, Nirenberg said. Nirenberg also said there are more than 2,000 available hospital beds in Bexar County, and 80 percent of the local supply of ventilators are available for use. Officially, there have been 6,212 tests conducted in Bexar County by Metro Health, private and military labs and 5,575 were negative. But health officials say there is a lag in private lab reporting, and Nirenberg said its estimated that more than 7,000 tests had actually been administered as of Saturday. Kendall County reported one new COVID-19 case Saturday, bringing the countys total to 11. Officials said the case is travel-related and the patient is a resident of Boerne. None of the confirmed cases was the result of community transmission, and no deaths have been reported. Atascosa County, south of San Antonio, reported a new case Saturday, bringing thast countys total to eight, according to the states COVID-19 page. In Wilson County, Floresville City Councilwoman Marissa Ximenez confirmed on Facebook that a resident of the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home had tested positive for COVID-19. Friday, Wilson had reported 10 cases and no deaths. The number of confirmed cases in Comal and Guadalupe counties was unchanged Saturday at 37 and 47 confirmed cases in each county respectively, according to state statistics. Medina County was also unchanged at 12 confirmed cases. The National Weather Service has put the region under a hazardous weather outlook Sunday into Monday. The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued the hazardous weather advisory for Warren, Lehigh and Northampton counties, as well as neighboring Sussex County, New Jersey, and Carbon and Berks counties in Pennsylvania. The advisory runs through Sunday evening. Despite hopping into some temperatures in the 60s Sunday, weather forecasters say the pleasant spring weather wont last. Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are expected overnight into Monday morning and could lead to localized flooding, the weather service said. A strong storm system could bring 40 to 50 mph wind gusts to the region Monday morning into Monday afternoon, according to the weather service. Thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts, as well large hail and an isolated tornado, are also possible, the weather service says. At Lehigh Valley International Airport, the forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high near 57 degrees for Tuesday. The remainder of the week also is forecast to ease back into a high temperature of the middle 50s. AccuWeather is making similar predictions, calling for a high of 57 degrees on Tuesday followed by a low of 37 degrees by Tuesday evening, with a shower in spots in the evening followed by rain and drizzle. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email her. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The Uttarakhand Health Department on Sunday said that no new positive COVID-19 case in the state emerged for the fourth day in a row. The total number of positive cases in the state remains at 35. Seven persons have been cured/discharged. India's count of coronavirus cases has risen to 8,447, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday. 7,409 are active COVID-19 cases and 764 cases have recovered/discharged and one case has migrated. The toll due to the virus has risen to 273. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) FLINT, MI Roger Liddell never met a stranger. The McLaren Flint Hospital employee had an affable, outgoing personality that was seen often by his friends, coworkers and large extended family. He was just full of joy, his nephew, Darrell Collins, said. He was kind, generous. Even if he was having a bad day, youd never know it. He was always smiling. That large family is in mourning this weekend after Liddell passed away on Friday due to complications from COVID-19. In his last public Facebook post on March 30, Liddell noted that he had gone from working in McLarens intensive care unit to being a patient in the hospital. His union, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 2650, said Liddell had worked for McLaren for 18 years in supply distribution, a job in which he would visit all floors of the hospital. Collins said that Liddell first started showing symptoms a few days before being admitted at McLaren. He was placed on a ventilator almost immediately after testing positive for the coronavirus, and Collins said his condition quickly deteriorated over the next 11 days. Liddell, 65, had underlying conditions including hypertension but was overall active and healthy, according to Collins. Originally from Mississippi, Liddell served in the U.S. Marine Corps and lived in Illinois before settling in Michigan. He made regular trips back to Mississippi to see his extended family, where he would share his love of blues music and Western movies. Liddell was one of nine siblings, with two brothers and six sisters. He enjoyed spending time with his family, Collins said. That was the main thing. He lived in Michigan but he would make several trips a year down here to visit his family. That was probably his biggest hobby, just being around family. Everybodys taking it hard. It was a shock. It hit real close to home. Everybody loved Roger. I havent met anybody that had anything bad to say about him. Liddells death is one of 62 from COVID-19 as of Saturday in Genesee County, according to state numbers. The county has seen 919 positive tests for the virus. Coronavirus cases in Michigan: Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. 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 Kroger, Meijer report deaths of grocery store workers in Michigan from coronavirus Tough cookie 79-year-old coronavirus patient discharged as hospital staff cheers Drive-thru coronavirus testing sites opening in Flint, Detroit Bay County reports 1st death from coronavirus; Genesee County deaths continue to rise Australia's reliance on imported products will be put under the microscope by the federal government as it pushes the economy to become more self-sufficient in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has started quietly pulling together a policy roundtable from the public and private sectors so agriculture is the industry "best placed" to thrive after COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed as rain soaks into drought-baked paddocks of eastern Australia. Mr Littleproud said even though agriculture delivered just 2 per cent of GDP, the industry would be crucial in helping the nation rebound after this crisis. "Growing the industry is going to be so important to helping our nation repair. It's the bedrock of our nation's economy and our nation's security," he said. Imphal/Guwahati, April 12 : There is good news from Manipur, where a 23-year-old woman, who had returned from the UK last month and become the first positive coronavirus case in the entire northeastern region, was now declared completely free of the dreaded virus and returned home from the hospital on Sunday. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, in a tweet, said : "Thank God.Thanks to all the doctors and staff of JNIMS with folded hands. The first COVID-19 infected girl (name) of Imphal has been discharged from hospital today (Sunday). Let's stay safe, let's stay at home." The woman underwent treatment of around three weeks at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal. Manipur Health and Family Welfare Department's Additional Director and spokesperson Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang told IANS over phone that the woman would be put under home quarantine for next 14 days. "Her family members, especially the father were counselled by a team led by a State Surveillance Officer," the official said. Mangang said that 19 close contacts of a person, who left Manipur on March 12 and tested positive in Bengaluru on April 8, are tested negative in Imphal's Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). Besides the 23-year-old woman, another 65-year-old man from Lilong, near Imphal, had tested positive for nCoV and is undergoing treatment now at the RIMS. The man had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event at the Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi. The Manipur Chief Minister earlier announced that the state government was actively considering cash incentives or awards to those who are working in the frontline, including doctors and nurses. Of the total 34 positive cases, found so far in five northeastern states -- Assam (28), Manipur (2), Tripura (2), Mizoram (1) and Arunachal Pradesh (1), 28 took part in a Tablighi Jamaat meet in Delhi last month. A Mizoram man tested positive last month after he returned from the Netherlands while a 52-year-old trader in Assam's Kamrup (Metro) district has also tested positive for coronavirus. Both of them undergoing treatment in medical colleges in Aizawl and Guwahati respectively. 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Since late March, Hydroxychloroquine has been given to patients of Londons Barts Health NHS Trust and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E), among others. It is one of a number of drugs being tested in the UKs Randomised Evaluation of Covid-19 Therapy (Recovery) trial the worlds largest randomised clinical trial of potential coronavirus treatments. Recovery, which is being co-ordinated at Oxford University, signed up 1,000 patients from 132 different hospitals in its first 15 days and is now reported to have nearly 3,000 volunteers. Hydroxychlorquine has been hailed as a game-changer by the US president, despite his top adviser Dr Anthony Fauci warning against widespread use of it as an untested treatment for Covid-19. Take it. What do you have to lose? Mr Trump told Americans on Saturday, prompting warnings from leading cardiac organisations that the drug can dangerously disrupt heart rhythms in some patients. Two small studies, without proper control groups, in China and France the latter now discredited have suggested the drug may help coronavirus patients. Laboratory research has also suggested the drug may stop some coronaviruses and influenza entering cultured cells, although trials on human influenza patients showed no such effect. The drug created 75 years ago has also been used to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and its ability to calm overactive immune systems has boosted hopes it may help counter Covid-19, which can cause the body's infection response to go into a state of dangerous overdrive, known as a cytokine storm. One of Exeters first Covid-19 patients to take part in the Recovery trial says there is still no way of knowing whether or not her recovery was aided by Hydroxychloroquine. Claire Fuller, 56, was taken into RD&E on 31 March, when her breathing deteriorated 10 days after developing a dry cough. It was really scary how it just suddenly turned, she said. The mother of two, from Tiverton, Devon, was asked to take part in the study while in A&E. It didnt take long for me to agree," she said. "The more people they get, the better. Ms Fuller said she was given a loading dose of eight tablets of hydroxychloroquine to start with and then, after another heavy loading dose, it was two tablets for the remaining four days she was on the Covid-19 ward. She said that she has no idea whether some of the symptoms she experienced, and her recovery, were due to the infection or were side-effects of the drug. I was getting what was like a flushing feeling a hot, sharp, tingling going through my lungs," she said. I dont know whether this was me responding to the drug or the virus. Until they get more people through the trial they will not know. Thats the point of the study. Ms Fuller said the only other possible side-effect she suffered was some gastric issues. But she thinks this may have been virus rather than drug-related as another patient in her four-bed Covid-19 bay had the same and was not on the trial. She added: I think, though, that if Id had a bad reaction to the drug, that would have been evidenced. Ms Fuller said the doctors, like their patients, are not sure which presentations are down to the virus or the drugs. The doctors were saying that all the patients coming in with Covid-19 are coming in with a slightly different presentation," she said. "They are literally learning with each one being admitted, poor guys. Attorney General Barr derides media 'jihad' against anti-malaria drug Trump keeps promoting Ms Fuller, who works as a global manager for a veterinary company, is now recovering at home after she was discharged a week ago. While she does not know if the drug aided her recovery, she encouraged anyone who has the chance to sign up for the trial. Recovery is also trialling three other drugs. These are HIV drug lopinavir-ritonavir, the steroid dexamethasone, and the commonly-used antibiotic azithromycin. It is is one of three key national trials in the UK. The others are Principle, which is focused on higher risk patients in primary care, and Remap-Cap, which is concentrated on critically ill patients with community-acquired pneumonia. There is an urgent need for reliable evidence on the best care for patients with Covid-19," said Peter Horby at the outset of the trial, for which he is chief investigator. Providing possible new treatments through a well-designed clinical trial is the best way to get that evidence. The University of Oxford professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health added: All patients will receive the standard full medical care, regardless of which treatment group they are placed in. Additional reporting by PA As Queen Elizabeths record-breaking reign winds to a close, royal followers are starting to think about what the United Kingdom will be like when Prince Charles assumes the throne in her place. Though the Prince of Wales isnt nearly as popular as his mother, hes had decades to prepare for the important role he was born to serve. However, there are certain groups who would rather see the monarchy abolished, calling it an antiquated institution with no relevance in the modern age. Its unlikely that the British monarchy will be abolished anytime soon. But if it was, what would happen to the royal family? British royal family | Anwar Hussein/WireImage Prominent members of the British royal family have already exited Prince Andrew endured a forced resignation from his royal duties in 2019 after news of his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light. The Duke of York was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor as well. The scandal was enough to strip Prince Andrew of his former duties. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were brewing up a resignation of their own. In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex shocked the world when they announced their intentions to step back as senior royals and spend more time in North America. Even without a formal disbandment, the royal family seems to be falling apart. The royal family would have to give up Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace | Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images Royal expert Marlene Koenig explained that even though other countries such as Greece and Bulgaria have gotten rid of their monarchies, theres little chance of it happening in the United Kingdom. It would take legislation, an act of Parliament, and signed by the Sovereign to end the monarchy, she told Insider. The monarchy is not going anywhere anytime soon. But if it did, some royals would need to find a new place to live. Certain properties are privately owned by Queen Elizabeth and her family but others are not. For example, Buckingham Palace is property of the Crown Estate and is only available to Queen Elizabeth and her family for as long as their reign. Without the monarchy, the sprawling 775 room tourist destination would no longer be a royal residence. Same goes for Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. But her favorite home, Balmoral, is privately owned and would remain Queen Elizabeths personal property. Future generations of royals would need to find new careers Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William | Ben Stansall WPA Pool / Getty Images Being a senior working royal is a full-time job. But if the monarchy was abolished, the younger royals such as Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge would need to find private sector jobs just like Meghan and Harry are planning to do. Luckily for this couple, their popularity could lead to lucrative speaking engagements or they could start a charitable foundation. Meanwhile, older royals like Prince Charles would probably use the disbandment as an excuse to retire and enjoy their wealth in comfort and relaxation. Queen Elizabeth could do the same if the abolishment came before her death. The bottom line? The royals receive money from the government through the Sovereign Grant, but they have plenty of private funds that would serve as a cushion to help them in their next endeavors. Its not likely that the monarchy will go away anytime soon but if it does, the royals will still land on their feet. Paul Hollywood's ex Summer Monteys-Fullam has made a thinly-veiled dig at the Bake Off judge after it was reported that he has already moved his new lover into the house they shared in Kent. The stunning red-head, 24, took time out of her busy routine caring for her horses on Easter Sunday to kick back and sunbathe in one her her fields. Wearing a crop-top and denim shorts in the balmy spring weather, Summer took to Instagram stories to share a snap of the view, which she accompanied with the track Savage by Megan Thee Stallion. Having her say: Paul Hollywood's ex Summer Monteys Fullam has made a thinly-veiled dig at the Bake Off judge The lyrics appeared to be quite pointed: 'B***h, that's my trash, you the maid, so you bagged him, ah 'I'm a savage (yeah), Classy, bougie, ratchet (yeah); Sassy, moody, nasty (hey, hey, yeah)! 'Acting stupid, what's happening? B***h (whoa, whoa) What's happening? B***h (whoa, whoa). I'm a savage, yeah! Classy, bougie, ratchet, yeah!' The post comes after friends of Paul's revealed his new girlfriend - pub landlady Melissa Spalding, 36 - is self-isolating with him in his 1 million farmhouse, just eight months after splitting from Summer. Dig: It was reported that he has already moved his new lover into the house they shared in Kent 'That's the trash, you the maid, so you bagged him!' The stunning red-head, 24, took time out of her busy routine caring for her horses on Easter Sunday to kick back and sunbathe in one her her fields. Summer took to Instagram stories to share a snap of the view, which she accompanied with the track Savage by Megan Thee Stallion Friends say she immediately accepted his invitation to relocate from the nearby Chequers pub in the village of Smarden where she lived, amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Paul bought the Grade II-listed house last year for him and Summer to live in. 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. Moving in: Great British Bake Off star Paul has moved in with pub landlady Melissa Spalding Over it! The lyrics posted by the stunning red-head appeared to be quite pointed Paul became close to twice-engaged Melissa after spending time in her pub when he split from Summer in August. The two women are understood to have previously been friends, but they no longer speak. Summer moved out of the 18th Century farmhouse amid claims that Paul asked her to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Not on speaking terms: Summer and Melissa no longer speak, it's reported She later threatened to sue for defamation after he suggested that she had courted media attention. The property, which Paul acquired in February 2019, is about 40 miles from his former marital home. His ex-wife Alex still lives there with their son Josh, 17. Paul is awaiting a court hearing to settle how his 10 million fortune is divided. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Paris, April 12 : With 353 deaths in hospital and 290 deaths in nursing homes in the last 24 hours, the total death toll from the virus-caused COVID-19 in France has reached 13,832, Director General of Health Jerome Salomon said. According to Salomon, 2,044 new patients were hospitalized in the last 24 hours, bringing the country's total hospitalized COVID-19 patients to 31,320, including 6,883 in intensive care units (ICUs), Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday. The number of patients in ICUs was down by 121 on a daily basis, a third-day consecutive decline. "It is another very slight decrease in the need of (intensive care) place," which will "relieve our caregivers, especially in intensive care," said Salomon. Wary of any excess of optimism, the official stressed that "hospital pressure remains strong." "A very high epidemic plateau seems to be emerging. We absolutely must continue to remain vigilant," he said. "The time is not for de-confinement...but perhaps even more for the strict respect of confinement, barrier gestures and social distancing." President Emmanuel Macron is expected to address the nation Monday evening to clarify the duration of extension beyond April 15 of the confinement, which has been in force since March 17. A New York woman escaped her kidnappers after they broke into her home, forced her into a car and made her withdraw money from an ATM, police say. The victim was taken from her apartment in Canandaigua, New York on Friday night. She was then driven to Rochester where she was forced to hand over money before making her escape. Marc A. Copper II, 28 and Colby McClure, 30, both of Canandaigua, were later arrested after police say the woman's stolen car was found Saturday. The victim was taken from her apartment in Canandaigua, New York on Friday night. Marc A. Copper II, 28 and Colby McClure, 30, both of Canandaigua were later arrested after police say the woman's stolen car was found Saturday The alleged kidnappers drove away when approached by officers before crashing the car. Copper and McClure were later arrested after police gave chase on foot. The woman is said to have known her attackers and suffered minor injuries. Both men have been charged with robbery in the first degree and kidnapping in the second degree, WHEC reports. They also face charges of grand larceny of a motor vehicle and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree. Cooper, who is on parole, was additionally charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Both men are being held without bail at the Ontario County Jail. Salman Khan is one of the most influential superstars of Bollywood. The actor enjoys a massive fan following which is only growing with each passing year. Currently, during the Coronavirus outbreak, the actor is at his Panvel Farmhouse where he got stuck due to the lockdown in the nation. He has been making sure that through his social media he keeps his fans updated about what he is upto during quarantine. Whether it is spreading awareness about social distancing or giving a glimpse of the activities he is doing during quarantine, the actors social media is closely followed by his fans to know how the superstar is spending his time. Today, Salman took to Instagram to post a video of a then and now situation. The video has a scene from Maine Pyaar Kiya where he is seen kissing the lipstick stains of his lover, however, when the now part comes, he is seen cleaning it with a sanitizer pressing the importance of social distancing even from your partner during the lockdown. Well, the megastar even wished his fans a happy Easter in the caption of this hilarious video. Check it out below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) on Apr 12, 2020 at 2:10am PDT A raucous protest Friday, with cars honking and circling the Executive Mansion, resulted in one arrest as activists called on Gov. Roy Cooper to show more support for people who are incarcerated. It was to bring awareness and attention to this issue by making noise, said Kerwin Pittman, a community activist who attended the protest. People wore bandannas or masks over their faces and showed signs inside and outside their cars saying Care Not Cages, Free them all and Social distancing does not exist in jails. Pittman is calling for the release of inmates who are jailed for non-violent offenses with less than a year left on their sentences to keep them safe from a coronavirus outbreak. This is one of the most vulnerable populations, Pittman said. They sleep on bunks on top of each other. There are five reported coronavirus outbreaks in jails, state prisons and federal prisons in North Carolina in Granville, Greene, Halifax, Johnston and Wayne Counties, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Carmack Kelley Butner, a federal prison in Granville County, has the largest outbreak among federal prisons. There have been 83 reported cases of coronavirus, including 60 inmates and 23 staff members, according to the Bureau of Prisons website. The prison houses about 4,700 inmates at its four facilities. We dont want it to be another Butner, Pittman said. During the protest, a few people threw wooden pallets in front of the gate to the governors residence while an officer asked them repeatedly to remove them. Carmack Kelley, 32, of Knoxville, Tenn., was charged with violating an executive order, assaulting a law government official with a deadly weapon, resisting a public officer and littering, according to State Capitol Police. Next time a law enforcement officer tells you to stop, you stop, a State Capitol Police officer told Kelley after he pulled Kelley out of his pickup truck and handcuffed him. I didnt hear you over the music, Kelley said as he was handcuffed. Story continues State Capitol Police did not respond to The News & Observers request for comment Saturday. Last week, Sue Allison, spokeswoman for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, said Butner has been added to a list of federal prisons that will release some inmates early to home confinement, The News & Observer reported. This story has been updated to correct Kerwin Pittman's title. Christians celebrated Easter on Sunday, with many praying at home and attending church services through live streaming, as all religious places remained shut due to the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus. All churches in the city have been closed to prevent large gatherings and spread of the virus. Religious gatherings and processions too have been banned by the government. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion. It is one of the holiest festivals of Christianity that also witnesses a lot of social activity besides prayers and elaborate church services. The coroanvirus pandemic, however, has forced the believers to make the festival a private affair. Easter has always been an occasion that brings out the feeling of celebration, get-togethers and a lot of fun. This Easter was bound to be different, Vivin Vergis, who works as a marketing manager, said. "Although we could not attend the church mass, we are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that it won't take too long to attend church again. Me and my wife are making some good food and wine to celebrate the day," he said. Father Savarimuthu, spokesperson, Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi said the church service and mass were private affairs this time due to the epidemic and complete lockdown. "It (lockdown) is necessary and even God would not want that people get affected. The Easter Sunday mass which was attended by the Archbishop was live streamed for the people to watch on social media," he said. Delhi's Archbishop Anil Couto conducted the Easter Sunday mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in the city. A major change this time as compared to the Easter celebrations in previous years is that people are truly grateful for whatever they have today, Vergis said. "This Easter, we understand the importance of giving and hope that we can contribute to the society in these troubled times. We are celebrating this Easter with family and friends virtually' in the hope to see each other soon, he added. Many worshippers took the aid of technology to pray and attend the special mass conducted during Easter. "This Easter, we saw the Holy Service via video conferencing where all our parish members had joined and followed the worship order. It was a new experience for all of us. I hope and pray that this epidemic ends soon," said Renny Mathew. Another believer, Jobin Mathews, said the community members missed their lent day masses, community get-together and daily house-to-house prayers during this time of the year. The coronavirus epidemic and the subsequent lockdown has changed everything. We missed our lent day masses, community get-together, daily house-to-house prayers; still we are trying our best to make it a positive day, he said. We started our day with Easter mass, but this time it was not at church. We attended our first ever online mass. We are making special Easter dishes and will celebrate the festival with family members at home," Mathews said. Coronavirus cases in Delhi have crossed the 1,000-mark and 19 people have died so far due to the epidemic. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. 1. In May, both companies will release APIs that enable interoperability 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. 2. In the 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. Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort, and they look forward to building this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. They will openly publish information about our work for others to analyze. Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the worlds most pressing problems. Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, they hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID-19 and accelerate the return of everyday life. Contact Tracing Technical Specifications Contact Tracing Bluetooth Specification Contact Tracing Cryptography Specification Contact Tracing Framework API Contact Detection Service Contact Detection is a BLE service registered with the Bluetooth SIG with 16-bit UUID 0xFD6F, it is designed to enable proximity sensing of Rolling Proximity Identifier between devices for the purpose of computing an exposure event. Devices advertise and scan for the Contact Detection Service by way of its 16-bit service UUID. The Service Data type with this service UUID shall contain a 128-bit Rolling Proximity Identifier that changes periodically. Affected User When a user is positively affected, their Daily Tracing Keys should be shared with other uses to alert them to potential exposure. These Daily Tracing Keys are retrieved using CTSelfTracingInfoRequest. Exposed User Given a set of positively affected Daily Tracing Keys, the framework allows you to determine whether those Daily Tracing Keys were observed locally by the user, indicating potential exposure. If so, additional information such as date and duration may also be retrieved. Possible observations can be retrieved using CTExposureDetectionFinishHandler, and additional information using CTExposureDetectionContactHandler. The coronavirus has claimed another prominent New Jersey resident; former Philadelphia Archbishop Stephen Sulyk, 95, of Cherry Hill, who died on Monday. Sulyk served as the Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia from 1981 until his retirement on Nov. 29, 2000, according to a release from the Archeparchy. With natural sadness but also with Paschal hope, the Philadelphia Archeparchy bids farewell to Metropolitan-Emeritus Stephen Sulyk," present day Borys Gudziak said in the statement. "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. We thank God for his life and raise prayers of gratitude for his service. Sulyk was born in Ukraine, but the events of Word War II forced him to leave his native land and he eventually made his way to Ukrainian Catholic Seminary of the Holy Spirit in Hirschberg, Germany before coming to the United States in 1948. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage After a short stay at St. Nicholas parish in Philadelphia, on March 22, 1962, he was appointed pastor of Assumption Parish in Perth Amboy, and within a year, he opened a new elementary school, Assumption Catholic School, according to his obituary. During his time as pastor, he also converted the rectory into a convent for nuns, built a new rectory, purchased and landscaped additional parish grounds and renovated the church. On December 29, 1980 he was appointed Metropolitan-Archbishop of Philadelphia by Pope John Paul II. At the request of the Vatican, he was involved in diplomatic talks with members of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine at the time the Soviet Union was collapsing and the Ukraine was becoming an independent nation, his obituary stated. After his retirement, he was honored numerous times including by the Archeparchy on what would be his final birthday on Oct. 1. Due to the coronoavirus pandemic, private funeral services will be conducted for Sulyk on April 13, by Metropolitan-Archbishop Gudziak in the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. Only a small number will be in attendance because of the virus, but the funeral will be live streamed on the Archeparchys Facebook page at 10 a.m. on Monday. 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 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. Revenue, the agency for Irish tax and customs, has confirmed that if a company director is unable to get to Ireland as a result of Covid-19-related travel restrictions, it could disregard this for corporation tax purposes. The inability of directors to physically attend board meetings in Ireland would typically pose a risk that the place of effective management is deemed to be in a country other than the State. For companies that list their place of effective management as Ireland, it could mean they would lose out on the 12.5pc corporation tax rate and risk paying more tax elsewhere. According to law firm Walkers, companies wishing to establish themselves as a resident for tax purposes in Ireland will generally ensure that their central management control and their place of effective management are both located here. A firm would do this by making sure that all decisions affecting matters of policy, strategy and overall management of the company's affairs were taken at directors' meetings in Ireland. Accordingly, directors of Irish-resident businesses are typically required, where possible, to attend board meetings in person here to ensure that the company remains Irish tax-resident. Recently, Revenue issued a note confirming that if an individual is present in another country as a result of Covid-19-related travel restrictions - and would otherwise have been present in Ireland - it would be prepared to "disregard such presence outside the State for corporation tax purposes". As reported in last week's Sunday Independent, it also confirmed this would be the case for individuals stuck inside the State for personal tax purposes. A spokesperson for Revenue said that those affected by travel restrictions must ensure that they maintain a record of the "facts and circumstances" of their presence inside or outside of Ireland for evidence, should it be required. Revenue added that it is not expected the guidance "will have any material impact on corporation tax liabilities, whether for companies resident in Ireland or for non-resident companies trading here through a branch". The statement continued: "Instead, this guidance seeks to ensure that, as for other OECD countries, tax liabilities are determined by the relevant underlying situation rather than temporary, involuntary, pandemic-related circumstances affecting large companies and SMEs alike." Revenue also said that it is "likely" company profits and corporation tax will be adversely affected by the pandemic-related economic disruption. It was unable to provide any estimates for such impacts on tax take at this stage. New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is considering the stand of various Chief Ministers to extend the nationwide shutdown, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday jumped the gun to tweet that the PM had decided to Image Source: PK New Delhi, April 12 : With the coronavirus crisis looming large over the country, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to continue as the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party. The founding leader of the party is already serving an extended second term as the national Convenor, which was supposed to end in April 2019. In December 2018 at its seventh National Council meeting, the AAP had decided to extend the term of its National Executive, including the post of the national Convenor, till April 2020 due to Lok Sabha and Delhi Assembly polls. However, amid the coronavirus outbreak, any meeting for electing the party's highest executive body is not possible. Speaking to IANS, Gopal Rai, a member of the National Executive said the party will not be holding any meeting due to the coronavirus outbreak. "The party and the government are focusing on the Coronavirus crisis, as of now. For the election of National Convenor, a meeting of National Executive has to be called. I think, until the infection outbreak is there, we will have to postpone the meeting," Rai, also Delhi Cabinet Minister, said. The party has not decided to extend the term of the members further, as of now. "There has been no talk about any such thing in the party. We will be thinking about all this after the (coronavirus) crisis is over," he said. Even though the party's constitution does not allow for a third consecutive term, Kejriwal was given the extension for one more year due to the two major elections. Kejriwal has been the National Convener of the party since its formation in November 2012. "No member will hold the same post as an office bearer for more than two consecutive terms of three years each," reads the party constitution. The internal elections will be interesting this time as either the party will need to change its constitution or will have to elect someone else to the post. Speaking to IANS, a party leader, demanding anonymity, said the party is happy under the leadership of Kejriwal. "The constitution may have limitations on the term extension. But we don't see anyone better than Kejriwal for the post. The party can think about amending the constitution, if required. Kejriwal has been our leader since the beginning and we have seen the growth of the party under him. We won two elections back to back in Delhi with a historic mandate under his leadership," the leader said. The AAP National Executive met on 27 April, 2016 and unanimously elected Kejriwal as the National Convenor of the party for a second term. The term was to end in April, 2019, but was extended due to the general elections -- held between March and May, 2019. However, with one year extension, it was scheduled to end this month. The National Executive is the highest executive body of the party. As per the party, the National Executive shall comprise of not more than 30 members selected by consensus from among the active members of the party. It has one representative from each state. Sanjay Singh, Manish Sisoidia, Preeti Sharma Menon, Atishi, Dinesh Vaghela, Sadhu Singh, Ashish Talwar, Bhagwant Mann, Rajendra Pal Gautam, and Imran Hussain are the members of the National Executive, as per the AAP. The Army said Saturday it had deployed nearly 60 newly graduated combat medics from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston to seven locations around the United States in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The soldiers, who had trained in Fort Sams 68Whiskey combat medic course, flew on military planes to Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Polk, La.; Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; Fort Carson, Colo.; and Fort Bliss in El Paso. A dozen soldiers took ground transportation to Fort Hood. The trips to their next assignments were exceptions to the Defense Departments stop movement order, put into place to curb the potential spread of COVID-19. It runs through May 11, but allows for exceptions involving mission-essential personnel. It was the first time in years anything like it has happened here. As far as my memory goes, we always transport soldiers by other means, such as commercial airlines, Army Medical Center of Excellence spokesman Jose Rodriguez said. Now that we cant do that, we came up with another idea. The center of excellence, which instructs nearly 37,000 soldiers a year in more than 360 medical-related programs, was given 96 hours notice to move the soldiers. It helped coordinate four separate air missions to seven locations over several days last week, with the last one on Thursday. The aircraft were flown by Army pilots out of San Antonio International Airport. Rodriguez said the Army didnt make the announcement until the soldiers were safely on the other side. The centers commander, Maj. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, said preparing medics for the next mission was about readiness. This is about the Army being able to take soldiers and move them through basic combat training to advanced individual training and getting them to their first unit of assignment to make sure we have a fully manned force. Fort Sam long has been home to Army medic training. It typically graduates as many as 5,100 combat medics in the 68W program every year. All Army medicine personnel attend training at the center of excellence at some point. Many of the soldiers will backfill units where others are deployed in support of the national COVID-19 mission, the Army said. Others, however, soon might find themselves on the front lines fighting the disease. Usually, soldiers are released after graduation and move to their first units of assignment on their own, said Lt. Col. Cory Plowden, 232d Medical Battalion Commander, who served as officer in charge for the screening, out-processing and controlled ground movement to the airport. So it is very different from what we typically do. An Army news release described the action as a highly synchronized mission that is unique but necessary to ensure the safety of both the soldiers and aircrew, as well as the center of excellence cadre and soldiers who helped support moving the GIs. The Army expressed confidence that the soldiers were at low risk for carrying coronavirus or coming down sick. Rodriguez said the soldiers, many of whom arrived in late 2019 for the 16-week medic course, initially had been allowed to go off post, but couldnt after Fort Sam went into lockdown last month. The medics graduation ceremony, in turn, was canceled to promote social distancing. Drill instructors also screened them each day. As they prepared to leave the post, the soldiers were again verbally screened about their health, and their temperatures were taken. The center of excellence command surgeon was on hand to make assessments. As the Army revealed the movement of its medics across the country, the head of U.S. Army North, Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson, told reporters Saturday that 7,645 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from the active-duty, reserve and National Guard had been dispatched by her command to help support the federal governments response to the pandemic. Based at Fort Sams historic Quadrangle, Army North serves as U.S. Northern Commands Joint Force Land Component Command. It matches federal military capabilities and capacity with requests from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as it works with governors and state and local officials. Army North has supported ongoing medical operations in New York, New Jersey, Detroit, New Orleans, Dallas, Boston and Connecticut. It also has provided mortuary affairs capabilities in New York, and had set up an Army hospital in Seattle but plans to relocate it just where isnt clear. Richardson said the command was planning for other locations around the country based on the operational needs determined by FEMA and state and local government, but noted no help had been requested in San Antonio. She added, If we were asked to provide something, we would. sigc@express-news.net Madeleine West announced her split from celebrity chef Shannon Bennett in September 2018 after 13 years of dating. And the Neighbours star appears to have well and truly moved on from her longtime relationship with the father of her six children. In photos published by New Idea on Monday, the 39-year-old actress was seen kissing and cuddling environmentalist Maximo Bottaro at the beach in Byron Bay. Scroll down for video Meet Madeleine West's new boyfriend: The Neighbours star and mother-of-six is 'dating' Byron Bay environmentalist Maximo Bottaro after her split from celebrity chef Shannon Bennett Having been an activist for the past two decades, Maximo co-founded his own environmental conservation organisation, ReForest Now, in 2018. He previously worked for Greenpeace, one of the largest environmental organisations in the world. Madeleine has worked with ReForest Now on various projects since January. Passion: Having been an activist for two decades, Maximo (left, with business partner Michael Mortin) co-founded his own environmental conservation organisation, ReForest Now, in 2018 Last month, ReForest Now shared a photo to Instagram of Madeleine helping to plant trees, and thanked her for her continued support. 'Madeline has been supporting ReForest Now through promoting our work and inviting community to our plantings and to contribute to the funding of reforestation,' the post read. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Madeleine West for comment. Mutual interests: Madeleine has worked with ReForest Now on various projects since January. Pictured with ReForest Now co-founder Michael Mortin Just a year after their split, Madeleine said she was unlikely to ever get back together with Shannon, whom she had dated between 2005 and 2018. She told The Kyle and Jackie O Show in October their needs no longer aligned after more than a decade together. 'I'm a big believer that everything in life has a season. We change. We evolve,' she said. 'At some point we go, "Well, I have certain needs I want to have met and you've got certain needs and if the two don't combine and cross in the middle, why fight it and be miserable?" 'I don't think that's fair to the children either to see two parents that are constantly across purposes.' Exes: The Neighbours star, 39, announced her split from celebrity chef Shannon Bennett (left) in September 2018 after 13 years of dating. Pictured on March 29, 2016 in Melbourne 'Everything in life has a season': Just a year after their split, Madeleine said she was unlikely to ever get back together with Shannon, whom she had dated between 2005 and 2018 She brushed off questions about a potential 'love interest' at the time and joked that she was living 'like a monk'. Madeleine previously told Stellar magazine in 2018 that she and Shannon were 'striving to reconnect as friends and parents'. She said that having six children and 'two high-pressure careers' had put a strain on their relationship. The former couple, who never married despite being together for 13 years, share six children: Phoenix, Hendrix, Xascha, Xanthe, Xahlia and Margaux. Despite their break-up, they relocated with their kids to Byron Bay last year after selling their marital home in Toorak, Melbourne, for $16million. Rajasthan reported 51 new cases of the coronavirus disease on Sunday morning, a day after reporting its highest single-day addition of Covid-19 numbers, taking the tally to 751. News agency ANI reported that the coronavirus cases were reported from eight places across the state. It said Jaipur and Banswara had 15 patients each, Bikaner and Jodhpur eight each, two were in Hanumangarh and one each in Sikar, Churu and Jaisalmer. It cited the states health department. The state has reported eight deaths so far. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, while participating in the video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emphasised that the decision on the extension of the lockdown beyond April 14 should be taken after taking all the states into confidence. Gehlot also urged PM Modi to introduce new schemes such as food for work, announce a big package for industries and relaxation in central GST amid the coronavirus crisis. Rajasthan had reported 180 Covid-19 cases on Saturday, with 65 in Jaipur Ramganj area, which has become a hotspot 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 45-year-old resident of Ramganj, who returned from Oman on March 12, has been identified as a super spreader. 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 with a population of nearly 500,000. Since then, another 150 cases have been reported from Ramganj and traced back to the man who came back from Oman. Also read: Rajasthan to give Rs 50 lakh to kin of govt employees who die of coronavirus during anti-Covid-19 ops Till April 1, Rajasthan had reported Covid-19 cases from 11 of 33 districtsBhilwara with 26 and Jaipur with 21 were the hotspots. By April 1, 24 of 33 districts in the state started reporting Covid-19 cases. Apart from Jaipur and Bhilwara, now Banswara, Bikaner, Churu, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jhunjhunu, Tonk, Kota and Jhalawar have emerged as the new areas of concern for the government. Banswara, Bikaner Jaisalmer, Tonk, Kota and Jhalawar did not report a single case on April 1. Jhunjhunu and Churu reported eight cases of the dreaded disease each and Jodhpur one. On Saturday, Banswara reported there were 37 patients of the coronavirus disease, Bikaner 24, Churu 11, Jaisalmer 28, Jodhpur 43, Jhunjhunu 31, Tonk 45, Kota 33 and Jhalawar 12 cases. From April 1, cases of Tablighi Jamaat members testing positive for the virus also started coming to the fore. Officials of the health department have said there were around 450 Jamaatis from Rajasthan who attended the religious congregations in Delhis Nizamuddin in March. They have said that of the 700 Covid-19 cases in the state, more than 60% have been traced back to the Tablighi Jamaat members. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON WFH for Private offices in Delhi, restaurants & bars to be shut as Omicron-led to sudden rise in Covid cases Officer's hand chopped off in attack, cops arrest 7 holed up in gurdwara India pti-PTI Chandigarh, Apr 12: An officers hand was chopped off with a sword and two other Punjab policemen injured Sunday when a group of Nihangs attacked them after being asked to show curfew passes at a vegetable market in Patiala district, police said. Seven people, including five attackers, were arrested hours later after an exchange of fire at a gurdwara where the group fled after the 6.15 am incident in Sanaur town. One of the arrested men suffered gunshot wound, police said. A mandi official was also hurt earlier. A video clip on social media appears to show Assistant Sub Inspector Harjeet Singh seeking help. A man picks up the severed hand and gives it to the officer. He is then taken away from the scene on a two-wheeler. The ASI was rushed to Rajindra hospital nearby and then referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh where he was undergoing surgery, police said. The other injuresd policemen include Sadar Patialas station house officer. With a lockdown in place to contain the spread of COVID-19, barricades were put up outside the wholesale market and entry restricted to those with curfew passes. The Nihangs -- members of a Sikh sect whose adherents carry traditional arms and wear blue robes -- arrived in an SUV and were told to stop by 'mandi officials, police said "They were asked to show passes. But they rammed the vehicle against the gate and the barricades," Patialas Senior Superintendent of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. The group then attacked the police personnel and fled to Gurdwara Khichri Sahib managed by them in Balbera village, around 25 km from Patiala city. In their operation, policemen led by Inspector General (Patiala Zone) Jatinder Singh Aaulakh stopped the movement of people a kilometer away from the gurdwara and surrounded it, police said. Several policemen took positions in nearby fields. Special Operation Group SOG) of Punjab Police was involved. Media was barred from going near the gurdwara. Seven persons have been arrested, Punjab Director General police Dinkar Gupta later told PTI. Three pistols, petrol bombs, swords, sacks of poppy husk and LPG cylinders were recovered from gurdwara, the DGP said, adding that the searches were still on. We requested them through the public address system to surrender but they refused, he said. The Nihangs inside hurled abuses at the policemen Local people, including a sarpanch, also went inside to talk to them but they did not relent, police said. The Nihangs threatened to set fire to the cooking gas cylinders if police entered, said DGP. The DGP said an exchange of fire also took place. Earlier Punjab's Special Chief Secretary K B S Sidhu said police acted in a respectful manner when they entered the gurdwara. The police party observed full Maryada while entering the Gurdwara premises. There were also women and children inside, who were unharmed, and have been left secure within the Gurdwara as before, he tweeted. Sidhu said five of the seven arrested men were a part of the gang that launched an unprovoked murderous assault on a police party, with sharp-edged weapons. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said he was proud of the police party at the mandi for professionally handling the situation. In a tweet, the CM said he has given instructions to police to deal in the "strictest possible manner" with anyone breaking the law. Earlier DGP Gupta tweeted that the injured ASI was undergoing surgery at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh "In an unfortunate incident today morning, a group of Nihangs injured a few Police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh," Gupta tweeted. "I have spoken to Director PGI who has deputed top Plastic surgeons of PGI for surgery, which just started. The Nihang group will be arrested and further action taken soon," he said. In another tweet, Gupta said, "Grateful to PGI for full support. Director PGI tells me that surgery has already started by 2 senior surgeons who will do their best. All of us praying to Waheguru for his full recovery!" Kaduna State Government will not negotiate with bandits, anarchists and people who take life at will but it will work with security agencies to root them out, the states Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed. The commissioner also said that the government will not compromise on security issues as it will neither relent in its efforts in tackling the criminals nor entertain any distraction. Government will not succumb to emotions and diversionary tactics. We have a constitutional and statutory responsibility to protect lives and property, and we will continue to pursue that course. Everyone must recourse to the law, he added. Mr Aruwan, who stated this in an address at the maiden meeting with Major General Chukwuma Okonkwo, the new Commander of Operation Safe Haven which has its headquarter in Jos, at the sector 7 Base in Kafachan on Saturday, maintained that no one has the right to take life over any disagreement, or carry out reprisals. The commissioner reiterated that only government and the courts have the power to arbitrate and dispense justice, and the law is blind in this regard. God is the giver of life, and no group of individuals can stake a valid claim to wipe out any race of people. Recalling what he told the visiting team from the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue on 17th March, 2020, Mr Aruwan said that criminals must be treated as criminals without recourse to religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. Mr Aruwan listed the names of those who lost their lives in killings and reprisals in Kaura, Kauru, Jemaa, Sanga and Zangon Kataf local government areas, spanning ethno-religious divides. The commissioner however said that despite the challenges of tackling the criminals, several successes were achieved in the area of de-escalating violence, containing threats to law and order and curtailing the spate of wanton killings. According to him, some officers and men paid the supreme price in the line of duty, and some survived with severe injuries. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and we pray for the speedy recovery for the injured. On several occasions, your officers and men repelled attacks, arrested bandits and also recovered arms and ammunition. There are instances where they came under heavy attack. They applied tact and professionalism in line with the standard best practices as they did the needful. These are giant strides and we cant forget in a hurry, he recalled. Mr Aruwan who said that Kaduna State enjoyed a good working relationship with previous Commanders of Operation Safe Haven, like Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas, Major General Anthony Atolagbe and Major General Augustine Agundu, said that he looks forward to having the same rapport with the new Commander. The commissioner said that Kaduna State owes deep gratitude to the Operation Safe Haven team which comprises military personnel, the Police, members of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Security (DSS). We are grateful to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, the service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the director of the DSS and the commandant of the NSCDC for their tremendous support, he added. The commissioner also enjoined citizens of Kaduna State to take advantage of our Operations Room of Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, which works 24 hours, as part of our strategy to improve human intelligence gathering. Incidents, threats and suspicious activities may be reported via these phone numbers: 09034000060 and 08170189999. In his remarks, Major General Okonkwo assured Kaduna State Government of a sound relationship, adding that Operation Save Haven will review the request of the state government. A broader look at how the Centre is planning on unlocking India India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Apr 12: The Centre is set to issue guidelines while extending the lockdown by another 15 days. In all probability, the Centre may classify the country into three zones while announcing the guidelines. Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar said that the state would be divided into three zones, while lifting the restrictions. The PM has held several meetings with the top brass in the past one week to discuss the lockdown and the measures to be taken post-April 14. Two key considerations were considered during these deliberations, officials familiar with the development told OneIndia. There is the question of life and there is livelihood and both are equally important. Officials said that the lockdown needed to be lifted in a staggered manner as it had to be ensured that India goes not go into negative growth. Most officials said that a balance had to be struck in a situation such as this. Lives have to be saved, but it was also important to revive economic activity, officials told the PM. Officials suggested that in order to revive economic activity, the nation had to be divided into three zones. The red zone would be the one with most number of coronavirus cases and these zones would remain locked down. In the yellow zone, where a limited number of cases are reported, activity would resume, but the movement would be heavily monitored. In the green zones, where no coronavirus activity is reported, the officials suggested that normalcy should return. This model would be adopted in Haryana as well. Khattar said that the Red Zone will comprise the hotspots, while the Orange Zone will have districts reporting one or two cases. Districts with no cases will fall under the green zone, he said. The assessment shows that in India at least 400 districts have not reported any COVID-19 related activity. These districts could be opened up for activity, officials suggested. However, there shall be no inward of outward movement of people in these districts to ensure that new cases do not crop up the official cited above said. Meanwhile, the government has asked all its ministers to return to their offices on Monday. This is aimed at sending a message to the people that the government establishments are returning to normalcy. However, the government has made it clear that social distancing and other health protocols would be firmly in place. Senior officials told OneIndia that officers of the joint secretary rank and above will be working from office. One-third of essential staff too would report to work. The non-essential staff have however told not to come to office. In the case of the essential staff, they would operate on a rotational basis, the officer cited above said. Several ministries have been working at 3 or 5 per cent of its actual strength ever since the lockdown was announced by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on March 24. During the lockdown, officials held meetings through the NIIA promoted video conference platforms. The files were moved and cleared through the e-office tools. Top officials, however, went to office since the financial year was coming to an end. The top priority while announcing the guidelines would be the agriculture and industrial sectors. The lockdown for the next two weeks would be different from how it was in the past three weeks and the centre is keeping in mind, the economic activities, especially agriculture, industry and employment of labourers. Officials say that the lockdown would be lifted in a graded manner. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, April 12, 2020, 10:02 [IST] US President Donald Trump was warned about the potential for a pandemic but he repeatedly played down the seriousness of the virus and focused instead on controlling the message, protecting gains in the economy and batting away warnings from senior officials, a lengthy investigative report in a leading American newspaper has said. The report in The New York Times revealed that there were warnings from the intelligence community, national security aides and government health officials about an impending pandemic and its consequences but Trump played down the crisis. An examination reveals the president was warned about the potential for a pandemic but that internal divisions, lack of planning and his faith in his own instincts led to a halting response, the NYT said. The US is the worst-hit country in the world with over 530,000 COVID-19 cases and 20,608 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Top White House advisers as well as experts deep in the Cabinet departments and intelligence agencies all sounded alarms and urged aggressive action to counter the threat from the coronavirus, but President Trump remained slow to respond, it said. Trump's views were coloured by long-running disputes inside the administration over how to deal with China and his own suspicion of the motivations of officials inside what he viewed as the Deep State. Further, recommendations from public health officials often competed with economic and political considerations in internal debates, slowing the path toward belated decisions. The NYT report said that the National Security Council officials received the warnings in early January about the potential dangers from a new virus in Wuhan, China. The State Department's 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, the report said. Weeks later, bio-defense experts in the National Security Council office responsible for tracking pandemics examined 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 from home. But some of the earliest warnings came from national security hawks eager to blame China, and they often ran into opposition from the president's economic advisers, who were concerned about upsetting relations with China at a time when Trump was negotiating a trade deal with Beijing, it said. Trump's top trade adviser Peter Navarro wrote in a "searing memo at the end of January arguing that a pandemic caused by the virus could cost the US dearly, warning that as many as half a million people could die and economic losses could be in trillions of dollars. The memo had said that in a worst-case scenario, 30 per cent of the US population would be infected with the virus, leading to the deaths on the order of a half a million American souls. In recent days, Trump has denied that he saw the memo at the time but The Times report reveals that aides raised it with him at the time and that he was unhappy that Navarro had put his ideas in writing. The NYT examination also found that the US lost three weeks at a crucial time. By the third week in February, the administration's top public health officials had concluded that it was time to begin shifting to a more aggressive strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus, including social distancing, stay-at-home orders and school closures. "But they never got the chance to present the plan to the president. An official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention went public with dire warnings too soon, sending stocks tumbling and angering Trump, who pushed aside his health and human services secretary and put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the response, the report said. It would be three weeks later when Trump finally recommended aggressive social distancing guidelines, a period when the virus spread largely unimpeded and the task force was trying to avoid alarmist messages like the one that had angered the president. The NYT report also noted that the White House was divided' over how to respond. The president was surrounded by divided factions in March even as it became clearer that avoiding more aggressive steps to stop the spread of the virus was not tenable, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Parliament has decided to meet on 29 April despite social distancing protocols because it has a busy legislative agenda Parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Aal announced on Sunday that parliament will meet on 29 April and that it will no longer postpone its meetings despite the threat of the coronavirus. Abdel-Aal said parliament has a busy schedule on 29 April and that it will observe social distancing protocols in line with the precautionary measures taken by the government and the health ministry to help contain the coronavirus. "MPs will not sit close to each other," Abdel-Aal said. Parliament was scheduled to meet on 29 March but it decided to postpone its sessions until 12 April, and then it decided to extend the suspension until 29 April. Abdel-Aal said parliament will discuss a number of important laws tackling real estate taxes and the treatment of epidemic diseases when it meets on 29 April. The speaker praised the efforts being exerted to fight the coronavirus and stimulate the economy, adding that parliament has allocated EGP 25 million in donations earmarked to contain the virus. "This is part of our national duty in such critical times," said Abdel-Aal. Search Keywords: Short link: Gareth Brownlee and his daughter Poppy pictured at the new NHS Heroes mural in Glendale Park, Glynn, Co Antrim. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON Northern Ireland saw a surge in coronavirus deaths over the Easter weekend as hospitals gear up for a week that is expected to test our health system like never before. A further 26 people who tested positive for Covid-19 died in a two-day period as health staff here prepare for the anticipated surge in cases over the coming days. Saturday saw the highest day-on-day increase in coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland thus far with 15 recorded, followed by a further 11 on Sunday. The number of people with coronavirus who have died in hospital here now stands at 118, while confirmed positive tests in the region since the outbreak began rose to 1,806. The UK has recorded 737 new coronavirus-related hospital deaths, taking the total number to 10,612. The UK is the fifth country to surpass 10,000 deaths, following the US, Spain, Italy and France. A further 14 coronavirus-related deaths were announced in the Republic, bringing the total there so far to 334. Let me assure you that everyone across Northern Ireland is proud of you all Robin Swann On Sunday Health Minister Robin Swann paid tribute to health staff, saying they have "moved mountains" to prepare for the expected surge in coronavirus cases. In an open letter Mr Swann thanked staff for their commitment and passion in tackling the Covid-19 crisis. Expand Close Health Minister Robin Swann inspects one of the many face shields being produced by Huhtamaki in west Belfast / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Health Minister Robin Swann inspects one of the many face shields being produced by Huhtamaki in west Belfast He said: "I am very aware of the incredible work pressures you are already under and that you are facing in the immediate future with a mixture of determination, deep anxiety and great pride in the work you and your colleagues are doing. "Let me assure you that everyone across Northern Ireland is proud of you all. "I have personally known for many years just how skilled, committed and, above all, compassionate our health and social care staff are. "Many families across Northern Ireland will have experiences similar to mine, stories that involve staff from all parts of the system going the extra mile, day after day, to deliver the care that patients need." Mr Swann said that the health system has trebled its critical care capacity and freed up almost half of the bed stock. "We have trained hundreds of staff in new roles. We have increased our workforce. We have moved mountains," he added. "We have all seen the reports from Italy and Spain. We have seen the severe impact this virus can have on society. "However, there are some indications that the peak here may potentially be less severe [in] impact than at one time we had feared. "It would seem that the Northern Ireland people have risen to the challenge and that social distancing has reduced the impact of this virus - in this wave. We cannot be certain about this - no modelling can predict the future - but we can acknowledge that the unprecedented social distancing restrictions on all our lives are starting to make an impact. "Obviously, there are no grounds whatsoever for complacency across our community. "We cannot undo the efforts made to date. We all have to dig deep and keep doing the right thing - staying at home, saving lives and protecting the health service. "We also know that there will be very difficult times ahead, particularly for those of you working on the front line." Mr Swann said the actions of health staff mean that people will live who might otherwise have died, adding: "There is nothing more important than this." WYOMING, MI -- Four people suspected of an Easter Sunday armed robbery have been arrested. The suspects were arrested Sunday afternoon, April 12, after the Wyoming Department of Public Safetys tactical searched an apartment where they were found, according to a news release from the department. Wyoming police received reports around 1:20 p.m. Sunday of the armed robbery in the 2400 block of 36th Street SW. The investigation led officers to the nearby Carolina Estates apartments at 2412 36th St. on belief the suspects were there and possibly armed, Wyoming police said. No further information about the arrests or the armed robbery was immediately available. Detectives continue to investigate the incident, according to the news release. During the incident, the area of 36th Street and Byron Center Avenue was blocked off for about three hours, reopening around 5 p.m. Read more: Oldest Grand Rapids police retiree dies at 99 One dead, two others injured in Kalamazoo shooting Teen critically injured in Three Rivers shooting, man arrested Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has ruled out a minority government if Fine Gael and Fianna Fail cannot attract a third party to form a coalition. The Taoiseach said a minority government is the last thing the country needs while saying that he is about to find out if he can work with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin. In a weekend interview, Mr Varadkar echoed what Mr Martin had told the Irish Examiner on Friday, that the partnership between the civil war parties would be an equal one. Its not going to work, its not going to last if it isnt an equal relationship both in terms of the expression of our policy in values, but also positions in government. Mr Martin had said similar before the weekend. The spirit of this has to be one of trust and mutual respect. Ive been in coalitions before and whats crucial is that theres utter transparency and engagement in advance of meetings and so on and there are no surprises. In terms of ministries, that will all get worked out in that spirit of partnership, he said. However, Mr Varadkar said that despite his continued desire for a third pillar in the government, he would not speak to Sinn Fein. He said while he respects those who voted for Sinn Fein, he felt Fine Gael voters had voted on the understanding that he would not take his party into coalition with Mary Lou McDonalds. Mr Varadkars desire for that third pillar will be answered in the coming days and weeks as the Dails three smaller parties are given a chance to read the framework document drawn up by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. It is understood that the document features a number of enticements for those parties, including state involvement in home-building activities, childcare improvements and an overhaul of the countrys childcare system. One source said that there may be something for everyone in the agreement, with the aim of casting the net as wide as possible to find a partner. There has been much speculation that the coalition now hinges on Labour under its new leader Alan Kelly. While the party has previously stated that it would join the opposition benches, that stance has softened in the last week. The Social Democrats remain officially opposed to a coalition, but could be tempted to negotiate if the agreement is strong enough on housing reform and the implementation of Slaintecare. One scenario that has been mooted by members of both parties is if one of Labour or the Social Democrats decides to go into government, they would call for the other party to join them. This would ensure neither party could make electoral gain at the others expense and would act as a centre-left counterbalance to the politically diverse group of independents which is likely to support the coalition either from the opposition or government benches. Web Toolbar by Wibiya 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. Police were forced to stage an intervention after a huge house party overflowing with lockdown rebels sprung up on Saturday night. Selfish party-goers showed a complete disregard for the Government's coronavirus safety measures by gathering in large numbers and packing into a house in Stockton, Durham. Around two dozen officers were required to attend, along with four paramedics as the illegal gathering spiralled out of control. The youths showed scant regard for the current Covid-19 crisis which the UK finds itself embroiled in, with many fleeing the scene upon the arrival of the officers while the remainder were immediately instructed to go home. Strict Government requests to stay indoors and not congregate during the long bank holiday weekend were swiftly ignored as the events were said to rapidly escalate. Police were forced to stage an intervention after a huge house party overflowing with lockdown rebels sprung up in Stockton The large mass of people soon allowed things to get out of hand and police time was required Pictures reveal the volume of police and medical staff needed to attend the party, despite resources up and down the country being stretched by the coronavirus crisis The blue glow of emergency lights bathed the residential street as police promptly ended the reckless scenes, with the party having started around 9pm. One man was said to have been arrested while another person refused medical treatment from paramedics. Images from the police intervention appeared to show a young man on the floor outside the property surrounded by medical staff, who otherwise had been giving their time on the frontline tackling the pandemic. An eyewitness told the Mirror: 'The rest were chased away and asked to go back into their homes. Around 20 officers and four paramedics were on scene.' A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said: 'We got a call about 9.15pm from the police to help assess a patient. On our arrival the patient refused treatment, so we left.' Flashing lights filled the streets as emergency vehicles piled in to bring the party to an end Around two dozen officers were required to attend, along with four paramedics as the illegal gathering spiralled out of control One man was said to have been arrested while another reportedly refused medical assistance Emergency lockdown regulations have now been drafted into UK law, stating clearly that people should only leave the house for essential activity, such as grocery shopping or one instance of daily exercise. The news of the party in the north east comes as the latest in a series of rule flouting seen up and down Britain, as Easter bank holiday brought scorching temperatures. Over the weekend parks and beaches were once again filling up with people flouting lockdown rules by sunbathing despite clear instruction otherwise. Many councils have now also been forced to shut cemeteries to stop Easter mourners gathering to lay flowers. Shocking pictures have shown sunbathers lounging on the grass around London including Battersea Park and other famous sun-soaking spots, as police and community support officers pleaded with individuals to get back indoors and play their small part to assist in fighting the crisis. Away from London, beaches are far quieter than normal Bank Holiday weekend, but a minority continue to head out for walks along the shore. It comes after the coastguard was called out to a scuba diver who was caught fishing under Brighton Pier on Saturday night. Walkers and cyclists are having trouble obeying the two metre social distancing rule while walking along the canal path at Hertford Union canal in London on Sunday Families can be seen out exercising next to the towpath in a busy Putney, London, on the afternoon of Easter Sunday A busy Victoria Park on Easter Sunday is making it difficult for people to stay two metres apart - the recommended distance to try and slow the spread of coronavirus. Joggers are seen running topless in the park alongside walkers Politicians and nurses have repeatedly pleaded with the country to stay indoors and protect the NHS, but the spring heat wave has seen a small group of people, now being referred to online as #Covidiots, ignoring advice. The latest figures from Easter Sunday say there have been 84,279 coronavirus cases reported in the UK and at least 10,612 deaths. On Sunday Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to the NHS nurses and doctors who saved his life with a special mention to the two medics who stood by his bedside for 48 hours when 'things could have gone either way.' Mr Johnson spent the last week in St Thomas's Hospital - including three nights in intensive care - being treated for the virus. Shortly after he was discharged the Prime Minister released a video thanking the medical professionals who aided his recovery. Specifically he thanked a group of nurses in the video released this afternoon, he said: 'I am going to forget some names, so forgive me, but I want to thank Po Ling and Shannon and Emily and Angel and Connie and Becky and Rachael and Nicky and Ann. Adding special mention for two health care staff who 'stood by my bedside for 48 hours', he said: 'They are Jenny from New Zealand Invercargill on the South Island to be exact - and Luis from Portugal near Porto.' The classes will be held via Nikons official handles of Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The aim, according to Nikon is to impact not only offer guidance from experts but also tips and tricks to improve your art. Nikon will be introducing free online classes for photography till the end of April, the company announced over a press release. Nikon will be collaborating with award-winning photographer Raghu Rai along with other renowned photographers for the classes. The online class will teach new skills you can pick while youre stuck at home during the lockdown. The classes take up various topics and themes including wildlife, wedding, interior and architecture, street, portrait, food and pet photography, and more. Each class will be hosted by a professional who have made their names in those fields, to offer in-depth knowledge on how to improve your craft. Each session will be followed by a live Q&A to address the queries and doubts. The aim, according to Nikon is to impact not only offer guidance from experts but also tips and tricks to improve your art. The classes will be held via Nikons official handles of Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. President Donald Trump, flanked by officials and business leaders, announces a national emergency with regard to the coronavirus in the White House Rose Garden in Washington on March 13, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) White House: Trump to Skip Sunday CCP Virus Briefing President Donald Trump skipped his daily CCP virus update for the first time in a month on Saturday as he takes an Easter break. The White House announced that he will again not attend the briefing on Sunday. The White House announced Sunday that Trump wouldnt appear in the press conference. The announcement came after Trump said he is facing the most difficult decision of his life on choosing when to reopen the U.S. economy amid the pandemic. I dont know that Ive had a bigger decision. But Im 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, he told reporters. President Donald Trump bows his head during a Easter blessing by Bishop Harry Jackson, senior pastor at Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Md., in the Oval Office of the White House on April 10, 2020. (Al Drago-Pool/Getty Images) Nationwide, more than 500,000 cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus have been confirmed. More than 21,000 people have died from the virus, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. But over the weekend, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of Trumps CCP virus task force, told CNN that there are indicators suggesting that the outbreak is starting to level off. In some places, the economy could be reopened in May, he said. We are hoping that, at the end of the month, we could look around and say, OK, is there any element here that we can safely and cautiously start pulling back on? If so, do it. If not, then just continue to hunker down, Fauci said, according to Time magazine. Maybe some states can open up mid May but we have to be very careful and make sure we dont lose all the effort the American people have put into closures by premature opening, he said. - Ndii claimed the Luo community has a political history of being bought, used and dumped - Miguna did not take the claim lightly and came out guns blazing - He branded the economist with a Luo female name, Auma, and called him out for being hypocritical - Ndii was one of NASA's political strategists and a close ally of the coalition's then presidential candidate, Raila Odinga In what appears like an online intellectual tournament among arguably Kenya's top brains, renowned politicians, lawyers and think tanks have been engaging in a protracted social media fight in a bid to outshine each other. Barely a week after economist David Ndii roasted and humbled veteran lawyer Donald Kipkorir, Kenya's fiery author and lawyer Miguna Miguna has stepped on stage to take on Ndii with a barrage of brazen tweets. READ ALSO: Coronavirus update: Kenya records 10 more recoveries, 5 new positive cases Exiled lawyer and author Miguna Miguna has called out economist David Ndii for disrespecting the Lou community. Photo: Miguna Miguna. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Uchina yakanusha madai kuwa inawabagua Wakenya wanaoishi nchini humo Miguna who took issue with the economist's view on how the Luo community has been used and misused by ruling regimes particularly during former president Daniel Moi's time, baptised him with a Luo female name, Auma, and lambasted him for being hypocritical. The exiled lawyer accused Ndii of being a spy in the defunct National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition in the runup to 2017 General Election. The renowned economist was one of the coalition's think tanks and played an active role in laying down strategies to counter and beat the ruling Jubilee Party. Economist David Ndii has clashed with lawyer Miguna Miguna over the position of Luo community in Kenyan politics. Photo: David Ndii. Source: UGC During the repeat presidential election at the tail end of 2017, Miguna joined the NASA team of strategists and worked closely with Ndii and a host of other luminaries. Miguna, however, argued that the businessman was not only an "in-plant" but also a sellout who played a key role in influencing the March 9, 2018, handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and then NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga. In subsequent tweets, the Peeling Back the Mask author accused Ndii of coiling his tail to offer services and do business with Deputy President William Ruto ahead of 2022 contest. Miguna's repeated use of the name Ndii Auma captured the attention of netizens who swiftly related and adopted it in their tweets. Interestingly, during his clash with Kipkorir, Ndii branded the advocate Sonko Malong, an imaginary political leader with legal background who brought down the economy of the country forcing policymakers to ban Law as a first degree course. The name was also used widely by netizens who related with the context in which it had been used and made taunting tweets that forced the lawyer out of the debate. 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. Three Kenyans great innovation that will fight COVID-19 I Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a paramilitary team in Pakistan's northwest restive tribal district near to its border with Afghanistan, killing a soldier. The gunmen fired at the vehicle of Frontier Corps troops patrolling party on Bannu-Miran Shah road in North Waziristan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Lance Naik Iqbal killed in the firing during while Sepoy Naeem was injured. The security forces immediately conducted a search operation. However no arrest was made. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Africa: SANDF members test positive for COVID-19 Three members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have tested positive for COVID-19. Thus far, from a total number of 184 suspected cases, 125 tests have been conducted,105 came back negative and only 3 positive, said SANDF Surgeon General Lieutenant General Zola Dabula. In a statement on Saturday, Dabula said 15 more SANDF members were awaiting their results while three results appeared inconclusive. Meanwhile the SANDF has identified mass quarantine and mass Isolation facilities for its members as well as their dependents in preparations for the envisaged overflow in military hospitals and sickbays. Dabula also dismissed reports that SANDF members were receiving substandard protective gear. There have been malicious and irresponsible statements doing the rounds to the effect that we are giving our members in the frontline substandard protective gear, which include thermal scanners, masks, and gloves among other things. This is unfair and unfounded, said the Lieutenant General. He reassured deployed members that these reports were false, and intended to negatively affect their morale. Dabula urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified medical information about the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS). Allow me to use this opportunity and extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to all deployed SA National Defence Force members. The SAMHS is working around clock to hinder and inhibit this fast advancing destructive and unseen enemy, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-04-12. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Most of us give little thought what we wear on a trip to the corner shop, but when you're one of the hottest names in Hollywood the fashion stakes are higher - even during a pandemic. Game Of Thrones star Emilia Clarke donned a designer outfit worth more than 3,000 when she popped out for some essential supplies near her London home last week. But the effects of making a fashion statement in her oversized 2,700 Fendi bomber jacket and 500 Saint Laurent Blake suede ankle boots was largely in vain, given that her woollen hat and black face mask rendered the actress almost unrecognisable. Emilia Clarke (pictured) goes on a grocery run for essentials during lockdown in London The 33-year-old - worth an estimated 10million thanks to her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the blockbuster TV series - also wore matching brown leather gloves. Given the spring sunshine, her aim was surely to reduce the risk of infection, rather than to keep warm. It is thought that the actress may be isolating alone after she split from long-term boyfriend Charlie McDowell, an American film director, last year, citing work commitments. She said last month: 'I am single right now. Dating in this industry is interesting. I have a lot of funny anecdotes, a lot of stuff I can say at a fun dinner. I was [dating actors] but I'm not now.' Ms Clarke is also waiting for work to resume. Clarke is worth an estimated 10million thanks to her role as Daenerys in Game Of Thrones She was due to appear in a new West End production of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, but the show has been postponed because of the coronavirus lockdown. Style did give way to practicality in one respect for her shopping trip - for instead of an expensive designer handbag, the actress wheeled the sort of floral pull-along shopping trolley usually favoured by savvy older shoppers. Given Ms Clarke's rather dirty-looking jeans, let's hope it contained some washing powder - DJ Shimza has taken a lot of flak for rejecting a DJ who wanted to be in his lockdown session - He apologised for his actions and many South Africans were not satisfied - Julius Malema and DJ Franky have stood up for the embattled DJ PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! DJ Shimza has had a really bad weekend. Twitter wants to cancel him after he was rude to an upcoming DJ who wanted to feature on his lockdown virtual session. He apologised but many South Africans did not accept his apology and want him to sorry properly. Briefly.co.za learned that #Shimzamustfall was trending on Twitter and he has not felt the love from the people. However, all is not lost, some people have stood up to defend Shimza, one of them is none other than EFF leader Julius Malema. Some people are not too happy with the CIC standing up for Shimza. Here are some people's reactions to Julias: ZAlebs reported that DJ Franky had also stood up for DJ Shimza, praising him for coming up with idea for the virtual sessions. However, not everyone agreed with him: READ ALSO: Chamber of Commerce asks government to reopen fast-food restaurants Briefly.co.za reported that the DJ who was rejected by Shimza has landed a gig with Black Coffee after the international DJ gave him a chance. 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. 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 EDWARDSVILLE Recently-released unemployment data paints a pleasant picture of plentiful jobs. But local and state officials acknowledge the chaos caused by the coronavirus pandemic has brought it all crashing down. The data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment figures are normally released the following month, and sometimes adjusted as data becomes clearer. IDES officials acknowledged the state faces a far different scenario today with an unprecedented number of unemployment claims. This administration is fully committed to the health and safety of our workforce and ensuring our workers can provide for their families in this challenging time, said Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes. As we navigate this period of economic uncertainty, we will continue to champion policies that will lift up every Illinoisan while making investments that will help to strengthen our economy. The Metro-East area unemployment was 3.2 percent in February, a drop from Januarys 3.8 percent figure. The IDES includes figures from Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties in its St. Louis area totals. Statewide the unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, down .5 percent from January. While the IDES did not include county-by-county data, Tony Fuhrmann, director of Madison County Employment and Training, said it was right at 3 percent. I never thought I would see that in Madison County at 3 percent, but its the most irrelevant number ever published, Fuhrmann said. His office in the countys Wood River Facility is closed to the public, but its staff is still trying to help people look for work and prepare resumes. Were still getting lots of calls from people trying to file for unemployment, Fuhrmann said, adding people should go online or call the Illinois Department of Employment Security office in Belleville. He added staff try to help people the best they can by taking information over the phone and passing it on to the IDES office. Fuhrmann said the unemployment rate is expected to skyrocket over the next few months. Anywhere from 15-20 percent is what theyre anticipating before this is over, he said. The longer we go, the higher it will be because more businesses are going to let people go. Fuhrmann said a number of companies are still looking for workers, especially transportation, logistics and warehousing; and grocery and essential retail stores. We have a listing of companies on our website looking for employees, he said. He noted those receiving unemployment should remember it is taxable income. Taxes can be taken out, otherwise people will have a shock when doing taxes next year, he said. The big question for us on the workforce training side: how many people are going to be going back to work? he said. The real effect will be two or three months after. Will people be confident enough to go to a restaurant and sit around people? he asked. We know a lot of people are uncertain about their future. They may be going back to their current positions. But we are available to help them with their resumes, tell them what their options are in training for another field. He said the office was actively working and partnering with state and federal agencies to bring additional workforce training funding to the area. We keep hearing theres another stimulus bill coming, and that its going to have a lot of money for workforce training, Furhmann said. We need to start looking forward. What do we anticipate a month from now, two months from now? But its like throwing darts as a dart board. For information about MCET services visit www.co.madison.il.us or the MCET facebook page at www.facebook.com/MCETD, or call 618-296-4301 or 618-296-4445. Lagos State has recorded another death to Coronavirus, bringing the total number so far in the state to five. Commissioner for Health in Lagos, Prof Akin Abayomi, made the announcement via his Twitter handle on Sunday. He said the death was due to complication from the virus. Unfortunately, Lagos recorded another death from #COVID19 related complication, bringing numbers of such sad occurrence to five, Prof Abayomi said. The state so far has 177 confirmed cases of Coronavirus while 50 persons, who recovered at its isolation centre, had been discharged. As of Saturday night, Nigeria recorded 11 new coronavirus cases, bringing the number of infections in the country to 318. Recall that Chikwe Ihekweazu, the director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has disclosed that 90% of COVID-19 patients recover without any intervention. He said: We should remember that 90 per cent of these patients recover without any intervention. So, if you take something and say you recovered and that something is why you recovered, it doesnt quite add up. The NCDC boss further explained that very few viruses have a cure.He said COVID-19 patients are given oxygen at the hospital which is not a treatment but administered to keep the patients alive for long enough to recover yourself. Post Views: 16 When I learned that part of my job as Op-Ed Editor was to pick a Bible verse for the next days paper, I initially chuckled at the irony. Yes, I grew up deep in the Bible Belt in Mobile, Ala. I attended an Episcopal school where every morning started with the Lords Prayer. I got an A in Bible study class. On Thursdays, we had chapel service and once a month the school held a full church service with communion. I sat that part out. After all, Im not Christian. My family raised me as a Hindu. At school, it seemed like someone tried to convert me, or confront me, at least once a week. Why dont you want to go to heaven? Do you really worship an elephant-headed god? I felt more pity than anger. These children, for the most part, wanted to save me, out of concern. I must have been confusing to them. My family felt confident enough about our spiritual tradition that I sang Christian songs in the choir. I loved it, just as I did learning Bible stories. When I went to Hindu temples and the priests chanted in Sanskrit, I longed for them to be able to speak to contemporary issues in a language I could understand the way the Episcopalians did. But deep down, I was angry. Angry for being made such an outsider. Angry at the exclusion. When you are not Christian, you dont quite know what you are missing, but you can sense it the friends not made, the dates not had, jobs not offered, invitations to join Mardi Gras crews not received. So when picking Bible verses for the Chronicle, I have occasionally felt that old resentment bubbling up. It happens when the verse-of-the-day calendars feed me one that says Jesus is the only way. I dont pick those. I keep looking. I often go to Google and search for verses that address how I feel that day or what Im thinking about. Bible verse and anxious. Or optimistic. Or ill. Or scared. Yes its a simple method but there it is. Its how I get the job done, but more and more, how Im rediscovering the Bible. Im drawn again and again to Proverbs and Psalms. Theres plenty that disturbs me as well Ephesians 6:5! just as many Indian scriptures do. I love looking at different translations on biblehub.com. I also try to skim the rest of the chapter to get a sense of the context. Its an honor to choose the verse. I ask my Christian friends and colleagues for help. When I talked with Pastor Juanita Campbell Rasmus on the phone about picking verses during this time of fear and hardship, she asked me about my own faith tradition. I told her about growing up in Alabama, about how my parents taught me Indian philosophies and also how my grandmother sang devotionals. Then, the Methodist pastor prayed with me and for my family. She did it in a way that tied together my whole background. And I wept. That night I had a dream in which my grandmother appeared the one who woke me up every morning with her singing and bell ringing at the end of her sacrament. She was a lot like the Christians I grew up around in the sense of having a personal relationship with God, except, in her case, it was with many gods and goddesses. Im not like my grandmother. Too much science in my education, I suppose. The Indian traditions that still draw me are a kind of spiritual atheism. But when you are scared I mean really scared, like I have been at times this month the old prayers find a way to your lips again. Last Sunday, I joined in a huge video call with my extended family. I mentioned Id had that vision of my grandmother and one aunt pointed out that it happened close to Ram Navami, or Rams birthday, a big day of worship and celebration for my grandmother. In a way, those Bible verses brought me back to my own roots. This week, my Jewish friends werent able to gather for Seder and my Christian friends wont be able to celebrate Easter together. Its necessary and distressing, and sadly politicized. But the Bible is clear on this one. As one reader wrote in a letter to the editor, Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, for where two or three are gathered in My Name, there am I among them. For all the various strands of religion that get grouped together under the name Hinduism, theres a common belief that divine energy is found everywhere, and in everything rocks, rats, clouds. We worship in groups, or at home as family, or alone. One could argue the Bible verse should be jettisoned from the newspaper in recognition of Houstons diversity. With each day, Im more and more convinced that the daily Bible verse isnt some vestige, some holdover, that should be cast off like classified ads or stock listings. Ive found a grounding in those verses truth is a big deal in the Bible as I make my way through op-ed after op-ed, trying to make judgments about what to share with readers. That said, sometimes I think about slipping in a verse from my familys tradition. Id start with a simple one. Well-known in India. One found in the Vedas the oldest of old scriptures. Vasudeva Kutambakum It means the entire world is a family. The idea is that when you let go of your own small-minded obsessions, you feel compassion and connected with everything. Nothing is other. Now we have the aid of this terrifying virus in feeling that connection. To people in China, Italy, Nigeria. To pangolins and bats and a tiger in the Brooklyn Zoo. To Dr. Li Wenliang, John Prine and Boris Johnson. If meditation hasnt given you a cosmic consciousness, maybe the coronavirus pandemic can. This debate about people gathering for Easter services gets at why the term social distancing is badly phrased. We need to be more social right now just not in person. We need fellowship in the grandest sense just not in the hand-holding, under-the-same-roof, round-the-water cooler kind of way. And should stay home not because we need distance but because were one family, in this together. Mankad is the Chronicles op-ed editor. Three persons were killed when a tractor ran over them in Uttar Pradesh's Chitrakoot district, police said. "Three persons were sitting in an agricultural field near their harvested wheat crop. Suddenly, a tractor, which was kept at some distance on a slope, started moving and ran over them," Station House Officer, Mau police station, Subhash Chandra Chaurasia said. While one of them died at the spot, others succumbed to injuries on the way to a hospital, he said. The deceased were identified as Shyam Sundar (80), Babbu Prasad (45) and Kunti Devi (60), he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By then, Mr. Cohen had already begun to assess how the Mossad could help the Israeli health system. Professor Kreiss said he enumerated the most urgent equipment needs to Mr. Cohen, who obtained further lists from the Health Ministry, and the Mossad began activating its international network to find the items needed. In early March, a command and control center was set up to handle the distribution of medical gear across the country, with Mr. Cohen at its head and headquartered at Sheba. There were representatives from the Mossad, the Ministry of Defense purchasing division, and the military intelligences highly secretive Unit 81, which deals with the development of advanced espionage equipment. Professor Kreiss, a former brigadier general in the army and a former surgeon general for the military, said the Mossad had been pivotal in helping his institution secure vital medical equipment and expertise from abroad. It is only in Israel that the Sheba hospital could have enlisted the help of the Mossad, he said in an interview. Can you imagine Mount Sinai Hospital going to the C.I.A. for help? he added, referring to the New York medical center. Professor Kreiss declined to say precisely how Mossad officers had helped the Israeli medical establishment or where the imported equipment came from. But according to six current or former Israeli officials with knowledge of the Mossads operations, the agency used international contacts to avert shortages that might have overwhelmed Israels health system. The six people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Mossads activities are classified, said the spy agencys contacts had proved invaluable in enabling Israel to acquire ventilators and testing material that Mr. Litzmans health ministry had been unable to secure. Despite those efforts, however, there is still a lack of testing capacity in Israel. Kashmir: A minor on Sunday (April 12, 2020) was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district in Kashmir. The three civilians killed included a minor and a woman. Five civilians were also injured in the shelling from Pakistan in north Kashmir's Kupwara. IGP Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar said, "Two civilians including a lady were killed. The assessment and evacuation process is underway and people are being moved to safer places." The two out of three civilians killed were from Chowkibal and the minor was from Timuna Vilgam village of Kupuwara. Earlier in the afternoon on Sunday, Pakistani rangers resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation and targeted the Indian Army posts. The initial firing started from Hajitara, Dhani and later in the areas of Manzgam, Malikpora, TCP, Hafrada, Kralpora, and Tumna Hachimarg Chowkibal. For the past one week, the Pakistani Army has been continuously firing in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Days after taking the help of an artist dressed up as Yamraja to create awareness among people on COVID-19 pandemic, Haridwar police came up with another unusual idea to parade an artist dressed as the Corona demon to stress on the need for the people to stay indoors during the lockdown. The artist dressed up as Corona demon moves along with the cops patrolling the city and delivers awareness messages in a dramatic fashion accompanied by a demonic laugh on the public announcement system. In a video shared by the Uttarakhand police on social media, the artist could be seen saying Corona, mera hi naam hai Corona. Yadi aap nikle gharon se bahar, to ho jaoge sab bimar (Corona, my name is Corona. If you come out of your home, then you will fall sick) followed by a demonic laugh. Click here for live and latest updates on Coronavirus Senthil Avoodai K Raj, senior superintendent of police, Haridwar district said It was the checkpost in-charge of Har ki Pauri in Haridwar who came up with this idea and took the help of an artist to create awareness among the people on this deadly virus. Senthil added, Like the Yamraja move, this Corona demon is also an out of the box idea which easily draws peoples attention unlike the conventional methods. Hence, it is being used to create as much awareness as we can, asking people to stay home to avoid getting infected. Lauding such efforts by police officers across the state, Ashok Kumar, director general (law & order) Uttarakhand police said the Department will reward the police officers for coming out with such innovative methods to create awareness. For all latest stories on coronavirus Uttarakhand is under lockdown since March 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, there are 35 positive patients in the state with several areas witnessing restrictions on non-essential movement of people. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Women who remain pregnant still require medical care, including interacting with doctors and nurses and further risking contamination. Some women will choose to travel to other states to obtain abortions, risking even more spread. Forcing women to delay obtaining abortions until later in their pregnancies means the procedures will be riskier to their health. On the other side of the equation, as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has said, there is no evidence that prohibiting abortions during the pandemic will mitigate PPE shortages or promote public health and safety. While the Kerala government is receiving global acclaim for its efforts at fighting the coronavirus and its excellent health facilities, the border blockade imposed by Karnataka has shone a spotlight on the woeful healthcare infrastructure in Kasargod district. While the Kerala government is receiving global acclaim for its efforts at fighting the coronavirus and its excellent health facilities, the border blockade imposed by Karnataka has shone a spotlight on the woeful healthcare infrastructure in Kasargod district. Kerala may have seen just three patients pass away due to the coronavirus, but thirteen critically ill non-COVID patients have died at the Thalappady checkpost on the Kerala-Karnataka border since the blockade began. Kasargod, a COVID-19 hotspot, does not have a medical college or super speciality hospital, leaving the people of the district to rely on healthcare facilities in Mangaluru. The construction of a 300 bed medical college in Kasargod, which began in 2013, has still not been completed (the deadline was 2015). The government has turned the under construction medical college into a makeshift COVID-19 hospital. While the Karnataka government has allowed patients meeting certain criteria access to hospitals, the blockade has already resulted in thirteen people having lost their lives. On 26 March, Abdul Hameed, a middle-aged asthma patient, was being rushed to a Mangaluru hospital from Kunjathur by car when his vehicle was halted at Thalapady village due to the blockade. He was taken to a hospital in Uppala, but the doctors insisted he be taken to Mangluru. Hameed's family took him home, hoping they'd find a way to get him to Mangluru the next day. But he passed away that night. The story of a woman from Uttar Pradesh who lives in Kasargod having to give birth in an ambulance has also come to light. Aslam, an ambulance driver who has taken patients to the border, said he has seen five patients breathing their last in his vehicle. Aslam said when he pleaded with the police to let the pregnant woman through they said "we will not. Even if she dies that's not a problem." Aslam said he has been facing death threats for even attempting a dialogue with the Thalapady police. Aslam, fed up with the state of affairs, is demanding that Kerala politicians speed up the work on the medical college and is urging the people of Kasargod to come together. Ali, a resident of Thalapady's Thuminad, took his father Yousuf, who was suffering from chest pain, to a doctor in Manjeshwar. The doctor told us to get an ECG done, Ali said. He advised us not to waste time trying to get to Mangaluru. As my father was in a critical condition, he advised us to go to Kasargod or Uppala. But we didn't know any cardiologist in Kasargod. Finally, we took him to a doctor at Carewell Hospital in Kasargod town. But he breathed his last on his way in the ambulance. The doctor said had we come a few minutes earlier it could have made a difference. Alis father is the ninth patient who died due to the blockade. Ali says though there are several medical clinics in Kasargod, there aren't enough skilled professionals. Ali said there are many hospitals with excellent facilities across the border from Thuminad and that no one wants to visit the government hospital in Manjeshwar in an emergency. They only have tablets for fever and cough. Is Kasargod not a district in Kerala? Aren't we human? It seems no one really wants Kasargod, Ali said. The Kerala High Court called Karnatakas blockade a fundamental rights violation on 1 April and urged the Centre to intervene. The division bench issued the order stating that the Karnataka government was violating citizens right to move freely under Article 19. The court upheld disaster management guidelines by Central government which said travel for urgent medical treatment is permitted. Karnataka filed a petition against this order in the Supreme Court, which urged both states to reach a consensus. The chief secretaries of both states agreed to the following list of conditions that had to be met for patients to be allowed to pass: The patient must be brought in a sterilized government ambulance; a government doctor must certify that the patient is not infected with COVID-19; the hospital must be denoted; and that the patient cant access medical facility in the neighbouring district of Kannur. Mustafa Adyawar, block panchayat member of Manjeshwar, who attended the screening of a patient on 7 April, wondered about the practicality of some of the suggestions. For example, how could a patient in critical condition wait to get back the results of a COVID-19 test, he asked. Mustafa said Manjeshwar has one government ambulance at the community health centre which is being used to ferry COVID-19 patients. "The closest hospital is ten kilometres away. I tried to take a picture at the Thalapady border, but the police threatened to beat me and then shoot me. We need to set up a rapid test centre at the border to screen patients. Two patients tried to get across the border to Mangaluru today. The first was sent back. The second, a patient who'd had a heart attack, reached the hospital but no one from the facility came out to tend to the patient. The ambulance driver loaded the patient on the stretcher and took the patient inside. But the hospital authorities told the patient they could not begin treatment until a COVID-19 test had been done at another hospital." On 1 April, a notification by Dakshina Kannada district health and family welfare officer was sent to eight hospitals in Mangaluru, asking them not to admit any patient from Kerala due to CoVID-19 positive cases rapidly increasing in Kerala state/ Kasargod district. The copies were sent to district collector Mangaluru, and chief operating officer of district panchayat. Later, after the SC order, the district administration reserved an entire floor of KS Hegde medical college for patients from Kerala. But the experiences of patients attempting to get medical care shows that the notification is being followed. Despite repeated attempts, the district collector remained unavailable for comment. Rishana, a patient at KS Hegde hospital, said she was denied access to the toilet. Her husband Azhar said she was asked to urinate in the corner of the casualty ward, a clear message to other patients. Rajmohan Unnithan, who represents Kasargod in Parliament, in a petition in the Supreme Court, said Karnataka is sticking to its stand despite the courts calling this action "inhumane". Unnithan said Karnataka government is accepting patients to show it acknowledges the Supreme Court verdict. "They are humiliating Kerala government by saying that these patients are COVID-19 positive," Unnithan claimed. "Kerala government didnt have an all inclusive meeting regarding this. On Tuesday, Supreme Court considered Bar Associations petition. When the hearing began, Solicitor- General Tushar Mehta told the court that after the consensus between two states there are no issues, so the remaining petitions were not heard. The reality is, the problems remain unsolved." Kasargod's struggle for better basic health care facilities has had to contend with bureaucratic neglect. One of the recent victims of this development, Ali said the only way out is to be regionally independent. CAIRO The first country to develop a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 will win international recognition and likely profit financially as the novel coronavirus has been causing massive human casualties and economic losses since December 2019. Egypt appears to have joined the race for a cure, with Cairo University claiming April 6 to have developed a treatment protocol for the coronavirus that is now awaiting approval from the Ministry of Health and Population. Mohammad al-Darouti, a professor of medicine at Cairo University, told Al-Monitor that the protocol is based on the use of two drugs available on the local market, saying it is expected to help curb mortality rates among COVID-19 patients as well as treatment expenses. He noted that once the Health Ministry approves the treatment, it can request approval from the World Health Organization. Ahmed Kandeil, a professor of epidemiology of the National Research Center, told the press March 26 that the center is working to develop COVID-19 diagnostic devices as well as a vaccine. On April 6, rumors circulated on social media that Egypt has discovered a treatment or vaccine that was a part of the medical aid delivered to Italy April 4. The rumors also claimed that the number of confirmed cases and deaths started lowering in Italy the next day. Similar claims circulated regarding China and Zayeds visit there March 2. Such claims were met with sarcasm from social media users who said it is impossible for Egypt to discover a cure in light of its comparatively underdeveloped and funded research sector. A professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Ain Shams University told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that it is impossible for any treatment to lower the number of confirmed cases of the virus and of deaths in just 24 hours. He went on saying that the ministers visits to Italy and China have more likely focused on sharing experiences with coronavirus treatment protocols. He said it would be possible for the two countries especially Italy, where the EU regulations on medications apply, to use a drug or medication that has yet to be internationally approved. That does not mean that Egypt is unable to produce a vaccine, he added, saying, There are plenty of creative brains in the medicine and pharmacy sectors, but recognized procedures need to be followed before a medication or vaccine is internationally approved, so as to avoid repeating its 2014 failure on Hepatitis C and HIV. The Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority announced in February 2014 that it had sponsored the development of a new radiotherapy device to treat Hepatitis C and HIV by a team of Egyptian scientists. Many physicians and social media users were skeptical, prompting the armed forces to inquire into the matter, concluding that the device did not work. The doctors who took part in the devices design had their membership in the Medical Syndicate suspended. Mahmoud Bassiouni, a professor of radiotherapy at Cairo University and former undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, told Al-Monitor that radiotherapy has proven to be effective in treating viruses such as Ebola. Theoretically, it could also be used in the treatment of Hepatitis C, he added. Bassiouni noted, The biggest challenge to any new discovery or medication in Egypt lies in the limited opportunities for clinical trials. The latter play a major role in the trajectory of any discovery or medication. Religious considerations and the lack of laws regulating these trials are behind such limited chances. On March 30, a World Health Organization representative stated that the Egyptian authorities had approved clinical trials for coronavirus treatments. The state has yet to comment on the news. Back in May 2018, a number of Al-Azhar scholars including Hamad Karimeh, a professor of comparative jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, had lashed out at parliament for passing the first bill regulating clinical trials, protesting that it contradicts Sharia. The pressure may have prompted Egyptian President Abdel Fttah al-Sisi to refuse to approve the law and refer it back to parliament for further examination. The law continues to be under study. Reda Mostafa, former director of Acapi Pharmaceuticals Egypt, told Al-Monitor that another challenge lies in political demands to fast-track the process. This would require that Egypt produce the drug or vaccine in a short period of time. That is hard to achieve in light of the limited budget allocated to scientific research, he explained. Hala Adly Hussein, president of Bio Misr Pharmaceutical Industries, told Al-Monitor that the production of a cure could take a long time, which is why Egypt is focusing on a treatment protocol. She added that in the event a vaccine or medication is found, Egypt could coordinate with China to produce it so as to benefit from China's scientific facilities and huge budgets for scientific research. If you own a Lonely Planet guide, you probably know the story. As the last page of each book relates: A beat-up old car, a few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure. In 1972, thats all Tony and Maureen Wheeler needed for the trip of a lifetime across Europe and Asia overland to Australia. It took several months, and at the end broke but inspired they sat at the kitchen table writing and stapling together their first travel guide. The Wheelers sold Lonely Planet to the BBC in 2007. In 2013, the broadcaster sold it on to an American tobacco billionaire, Brad Kelley. And on Maundy Thursday 2020, a spokesperson for what has become the worlds leading travel guide publisher told me: Due to the impact of Covid-19 on demand and sales, Lonely Planet has made the difficult decision to reduce its publishing operations for the foreseeable future. Quite rightly, the main focus of the coronavirus crisis is on the lives that have been lost and those that can still be saved. Yet the shutdown of global travel is proving devastating for many great businesses and the people who work for them. I was fearing bad news about a big travel firm this week: perhaps an airline, holiday company or cruise line. But I never expected to hear that the worlds leading travel-guide firm is proposing to shut its two main hubs: the original HQ in Melbourne, and the London office where much Lonely Planet content, including the magazine, is created. They will close almost entirely, with only the Dublin and Tennessee operations continuing, albeit with some job cuts. The publisher that shrank the world is now itself shrinking. Lonely Planet will not disappear from the bookshelves and online retailers: The travel media brand will continue to publish guidebooks and phrase books, said the spokesperson, but added: After completing its list for 2020, it proposes that it will not commission any new inspirational titles, and that it will no longer publish the Lonely Planet magazine. Back to basics, then, returning the business to where it began: providing essential advice on how to make travel dreams come true. But the planet will be lonelier without the inspiration that the publisher generated with its magazine and titles such as Amazing Boat Journeys and Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism. When this wretched crisis is over, we may begin a new era where travellers will be hungry for resources they can trust, in particular guides researched and written by professionals Meanwhile, the brilliant people working for Lonely Planet as writers, editors or cartographers in London or Melbourne will move on, dissipating the knowledge and experience that is so critical in travel. I have no access to the harsh realities of profit and loss in travel publishing, an industry eroded by the ready availability of online information. But I sense the commercial decision may be too hasty. When this wretched crisis is over, we may begin a new era where travellers will be hungry for resources they can trust, in particular guides researched and written by professionals, which dont require batteries or an internet connection, and which feed our sense of adventure. 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. 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. Sri Lanka has amended a law to make cremation compulsory for those dying from the novel coronavirus to prevent any potential threat despite strong opposition from the Muslim community. The Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance (Chapter 222) has been amended by a gazette issued by Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, the government said. ".......the corpse of a person who has died or is suspected to have died of coronavirus shall be cremated...," the gazette dated April 11 states. The move followed protests from the island's Muslim community which accused the authorities of violating Islamic burial rites. The process of cremation is forbidden within Islam and Judaism, which require members of the faiths to be buried. Wanniarachchi said that the body shall be burned at a temperature between 800 to 1200 degree Celsius for a minimum period of 45 minutes to one hour. He said that the cremation should take place at a cemetery or a place approved by the authorities. The amended law prevents bodies being handed over to anyone other than "to persons who undertake the necessary duties of cremation". The attire and non-reusable personal protective equipment used by persons who handle the corpse shall also be destroyed during cremation. The leaders from the Muslim community wanted the government to follow the World Health Organisation guidelines on COVID-19 deaths which allowed both cremations and burials. Sri Lanka has so far reported seven coronavirus death with over 203 confirmed cases. With the first death of a Muslim from the disease the health authorities refused to bury claiming the disease can make contact with the water table. At least three person who died of coronavirus were from the Muslim community. Meanwhile, the government announced that the island would continue to be in complete lockdown until April 16. This means people will have to celebrate the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 13 and 14 indoors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UK has pledged 200m aid to help developing nations in their fight against coronavirus. Bolstering vulnerable countries public health defences will also help to prevent a second wave from reaching Britain, the Department for International Development (Dfid) said. It brings the UKs total donations in the bid to counter the pandemic to 774m making it one of the worlds largest donors. Some 130m will go to UN agencies, including the World Health Organisation, while the Red Cross will receive 50m to help war-torn and hard-to-reach areas. A final 20m will go to NGOs and UK organisations such as Oxford University, where researchers believe there is an 80 per cent chance their new vaccine could be ready for widespread use by September. The pandemic has now claimed at least 100,000 lives worldwide, with more than 1.6 million people having now tested positive for Covid-19 across 210 countries. The UKs death toll is nearing 10,000 the fifth highest of any country in the world, with one government adviser warning Britain is likely to overtake Italy to become Europe's worst-hit country. Coronavirus does not respect country borders so our ability to protect the British public will only be effective if we strengthen the healthcare systems of vulnerable developing countries too, said international development secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan. Our new UK aid support will help stop the virus from infecting millions of people in the poorest countries, meaning we can end this global pandemic sooner and prevent future waves of infection coming to the UK. The cash will help areas with weak health systems such as war-ravaged Yemen, which reported its first case on Friday as the Saudi-led coalition finally announced a temporary ceasefire in the five-year conflict. Half of the countrys hospitals are not functioning, while two thirds of the population are on the verge of famine. Money will also go to Bangladesh, which is hosting 850,000 Rohingya refugees in crowded camps, Dfid said. It will fund the installation of new hand-washing stations and isolation and treatment centres in refugee camps, and increase access to clean water for those living in areas of armed conflict, the BBC reported. The United Kingdoms generous contribution is a strong statement that this is a global threat that demands a global response, said WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. We are all in this together, which means protecting health around the world will help to protect the health of people in the UK. Britains support for the WHO is in stark contrast with the view of Donald Trump, who has criticised its handling of the pandemic. He warned he plans to take action next week, indicating he could cut off funding for the UN agency amid reports his aides are looking at ways to punish the body by creating a rival global health institution. Additional reporting by Reuters SAN ANTONIO Hundreds of luxury cars at a North Side BMW dealership were damaged by a tumultuous hail storm that swept through the area Tuesday night. The dealership is still assessing the damage, but at least 30 percent of it's inventory of up to 1,000 vehicles was completely totaled, according to Allie Cook, a service employee for Principle Auto Group, which runs five dealerships in the area including BMW of San Antonio. This is Precious Anderson. She was pregnant. About two months before her due date, she had severe Covid-19. Actually so severe that her baby had to be delivered by C-section to try to save both of their lives. In fact, she couldnt actually visit her baby. Here you go, Precious. And then it was amazing because we got to watch her video chat with a nurse who was with her baby, and Precious Anderson got to see her baby, David. Wonderful, right? Hes so handsome, Precious. Hes very handsome. We actually went to visit him and he was moving around, he was stretching, pointing his toes like a little dancer. He was so, so cute. Actually he tested negative for Covid. At this hospital, seven of the pregnant women who tested positive for Covid have given birth, and their babies have generally done very well. None of them have been confirmed to have Covid. Im Sheri Fink. Im a correspondent at The New York Times. For the past several weeks, Victor Blue, a photographer, and I have been able to spend time at the Brooklyn Hospital Center. And for the story published this week, we spent time with pregnant mothers on maternity and in the intensive care unit. Dr. Erroll Byer is the Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology. And he said that this moment, which should be such a joyful moment in a familys life, bringing new life into the world, that, in fact, now its anxiety provoking. How you doing? What struck me was people doing the typical things you would do on a maternity ward, but doing them with masks, with face shields, with gloves, with gowns. Many, many of the staff members on the maternity ward and in the neonatal I.C.U. are out sick. So there is a level of fear. Basharrie McKenzie was also on the intensive care unit. And shes pregnant, and she got very sick with Covid. She was so afraid. And of course, its really hard because youre alone. You cant have any visitors. When I met her this Monday, she was so much improved. My three-year-old daughter keeps me going. And she was able to continue her pregnancy. Your respirations are pretty OK. OK? Very good. So, there are a lot of very sad stories with Covid-19 people in the intensive care unit many, many of them not making it. So it was amazing to see this young woman, who had been so, so sick, was able to pack up her bags and actually go home. And shes one of the success stories. You made it. Youre telling a great story, honey. Were proud. You got to have heart, and you had it. So were very proud of you. Thank you for allowing us to take care of you. Thank you. I spoke with the intensive care unit doctors, and they said when people like Ms. McKenzie get to leave the hospital, get to come off a ventilator, out of an intensive care unit, and recover enough to go home that its giving them the energy to keep going. With much of the nation under stay-at-home orders to starve the spread of the coronavirus, there were signs this week it is beginning to work, even as the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. approached 500,000 and the number of deaths surpassed 18,000. In New York, the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States, the numbers of people needing ventilators, hospital care and intensive care are dropping. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged people to keep up the social distancing during Easter weekend to keep bending the curve. President Donald Trump appointed a group of scientists and business people to plan the restart of the economy. Government projections leaked to the New York Times showed ending the lockdown after 30 days could result in a spike of new infections and deaths. Meanwhile, voters in Wisconsin defied a stay-at-home order to vote in Tuesdays Democratic presidential primary and local elections. Many waited in long lines and risked exposure to the coronavirus. A partisan fight broke out after the states Democratic Gov. Tony Evers issued an executive order postponing in-person voting. Republicans objected. Voting proceeded after rulings by the states highest court and the U.S. Supreme Court. On Wednesday, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out of the race for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination. Editorial cartoonists also commented on difficulties in getting medical supplies for healthcare workers treating coronavirus patients; overloaded unemployment offices; the resignation of Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly after he had criticized the captain of the USS Teddy Roosevelt for publicly complaining about how the Navy was handling a coronavirus outbreak; and the death of songwriter John Prine of COVID-19. Cartoons were drawn by Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and A.F. Branco, Mike Luckovich and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate. View more editorial cartoon galleries. Actor Dulquer Salmaan has thanked his fans after hitting five million followers count on Instagram. The actor took to the social media platform and wrote he was humbled by all the love coming his way. Uploading a picture where he's wearing a suit with the words "5M" in the background, the actor captioned, "Woo Hoo! Today we are a family of 5 Million! Thank you all for all of the love! Humbled, blessed and eternally grateful." Dulquer, who has featured in acclaimed Malayalam films like "Ustad Hotel", "Bangalore Days" and Tamil romantic-drama "O Kadhal Kanamani", made his Bollywood debut with "Karwaan" in 2018. His last Hindi film was Sonam Kapoor-starrer "The Zoya Factor". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For millions of families around the globe celebrating the Easter holiday this year will be very different and that goes for Britains most famous family as well. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to celebrate away from their loved ones and forgo a number of traditions during the holy week. Queen Elizabeth II and her family have found a way to still carry out some duties this year after several events were canceled. Read on to find out how the monarch and other royals including Prince Charles; Prince William; Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge; and their children are celebrating annual traditions in this time of social distancing. Members of the royal family | Karwai Tang/WireImage Maundy money delivered by mail The royals usually gather at Windsor Castle to celebrate Easter together but this year the queen and Prince Philip are self-isolating at the castle while the rest of their family remain at their respective residences. The queen still found a way to observe one of her annual traditions though. Every Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, a ceremony is held in which the monarch hands out special coins called Maundy money to people who have done charitable work for their churches and communities. The tradition dates back centuries and the queen has only missed the event three times during her reign. Because the ceremony this year had to be canceled the 94 men and 94 women received their coinage by mail with a handwritten note from Queen Elizabeth. It is one of my most rewarding duties as sovereign to observe this highly significant ceremony at such an important point in the Christian calendar, she wrote. I know that you, as a Recipient of this years Maundy Gift, will be as deeply disappointed as I am that it is not going ahead, while understanding the necessary decision in the current circumstances. However, this should not mean your invaluable contribution within your community goes unnoticed. Prince Charles goes digital for Easter reading Prince Charles has found a way to keep up his royal duties for the holiday as well. The future king, who is recovering after testing positive for COVID-19, recorded an Easter reading for Westminster Abbey from his home. The Abbey, like most places of worship around the world, is closed so the reading will be released via its podcast feed Sunday morning The tradition Prince William and Kate Middletons kids wont miss out on As for Prince William and Kate, they are making sure their children still get to enjoy some Easter traditions while staying at home. Even though Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis wont be heading to grandmas house this year for an Easter egg hunt, the Cambridges are still expected to have an egg hunt for them at their Anmer Hall home. Earlier this week in a video call William said his kiddos will also have plenty of candy from the Easter Bunny. There will be a lot of chocolate being eaten here, dont worry! he told a group of children and staffers at a school in northern England where the kids of essential workers are attending during the pandemic. Read more: How Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Are Keeping Busy During Lockdown New Jerseyans ordered to stay home to help quell the coronavirus outbreak appear to be listening, as residents here are staying home at rates higher than the average American. Googles recently released COVID-19 Community Mobility Report suggests that New Jersey residents are distancing at rates higher than the rest of the country, as trips out for retail and recreation have dropped 66%, trips to grocery stores and pharmacies have dropped by 11%, and visits to transit stations have fallen by 67%. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage Google warns that differences in geography may factor into how some locations are categorized in different regions. And this data is just a snapshot in time. With those caveats in mind, this is how New Jersey compares with the U.S. as a whole. Is the above chart not displaying? Click here. The report for New Jersey provides information on each of the states 21 counties. Bergen County has seen the biggest drop in retail and recreation trips at 75%, while the biggest decline in grocery and pharmacy trips has come in Sussex County at 24%. Workplace trips have dropped by a state-high 56% in Atlantic County. Trips to transit stations have taken a 79% hit in Essex County. The data for parks marked the states one outlier, with 14 counties showing increases as residents sought refuge in the one place they thought they could enjoy safely. Visits to parks in Sussex County increased by 100% with seven other counties coming over 50%. But their popularity may have been their downfall, as Gov. Phil Murphy last week ordered state and county parks closed to help stop the spread of the virus. Is the above chart not displaying? Click here. Many of these findings are in line with previously reported numbers showing that travel in 13 of New Jerseys 21 counties has dropped by 50% or more. To crunch the numbers, Google says it uses anonymized data from users who have opted into sharing the location history for their Google account, similar to the way popular times for places in Google Maps are calculated. To find the baseline, the company calculated the median value for the corresponding day of the week during a five-week period between Jan. 3 and Feb. 6. Nick Devlin is a reporter on the data & investigations team. He can be reached at ndevlin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @nickdevlin. 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. IMAGE: Police force and Rapid action force were deployed after migrant workers clashed with security personnel in Surat on April 10, 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo. 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 lockdown. 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. We understand that the workers are going through a period of stress and as the lockdown 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 lockdown 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. 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. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. For millions of refugees and displaced people, access to health care is limited and social distancing is impossible. Why it matters: Public health experts view a major outbreak in a refugee camp as a worst-case scenario in the global coronavirus crisis. Zoom in: Researchers at John Hopkins University modeled possible outcomes of a large-scale outbreak at the Rohingya refugee camps in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, the worlds most densely populated refugee camps. They estimate between 1,647 and 2,109 refugees could die. Refugees in the camps are subject to an internet blackout and ban on mobile phones, leading to concerns they lack critical information about symptoms of the virus and preventing its spread. If the virus does reach the camps, it will increase tensions with nearby Bangladeshi communities, the International Crisis Group warns. Around the world: In Greece, at least 20 refugees living in a camp near Athens tested positive for the virus prompting the government to lock down the camp for two weeks, NPR reports. There are about 60,000 refugees living in camps across Greece. at least 20 refugees living in a camp near Athens tested positive for the virus prompting the government to lock down the camp for two weeks, NPR reports. There are about 60,000 refugees living in camps across Greece. In Italy, the government officially closed its ports to ships carrying refugees due to the pandemic, Al Jazeera notes. the government officially closed its ports to ships carrying refugees due to the pandemic, Al Jazeera notes. In Jordan, 120,000 Syrian refugees living in the Zaatari and Azraq camps have been on lockdown since March 21 to prevent the spread of the virus. Refugees and displaced people dont exclusively live in camps. Many live in metropolitan areas, but could still struggle to access health care if they lack citizenship or documentation. In Portugal, the government announced all foreigners, including refugees with pending applications, will be treated as residents at least until July 1 so they may access national health services, welfare benefits, bank accounts, and work and rental contracts, per Reuters. The state of play: Almost 70 million refugees and displaced people around the world are in acute danger, Reuters reports. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) is seeking $255 million from member states to address the effect of COVID-19 on refugees. The State Department announced in March it would send the UNCHR $64 million in humanitarian assistance to help address the threats posed by COVID-19 in existing humanitarian crisis situations. The UN and aid agencies are only providing essential services to refugee camps, such as food and emergency medical care, but programs offering occupational training have been suspended, the Wall Street Journal reports. Five main factors make refugees and displaced people particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus, according to Refugees International: Population density and shared facilities make social distancing extremely difficult if not impossible. and shared facilities make social distancing extremely difficult if not impossible. Difficulty accessing basic necessities, let alone the intensive care facilities needed to treat severe cases. let alone the intensive care facilities needed to treat severe cases. Limited access to information, language barriers and distrust of local authorities. language barriers and distrust of local authorities. A stretched humanitarian supply as governments restrict travel and supplies grow scarce. as governments restrict travel and supplies grow scarce. Strains on the finances of governments and nonprofit organizations that provide for refugees. The bottom line: As global resources to fight this pandemic become scarce, displaced persons must not be forgotten," the John Hopkins researchers write. Go deeper: MIAMI - Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises who helped shape the modern cruise industry, has died. He was 90. The Miami-based company said in a statement that Wilhelmsen died Saturday in Palma, Spain. No cause of death was given. As a member of the companys board for three decades, Wilhelmsen saw the potential for the cruise industry to become one of the fastest growing segments of the vacation industry. He helped shift the hub of the industry to warm weathered places like South Florida, instead of transportation centres like New York. He also believed in building bigger and more efficient ships. Royal Caribbean now has 61 ships, including some of the largest cruise liners in the world. At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible, said Richard Fain, RCLs chairman and CEO. He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the industry might have been a dozen used ships, total. Wilhelmsen was born in Oslo, Norway in 1929. After earning an MBA at Harvard University, he worked as a chartering assistant for Norways EB Lund & Co. and later as a shipbroker in New York. In 1954, he joined his familys shipping concern, Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS, and became its president in 1961. He helped establish Royal Caribbean in 1968 with his familys company, along with two other Norwegian shipping companies. In 2003, he stepped down from the board and was succeeded by his son, Alex. No further details on survivors was listed in the companys statement, and a company representative did not immediately respond to an email inquiry. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) The government now requires public disclosure of personal information of COVID-19 patients to further contain the spread of the virus. Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the announcement during his media briefing on Sunday. "The IATF adopts the policy of mandatory public disclosure of personal information relating to positive COVID-19 cases to enhance the contact tracing efforts of the government," Nograles said. "Para po matulungan ang contact-tracing efforts ng ating pamahalaan, mandatory o required na po ang paglalahad ng personal na impormasyon pagdating sa COVID-19 cases," he told the public. [Translation: In order to help with the contact-tracing efforts of the government, disclosure of personal information on COVID-19 cases is now mandatory and required.] Nograles said the Office of Civil Defense will lead the contact tracing efforts, in coordination with the Department of Health in accordance with the Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act. This is a developing story. Please refresh this page for updates. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has blamed the National Identification Authoritys Ghana card registration exercise in the Eastern Region, for the recent high cases of COVID-19 in the region. The NIA received several calls from the public to suspend the exercise but the Authority insisted it was going ahead as planned. The matter ended in court where an injunction application was filed against the process by two private citizens. But the Court cleared NIA to continue with its planned exercise. Piled pressure subsequently compelled the NIA to suspend the Ghana Card registration. However, a statement signed by the Easter regional arm of the party, signed by regional communication officer Darlas Williams, on Saturday, said: The failure by President Akufo-Addo to advise his appointee, Ken Attafuah, to suspend the exercise, has yielded a scary result in the Eastern Region making life uncomfortable for dwellers in the Lower Manya and surrounding Districts. Read full statement below: Below are details of the statement by the Eastern NDC Eastern Region Demands Mass Testing And More Isolation Centres To Contain The Outspread Of The Novel Coronavirus. We have noted with grave concern the outspread of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic in the Eastern Region. Within a spate of two days, the cases have risen from 1 to 28 with the Lower Manya being the epicentre in the region. The Eastern Region had not known or recorded any case after President Akufo-Addo gave the directives, which were considered by many others as measures to mitigate or contain the deadly pandemic from further spread. All public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities such worships in churches and mosques, were all halted for the next four weeks. Basic schools, senior high schools and universities were also shut down. We were, however, shocked why the National Identification Authority ignored the presidents directives with impunity to continue with the ongoing Ghana card registration in the Eastern Region. The exercise, as we all witnessed, was one that brought people together and all the registration centres were overcrowded with the aged, sick and disabled. The same registration equipment, such as fingerprint scanners, were shared by all persons who turned up to register. The failure by President Akufo-Addo to advise his appointee, Ken Attafuah, to suspend the exercise, has yielded a scary result in the Eastern Region making life uncomfortable for dwellers in the Lower Manya and surrounding Districts. A number of the railway workers in Belokope Quarters who have been infected by the disease were spotted at New Covenant Apostle Church, a registration centre of the Ahodwo Electoral Area in the Lower Manya District. There is also the suspicion and possibility that some moved to the nearby registration centres such as E.P. Kpong Church and Kpong Presby Centres. After the news broke, while they were supposed to be on self-quarantine, a number of them were seen frolicking with their girlfriends in beer bars and pubs in the district, raising suspicions that they might have spread the disease through numerous chains of contacts. This has created fear in the adjoining and contiguous districts such as Upper Manya, Yilo, Asuogyaman, Okere, Akropong and New Juaben North and South, because of daily trade across these districts by traders who might not know who has it or who does not have the disease. We deemed it as an act of irresponsibility on the part of President Akufo-Addo not to have called his appointee Ken Attafuah, who turned a deaf ear to all expert advice, to suspend the exercise when even HE the president, had announced that we were not in normal times. We also want to clearly state that Ken Attafuah was acting according to the orders of President Akufo-Addo in his bid to seek re-election through the use of the Ghana card, to compile the new register of voters as announced by the Electoral Commission without recourse to the safety of the electorate in the wake of the COVID-19. This was evident in the defence of the Attorney General and NIA against the injunction application by two selfless citizens, in particular, one from the Krobo area. Be as it may, we call on the Akufo-Addo government to, as a matter of urgency, start mass-testing in the Eastern Region, most especially, in the affected areas, as an appropriate measure to contain the coronavirus from further spread. Signed; Darlas Williams Eastern Regional Communications Officer (NDC) 11th April, 2020 WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange secretly fathered two children with one of his lawyers while he evaded espionage charges inside London's Ecuadoran embassy, Assange's alleged partner claims in a video posted Saturday by WikiLeaks and the Daily Mail. The couple conceived 2-year-old Gabriel and 1-year-old Max as Assange was wanted in the United States for leaking classified intelligence materials and in Sweden for rape allegations, the Daily Mail reported. The British news group says attorney Stella Morris revealed the relationship because she wants 48-year-old Assange released from the London prison where he landed after the Ecuadoran Embassy kicked him out last April. Morris, a Swedish national living in Britain, says she is worried about Assange's health as the coronavirus pandemic spreads in prison populations, according to the Daily Mail. "I feel like Julian's life might be coming to an end," a woman identifying herself as Morris says in the video. The Daily Mail writes that "it is understood" that Morris and Assange were able to hide their relationship and children from the authorities who granted Assange shelter, even as the fugitive faced intense surveillance. The Ecuadoran Embassy did not immediately respond to The Washington Post's inquiries Saturday, nor did WikiLeaks or a lawyer for Assange. Morris says in the video that she fell in love with Assange after meeting him in 2011 and joining his international legal team, which led her to spend "almost every single day" in the embassy. "This is a person that I knew well by then," Morris said. "A person I know better than most in this world." In the video released Saturday, she flips through photos of the children, a cat beside her, remarking at one point that the older boy resembles Assange: "Very Julian." The children, both British citizens, have visited their father in Belmarsh Prison in London, according to the Daily Mail, which says the dramatic revelations of a clandestine relationship surfaced last week in court documents reviewed by the news organization. The Daily Mail also claims that Assange watched his children's births over video and was able to secretly meet Gabriel in the embassy. Morris states on video that she suspected surveillance targeting her children when a guard told her someone was trying to steal one son's DNA. The Daily Mail said Morris and Assange think American intelligence was behind the attempt. Assange has argued he is being unfairly prosecuted as a whistleblower. "I realized that I couldn't really protect my family," Morris says. "I understood that the powers that were against Julian were ruthless and had . . . no bounds to it." Assange was immediately arrested on a hacking charge after Ecuador ended his asylum last year, accusing their years-long guest of rule-breaking and "discourteous and aggressive behavior." U.S. prosecutors confirmed in 2018 that they had secretly charged him with conspiring with an Army intelligence analyst to illegally obtain secret military and diplomatic documents, which Assange's group published online. He is accused of helping Chelsea Manning, the former soldier then known as Bradley Manning, try to crack a government password, perhaps unsuccessfully. - - - The Washington Post's William Booth, James McAuley, Ellen Nakashima and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has urged people not to get false hope after revealing the lowest number of new COVID-19 cases since March 11, as the death toll in the state increased by one to 24. Mr Hazzard cautiously revealed on Sunday that there were just seven new cases of COVID-19 in the state. But while the results "sound hopeful", he stressed there had only been 840 tests conducted in one day, when there are usually about 4000 daily tests. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard provides a COVID-19 update on Sunday. Credit:AAP NSW Health also confirmed on Sunday the death of an 82-year-old man from coronavirus at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The man was a known contact to another case. Mr Hazzard said about one in 100 people who were tested for coronavirus return a positive result and older people had seemingly taken the message about the threat of coronavirus to them. After stunning India with massive relief and aid measures along with R&D breakthroughs, the Mahindra Group has followed up with yet another victory in the fight against coronavirus - this time focusing on improving the availability and manufacturing volume of Indias hand sanitisers. I join in to congratulate you and your team. You have shown you know how to Rise to the occasion... https://t.co/SxbgdG7fIW anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 12, 2020 As virus cases continue to rise, the Indian government banned the export of key items such as sanitisers and ventilators back on 24th March. The Mahindra Group first responded with a series of advancements in portable, affordable ventilator devices and now a dedicated move to vastly increase Indias output of sanitiser liquid - one of the tried and tested methods to keep coronavirus at bay- a venture that was spearheaded by three key employees at Mahindra named Ashok Sharma, Sandeep Gadre & Pradeep Cheema. Following Mahindra chairman Anand Mahindras example, other leaders in the group began to share their support for the initiative. Congrats to the Mahindra summit team for demonstrating how we in Mahindra, live the Rise philosophy. Ashok sharma (@ashok1506) April 12, 2020 Others chimed in with messages of congratulations and appreciation for the companys efforts in helping save India during the pandemic. Amazing feat. Adversity creates opportunity & your team has set a new milestone which will be embeded in corporate history. Am confindent, Mahindra group is capable of more such innovations that can reduce our dependencies on other nations. Congratulations, continue the momentum. pedalandtringtring.com (@pedalandtring) April 12, 2020 Good. Now make it available to the many waiting in line for days at Medical stores and buying low grade stuff Sunil Tiwari (@tiwarisunil) April 12, 2020 Great job real initiative with tangible results . Agile and responsive within the time .your leadership is the guiding beacon Mr.Mahindra . sumitpeer (@sumitp191) April 12, 2020 A few did share some scepticism about how quickly the product would be able to reach the public. Great! Whats the total production in KL per day. I hope this is not the only bottle produced to show to the boss:) Jeevan (@durvasab) April 12, 2020 Simultaneously, Mahindra Group also released a face-shield design for use in manufacturing centres - helping ensure that Indias industry stays as robust as it can to help keep the economy healthy. Our Haridwar Site joins Face Shield Assy for Corona Warriors. Good to hear CMO, Haridwar finds utility of FS. With Mumbai, Nasik, Indore, on board, this initiative will make difference @SheetalMehta @nachiket21 @MahindraRise @Vivek_Nayer @LalitVerma1960 https://t.co/HJ2c5PU9dW Vijay Kalra (@07Kalra) April 10, 2020 With so much good news coming from the company, weve got our fingers crossed. Who knows, maybe theyll even come up with the vaccine! North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's powerful younger sister has been reinstated to a key decision-making body, state media reported Sunday, marking her rise in the isolated nation. Long one of her brother's closest advisers, Kim Yo Jong was reappointed an alternate member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee in a reshuffle of top officials Saturday, according to the official Korean Central Agency. The meeting to decide on the appointment was presided over by Kim Jong Un, it added. Analysts say Kim Yo Jong is believed to have been removed from the position last year after the collapse of a second summit between her brother and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi. "The restoration is part of Kim Yo Jong's recent rise within the North's hierarchy," Ahn Chan-il, a North Korean defector and researcher in Seoul, told AFP. Kim Yo Jong acted as her brother's envoy to the South at the time of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018, which ushered in a rapid diplomatic rapprochement on the divided peninsula. She has frequently been pictured alongside him at summits with Trump or the South's President Moon Jae-in. But she only began issuing statements of direct political significance under her own name last month, which analysts said highlights her central role in the North's political ranking. It followed her appointment as first vice-department director of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party -- her main role in the totalitarian state. Ri Son Gwon, who was named the North's top diplomat in January, was also elected as an alternate member of the Political Bureau alongside Kim's sister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Albany, N.Y. - During his Sunday morning press briefing on COVID-19, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced 758 more people died due to coronavirus in New York State on Saturday. The total number of deaths in the state now stands at 9,385. This is the 6th straight day the state has seen more than 700 deaths due to coronavirus. Governor Cuomo also announced on Sunday he has signed two executive orders, one directing employers to provide essential workers with a cloth or surgical face mask for their employees to wear when their employees directly interact with the public, and the second executive order expands who can conduct antibody tests to help ensure as many New Yorkers as possible have access as the state works to bring these test to scale. Cuomo says the antibody tests are important in order to ultimately determine when to finally send people back to work safely, "They tell you if a person had the virus and got over the virus, and that would be the prime person to go back to work." Cuomo says the the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by the Federal Government in March did nothing for state governments and he has announced he is now asking the federal government to come up with $500 billion in funding for state governments across the country. The Governor also once again responded to reporters questions regarding New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's announcement on Saturday that New York City schools will not reopen until September. Cuomo reiterated again that it's not the Mayor's decision to make. Cuomo says it will be done as a regional decision, "All of the schools are closed. They will remain closed. We will not reopen any schools until it is safe from a public health standpoint. Am I prepared to say what we would be doing in June? No. I do not know what we're doing in June, nobody knows what will be doing in June. If you say that schools are closed through June, your effectively saying that businesses are closed through June because you can't restart the economy fully without restarting schools. Schools are providing not just education, but in many ways childcare for people who go to work, so coordinate all of that, do it regionally and June is a long way from now. We go day today to watch those numbers and we'll work with New Jersey and Connecticut and our local governments in each state to come up with a coordinated plan." Ive been telecommuting for decades, so for me sheltering in place isnt remotely the burden it is for a lot of Americans. But it does make the job of following politics more difficult for two reasons. First, to a certain degree, politics are on lockdown too. To the extent that the Democratic primaries are in the news, its mostly as a public health story, thanks to Wisconsins debate over whether to carry on with in-person voting and questions of how to conduct a convention while social distancing. Bernie Sanders who is still running, by the way wants to debate presumptive nominee Joe Biden again, but few in the party are interested in that. Biden himself is running a pandemic version of a front porch campaign via teleconference from his home office. The second reason is more vexing: Nobody has any clue what post-pandemic politics will look like. On the left, some fantasize about somehow replacing Biden with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, which makes a lot of sense given Cuomos impressive performance of late, except for the near impossibility of orchestrating such a handoff. Meanwhile, progressive groups, still licking their wounds over the almost instantaneous marginalization of Sanders, are suddenly seeing their massive grassroots organizations starved of money and the ability to organize. The situation on the right is even more opaque. For good or ill, the pandemic has made President Trump an even more central figure in our politics, thanks to the role the White House plays in a national emergency and his nightly, often rambling, news conferences. Thats not all to the GOPs advantage. Trumps refusal to admit any error in how hes handled the crisis has had the unintended effect of starving Republicans of some useful talking points. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tried to float the idea that the Democrats impeachment fixation distracted Trump from following through after the travel ban with a more robust response to the pandemic when it would have made a difference, but Trump himself threw cold water on that. Regardless, as the right gears up for either a Trump win or a lame duck presidency amid a hard period of recovery, its possible to glean some contours of post-pandemic Republican politics. Trump was always going to be the nominee, but his set of issues has been reshuffled entirely. He was all set to run on a roaring economy, pitting himself against socialism even though his preferred foil, Bernie Sanders, was sidelined on Super Tuesday. Now, the economy has headed south, and our anti-socialist president is ordering businesses to do the governments bidding and handing out direct payments to millions of Americans. Trumps vacillation between the need to clamp down on the virus and his desire to open up the economy is somewhat symbolic of the broader divides on the right. Longtime MAGA consigliere Steve Bannon tells The New York Times that the GOPs commitment to limited government is gone forever. Others in the Trumpist orbit, such as Donald Trump Jr., are still pushing the idea that the corona-hype is overblown and just part of an effort to take down his dad. Somewhere in the middle, conservative politicians and intellectuals are trying to find a less Trumpcentric path. Long before the coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, China, Sen. Marco Rubio and a coterie of eggheads were firing salvos at unfettered capitalism as if that described the status quo at any point in the last century of American politics and offering a blueprint for common good capitalism. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley, Trumps former U.N. ambassador (for whom my wife worked), resigned from the board of Boeing last month in protest over its request for a federal bailout. It was a principled stand, but its anyones guess whether corporate bailouts will be as unpopular on the right as they were before the pandemic. While its hard to know whether crony capitalism will remain out of favor, you can count on China to stay in the doghouse for years to come. Thats good news for one politician worth watching: Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas. Long a China hawk, Cotton is credited with convincing Trump to implement the China travel ban (though Trump didnt go as far as Cotton wanted). He deserves credit for spotting the threat and speaking out early on. Widely assumed to have presidential aspirations, Cotton has also deftly managed to avoid being seen as a Trump yes-man unlike, say, Sen. Lindsey Graham while remaining a favorite of the presidents. If the GOP ultimately sours on Trumps handling of the crisis, Cotton would be ideally situated to highlight his prescience. But thats a long way off, and for now its worth noting that Cotton is running ads supporting the presidents response to the pandemic. Jonah Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and the host of The Remnant podcast. His Twitter handle is @JonahDispatch. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Tamil Nadu on Sunday reported 106 new cases of COVID-19 to take the overall tally past the 1,000 mark, as one more person succumbed to the deadly virus, as the toll stood at 11. As many as eight doctors were affected with the virus, Health Secretary Beela Rajesh told reporters here. With a focus on "aggressive testing", the government has decided to coordinate with the private sector in this effort and would bear the expenses involved, she said. Of the 106 new cases, 16 had "inter-state travel" history and the remaining were their contacts, she said, even as the cumulative number of positive cases climbed to 1,075. A 45-year old woman from the city was the latest victim to the contagion and died at a government hospital on Saturday, nearly a week after she was admitted there. The death toll from the virus in Tamil Nadu now stands at 11. Further, 50 people have been discharged so far. Among the new cases were eight doctors-- two each from the Railways and the state government, while the rest were working in the private sector, she added. Further, the government has stepped up testing and has received approvals from the Centre to set up 23 facilities in the state. "We have got approvals from Government of India to set up 14 government labs and nine private labs", she said, adding JIPMER in Puducherry has been nominated as 'Mentor Lab' by the Centre. The government has now turned its focus on "aggressive testing" and has decided to rope in the private sector also. Rajesh said the private sector has fixed a price for testing the samples and that Chief Minister K Palaniswami has announced the government will bear all the expenses. "Our strategy is aggressive testing now," she said. According to reports, private sector has fixed a rate of Rs 4,500 for testing a COVID-19 sample. On Sunday, 49 new cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) were reported, with two of them testing positive for coronavirus, she said. Tirupur in the state recorded 35 new positive cases on Sunday followed by Coimbatore (22) and Chennai with 18 cases. The state capital topped the number of cases with 199, followed by Coimbatore at 119. Rajesh said the government has recently launched an interactive voice response system (IVRS) facility enabling callers to know whether they have symptoms of COVID-19. Meanwhile in Tiruchirappalli, a 40-year old COVID-19 positive patient was booked for "attempt to murder" after he allegedly spat on a doctor treating him at the government hospital. The patient admitted to the hospital's coronavirus ward on Saturday also removed his mask and threw it at the doctor, enraging the hospital staff and other patients. Ever since his admission in the ward, he has not been cooperating with the medical staff, police said. A report from Nagapattinam district stated that a 65- year old doctor, running a private clinic at Kadambadi in the district has tested positive for the virus after his return from the US three weeks back. The district administration has appealed to the people who received treatment from him to come forward and subject themselves to medical examination. Meanwhile in Erode, a coronavirus positive woman has given birth to a 'healthy' baby boy at a government medical college hospital at nearby Perundurai, where she has been undergoing treatment, officials said. A team of doctors carried out the ceasarean delivery at the Perundurai IRT Government Medical College Hospital, a designated facility for COVID-19 cases, on Saturday night. She is among the 14 women undergoing treatment at the hospital for coronavirus. The new born was 'healthy', officials said. Meanwhile, the state government said individuals and organisations cannot distribute food to the needy in the streets, saying it was a violation of the prohibitory orders clamped to enforce the ongoing lockdown, a move opposed by the opposition DMK and Makkal Needhi Maiam. "This (distribution of food in the open) will lead to spread of the disease (coronavirus)," an official release said, adding volunteers, political parties and others wanting to help can make contributions with the district collector or heads of the respective civic bodies. The officials will distribute food by enforcing social distancing and all should cooperate, the government said, adding, those flouting the norms will be deemed violators and will have to face legal action. It said the very purpose of clamping Section 144 of Cr.Pc., which bars the assembly of more than five persons, was to avoid crowding and ultimately prevent the spread of virus. DMK President M K Stalin slammed the move, saying whoever had issued the order was "heartless" and wondered why someone wanting to help people should be dissuaded from doing so. "Social distancing can be enforced by the police. But how can one order that food should not be provided to the affected people," he said in a statement. It was an "autocratic" order, he alleged. MNM chief Kamal Haasan said while neighbouring states were getting the help of youth and the private sector, the Tamil Nadu government was discouraging those who wanted to help the poor. "This is no time for commission or omission," he said in a tweet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - Niger state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has declared a shut down in the state - Bello explained that the move became important following the rise in the Covid-19 cases confirmed in Abuja which is close to Niger state - The restriction of movement, from 8am to 9pm, will commence on Wednesday, March 25 The governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has reportedly declared a shut down in the state, declaring restriction of movement from 8am to 8pm, as Nigeria's confirmed coronavirus cases rise. The Nation reports that the restriction of movement which the governor announced in a state broadcast on Monday, March 23, will commence on Wednesday, March 25. Legit.ng gathers that Governor Bello said the move became necessary due to the new cases emerging from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting theta Niger state is very close to the FCT. Governor Bello of Niger state declares lockdown as Abuja's COVID-19 cases rise Source: Twitter Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed five new cases of coronavirus on Monday. The new cases, according to the NDDC, include two in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), two in Lagos state and one in Edo state. Two of the cases are returning travellers from the United Kingdon So far, there have been 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria and two have been discharged. With the new development, Abuja now has six confirmed cases of coronavirus. PAY ATTENTION: Read the best news on Nigeria's #1 news app Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, has disclosed that his son has tested positive for the coronavirus disease. The politician disclosed this in a tweet on his verified Twitter handle on Sunday night, March 22. Atiku revealed that the NCDC has been duly informed about the situation and that his son had been moved to the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja for treatment. He did not mention the name of which of his sons was infected by the disease. Also, In another report, Atiku called on the federal government to use power at its disposal to ensure the lives of Nigerians are protected against the deadly coronavirus. The former presidential candidate of the PDP had recently advised the federal government to restrict flights from nations with a high prevalence of the coronavirus plague, following the discovery of index case of the disease in Lagos state In a statement he issued on Thursday, March 12, Abubakar also urged the government to take every reasonable step to protect the citizens of Nigeria by temporarily suspending flights to and from the affected countries until it builds up the ability to contain the coronavirus. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better. Coronavirus: Nigerian man says only rich men can contract the deadly virus: Legit TV Source: Legit.ng The British government on Saturday launched a campaign to help domestic violence victims during the coronavirus lockdown following an increase in the number seeking assistance, while figures showed that the number of people in the U.K. dying after testing positive for COVID-19 neared 10,000. Home Secretary Priti Patel also said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson needs to take time to rest and recuperate following his three-day stint in intensive care with COVID-19. Patel said it was vital that the prime minister, who remains in a London hospital for a seventh night, returned to full health. Johnson continues to make very good progress at St. Thomas' hospital, his office at 10 Downing Street said in a statement. Johnson was hospitalized on April 5 and was transferred to the intensive care unit the following day where he received oxygen, but wasn't put on a ventilator. He spent three nights there before moving back to a regular ward on Thursday evening. Patel, who was hosting her first daily government coronavirus media briefing, also said she was sorry if people feel that there have been failings regarding the supply of personal protective equipment, or PPE, to staff in the National Health Service. The government has faced mounting criticism over PPE following sustained reports of some nurses using garbage bags to protect themselves. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier that 19 front-line NHS staff have died after testing positive for COVID-19. 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. For the victims of these crimes, home is not the safe haven that it should be," she said. Though there hasn't yet been a sustained rise in reports of domestic abuse during the lockdown to police, Patel said that there has been an extremely concerning increase in those seeking help. She noted that last week Britain's national domestic violence hotline reported a 120% increase in the number of calls it received in just one 24-hour period. She also said the government's stay at home message didn't apply to victims of domestic abuse and that authorities will work to ensure there is refuge for victims and their children if they need to escape their home. Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs Council, warned abusers to not think that this is a time where you can get away with this. Overall, he said there had been a 21% fall in overall crime in the last four weeks compared to the same period last year and that as of Thursday, police had issued 1,084 fines for breaches of coronavirus regulations in England and Wales. He said a small minority of people have failed to follow the governments guidance and that police will publish enforcement data every two weeks during the crisis. 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 said. Earlier, the government reported 917 more people died in the hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus, taking the total to 9,875. The increase was slightly lower than the daily high of 980 recorded in the previous 24-hour period. That increase was higher than the daily peaks recorded in Italy and Spain, the two European countries with the highest total number of coronavirus-related deaths. Comparisons may not be precise. The U.K. deaths reported each day occurred over several days or even weeks, and the total only includes deaths in hospitals. 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. Health Canada says a rapid coronavirus blood test that's being manufactured in Canada and shipped to the United States is not ready for use here. CBC News has learned that tests such as the one made by Markham, Ont., company BTNX are on hold in this country, despite the fact that sales of the same test have been allowed to proceed in the U.S., the U.K. and Europe. The company's chief financial officer, Mitchell Pittaway, said in an email to CBC News that Health Canada told the company rapid blood tests of the kind it's seeking to sell will remain under review until a "greater national strategy on their use is developed." "I will say that we were quite disappointed by that feedback," said Pittaway, noting that the company has been able to sell "tens of thousands" of the tests to the U.S. through an emergency program that exempts it from normal regulatory processes. CEO Iqabal Sunderani said, "We have a sister company in the U.K. that is literally selling this in the millions. It would be good to have a base in your home country." While Canada's medical laboratories have been working through a backlog of tests done through nasal swabs, blood tests that could hasten diagnosis remain off the table here. BTNX Inc. Unlike the traditional swabs that test for the presence of the virus, these rapid tests use just a couple of drops of blood from a pinprick on the finger to detect the presence of antibodies that fight the virus. With no trip to a laboratory required, results are available on the spot in 15 minutes. The tests cost around $10 each. While they can't detect the virus in its early stages as nasal swabs can the rapid blood tests are effective at diagnosing people about five to seven days after symptoms show up, once the body has had a chance to produce antibodies. The test can also help identify who may be immune to the illness including people who have had the illness, as well as some who may have acquired the virus but never become sick. Story continues Dr. Jean Carruthers, a Vancouver ophthalmologist and ocular plastic surgeon, wrote a letter to the federal government after learning about the BTNX test. It's been co-signed by 90 physicians. WATCH | Ottawa urged to fast-track new rapid coronavirus test "To know that you're immune and can go back to work and can help your fellow Canadians makes a ton of sense," said Carruthers. "I'm really disappointed that we have a test made in Canada by Canadians that can't be used on Canadians." Carruthers cited Germany and South Korea as good examples of countries that have used rapid blood tests systematically to identify who can safely go back to work in front-line health care and the service industry, rather than have huge swaths of workers on pause. Those cleared can also help trace the contacts of people who have been infected something routinely done when a patient tests positive. Craig Chivers/CBC Dr. Michael Gardam, an infectious disease specialist and the chief of staff at Humber River Hospital in Toronto, echoed that sentiment. "It would allow us to back off from the sledgehammer, and we could be much more selective in the kind of control measures that we're bringing into play, because we can't keep doing what we're doing now for all that much longer." In an email to CBC News, Health Canada said it is following the advice of the World Health Organization, "which does not currently recommend serological [blood] tests for clinical diagnosis." "The department is working with the National Microbiology Laboratory to validate testing and research, along with expert advice, so that we can have confidence in the test results," the email said. At BTNX, Pittaway said he hopes a different answer comes soon. "We've seen the speed in which other other health agencies around the world have been able to take these decisions. and we think that Canada will hopefully be in a position to take a well-informed decision quite quickly." We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. On the other hand, we'd be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So we'll take a look at whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Altus Strategies plc (LON:ALS). Do Insider Transactions Matter? It's quite normal to see company insiders, such as board members, trading in company stock, from time to time. However, rules govern insider transactions, and certain disclosures are required. We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. As Peter Lynch said, 'insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise. View our latest analysis for Altus Strategies Altus Strategies Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when CEO & Executive Director Steven Poulton bought UK141k worth of shares at a price of UK0.26 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of UK0.25. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price. Altus Strategies insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! Story continues AIM:ALS Recent Insider Trading April 12th 2020 There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Insider Ownership of Altus Strategies Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. It appears that Altus Strategies insiders own 16% of the company, worth about UK2.8m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders. So What Does This Data Suggest About Altus Strategies Insiders? The fact that there have been no Altus Strategies insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Insiders do have a stake in Altus Strategies and their transactions don't cause us concern. While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. At Simply Wall St, we've found that Altus Strategies has 7 warning signs (3 are concerning!) that deserve your attention before going any further with your analysis. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. 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. By Express News Service CHENNAI: The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Tamil Nadu have increased to 1,075. Of them, 11 have died till date including a 45-year-old woman on Saturday. She was undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Chennai. The woman, a contact of one of the Delhi returnees, developed breathing trouble and subsequently succumbed. Meanwhile, in a fresh round of confusion, an Indigo Airlines passenger who died in isolation tested positive for COVID-19 in a private lab, but negative at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. The patient was tested positive in private lab, but when his sample was tested twice at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, it turned to be negative. But, as a preparatory measure, we have carried out containment activities in his area. Also, we are auditing the death. After that only we could come to any conclusion. So, now officially its not included in the State death figure, said Director of Public Health K Kolandaswamy. Across the State, 93,560 people with a travel history have been quarantined for 28 days. Till now, a total of 10,655 samples have been taken from passengers. Among them 1,075 samples have tested positive till date, and 8,373 have tested negative. Testing of 1,207 samples are under process and 124 are repeat samples of same persons. Of the cases reported on Sunday, a whopping 69 were from Western Districts. Tirupur alone had 35 fresh cases, including a one-year-old baby and a government nurse. In Tiruchy too, a toddler (1.5 years) is in isolation, along with the mother. The baby is positive but the mother is negative. We have allowed the mother to stay with the child, said sources, adding that the mother would also be given hydroxychloroquine, the drug used in fighting the viral outbreak, as she is in contact with the baby. The childs father is already undergoing treatment. Four Indonesian couples arrested in Chengalpattu Four couples from Indonesia were arrested on Saturday by Chengalpattu district police for indulging in religious activities while they are in India on tourist visas. These couples had attended the Tablighi Jamaats conference in Delhi early March and had subsequently reached Maduranthakam in Chengalpattu district on March 21 by train.Police said the eight people were preaching small gatherings despite the lockdown. On April 5, the police booked them and their samples were taken for the COVID 19 test. Recently, the results returned negative. All of them were arrested Saturday. The main charges against them are violation of the norms of tourist visa and indulging in religious activities, violation of the quarantine, and malignant activities to spread the infection. Identity of doctor with COVID-19 revealed The Nagapattinam district administration on Sunday revealed the identity of a doctor who tested positive for coronavirus with an appeal to the public to identify those who had contacts with him in the last three weeks. Dr C Kumarappan (73), a retired government physician cum private medical practitioner was tested positive. District Collector Praveen P Nair said, We are compelled to disclose the details of Dr C Kumarappan to trace and treat all those who had contacts with him. We request the people who had met him, got treated by him, had a medical consultation from him in the past three weeks to come forward and contact us so that we can help in treating them. (With inputs from Coimbatore, Tirupur, Namakkal, Salem, and Erode) South Korea is one of the few countries that has succeeded in flattening the coronavirus curve. Its policy of testing, tracing and treating without lockdowns has been widely lauded. Some attribute this to South Koreas experience of having dealt with previous epidemics such as Sars and Mers. As The Guardian writes, commentators in the US tend to stress the countrys effective leadership, contrasting it with that of Donald Trumps. Others point to cultural factors, such as the willingness of the public to sacrifice privacy for the greater good. What is often overlooked, though, is that at the roots of South Koreas success against Covid-19 are a well-funded and efficient system of delivering public services. Without this baseline infrastructure, the policy of test, trace and treat could not have been sustained or expanded to the degree that it has. Likewise, effective leadership cannot achieve much if it lacks a well-oiled public service system that can deliver. Take South Koreas biggest international airport, Incheon. As a publicly managed airport, it is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Likewise, the Seoul metro system is world renowned for its cheap fares and efficiency, making it one of the top five underground systems. By far the most impressive aspect is South Koreas single-payer healthcare system which was ranked the first among OECD countries in 2015. Although hospitals in Korea are mostly privately run, 97% of the Korean population is covered by the compulsory national health insurance scheme. This balance between privatised hospitals and public insurance system has ensured universal accessibility and ample resources, proving its effectiveness in the coronavirus crisis. How did South Korea achieve this? Unlike in western Europe after the second world war, establishing a welfare system was not the priority of the dictatorships that ruled the country. Like many developing nations in Asia, the emphasis was on industrialisation and economic growth. At the same time, the dictatorship invested heavily in public infrastructure, viewing it as indispensable to Koreas growing industries. In 1977, the countrys first national health insurance system was introduced, although this was nothing like the comprehensive healthcare of today. The restoration of democracy in 1987 did not change this state-led economic model and infrastructure management. What changed, however, was the attitude of the people. The toppling of the military dictatorship in 1987 was the result of a series of nationwide protests. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, South Korea saw numerous mass civil protests against a wide range of issues, from the import of US beef to government mismanagement of a ferry accident in 2014. The apex of this mass mobilisation were the demonstrations against the previous resident, Park Geun-hye. The protests continued from October 2016 to March 2017. On 3 December 2016, an estimated 2.3 million people took to the streets, almost 4% of the entire population. These subsequently led to Parks impeachment and imprisonment. Korean politics since the 1990s can thus be characterised as a period during which citizens became increasingly emboldened in their relationship with the state, forcing governments to take their wellbeing seriously. One area that this has been the most conspicuous is in public transportation, energy and healthcare. For the average person, these are everyday services that all citizens have the right to enjoy, and which are paid for by taxpayers money. To put it in more utilitarian terms, they are the most tangible barometers with which to judge the governments commitment to its citizens. Failure to improve their qualities and manage them properly almost always leads to a loss of votes for the ruling party in upcoming elections. This sensitivity to public services and responsiveness to hold government accountable has been the spur behind the improvement of South Koreas public services for the past 20 years. It also makes privatisation difficult to accept. Not only does it go against the ingrained sense of communal entitlement but also, seeing that services have improved under government, many question the logic of selling them to private companies. The irony is that for many years, Koreans believed that having world-class public services was equivalent to becoming more democratic and thus more western. Many were unaware of the widespread privatisation and outsourcing of public services that was taking place in the west at the same time. The coronavirus crisis plunging Europe into chaos has shattered this idealised image. As far as Koreans are concerned, this has been a vindication of a supposed Korean model which they have fought for over many years. It is unlikely that it will go away anytime soon. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is scheduled to facilitate operations of three relief flights of British Airways for the UK nationals and their families who are stranded in Gujarat Ahmedabad: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad is scheduled to facilitate operations of three relief flights of British Airways for the UK nationals and their families who are stranded in Gujarat, informed SVPIA Director on Saturday. Out of these three flights, the two flights scheduled for 13 April and 15 April have already been approved. They will arrive from London (Heathrow) at 1245 IST and depart at 1530 IST for London (Heathrow) on the same day, read an official statement. The flight on 17 April will arrive at 2100 hours and depart at 2200 IST, and each flight will carry at least 280 passengers. "Special care will be taken for the facilitation of the passengers and their social distancing in line with directives of Govt of India. SVPI Airport is requesting all the passengers to please follow instructions of the staff on duty," it further read. Meanwhile, the country is under a 21-day lockdown which has been imposed to check the spread of the coronavirus. States like Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Telangana have already extended the lockdown for the month of April. The International media are continuing praising the unparalleled measures taken by Morocco to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, with some describing the kingdoms strategy as one of the best in the world. Italian news agency NOVA commented that the plan adopted by Morocco to fight the coronavirus epidemic is unprecedented and the first of its kind in Africa. In a dispatch entitled Covid-19 virus: the royal plan to deal with the crisis, the agency stated that the measures taken by Morocco were based, from the start, on a preventive and proactive approach to stem the epidemic, at the instigation of King Mohammed VI. The agency noted that Moroccos plan to fight the coronavirus epidemic is multidimensional and includes diverse and far-reaching measures to curb the spread of the virus and counter the economic and social impact of the epidemic. These measures constitute a Moroccan Marshall Plan, stated the agency, which listed all the moves made by Morocco, including the closure of borders, the health quarantine and social distancing, the compulsory wearing of protective masks, as well as the upgrading of medical equipment, the strengthening of hospital bed capacity, and the mobilization of military medical staff and infrastructure in the fight against the pandemic. NOVA also highlighted the measures adopted by authorities to provide support to the populations most affected by the slowdown in economic activity, in particular through the Special Fund launched, at the initiative of King Mohammed VI. The fund has started paying compensations to workers who lost their jobs because of the lockdown. The Times of India, the largest-selling English daily in the world, on its part published a column on the coronavirus crisis impact on Africa, highlighting Moroccos efforts to curb the pandemic, as the most exemplary in the continent. One African nation that has taken exemplary measures to fight COVID-19 is the North African nation of Morocco, stated the author of the column, who added that Morocco is shielding the entire African continent from the pandemic, thanks to its strategic location. What Morocco does in controlling the pandemic is critical for Africa because it is the gateway between Europe and the continent. And with Spain and France each having well over 100,000 COVID-19 cases just next door, Morocco is like the northern shield for Africa, commented the publication, which enumerated the exceptional proactive measures implemented to protect its population from the pandemic. Moroccos proactive strategy reverberated in South America, where Nova Paraguay commented that the Kingdoms strategy in the fight against the COVID-19 stands out as one of the best in the world. The outlet highlighted the quick decision to devote 2.7% of the countrys GDP to respond to the pandemic, becoming one of the first four countries in the world to mobilize such financial resources to the crisis. Several European news outlets have also commended Moroccos reaction to COVID-19, such as Spanish newspaper El Pais, French website myeurop.info, and French radio station France Info. Each of these outlets hailed the Moroccan Kings swift response and comprehensive socioeconomic relief measures taken to mitigate the fallout of the covid-19 pandemic, pointing out that this proactive strategy puts Morocco at the forefront of countries having adopted the adequate measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus. EARLY signs of whether a British coronavirus vaccine works or doesnt may be only weeks away, a leading expert has said. Professor Sarah Gilbert said yesterday she was 80 per cent confident a vaccine that her team is developing at Oxford University would be effective, and that it could be ready by September. Now Professor Peter Openshaw, who has advised the Government on vaccines and is vice chair of its virus advisory group Nervtag, says signs as to whether her jab works should become clear very soon. Prof Gilberts team at Oxfords Jenner Institute is just about to begin testing the vaccine in a six-month trial of 510 volunteers in the Thames Valley region. But Prof Openshaw said researchers would not have to wait six months for confirmation, saying: We could see a signal very quickly. I do earnestly hope that in the next few weeks they get a positive signal. And early signs of whether a British coronavirus vaccine works or doesn't may be only weeks away, a leading expert has said. Stock picture Half those in the trial will get the Oxford vaccine and half a dummy jab. If it works, none of those who get the real vaccine or very, very few will develop Covid-19. By contrast, some of those who get the placebo would be expected to become infected and have symptoms. Prof Openshaw said it was astonishing just what progress Sarah [Gilbert] has made so far, adding: Shes the woman who can deliver a vaccine. But he stressed that she was very methodical and was not going to rush forward [claiming it works] until theres a trial that shows the vaccine prevents people from getting ill. He insisted that talks should start now on manufacturing large stocks of the vaccine. There has to be investment in making the vaccine before they know the full results of the trial, he said. If someone is prepared to put money upfront and say, Just in case this works, lets make millions of doses on spec, then we might have it ready by the autumn. To my mind, with the situation we are in, where trillions of pounds are at stake because of the impact of coronavirus on the economy, we have to invest now to make a lot of vaccine, even if its never used. Ironically, the success of Britains lockdown could mean it takes longer to tell if the vaccine works, according to experts, as there will be less of the virus circulating. Chinese guidance on how to manage the virus has already begun to incorporate the drug but the NHS has 'strongly discouraged' its use up until this point because evidence of its effectiveness is limited. WhatsApp messages, seen by The Telegraph, from doctors involved in administering the drug at Barts imply that the drug will be given to patients for five days at a time. They also reveal fears about its long- term availability. An argument has exploded in the French medical community recently after a leading cardiologist claimed that the drug had damaged the hearts of 54 coronavirus patients, four of whom died. Now Professor Peter Openshaw, who has advised the Government on vaccines and is vice chair of its virus advisory group Nervtag, says signs as to whether her jab works should become clear very soon. Prof Gilbert's team at Oxford's Jenner Institute is just about to begin testing the vaccine in a six-month trial of 510 volunteers in the Thames Valley region. But Prof Openshaw said researchers would not have to wait six months for confirmation, saying: 'We could see a signal very quickly. I do earnestly hope that in the next few weeks they get a positive signal.' Half those in the trial will get the Oxford vaccine and half a 'dummy' jab. If it works, none of those who get the real vaccine or very, very few will develop Covid-19. By contrast, some of those who get the placebo would be expected to become infected and have symptoms. Prof Openshaw said it was 'astonishing just what progress Sarah [Gilbert] has made' so far, adding: 'She's the woman who can deliver a vaccine'. Professor Sarah Gilbert said yesterday she was '80 per cent confident' a vaccine that her team is developing at Oxford University would be effective, and that it could be ready by September But he stressed that she was 'very methodical' and was 'not going to rush forward [claiming it works] until there's a trial that shows the vaccine prevents people from getting ill.' He insisted that talks should start now on manufacturing large stocks of the vaccine. 'There has to be investment in making the vaccine before they know the full results of the trial,' he said. 'If someone is prepared to put money upfront and say, 'Just in case this works, let's make millions of doses on spec', then we might have it ready by the autumn. To my mind, with the situation we are in, where trillions of pounds are at stake because of the impact of coronavirus on the economy, we have to invest now to make a lot of vaccine, even if it's never used.' Ironically, the success of Britain's lockdown could mean it takes longer to tell if the vaccine works, according to experts, as there will be less of the virus circulating. Hydroxychloroquine is a synthetic compound that was created 75 years ago as an alternative to quinine as malaria treatment. St Bartholomew's Hospital in London and the Royal Devon and Exeter have started handing out hydroxychloroquine in a bid to keep seriously-ill Covid-19 patients alive It is also used to treat chronic inflammatory illnesses such as lupus and theumatoid arthritis. While the Chinese medical authorities have recommended its use they have not released supporting data to back up its effectiveness. Mr Trump has been criticised for publicly endorsing the drug in the absence of systematic evidence. 'What have you got to lose? Take it,' he urged last weekend, while boasting that the US had access to 29million doses. A trial of hydroxychloroquine began in the US on Thursday, overseen by the National Institutes of Health. A spokesman for Barts said: 'Barts Health NHS Trust has convened an expert clinical group to consider novel medications in the treatment of Covid-19. 'The evidence base is limited for all such drugs and we are actively recruiting patients to major clinical trials that have been prioritised by the Dept of Health and Social Care. 'These include hydroxychloroquine, kaletra, steroids and remdesivir.' He added: 'For a small number of carefully selected patients, we have recommended some novel therapies for immediate use, including immunomodulatory drugs such as tocilizumab.' A spokesman for the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust said patients would be selected at random by computer for participation in the hydroxychloroquine trial. Britain could end up with the most deaths from coronavirus of any country in Europe, a top scientist warned today. Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, said increasing testing would 'buy you time' to allow the health service to deal with the crisis, and there were 'lessons to be learned from that'. It comes amid a furious row over the number of tests carried out in the UK, as Britain's coronavirus death toll surged past 10,000 today, marking a grim milestone in the country's epidemic. A further 737 people have lost their lives, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10,612 as of Easter Sunday. Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, said increasing testing would 'buy you time' to allow the health service to deal with the crisis, and there were 'lessons to be learned from that' The country is now seeing daily rates match the worst recorded by Europe's hardest-hit nations, Italy and Spain, after recording nearly 1,000 new fatalities in each of the last two days. Spain has now recorded 16,972 deaths from COVID-19, including 619 today, while Italy has had just under 19,500, behind only the United States in confirmed deaths worldwide. Business Secretary Alok Sharma floundered when Sir Jeremy's comments were put to him on the BBC's Andrew Marr show. Business Secretary Alok Sharma floundered when Sir Jeremy's comments were put to him on the BBC 's Andrew Marr show Asked three times if he agreed Britain could be one of the worst-hit countries in Europe, he did not directly answer the question. 'Different countries are at different stages of this cycle,' he said. 'We are at different trajectories. What we have done with the advice that we have now set out to people, to stay at home, is precisely because we want to make sure that we have a flattening of the curve, that infection rates aren't going up, and ultimately people's lives are being saved. 'We are starting to see these measures work but they will stay in place until we have advice from Sage (the Government's scientific advisers) in terms of the evidence that is out there.' The comments come as: PM Boris Johnson praises the NHS for saving his life as he is discharged from hospital after fighting coronavirus Britain's national health service suffers shortages of key intensive care drugs and protective equipment for medical workers Spain sends some non-essential workers back to work tomorrow as their death toll rises 619 in a day to 16,972, but rest of lockdown remains in force The US death toll from coronavirus eclipses Italy's for the highest in the world at more than 20,00 Sir Jeremy, an infectious disease expert, also said that it was 'probably inevitable' there would be more waves of Covid-19 around the world unless a successful vaccine becomes widely available. He pointed to reports from South Korea of around 100 catching the virus a second time, suggesting those infected do not develop complete immunity, in a n interview Sir Jeremy said it was possible the UK could end up with the worst coronavirus death rate in Europe. 'Numbers in the UK have continued to go up,' he told Marr. 'And yes, the UK is likely to be certainly one of the worst, if not the worst affected country in Europe.' He said continuing testing in the community would 'buy you time' to deal with the crisis, giving an additional six to eight weeks to ensure health systems were up to capacity. Only the United States, France, Italy and Spain have officially broken the 10,000-death threshold, making the UK among the worst-hit places on the planet. 'Undoubtedly there are lessons to learn from that,' Sir Jeremy said. Scientists from the University of Oxford have claimed a vaccine for the virus could be ready by the spring. Responding to this, Sir Jeremy said: 'It is my view that treatment and vaccines are our only true exit strategy from this. 'We are determined that we don't go through this ever again and I think the chances of second and third waves of this epidemic are probably inevitable. 'And therefore having the right treatments to save lives and also having a vaccine in the future is going to be absolutely critical to prevent those second and third waves.' Sir Jeremy added that there was evidence that black and other ethnic communities were more at risk from Covid-19. He told the BBC: 'There is some evidence growing both in the United States and here in Europe that people from BAME backgrounds are more at risk. 'What is critical to work out is whether that is something specific to that background or is it related to other risk factors we know about - age, other illness people have: diabetes, people who are obese have been more affected, people with high blood pressure, people with heart disease, lung disease.' The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 273 and the number of cases in the country climbed to 8,447 on Sunday, an increase of 918 since Saturday evening, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 7,409, as many as 764 people have been cured and discharged, and one had migrated, it said. The total number of cases include 71 foreign nationals. Thirty-one deaths have been reported since Saturday evening, of which 3 were from Madhya Pradesh, 17 from Maharashtra, five from Delhi, three from Gujarat, two from Tamil Nadu and one from Uttar Pradesh. Of the total 273 deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 127 fatalities, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 36, Gujarat at 22 and Delhi at 19. Punjab registered 11 deaths, Telengana nine fatalities and Tamil Nadu 10. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have reported six deaths each while five people have lost their lives in West Bengal. Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh have reported four fatalities each while Haryana and Rajasthan have recorded three deaths each. Two deaths have been reported from Kerala. Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Assam reported one fatality each, according to the health ministry data. However, a PTI tally of figures reported by various states as on Sunday showed at least 8,0933 cases and 296 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. According to the ministry's data updated in the evening, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 1,761, followed by Delhi at 1,069 and Tamil Nadu at 969. COVID-19 cases have gone up to 700 in Rajasthan followed by 504 in Telangana and 564 in Madhya Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh has 452, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 381, Kerala at 374 and Gujarat at 432. The number of novel coronavirus cases have risen to 226 in Karnataka, 224 in Jammu and Kashmir and 185 in Haryana. Punjab has reported 151 COVID-19 positive cases so far and West Bengal 134. Bihar has reported 64 cases while Odisha has 54 coronavirus cases. Thirty-five people were infected with the virus in Uttarakhand while Assam has 29 patients followed by Himachal Pradesh with 32 cases. Chandigarh and Chhattisgarh have 19 cases each while Jharkhand has 25 and Ladakh 15, while 11 cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Goa and Puducherry have reported seven COVID-19 infections each, Manipur and Tripura have two cases each while Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have reported one case each. "State-wise distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation," the ministry said on its website. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The African Union has said it has summoned the Chinese Ambassador Liu Yuxi over allegations of discriminatory treatment of some African nationals in China. President of the Commission wrote on his Twitter account, "my office invited the Chinese Amb to the AU, Liu Yuxi to express our concern at allegations of maltreatment of African in Guangzhou..." Some Africans in the Chinese city of Guangzhou alleged they are being maltreated by some Chinese of fears of the world pandemic. They accused their Chinese counterparts of pushing them out of hotels, restaurants and other public places. President of the African Union Commission stressed that the organisation has also called on the Chinese government to take preemptive measures to stop such inhumane treatment of Africans. "...called for immediate remedial measures in line with our excellent relations. " His Excellency Moussa Faki noted that an African group based in Beijing was also meeting the Chinese government over such unfair treatment. But the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said: "Face with the severe test of epidemics, China and African countries are united more than ever. We treat all foreign nationals equally in China. We reject differential treatment and we have zero tolerance for discrimination." The Honourable Commissioner for Health has been briefed about the development and is in total agreement with all the steps that we are taking. Actor-writer Lena Dunham is celebrating two years of abstinence from alcohol and drugs. The "Girls" creator took to Instagram on Saturday to share the Calling her sobriety a "miracle" she can't take for granted, Dunham said two years ago she didn't think she needed to get sober. "But a quiet voice inside me said, 'lay it down for a moment' and then other, louder voices helped me keep it up. To those voices - you know who you are and thank you x infinity ... My heart pounds thinking of who I was two years ago. "I was afraid to change but what actually happened was that I became myself again, a young and carefree self, a self who was clear in intention and bold in action and - most of all - free. We know, now more than ever, that we all need to be free," the actor wrote alongside a smiling selfie. Dunham, 33, said abstinence, opening up and doing away with self harm has given her a life "beyond my wildest dreams". "Not because it's perfect, but because it is really and truly mine... There is real help available for people who feel they are beyond hope. So many people are waiting for you across a shaky but time tested bridge," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seminaries launch Dial-a-Priest to give prayers, last rites to patients so they don't feel alone Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A pair of Episcopal Church seminaries have launched a hotline in which clergy can give prayers and last rites to people in the hospital over the phone, namely for coronavirus patients for whom access might be limited because of social distancing. Virginia Theological Seminary and General Theological Seminary launched Dial-A-Priest on Tuesday through their joint project, the TryTank Experimental Lab. The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija, director of TryTank, told The Christian Post that he believed the coronavirus pandemic has brought out in many of us the deep desire to want to help. When a call comes in, it rings at the same time to all of the volunteers currently logged into the system, explained Lebrija, who noted that at present Dial-A-Priest had around 100 volunteers on the system, plus 70 who were on a wait list. A nurse or doctor will call, tell the clergy-person the name of the patient and then the prayers of Ministration at the Time of Death are spoken. VTS Dean the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, who commented that Dial-A-Priest was a way to make sure the dying do not feel alone. In a season where hospitals are overwhelmed and where pastoral care is limited because of physical distancing, the Seminaries step in to suggest a way forward, stated Markham. Our goal is to make sure that the dying do not feel alone at this time. It is a simple idea: we provide this free service to support those who are most in need. The Rev. Peggy Muncie, a retired Episcopal priest who previously served as a hospital chaplain, is one of the volunteers with the hotline. She had been on the mailing list for TryTank and when they asked for volunteers for Dial-A-Priest, she felt a calling to participate. As a hospital and long term care chaplain, I often offered prayers at the time of death, sat with the dying and their loved ones, she told CP. I know what patients, the families, and staff can feel in times of grief and deep sorrow. When a patient is actively dying it is hard. No one wants to have a loved one be alone at the time of death. Although the hotline has only been in operation since this week, Muncie has already given last rites over the phone to a dying patient, describing the experience as a bit surreal at first. However, when I made the connection with one family member as the spouse was actively dying I found myself connecting with the individual as we spoke, said Muncie. Once I said the prayer, I let a silence fall. We began to connect and she shared her story, their story, and we spoke of their life together. The meaning of their life together and how important they were to each other became real. Muncie recalled that somehow she was able to believe through her deep grief that God would receive her loved one into the Kingdom. I heard her belief and her gratitude. Together at the end we prayed the Lords Prayer that prayer that unites all Christians, she continued. Muncie hopes that Dial-A-Priest would be a help to hospital staff who focus on spiritual care, as it would be available when a patient or loved one asks for an Episcopal rite and prayer. To offer prayers of hope for the patient, that is more than last rites. It is the support that religion provides for those in crisis in hospital, said Muncie. Even over the phone, hearing the warmth and compassion of a human voice when you or your loved one is at the brink of death, sharing with you the hope that there is a dwelling place of perfect rest and blessedness, a place where the angels surround you and the peace of God is real is powerful and offers consolation. Pakistan keen to host ICC events in 2023-31 cycle Pakistan have offered to host global flagship tournaments after the International Cricket Council (ICC) invited expression of interest from its members for events in the 2023-31 cycle. Pakistan last staged an ICC event in 1996 when it co-hosted the 50-overs World Cup with India and Sri Lanka and the country has been largely starved of international cricket since a 2009 attack on the touring Sri Lanka team in Lahore. "The PCB has expressed its interest in hosting ICC events during the 2023-31 events cycle," a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson told Reuters. "We will work in line with ICC guidelines and look forward to submitting strong proposal in the coming months." Pakistan played their first test on home soil since 2009 against Sri Lanka in December and have hosted Bangladesh this year. ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney toured several member countries encouraging bids following the governing body's decision to select hosts of future events through a bidding process. "We are extremely encouraged with the positive response we've received for the 2023-31 cycle," an ICC spokesman said. "We have had close to 100 offers with 18 members showing interest in holding the 28 events proposed for the cycle." WikiLeaks boss, Julian Assange, fathered two kids, while living in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. The mother of the kids is a lawyer, Stella Morris, with whom he fell in love. In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, Stella Morris, 37, admitted to raising Gabriel, four, and his one-year-old brother, Max, while their father lived in the Ecuadorian embassy to avoid extradition to the U.S. Mr Assange, 48, is currently being held in Belmarsh prison in London after being dragged out of the Ecuadorian embassy last year. He has been there since last April when police dragged him from the embassy following a seven-year stand-off. Their first child, Gabriel, was born in 2016 before the couples engagement in 2017 while their second, Max, was born in February 2019. The latters birth was filmed on a GoPro and the footage sent to Mr Assange. When Gabriel was conceived in 2016, Assange had been inside the Ecuadorian embassy for four years and was believed to be under constant surveillance by American security services, the Daily Mail reports. The couple allegedly kept their relationship and the birth of their children secret from Ecuadorian diplomats and officials who had given Mr Assange refuge. Ms Morris said Mr Assange did not meet his newest son until May last year when Ms Morris was allowed into Belmarsh prison with both boys. By then, intimate footage of Maxs birth, shot on a camera by a friend, had been seized by the U.S. along with Assanges legal documents from his quarters inside the embassy. Charges The WikiLeaks founder is awaiting an extradition hearing filed on behalf of the United States, where he faces 17 espionage charges for leaking classified documents. The charges relate to the leak of 700,000 classified documents handed to WikiLeaks by former US intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning (then Bradley Manning) in 2010. But the South-African born lawyer and fiancee, Stella Morris, told the mail newspaper she decided to come forward over grave concerns for his health, as the coronavirus sweeps through prisons across the country. Ms Morris officially changed her name from Sara Gonzalez Devant to Stella Morris so she could maintain a lower profile while researching and drafting legal documents for WikiLeaks. In a statement to the courts supporting an application for bail, Ms Morris said she met Mr Assange in 2011 when she was a legal researcher and was asked to look into the Swedish legal theory and practice. Ms Morris is pleading for her fiance to be released under governments plans to free thousands of prisoners to quell the spread of the deadly virus between bars. She said Mr Assange is vulnerable because he suffers from a chronic lung condition aggravated by his years inside the embassy and has mental health issues which became more severe as a result of isolation. She said he is effectively in solitary confinement, in a cell for up to 23 and a half hours a day with no access to his family, or the psychiatric help he needs. April 10 made it exactly a year since Mr Assange was evicted from the embassy where he had been given political asylum, putting him beyond the reach of America. She said his extradition hearing is fixed for May 18 after a court rejected calls for an adjournment until September after his legal team said there were insuperable difficulties in preparing his case because of COVID-19. At present, Ms Morris, like all family members of prisoners, is banned from visiting because of COVID-19. She is anxious that Mr Assange is also unable to see his legal team or prepare for his extradition hearing next month. For a long time I have feared I will lose Julian to suicide if there is no way in which he can stop his extradition to the U.S. I now fear I may lose him for different reasons, and sooner, to the virus. He doesnt have a voice at present but I do. Thats why I am using it, she said Advertisements Ms Morris is currently living with extended family in London. She is being supported by Mr Assanges mother, Christine Assange, and his father, John Shipton Robust digital payment infrastructure helped more than 30 crore people to receive financial assistance of Rs 28,256 crore under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on March 26 to protect them from the impact of the lockdown, an official statement said on Sunday. A digital pipeline laid a few years ago -- through linking Jan-Dhan accounts as well as other accounts with the beneficiaries' mobile numbers and Aadhaar Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) -- was instrumental in cash transfer under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan package amid coronavirus pandemic. This infrastructure pipeline is providing the necessary backbone for DBT flows, adoption of social security/pension schemes, etc, the Finance Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. As part of Rs 1.70 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan package relief package, more than 30 crore beneficiaries have been given support via direct benefit transfer through first installment during the last week. Two more installments of cash transfer will be done in May and June. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched in August, 2014 with an aim to provide bank accounts to unbanked persons, it said, adding out of around 126 crore operative CASA accounts as on March 20, 2020, more than 38 crore have been opened under PMJDY. 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. 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. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) disbursed about Rs 1,400 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. Talking about digital pipeline, it said, it has enabled interoperable, speedy and accurate transactions as the bank accounts are enabled to carry out both cash and digital transactions at bank branches, business correspondent (BC) points, merchant locations and on internet. The Digital Payment Ecosystem includes Bhim Adhaar Pay, RuPay debit cards and UPI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HARTFORD Deaths attributed to the coronavirus in Connecticut surpassed 550 Sunday, while the number of new cases fell from the previous day. An additional 60 people across the state have died, putting the death toll at 554. The state recorded 525 new cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday afternoon, the governors office said, bringing the statewide total to 12,035. The number of newly reported cases fell by nearly half from the day before, down from 972 cases reported Saturday afternoon. To date, 1,654 people have been hospitalized for the disease, and 41,220 tests have been performed, Gov. Ned Lamonts office said in a press release Sunday. The new deaths over the weekend included a 30-year-old personal trainer in Norwalk, who is among the youngest deaths in the state. Dan Spano, a Ridgefield High School graduate, was perfectly healthy, his sister Melissa Castiglia said Sunday before the virus took hold. She said her brother died Saturday afternoon from complications caused by a weeks-long battle with COVID-19. He was just wonderful, Castiglia said Sunday. Nobody can really say anything bad about him. Around the state, churches congregated Easter Sunday worshipers online and at drive-in services, and Jewish temples spent the past week ensuring families had everything they would need to celebrate Passover at home. In a video posted to Twitter for Easter, the governor hinted at a plan to start reopening some businesses in the state. Lamont said he plans to meet with the governors of New Jersey and New York Monday about our back to work strategy. Weve got some work to do to get rid of this COVID virus, were going to do it in a safe way, but we are going to get our state back to work as soon as we can, Lamont said. Details to follow, Happy Easter. Talk of that plan comes after Lamont on Friday ordered nonessential businesses to remain closed until at least May 20, prompting backlash among some legislators and business owners. During his Sunday afternoon briefing, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also said his states plan to reopen would be coordinated with New Jersey and Connecticut. How do you get three states to agree on one plan? Its easier to do it alone, but better to do it together, Cuomo said. The plan also comes as the number of COVID-19 in New York state on Saturday surpassed that of any country outside of the United States. In Connecticut, the disease has continued to take a heavy toll among residents of nursing homes, with 49 percent of the states 215 homes now reporting at least one confirmed cases of COVID-19. Among residents, 195 have died 35 percent of the states deaths and 1,362 have tested positive. Amid the new deaths and cases on Sunday, public officials raised concern that high winds forecast on Monday could damage outdoor sites for testing for the virus. On Twitter and Facebook, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton warned residents of the impending high wind watch, but said a decision to close facilities would have to come from the state. Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson said the towns COVID-19 testing facility would open Tuesday afternoon due to the expected weather. St. Marys Hospital in Waterbury announced on Twitter that its testing facility would be closed Monday, and NBC Connecticut reported all Hartford HealthCare and UConn HealthCare sites would be closed. As the tri-state governors said they are considering how to reopen businesses, the top federal infectious disease expert also signaled a willingness to start reopening the country beginning in May. We are hoping that, at the end of the month, we could look around and say, OK, is there any element here that we can safely and cautiously start pulling back on? Dr. Anthony Fauci said. If so, do it. If not, then just continue to hunker down." Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 21:44:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong will require air travelers from the United States and Europe to have coronavirus tests upon their arrival, and aims at expanding the arrangement in the near future to cover all those arriving from foreign places, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's secretary for food and health said on Sunday. Since April 9, asymptomatic inbound travelers arriving on flights from Britain are required to proceed to the Temporary Specimen Collection Center (TSCC) set up by the HKSAR government's Department of Health at the AsiaWorld-Expo near the Hong Kong International Airport to collect their deep throat saliva samples and wait for the test results there. Upon the assessment that among the imported cases confirmed in Hong Kong, most of the patients have been to Britain, followed by the United States and other European countries, the arrangement will be expand from April 13 to all asymptomatic inbound travelers arriving on flights from the United States and other areas in Europe. Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan told the media after attending a radio program on Sunday that the HKSAR government has required all the travelers arriving from overseas have their deep throat saliva samples collected for tests, and those arriving from high-risk areas such as Britain, the United States and other European countries must wait at the specimen collection center for their test results before heading to their accommodations. If tested positive, they will be arranged for admission to hospital as soon as possible for treatment, while the close contacts who traveled with them will be sent to designated quarantine centers. For those who tested negative, they can go home or to a designated place to continue completion of the 14-day compulsory quarantine. The HKSAR government's short-term objective is to extend the arrangement to all inbound travelers covered by the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation, which took effect on March 19, Chan said. Haiti - FLASH : 3rd death of Covid-19 The Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) informs the population that a third person died from the Coronavirus Covid-19 on Saturday April 11, 2020. This death occurs 3 days after the second death recorded on April 8 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30481-haiti-flash-2nd-death-of-covid-19.html and 6 days after the 1st on Sunday April 5 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30454-haiti-flash-covid-19-first-death-in-haiti.html The new victim is a 57-year-old male with various health conditions, heart, diabetes, blood pressure and kidney problems. This citizen is one of 33 cases that have been confirmed to date in Haiti. The Ministry salutes the memory of this compatriot who has left and wishes strength and courage to his family, friends and all those affected by this departure. The MSPP recommends to the population to be more careful because this new coronavirus is a reality, it is together that we will succeed in dealing with it. - Stay home - Always wash your hands - Avoid putting your hands in your mouth, nose and eyes - Always keep a distance of 3 steps away from other people if you have to travel for an emergency. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30454-haiti-flash-covid-19-first-death-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30481-haiti-flash-2nd-death-of-covid-19.html HL/ HaitiLibre Pope Francis offered a prayer for coronavirus victims in an unprecedented livestream Easter Sunday message delivered from a hauntingly empty Vatican to a world under lockdown. The 83-year-old pontiff spoke softly at a solemn ceremony attended by just a handful of priests and a small choir that was spaced out across Saint Paul's Cathedral's expansive marble floor. The pandemic raging outsides the Vatican's locked gates has killed more than 109,000 people and left billions confined to their homes. The pope's message was livestreamed for the first time -- a bow to technology in the face of a new illness that has changed the shape of society and altered the way religion is observed. "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. A handful of priests and a few faithful also gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City -- locked down like the Vatican -- to say prayers at the spot where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected on Easter. The majority of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics were in forced confinement as the pope spoke and almost all of the world's churches were shut on Christianity' holiest day. The pope pleaded with the world's leaders to put aside their political differences and call back their armies during a global health emergency of a magnitude not seen in 100 years. "This is not a time for division," Francis said. "May Christ enlighten all who have responsibility in conflicts, that they may have the courage to support the appeal for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world." He said health considerations required world powers to ease crippling economic sanctions imposed against their adversaries -- a possible reference to those weighing over pandemic-hit Iran. "In light of the present circumstances, may international sanctions be relaxed, since these make it difficult for countries on which they have been imposed to provide adequate support to their citizens," Francis said. He called for a "reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations" and for European nations to show the same "solidarity" they did in the wake of World War II. "After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again," he said. "The European Union is presently facing an epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world." And he offered a prayer for those killed and those mourning the victims of a disease that spread from China to Europe in February and has now encircled the world. "Today my thoughts turn in the first place to the many who have been directly affected by the coronavirus: the sick, those who have died and family members who mourn the loss of their loved ones, to whom, in some cases, they were unable even to bid a final farewell," he said. - Religious improvisation - =========================== The pope's virtual Easter Sunday message was the most vivid example of religious improvisation in the age of social distancing and confinement. The faithful have already followed his advice and found creative solutions. The archbishop of Panama took to the air and blessed his tiny Central American nation from a helicopter. The faithful in Spain blasted religious music from their balconies during Holy Week. Easter Sunday itself saw some faithful leave wreaths of flowers outside of the locked doors of churches from where festive processions had departed in previous years in the southwestern Spanish city of Seville. A parish near the Philippines' capital Manila pasted the empty pews with family photos that the faithful had emailed to the priest. The Orthodox Church in Greece is planning to hold mass behind closed doors for its Easter on April 19. Jews across the world did their best by using Zoom or other video-conferencing apps to "seder-in-place" when the eight-day Passover holiday started on Wednesday evening. State television in Lebanon broadcast mass under lockdown from an empty church north of Beirut. Catholics in neighbouring Syria -- where celebrations had continued in Christian quarters of Damascus despite years of agonising war -- stayed home this time because of the virus, but many watched a Facebook Live celebration by the country's patriarch. Sri Lankan Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told a live mass broadcast that the southeast Asian country's Roman Catholic Church had forgiven suicide bombers behind attacks that killed at least 279 people last Easter. "We offered love to the enemies who tried to destroy us," he said. Westminster Abbey in London is following the trend by releasing Easter podcasts for the faithful of the Anglican Church. And priests at France's Roman Catholic shrine in the southwestern town of Lourdes were relaying nine consecutive days of prayers on Sunday by Facebook Live and YouTube. The lockdown forced the pope to improvise throughout Holy Week. In previous years he had observed Holy Thursday service marking Christ's last supper by washing the feet of 12 inmates on the outskirts of Rome. The virus made that impossible this year. Francis instead said a prayer for the dozens of priests and health workers who have died across Italy while attending to the sick. "They are the saints next door, the priests who gave their lives by serving," Francis said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) Lawmakers are still seeking clarity on the distribution of cash aid to poor households - three weeks after they granted President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to tackle the COVID-19 crisis. With the Social Welfare Department only having distributed cash aid to 3.7 million beneficiaries out of the target 18 million, lawmakers are calling on the government to fast track the distribution of financial aid. They also want clearer guidelines on the distribution, which has so far left out some of the intended beneficiaries. It does not seem to adopt a clear mapping or economic or geographical profiling of the target 18 million Filipinos. There is also no clear mechanism to guarantee their coverage in at least one of the listed social amelioration program, Senate Labor Committee chair Joel Villanueva said. Senate Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development Committee chair Leila de Lima warned that if the government could not remedy this situation, our country could end up dealing with greater social unrest. For Senate Ways and Means Committee chair Pia Cayetano, the government can identify those who have not yet received cash aid and determine funding needed if it provides a more detailed report on the implementation of the subsidy program. She says this can be achieved by providing the number of beneficiaries, areas it has covered and the amount it has spent. The 18 million target beneficiaries are largely based on the Social Welfare Departments Listahanan, a registry of households and individuals identified by the national government to be the target of social protection programs. The Listahanan, however, was last updated last 2015 with 15.1 million households in the list. The Finance Department added three million to this based on the average annual population growth rate, according to Finance Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino. Lambino said it is now up to the local governments to identify who else would be cash aid beneficiaries, aside from those included in the Listahanan. Metro Manila mayors, however, have appealed to the Finance and Social Welfare Departments to restore the original number of target cash aid beneficiaries, which they said was slashed by the two departments. DSWD must adopt a bottom-up approach and properly consult with the LGUs in identifying the beneficiaries, Villanueva said. Among the key provisions of the Bayanihan to Heal as One law, which gave Duterte special powers, is the provision of a 5,000 to 8,000 monthly allowance for two months to indigent families. Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One law, Duterte should deliver a weekly report to Congress every Monday, where he would detail what the government has done in the past week with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report should include how much of the funds have been used, how much has been added, reprogrammed, reallocated and realigned for COVID-19 response. CNN Philippines Lois Calderon and AC Nicholls contributed to this report. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal In the City of Holy Faith, Santa Feans of all spiritual stripes are changing the way they worship as gatherings of more than five people have been banned to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. As Easter approached, Lisa Bonney sat in her home and participated in the Holy Thursday mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico, via Facebook. Its because of my faith that Im getting through this, Bonney said of the coronavirus crisis. In addition to streaming services on Facebook, some New Mexico congregations have been thinking outside the box by holding drive-in services where people come to the church parking lot and watch the video service on their cellphones or on a giant screen. Christian Life Church has been offering drive-thru prayer, according to a post on the Santa Fe Bulletin Board from church staffer Lauren Stewart. Churches, synagogues and other places of worship have been proactive in letting their members know the risks of gathering together at this time. On March 31, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe launched a campaign called This Holy Week, HOME is the Holy Place. In a statement, Archbishop John Wester said, In unity with all Christians, we call on the faithful to make HOME the Holy Place for the sake of all families during this COVID-19 pandemic. All are strongly urged to heed the advice of our global scientists, medical and public health experts to practice social distancing. Two weeks earlier, Wester announced the cancellation of group pilgrimages to El Santuario de Chimayo and Tome Hill, important traditions among New Mexicos devout Catholics. Despite warnings from the New Mexico Department of Transportation discouraging the faithful from visiting the sacred site, a handful decided to make the trek. On Thursday afternoon, two pilgrims were spotted in Nambe, while another was seen in Chimayo. Unlike in previous years, safety arrangements along pilgrimage routes and traffic control were not provided by NMDOT. Message boards were put up telling the public to turn back and stay home. Its hard to prevent New Mexicans from practicing their faith, whether they be Christians, Jews, Buddhists or New Agers, said Ana Pacheco, author of A History of Spirituality in Santa Fe, The City of Holy Faith. Every transplant that Pacheco interviewed for her 2016 book, which she calls the only one of its kind, said they had come to Santa Fe because of its mountain vortex. It didnt matter if they were a conservative Baptist or a New Ager, they all believed something in the air made it easier to practice spirituality here, she said. Although she was raised as a Catholic in Santa Fe, Pacheco learned later in life that she was a Sephardic Jew. Her ancestors were conversos, Spanish Jews who came to New Mexico to escape persecution in Spain and then converted to Catholicism. However, Pacheco moves in Buddhist circles today and labels herself a recovering Catholic. Pacheco, who is a Lyft and Uber driver when shes not writing books, said that, based on her interactions with friends, family and customers, Santa Feans are holding up pretty well during the coronavirus crisis. Of course, Ive had a few people tell me that COVID-19 is mentioned in the Book of Revelations, but most people Ive talked to have used this time at home to turn inward and become more reflective, more meditative, she said. Technology has made it easier to keep the faith during the crisis, Pacheco said. I have a cousin who normally is an usher at a church. Hes been watching mass on TV every day. Hes doing OK. On Passover (April 9), Rabbi Neil Amswych and members of the Temple Beth Shalom in Santa Fe held their first communal seder online. The feast celebrates the anniversary of the Jewish exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago. But old-school technology, such as the phone, also has an important place in spirituality during this time. In the midst of the coronavirus, Rabbi Amswych said members of Temple Beth Shalom are calling each other a lot to check in. At times like these, the real strength of communities like ours becomes apparent. Those who are housebound are being supported by those who are able to go out. Its a wonderful thing to see, he said. Asked if a crisis like this can deepen a persons faith, Amswych said, It depends on the person. For some, this gives them time to slow down, to focus on personal and spiritual aspects of themselves, which might deepen their faith, he said. For others, though, this is a very difficult crisis and they might feel very isolated or alone. Everyone responds to this crisis differently and it is our role as faith communities to be there to support everyone. While some Santa Feans will be celebrating Easter today, others will be tuning in to a virtual half-day retreat conducted by Henry Shukman, associate Zen master at the Mountain Cloud Zen Center. The session, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is called Working with Uncertainty and Anxiety, an apt topic as many people face interruptions in income and worry if their jobs will be waiting for them after the crisis passes. Are there ways of turning around our experience of the global pandemic so it becomes an opportunity for deep growth in compassionate and awakened awareness? asked Shukman. The answer from meditation practice is a clear yes. Gov. Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on Wednesday to prepare for spring flooding in communities in northwestern Minnesota. Goodhue County had begun to prepare for high water levels on the Mississippi, but new predictions suggest that there will not be local flooding this spring. The Goodhue County Board planned to discuss the rising water levels during its meeting Tuesday. County Board Chair Paul Drotos brought a proposal for creating temporary no-wake zones. "The problem was because people were out of work from COVID-19, we had a just tremendous influx of boats on the river and there were multiple incidents where boats were creating wakes and then wake surfing and ripping up the shorelines," Drotos said. Mississippi River levels along Goodhue County had been projected to rise above the 14-foot flood stage and county commissioners planned to install a temporary no-wake rule to prevent shoreline erosion. However, forecasts have changed and no flooding is expected this spring. Rachel Fergus/RiverTown Multimedia With the increased number of boaters on the river and predicted high water levels the county feared increased erosion on local shorelines. Drotos explained that the county had already received a few complaints about boats creating wakes and wake surfing, resulting in the deterioration of soil. ADVERTISEMENT While the Mississippi River was first projected to exceed 15.5 feet today at Red Wing -- flood stage is 14 feet -- the prediction now is that the river will not rise above 13.5 feet. "In a nutshell, its hard to have an emergency flood no-wake zone when there is no flood determined at 14 feet," Drotos told the board. Pierce County Sheriff Nancy Hove notified Goodhue County officials that she also wanted a no-wake zone. Though there is not a plan for implementing no-wake zones this spring, local municipalities are asking that boaters to slow down to prevent riverbank erosion and take care to avoid spreading the coronavirus. Laura Blair Johnson, city of Red Wing public information officer, created a memo to the community asking everyone to "be a responsible boater." Johnson included a message from the Red Wing Police Department: "Due to the current state of emergency with COVID-19 and the governors executive orders, please maintain your social distancing and do not drive around barricades. Help us maintain the integrity of our safety plans during this time, your voluntary compliance is greatly appreciated." The CDCs guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while boating are: Do not raft-up with other boats. ADVERTISEMENT Do not congregate on docks. Limit passengers to members of one household. As flood predictions fluctuate and the pandemic continues boating guidelines may change. An officer's hand was chopped off with a sword and two other Punjab policemen injured Monday when a group of Nihangs attacked them after being asked to show curfew passes at a vegetable market in Patiala district, police said. Seven people, including five attackers, were arrested hours later after an exchange of fire at a gurdwara where the group fled after the 6.15 am incident in Sanaur town. One of the arrested men suffered gunshot wound, police said. A 'mandi' official was also hurt earlier. A video clip on social media appears to show Assistant Sub Inspector Harjeet Singh seeking help. A man picks up the severed hand and gives it to the officer. He is then taken away from the scene on a two-wheeler. The ASI was rushed to Rajindra hospital nearby and then referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh where he was undergoing surgery, police said. The other injuresd policemen include Sadar Patiala's station house officer. With a lockdown in place to contain the spread of COVID-19, barricades were put up outside the wholesale market and entry restricted to those with curfew passes. The Nihangs -- members of a Sikh sect whose adherents carry traditional arms and wear blue robes -- arrived in an SUV and were told to stop by mandi' officials, police said "They were asked to show passes. But they rammed the vehicle against the gate and the barricades," Patiala's Senior Superintendent of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. The group then attacked the police personnel and fled to Gurdwara Khichri Sahib managed by them in Balbera village, around 25 km from Patiala city. In their operation, policemen led by Inspector General (Patiala Zone) Jatinder Singh Aaulakh stopped the movement of people a kilometer away from the gurdwara and surrounded it, police said. Several policemen took positions in nearby fields. Special Operation Group SOG) of Punjab Police was involved. Media was barred from going near the gurdwara. Seven persons have been arrested, Punjab Director General police Dinkar Gupta later told PTI. Three pistols, petrol bombs, swords, sacks of poppy husk and LPG cylinders were recovered from gurdwara, the DGP said, adding that the searches were still on. We requested them through the public address system to surrender but they refused, he said. The Nihangs inside hurled abuses at the policemen Local people, including a sarpanch, also went inside to talk to them but they did not relent, police said. The Nihangs threatened to set fire to the cooking gas cylinders if police entered, said DGP. The DGP said an exchange of fire also took place. Earlier Punjab's Special Chief Secretary K B S Sidhu said police acted in a respectful manner when they entered the gurdwara. The police party observed full Maryada while entering the Gurdwara premises. There were also women and children inside, who were unharmed, and have been left secure within the Gurdwara as before, he tweeted. Sidhu said five of the seven arrested men were a part of the gang that launched an unprovoked murderous assault on a police party, with sharp-edged weapons. Earlier DGP Gupta tweeted that the injured ASI was undergoing surgery at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh "In an unfortunate incident today morning, a group of Nihangs injured a few Police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh," Gupta tweeted. "I have spoken to Director PGI who has deputed top Plastic surgeons of PGI for surgery, which just started. The Nihang group will be arrested and further action taken soon," he said. In another tweet, Gupta said, "Grateful to PGI for full support. Director PGI tells me that surgery has already started by 2 senior surgeons who will do their best. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With Joe Biden the last man standing in the Democratic primary race for president, there is increasingly anxious discussion within the party about how or even if the former vice president can win over disappointed progressives. Of particular concern are the younger voters whose energy and idealism fueled the campaign of Bernie Sanders. On April 8, just hours after Mr. Sanders suspended his campaign, a collection of eight progressive groups building political power for young people sent Mr. Biden a four-page letter detailing how he could win their support. Their to-do list called on him to embrace a range of progressive policies including Medicare For All, the frameworks of the Green New Deal and a wealth tax as well as to add progressive advisers to his campaign and, later, his administration. With young people poised to play a critical role deciding the next president, you need to have more young people enthusiastically supporting and campaigning with you to defeat Trump, they wrote. The next day, the former candidate Tom Steyer added his voice to the call, urging Mr. Biden to pursue young progressives. Theres going to have to be a process to convert them, Mr. Steyer told Politico. This is a daunting challenge. Mr. Biden is a 77-year-old moderate who has spent his entire adult life in politics and in many ways embodies The Establishment. So far, he has been running on a backward-looking platform of restoration not exactly a message to electrify the youth vote. Yet regardless of how hard Mr. Biden might try to overhaul his image, the unfortunate electoral reality dramatically spotlighted by the Sanders campaign is that betting on the youth vote remains a losing proposition. An enduring truth of politics is that, whether in presidential years or midterm races, younger voters consistently turn out at a lower rate than older ones. (The 18-29 year olds trail the 30-44-year-olds, who trail the 45-59- year-olds. Voters 60 and up are the Election Day rock stars.) Until that changes, young people will have a tough time getting their concerns taken as seriously as they deserve. As the COVID-19 pandemic forces Americans to remain home and connect with loved ones by phone and online this Easter Sunday, several governments and health care facilities observed the holiday by putting daily news briefings and updates on coronavirus data on hold. Gov. Charlie Baker, who has provided daily briefings on the states coronavirus response, planned no press conference or public appearances Sunday, according to his office. The state typically releases new COVID-19 statistics daily by 4 p.m. As of noon, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh had no public events on his schedule for the day, according to a spokesperson. Officials in Worcester plan to release updated statistics Sunday but will not hold a live news conference in observance of Easter. Baystate Health, a nonprofit health care system serving more than 800,000 throughout western Massachusetts, said in an email that there will be no update on current COVID-19 numbers on this holiday. As of Saturday, more than 22,000 Massachusetts residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and nearly 700 people have died after contracting the virus. Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York, an epicenter of the disease, held a news briefing Sunday morning. Cuomo noted that the number of hospitalizations for the virus had continued a downward trend, which he described as a bit of good news as the great fear among state officials was overwhelming the hospital system capacity. According to C-SPAN, which airs the daily White House coronavirus task force briefings, no public events were scheduled for Sunday, though some Trump administration officials appeared on Sunday morning news shows. President Donald Trump, who tweeted Happy Easter to his nearly 77 million followers, also touted the federal governments assistance for New York City and the Empire State at large, noting it was a very good sign that empty hospital beds are becoming more and more prevalent. A very good sign is that empty hospital beds are becoming more and more prevalent. We deployed 418 Doctors, Nurses and Respiratory Therapists from the hospital ship Comfort and the Javits Convention Center to hospitals in NYC & State. Have more bed capacity than was needed. Good! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2020 In a Twitter thread, Walsh urged residents not to travel and not to gather despite the traditional holiday. He said it will be his first Easter Sunday without seeing his mother, but hed still give her a call. We cant go to temple or to church, he said. But many are holding services online, and there are plenty of ways to connect with your loved ones virtually. Easter is a time to reflect on the permanence of love and faith, and how we all overcome darkness. This Easter I urge you to respect life by protecting life." Easter is a time to reflect on the permanence of love and faith, and how we all overcome darkness. This Easter I urge you to respect life by protecting life. Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) April 12, 2020 Related Content: U2 frontman Bono has offered to pay for vital personal protection gear, medical equipment and diagnostic tests to battle Covid-19 in a plea for assistance to South Korean president. The Dublin rock star made the plea in a personal letter to Moon Jae-in, stressing that he would pay for the gear himself. 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. Expand Close (Twitter feed of The Blue House KR) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (Twitter feed of The Blue House KR) 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. A spokesman for the president confirmed to RTE News today that the request had been received. U2 announced earlier this month that it was contributing 10m to the State in order to purchase vital personal protection equipment (PPE) which is in short supply around the globe due to the Covid-19 pandemic. South Korea was one of the first countries outside China to be hit with the virus and had been the worlds second-largest epicentre of the disease before widespread testing brought it under control there. New Delhi [India], April 12 (ANI): Several Union ministers have suggested to Prime Minister's Office that partial resumption of industrial operations should be allowed in companies that can abide by the norms and guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry to deal with COVID-19 spread. The suggestions were made after PMO sought the opinion of various Union Cabinet Ministers on how to ease the lockdown in a staggered manner without compromising on containment measures taken to fight COVID-19. These suggestions are likely to pave way for Centre's roadmap to ease lockdown in a phased manner. "If an industry can give a blueprint on facilities they can provide to halt spread of virus, then they should be allowed to operate. If they can show that they have accommodation facilities for workers, quarantine facilities nearby and sanitiser dispensing door, and if they could function with bare minimum staff, they should be allowed to open. It will also lessen the burden on the economy," sources said. The suggestions given by the ministers to the PMO include recommendations for allowing factories and industries to open with bare minimum staff that fulfils the criteria set for ensuring no spread of the virus and also pledging social distancing at work. They have also advocated the opening of small and medium enterprises generating employment for migrant labour, with a rider that they should follow government norms regarding coronavirus. Another source stated that operations like flour mills and brick kilns that can work with following social distancing norm and other health measures, should be allowed to open. "So, we are working on consolidated consensus. Industries complying with health measures should be allowed. However, the first aim is to contain the disease, " stated another highly placed source. The suggestions for allowing road construction and industrial work were also made by the ministers in an effort to ease the suffering of migrant workers and labourers in the country and to pick the pace of the work slowly. "There would be Kumbh celebrations and people would need road to be able to commute. Suggestion has been given that outskirts areas of Uttarakhand and other such places where there is no impact of COVID-19 and where social distancing and other precautions can be taken care of, the government should allow construction of highways, " stated the source. On Saturday, PM Narendra Modi interacted with the chief ministers of several states who spoke in favour of extension of lockdown. A few states like Maharashtra, Punjab and Odisha have already decided to extend the lockdown. Also, to kickstart the engine of the economy, suggestions from ministers have poured in on lifting of lockdown in a phased manner. "The duration of lockdown will be decided by the Prime Minister, although suggestions have been made that those factories that have disinfectant tunnels or hospitals or quarantine facilities near them should be allowed to operate with half of the staff. They should be able to give the blueprint of how social distancing would work in their favour," stated a highly placed source. Relaxations have already been announced for harvesting the crops on condition that social distancing is followed. "Suggestions have been made to allow limited operations of public transport and flights after the lockdown is lifted in a phased manner. The suggestions have also come to allow movement of transport after seeking due permission from the government. This would allow people with emergency to travel with government permission," added the source. In addition to this, ministers are likely to begin sitting in their offices from Monday. "Some would start going to their ministries with bare minimum staff from Monday onwards. There are quite a few who have already been coming to their ministries for either video conferencing or to clear files important to give relief during the lockdown, " added the source. The 21-days nation-wide lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 to fight the spread of novel coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an outbreak of yellow fever in the southern part of South Sudan. The UN health agency said, in a statement, that two cases were identified in Kajo-keji, a region bordering Uganda, where an outbreak of the viral haemorrhagic disease was detected early this year. WHO warned that the risk of ongoing and further transmission of yellow fever is a concern in South Sudan due to the spontaneous return of displaced persons from Uganda. There are also concerns of gaps in surveillance and weaknesses in health services, ongoing travel restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 and the onset of the rainy season, which provides a favourable breeding ground for mosquitos that spread the virus. Epidemic spread of yellow fever is a risk in South Sudan as the estimated overall population immunity is negligible with nearly zero per cent immunity in Kajo Keji, WHO said. To respond to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health of South Sudan, with support from the WHO, planned to launch a reactive vaccination campaign in the affected region. It also proposed the implementation of preventive mass vaccination campaigns by 2022. South Sudan has experienced several yellow fever outbreaks in the past few years. The countrys worst yellow fever outbreak occurred in May 2003, when a total of 178 cases with 27 deaths were reported in the Imatong region. (Xinhua/NAN) Fr. Brendan Gormley is a 56-year-old priest who joined The Church of St. Clare, the largest Roman Catholic parish in Staten Island, N.Y., three years ago. He is now recovering from COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, along with four of his fellow clergypersons after a week in the hospital. He spoke to TIME about the churchs experience with the coronavirus, the loss of beloved 73-year-old Fr. Richard a.k.a. Monsignor Richard Guastella on Thursday and how the parish has struggled to serve the community this Easter season. What stands out in your mind about when this all started? You didnt realize how bad this was all going to be. You hear about it in China and then you heard about it in Italy, then Westchester [County, N.Y.] and then New York. I dont think we realized what was coming down the pike, but we do now. Fr. Richard, to his credit, when it first came down said, Listen this is what were going to do. Well start livestreaming masses so people can watch via the internet. And that held up for about a week or so but then a priest here got [COVID-19]. I was supposed to have a Wednesday mass at 7 a.m. and [when] I woke up I felt feverish, and went into the shower and started coughing. That was the start of it for me. Then we stopped the livestreaming and everything. We just focused on what we needed to do to get through this. You know every priest here got it along with one seminarian. And as a Church we miss the Eucharist. Our Sunday is our life. We miss that encounter with Jesus Christ and I just want that back. I was in the hospital for a week. I had trouble breathing. Thank God I never had to go on a ventilator, but I was on oxygen virtually the entire time I was there. I was discharged last Sunday. These days Im still quarantining and getting back my strength and spending a lot of time in prayer. The hospital saved my life. Theyre amazing! Theyre getting a rosary a day going forward. Story continues In early March did you have to respond to people in the hospital? We did in the early days before everyone knew [about COVID-19 spreading]. I remember, I went on a Saturday evening to the hospital for Last Rights and coming home I realized, my mom is 86-years-old and lives here on the island. She still lives in the home I grew up in. And I said I cant go visit anymore. And Im glad I didnt. You know were not allowed to go to the hospital right now. We cant. I do know that Fr. Richard did get anointed the night he died. Thats a blessing and a comfort. Im so sorry for your loss can you tell me about Fr. Richard? I came here from a parish in the Bronx, but Im actually originally a Staten Islander. Every time you go into a new assignment you basically know what youre going into, but you never know what youre going into. The day I arrived. He was so welcoming. When I got here, I didnt have a bed. He gave me his office in another building with a place to sleep until my bed could be delivered. It doesnt sound like much, but it was when youre trying to get settled. A of collage photographs left at a memorial for Monsignor Richard Guastella, who died from Covid-19 outside the doors of St. Clare Catholic Church in Staten Island, N.Y., on April 10, 2020. | Paul Moakley for TIME Any great moments that stand out in your head about how he worked? After every mass, each priest here was expected to greet the people on the way out, and we had our little stations. It was so the parishioners would see you. Sunday is obviously the big day for a Catholic parish, but rather than sitting in the rectory reading the newspaper, he expected us [to greet the people] and he himself did this. Did he have a mission as a priest? It really was to make Jesus Christ known and present. Especially in the liturgy as well as the helping those in need. We have an amazing vibrant St. Vincent DePaul Society, which reaches out to those in need and does it quietly. Im a big fan of Mother Teresa and she said that essentially, Its not charity if you dont treat the person with kindness. If someone comes looking for help and you dont respect that persons dignity, you havent done the person any good. I would say Fr. Rich definitely reached out, respecting the human dignity of each person. He had a special place in his heart for the poor. This is very much a middle class parish, very working class, but theres poverty that you dont always see. People work, and sometimes they have trouble making the bills meet and getting enough money to get through, and hopefully the church is able to help. Flowers at a memorial for Monsignor Richard Guastella, who died from Covid-19 outside the doors of St. Clare Catholic Church in Staten Island, N.Y., April 10, 2020. | Paul Moakley for TIME Did you celebrate Good Friday mass online? No, Im still weak. As much as I want to do stuff, Ive got to focus on getting better. Fr. Joseph Harrision is still in the middle of it. Ive been worried, watching his breathing, watching his temperature. Hes doing well. Whats very kind is that Bishop Edward Whalen is coming to offer mass on Sunday morning. So hell be offering mass for the parish [online] and well make sure that hes protected. You can watch it on the Youtube and our website. I know they did the Stations of the Cross last night online. Were using technology as best as we can. We want to be together again. Its a great time to trust our lord, his goodness, his love and his mercy. He hasnt abandoned us. I mentioned earlier Im a big fan of Mother Teresa and I sent out a little quote to a lot of people and Id just like to share it with you: Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of Christ risen. God bless, stay safe and you take care of your family as well. Happy Easter. After the end of the Covid-19 crisis many international powers that have been engaged in regional crisis resolution efforts will be focused on home, says expert Bahgat Korany There is no telling when or how the Covid-19 scare will recede, much less come to an end. But whatever happens over the coming few months, argues Bahgat Korany, professor of international relations at the American University in Cairo, the world is set to have new terms of engagement. Clearly things are changing and they will continue to change, Korany said. He added that we have seen how this new coronavirus brought to question the very concept of globalisation, and how it gave a new lease of life to the role of the national state. An obvious example, he said, is the European Union whose organisations have failed to reach a unified or even synchronised plan to face up to the enormous health challenge posed by Covid-19. So, yes, we could safely argue that in the post-Covid-19 world we will see a bigger role for the national state, given that it has been the national state that had to face up to the challenge of the new coronavirus, Korany said. He nonetheless added that the national state will also face serous questions about the quality of governance. We have seen how the health systems of some European countries have failed to cope efficiently with the new coronavirus and once the crisis ends, governments will have to answer to the people, he said. But Korany cautions against arguing that the new coronavirus outbreak ends the inevitability of globalisation. According to Korany, globalisation will still be there. Think, for example, of the World Health Organisation and its unprecedented central role in the management of the Covid-19 crisis. So it is too hasty to argue that globalisation is coming to an end. Instead, globalisation will be redefined, he said. In parallel, the core precepts of international relations will be redefined after the end of the pandemic. The very concept of security is set to be revised. We will not be just talking geopolitics when we talk international relations. We will also be talking epidemics, he said. Beyond the Covid-19 crisis, Korany argued, many countries will have to focus on stimulating their economies devastated as a result of lockdowns aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus. The Middle East, Korany argued, is one region that should expect less international interest in the management much less the resolution of its many chronic conflicts, from the Palestinian cause, to the security situation in Libya or the refugees problem of Syria. The attention of countries of the north Mediterranean, he suggested, will be more focused on stopping waves of illegal migration that have been coming from south of the Mediterranean. As such, the political investment of European countries in the management of the Libyan ordeal will be more focused on its affects rather than finding a sustainable political solution, at least in the short run. The Middle East, Korany reminds, has a little over five percent of the world population while its share of world conflicts is only a little under 20 percent. During the past few years, these conflicts attracted many political initiatives from several world capitals, almost replacing the role of UN missions. This, Korany added, is set to change significantly. When I think of acute problems like those in Syria, Libya or Yemen, I am not sure that for the next few years the world will have a lot of energy to launch new initiatives for political resolutions, he said. Meanwhile, some regional powers that opted for a consequential political role in the region might have to give up on their ambitions. This, he said, would apply to Turkey that has already overstretched its political capital in the region and is now facing a serious challenge with the new coronavirus. Iran too, Korany argues, which suffered one of the toughest waves of the outbreak of Covid-19, will need to reconsider its priorities and might well opt for a less confrontational foreign policy in favour of more regional cooperation that could help Tehran overcome the tough impacts of the new coronavirus under prolonged international sanctions. Korany added that Arab Gulf countries with ambitions to play a consequential regional role might have to tone down their expectations in the face of severely declining oil prices and at a moment of a significant slowdown in the world economy. Clearly their resources are already declining and it might well be the case that part of these resources would still have to cover for the many expensive arms deal they already signed with the West. Or maybe even new contracts they will be signing in the near future, Korany argued. And, of course, they would have to have bigger resources for their national health systems and invest more to serve the interests of their populations, as many other countries will be doing after the end of the Covid-19 outbreak, he added. Regional crisis management will pass to countries directly concerned, Korany argued. For example, Egypt for obvious security reasons will continue to work on the situation in Libya while Saudi Arabia will continue to invest in the political management of the situation in Yemen." The traditional role of significant outside players in the region, like the United States, will not completely disappear, but will continue on an already-initiated path of disengagement. Korany reminds that for years now, since the administration of former US President Barack Obama, Washington has been showing less interest in the Middle East and this is likely to continue past the management of the Covid-19 crisis. The US will be busy putting its economy back on track and managing its already outstanding differences with China, that have exacerbated with the exchange of blame over the outbreak of the new coronavirus. The European Union, which was barely overcoming its woes over Brexit, will now have to look in the mirror after it failed to come to the rescue of Italy, which was hard hit by Covid-19. This will not leave much political energy for the management of chronic Middle East problems, Korany said. Search Keywords: Short link: - A police officer dedicated his time to learn her daughter's dance routine and present it on camera - Tyler Kroenke of the Nebraska State Patrol took an hour out of his day for a week to learn his daughter's dance - This was after she could not be able to join others in a dance season as it was canceled due to social distancing rules A police officer and a dad to a young daughter has shown his fatherly side by dancing with her little one in a new viral video. The policeman was dancing with the daughter to compensate for her school dance season which was canceled. Lieutenant Tyler Kroenke of the Nebraska State Patrol took hours off his busy schedule to dance with her daughter Source: UGC READ ALSO: Video of Titi making her Sarkodie's dance moves while he rapped warms hearts According to People Magazine, Lieutenant Tyler Kroenke of the Nebraska State Patrol took an hour out of his day for a week to learn his daughter's dance routine. This was after she could not join others in a dance season class as it was canceled due to social distancing rules. He wore his uniform then accessorised with a face mask and a superhero cape, while the daughter wore a heroine dress which was red and blue in colour. READ ALSO: Ghanaians praise Dumelo for making it possible for his constituency members to get free water READ ALSO: "Mahama won't be president again" - Akua Donkor blows secrets about his estates in new video Both mastered the moves perfectly and it was beautiful to see the routine which had very hard moves to pull. The father must have made her daughter very happy as she could not stop smiling while happily dancing with zero mistakes. This has been the move many parents have had to take to ensure that their kids feel the love and support needed during these difficult times. READ ALSO: Just in: Another accident of Kintampo-Tamale Highway as bus with passengers catches fire A dad recently decided to give his children the best treat ever. The father of two warmed hearts after a video of him making his son and daughter a complete course meal at home was shared on social media. In the video, the dad was seen serving his children like a professional chef, complete with lit candles and a nicely arranged table. Many netizens who saw the video were moved and wished they had dads who could do the same for them especially during the stay at home period. READ ALSO: Sarkodie and Titi hold video call with friend; she amazed them with her smart comments Nana Addo shouldn't share the food to the kayayo's only - Market women cry out | #Yencomgh READ ALSO: COVID-19 cases recorded in Ghana is now 408 Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh PATIALA The leader of the self-styled Nihangs group involved in the murderous attack on cops at the Sanaur vegetable market in Patiala early Sunday morning, in which an ASIs hand was cut off, had unleashed a reign of terror at Balbera village. Baba Balwinder Singh had illegally occupied the village land for the past 20 years and had built a gurdwara, named Khichdi Sahib on it, say area residents. It was a village pond and about 20 years back, Baba Balwinder, donning robes of a Nihang, emerged and propagated that a Sikh guru partook of khichdi at this place while he was on his way to Delhi. He took over village pond and set up the gurdwara, said Thakur Singh Mann, a native of village Balbera. He said that the villagers opposed the move, but he managed to browbeat his opponents. Balwinder has a criminal background. He also grabbed land of a commission agent by terrorising and assaulting his family members, and later even struck compromise after an FIR was registered against him. Patiala senior superintendent of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said three FIRs are already registered against Balwinder and his associates. Balwinder and his aides were booked for attempt to murder in 2013 and a theft case was registered against him in 2010, in which untraceable report was filed. Similarly, in 2000, an FIR was registered against him for land grabbing and murder bid, in which he managed to strike a compromise with the opposite party. Police is ascertaining facts why the cases against him did not reach logical conclusion, he said, adding that he might have threatened the witnesses and opposite parties to strike a compromise. He also threatened me today when I asked him to surrender, said the SSP. The police will also ask the revenue department to do demarcation of land of the gurdwara to ascertain the ownership. Area residents say Balwinder and his associates use to set their cattle free for grazing in agricultural fields of the people. They used to threaten and beat up people to crush opposing voices. It is strange from where Balwinder and his aides were getting funds as Rs 37 lakh was recovered from the gurdwara. Police must probe this angle, said an area resident. Meanwhile, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Gobind Singh Longowal, former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal among others have condemned the attack on cops. Nihang organisation Budha Dal chief Baba Balbir Singh said the attackers were not Nihangs, but anti- social elements . In 2016 in Hamilton County there were 4,001 mail in ballots. Of 58.56 percent of registered voters in 2016 voting, less than two percent voted by mail (Tennessee Secretary of State). Suddenly today Democrats want to radically change our elections to vote by mail claiming health risks demand it and that it works with no problems. They cite a few states efforts as indisputable proof. Not so fast! In 2016 and 2018 there were 16.4 million absentee ballots lost according to the U.S. Election Commission and the Election Administrations and Voting Surveys for 2016 and 2018. And just a few days ago in Wisconsin, VOX news reported thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of votes in their primary may be tossed because the post office didnt place a postmark on the envelope or the postmark didnt have a date. That shouldnt reassure anyone about a national vote by mail election. What of their argument that its too dangerous to stand in line in person to vote? Hundreds of thousands stand in line daily at Walmart, Target or Costco. The parking lot at Lowes is a full as it was. Now Americans are looking for some semblance of hope, yet in some cities and states they are threatened with fines or jail for just sitting in their cars to assemble to worship in a church parking lot. With Civil War raging, thousands went to the polls as they did during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918. Standing up to vote in times of crisis also gives people hope. Before the barrage of responses about loss of life and suffering, remember the Imperial College in London was pushing the mortality model at 2.5 million just a few short weeks ago as scientific fact. The current model is a mere fraction of that number. Last year, in the U.S., there were an estimated 490,000 hospitalizations and 34,200 deaths caused by influenza (CDC website). And there was no call for a national mail-in vote, banning political rallies or churchgoers from sitting in their cars in parking lots to worship together. Now to bolster their pitch, Paul Krugman, Democrat, in the New York Times, claims Democracy may be dying. Invoking the usual voter suppression alarm, he says Republicans will kill Democracy because they stopped the Wisconsin governor from moving the election date. He fails to mention the governor didnt have the authority. Then he wanders off to where he always goes, were headed to a dictatorship because of Trump. He also fails to mention the mail in ballots disaster. That would sink his whole pitch. The reality is social distancing and Trumps travel bans are working. We must never forget the stellar performance by our nations heroes, too many to name. They are truly putting the welfare of others first on the front lines as they meet the challenges of this crisis. Our nation owes them a great deal. But we cant allow ourselves to devolve into a police state. We cant empty the jails of criminals only to lock up people who might sit in cars in a parking lot at a house of worship. If anyone is concerned in August or November, then by all means vote absentee by mail. Weve always had that right. Our democracy will not die because we dont have voting by mail or the perpetual doomsayer Krugman says so. So please stop trying to force some restrictions on the rest of us that may actually be worse for our republic than had Hillary Clinton been elected president. Ralph Miller Peter Stefanovic and wife Sylvia Jeffreys welcomed their first child - a son called Oscar - in February. And on Sunday, the proud parents celebrated their first Easter as a family. The couple shared photos of their little boy clasping a large chocolate bunny, as they captioned it: 'First Easter with our Oscar Bear.' 'Our first Easter': New parents Peter Stefanovic and wife Sylvia Jeffreys have shared adorable photos of their newborn baby boy Oscar with a chocolate bunny on Sunday Family of three: Sylvia and Pete welcomed their first child, Oscar, in February The chocolate Easter bunny was nearly as big as their son, as the child grinned from ear-to-ear in the photos. The parents appear to be using the nickname 'bear' for their son regularly, as another post was also captioned: 'Happy Easter with our Baby Bear.' Dressed in a pair of green striped overalls, the youngster was placed alongside the Easter treat for photos. Cute! Dressed in a pair of green striped overalls, the youngster was placed alongside the Easter treat for photos Just last week, Peter shared a new picture of his adorable 10-week-old as he spent quality time with him during self-isolation. 'The perks of isolation. Extra time with my beautiful boy', the 38-year-old wrote under the cute photograph of their bundle of joy, who was wrapped in a sailor boat towel. It comes after Peter and fellow journalist Sylvia celebrated their third wedding anniversary last month. 'Three years since we laughed our way through our vows and two months since our handsome baby boy arrived,' cooed Sylvia, 33, sharing a selfie of growing family. 'The perks of isolation': Proud father Peter shared an adorable photo of his baby boy Oscar on Monday as he spent time with his child in isolation 'Happy anniversary @peter_stefanovic - this sure will be one to remember,' she added. Meanwhile, earlier this month, their baby boy made his live TV debut on Today Extra. Prior to the big moment, mum Sylvia joked that anything could happen on the live broadcast. In a post shared to her Instagram, she said: 'Oscar is about to make his live TV debut on Today Extra. Will he: (A) vomit (B) poop (C) cry (D) all of the above? Stay tuned to find out...' Turns out Oscar selected 'C' and chose to cry throughout the entire segment. 'A star is born': The couple's baby boy made his live TV debut on Today Extra last Friday The couple met while they were co-hosting Weekend Today, with Sylvia previously telling The Sydney Morning Herald that it was a case of love at first sight. She said they had been slated to host the Weekend Today show together over the Christmas holidays, and that's when sparks flew. 'We sort of bumped into each other in a car park at Channel Nine one day before we started hosting together' she told the newspaper. Rain and strong storms continued across parts of Alabama late Sunday after a marathon day of warnings and watches. The National Weather Service had warned that Sunday was expected to be a high-impact severe weather event for much of the state. And it lived up to its billing. There were multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings issued earlier Sunday, and flash flooding was a concern going into the overnight hours. Storms continued to push south and east across the state just after midnight, but for the most part their intensity seemed to be beginning to wane. The National Weather Service had gotten numerous reports of flooded roadways, especially in north Alabama. Wind damage reports had also started to filter in late Sunday, but they are expected to arrive in earnest once the sun comes up on Monday, since many storms struck after dark on Sunday. Follow here for live updates The weather service cautioned that strong to severe storms will still be possible through the overnight hours, and a tornado watch continued for east and south Alabama until 6 a.m. CDT: A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia until 7 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/roLMmPtBdx NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) April 13, 2020 The Alabama counties in this watch are: Coffee, Geneva, Henry, Dale, Houston, Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Escambia, Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bullock, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Talladega and Tallapoosa. Counties will be dropped from the watch during the night after the main line of storms passes. The weather service urged Alabamians to have a severe weather plan in place and be ready to act on it at a moments notice because Sundays storms have been be fast-moving. Also have several ways to get warnings especially if the power is knocked out. Alabamians are cautioned not to rely on outdoor sirens, which can be difficult to hear when youre indoors or when youre asleep. NOAAs Storm Prediction Center has all of Alabama under a risk for severe weather overnight. As of late Sunday a large part of the state was in the moderate-risk area, which is Level 4 out of five severe weather categories. It now covers all of north and central and a good part of south Alabama. The rest of the state has an enhanced risk, or Level 3, except for areas just along the coast, which have a slight risk. A moderate risk means widespread severe weather will be possible, including strong tornadoes. An enhanced risk means numerous severe storms will be possible. A slight risk means scattered severe storms will be possible. Theres also growing concerns about flooding rain for north and north-central Alabama and windy conditions outside of storms. There were multiple flash flood warnings ongoing on Sunday night: A flash flood warning is in effect for Jackson, Marshall, southern Madison, central DeKalb, northeastern Cullman and southeastern Morgan counties until 3:15 a.m.: Flash Flood Warning including Huntsville AL, Scottsboro AL, Guntersville AL until 3:15 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/Ta2Iw2rEs1 @NWSFlashFlood (@NWSFlashFlood) April 13, 2020 A flash flood warning has been extended for Blount County until 12:45 a.m.: Flash Flood WARNING for Blount County until 945 PM. Radar indicates up to 3" of rain has fallen. Flash flooding likely in some areas. #alwx pic.twitter.com/sgMyWqzkfF NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) April 12, 2020 As of 6:39 p.m. heavy rain was falling across the county. Up to 3 inches have already fallen, according to the weather service. A flash flood warning has been issued for southeastern Marshall and southwestern DeKalb counties until 1 a.m. Flash Flood Warning including Albertville AL, Boaz AL, Collinsville AL until 1:00 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/blizpxcjoR NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) April 13, 2020 Heavy rain was falling across the warning area, and up to 2 inches have already fallen today. A flash flood warning will be in effect for central Marshall county until 4 a.m.: Flash Flood Warning including Guntersville AL, Arab AL, Union Grove AL until 4:00 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/bl9nZZJgEB NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) April 13, 2020 As of 10:03 p.m. heavy rain continued over the warning area and flash flooding has been reported, according to the weather service. A flash flood warning has been issued for southeastern Blount, northern Calhoun, Etowah, St. Clair and Cherokee counties until 2:30 a.m. BMX issues Flash Flood Warning [flash flood: radar indicated, expected rainfall: 1-2 inches in 1 hour] for Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Etowah, St. Clair [AL] till Apr 13, 2:30 AM CDT https://t.co/52M2jPbViG IEMBot BMX (@iembot_bmx) April 13, 2020 Heavy rain continued over the warning area, where up to 3 inches has already fallen. A wind advisory is in effect for the entire state, and winds could gust as high as 40 mph through the overnight hours. Calmer weather is expected to follow behind todays storms, and no more severe weather is on the horizon for the next few days. Ukraine amending 2020 budget over COVID-19: Deficit, state debt to rise 22:20, 12.04.20 4665 The amendments will be considered by lawmakers at a special meeting on April 13. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andrew Sheng (The Jakarta Post) Asia News Network Sun, April 12, 2020 11:33 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd151dcc 3 Opinion opinions,#COVID19,#coronavirus,COVID-19,coronavirus Free Who could have imagined that the Cold War could morph into a cool war and now a COVID war? The Cold War was fought between the United States and the former Soviet Union, ending with the latters dissolution. The Cool War is still festering with the US-China trade conflicts. The COVID-19 war is not about fighting each other, but about protecting their own citizens against a virus that does not distinguish between borders or political beliefs. History will judge how in this COVID war, an authoritarian China had only 3,337 deaths (as of April 8), whereas democratic United States and Great Britain, ranked the best prepared for pandemics, reported deaths of 12,911 and 6,171 respectively. There are four hard choices in this COVID war: moral, informational, political and economic. The tough moral decision is between life versus livelihood. Almost all governments have rightly chosen to protect lives by locking down the economy. But with OECD estimates of a loss of 2 percent of GDP for every month of lockdown, the economic costs are mounting. This explains why the US president is rooting for opening up as early as possible. With the estimates of deaths falling from 100,000 to 240,000 to perhaps 60,000 by August, the moral issue is whether the US can afford to spend US$1 trillion per month to prevent more deaths. In poor developing countries, this is a vicious spiral. Every month of lockdown is pushing millions into poverty. Many such poor cannot wash hands daily because they have no running water or cannot afford much soap. States with no capacity to meet the pandemic may sacrifice lives just to maintain their fragile food chains and economies to survive. So far, global help is coming only in trickles. The second hard choice is informational: do you believe scientists or the politicians? War operates on the fog of uncertainty. President Donald Trump, who repeatedly says he is not a doctor, wants a timeline to re-open the economy. Antony Fauci, the most respected epidemiologist in the US government, says that the virus determines the timeline. So far, those political leaders who respect their scientific and medical advisers are doing best. I commend the prime ministers of Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand for taking tough but decisive action to enforce lockdowns. The third hard choice is political. The choice between capitalism or socialism in tackling the pandemic is a false binary. Capitalism is bankrupt when the kleptocracy eats most of the social capital. Socialism cannot survive if losses are socialized whilst profits are privatized. The real issue is how under different political systems, the bureaucracy is able to effectively test, trace and contain. In October 2019, John Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Economist Intelligence Unit compiled the Global Health Security Index that picked the US and United Kingdom as the number 1 and 2 respectively in terms of preparedness to deal with pandemics. China was ranked 51 out of 195 countries listed. In late November 2019, even before news of the Wuhan outbreak in December, the US National Center for Medical Intelligence, based on analysis of wire and computer intercepts, coupled with satellite images, was warning that what was going on in Wuhan was going to be a cataclysmic event. On Jan. 29, the US Trade Adviser Peter Navarro had warned the White House that the coronavirus "full-blown pandemic," could risk trillions of dollars in economic losses and the health of millions. So why did the much vaunted US and UK bureaucracies delay in taking action to prevent the spreading of the pandemic? To be fair, all bureaucracies, irrespective of political color, are slow to react to new and uncertain events. Mauro Ferrari, former president of the European Research Council, resigned because he failed to persuade the bureaucracy to allow the very best scientists in the world should be provided with resources and opportunities to fight the pandemic, with new drugs, new vaccines, new diagnostic tools, new behavioral dynamic approaches based on science, to replace the oft-improviszd intuitions of political leaders. His proposal was passed on to different layers of European Commission administration, where I believe disintegrated upon impact. We can only deploy whole-of-government and whole-of-society to fight the COVID war if and only if we are able to knock common sense into obstinate and self-important bureaucratic silos. The parts must work together to save the whole. The last but not least tough choice is how to re-open the economy, once the pandemic is under some semblance of control. The tough reality is that there is no formula, model or theory to guide us, given that the moral values, ideologies, information, resources and institutions are so different for different countries. One thing is certain. The market on its own cannot respond without the backing of the state. Indeed, there is no first best or best practice way of deciding on how to re-open different economies. Each country will have to experiment based on the best data on both the health conditions and economic facts. The free market ideology has not prepared us for this, because we have good information on the largest corporations, but very poor and little up-to-date data on household and small business balance sheets, who are suffering most from the lockdowns. Failing such data, the richest countries are engaging in helicopter money, as if helicopters spraying water randomly on raging forest fires can stop them. The successful economies are those that are able to target money to those who need them most. This is exactly the scientific test, trace and target methodology that works in tackling the pandemic. In practical terms, apply tools that best fit your own conditions on the ground. In fighting this pandemic war, success is relative, but failure is contagious. If we individually and together fail as a community in making hard choices, more lives will be lost, jobs destroyed and morality shattered. That is the Pandemic box that we have opened. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. A Rio Rancho man has been charged with molesting an 11-year-old girl about two years ago. Oscar Madrid-Cordero, now 41, is charged with criminal sexual contact with a child under 13, a third-degree felony, according to a criminal complaint filed in Sandoval County Magistrate Court in December. According to the complaint, Rio Rancho Police were called in September after a high school student told a counselor that a younger girl she knew had been assaulted. Two adult relatives of the victim told a detective they had no prior knowledge of the assault. One said Madrid-Cordero had denied molesting the girl when confronted but had packed a bag and left. When the victim was interviewed, she described multiple times Madrid-Cordero had inappropriately touched her about two years before, when she was about 11, even when she pushed him away or told him to stop. She said Madrid-Cordero ended the abuse after she threatened to tell his wife. According to the criminal complaint, investigators were unable to reach Madrid-Cordero, and his family didnt know where he was. The detective wrote that the suspect had relatives in Arizona and might leave the state. Online court records showed no attorney for Madrid-Cordero and no arrest. The United States on Saturday surpassed Italy for the most confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the world, as the number climbed higher than 20,000, a figure experts have called an underestimation. The news comes as Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, said he hopes for "a real degree of normality" by November. The nation's governors have asked Congress for $500 billion to rescue local services imperiled by the economic crisis and stabilize state budgets decimated by the downturn. States across the country have shelled out billions to pay for the public health response at the same time as the economic standstill sent state revenue sources into a nose-dive. In a joint statement on behalf of the National Governors Association, New York Democatic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan said the most recent federal rescue package contained no money to help states balance the books in general. The Cares Act included $150 billion for states, but there are restrictions on how the money can be used, and governors say it is not nearly enough. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has called the $150 billion "a down payment." Some states, such as Pennsylvania, have already started laying off workers. New York predicted a $10 billion hole, and Maryland is facing as $2.8 billion one. Unlike the federal government, cash-strapped states cannot run deficits and must slash budgets when revenue falls short. Cuomo and Hogan said the half-trillion dollars states need is in addition to any rescue package for local governments. "In the absence of unrestricted fiscal support of at least $500 billion from the federal government, states will have to confront the prospect of significant reductions to critically important services all across this country, hampering public health, the economic recovery, and in turn our collective effort to get people back to work," the governors wrote in a letter released Saturday. The letter follows a Thursday call between governors and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Hogan spokesman Michael Ricci said. New York City public schools, the nation's largest school district, will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year, Mayor Bill de Blasio, D, said Saturday. The district's 1.1 million students will finish the term remotely. De Blasio called the move painful but said it "clearly will help us save lives." The city's choice follows similar moves in at least 19 states and three U.S. territories. School closures of any duration have affected 55.1 million students, according to data tallied by Education Week. New York has been the state hit hardest by the coronavirus outbreak, with New York City disproportionately affected. The more than 5,600 deaths in the city account for roughly one-third of all confirmed U.S. deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. In London, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, "continues to make very good progress" in his recovery from COVID-19 at a hospital, a 10 Downing Street spokesperson said on Saturday. Johnson, 55, left intensive care on Thursday after spending three nights there. He remains in a regular ward at St. Thomas' Hospital. His office has said he is in the early phase of his recovery and has been able to do "short walks, between periods of rest." It is unclear how long Johnson's recovery will take. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is standing in for the prime minister.' The National Health Service reported Saturday that 823 people in the United Kingdom had died in the past 24 hours, bringing the country's death toll to 8,937. Nineteen were front-line health-care workers. Sarah Gilbert, a vaccinology professor at Oxford University, told the Times of London in an article published Saturday that the vaccine her team developed could probably be ready in the fall "if everything goes perfectly." Matt Hancock, Britain's health secretary, said, "I know quite a lot about the Oxford project, and it is really great to see some hope, especially on the front page of the newspapers." The Oxford team is among dozens around the world including ones at U.S. firms Moderna and Inovio working nonstop to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. The vaccine developed by Gilbert's team will begin human trials within two weeks. Gilbert said "nobody can promise it's going to work," but "there's a high chance that it will work, based on other things that we have done with this type of vaccine." Italy's death toll Saturday was 19,468. Spain, the nation with the third-most fatalities, had 16,353 but recorded its lowest 24-hour death toll since March 23. The 510 new deaths represented a 15 percent decrease from the previous day, health officials said. ALEPPO A resilient Islamic State (IS) has become increasingly active over the past few weeks in eastern Syria, especially in the desert in the south and Kurdish areas in the north. IS militants have launched attacks against Syrian regime forces and their allied militias, while also targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to a lesser extent. These attacks point to IS ability to restructure cells and carry out large-scale operations. IS is likely to carry on its attacks, explosions and executions, especially in the eastern desert of the central province of Homs and the desert in eastern Deir ez-Zor. IS is taking advantage of the worlds and Syrias preoccupation with the coronavirus crisis and the measures imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus, including curfews and quarantines. On April 9, IS targeted a regime convoy and military posts in the Homs desert. Russian aircraft launched a series of air raids against IS positions there. The clashes and airstrikes killed 18 regime fighters and allied gunmen, and 11 IS militants, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. A military source close to the Syrian regime confirmed the battle, telling Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, IS attacked Syrian regime positions near Al-Sukhna April 9 at dawn. The town is part of the Syrian desert where IS has been very active lately. The source added, IS has various weapons, including heavy machine guns, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades, which they most probably obtained from the regime forces' warehouses and positions they previously attacked. The source explained, IS started the attack [April 9] with a car bomb, and violent clashes ensued between the two sides where machine guns were used amid heavy artillery shelling and airstrikes by the Syrian regime forces. Meanwhile, IS reportedly kidnapped six shepherds in Raqqas countryside April 5; attacked regime positions in the towns of al-Jalaa, al-Abbas and al-Sayyal in eastern Deir ez-Zor, and killed a woman there April 6 for allegedly collaborating with regime forces; and killed two members of the pro-regime National Defense Forces, also in eastern Deir ez-Zor, on April 7, the same day members of Liwa al-Quds, a pro-regime militia, were killed there by a landmine. All told, the observatory reported, Between March 24 and April 9, more than 401 members of the regime forces and pro-regime militias, Syrians and non-Syrians, were killed" in IS operations. Opposition forces continue to claim that Iran is determined to resurrect the once-powerful and still-brutal group. Iran has a great deal of interest in IS resuming its activities. We warn the international community that Iran could revive this terrorist organization," Mustafa Sejari, director of the political bureau of the opposition's Free Syrian Army (FSA) Mutasim Brigade, told Al-Monitor recently. "Our reports confirm that the [new] Iranian Quds Force commander, Ismail Qaani, is working to revitalize the terrorist organization in a bid to preoccupy the US and undermine its interests in Syria, Sejari added. The United States assassinated the previous Quds Force commander, Qasem Soleimani, in early January. On March 31, IS released its so-called Attrition Saga, which documents a number of recent IS operations. It depicts IS members moving easily around in the desert and shows that they have medium-size weapons and anti-tank missiles. Yahya Mayo, media coordinator of the Turkish-backed FSA, told Al-Monitor, IS latest video delivers multiple messages, most importantly that it opted for guerrilla warfare and ambushes to drain its adversaries. It also shows its ability to move freely in the Syrian desert, which serves as open space for resuming activities that deal painful blows [to the regime] using few members safely moving on secondary roads. Mayo added, The recent video also shows that IS is keen on highlighting the usual violence and intimidation it pursues against the so-called collaborators of its foes. Update: San Antonio police identified the man killed in a shootout with police while attempting to break into his ex-girlfriend's North Side apartment Sunday. Andre Christian, 38, kicked in his ex-girlfriend's front door on the 5200 block of Texana Drive. He chased her out of the apartment, then fired his weapon several times at her and the building. Police arrived and yelled at Christian to drop his weapon. He shot at the officer, who returned fire, according to police. Christian walked away, before police placed him in handcuffs and began treating his injury. He was pronounced dead shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday. The Medical Examiner ruled Christian's death a suicide from a single gunshot wound to the chest, police said. The woman was not injured and neither was the officer. According to police, the ex-girlfriend had an active protective order against Christian. Court records show he was arrested on March 16 for making threats against a member of his family or household. He was released on a $7,500 bond. Original: A man attempting to break into his ex-girlfriend's North Side apartment was killed in an ensuing shootout with a San Antonio police officer early Sunday, according to officials. The officer was responding to reports of a burglary in progress at about 12:45 a.m. at an apartment complex in the 5200 block of Texana Drive. Chief William McManus said the officer approached the man who he thought was the suspect of the call. The man had his hands in his pockets as the officer confronted him, police said. When the man was asked to remove his hands, he pulled out a handgun and started firing at the officer, McManus said. The officer returned fire, hitting the suspect, the chief said. Police did not immediately know how many times the man was struck. Investigators said the man had been arrested last month for making threats against his ex-girlfriend. "She also had an emergency protective order against him which, apparently, did no good," McManus said. The woman was not injured and neither was the officer. McManus said the officer was placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation as per standard procedure. TDT | Manama A number of government schools across the Kingdom are being prepared to be turned into temporary shelters to accommodate expatriate labour workers. The Ministry of Interior confirmed this last night on social media, saying that the move is intended to reduce overcrowding in the workers existing residences and allow for social distancing, in light of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The number of active COVID-19 cases has been rising in Bahrain recently among expatriate labourers, with the new cases coming from those in their accommodations, where they are mostly packed together in small rooms. As a precautionary measure and to ensure the health and safety of the workers and the community as a whole, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa called to enact this new measure during a meeting with Bahrains Governors. The Interior Minister asserted that governorates must reduce this overcrowding in labour camps, especially in illegal accommodations, and distribute these residents to government facilities such as schools, among other places. In view of this, Northern Governor Ali bin Al Shaikh Abdulhussain Al Asfoor yesterday held a video call with the security committee and the provincial coordinating council. In their discussions, they had agreed to form a working group to conduct a field survey of the government schools as proposed shelters, in order to choose the most appropriate ones and the most prepared for the temporary housing initiative. This will be done in coordination with the workers companies and employers. Also discussed were the basic needs that will be required in these temporary accommodations. Meanwhile, as a related preventive measure, mobile testing units supported by Community Police continue to test expatriate workers in their places of residence in Manama, Hidd, Ras Zuwayed, Aleker, Nuwaidrat, Alnuaim, Bukuwara, Salmabad, Askar and Sitra. Early yesterday morning, the Ministry of Health reported 73 new active cases, all but one of which were involving expatriate workers. The other was an individual arriving from abroad. Further preventative measures have been taken for all contacts of those new cases, including testing and precautionary quarantine to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of the community. All-new active cases had not left their places of residence, said the Ministry. 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. Julian Assange secretly fathered two children while living inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London, his partner has revealed as she filed a bail plea in a UK court to seek the release of the Wikileaks co-founder amid growing health fears due to the coronavirus pandemic. Stella Moris, who gave birth to Gabriel, 3, and Max, 1, after what she said was a strong intellectual and emotional bond developed with Assange, said there were now genuine fears for his health as he remains behind bars at Belmarsh prison in London fighting extradition to the US on espionage charges. Moris, 37, a South Africa-born lawyer, issued a plea for Assange to be released from prison. "My close relationship with Julian has been the opposite of how he is viewed of reserve, respect for each other and attempts to shield each other from some of the nightmares that have surrounded our lives together," notes Moris, according to a Sunday Telegraph' report. In a statement to the courts supporting an application for bail, the newspaper says that Moris reveals that she met Assange in 2011 when she was a legal researcher, and was asked to look into Swedish legal theory and practice. "Over time Julian and I developed a strong intellectual and emotional bond. He became my best friend and I become his," she writes. The friendship developed, and despite the "extraordinary circumstances", a close relationship began in 2015. The lawyer said she was making the statement now because their lives were "on the brink" and she feared Assange could die as he is in isolation for 23 hours a day and all visits have stopped. Assange's extradition hearing is fixed for May 18 after a judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London rejected calls for an adjournment until September over what his legal team said were "insuperable" difficulties preparing his case because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The charges against Assange under the US Espionage Act accuse him of soliciting and publishing classified information and conspiring to hack into a government computer. Assange has consistently denied the allegations and his supporters have accused the US and UK governments of an attack on free speech. The 48-year-old Wikileaks co-founder had to serve a sentence in Britain for breach of his bail conditions after he spent seven years at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he had sought asylum in 2012, which was withdrawn in April last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. Latest coronavirus-related cancellations, postponements The latest coronavirus numbers in NY Sign up for the Times Union coronavirus newsletter Full coronavirus coverage 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. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. 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." Your browser does not support the audio element. Vietnam will consider next week if the country should prolong current social distancing measures, against a backdrop of a slowing infection rate and no death associated with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention will convene a meeting on Monday to discuss whether to extend the social distancing duration, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, chief of the committee, said on Friday. The committee will then tender a proposal to the prime minister for final approval, Deputy PM Dam added. Vietnam is practicing enhanced social distancing which is scheduled to end on April 15 to stem COVID-19 transmission. People are asked to stay home except for essential trips for food, medicine, and emergency care. Authorities in some localities have fined those going out for non-essential purposes. Citizens are told to maintain a two-meter distance in social interaction, whereas any gathering of more than two people is banned in public spaces. Schools, stores, and services have been shut down, apart from essential venues decided on by local authorities. Inbound flights have been strictly restricted while entry has been denied to all foreigners. Domestic flights have also been limited, at a time when inter-province travel is discouraged. Vietnam has exerted all-out effort to minimize the number of infections, the deputy premier said, adding that no death linked to the disease has been recorded in the country so far. The nation has confirmed 258 COVID-19 patients as of Sunday morning, with 144 having recovered. It has witnessed a slower infection rate over the past week, as only a few cases have been confirmed daily. Vietnamese authorities have become quicker in their approach to trace and isolate confirmed cases and their contacts, the official said. It took them five days to track a person at first but now merely a few hours is spent finding one and sealing off a cluster, he elaborated. Deputy PM Dam underlined that social distancing must be strictly enforced as community spread has been recorded in Vietnam, noting that the country is not passively waiting for vaccines or drugs to treat this disease but it is proactive in responding to the epidemic with all of its capacities. In the most recent attempt, the Ministry of Health has allowed some hospitals to cooperate with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam in clinically testing chloroquine, an antimalarial drug, in COVID-19 treatment. Lets trust our doctors and be optimistic about Vietnams approach, Dam said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. New Delhi [India], April 12 (ANI): While the number of "containment zones" put in place in Delhi to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus infection has risen to 43 on Sunday, for people living inside them it is an experience wrought with anxiety. The Delhi government has put in place a strict containment plan for these COVID-19 hotspots with police authorised to physically prevent people from moving out and movement restricted for outsiders, through measures such as barricading and deployment of police personnel. Home delivery of essential items is allowed so is a visit to the hospital for an emergency. What is not permitted is going about without a government ID, opening of shops, banks, ATMs and attending gatherings which is strictly prohibited till the tag of COVID hotspot is removed from these localities. Police personnel have been positioned outside the barricaded apartments or alleys to monitor every movement of residents. People shared their experience of life under sealed zones, of how they attempt to adjust to changed circumstances that have been thrust on them in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. A resident of Pratap khand, Jhilmil Colony, Shahid Ansari, 38 told ANI over phone: "It's difficult to live in this manner especially when you have a baby. My daughter is just six months old and there are many items which we need to buy for her regularly. As we are not allowed to go out I ring the helpline numbers of our nearest stores to get the essential items delivered outside our apartment with permission from the police. "Our relatives and neighbours do call us over the phone and keep us updated about each other. Also, people from the Health department regularly call us to inquire about our health. Hope the situation becomes fine soon," Ansari said. Usha Nandini, a resident from Vardhaman Apartment, Mayur Vihar Phase 1, which has been declared a containment zone said: "I have changed my routine and am adapting toa minimalistic living. I have no other option as I cannot go out to buy stuff and all my family members are in Kerala. For anything urgent I am informing the police personal posted outside the apartment. I have not stepped out from my society nor spoken to people in person for a long time. However given the crisis we all need to help each other by maintaining social distance. I hope this phase passes quickly too like many others." People inside the sealed zones are mostly not been allowed to come outside their houses/ apartments other than to seek essential help. Residents of Supertech Capetown township, Sector 72, Noida have initiated a series of distancing and quarantine measures after a 42-year-old man tested positive for COVID-19. The society has been sealed for the second time after it was identified as hotspot along with 22 other localities in Noida. 30-year-old Jayesh Gandhi, a resident of Supertech Capetown, Sector 74 told ANI over a phone conversation: "We are complying with every guideline issued to us however there are certain problems that need to be sorted. Currently, our fridge is not functioning at all for which I cannot even stock vegetables. I had to go to buy vegetables every day and mostly we are not allowed to go outside our building what can be done in this situation? We need help." Moreover, in hotspot zones rigorous sanitization, door to door monitoring is also considered as essential. On Saturday Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that Prime Minister had taken a correct decision to extend lockdown although no formal announcements have been made yet. Health minister of Delhi Satyendra Jain informed that everyone living in these hotspots will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. India has reached its third week of lockdown that is been observed as a necessary measure to curtail the spread of easily communicable COVI-19. With country focussing on the increased number of tests cases are likely to surge. To face the situation Delhi government has transformed various of its hospitals for treating COVID-19 patients. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Delhi has crossed 1000 with 19 people succumbing to the illness so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There is a surge in COVID-19 positive cases in Gilgit Baltistan (GB) as Pakistan has sent Iran returned pilgrims infected with the virus to the area, according to a senior Gilgit activist. The Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan has already reported 215 positive cases and the numbers could surge if testing procedures improve and almost all the cases there are linked to the people who returned from Iran. Senge H Sering, a Washington-based political activist from Gilgit Baltistan, told ANI: "Despite GB lacking equipment and supplies to deal with suspected patients, Pakistan regime has deliberately moved the Iran-returned pilgrims there without screening them." He added: "This is putting extra burden on the GB authorities." The occupied region lacks basic healthcare infrastructure and is unable to handle the burden of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 23, a young physician, Osama Riaz, died of coronavirus, which he had contracted while physically handling suspected COVID-19 patients returning to Gilgit Baltistan from Iran via Taftan. The paramedic succumbed to coronavirus while trying to take care of other infected patients without proper protective equipment. Dr Osama, who belonged to Chilas in Gilgit Baltistan, was the first casualty and he contracted the virus while screening the pilgrims. Pakistan took steps to close down its 960-km border with Iran late February. But, it could not deter Pakistani citizens from travelling to the coronavirus-hit Iran in large numbers for pilgrimage. Senge also said that Pakistan's failure to impose a nationwide lockdown will result in a surge of coronavirus cases. He praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for swift action by imposing a countrywide lockdown. Senge said: "As one of the most accomplished Indian politicians, PM Modi holds immense respect and leverage among the country's people. This will help him take decisive actions to control the China Virus. But more important than this is cooperation from the governments of all States and Union Territories." He added: "Pakistan, which is one of the worst-hit countries among SAARC members, should follow PM Modi and lockdown the country to minimize fatalities. PM Imran Khan's failed policies are turning occupied Gilgit Baltistan into an epicentre of China Virus." In Pakistan, the COVID-19 cases have sharply increased to 4,788 and the toll has reached 71, officials said on Saturday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India will have to strike a balance between jaan (lives) and jahaan (the outside world), Prime Minister Narendra Modi told chief ministers on Saturday, in a sign that restrictions to contain Covid-19 may continue in some form but there could also be relaxations to the three-week, nationwide lockdown (which began on March 25) in order to resume economic activity. Meanwhile, the US, with at least 19,833 deaths due to the coronavirus disease, became the most affected country in terms of fatalities by overtaking Italy. America, already the worst-hit nation in terms of cases, is the only country to have reported over 500,000 infections. Jaan, Jahan: PM Modi weighs lockdown call 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. Read More Covid-19: How it will change individuals When its over, will things go back to how they were before? And what about us, will we? If the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) had only lasted weeks, and not required a fundamental change in how we live and work, then the answer to those questions would have been in the affirmative. And so, the answer will have to be in the negative. Things will not go back to how they were before. Nor will we. Read More As lockdown extension possibility looms, ministers to go to office from Monday Union ministers and all senior officials will start attending office again from Monday, government functionaries told HT, marking a step towards the resumption of normalcy in government establishment even as the lockdown is likely to be extended. Read More Health ministry hails timing of lockdown 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. Read More Several targets missed, still no sign of rapid testing kits The rapid testing kits, which India was expecting to be delivered on April 5, and then April 8 or 9, will not be here at least until early next week, delaying the countrys efforts to use these to test widely in containment zones that have seen a lot of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases . Read More Donation to PM-Cares, not states relief fund, to count as CSR: Govt Companies contributions to the chief ministers relief fund or the state relief fund towards the fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) will not count as corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending, but those to the newly established Prime Minister s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) fund or to the State Disaster Management Authority will, the Centre said on Saturday. Read More US now has most Covid deaths, overtaking Italy It was a day of tragic records for the US on Saturday, as the coronavirus pandemic continued to torment the country, forcing authorities to start digging up trenches for mass graves. With at least 19,833 deaths reported from the Covid-19 outbreak, the US has now become the most affected country in terms of fatalities - overtaking Italy, which has reported 19,468 deaths. Read More Respiratory, organ failure and heart attacks killing Covid patients: Study People with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) may die of a heart attack, respiratory failure, multiple organ failure or septic shock, but the cause of death is irrefutably Covid-19, scientists and clinicians have said, debunking attempts by some states to attribute fatalities to other reasons. Read More New infections raise fear of community spread in states The Union health ministry has dismissed speculation about community transmission, where the source of the disease is not known, but many experts have pointed to cases where authorities have failed to trace the source of the infection. Read More Unlockdown lessons from Ground Zero Wuhans reopening, starting April 8, is being watched by other countries for lessons on how resumption of normal life after a lockdown is possible. Read More Plea in SC against free private testing Burdening private laboratories to offer free Covid-19 tests will disincentivise their continued functioning posing a grave risk to peoples health, a plea filed before the Supreme Court on Friday stated seeking modification of the apex courts April 8 order directing private laboratories to offer free coronavirus tests. Read More Covid-19 halts J&Ks annual Darbar Move for the first time in 144 years The annual Darbar Move in Jammu and Kashmir the shifting of the administrative machinery from Jammu to Srinagar in the spring that has a history of 144 years wont be fully completed this year due to concerns related to the Covid-19 outbreak. Read More Concept: The COVID-19 pandemic is accompanied by an Infodemic, a spread of disinformation and misinformation making it difficult for people to find accurate information. A recent survey from one African country suggested that 24% of the sample surveyed believed they were immune to COVID-19. Only 50% of the people surveyed claimed to have any information on how to protect themselves, and less than a quarter of all respondents knew that handwashing was an important preventative measure. This survey underlines the urgent need to ensure that access to culturally relevant information is made available immediately in order to facilitate awareness-raising about how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 both globally and across the African Continent. Across Africa the radio, and video/music clips thanks to 3g access, remains one of the most efficient ways of ensuring information is shared in both urban and rural areas. Contemporary global and African performing artists are not only looked to for information, but also serve as continental role models for communities to emulate. In this regard, UNESCO is proposing a collaboration with artists and influencers in order to develop a series of openly licensed PSAs, music videos, and songs as part of the Organizations #DONTGOVIRAL campaign, to fit with ongoing communication campaigns of UNESCO to fight disinformation around COVID-19 and to provide basic information related to safety precautions to take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 across the African continent, with global repercussions. The intent is to produce creative content that can circulate across the globe, with a focus on Africa, where populations are the most at risk given both lack of health infrastructure and lack of quality information. More information can be found on the UNESCO webpage here. In this regard, partnerships have been established with both African media outlets and global outlets, notably the BBC World Service, who has agreed to pass all messages produced as part of the campaign on all available platforms (TV, radio, web,etc). The campaign consists of two parts: An open call to creatives to produce creative content to combat the spread of COVID-19; Development of content by globally renown artists to be distributed through all UN and UNESCO channels with crucial messages related to the COVID-19 epidemic at the global level. Format of the messages: PSA (30 seconds) to encourage creatives to join the #Dontgoviral campaign and #ShareInformation; PSA (30 seconds) by artists emphasizing the main messages below; Production of content (songs or music videos) highlighting the main messages below. Timeline: The United Nations is looking for content to be produced in the first part of April, with diffusion at the global level throughout April and May. Main messages: Overall main messages: Dont Go Viral: Staying Home saves Lives. We are at war against a common enemy: the virus. To win this war, we need to stay home (in our homes). Separate and together: Physical Distancing does not mean social distancing. Now more than ever the vulnerable (elderly, sick) need our support and help. Help your communities: leave food at the door for the elderly, check in on the vulnerable. Check in on your friends (but at a distance) Medical professionals are the soldiers fighting this war: we need to help them win this war by supporting them and respecting health guidelines (below) so we can win this battle. Share Information: There is a lot of disinformation and fake news circulating. Verify your sources! Check the facts! Follow official health guidance as per the below official health guidance measures Key UNESCO messages: Disinformation spreads: Getting reliable health information about the COVID-19 outbreak can be a life-saver. Yet disinformation and rumours can spread just as fast as the virus itself. Now that many of us are spending much more time online, lets think critically about the information we are receiving and sharing, especially on the coronavirus. Quality journalism: Getting reliable health information about the COVID-19 outbreak can be a life-saver. Rumors and false information can help further spread the virus. To counter this epidemic, it is important to rely on information coming from professional and ethical newspapers, TV and radio channels, and news websites. Quality journalism is now more crucial than ever. Fact-checking for social media content: Getting reliable health information about the COVID-19 outbreak can be a life-saver. If you are not certain about what you see on social media about the coronavirus, do not share it or like it. Do some fact-checking by cross-checking sources or by visiting the World Health Organizations website. If it is proven to be false, dont hesitate to let people know by commenting and adding the source. Access to information: Getting reliable health information about the COVID-19 outbreak can be a life-saver. In a times of crisis, it is essential to guarantee freedom of expression and the right to public information, in particular to counter the spread of disinformation. Dont discriminate, educate! Racism and discrimination are spreading alongside the new coronavirus. Remember that the virus has no ethnicity, no gender, nor social class. Lets stand together as one community of human beings and flatten the curb of racism. Our diversity can unite us for a better, more inclusive and peaceful world. Against COVID-19, leave no one behind! During the coronavirus pandemic, leave no one behind. The most vulnerable and isolated people need our best of care and solidarity. Dont hesitate to reach out to them. Send them messages or give them a call, to let them know they are not alone. This might be an invaluable support to them. Health guidance measures: Wash your hands frequently: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. Maintain physical distancing. Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Practice respiratory hygiene: Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections. Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider: Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves. More ideas: UNESCO MIL messages: https://pr.fo/2WYHtcG Myth busters: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters Information related to masks: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks More ideas and health information: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public For more information contact: Sasha Rubel ( [email protected] , +33772297896) Washington: A consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India has reached the US, the global Covid-19 hotspot, days after New Delhi lifted a ban on the export of the anti-malarial drug to America and some other countries on humanitarian grounds to help them combat the coronavirus pandemic. More than 1.7 million people have tested positive and 108,867 people have died from the novel coronavirus globally. The United States has emerged as the global hotspot with 20,000 deaths and nearly 530,000 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University data. America has replaced Italy as the country with the highest number of Covid-19 deaths at 20,597, the data shows. Earlier this week, India at the request of President Donald Trump cleared the export of 35.82 lakh tablets of hydroxychloroquine to the US along with nine metric tons of active pharmaceutical ingredient or API required in the manufacturing of the drug. "Supporting our partners in the fight against Covid-19. Consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today (Saturday)," India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu tweeted. Trump, during a phone call last week, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lift the hold on American order of the anti-malarial drug, of which India is the major producer. India, which manufactures 70 per cent of the world's supply of hydroxychloroquine, lifted the ban on April 7. Hydroxychloroquine has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the Covid-19 and it is being tested on more than 1,500 coronavirus patients in New York. Anticipating that it will work, given the initial positive results, Trump has bought more than 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine for potential treatment of Covid-19 patients. The arrival of consignment was welcomed by Americans. "US will never forget this great humanitarian gesture by India. Under President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two largest democracies of the world have come together than ever in the past,' said New York-based Al Mason, a real estate consultant and a Trump supporter. "A wonderful gesture by India to its friends in need," tweeted Dr Sampat Shivangi. Describing this as a "wonderful gesture", Steve Filipovic, who works in the construction industry, thanked the Indian Ambassador. Meanwhile, according to a new French study, of the 1,061 hospitalised COVID-19 patients showed a 91.7 per cent cure (viral shedding) within 10 days of hydroxychloroquine treatment along with antibiotic. It also reported a 96 per cent cure rate after 15 days. Early this week, the National Institute of Health reported that a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of adults hospitalised with the coronavirus disease had begun, with the first participants now enrolled in Tennessee. Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat malaria and rheumatoid conditions such as arthritis. In various studies, the drug has demonstrated antiviral activity, an ability to modify the activity of the immune system, and has an established safety profile at appropriate doses, leading to the hypothesis that it may also be useful in the treatment of Covid-19, the NIH said. The drug is not without risks as even short-term use can cause cardiac arrythmias, seizures, dermatological reactions, and hypoglycemia, it added. "Many US hospitals are currently using hydroxychloroquine as first-line therapy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 despite extremely limited clinical data supporting its effectiveness," said Wesley Self, emergency medicine physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and PETAL Clinical Trials Network investigator leading the ORCHID trial. "Thus, data on hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of Covid-19 are urgently needed to inform clinical practice," he added. According to NIH, participants will be randomly assigned to receive hydroxychloroquine 400 mg twice daily for two doses (day one), then 200 mg twice daily for the subsequent eight doses (days two to five) or a placebo twice daily for five days. Mexico City, April 12 : Mexican authorities have found the decapitated body of a journalist, who was reported missing since April 2, in the coastal city of Acapulco, the prosecutor's office said. The Guerrero State Attorney General's Office in a statement on Saturday said forensic and genetic examinations confirmed the identification of the remains of the body found on Wednesday in the southern state of Guerrero. The human remains were located on the street next to a secondary school in Acapulco where Victor Fernando Alvarez's family last saw him. The statement said that the police had widened the probe to name the perpetrators "responsible for this homicide". Fernando Alvarez is the second journalist killed in the county this year after unknown assailants murdered Maria Elena Feral on March 30 in the state of Veracruz. Crime syndicates have killed some 131 journalists in Mexico in the last nearly two decades, according to NGO Article 19. Rights groups consider Mexico as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. At least 10 journalists were killed in connection with their work in Mexico in 2019, according to Reporters Without Borders. Coronavirus has been labelled a pandemic but a handful of countries have not yet reported any cases. In December 2019, the coronavirus was seemingly confined to China. But, a few weeks later, the virus, which causes the illness known as COVID-19, became a global pandemic. The virus, which leads to a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from droplets of bodily fluids such as mucus and saliva, has now been reported in at least 188 countries. Scientists, health officials and governments across the world have encouraged citizens to practise physical distancing and to avoid going out unless for necessary purposes. According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, more than 29 million people have been infected, and the global death toll is at least 924,000. More than 19.6 million patients have recovered. Here are a few countries that have not reported any cases of the coronavirus so far: Kiribati Marshall Islands Micronesia Nauru North Korea Palau Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Turkmenistan Tuvalu Vanuatu Press Release April 12, 2020 Drilon says sale of gov't assets will provide more funds for COVID-19 response, arrest growing budget deficit Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon called on the government's economic managers to conduct a speedy review of state assets that could be sold off immediately in order to generate funds for COVID-19 crisis and to counter the growing budget deficit due to the pandemic. The President last week said he is ready to sell government properties as a last resort to get more funding for the people affected by the pandemic. "Let us turn this COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity to better utilize government assets. Better utilization of these state assets is long overdue as a national policy," Drilon stressed. "As I said before,the government does not have to look far to raise additional revenues. There are 'low-hanging fruits' the government can immediately tap to provide the much-needed resources for our country to survive this pandemic," he said. Drilon noted, for instance, that the privatization of the gaming industry will generate funding for the government to provide more relief to affected Filipinos and, at the same time, manage the country's growing budget deficit. In the Senate Committee on Finance's hearing on the budget of the Department of Finance (DOF) last year, Drilon recalled that Sec. Carlos Dominguez III admitted that privatizing the gaming industry will yield around P300 billion in additional revenues yearly. "We have an untapped 'goldmine' that can generate up to P300 billion in fresh revenues yearly. I hope our economic managers will move faster on this this time, because the effects of COVID-19 pandemic will go beyond 2020," Drilon said. Drilon said a widening budget deficit is expected as an aftermath of the pandemic. The minority leader said that if budget deficit is not arrested early on, programs, including much-needed social and health packages, will suffer in the long run. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III earlier said that the budget deficit is expected to increase anwyhere between 3.2 percent to 5.3 percent. The government's original target is 3 percent. Drilon said that the law that he authored, the GOCC Governance Act, allows the President to amend the charter of state-owned corporations, including PAGCOR and PCSO, without going to Congress. "If the government really wants to generate more funds to help the COVID-19 affected families, let's privatize PAGCOR and PCSO," he added. Aside from privatizing the gaming industry, Drilon said disposing of Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame can also help finance the budget deificit and generate funding for COVID-19 response. While making blinis one morning in self-isolation, Natalia Goroshko noticed one in her pan had taken the floppy form of one of Salvador Dalis melting clocks. The 31-year-old Belarusian living in Texas 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. Created last week, Izoizolyacia - or Art Isolation - now has more than 300,000 members and a flurry of posts that include Edvard Munchs Scream made of slippers and clothes, and Kazimir Malevichs Black Square composed of socks hanging from a towel rack. Some participants have also dressed themselves and family members in elaborate costumes -- or shed layers -- 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. 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. A view shows the reconstitution of Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" made of lentils, buckwheat, beans and other food items. (via REUTERS) Muscovite Yulia Tabolkina, a painting enthusiast, swapped her brushes and palette for whatever she could find in the pantry to create her own versions of Leonardo da Vincis Mona Lisa and Munchs Scream. She used lentils, buckwheat, beans and other food items to produce different shades and used her windowsill as a canvas. It really helps to keep morale up during these times because people are at home and its 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 Matisses 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. A view shows the reconstitution of "The Scream" by Norwegian painter Edvard Munch made of slippers and clothes (via REUTERS) 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. TDT | Manama Face masks are not required to be worn while driving or exercising outdoors, the Ministry of Health clarified yesterday in a notice released as part of the Public Awareness Campaign to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Ministry advised that wearing face masks is necessary in malls, stores, public places and workplaces. These guidelines are part of government orders that came into effect on Thursday evening requiring all people in Bahrain to wear a face mask or an appropriate face-covering whenever they are out in public. The notice also gave instructions on how to properly dispose of a face mask once it is used. These guidelines and others are all available at the Health Ministrys official website, or on their social media feeds. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has defended having her haircut in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, despite forcing her city's salons and barbers to close in compliance with a statewide stay-at-home order. Lightfoot, 57, sparked outrage last weekend after her hairstylist shared photos to social media after tending to the Mayor's tresses. The pair posed close together and neither was wearing a mask or gloves. Critics called the Democrat Mayor a 'hypocrite', in light of the fact she had recently released a public service announcement telling Chicago residents that 'getting their roots done is not essential'. Lightfoot has also pushed for police to arrest residents who flout lockdown orders. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (left) sparked outrage last weekend after her hairstylist shared photos to social media after tending to the Mayor's tresses. The pair posed close together and neither was wearing gloves or a mask Lightfoot defended her haircut, saying: 'I'm the public face of this city. I'm on national media and I'm out in the public eye' But Lightfoot has now blasted back, saying: 'I'm the public face of this city. I'm on national media and I'm out in the public eye.' 'I'm a person who, I take my personal hygiene very seriously, as I said I felt like I needed to have a haircut. I'm not able to do that myself,' she added. She also insisted that her hairstylist was wearing both gloves and a mask when she was trimming her locks. However, the criticism has continued both online and on national television. Panelists on The View roundly condemned Lightfoot Friday, with co-star Sunny Hostin calling the Mayor's actions 'despicable'. 'Leadership starts at the top!' Hostin fumed. Lightfoot (pictured Friday) has been attacked by critics on both the left and right On Twitter, Lightfoot was attacked by both pundits on the left and right. After the Mayor defended her decision, Democratic Socialist Carlos Ramirez-Rosa stated: 'Really? She is under no obligation to look good on national TV. She is under no obligation to book national interviews. But she is under an obligation to follow and promote social distancing in order to save lives. This is a bad example for our city'. Right-wing pundit Charlie Kirk tweeted: 'This is typical for Democrats. They fly on private jets but lecture you about the environment. They send their kids to private schools while demanding you don't. Hypocrites.' Chicago has been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak, with 7,775 confirmed cases of the virus. 253 city residents have died, US coronavirus deaths hits 20,000 Leaving Italy behind, US now has the highest number of fatalities in the world due to the global coronavirus outbreak. The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus in the U.S. crossed the 20,000 mark early Sunday, according to data by Johns Hopkins University. The university's running tally counted 20,608 deaths and 529,951 cases as the US struggles to curb the outbreak. NEW YORK IS THE EPICENTER OF THE OUTBREAK The US leads the world in deaths from the virus after Italy reported 19,468, followed by Spain with 16,606. Nearly 32,000 patients have recovered in the US, according to the data. The state of New York continues to be the epicenter with more than 8,600 deaths, followed by New Jersey with nearly 2,200. US President Donald Trump said Friday the country would record fewer deaths compared to the 100,000 that was previously projected. "The minimum number was 100,000 lives and I think well be substantially under that number," Trump told reporters at the White House. "Hard to believe that if you had 60,000, you could never be happy, but that's a lot fewer than we were originally thinking." "We're seeing clear signs that our aggressive strategy is saving countless lives," he added. Overall, the virus has spread to 185 countries, infecting more than 1.7 million since it first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. As Russia struggles with an escalating coronavirus crisis, videos and images posted online have shown long queues of ambulances apparently waiting to get access to hospitals in the Moscow region. Footage shot from a Moscow tower block and posted on Twitter on Friday showed more than 50 emergency service vehicles queueing around the block. Another user shared street-level footage of what appeared to be the same stretch of ambulances. They said it was filmed outside a hospital on Startovaya Street, in the Losinoostrovsky district of the Russian capital. "The picture is terrifying. This is no longer possible to hide," the user tweeted. The queue was reportedly the result of a logistical error, with patients being sent there when no beds were actually available. Russia reported 2,186 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the national tally of confirmed cases to 15,770, even as Moscow and many other regions neared the end of their second week in a state of lockdown aimed at halting the contagion. The number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country rose by 24 to 130, the Russian coronavirus crisis response centre said. In Moscow the centre of the national outbreak the number of patients being hospitalised has also doubled in recent days, one official said. I can tell you for sure that there has been no peak yet whatsoever. We are at the foothills of the peak, not even in the middle, Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said in an interview with Russia's RIA news agency published on Friday. I can only say that a serious test lies before us and we need to be preparing for it, he said. In a Facebook post, a man claiming to be an ambulance worker posted images showing queues of emergency service vehicles outside what he said was a hospital in Novogorsk, another Moscow suburb. "Today I work on an ambulance on a night shift," Oleg Pyhtin said. "A patient was brought from Mitino to a hospital in Novogorsk, apparently in Moscow there is nowhere. I have not seen this in six years! Standing in line." In a televised address on Friday, Mr Sobyanin said the city would gradually begin introducing a system of passes for residents wanting to move around the city so that authorities could enforce the shutdown. Residents in Moscow have been told to stay at home unless they need to make essential trips to buy food or access urgent medical care. Police said on Thursday they had already caught 400 people ignoring the order and that they faced small fines. The situation started to get worse from Monday. The number of seriously ill patients with pneumonia is growing, Mr Sobyanin said, adding that he felt he had no choice but to introduce a permit system. Especially when we see that unfortunately not everyone is following the restrictions that have been set. In Moscow, the influx of patients is already pushing hospitals and ambulances towards their limit, said deputy mayor Anastasiya Rakova. Russia recorded far fewer cases of the new coronavirus than many Western European countries in the early stages of the outbreak, but its official case tally began to rise sharply this month. Officials until late last month were saying that the situation was under control and that there was no epidemic. Their tone changed however after Mr Sobyanin, who has taken a prominent role in the crisis, questioned the veracity of official figures and said the real situation was much worse than it looked. Some anti-Kremlin politicians have criticised President Vladimir Putin for taking what they say has been too low a profile in the push to contain and slow the spread of the virus. The Kremlin has rejected those assertions however, and Mr Putin made his third television appearance dedicated to the crisis on Wednesday, rolling out economic measures to help businesses hit by the lockdown. Additional reporting by Reuters Lessons from yesteryear: How the quiet roots of Songkran can help us today It was the biggest water festival in the world. The party lasted all night long. Every year, it attracted over 500,000 foreign tourists; to say nothing of the millions Thais who perennially returned to their hometowns in anticipation of the celebration. It brought in revenue of over B22 billion and, well, I suppose you really could say it was the biggest show on Earth! All-About-Buddhism By Jason Jellison Sunday 12 April 2020, 01:00PM A young monk quietly reflects with water. Photo: Sasin Tipchai / Pixabay The it I am referring to is, of course, the traditional Thai New Year (Songkran), and it has been greatly scaled back this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Usually, areas like Old Phuket Town and downtown Bangkok are normally jam packed with jubilant revelers of virtually all ages, and all nationalities. But this year, thats probably not going to happen. Sadly, there could be no more efficient method to dramatically spread COVID-19 than to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year in the ways which we often do today. But, that doesnt necessarily mean that the celebration is completely over. You see, Songkran was not always the huge street party which we have grown accustomed to. In ancient times it actually had very quiet, very spiritual beginnings, and, if we understand those bygone days, perhaps we might be able to repurpose them to celebrate Songkran in these trying times today. In ancient times, Songkran essentially marked the beginning of the Siamese New Year. Old Siam functioned on a lunisolar Buddhist calendar and this differentiated Siam from the West in a number of interesting ways. The traditional Siamese calendar was a Zodiac calendar, and Zodiacal calendars operate on systems comprised of 12 signs. A sign represented 30 degrees of graduated transit in the stars; culminating in a 12-month system. But, this system had some differences from what we are accustomed to in the West. First, months were counted from December as a starting point, not January. Also, the celebration of the New Year occurred in April, instead of on the more familiar January 1. Plus, the months were all different than what we are accustomed to in modern times. Months alternated between 29 and 30 days. Years were either 354, 355, or occasionally 384 days long. On a long year, the eighth month would be repeated, and months were subdivided into two periods. Months were structured such that the first 15 days of a month occurred when the moon was waxing (the time required for a new moon to mature into a full moon). The last two weeks of the month centered around the time required for a full moon to retire into a new moon, or as the moon was waning. The names of the months were drawn from ancient Khmer. The entire traditional Siamese Calendar was based on four lunar stages, and this played a role in determining when great feasts and Buddhist Holy Days would be marked. On todays calendars, Songkran would generally be marked on April 13, but ancient Siamese people would have known this date under the terms of their calendar. Days were similar to what we know today. However, Siamese time was 17 minutes and 56 seconds out of sync with the modern system. This was equalized on April 1, 1920, when everyone had to move their clocks roughly 18 minutes ahead, for good. Days were divided into four six-hour time periods. Technically, the Songkran we know is really one of 12 songkrans. Songkran (or Sam-kranti in my Sanskrit-English dictionary) translates to movement, and a songkran marks the movement as the sun transits out of one Zodiacal position and into another. The Songkran we celebrate today simply marks the most important transition, which is when the sun transits out of Pisces and into Aries, thus ending the old year. In ancient times, Songkran was not a gigantic water fight. In fact, the original idea was to mark the changing of the year by having younger people gently sprinkle their elders (aged 60 and up) with holy water. The hope was that the holy water would wash away the sins and sorrows of the past year, and it would not be unfair to speculate that many people would hope for a prosperous new year. Traditionally, many Thais would return to their villages in order to mark the holiday. Many young boys would ordain and become novice monks, and prayers would be offered for dearly departed loved ones. The sprinkling of holy water was much more of a quiet, subdued affair than it is now. Rather than having water fights in the streets, in these days you would have seen street stalls that were stacked with piles of hand-rolled cigarettes, handmade baskets, and inside those baskets could have been many wonderful handcrafted treats, like rice balls or any number of sweet desserts many of which still are popular to this day and are referred to by Thais as Khaaw Tom. Out in the town square, you would have seen Buddha statues having water poured over their torsos and, inside the local temples, great sermons would be recited from senior monks standing behind long, flowing scrolls. Reenactments of great Buddhist stories were often conducted, and some of these reenactments even included choreographed historical reenactment on elephant-back. Fish would frequently be released into local rivers for good luck, and many locals would bring sand to their temples as a gift. Yet, Songkran would have been at its most quaint in very small, very rural communities. In thatched villages with little more than a few dozen residents, it is obvious that Songkran would have been a very quiet family or community affair; this year, those are the days which we probably have to return to for a while. I know many junior Buddhist monks who recently finished ordination, and they tell me that they will skip large groups and gatherings, but are planning on a quiet celebration with their families. They still intend to sprinkle holy water on their elder relatives, and several former monks I know are planning to make large feasts while they stay at home. Since large gatherings are out this year, the best we can do is rediscover Songkran in its early, more intimate days. With a little creativity, we can repurpose that knowledge for a safe and happy Songkran today. As of the time of this writing, detailed travel and social gathering restrictions have been issued by the authorities which effect many of my readers. I encourage all of my readers in Thailand to cooperate with these restrictions in the interest of protecting the public health. The celebration will never be over for Songkran as long as we celebrate it in our hearts and homes. We may have to go back to basics this year, but knowing the history of Songkran might help us overcome our temporary circumstances. Someday, we will return to normal times. Someday, things are going to get better and, when that day comes, we shall arise stronger than ever. All About Buddhism is a monthly column in The Phuket News where Jason Jellison takes readers on an exotic journey into Thai Buddhism and debunk a number of myths about Buddhism. If you have any specific queries, or ideas for articles, please email editor1@classactmedia.co.th, and we will do our best to accommodate your interests. New Delhi [India], April 12 (ANI): Amid the nation-wide lockdown, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has constituted two committees to look after the examinations and academic calendar, and to promote online learning. Speaking to ANI, D P Singh, UGC Chairman said, "As far as the students are concerned, I wish to inform you that for them we have constituted two committees. Students are worried about their exams. They are also worried about future prospects and their admissions in higher classes, so one committee has been constituted to look after the examination and academic calendar." He said that under the lockdown situation, it is essential to think about how the prescribed syllabus can be completed, what type of examination system would be followed, and the steps universities will take in the interest of the students. "On the basis of the committee's suggestion which we will be receiving next week, we will issue the guidelines for universities with the consultation of the MHRD," he added. "Another committee is very important that is related to students, teachers and system as a whole is to promote online which is need of the hour. We have to maintain social distancing therefore online learning and e- is only way out," said UGC chairman. UGC Chairman also appealed to all universities of students and teachers to download the Arogya Setu APP in order to fight COVID-19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yemeni forces repel several Saudi attacks days after 'truce' Iran Press TV Saturday, 11 April 2020 7:48 AM Days after the so-called Saudi-led coalition claimed to have halted its aggression in Yemen due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Yemeni Army has announced that it repelled several Saudi assaults on various fronts in just one day. The Spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree said in a tweet that the Yemen defensive operations took place from Friday morning until noon, killing and injuring dozens of enemy combatants and impeding Saudi advance. "Three assaults took place in the Qaniyah, al-Jaribat and Nati' regionsof the al-Bayda Province, two in the Ma'rib Province's Sirwah region and one attack in the Qabzat district of the Taizz Province," he said. Saree added that Saudi mercenaries also launched seven airstrikes on separate areas in the Khab wa al-Sha'af districts in the northern al-Jawf Province. Saudi drone downed Also on Friday, the Yemeni forces managed to shoot down a Saudi-led drone conducting "hostile operations" over the Razeh area bordering Saudi Arabia in the Sa'ada Province, according to a military source speaking to Yemen's official Saba news agency. The news agency also reported that a Saudi-led warship shelled the Yemeni port-city of Hudaydah, violating an ongoing UN-brokered truce in the city. The report added that the Saudi mercenaries also shelled the encircled Yemeni city of Durayhimi near Hudaydah, killing two civilians and destroying homes. The multiple land and aerial assaults come a few days after the Saudi-led coalition claimed it was halting military operations in Yemen in support of UN efforts to end the five-year war and avoid the outbreak of the coronavirus in war-wracked Yemen. The Saudi assaults, along with mass arms shipments from western countries, have, nonetheless continued despite Yemen confirming its first COVID-19 case on Friday. Speaking a day earlier, the spokesman for Yemen's popular Ansarullah resistance movement, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, said that the so-called Saudi truce was a mere "political and media maneuver" seeking to "burnish the blood-stained image of Saudi Arabia". "Yemenis are dying of blockade and epidemics There can be no humanitarian truce as long as the (Saudi-led) siege continues," Abdul-Salam said. Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched the devastating war on Yemen in March 2015 in order to bring the country's former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi back to power and crush Ansarullah. The Saudi-led campaign was, however, brought to a standstill due to fierce Yemeni resistance. The US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), a nonprofit conflict-research organization, estimates that the war has claimed more than 100,000 lives over the past five years. The UN says over 24 million Yemenis are in dire need of humanitarian aid, including 10 million suffering from extreme levels of hunger. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Three fire trucks and a cop car, their sirens blaring, raced through Richmond on Saturday and the news was all good. Nico Medeiros was having his 9th birthday. Wow, said Nico, perhaps a dozen times. Like most everyone else on planet Earth, Nico has been holed up indoors and none too happy about it. His grandma in Florida, along with his parents, cooked up the idea to call the Richmond cops and the firefighters and inquire very politely if they could possibly swing by at high noon, assuming Richmond was otherwise behaving itself. Sure, they replied. Nico has wanted to be a cop since preschool, more than half his lifetime ago. Apparently the cops, whose numbers are down, wanted to make sure Nico doesnt change his mind, and the firefighters wanted a piece of the action, too. Now Playing: Nico Medeiros, 9, watches a parade by fire and police department officials to celebrate Medeiros birthday on Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Richmond, Calif. Nico was surprised for his 9th birthday with a parade of three fire trucks and a police cruiser with their sirens on driving around the block for two times. The parade was arranged by Nicos grandmother who couldnt make it to Richmond from Florida. (This caption has been updated to correct the spelling of Nico's name.) The fire crew and fire engine will be driving by your house at noon, the Fire Department wrote back. Happy birthday, Nico! What happened next will clearly live forever in the history of Northshore Drive. The Fire Department didnt send only one engine. It sent three. And the cops sent a squad car. And every red light was flashing, every siren was wailing and every horn was blaring. And they all stopped in front of Nicos house, where the blue balloons were, and where Nico was standing wide-eyed with his parents, Mauricio and Christina, and his 7-year-old brother, Stefano. Then the vehicles circled the block and came by again, just as noisily, in case anyone was trying to take a nap in the middle of an important event like Nicos birthday. Two dozen neighbors, alerted by a neighborhood website, stood in front of their homes, wearing the kind of masks that the cops dont mind seeing these days. Newbie the German shepherd came out too, on a leash held by his owner, Cassie Cherner. Biggest thing thats happened around here since the Fourth of July fireworks, Cherner said. Woof, Newbie 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. Nico, who was wearing a T-shirt emblazoned Happy Quarantined Birthday to Me, said he knew this wasnt an ordinary birthday because nothing these days is ordinary. Its been kind of hard to have fun, he said. It makes you feel kind of crazy that you cant get out. Not just kind of crazy. Really crazy. Even being allowed extra computer time to play more rounds of his favorite online game, Roblox, with his pals doesnt make up for not going outside. Not seeing anybody really bothers me, he said. But were healthy. Im glad about that. Five minutes later, the fire trucks and the cop car were gone. Nico and his family went back inside their home, a place where Nico knew he would be spending the first part of his 10th year. The rest of his neighbors, including Newbie, went back inside, too. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF New York City Fire Department paramedic Ravi Kailayanathan poses for a portrait in New York, on April 8, 2020. (Frank Franklin II/AP Photo) NYCs Emergency Systems Taxed by Outbreak NEW YORKThe CCP virus crisis is taxing New York Citys 911 system like never before. The system is so overwhelmed, the city has started sending text and tweet alerts urging people to only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies. As the city staggered through its deadliest week of the pandemic, its emergency response system and army of operators, dispatchers, and ambulance crews were pushed to the brink. The Fire Department said it has averaged more than 5,500 ambulance requests each dayabout 40 percent higher than usual, eclipsing the total call volume on Sept. 11, 2001. When you hang up with one call, another one pops in, said 911 operator Monique Brown. Theres no time for a minutes rest. Its back to back, nonstop, said dispatcher Virginia Creary. We just pick up call after call after call, said paramedic Ravi Kailayanathan. Between the torrent of calls and so many requiring immediate intervention, like IVs and breathing tubes, its taking longer for help to arrive. The Fire Department said response times for the most serious calls have been averaging more than 10 minutes, up from about 6 to 7 minutes under normal circumstances. People with mild symptoms or a minor injury could wait hours. New York City 911 Operators begin each 911 call in the nations largest city with the same question: Do you need police, fire, or medical? Then they evaluate the calls urgency, prioritizing them on the fly. Brown and her colleagues often work mandatory 16-hour shifts, crammed into Bronx and Brooklyn call centers behind screens that flash call details. The fevers and coughing that crowded the citys 911 lines early in the crisis have given way to frantic calls about grave illnesses. Creary said she has noticed cardiac arrest calls spike. Some people call back within hours to report symptoms suddenly worsening. The Fire Department said it is seeing more than 300 cardiac arrest calls per day, with well over 200 of those patients dying. A year ago, the department averaged 64 calls for cardiac arrest per day. The worst thing is taking a call and hearing somebody screaming because their loved one has stopped breathing or theyre in distress and they dont know what to do, said Creary, whos also an EMT. You just feel utterly helpless. For most people, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia. We Cannot Handle This After the 911 operator, medical dispatchers like Creary take charge. They find an ambulance to respond and act as a liaison between crews in the field and the hospitals. Hospitals swamped by the surge of patients sometimes make ambulances line up outside, with crews waiting upward of 40 minutes to hand over a patient. Hospitals have told Creary twice in recent days to divert ambulances elsewhere, she said. A nurse she alerted about an impending arrival pleaded: We cannot handle this. We have no beds. We have no oxygen. We have no equipment. They cannot come here. Nearly a quarter of the citys emergency medical services workers have been out sick, the Fire Department said. On one day last week, 3,000 members of the Fire Department were sidelined, including about 950 of the citys 4,300 EMS workers. The federal government sent 250 ambulances and 500 EMTs last week to supplement the citys fleet. The Fire Department has deployed seven rapid-response vehicles, operated by firefighters, to the Bronx to provide care until an ambulance arrives. Its mentally taxing, said Creary, who copes with the stress at home by playing trumpet and learning bagpipes. Were short-staffed. Were short ambulances. Everybodys basically overwhelmed. Its Just Heartbreaking Kailayanathan, a paramedic responding to more than a dozen calls each day, stepped off his ambulance tired, hungry and emotionally drained after another 16-hour day. Nearly every patient he saw on a recent 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. shift needed to be hospitalized and hooked up to a ventilator. Some patients have had to be resuscitated in the back of the ambulance. Its just heartbreaking, Kailayanathan said. The state has instituted a triage protocol that instructs ambulance crews to question patients from a distance to screen for symptoms before initiating an examination with protective gear. Kailayanathans assignment varies depending on where the dispatch system detects a surge in calls. Two weeks ago, he was in Queens, the hardest-hit borough. Last week, he was shuttling patients to Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx. The daughter of an elderly woman Kailayanathan treated pleaded to ride with her, but to curb the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, family members are no longer allowed in ambulances and hospitals have banned visitors. Theres a good chance that the daughter is not going see her mother again, he said. Thats just really, really draining. No Way to Avoid It At least 688 EMS workers and other Fire Department employees have tested positive for the CCP virus. A paramedic, Christell Cadet, has been in intensive care for three weeks. Throughout the citys emergency response system, workers fear theyll be next. Kailayanathan said he has been taking steps to avoid introducing the virus into his body. There is no sink in the ambulance to wash hands, so he mainly uses hand sanitizer. After his last run, he showers twiceat work and again at home. Then he has his first meal since 6 a.m. Kailayanathan worries about infecting his elderly parents. Creary is looking into a temporary living arrangement so she doesnt bring the disease home to her elderly mother. The union for 911 operators is demanding that the Police Department, which runs the call centers, space workers out to protect their health. Instead of social distancing, theyre sitting on top of each other, said Alma Roper, of District Council 37s Local 1549. The NYPD said it is doing all it can to promote social distancing at call centers, including seating operators at every other call-taking position, cleaning workspaces at least twice per shift and, starting Saturday, screening workers body temperatures and directing them to see a doctor if its higher than 100.4 degrees (38 degrees Celsius). For us, its not an if, its a when. When are these symptoms going to start? When are we going to start getting sick? Creary said. Because theres no way to avoid it. By Michael R. Sisak and Tom Hays The Epoch Times staff contributed to this report From left, Park Jung-chun, Ri Sun-kwon and Kim Yo-jong. They were appointed as key politburo members of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party. Yonhap North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has presided over a political bureau meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, discussing anti-coronavirus measures and electing his sister as an alternate member of the bureau, state media said Sunday. The politburo meeting held on Saturday suggests that a key session of the country's rubber-stamp legislature Supreme People's Assembly, which was supposed to take place on Friday, has been postponed for unclear reasons because a politburo meeting usually takes place on the eve of an SPA session. The meeting discussed antivirus efforts, budget issues and other organization matters, and a resolution was adopted "on more thoroughly taking national measures for protecting the life and safety of our people to cope with the worldwide epidemic disease," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. "It has become impossible to remove the danger of the virus infection in a short time and such environment can become a condition creating some obstacles to our struggle and progress," the KCNA said. "Our country took strict top-class emergency anti-epidemic measures from the outset and established thorough-going organization, consistency and compulsoriness in the nationwide protective measures. It, therefore, has been maintaining very stable anti-epidemic situation," it added. The politburo meeting also called for consistently taking "strict national countermeasures to thoroughly check the infiltration of the virus in the light of the development of the steady expansive spread of the worldwide epidemic disease," the KCNA said. North Korea is among just a few countries in the world that claim to have no coronavirus infections, but many outside observers suspect that Pyongyang might be hushing up an outbreak. The Berejiklian government will spend $440 million on its residential and commercial rent package, which will force landlords and tenants to negotiate in a bid to stop rent strikes or evictions. NSW Parliament will be recalled to pass the new measures to help renters who have lost at least 25 per cent of their income or businesses with revenue down at least 30 per cent. The NSW government will spend $440 million on its rental relief package for commercial and residential tenants. The six-month support package for residential tenants and landlords facing financial stress due to COVID-19 includes an interim moratorium on applications for forced evictions due to rental arrears. If a household is struggling to pay rent because of loss of income due to coronavirus there is a new obligation for both parties to negotiate before the landlord can seek a forced end to the tenancy. A HOMELESS man who caused hundreds of euro worth of damage at a fast food premises in the city centre was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment. Darragh ODonoghue, 25, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to criminal damage charges relating to an incident at McDonald's, Cruises Street earlier this year. Limerick District Court was told gardai were initially called to the premises on the evening of January 31 after staff at the premises were alerted to a man who was asleep upstairs. Sergeant Sean Murray said the defendant became angry and aggressive when he was woken and that he began shouting and roaring. After he was asked to leave the restaurant, Mr ODonoghue, who has 28 previous convictions, kicked a door causing a glass panel to crack. The cost of repairing the damage totalled 300. Solicitor Sarah Ryan said her client, who lives in County Clare, is apologetic and regrets what happened. However, she said there is no reality of compensation being paid given his circumstances.. She said the 25-year-old had travelled to the city centre with another individual earlier in the night and that he had no intention to cause any trouble. He was visiting a friend who was unwell. He consumed products he ought not to have taken, say that this had influenced his behaviour on the night. Given the circumstances, Judge Marian OLeary imposed a six week prison sentence to Mr O'Donoghue. Pope Francis prayed for tens of thousands of coronavirus victims in an unprecedented livestream Easter Sunday message delivered from a hauntingly empty Vatican to a world under lockdown. The 83-year-old pontiff spoke softly at a ceremony attended by just a handful of priests and a small choir that was spaced out across the expansive marble floor of Saint Peter's Basilica. "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," Francis said. The pandemic raging outside the Vatican's locked gates has killed more than 110,000 people and left billions confined to their homes. - Easter in confinement - Most of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics were in forced confinement as the pope spoke, and few of the world's churches were open on Christianity's holiest day. In his homily, the pope called for a global ceasefire and debt relief for the poorest countries. His message was livestreamed for the first time -- a bow to technology in the face of a new illness that has transformed society and altered the way religion is observed. Around the globe, others followed his advice and found creative solutions. In Britain, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby -- the spiritual leader of Anglicans -- celebrated mass with thousands of followers on a video recorded from his kitchen. Panama Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa donned mask and gloves and toured the city in a "popemobile" used during Francis' visit to the Central American country last year. Ulloa's cavalcade halted outside hospitals as he rose to bless the sick and those caring for them. Rio de Janeiro priest Omar Raposo took to a helicopter to bless the Brazilian city from the sky. At Latin America's biggest Catholic sanctuary, the Basilica of Aparecida in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, Archbishop Orlando Brandes celebrated mass before an empty church and urged Brazilians to practice social distancing. "Let's stay home, let's follow our doctors' recommendations. That is an act of charity, of devotion to life," Brandes said, in a homily that was broadcast live on TV and online. In the United States, President Donald Trump, a Presbyterian, said in an Easter message that this year's celebration "comes during a sombre time for our nation." Trump followed a televised service by Robert Jeffress, the leader of a Southern Baptist megachurch. Baltimore, Maryland, Pastor Alvin Gwynn defied a state lockdown to call on parishioners to flock to his Friendship Baptist Church for his Easter service, but given fears over the coronavirus, fewer than 10 showed up. While priests in Mexico celebrated mass in empty churches, some indigenous communities in the south defied the pandemic by holding traditional processions. Earlier, in Seville, Spain, worshipers left wreaths of flowers outside the locked churches from where festive processions had normally departed. In Italy, Europe's hardest-hit nation, the great Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli livestreamed a special concert from the deserted square facing Milan's lacelike Duomo Cathedral. A parish near the Philippines' capital Manila pasted the empty pews with family photos that the faithful had emailed to the priest. Catholics in Syria -- where celebrations had continued in Christian quarters of Damascus despite years of agonising war -- watched the Facebook Live mass posted by the country's patriarch. In Jerusalem, a few priests also gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre -- under lockdown like the Vatican -- to pray at the spot where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected on Easter. As a solemn Easter day darkened into night in Latin America, Rio de Janeiro Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta blessed Brazil from the city's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the first such ceremony since it was inaugurated in 1931. The iconic statue had a doctor's uniform projected on it, reading "Thank You" in honor of the medical staff fighting the pandemic. - 'Unable to bid farewell' - Bells rang across a still and completely silent Rome when the pope's mass began. Francis pleaded with world leaders to forget their differences and support his appeal "for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world" during a global health emergency of a magnitude not seen in 100 years. "This is not a time for division," Francis said. Health considerations required global powers to ease crippling economic sanctions imposed against their adversaries, he said -- a possible reference to those weighing on pandemic-hit Iran. He called for a "reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations" and for European nations to show the same "solidarity" they did in the wake of World War II. "After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again," he said. "The European Union is presently facing an epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world." The official toll across Europe passed 75,000 moments before Francis spoke. The Argentine-born pontiff offered a special message of consolation to those "who mourn the loss of their loved ones (but) to whom, in some cases, they were unable even to bid a final farewell." burs-zak/db/to Pope Francis celebrates Easter Sunday Mass behind closed doors at St. Peter's Basilica Mexican Archbishop Francisco Moreno Barron celebrates Easter mass at an empty cathedral in Tijuana, Baja California state Brazilian Archbishop Cardinal Dom Orani celebrates Easter Mass at the Christ Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, where the landmark had a doctor's uniform projected onto it in honour of all the medical staff worldwide fighting the coronavirus pandemic Photo combination showing Easter masses being celebrated in empty churches across Latin America on Sunday, (L-R and top to bottom) Caracas, Tlalnepantla in Mexico, San Jose and Ouro Preto in Brazil The pope's message was livestreamed for the first time -- a bow to technology in the face of the pandemic Father Omar Raposo prepares to celebrate the Easter Mass at the Christ Redemeer atop Corcovado hill in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group transits in formation on Jan. 25, 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anthony Rivera/Released)200125-N-XC372-1100 Over 550 Sailors From USS Roosevelt Test Positive At least 550 sailors from the USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for the CCP virus. Almost all of them have now been assessed. Nearly 3,700 of the ships crew have been moved to shore. At least one sailor is in the hospital after being found unresponsive. The aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is seen while entering into the port in Da Nang, Vietnam, on March 5, 2020. (Kham/Reuters) The Roosevelt is the source of recent controversies. Its captain was dismissed after publically sounding the alarm about the COVID-19 outbreak onboard. Then, the acting Navy secretary resigned after appearing to mishandle the aftermath. The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Oil demand is down by more than double the 9.7 million barrels-a-day OPEC+ has agreed to cut. Estimates put the excess daily production of oil as high as 33 million barrels. OPINION: By James DiGeorgia, The financial markets are being gaslighted by OPEC+ once again. With as many as 33 million barrels of excess daily production, storage facilities around the world filled, and hundreds of oil tankers acting as floating storage facilities OPEC+ with the help of conman President Trump are trying to boost the price of oil by cutting just 9.7 million barrels a day in production. The production cuts agreed to by Saudi Arabia, Russia and the other countries that make up OPEC+ are set to last for about two years but will start dropping in just two months. OPEC+ is copying the approach by central banks to taper off their bond-buying with their oil production cuts by reducing the size of the reductions over time. After June, the 9.7 million barrel cut will be tapered to 7.6 million a day until the end of the year, and then to 5.6 million through 2021 until April 2022. The deal is being called historical and is being described by OPEC+ and President Trump as putting an end to the devastating price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. The truth is the deal amounts to a complete farce. Oil consumption has dropped between 26% and 33% since the global pandemic has shut down much of the worlds oil-consuming economies. Economists are warning that even if the United States and the rest of the world were opened for business on June 1, 2020, the world economy would likely sustain a 20% loss in GNP. Thats a depression that will likely continue to mean daily oil production will out produce demand with these cuts between 16% to 20%. So when Ed Morse, a veteran oil watcher who is head of commodities research at Citigroup, calls this agreement in an interview with Bloomberg Unprecedented measures for unprecedented times, hes literally gaslighting his clients and the investors into believing that oil will either hold its current pricing of $23 for light sweet oil and $31 for Crude. Earlier this year, crude oil traded above $70 a barrel. The deal could push up the market or hold its current price for a few days, but the reality of the supply-demand imbalance will still exist. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told Bloomberg News in an interview minutes after the deal was clinched Im more than happy with the deal, he added. OPEC+ ministers had to race onto a video conference call on Easter Sunday, less than four hours before the oil market reopened, to close the deal. We have demonstrated that OPEC+ is up and alive. Even though Moscow and Riyadh put their differences aside to reach this oil production deal, the biggest winner appears to be President Trump, who refused and could not legally cut American oil production. Trump personally brokered the deal over phone calls with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and King Salman of Saudi Arabia and has contributed to trying to maintain artificially high oil prices. Trump on call with Putin: Russia, Saudi Arabia are close to a deal In working to maintain the artificially high prices of oil, Trump has become the first United States president to push literally for higher oil prices in more than 30 years. Reversing his opposition, and virtually all previous presidents objections to the OPEC cartel. Jason Bordoff, a former White House official during the Obama administration and now at Columbia University, said Perhaps whats most remarkable about Saudi Arabia and Russia delivering one of the largest supply cuts ever is that the person who brought them back together and pressured hardest to cut was historically OPECs harshest critic, President Trump. Trump told reporters at the White House last week I hated OPEC. You want to know the truth? I hated it. Because it was a fix, But somewhere along the line that broke down and went the opposite way. The truth is this is still an artificially price fixed market that is in the process of collapsing because it is an attempt to price fix when demand is nose-diving around the world. Trumps change of opinion, according to his critics, is because Vladimir Putin and the Crown prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud have enough on him to put him away in Leavenworth for 20 years to life. So will the oil market respond to this OPEC+ deal? Will it be enough to throw a floor under prices as demand for oil continues to crater? On Thursday, as the possible terms of the OPEC+ agreement became public, oil prices in New York fell more than 9% as traders thought the cuts werent large enough. Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at consultant Energy Aspects Ltd. Was quoted by Bloomberg on Sunday as saying, OPEC itself acknowledged the challenge, with its chief warning ministers demand fundamentals were horrifying and demand is down by more than double the 9.7 million barrels-a-day cut agreed. James Davidson, a world-famous economist, author of many books on the U.S. economy and editor of the Strategic Investment newsletter, believes that crude oil should be trading at less than $12 a barrel and U.S. Sweet Oil should be selling for less than $10 barrel. Having written the Global War for Oil: $100 and how to profit by it and being a long term oil bull for much of my life, I have to admit Im now in agreement with James Davidson. The 9.7 million barrel cut agreed to by OPEC+ isnt going to hold up the price oil even if its members dont cheat. The cuts are too small and are being phased out too quickly. Any rally we see in oil during the next few days will be fleeting. OPEC+ agree to record oil-production cut 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 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 MySA.com is compiling the latest headlines on the COVID-19 pandemic and its affects in the San Antonio area. Comal County reports 2 more deaths: Officials in Comal County confirmed its fifth and sixth deaths related to COVID-19, as well as a 38th case of the disease. Both deaths were men in their 80s who had been hospitalized in San Antonio. One from Bulverde died Saturday and one from south of Canyon Lake died Sunday. The 38th case is a patient under 19 who lives south of Canyon Lake and is currently isolated at home. Coronavirus cases jump, more deaths: Easter dawned clear and sunny as San Antonio escaped the severe weather anticipated, but several families faced tragedy Sunday with the deaths of three more people as a result of COVID-19. The death toll was at 30 Sunday. One of the deaths was another resident from Southeast Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, which has now had 15 residents die from the virus. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus continued to climb, reaching 772 cases on Sunday. Abbott extends order: Gov. Greg Abbott has extended the disaster declaration in Texas by 30 days. "By extending my disaster declaration, we are ensuring the state of Texas continues to have adequate resources and capabilities to support our communities and protect public health," Abbott said in a Sunday statement. Hays County reports 7 new cases: Officials in Hays County reported seven new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. The county has 65 active cases and two residents currently hospitalized with the virus. The city of Kyle has the most confirmed active cases, 27, in the county. COVID-19 Tracker: Interactive maps track coronavirus cases in San Antonio, Texas counties and the U.S. CURBSIDE: An updated list of San Antonio restaurants offering takeout and delivery MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Im pretty sure that building someones second summer home that cant be lived in for months at best because its still in stick construction phase is definitely not essential, he said prior to the governors latest attempt to clamp down on nonessential construction. My whole retort for this entire thing is I understand that it could be detrimental to the construction industry ... but I can always make another dollar. The thing that I cant make is another family. The reason so much construction work has continued even as stay-home orders persist is that competition in the industry is fierce and someone will always step up to take a job, he said. His fear of catching the new coronavirus at a worksite is shared by his coworkers, the man said. Everyone that I know that has a family, that does construction, is in the same boat, he said. Local leaders, for their part, were worried about the potential for spread that comes with out-of-town contractors arriving daily to work. Jerry Inderwies Jr., city manager for Cape May, expressed concern over the use of local convenience stores by workers. Travis Nelsen, longtime drummer in Austin indie rock group Okkervil River, has died. Okkervil River announced the news in a statement on their Instagram account on April 9. Travis Nelsen, Okkervil Rivers drummer from 2003-2010, passed away on Tuesday, the band wrote. He was a radiant, hilarious, charismatic, generous, passionate human being with a heart that was completely open. Find Okkervil Rivers full statement below. Nelsen was raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin, moving to Madison in the early 1990s to attend the University of Wisconsin. After studying computer engineering for a period, he dropped out to pursue music. Nelsen played in small local groups like Quencher, and the Coolhand Band, which he formed with his brother. Nelsen eventually relocated to Austin, joining Okkervil River in 2003. His first appearance on a studio album by the group was on their 2005 LP Black Sheep Boy. Nelsen went on to record two more full-lengths with Okkervil River (2007s The Stage Names and 2008s The Stand Ins), as well as a collaborative project with Okkervil River and 13th Floor Elevators mastermind Roky Erickson (2010s True Love Cast Out All Evil). In 2015, he played drums on Bound Beggars, Chris Dish Standishs LP as Admiral Academy. In their statement, Okkervil River wrote that Nelsens special power was his ability to wrap his friends in love and to hurl himself out into the world with everything he had. And he played drums like no other person on earth. The band also wrote that Nelsens family has very generously asked that in his honor you donate to Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. Originally Appeared on Pitchfork CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Get to know Cleveland Indians right-hander Cody Morris, who lives in Laurel, Md., and is ranked as the organizations 27th best prospect. Name: Cody Morris. Pos: RHP. Age: 23. Height/weight: 6-5, 225. Bats/throws: R/R. Draft: The Indians selected Morris in the seventh round in 2018 out of the University of South Carolina. 2019: Morris did not pitch in 2018 following the draft because the Indians wanted him to rest after he helped South Carolina into the NCAA Super Regional. Last year he went 7-4 with a 4.34 ERA at low Class A Lake County and high Class A Lynchburg. He struck out a combined 111 batters and walked 27 in 89 innings. Outlook: Morris represents a good find by the Tribes scouting and player development teams. He underwent Tommy John surgery as a senior in high school, which knocked him out of the draft, and cost him his first season at South Carolina. After the Indians drafted him in 2018 -- paying a signing bonus of $186,000 -- they shortened his arm motion so he could have better timing in his delivery. Morris, a right-hander, throws between 92-96 mph, but he excels at spinning the ball and has a good change up. Ranks: MLB.com ranks Morris as the Tribes 27th best prospect. 2020: Morris made 11 starts at Class A Lynchburg last year and posted a 5.52 ERA. He struck out 55 in 44 innings and may have worked his way to Class AA Akron this year, but the coronavirus could scuttle the minor-league season. The Tribes scouts, player development people and Morris have done a nice job revamping his motion, but its still a toss up as to whether hell be able to help the big-league team in the near future. Theres a chance he could also move to the bullpen. #25 Cody Morris - RHP Age: 23 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6' 5" Weight: 222 lbs Drafted: 2018, 7th (223) Three pitch repertoire, Fastball sits 92-95 reaches 97 mph. Above average Slider, Average sinking change. Improving but average control. Command will be key to future success. pic.twitter.com/jJwvvZb9hE Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) March 7, 2020 More Tribe top prospects: No. 1 Nolan Jones, 3B No. 2 Tyler Freeman, SS No. 3 Bo Naylor, C No. 4 George Valera, OF No. 5 Daniel Espino, RHP No. 6 Brayan Rocchio, SS No. 7 Aaron Bracho, INF No. 8 Ethan Hankins, RHP No. 9 Triston McKenzie No. 10 Gabriel Rodriguez, SS No. 11 Logan Allen, LHP No. 12 Bobby Bradley, 1B No. 13 Daniel Johnson, OF No. 14 James Karinchak, RHP No. 15 Emmanuel Clase, RHP No. 16 Angel Martinez, INF No. 17 Carlos Vargas No. 18 Scott Moss, LHP No. 21 Yu Chang, INF No. 22 Sam Hentges, LHP No. 24 Nick Sandlin, RHP No. 25 Will Benson, OF No. 27 Cody Morris, RHP No. 28 Ernie Clement, INF No. 29 Oscar Gonzalez, OF No. 30 Yainer Diaz, C Buy Indians gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, Lids More Tribe coverage: MLB considering playing 2020 season in Arizona, Florida with radical realignment Can Delino DeShields Jr. take Indians from good to great at baserunning in 2020? What to expect from Delino DeShields for the Cleveland Indians in 2020 Jake Bauers went back to square one in the offseason; will it make a difference for Indians in 2020? Will MLB teams that train in Florida be at a disadvantage if all games take place in Arizona? (podcast) Will the Indians try to extend closer Brad Hands contract? Hey, Hoynsie! A bad omen and a new beginning: On this day in Cleveland Indians history No. 22 Sam Hentges, LHP: Cleveland Indians top prospects right now Would Mark McGwires Bud me homer reach the bleachers at Municipal Stadium? Hey, Hoynsie! What to expect from Jake Bauers for the Indians in 2020 Heres how some MLB players are staying ready during the coronavirus shutdown (podcast) Can Tyler Naquin remain platoon-proof for the Cleveland Indians in 2020? No. 24 Nick Sandlin, RHP: Cleveland Indians top prospects right now Theres logic behind MLBs 2020 Arizona plan, but the coronavirus will have final say The developers were cited by the city and wont be allowed to continue working on the property until the city conducts an investigation into the demolition, Lightfoot said. Officials have collected samples of the dust and are testing it to see what particles were released. The city will also monitor the air quality on the site and in the neighboring areas, Lightfoot said. We cannot open up the economy until we make sure that weve got all the health care controls in place, Lightfoot said. That means widespread testing, contact tracing, and weve got to see not just a flattening of the curve but a bending down. 'Not the new Sally Rooney." What a terrible way to begin writing about author Naoise Dolan, whose first book, Exciting Times, is about to be published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson following a seven-way bidding war. Dolan is young - 27 - Irish, a Trinity graduate, and writes about characters who are equally young, educated, smart and self-aware, while frequently emotionally bewildered. Early accolades for Exciting Times started as far back as December in the UK, using terms like "fiercely smart" and "remarkably self-assured". A first chapter of the book was published in literary journal The Stinging Fly, edited by Sally Rooney; clearly, the comparisons were always going to happen. And Dolan gets that. "Minding about it would be giving it too much power," she says, "because people are going to compare you to someone. It's not coming from you, it's coming from what they've decided to make out of the things they know about you. I think having a casual relationship to all that is the best approach. Because then if it stops, or takes a more negative direction, I've still got my sense of who I am." Dolan's sense of who she is, is remarkably evident on the page - Exciting Times is, loosely, the story of a love triangle set in modern-day Hong Kong, with Ava, a young Irish woman, at the centre. It's a story that takes in class, colonialism, sex, power, language, female sexuality. Every page crackles with arresting ideas and images - "Julian often reminded me to eat. It made him feel better about liking that I was thin" - and her sentences are short and deceptively simple, layered together to create complex ideas. Often the sentences themselves are very funny, yet the broader observations they build into are just as likely to be quite heartbreaking. Up close, there is a touch of hard-boiled nihilism that stems from Ava's approach to her own life, but that too disintegrates within the wider context of what is ultimately a very moving story, one that occupies a small sliver of time and space, but manages a lasting emotional tinnitus. The book was written at a gallop while Dolan was teaching English in Hong Kong, in 2015/2016. "I don't structure things very well in my head. I have to see them written down, so my first draft is always really messy." Then it was refined and rewritten at leisure during the year she then spent at Oxford University doing a master's in Victorian literature. Expand Close Naoise wears: Dress, The Kooples, Brown Thomas. Photo: Kip Carroll / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Naoise wears: Dress, The Kooples, Brown Thomas. Photo: Kip Carroll As a child, Dolan drew and painted rather than wrote stories. "I think because I found it more escapist, but I read a lot, and I think that when you're reading and thinking about what you're reading, you're building up your ideas of what a novel looks like." She read: "Dickens, the Brontes, George Eliot. In my late teens, I realised I was queer and I really connected to Oscar Wilde around that time. I loved the statue [in Merrion Square], I love his cultural image, the writing itself. I love that idea of the paradox - we tend to think of him as this spilt personality, whereas I think what it really is, is he's a continuous person, who has to act differently in different contexts, and that has resonated with me on so many fronts. I think any way that you are marginalised, treated as 'less than', it always comes with a duality." Even though women aren't a minority, she continues, "there's that duality for us, even - just of knowing to be open about abortion, say, in some contexts but not in others; knowing when you need to soften yourself down; watch your tongue. Oscar Wilde manages to make that funny, all those ways that we live with cognitive dissonance." She began Exciting Times in order "just to be doing something. I like having projects that don't feel connected to anything else I'm doing, because then there's that escapism. I just like sitting down and making something that makes sense on its own terms". So how is she finding the utterly atypical experience of having a smash hit as a debut? "If you tend to have weird reactions to normal things, in a way it's a lot of pressure off when weird things are happening to you," she says. "Because there's no scripted way that you're meant to be feeling. Anything that you do or say or feel is understandable, because it's so weird." Dolan was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder "provisionally in my teens, formally as an adult," and when she talks about 'weird reactions to normal things', she isn't being flippant. "To this day," she says, "I have to mentally rehearse what I'm going to say in Starbucks, and what I'm going to do with my face while I do it. It really throws me if they make small talk, and then I feel bad about that, because it's really nice that they make small talk and I want to engage with them, but it interrupts my script, so I need a moment to re-orientate myself." The diagnosis was, she says, a good thing when it came - "a label can often be a really positive thing, where you're like, 'Oh, that wasn't my fault, that was because society wasn't accommodating me enough... great! I can work with this'. Expand Close Naoise wears: Dress, River Island. Photo: Kip Carroll / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Naoise wears: Dress, River Island. Photo: Kip Carroll Video of the Day "When I was growing up," she says, "the attitude to disabilities was to avoid labels at all cost, and I think that led to stigma, because then the only kids who got diagnosed with disabilities were the ones who couldn't handle mainstream education at all." But that said, she has no time for the kind of parsing that can go on. "I really dislike terms like 'high-functioning autism', because I don't think I'm any more or less autistic than people who might have different support needs. ASD includes people of all IQs, just like you have normal people of all IQs. As well, it just depends on your environment - my autism would be a lot more obvious if I had a normal job, because the demands would be so much more out of synch with what I'm good at. As a writer, I can manage a lot more easily." There has been a lot written recently about the diagnosing of autism in girls - which tends to happen later, often much later, than with boys. Various theories for this have been put forward, including the idea that girls are handier at social mimicry, meaning they can mask their autism by adopting the patterns of behaviour they see around them. What does Naoise think of the theory? "I think from a very early age, when girls have things that rub up against their comfort zone, I think we're taught to hold it in. So it's not that any of the sensory issues or social issues are any the less for us, it's that if a boy is made to hug a relative and he's uncomfortable, we're more likely to respect that. If the lights are too bright for him and he acts out, we're more likely to go, 'What's wrong?', whereas girls are told off for making a fuss. So then when boys act out, people look at why that might be the case and get them diagnosed, whereas girls - we inwardly blame ourselves and try to seem more like other people." So less a case of social mimicry, and more of social conditioning - 'be nice, don't make a fuss?' "Yes." She describes how this manifested for her as a child. "I was at one stage deeply interested in and engaged with American Girl dolls," she says. An expensive habit, I offer. "Oh, there was no question of owning any of the stuff," she laughs. "I would just memorise the catalogues It's normal for little girls to be interested in that stuff, but it wasn't neurotypical, the way I engaged with it. That's common with autistic girls - there's that greater vulnerability, so there's a greater need to make social connections somehow, so often, you kind of harness that ability to focus around stuff that will still let you make friends with neurotypicals. Expand Close Entirely herself: Naoise Dolan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Entirely herself: Naoise Dolan "So at that age, it was dolls. Later, it was emo bands. I very consciously and deliberately became an emo, but I took it way further than my friends did. I obsessively memorised all the lyrics, I knew every detail of these band members' lives... There was no neurological difference in my ability to fixate on detail. If you're a girl, there's more pressure to do it around things that are a bit more sociable and link you to other people, whereas if you're a boy and it's maths or trains, that can seem more stereotypically autistic." Naoise, the eldest of three with a younger brother and sister, grew up in Terenure, and went to school in Rathgar; "a very small, open-minded school, where I had more freedom than if it had been a more rigid school. Which was nice in terms of being more accommodating, but without that, maybe the difficulties would have showed up earlier..." And then there's the thing about academic ability camouflaging social floundering. "When people are doing well academically," Naoise explains, "we tend to disregard the social stuff. Or, what happened in my case, is, we go, 'Oh, but anyone who's smart is going to struggle socially', which isn't true. Because social intelligence is another form of intelligence. When I used very formal language in school and I wasn't able to use slang correctly - that's not being smart, that's a lack of smarts in that area. "Not knowing the meaning of 'vociferous' is not knowing something, and not knowing how to say 'ah sure, you know yourself' is also not knowing something. But there's this weird elitism that we attach to some areas that you might need help with, over others." Would an earlier diagnosis have been useful? "I think so, but then on the other hand you'd meet a lot of people, especially men, who received diagnoses as kids and found that completely pathologising because of the way autism is viewed. By the time I started embracing my diagnosis, I was already very disability-positive in general because I knew so many women with other disabilities with that approach to it. If you have that positive framework, it's much easier to embrace it." It is, she says "especially important to me to be visible as a woman in the arts because there's that perception that autistic people who are good at things are only good at the sciences and technical things." A discussion of gender ("it's still so under-researched, so it's hard to understand how much of gender is social and how much is innate") leads to her very funny take on the hazards of being Irish with autism. "I have so much more of an easy time interacting with, say, Germans or Dutch, because, in general, they are more direct. With Irish people, I have to really remind myself that when someone offers you tea, it means lots of things, and how many times you're meant to say no, and the whole dance around that." Elaborating on this, she describes how, as a teenager, she learned Japanese - "it has a lot in common with how Irish people communicate; a phrase can mean many things, depending on what you do with it. But the textbook tells you that. It describes the different meanings depending on the different things you do with your face. There are phrases we use in Ireland - like that one, 'ah sure you know yourself', which literally was a skill that I picked up only in my mid-20s! - that can mean many things. But there's no textbook for it." Exciting Times isn't the first book she wrote."I was working on one in college, but I lost the file through some kind of idiocy on my part. I'd written about 50,000 words. It was on my laptop. I was doing a spring clean, and I lost it. But you think, 'How precious was it to me really, if I let that happen?'" You have to think that, right, I say? "Yes," she agrees. But I can see she is utterly unbothered by the loss. "It's an editorial process, in a way. The really good stuff, you will remember it when you try to write it again, and the bad stuff will fall by the wayside." The move to Hong Kong after Trinity came because she decided she needed to go somewhere. "I knew if I stayed in Dublin, I'd have to live with my parents, and I wanted to move on." Did she have friends in Hong Kong? "I didn't know anyone, which I think again is appealing if you're a bit of a social chameleon, because you can find out which things about yourself are you, and which are things you've learned that people expect of you. It's really nice having that clean slate." Meaning what, exactly, I wonder? "I would have had a few different personas in Ireland. Like a lot of autistic girls, I was kind of the shy kid in school, and then when I came to college, I suddenly became this kind of brash college debating figure. I'm a lot more confident when I'm in a structured environment where I have a specific thing to do, like giving a speech to 300 people. I feel completely fine. It was this weird thing where I'd be serenely at peace with myself giving that speech, and then afterwards, in the chamber, when you're mingling and there's suddenly no code for what you do, and there's nothing to tell you when you start speaking and when you stop, I'm a lot less confident." As for being an expat, that too appealed. "I feel like when a lot of your life has been one where other people seemed to get it intuitively and you didn't, it's really nice to be in a situation where that's what it's like for anyone. And when you're this unusual person from abroad, any weirdness on your part is readily attributed to that - it's like, 'You're foreign; of course you're not going to get it'." She is, it seems to me, a remarkably eloquent advocate - for women, for autism, for being queer, working always from a position of instinctive humanity; "I think advocate is a bit like 'activist' - it's something I'd be very happy if other people called me but I don't think you get to call yourself that," she says. "It's a bit like calling yourself a good writer. That's something I'd let other people decide." Of realising she was queer, she says, "I came out relatively late in life - I think it was third year of college. It wasn't difficult accepting it internally. I think it was a lot harder coming to terms with the fact that it was something people would treat me differently on the basis of. Because when you're feeling vulnerable in so many other ways, there's that feeling of 'Do I have to have this one as well?' But then, not unlike autism, if it's going to be different anyway, finding the joy of being open about it and making connections with other people on the basis of it, is a really powerful thing." It's activism, but from a place of making connections, of responding to people, and having them respond to her. And yet, internalised homophobia is still, she says, an issue, even for this younger generation. "I think part of that is, you have to be able to assume that psychology in order to protect yourself. "When you're dating someone of the same sex, you need to be able to anticipate what people around will think if you hold hands with them. Because if you don't, you're in danger. And it's really hard to constantly think, 'What might a homophobe make of this right now?' without internalising some of that along the way. I think that's why gay people often tend to be very empathetic: you have to be empathetic to safely navigate society. Empathising with people whose views you find horrific, but still being able to think what they think about you, makes you think it yourself." And this empathy then plays back into the activism, in a fascinating way: "I'm worse at affective empathy than others; as a kid, if someone sitting beside me was sad, I wouldn't automatically feel that too - but as a result, I've built up a lot of cognitive empathy, so I'm able to go, 'Oh, their face is doing the thing that most faces do when they're sad, how can I respond and help them?' "If you feel intuitive affective empathy, you might never go through that process. And so, if there are people you are naturally inclined to empathise with less, you might not feel their pain in the same way. I think that's why a lot of autistic people have a really strong social conscience." So empathy is something worked at, something consciously cultivated and explored, not left to chance and natural inclinations, which anyway is usually skewed. It's something that plays into the writing, too. "That projection of 'How do I act like everyone else? How do I respond to what this person expects of me now?'" she says, "is a really good habit to get into if you want to write a book about someone who's different to you. That's why it is strange to hear autism described as lacking perspective, because often, to us, it can feel like having way more of it." In Freshers Week at Trinity, Naoise was approached by Young Fine Gael and ended up joining, later saying, "I am amazed that no one ever ended up exposing that the communist TN [Trinity News] comment editor was a member of Young Fine Gael." She remains unapologetically outspoken about politics and inequality on social media. "In Ireland, there is a tendency to intellectual snobbery with writing - being a writer entails being all sorts of other things, like being above politics. But I think if you're happy with your life and don't say anything about the conditions around you, what that's saying is, you're happy with those conditions. If you don't specify that you do see problems with the world, people are going to assume that you don't. It's just honesty, really." It's an honesty she brings equally to her life and to her writing. Naoise Dolan is not the new Sally Rooney. She's not the new anyone. She's entirely herself, and that's plenty. 'Exciting Times', by Naoise Dolan, is out on April 16, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson The New York Times takes a deep dive into the weeks that preceded the coronavirus crisis and paints a devastating portrait of how the White House wasted valuable weeks before it finally decided to take action. The wasted weeks are hardly a surprise as several outlets, including the Washington Post, have taken looks at how President Donald Trump ignored several efforts by his officials to take action that could have saved lives. But the Times story published Saturday manages to shed new light into the disfunction that existed in the first months of the year and puts on full display just how many warnings Trump and his allies ignored for weeks. It also makes clear how many in the administration knew full well the extent of the crisis that was on the countrys doorstep yet could not get the right people to pay attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A key reason why Trump was slow to heed warnings was his distrust of what he saw as the Deep State. Coming shortly after his impeachment battle, Trump had deep skepticism of the people who were warning him of the crisis that was a few short weeks away. Little exemplifies that more than the way his health and human services secretary, Alex Azar, tried to get Trump to focus on the coronavirus twice in January, first on Jan. 18 and then on Jan. 30, when he warned it could become a pandemic. Trump dismissed the warning, characterizing Azar as an alarmist. Even though initiatives that could have helped detect and stop the spread of the coronavirus had been thought of, it seems a lack of leadership prevented anything from actually moving forward. Azar, for example, had said the government would set up a system to measure the spread of the virus in five American cities but it was delayed for weeks and that left the administration in the dark on how quickly the virus was spreading. Advertisement Advertisement The Times story makes evident there was a clear disconnect between what Trump was saying and what officials were learning. While the president painted a rosy picture and predicted that when it gets a little warmer the virus would miraculously go away, officials in his administration were concluding they would have to take an aggressive move toward social distancing. An email in late February is particularly exemplary as it shows how officials learned the key detail that asymptomatic people could still spread the virus. But they still couldnt get the president to focus as turf wars within a White House known for its internal chaos kept derailing any hope for quick action. Trump was apparently none too happy with the bombshell story as he sent out two tweets on Saturday that explicitly criticized the New York Times. 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. Story continues 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. You Might Also Like South Asia is on course for its worst economic performance in 40 years, with decades of progress in the battle against poverty at risk, because of coronavirus, the World Bank said Sunday. India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other smaller nations, which have 1.8 billion people and some of the planet's most densely populated cities, have so far reported relatively few coronavirus cases but experts fear they could be the next hotspots. The dire economic effects are already much in evidence, with widespread lockdowns freezing most normal activity, Western factory orders cancelled and vast numbers of poor workers suddenly jobless. "South Asia finds itself in a perfect storm of adverse effects. Tourism has dried up, supply chains have been disrupted, demand for garments has collapsed and consumer and investor sentiments have deteriorated," said a World Bank report. It slashed its growth forecast for the region this year to 1.8-2.8 percent from its pre-pandemic projection of 6.3 percent, with at least half the countries falling into "deep recession". Worst hit will be the Maldives where the collapse of tourism will result in gross domestic output contracting by as much as 13 percent, while Afghanistan could shrink by as much as 5.9 percent and Pakistan by up to 2.2 percent. Regional heavyweight India, where the fiscal year began on April 1, will see growth of just 1.5-2.8 percent in its current financial year, down from an expected 4.8-5.0 percent for the year just ended, the bank predicted. - Inequality - The report also warned that the pandemic will reinforce inequality in the region, with the pandemic hitting informal workers with limited or no access to healthcare or social safety the hardest. In India for instance, the world's biggest lockdown has prompted hundreds of thousands of migrant workers to return to their home villages, many on foot. Governments need to "ramp up action to curb the health emergency, protect their people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, and set the stage now for fast economic recovery," the World Bank said. In the short term this means preparing weak healthcare systems, providing safety nets and securing access to food, medical supplies and necessities for the most vulnerable, it advised. It recommended temporary work programmes for migrant workers, debt relief for business and individuals and cutting red tape on imports and exports of essential goods. And once the crisis is over, governments need urgently to pursue "innovative policies" and jumpstart economies. "Failure to do so can lead to long-term growth disruptions and reverse hard-won progress in reducing poverty," the bank's Hartwig Schafer said. The World Bank is taking "broad, fast action", deploying up to $160 billion in financial support over the next 15 months to help countries protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery. The report warned that the pandemic will reinforce inequality in the region A lockdown is in place across India India is expecting much less growth than before Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Sun, April 12, 2020 07:04 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd141342 2 Science & Tech Apple-TV,COVID-19,streaming-service,coronavirus Free "Dickinson," "Servant" and "For All Mankind" are just some of the series offered for by Apple, starting on April 9 in the US and from April 10 in one hundred countries across the globe. As it stands, the US technology giant has not revealed how long this exceptional offer will last. However, the content is available now and can be streamed without a subscription. Apple TV+ is now free, at least in part! The technology giant is offering free shows to viewers all over the world from April 10. Read also: Streaming services encourage Indonesian users to stay home with free access Visitors without a subscription to the streaming platform will have a chance to discover the latest psychological horror series by M. Night Shyamalan, "Servant," as well as the "Little America" anthology produced by Kumail Nanjiani. "Dickinson," the story of the poet Emily Dickinson starring Hailee Steinfeld, and the alternate history series "For All Mankind," which imagines what would have happened had the space race been won by the Soviet Union, are also on offer. For children, the platform has made available the "Sesame Street"-inspired "Helpsters" and the Ghostwriter" mystery series. Last but not least there is a single documentary film, "The Elephant Queen," narrated by actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. The free programs are only accessible via the Apple TV application, which is available for Apple products and for some Samsung and LG TVs, Roku devices and Amazon Fire TV. You'll need to go to the "Free for Everyone" tab to access the offered content. Police have arrested the media coordinator of Jamia Coordination Committee, who is accused of organising anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest in Delhi's north-east distric New Delhi: Police have arrested the media coordinator of Jamia Coordination Committee, who is accused of organising anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest in Delhi's north-east district. According to Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police, the arrested person, Safoora Zargar, is accused of organising anti-CAA protests in Jaffrabad area where the agitators, majority of whom were women, had begun protests against the amended Act last year. Violence had later broken out between the protestors and CAA supporters this year in which at least 53 people including IB official Ankit Sharma and Head Constable Rattan Lal were killed. Earlier on 6 April, a Delhi court had extended the police custody of a student of Jamia Millia Islamia, who was arrested in a case related to alleged planning of a conspiracy to incite communal riots in northeast Delhi, by nine more days. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] The Foreign Office has waived diplomatic immunity for 13 British citizens accused of crimes in the United States since 1999, The Mail on Sunday has learned. Britain has not refused a single request from Washington to prosecute a serving diplomat in that time. In contrast, it is understood the US has not reciprocated over its officials during the same period. The news will reignite the row over the death of Harry Dunn, the teenage motorcyclist hit by a car driven by American Anne Sacoolas close to the RAF base where her husband worked. She was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving but by that time she had already fled the country. The US has refused to extradite her, claiming that, as the wife of a serving diplomat, she has immunity. Harry Dunn died after being hit by a car driven by American Anne Sacoolas close to the RAF base where her husband worked. She has diplomatic immunity so went home to the USA The Foreign Office insists it was powerless to stop Mrs Sacoolas leaving, and even suggested in a text to the US Embassy after the accident that she fly home 'on the next flight'. Officials later made efforts to get Mrs Sacoolas's immunity waived and this newspaper revealed that she was a former CIA spy. Mr Dunn's family is taking the Government to the High Court and it is understood the Foreign Office intends to use its 'surprise and disappointment' at the US refusal to waive immunity as part of its defence. Under the 1961 Vienna Convention, diplomats and their families cannot be arrested or prosecuted. However, there are side treaties between the US and UK. Mrs Sacoolas's husband Jonathan worked at RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire, and under a 1995 exchange of diplomatic notes he was liable for any crime committed outside of his direct work. But as there was no explicit mention of spouses, Mrs Sacoolas is immune from prosecution. Last night, the Dunn family spokesman Radd Seiger said news that Britain had waived immunity for its own diplomats 'lays bare the extent to which there is, in fact, no special relationship between the US and UK'. Pictured: British teenager, Harry Dunn, who was killed after being hit by a car driven by Anne Sacoolas Mr Seiger called for Mr Dunn's case 'to be the last of its kind', adding: 'Never again will we the people allow the US government to treat us with utter disdain, those in power in Whitehall clearly being unable to stand up to their bullying and oppression.' Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, said last night: 'Any score that ends up 13-0 makes it look like the ref is biased. 'We need to make sure our friends in the US are playing by the same rules. If they're not, nor should we.' Published on 2020/04/12 | Source A mere 4,581 passengers traveled through Incheon International Airport on Monday, the fewest since the aviation hub opened in 2001. Advertisement The lull came as 53 new coronavirus infections were confirmed in the country on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 10,384, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New infections slightly rose again after dropping below 50 on Monday for the first time in 46 days. The government set fewer than 50 new infections a day as the standard for flattening the curve. The total number of confirmed cases among arrivals from abroad reached 802. The number of people in self-quarantine swelled to 46,566 as of Monday now all arrivals from overseas must quarantine themselves. But worries remain about the threat of a community spread in the Seoul metropolitan area and among young people. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told a meeting, "People are queuing at some nightclubs despite social distancing and stringent social gathering restrictions. We have to worry about young people becoming silent spreaders". New Delhi: In the middle of the deadly coronaviris COVID-19 pandemic, the New Delhi Municipal Council-based Charak Palika Hospital in Delhi has come up with a novel way to save their health workers from contracting the infection. It has designed a 'flu corner' which is like a safe facility for healthcare providers to screen patients without putting themselves at risk. The design is a temporary structure made of canvas roof with a glass partition. The glass cover provides effective protection while not coming in contact with the patient, also there is a microphone feature for the healthcare provider to communicate with the patient. This 'flu corner' has been constructed in an open area, away from the main Hospital and it will be operational for 24 hours through 7 days. A CCTV camera has been installed on this which is also connected to the Central Control and Command Center (CCC) under the Smart City Mission. The Delhi Police has put up a fan to sanitise people and policemen visiting the hot spot areas, these fans are installed near the gate of FICCI, towards the Bengali market. Bengali market which is also a hotspot, has been sealed. The total number of cases in India has risen to 8356 which includes 7367 active cases, 716 cured cases, 1 migrant patient and 273 dead, as per Ministry of Health and family welfare data on April 12. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 21:55:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A webpage has been launched by police in Northern Ireland for people to report alleged breaches of social distancing rules amid the novel coronavirus lockdown, local media reported. The move is seeking to take pressure off the existing police non-emergency 101 phone number for reporting crime, which officers said has been swamped by dial-ins in recent weeks, the London-based Evening Standard newspaper reported Saturday. Britain's coronavirus lockdown faces its most serious test this weekend as the public is urged to stay at home during the Easter holiday weekend to slow the spread of COVID-19. Available on www.psni.police.uk/covid19, the webpage "comes as commanders revealed that they had received nearly 1,000 reports of alleged breaches of the lockdown measures in the last fortnight," said the newspaper. Announcing Thursday that lockdown measures will remain in place, the British government called upon people to stick by social distancing rules amid fears that warm weather over the weekend could tempt breaches. Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster on Friday warned those who flout social distancing rules over the Easter holiday that they should expect police action. Officers there encouraged people to contact police if they were aware of any breaches, including gatherings of people; people repeatedly travelling for non-essential purposes; or a bar or licensed premises remaining open. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday said the Easter holiday weekend would be a "test of the nation's resolve" as he issued another warning to the public to "stay at home". His warning came as the death toll of those hospitalized in Britain who tested positive for the virus reached 8,958 Friday, marking a record-high daily increase of nearly 1,000. Dozens of counties eligible for loans to repair agricultural damage from tornadoes A second grader in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, watches a math lecture on EBS at home. /Yonhap By Bahk Eun-ji Attention is on to whether schools can be opened amid the coronavirus pandemic, while the country started the new school year with remote learning last week. As the number of new daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 has stayed around 50 or less for five consecutive days, many educators, teachers and students expect to see schools resuming onsite classes after having been closed since March 2, when the new school semester was originally scheduled to commence. The rapid spread of the virus has raised fears of group infections at schools, prompting students and parents to ask for an additional postponement to schools opening their doors again. However, the recent slowdown of new cases gave students and parents a glimmer of hope. "If the number of new cases of the virus reported was less than 50 (per day) for more than a week, students will be able to attend schools with the online classes happening at the same time," Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae said during her visit to Goejeong High School in Daejeon, March 7. When the education ministry announced the plan for online opening for elementary, middle and high schools last month, Yoo mentioned the government had considered combining remote classes and classroom lectures after judging comprehensively the situation of the virus spreading. Yet, the quarantine authorities think it is still too early for students to return to classrooms at the end of April. "Even after the downturn, more time is needed to ensure a safe environment for students as the possibility of collective outbreaks remains," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health ministry official in charge of containment efforts, said during a regular briefing at the Government Complex in Sejong. The new semester's beginning date will be adjusted depending on the circumstances of each region as the government will decide at the end of next week whether the social distancing period should be extended or if it will transit into what is called a "daily life quarantine system," which will allow social activities in tandem with quarantine measures. The quarantine authorities' judgment follows in the wake of related events in Singapore. Schools opened on March 23 but the government reversed the decision on March 25 because of new virus cases discovered at a kindergarten. Now, Singaporean students have been told to stay home until May 4. Kaydence Lusk was just five months old when she was diagnosed with a rare lung disease. The seven-year-old is now in second grade, rarely needs to take oxygen and, earlier this year, was able to enjoy a trip to Disney World with her family, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her disease, so rare that only eight or so doctors in the U.S. currently treat it, stumped physicians in Kaydence's first months of life, when she cried for most of her waking hours and began to lose weight, her mother, Tammy Faucheux said. For families with developmentally disabled members, coronavirus presents new challenges, fears Worrying about her daughter's health is nothing new for Kim Gritter Kylie, who will turn 15 next month, was born with schizencephaly, isn't After all other causes had been ruled out, Kaydence's condition, called surfactant protein C deficiency, was diagnosed through a lung biopsy. That was a hard decision, Faucheux said. We had no other choice. There is no cure for the condition; one day in the future, in her early teens perhaps, Kaydence will need a double lung transplant. Two daily medicines prescribed shortly after her diagnosis, however, changed Kaydence's daily life. One is the antibiotic azithromycin. The other medicine is one that's getting a lot of attention these days, hydroxychloroquine. It's a medicine that's regularly prescribed for patients with chronic diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. But now hydroxychloroquine is being studied in clinical trials at the LSU School of Medicine for one and reportedly used as a treatment for COVID-19. Currently, no medicine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of the disease. Coronavirus cases increase across Baton Rouge area, officials frustrated by testing access Another 141 cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in the Baton Rouge area on Saturday, bringing the total so far to 2,751. The turn of events is leaving families like Kaydence's and others who rely on hydroxychloroquine worried that supplies of the medicine will run out. "I'm in touch with other families, they're all concerned," Faucheux said last week. She said she felt encouraged when two pharmaceutical firms in recent weeks donated the medicine to Louisiana 400,000 tablets from Amneal Pharmaceutical and 75,000 tablets from Teva Pharmaceutical through the State Attorney General's Office. But then, she said, she found herself trying to do impossible math: how many people already rely on hydroxychloroquine? How many patients now facing the coronavirus will need it. "How far will it go?" she asked. Attorney General Jeff Landry said Thursday that "every time we are able to provide additional hydroxychloroquine into Louisiana, we are able to relieve the supply and demand for patients who are already using it." Landry said he's checking daily with national retailers that have in-store pharmacies, national pharmacy chains and distributors "to be sure they have the supply." 'We're getting closer': Coronavirus spread slowing in Louisiana, stats show; long road still ahead There have been hopeful signs in the statistics tracking the spread of the coronavirus through Louisiana in recent weeks and encouraging words Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "There's a lot in play here," Landry said. "I believe that this drug has some promise." "It's not a silver bullet or a magic wand, but every time we have the opportunity to keep a person out of the hospital and off a ventilator that's a good thing," he said. In late March, the American Medical Association, the American Pharmacists Association and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists issued a joint statement saying they strongly oppose the prescription of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19. The three associations said they made the statement "in response to reports of physicians and others prophylactically prescribing medications currently identified as potential treatments for COVID-19 (chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin) for themselves, their families, or their colleagues." The statement says there have been reports of pharmacies and hospitals hoarding excessive amounts of the medicines for possible use as a coronavirus treatment. "Stockpiling these medications or depleting supplies with excessive, anticipatory orders can have grave consequences for patients with conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis if the drugs are not available in the community ... Being just stewards of limited resources is essential," the statement says. +15 Inside the coronavirus battle at Our Lady of the Lake: the fight of their lives Dr. Jonathan Richards tapped on a square of glass as the blue-gowned people he was watching called out for sedatives and started to move more The three medical associations said they "applaud the ongoing efforts to conduct clinical trials and generate evidence related to these and other medications during a time of pandemic." Tammy Faucheux said that her daughter's monthly prescription of hydroxychloroquine is compounded at a locally owned pharmacy in Tangipahoa Parish, not far from the family's home in Natalbany. Because the medicine can have serious side effects, the tablets are crushed and added to water; Tammy's daughter, Kaydence, takes a little of the liquid prescription medicine every day. Tammy said that, when she first heard reports of hydroxychloroquine being tied to coronavirus treatment, she called the pharmacy to see if her daughter's medicine supply might be affected. "'No, it will be absolutely OK,'" she said she was told. But earlier this month, when it was time to pick up her daughter's medicine, Tammy Faucheux called ahead to see if it was ready; she said the person who answered the phone at the pharmacy said, "'We can't get that.'" Faucheux immediately asked to speak to the pharmacist and was reassured: the medicine her daughter needs would be there. "It felt like he was saying, 'don't worry, we'll cover Kaydence," Faucheux said. CDC: Mardi Gras quickened spread of coronavirus in Louisiana; canceling was never recommended A report issued by the nations top health agency this week says Mardi Gras likely accelerated the spread of the new coronavirus in Louisiana, Faucheux said she's worried, though, about "other people who don't have that relationship with their pharmacist." New Delhi, April 12 : At a time when the national lockdown has paralysed the transport industry, the national capital's IGI Airport has emerged as a vital tool in the country's efforts to restock key medical supplies across the country and to repatriate foreigners. The 21-day-long national lockdown which has been deemed necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19, has dealt a heavy blow to commerce, leading to a temporary closure of shopping malls, dine-in restaurants, grounding of aircraft, shutting down of factories and deserted market places. Nevertheless, IGI Airport has been a busy place, as employees are unhindered to make the key infrastructure facility functional, thereby, allowing repatriation of stranded passengers and to connect India with the global supply chains via cargo ops. Currently, commercial domestic and international flights are banned since March 25, 2020. According to Delhi International Airport's CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar: "At present, Delhi Airport is handling cargo and evacuation flights, operated by various countries." "DIAL employees from operations, housekeeping, ARFF, apron control, etc. along with CISF, ATC among others are working round-the-clock to keep the airport operational in this hour of crisis," Jaipuriar told IANS. The Delhi International Airport limited is the company which operates and runs IGI Airport, which is a hub of major domestic airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Vistara and SpiceJet. In terms of numbers, the Delhi Airport from March 25 to April 10 and counting has handled over 68 evacuation flights allowing over 12,383 stranded foreign nationals in reaching their homes. These flights were to be operated by countries like US, UK, Canada, Japan, Norway, Germany, Afghanistan, Poland, Russia, France to repatriate their nationals stranded in India due to lockdown. National passenger carrier Air India repatriated foreigners from here and Mumbai. The airline has also opened an air bridge between India and China from IGIA. However, it is the cargo section of the airport which has seen massive action lately. The cargo terminal and associated facilities at IGIA have been operating in full swing to support the Centre in handling and processing essential commodities, especially healthcare and medical supplies. At present, Delhi Airport is handling 20-22 cargo flights per day including non-scheduled operations, with freighters arriving from destinations like Doha, Paris, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Incheon. This operation has enabled import of essential supplies like Masks, Medicines, Medical equipment, Test kits, Reagents and other supplies and the numbers are staggering. Since the lockdown came into force, more than 19 lakh pieces of Face Masks, two lakh bottles of Sanitizers, 1.5 lakh PPE Kits and 50,000 other medical equipment have been channelized across India till date. In addition to the international cargo flights, Delhi Airport has witnessed 3-4 chartered aircraft movements per day for handling medical equipment and relief material to and from Patna, Varanasi, Guwahati, Nagpur and Vadodra. This number is expected to increase to 8-10 flights per day. Besides, Air India and Indian Air Force have connected even far flung areas of Northeast like Dimapur in Nagaland and Imphal in Manipur, as well as other cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Vijyawada, Cochin, Hyderabad to the airport via cargo ops. Nearly all the private airlines are operating cargo services from this airport to various destinations across the country. Furthermore, Jaipuriar said: "We have sought for support from MoCA for getting special permissions for movement of trucks to and from the airport to carry essential goods." "Besides, additional warehouse space is being created at the Delhi Airport for holding imported cargo. We are also pursuing with Customs for adequate staff at Cargo Terminals for faster clearance of goods as more such movements are planned in the coming days." The airport has the capacity to handle over 1.8 million MT of cargo annually, which is scalable to 2.3 million MT. (Rohit Vaid can be contacted at rohit.v@ians.in) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 12:40:35|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Indian firefighters use hydraulic platform to sanitize an area during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of novel coronavirus in Ahmedabad, India, April 11, 2020. India has recorded 31 new deaths and 827 new cases due to the coronavirus on Sunday, according to the federal health ministry. The death toll reached 273 and the total number of confirmed cases stood at 8,356, with 7,367 active cases in the country. (Str/Xinhua) NEW DELHI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- India has recorded 31 new deaths and 827 new cases due to the coronavirus on Sunday, according to the federal health ministry. The death toll reached 273 and the total number of confirmed cases stood at 8,356, with 7,367 active cases in the country. On Saturday evening the number of COVID-19 cases in the country was 7,529 and the death toll was 242. According to ministry officials, so far 716 people have been discharged from hospitals after showing improvement. Sunday marks the nineteenth straight day of an ongoing 21-day lockdown across the country. The three-week lockdown was expected to end on April 14 before the government's decision of an extension on Saturday. On Saturday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with chief ministers of states to strategize the tackling of COVID-19, when three states Maharashtra, Telangana and West Bengal announced the extension of lockdown until April 30 on Saturday evening. Previously, two Indian states of Odisha and Punjab had extended the COVID-19 lockdown until April 30 and May 1 respectively. Driven by young entrepreneurs, start-ups in Manipur are rising to the occasion to home deliver essential items and groceries, overcoming myriad challenges during the lockdown in the absence of major players likes BigBasket, Grofers, Amazon in the state. Malemm, FoodWifi, Hummingbird are among the app-based start-ups which have been granted permission by the state government to carry out home deliveries during the lockdown to prevent spread of COVID-19, which has also accelerated their business expansion plans. Langam Lukram, founder of Malemm, had returned to Manipur after graduating in business administration from Middlesex University, UK to take up organic farming and home deliveries of the produce. The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown has made him tweak his original plan a bit to meet overwhelming needs of consumers. "When we started, it was meant to be for home delivery of only organic vegetables. We had tied up with around seven farmers and grew different types of vegetables in a chemical free manner," Lukram told PTI. However, things changed suddenly after the lockdown. "Initially, we were doing just about 20 deliveries per day as we started in a small way with plans to double that by end of March. After the lockdown, we suddenly received around 600 calls for order in a single day, which we were in no position to fulfil," the 22-year-old said. The company decided to restrict to taking around 200 orders, and started deliveries with a small team. However, executing those deliveries continued till late evenings. "Then we ran into supply issues as our organic vegetables stock ran out and had to pause our deliveries for two days. With demand for just vegetables, not necessarily organic ones, rising, we expanded our sourcing and now we are delivering even normally grown vegetables as well," Lukram said. He added that Malemm would like to get back to its original core business of growing and home delivering organic foods, once the coronavirus crisis is over. Similarly, Kennedy Oinam, co-founder of FoodWifi, also had to adapt to the dynamic situation. "We are basically food delivery service providers through tie-ups with restaurants. When the lockdown happened we had to accelerate our plans to diversify into home delivery of groceries and essential items," said Oinam, whose father took voluntary retirement to build capital to fund his son's entrepreneurial dreams. During the lockdown, he said FoodWifi has been fulfilling around 80-100 deliveries per day despite several challenges. "One of our biggest challenges was that of delivery personnel, as parents of our staff were reluctant to let their sons go out our during the health crisis. So, my co-founder Bickychand Khangjarakpam and myself, we started doing it after hiring a van. In the following days more staff joined us," said the young entrepreneur who once worked as a chef in a local restaurant from where he got the idea of doing home delivery of food. The other hurdle was that of inventory as distributors were open only on alternate days, Oinam said, adding "we had to stand in long queues to get items and we could only sell what we could get from the distributors, limiting the choice for our customers". "Also, our delivery boys despite having permits were stopped many a times by local police when they went out as there is lack of clarity in the interpretation of orders from authorities," he added. Hummingbird co-founder Fisher Laishram said getting approval from authorities in itself was a time consuming process, but once that was done it was all about getting the staff trained about following health and hygiene protocals while delivering at doorsteps during the coronavirus crisis. "We have also faced problems with delivery personnel as people are reluctant to venture out during these times," said Laishram, who spent seven years in New York for higher studies and also honed skills of running start-up during his stint with Sprinklr. At present, Hummingbird is handling about 80 food orders on an average, he said adding fuel availability has also been a huge hurdle with many of the petrol pumps closed during the lockdown. Despite the challenges, as Oinam puts it, apart from the business aspect, it is about being able to help people in the times of crisis that has been more fulfilling. "Some people blessed us, some wished us good luck and many advised us to stay safe and follow strict hygiene protocol out of concern for us and we really appreciate that," he signed off with a smile. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nina Hossain has been a household name in the United Kingdom for many years as one of ITN/ITVs lead news presenters and journalists. In January 2015, she was nominated for the Services to Media Award at the British Muslim Awards, but she is also a popular face in Puerto Soller, which has become her familys spiritual home. As soon as we heard of the lockdown and that hotels, businesses, bars and restaurants were being closed, we contacted all our friends out there to wish them our best and to let them know we are thinking of them. It must be very tough for them. Its such a small port but with so much business dependent on tourism, they must all be fearing for their future, she told the Bulletin last week. In a recent interview with her local newspaper, the Huddersfield Examiner (she lives between London and the Midlands where she was born), she was asked Huddersfield is where the heart is, but if you could be anywhere else right now where would it be? and she answered: Puerto Soller in Majorca. The first place Ill travel to with my family. Nina and her family have now been coming to Majorca for the past 12 years. It was love at first sight, although she and her husband Stuart were actually on a recce for a couple of love birds who were thinking of getting married in the port. We went out to have a look around for some friends who were planning their wedding. At the time we had a two-year-old and a nine-month-old and it was our first real holiday after a few years of being pregnant, working, juggling nappies etc. and we were looking forward to a break," she says. We arrived late at the Hotel Esplendido right on the sea front. It was around 10pm. We got to our superb room, opened the window and just gazed in awe at the wonderful view, we were overwhelmed. It was the first time since the kids were born that we had time to relax and rediscover normal life, and there we were in Puerto Soller and it felt wonderful. It was stunning and we decided at that moment we had to come back and we have been ever since, two or three times a year. And over the years, weve met other families, in fact there are now three of us who try to meet at least once a year and catch up in the port," says Nina. Over the years weve stayed at other hotels in the port and sometimes come by boat via Ibiza, but its always the port and its now always the Hotel Esplendido. It feels like home. I know its a big hotel, but many of the staff have been there for years and treat you like VIPs, all the guests are treated the same. The attention is first class, its so comfortable and we feel like were the only people in the hotel. As soon as you walk in the door, youre made to feel so special and now, with three kids, its home for all the family. And, of course, over the years weve made so many friends in the port, in the bars, restaurants and shops, and we immediately sent them all our best wishes as soon as we heard about the lockdown," she tells me. My husband and a friend of his are always following developments in Majorca via your website. Tourism is their lifeline and they make most of their money between April and October or November. Its going to be very hard for local businesses," she says. I have to admit that some six weeks ago, when the lockdown came into force, our first thoughts were what about Soller this year? but it didnt take long for the severity of the whole situation to set in, especially once the virus had broken out here in the UK so suddenly. One begins to set out new priorities, be reasonable and rationalise things," admits Nina. Right now, were not seeing an end game, no one is, and if we cant make it to Soller this year, so be it. Theres plenty of time in the future and Soller will always be there. My immediate thoughts were about the family, my elderly mother who I know is safe and being well cared for, so thats a weight off my shoulders, although it may be a while before I see her again. Right now were dealing, or trying to deal, with something which is not going to disappear over night and my life has also been turned upside down. As part of an important public service provider, for the first time in my life Ive put my job first. Weve rescheduled many programmes and news bulletins on ITV and I am now anchoring a coronavirus Q&A programme every Monday night which offers the general public the chance to put their questions to the politicians and members of the government in control whilst also sharing their experiences and stories. The daily media briefings from the government are all well and good, but the journalists are always the same. Theyre all from the Westminster bubble, so my programme opens up the debate to the general public. I guess, in a way, its a platform for the public to have a shout out and the volume of questions were getting is immense. The public still have so many questions, doubts and fears. This is effecting everybody in one way or another. Im talking to you now as I enjoy a short walk, my daily exercise. But who knows, perhaps this time next week, well be confined to home. People want clarity about their financing, mortgage holidays, when the unemployed or self-employed will receive the government aid; there is a sense of frustration. Ive covered some very horrifying and harrowing events during my career to date. The July 2005 London bombings and the subsequent terror attacks, then came the Manchester bombing, which was heartbreaking, and the Grenfell Tower fire. We were like can things get any worse? Yes they can and they have. Its devastating, perhaps even more than world wars. I dont think the true impact has hit the UKor the world in general. It will never be the same again after this and here in the UK, we have not peaked yet. But Ive gone military. I take my job and the responsibility that goes with it extremely seriously and its not just whats happening right now that concerns me and many of my colleagues, its whats going to happen afterwards. Its going to be similar to the post-war period, the horror stories will go on for years, generations. Only this week Ive been working on two stories. One is a woman who is about to give birth for the first time, the other is another mother who is stage four cancer and expecting her third child. Shes lost all contact with her medical and support team with all the focus on Covid-19 patients and she is terrified. We had to cover the story of the 13-year-old who died at the hands of the virus. He was buried alone with no family members present; he had been separated from them and was unable to see them before he passed away." Just how do you deal with that? Its a tough gig. It can be extremely emotional at times but I, and many of my colleagues on the news bulletins and programmes, have a public duty and that is to get the message out while giving the public a voice. The fallout is going to be another challenge for us to overcome by working together. Mental health, related health problems, mobility issues plus the shock of it all. This Easter Bank Holiday is the big test for the UK and how the country is responding to the advice. I just hope the majority of people see sense and do what they are told. Were in this for the long term, but at least weve got Soller to always look forward to." My best wishes and love to you all in Majorca. ALBANY The state appears to be sitting at a plateau at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Sunday, pondering the next steps needed to reopen the state. The rate of hospitalizations and intubations has remained relatively steady and is down from a high point in late March. Still, 758 people died of the coronavirus in New York over a 24-hour period, bringing the states death total to 9,385. While stabilizing, the flattening is at a high rate, with deaths in the seven hundreds every day since April 6. The peak, however, is far lower than initially projected - indicating that social distancing mandates have worked and continue to be successful, Cuomo said. The state is utilizing fewer medical supplies than officials had anticipated, allowing the governor to visit the Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Niskayuna Sunday morning to thank health care workers and return the 35 ventilators the facility had lent to the state last week. The ventilators had been sitting in a state stockpile that "led us to believe that they were not needed and would be better off in their original place," Cuomo senior adviser Rich Azzopardi said. A "handful" of other ventilators that had been loaned to New York were also returned to their home institutions, though most ventilators are owned by the state or came from stockpiles in other states or the federal government, he said. "We're in a position now where we're not going to need the ventilators, Cuomo said during a news conference at the Capitol. We're going to be OK equipment-wise, unless things change dramatically. A total of 18,707 people are currently hospitalized with the coronavirus, and 4,449 are intubated increases of 53 and 110 over the past day, respectively. Meanwhile, the number of people discharged from the hospital has also increased. More than 460,000 New Yorkers have been tested for the virus, and 188,694 have tested positive. Cuomo makes brief stop at Niskayuna nursing home Bethlehem grad dies at age 33 from COVID-19 Sign up for our daily newsletter tracking COVID-19 More coronavirus coverage Looking for ways you can help during the pandemic? Join our Facebook group Cuomo was expected to discuss a regional strategy to reopening businesses later Sunday afternoon with the governors of Connecticut and New Jersey, he said. New York is on pause until at least April 29, and Cuomo is looking to ramp up antibody tests and implore the federal government for additional funding as the state decides how it will return to life as normal. I work cooperatively with local governments, and I hope Nassau, Suffolk, New York City, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut that we can all get on the same page, Cuomo said. Thats the ideal. But at the end of the day, theres one page, and theres one plan. Most of the state's deaths have happened in New York City and the surrounding metro area. Cuomo has stressed repeatedly in the more recent stages of the COVID-19 emergency that decisions must be made on a statewide, and even a tri-state, level. He clashed with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio over the weekend after the mayor said Saturday that city schools would remain closed through the rest of the school year; Cuomo said at a press briefing later that day that no decisions had been made yet. Early on in the crisis, Cuomo had left decisions to localities but has since abandoned that strategy. In a series of executive orders, he has asserted that statewide orders supersede all local decisions related to the pandemic. Am I prepared, as I sit here, to say what well be doing in June? No, Cuomo said, reiterating a previous assertion that closing schools for the rest of the academic year would also insinuate the closure of businesses for the same period, as workers would need child care. But the decision to reopen the economy will also be linked to widespread testing both for the coronavirus and for antibodies showing whether a person has contracted and recovered from the illness as well as federal assistance to states, the governor said. Cuomo will issue an executive order Sunday expanding the number of people who are eligible to conduct the antibody tests, hopefully identifying those who have developed immunity to the illness. He will also sign an executive order Sunday mandating that employers supply essential workers with cloth or surgical masks to wear when they interact with the public. The governor reiterated calls on Sunday that the federal government must allocate additional funding to states in the fourth coronavirus stimulus package. Alongside Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, Cuomo is asking for $500 billion for state governments nationwide, whose economies have been decimated by COVID-19. When you ignore a state government, you ignore our situation, Cuomo said. We have a $10 billion to $15 billion deficit. We got a budget done, but our budget was basically contingent on what happens going forward, and without federal assistance, how does this state economy come back? Three civilians, including a minor, were killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control in Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, officials said on Sunday. "Pakistani troops initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation around 5.00 pm, targeting civilian population," the officials said. Last Sunday, Keran sector was the scene of a deadly operation in which five elite army commandos laid down their lives while eliminating a group of infiltrating terrorists. Meanwhile, Pakistan continued unprovoked shelling on forward posts and villages along the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir for the seventh consecutive day on Sunday, injuring a man and a woman, officials said. Pakistan started firing small arms and mortar shells in Qasba and Kirni sectors at 1.40 pm, inviting a strong and effective retaliation by the Indian Army, a defence spokesman said. The cross-border firing was still going on, according to latest reports. Pakistan has repeatedly violated ceasefire for a week despite the challenges faced by the two countries due to the coronavirus outbreak. Mohammad Shoukat, 28, received splinter injuries when a mortar shell exploded near his house in Qasba sector and he had to be shifted to Poonch district hospital for treatment, the officials said. Alive mortar bomb, which failed to explode during heavy Pakistan shelling in Balakote sector, was destroyed by Indian Army experts. Saleema Bi, 45, a resident of Lanjout village, received splinter injuries late Saturday night. She was rescued by a joint team of Army, police personnel and health workers amid intense shelling and admitted to a hospital where she is stable now,the officials said. Balakote and Mendhar sectors witnessed heavy firing and shelling for several hours Saturday night. Several houses were damaged in the Pakistani shelling, they said. Hiranagar sector along the IB in Kathua district of Jammu region was also rocked by a heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and India troops throughout the night. Pakistan initiated the ceasefire violation by firing on three forward areas in Karol Matrai, Faqeera and Chandwa around 9pm, drawing retaliation by the Border Security Force guarding the IB. Pakistan used mortars to target the posts and villages, causing panic among the border residents who took shelter in underground bunkers. Two cows were also hit and medical teams attended to them after the firing stopped around 4 am. People of St. Maarten, both here on St. Maarten and abroad, I hereby address you as Prime Minister and Chair of the EOC for today's update on April 11, 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. COVID-19 Cases As of today, April 11, 2020, I can update you on the COVID-19 cases. - Self- Quarantine: 136 - Self-Isolation: 194 - Number Tested: 134 - Number Positive: 50 (1 hospitalized) - Number Negative: 82 - Number Pending: 4 (3 hospitalized) - Inconclusive: 1 - Deceased: 9 - Recovered: 5 SMMC Training Sessions for AMI Healthcare Personnel & Volunteers The requested personnel for St. Maarten consisting of 29 medical professionals arrived on the island on April 7th and 8th to assist SMMC with COVID-19 patients. I can announce that the training sessions for the 29 medical personnel from AMI Healthcare and the local medical volunteers are underway. The training sessions include refresher courses, crash courses for basic ICU care, CPSI training sessions carried out by SMMCs ICT department and other essential training in order for these teams to provide the most efficient care possible. The AMI Healthcare personnel have all traveled from the US, prior to their arrival they all tested negative for COVID-19. Upon arrival to St. Maarten, they were swabbed again by HCLS and those tests also came back negative. COVID-19 Admission Update As of today, April 11, 2020, there have been 3 new COVID-19 related patients that have been admitted to the St. Maarten Medical Centre (SMMC). All three patients are not confirmed COVID-19 positive, however, they are highly suspected cases and one of the patients is from Saba. This brings the total to 4 COVID-19 related patients currently admitted to SMMC with three being stable and one in critical condition. Today ICU nurses from AMI will work with our staff in caring for these patients. Food Distribution Over the weekend, including today, the ESF7 team of social services, community development, community police, community leaders and volunteers have been distributing food packages in the different communities to those persons who are most vulnerable and have already been registered with social services. Please be patient as Social Services will also begin to distribute food packages to those who have registered via the social impact assessment form. The first batch of food distribution will be completed by Monday and later in the coming week, the second batch of food will be packaged and distributed. Opening Times For Deliveries & Shopping Allowed For Disaster Pass Holders Orders from the public must be submitted to the respective grocery stores between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Grocery stores, both large and small, will have the opportunity to deliver between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Between 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, employees may work on packaging items for the deliveries of the following day. Each grocery store operator needs to ensure that a priority system is implemented to guarantee that priority is given to orders of the basic necessities. All purchases and orders should be on a strict need-basis only. More grocery stores, including the smaller grocery stores operated by Chinese nationals, started as of today taking orders for persons living in their district. A list of the current grocery stores that are delivering may be found on the Facebook Page Government of Sint Maarten. As I allow for more options in order for persons to access food, public bus drivers and taxi drivers are being contacted to connect to a grocery store or supermarket in your neighborhood to assist in delivering food orders. This cooperation can also serve as another way for the grocery stores and the locals in the community to help each other during this time in the same manner. Id like to announce that persons with a disaster pass and essential workers are now allowed to carry-out their grocery shopping at the supermarkets opened as of tomorrow, April 12, 2020, however, these persons must adhere to hygiene requirements such as wearing a mask and sanitizing your hand when entering and leaving the store. This decision will allow for less orders to be made to the grocery stores and therefore, will result in a quicker turn-around time for orders that are being delivered. I kindly ask the public, not to order from more than one supermarket as this is causing confusion. Arrangements are being made for key persons within the community to assist with deliveries from neighborhood grocery stores and will be required to wear a mask. These persons will also have access to gas stations to facilitate deliveries within their respective neighborhoods. Grocery stores, as well as consumers, are also strictly forbidden to sell or purchase alcohol during the remainder of the lockdown. In order to ensure that persons remain in their neighborhoods, there will be heightened police presence at round-a-bouts. Follow our Government Radio station 107.9FM. For official information, statements and news updates or visit the Government website at www.sintmaartengov.org/coronavirus and our Facebook Page: Government of Sint Maarten. In closing, Id like to thank all those essential workers who are working tirelessly including ESFs 1 to 10 for all that you are doing. I must commend and say thanks to all those businesses that are practicing social responsibility and I encourage other businesses in the community to do the same as we all have a role to play. I urge and encourage the people to show that we are a strong, united and powerful people and country, and we will overcome this challenge. Thank you to the people of St. Maarten. Thank you to all our front-liners. May God continue to bless each and every person on St. Maarten. Nearly seven crore farmers have received the 2,000 benefit as part of the PM-KISAN scheme, the government announced on Saturday, to protect them from the impact of coronavirus disease Covid-19. The amount disbursed is 13,855 crore, the finance ministry said, adding that 6.93 crore of the eligible eight crore identified beneficiaries received the amount directly in their bank accounts through direct benefit transfer or DBT. As part of 1.70 lakh crore relief package, the government announced free foodgrain and cash doles to women, poor senior citizens and farmers to mitigate hardship faced due to the lockdown. Under PM-KISAN, the government provides an income support of 6,000 a year to farmers with a valid enrolment, paid in three equal cash transfers of 2,000 - one every four months. It was launched by the Prime Minister on February 24, 2019, when the first instalment was paid. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government decided to make an advance payout of its universal cash-for-farmers programme, PM-KISAN, in April rather than in June. The cash transfer under PM-KISAN is an unconditional handout, meaning that it doesnt require any proof of how recipients use it, but payments are usually timed with sowing seasons to help finance agricultural inputs. Inputs refer to all materials needed for cultivation by farmers, from seeds to fertilisers. Eligible farmer families are identified on the basis of operational land holding data according to the agricultural Census Data 2015-16, which is then extrapolated to 2018-19, an official said. It is the job of state governments to provide accurate beneficiary data and payments are continuously updated. The country has 140 million operational land holdings, which refers to the number of land parcels owned by total households. The eligible farmer count shows that registrations of about 59 million farmers are yet to be authenticated. New Delhi, April 12 : The Delhi government on Sunday directed action against a fake website allegedly promising ration cards to the public on payment. The website, according to the government, was asking people to register for a digital ration card and asking them to deposit Rs 407 as the fee. Food and Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Imran Hussain on Sunday directed the Commissioner (Food and Civil Supplies) and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to take necessary action against the fake website -- https://rationcardagent.co.in/digital-ration-card-application. "The website asks innocent and unsuspecting people to register for a digital ration card besides asking them to deposit Rs 407," the Ministry said in a statement. The Minister said that the Delhi government is undertaking relief operations amid Covid-19 lockdown period, where not only ration card holders but other poor and needy people are also being provided ration free of cost. "Cheating the public and playing fraud on the Government at this critical juncture is a crime against humanity and that guilty persons/miscreants should be immediately arrested and sternly proceeded against for violating various provisions of law," Hussain said. He said the personal information submitted by the applicants may also be misused by the persons running website illegally. The Minister directed the officers to take immediate necessary action in the matter including registration of FIR, investigation in the matter, arrest of miscreants etc., as per the law. The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has registered an FIR under section 420 of the Indian Penal Code and under Section 66D of the IT Act and has launched an investigation into the matter. The Minister also appealed to the general public to be alert and not to fall prey to motivated and vested interests who attempt to cheat the public by offering government schemes/incentives fraudulently and that the public should first satisfy itself about the genuineness of the schemes and incentives through the government websites and helpline numbers before making any application/request for availing the same. Hussain said the government is providing free ration to the needy people and no money is being charged by the government for preparation of e-coupons for ration. About 10 lakh poor are being distributed free ration amid the 21-day lockdown imposed by the Centre, which left the daily wagers without any opportunity to work. FAOs guidelines for human rights in fishing delayed after pushback by Aaron Orlowski April 12,2020 | Source: SeafoodSource Baseline international standards for human rights, labor conditions, and social responsibility in the seafood industry will have to wait. Countries pushed back against draft guidance on social responsibility in fish value chains developed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) when it was first officially presented in November in Vigo, Spain. As a result, FAO is spending the next year-plus creating a scoping paper that will more explicitly spell out what should be included in the guidance. Meanwhile, labor abuses continue to be uncovered aboard fishing vessels and many workers around the world face abysmal conditions a problem compounded by the health and economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. "It's also about reputation management for the entire sector," FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Deputy Director Audun Lem told SeafoodSource. "A lot of the conditions we've seen are totally unacceptable. ... It's not something that you can say it's only far away, it's only in certain countries in the developing world. It's also closer to home than you may think." The guidance was meant to provide a human rights standard for the 50 million seafood workers around the globe by articulating core principles related to the inherent dignity of all individuals, elimination of forced labor, fair treatment for all, gender equity, child labor, and rights of migrant workers. Six appendices were planned to address specific subsectors of the seafood industry aquaculture, industrial fishing, small-scale fishing, processing, distribution, and retail. Countries approved the idea of voluntary guidance in 2017 at a meeting of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee on Fish Trade. In 2018, countries gave FAO an official mandate to create the guidance, and the organization embarked on a wide-ranging stakeholder consultation process, both online and in person at regional conferences around the world. FAO worked closely with industry, associations, unions, and other stakeholders. "There was not a single one that said this is not necessary. There was not a single one that said this is not important," Lem said. "We had hundreds and hundreds of input that informed the draft." Then, in November 2019, the process derailed. "Whereas the subcommittee in the past agreed to the relevance and importance of the issue, there was some specific feedback to us for further work to make even more clear that these are voluntary guidelines, that the countries didn't want to see anything non-voluntary," Lem said. "They didn't want to see specific requirements coming out of this." In 2018, national fishing organizations supported the idea of developing guidance to help businesses frame their thinking on social responsibility, as long as the guidance remained voluntary, according to National Fisheries Institute President John Connelly. But when the draft guidance was presented last year in Vigo, fishing organizations felt it was overly prescriptive. "We were a bit surprised that the language had turned from voluntary to a lot of, in shorthand, must, shall, will be obligated to, required," Connelly told SeafoodSource. "It just concerns governments enough that they balked at moving it forward in its current form ... They expected it to be voluntary guidelines to these countries." However, the draft guidance explicitly states in the first sentence of the section describing the nature and scope of the work, This Guidance is voluntary in nature. Later, it says, Nothing in this Guidance prejudices the rights, jurisdiction, and duties of States under international law. Connelly said a targeted approach would be the best way to ensure countries and companies around the world treat workers fairly. "We can spend a lot time checking on good actors, whereas we're not spending enough time helping those countries or companies that need to improve," Connelly said. "We think the best application of resources globally is to find where the hotspots are and either help governments create better systems of enforcement or then at the company level help companies understand that markets are only going to accept their product if they treat their workers with respect." FAO developed similar guidance in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in 2016 to address social responsibility in land-based agriculture. Countries are now questioning why another guidance document for seafood is needed, especially since the International Labor Organization's C188 Work in Fishing Convention addresses conditions aboard fishing vessels. Only 18 countries have ratified that convention, however. "There was some hesitancy by many member countries to add another set of guidelines," Lem said. "There was a sentiment that it wasn't entirely clear why we were doing it, despite the mandate we had received earlier." FAOs scoping paper which will be presented at the next COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade meeting in 2021 will state the objectives of the guidance, and what should and should not be included. Whether member countries who felt dissatisfied with the guidance in 2019 will approve of the process in 2021 remains to be seen. "Maybe with hindsight, we should have spent more time working with the countries to underline how important this was. We already had a mandate so we didn't think that would be necessary, Lem said. Sentiments and priorities change so whereas there was strong momentum a few years ago, maybe at the end of last year it was different." 2020 Diversified Communications. All rights reserved. Theme(s): Communities and Organisations. United States-based technology companies including Facebook Inc, Alphabets Google, Microsoft Corp and Twitter Inc met US intelligence agencies on Wednesday to discuss security strategies in the run-up to the November 2020 election. The companies security teams met representatives from theFBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Homeland Security at Facebooks headquarters in Menlo Park. The purpose was to build on previous discussions and further strengthen strategic collaboration regarding the security of the 2020 US state, federal, and presidential elections, Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebooks head of cybersecurity policy, said in a statement. Specifically, attendees talked about how industry and government could improve how we share information and coordinate our response to better detect and deter threats. Social media companies are under pressure to ramp up security after what US intelligence agencies have called an extensive Russian cyberinfluence operation aimed at helping President Donald Trump get elected in 2016. Russia has repeatedly denied the allegations. This is a joint effort in response to a shared threat, and we are committed to doing our part, a Twitter spokeswoman told Reuters in a statement. Microsoft and Google also confirmed their attendance at the meeting. At Google, weve invested in robust systems to detect phishing and hacking attempts, identify foreign interference on our platforms, and protect campaigns from digital attacks. But technology is only part of the solution, said Richard Salgado, Googles director of law enforcement and information security. It is crucial that industry, law enforcement and others collaborate to prevent any threats to the integrity of our elections. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday that churches that are holding Easter services in his state are following social distancing guidelines "very carefully." Why it matters: Arkansas has banned indoor gatherings of more than 10 people, but offers exemptions for religious services. The state government, which has come under fire for not issuing a stay-at-home order, recommends that people attending services follow social distancing guidelines. Hutchinson has been trying to discourage people from attending services after nearly three dozen people who gathered at an Arkansas church last month tested positive for the coronavirus, NBC News reports. What he's saying: "If there's a serious health risk because of a gathering, we'll give a very specific directive and have a discussion with that church," Hutchinson said. "They're just as concerned about their parishioners as I am as governor. And so we're worshipping remotely this Easter. And I expect everybody to make sure they follow those social distancing guidelines and not gather whenever you have a risk." The big picture: Arkansas has reported 1,228 cases and 27 deaths from the virus, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Asked why he has not issued a stay-at-home order, Hutchinson said that "there's no such thing as a true lockdown" and that the state's "targeted approach" of recommending masks and social distancing has been successful thus far. Go deeper: Easter poses major social distancing test AN ASTONISHING sum of money has been given to the Childrens Grief Centre in memory of a four-year-old boy. Liam Ryan, of Greystones, Limerick tragically died in August 2018. The following May 2019 over 500 people took part in the Great Limerick Run in memory of the child. Liams parents Dorothy and Colm, close family members, friends, work colleagues and local community got together to fundraise for the Childrens Grief Centre. Despite their own grief and sadness, the family have given hope to so many others who may experience a loss by raising an incredible 127,258.63 for the centres new build project. Speaking on behalf of the centre, Katrina Morgan, fundraising co-ordinator, said Liams family have been so kind and generous to the Childrens Grief Centre. The support we have received through them has been incredible. Companies like Dell and Beckman Coulter to mention just a few got involved and we would like to say a big thanks to them for their generosity. We also extend our thanks to all those took part in the Great Limerick Run for their support, said Ms Morgan. The new Childrens Grief Centre will create a more stimulating environment for children and young people. The building will accommodate an art room, a splatter paint room and even a volcano room, as well as an outdoor play area. The build is based on a bereavement support service in Oregon, USA called the Dougy Centre. The Childrens Grief Centre have now commissioned a set of plans the purpose built building. This year marks the start of phase one of a planned new campaign to raise funds for our new premises and thanks to the support of the Run from Liam'z family we are well on our way to achieving our goal, said Ms Morgan. Chittenango, N.Y. -- The Madison County Health Department alerted the publicSunday that customers of the Tops Supermarket in Chittenango could have been exposed to an individual who tested positive for the coronavirus. Individuals who were at the supermarket at 800 West Genesee Street between 7 and 10 p.m. on Sunday, April 5 could have been exposed, the health department announced in a news release. The health department urged individuals who were at the store during that timeframe to self-monitor for symptoms of coronavirus until April 19. Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst said on Sunday that an individual who has tested positive for the coronavirus visited the store last week and was not wearing a face mask. After conducting an investigation to identify all close contacts of the individual it was determined this person had been to the Tops in Chittenango on that evening without wearing a facemask, Faisst said in a statement. Anyone who visited the store during the identified time frame should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 until April 19. Those symptoms include fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing. If symptoms develop, please stay home and contact your doctor for guidance on testing. In an emergency please call 911." Faisst encouraged all residents of Madison County to wear a face mask when out in public and to follow the countys voluntary stay-at-home measures. The county has encouraged residents to go out in public every-other day based on their birth year with odd birth years scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, Friday and April 12, and even birth years scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and April 19. Madison County has been dealing with a high number of positive tests for coronavirus for an area with its population. At one point it had more cases per capita than any other county in Upstate New York. "It surprises me at how quickly it spread in our county,'' Faisst told Syracuse.com earlier this month. We dont like being on the high end. Contact Chris Carlson anytime: E-mail | Twitter | 315-412-1639 MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Social distancing is working. That means it wont end soon (Where we stand after 27 days) Coronavirus shutdown ending soon in NY? Cuomo pours cold water on speculation After a dream wedding, the coronavirus spreads pain and fear through a CNY family Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com The Maharashtra government has booked 156 foreigners for violating visa rules and initiated investigation against them. All of them have been kept in government quarantine facility as they had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event at Nizamuddin in Delhi in March. The state has also cancelled their visas, the state home minster Anil Deshmukh said on Sunday. Of them, maximum 37 are from Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan 19, Myanmar 18, Bangladesh 13, Tanzania 11 etc. He said that they have been booked under section 14 B of The Foreigners Act 1946 and section 188, 269, 270 of the Indian Penal Code. Total of 15 cases have been registered comprising Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Amravati, Nanded, Nagpur, Pune, Ahmednagar, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli. They have come to India on tourist visa and attended religious congregation which is against visa rules. We have also cancelled their visas, the home minister said. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights is petitioning the High Court to have the coronavirus lockdown overturned after police allegedly unleashed a dog on a woman for violating a curfew. Court papers submitted by the lawyers group say police and army officers assaulted Lucia Masvondo, 26, while she was cooking food in her yard. The lawsuit argues the lockdown regulations violate Zimbabwes constitution and should be annulled. Kumbirai Mafunda of the lawyers group said Masvondos case was one of a growing number of alleged abuses by security forces during the lockdown. She suffered some wounds after some state agencies set a dog upon her when she was preparing a meal outside her home in Karoi," Mafunda said. "In Bulawayo, our lawyers are intervening in a case where someone was reportedly assaulted by the police and died. Zimbabwe police refused any immediate comment on the Masvondo case but acknowledged they were investigating it. Scores of cases Zimbabwe rights groups said they have recorded more than 100 cases of security forces abusing civilians including detentions of journalists since the lockdown began two weeks ago. Zimbabwe authorities said the tough lockdown measures, which require people to stay in their homes and permit travel only to buy food or other essentials, are necessary to prevent more coronavirus victims. Zimbabwe has recorded 11 cases of COVID-19 and three deaths so far. In an Easter message broadcast Thursday on Zimbabwe state television, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the lockdown would not ease during the holiday weekend. I am aware that in the past, the Easter holiday season would see most families, friends, as well as worshippers, gather together," he said. "Sadly, this will not be possible this holiday as we continue to observe the essential lockdown to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Mnangagwa said security forces would intensify patrols to curb the movement of pedestrians and vehicles. He urged the public to be patient and responsible, saying the answer to the crisis lay in their discipline and unity. No safety nets But critics have said the government has failed to create social safety nets for many Zimbabweans who depend on street vending to make a living. The southern African countrys economy and health care system are in tatters after years of mismanagement and poor investment. The World Food Program says more than half of Zimbabwes population needs food aid. That will tempt many out of their homes, despite the risk of contracting the coronavirus or running afoul of security forces. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights hopes to end the restrictions through Masvondos lawsuit. The group expects to know the hearing date for the case early next week. As online classes in colleges across the Delhi University (DU) begin amid the lockdown, many teachers have complained that some mischievous elements, who are not on the rolls, were misusing the medium and harassing teachers with obscene messages and posts. Several teachers in DU colleges said they were abused and harassed by some attendees during the online classes. The teachers said they have informed the university administration about the misbehaviour. An assistant professor at a South Campus college, requesting anonymity, said he was taking an online class on the Zoom app last week when a person logged in and started writing obscene messages on the chat. It was so sudden that it took us a few minutes to realise what was happening. It was embarrassing for us all. We had to abruptly suspend the class. We later went through the recorded video of the lecture to identify the person. We found that there is no student by the name in our class, he said. Another faculty member, who teachers at an all-women college in west Delhi, said a person logged in to his class with the username of an adult movie actor, and started posting abusive messages against women. Its come to our notice that some outsiders are logging in to our classes using the links we send to our students every day on our college WhatsApp groups. We share our screen during the online classes with our students and everyone can use that and post their views and questions. We are trying to find out a way to address this issue, the teacher said. DU executive council (EC) member Rajesh Jha said such incidents are being reported by many teachers over the last few days. Several women teachers have also informed us that they were abused and harassed during these live classes. The teachers send the invites for live sessions on Zoom or Google Meet to their students every day. The students can log in simply by entering their names and email IDs. These incidents clearly indicate that students are sharing these invites with outsiders as well. Many countries are facing similar issues in conducting online classes, he said. According to foreign media reports, Singapore banned some video conferencing applications for teaching purpose after hackers posted obscene images during the classes. DU Teacher Association (DUTA) secretary Rajinder Singh said they have also received some complaints from teachers. Teachers have now started taking precautions. Some of them have told us that they immediately remove the person from class who writes or shares any unnecessary messages, he said. A senior university official said they are looking into the matter. We are aware of these incidents. We are looking into the matter and trying to fix it. We may file a police complaint in the matter soon, a DU official said. Experts said educational institutions need to wisely choose the software tools they use for online classes. Apar Gupta, executive director at Internet Freedom Foundation, said, There is always a chance of cybercrime or hacking while using software tools for any purpose. But the educational institutions can minimise that risk by choosing software tools that are more personal rather than using the popular ones. Also, there is a need to give proper training to teachers and instructors on how to handle such situations during a sessions. The Internet Freedom Foundation, according to its website, is a digital liberties organisation that seeks to ensure that technology respects fundamental rights and that Indian citizens can use the Internet with liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Robert Martin had already begun packing, but like many other Americans who make the annual trip to P.E.I. in the spring, the sweaters and swim trunks are still in the suitcase. Every year after Easter, Martin makes the trip from Pennsylvania to his summer home in eastern P.E.I. His wife Kathleen, a teacher, joins him after the school year. But with the Canada-U.S. border closed to non-essential traffic, Martin's annual road trip is on hold indefinitely. "I was heartsick," he said. "The Island holds a very special place in our life. Ever since we bought the place 16 years ago, we've been taken in by the neighbours, the community, as if we've been there all our lives." Work from Dorian to do Martin has extended family who live on P.E.I. he'd like to visit, including the family matriarch, who is 98 years old and lives at Whisperwood Villa. He said there is some work to be done at his summer home from post-tropical storm Dorian last fall. "Once things settle here, if they open the border, I will go up and try to clean it up." Submitted by Doug Hall Doug Hall of Cincinnati has been coming to P.E.I. for more than 50 years. He said he's been having "virtual cocktail parties" with his friends on P.E.I. "I wish I was there," he said. "I can't even imagine not being on the P.E.I. It's not going to be the same." Hall and his wife Debbie, longtime supporters of the College of Piping in Summerside, said as soon as the borders open, they'll be on their way, with dog and cat in tow. "This will end and we'll be back having a ceilidh before long." More from CBC P.E.I. The tourism industry in eastern India has taken a severe beating due to the COVID-19 outbreak with lakhs of people dependent on it suffering immense losses and job cuts, the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) said on Sunday. TAFI is in touch with the government whether any relief can be provided to the sector for the benefit of hundreds and thousands associated with it, the Chairman of TAFI (Eastern Region), Anil Punjabi, said. At least two lakh people directly associated with the tourism sector in this part of the country are facing the brunt of the pandemic, he said. "There are no bookings for the summer season as there has been total cancellation," he said. Punjabi expressed his apprehension that even the Durga Puja and Diwali season will not see any improvement in the travel business, mainly in the international sector. With most of the countries saying that they will not allow inbound travel for six months after the lockdown is lifted, there is little hope for any revival of international tourism at least till the end of the year, he said. The TAFI east India chairman said that it is also to be seen how the situation evolves in the country. "With school holidays having been extended till June and with the syllabus pending, I don't think many will travel," Punjabi said. The extraordinary situation is hitting the economies of most countries very hard, he said. It will also put a curb on spending and people will have different priorities, he said. Punjabi also said that tourism may restart in phases with domestic travel when the situation improves. "The pandemic has had an enormous effect on jobs and businesses in the sector and the travel industry is down totally," he said, asserting that safety of the customers is the priority. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hyderabad, April 12 : A lodge converted into a quarantine centre in Andhra Pradesh was claimed to be a temple in a video widely circulated on social media, which has been exposed as fake news by a website of the Telangana government. A Facebook post had claimed that Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy temple was converted into an isolation centre and Muslims are wandering inside the temple with their footwear on. Factchecking of the post by https://factcheck.telangana.gov.in revealed that the facility shown is not the temple, but a lodge by the name Sri Ganesh Sadan. The Andhra Pradesh government is using the lodge as a quarantine centre. An image of a woman lying on a hospital bed is being shared with the claim that Dr Vandana Tiwari died in the attack by Muslims in Uttar Pradesh when she went to screen them for COVID-19. Factcheck found that Vandana Tiwari was a pharmacist in Madhya Pradesh and was working against the spread of COVID-19 in the State and she died due to brain haemorrhage. Officials said nearly 78,000 users visited the Factcheck portal since its launch on April 2 to check the spread of fake news, misinformation and rumours in the backdrop of coronavirus spread and the consequent lockdown. The Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (ITE&C) of Telangana partnered with Factly Media and Research to develop the dedicated web portal to check the veracity of news being circulated on social media platforms. Around 500 users reported fake news on the portal. Some of them were answered and others are being investigated for their authenticity. The fakenews checked on the website include a video of dead bodies being lifted by a crane and then thrown into a mass grave. This was attributed to the current situation in Italy but Factcheck has found out that the video clip is part of a 2013 movie - 'The Flu'. A circular purportedly issued by the Ministry of Tourism ordering the closure of hotels, restaurants and resorts in the country till October 15 was also found fake. A message with a few lines purportedly written by Ratan Tata was found to be fake. The industrialist himself clarified through his official twitter account that the viral message in question was neither said nor written by him. 'Mistakes Were Made': US' $100 Million Niger Air Base May Have Violated Law - IG Report Sputnik News 22:29 GMT 10.04.2020 The US Department of Defense Investigator General's (IG) latest report highlights the US Air Force may have broken laws, bypassed Congress and put service members in danger while rushing to construct a $100 million Nigerien Air Base. Last week, the DoD IG released a redacted version of its evaluation of the Air Force's Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, and the installation's construction - which began in October 2013 but was not completed until spring 2019. The agency recommended the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller begin a preliminary review to determine whether the service violated the Antideficiency Act when it used $3.7 million in procurement funds - rather than military construction funds - to purchase a dozen guard towers. While military construction funds require the service to notify Congress, procurement funds do not require such notice, but they are designated for financing equipment. The DoD IG's 72-page report also noted that the Air Force skirted Congress when it split construction requirements for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations into six separate operations and maintenance projects that totaled $5.4 million. "However, all of the projects were known and each project on its own would not result in a 'complete and useable facility,' which means the projects should have been combined and reported to Congress," the report said. According to the agency, both US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Air Force failed to complete necessary site surveys for Air Base 201's design and construction. Additionally, a number of safety and security requirements set by the DoD were not met during this period, such as the installation of "solar airfield lighting that did not conform to the electrical power requirements to provide continuous uninterrupted visual airfield lights." After examining the cases made by the DoD IG, AFRICOM acknowledged that the correct actions were not always taken, but the command insisted no laws were broken. "A few procedural missteps occurred in an effort to build a functional air base in a very remote area under very austere conditions," AFRICOM spokesman Air Force Col. Chris Karns said in an emailed statement to the Air Force Times, noting that "mistakes were made" and procedures will be "tightened up" as a result. "The construction of Nigerien Air Base 201 provides a valued capability to address and monitor the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel," Karns added. The DoD IG expressed in its report that while the agency has respect for both AFRICOM and the Air Force, their difficult circumstances "did not negate the responsibility for ensuring that construction projects were programmed in accordance with appropriation laws and regulations and construction, operations and security standards." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Good Morning, welcome to Information Nigerias Newspaper headlines for today, 12th April 2020. Here are the major headlines. Wike Makes U-Turn, Cancels Permission For Easter Celebration Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has cancelled the concession granted to churches to hold Easter Church services in the state. Recall that Wike had relaxed the lockdown order in the state on Thursday. Niger State Declares Total Lockdown For Two Weeks Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has directed the complete lockdown of the state for 24 hours for the next two weeks. Lockdown Will Last As Long As Scientific Advisers Declare They Are Necessary Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari has charged Nigerians to comply with the stay at home order adding that it is the only way to defeat the deadly coronavirus currently ravaging nations, ChannelsTV reports. COVID-19: Lagos State Roll Out Second Phase Of Emergency Food Scheme Lagos state government has announced that it has commenced the second phase of its emergency food response as a way to cushion the effect of the lockdown in the state. COVID-19: Kadunas 6th Case Sparks Fear Of Community Transmission The sixth case of coronavirus in Kaduna State has sparked concerns from Government on Saturday because the patient had no connection with existing cases. Tricycle Owners Move To Contain Spread Of COVID-19 Tricycle riders in Nigeria have begun to take steps in reducing spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria. Following the lockdown, the masses have been seen opting for tricycles, popularly known as Keke, as the preferred means of transportation, thereby increasing its popularity in light of recent social distancing requirements. We Are Yet To Recruit Workers Keyamo 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. Dont Treat Coronavirus Patients Privately Minister Tells Health Workers The Minister of Health, Ehanire Osagie has cautioned health workers against privately attending to patients suspected to be infected with Coronavirus. COVID-19: Show Your Certificate, Work Experience CAN Tells Chinese Doctors A medical doctor who also doubles as the chairman of the Kogi state chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria [CAN], Dr John Ibenu says Chinese doctors who recently arrived must present their certificate and disclose their years of experience before practising in the country. Governor Obiano Orders Total Lockdown Of Anambra State The Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano has ordered the total lockdown of the State as a measure to curtail the spread of Coronavirus. A South Korean over-the-top (OTT) service provider said Sunday it has signed a partnership with a U.S. mass media giant on content supply and development. Content Wavve Corp., which runs the OTT platform Wavve, said it has joined hands with NBCUniversal Media LLC (NBCU) to explore better business opportunities in the global OTT market. OTT refers to streaming media services that allow people to watch video content over the internet. Under the deal, Content Wavve, a joint venture between South Korea's three terrestrial broadcasters KBS, MBC and SBS and leading mobile carrier SK Telecom Co., will supply its original content, including movies and dramas, to NBCU for the next three years. The company will recommend various Korean films and dramas to NBCU, which will select and distribute them globally via its media platforms. NBCU, a subsidiary of U.S. telecommunications conglomerate Comcast Corp., operates various TV networks across the globe. It also runs a major Hollywood film studio, Universal Pictures. According to Content Wavve, its "hallyu" content, referring to the Korean Wave of culture products, could be provided by Peacock, NBCU's OTT platform, this month at the earliest. The two sides also agreed to invest together in content production and development. Content Wavve said it plans to inject 60 billion won (US$49 million) this year in original content production, considering its films and dramas can be now seen globally. Content Wavve, which began OTT service in September 2019, said the partnership will bring a positive impact to the local content developers since it has opened doors for them to target foreign viewers. (Yonhap) Statewide business shutdowns imposed last month to curb the coronavirus pandemic hit Downtown Longview right as Commerce Avenue seemed to be experiencing a rebirth of vibrant new stores. With the recent extension to May 4 of Gov. Jay Inslees stay-at-home order, local businesses say they are getting creative and staying positive to weather the uncertain future. Storyboard Delights customers return shops giving and generous attitude An outpouring of orders during a buy one, give one special on treat boxes last weekend gave Storyboard Delights the oomph it needed to keep going during an uncertain and scary time for businesses, said co-owner Julisa Wright. The shop received 60 orders for its new morale boxes. And with the special promotion in place, that meant each customers got a free box to gift to someone else. It was cool. It felt like people were excited for an opportunity to give to each other. The only way we can stay afloat is to be giving and generous, said co-owner Eric Wright. Storyboard fortunately has low overhead costs and a nest egg of savings to help it get by if profits dip, the Wrights said. Rather than coming up with more ways to sell more or how to sell, we want to use our stability to help the community, he said. If we take care of the community, the community will take care of us. The couple said a month-long closure could shutter some shops forever. And it is difficult to run a business when you dont know what the economy will look like in a few months. But they said worrying wont help, so instead the chocolatiers look at the bright side: Their customers want them to survive. The bulk of our sales right now are people that want to support us, Eric Wright said. People are saying, I dont want to lose what we had downtown, so they are going out of their way to purchase. Business partners at Tibbetts Mercantile try to stay nimble Joanna Asplund, Marnie Harris and Colleen Macaulay support each other via FaceTime as they try to run their businesses usually housed together at Tibbetts Mercantile from their homes. We start each day by checking in on each other. How are we doing emotionally? said Asplund, who owns Jojo & Coco, a womens clothing boutique. Then they talk strategy: Should Harris ask people to buy shoes from Wander when most everyone is stuck at home in slippers? Maybe not. But she could sell $100 gift cards at three-quarters of the price that shoppers can use later. Businesses can still thrive and survive in a down economy. You just have to make a shift to how you run your business, Asplund said. That means keeping a leaner stock and analyzing their expenses. They also are collaborating on an Instagram giveaway with several other Downtown Longview retailers, including Posh, Niche Home, Beautiful People, Jade Ann and others. We all have different Instagram followers, so the thought is we can expand our customer base and promote shopping at local businesses, Asplund said. We just want them to remember us, so when we reopen May 5, they are here, added Macaulay, who runs the Real Deals home decor shop. The women dont expect the world to be exactly the same post-pandemic. (Will people ever wear pants again? Or will we only wear sweats? Macauley joked.) That will mean their businesses probably wont look the same, either. But small businesses like theirs are nimble enough to adapt. Business will change, but we will still be that place of connection and community, Harris said. Forest Stone & Sea looks for silver linings Jen Albright-Burns opened Forest Stone & Sea in February. About a month later her new stone, jewelry and home decor shop was shuttered by the stay-at-home order. I can sit and be upset about it (But) in the end it will be me that chooses how I come out of this, so Im trying to really make sure Im focusing on those little attainable goals that will still be fulfilling in that emotional sense, Albright-Burns said. She looks for little silver linings, such as having more time to polish her social media marketing while the storefront is closed. And as small businesses fight to survive, shoppers are thinking more intently about where their dollars are going, she said. If there is somebody local they can support first before they go to the big boxes, they do, she said. I think that will be a very lasting effect. Shes only making about 25% of what she was before the pandemic and thats being generous, she said. Shell probably have to dip into personal savings to outlast the closure, but many other shops are in a similar boat. For the most part, people arent having an influx of cash to just shop like they normally would. So I think being able to understand that and not get too caught up is important, Albright-Burns said. At some point this will pass and things will get back to how they were or how they are supposed to be. Thrift store manager reminds staff Red Hat is going to open again As a non-profit, Red Hat Thrift Stores donation-based model uniquely positions it to survive the temporary closure, said store manager Jordana Shumway. The store doesnt have expenses for inventory. And its well-established with its local supporters who believe in the stores mission to support the local domestic violence shelter and the Parents Place children advocacy center. Since opening in 2002, the store has donated all of its profits to those two agencies. We will not distribute as much money as we certainly would like to this year, but we have already started the process for the forgivable (payroll) loans, so hopefully when we can open up again, we will immediately begin paying the whole staff, regardless of whether or not its slow, Shumway said. Not including Shumway, the store has five paid staff members. All of them have been put on standby until the store reopens. Most of the workers already receive government assistance, such as housing vouchers or food stamps, Shumway said. Most of them applied for unemployment insurance but are waiting to hear back. They are used to making a couple thousand dollars a month, and they have multiple children or at least a child. I think they are concerned, she said. I try to tell them that it will be OK. The Red Hat is going to open again. She said its important for her to be their cheerleader. Just from the past, America has really kind of rallied in these times of overall anguish or hardships. I just feel like thats our national culture, is to say, Oh yeah? Watch this, Shumway said. So I just have a lot of good feelings that is what we will do again. Teagues Interiors: We are survivors, and we keep on Of all the challenges Teagues Interiors has weathered in 32 years of business, the coronavirus-related shutdowns are most like the citys streetscape project, said store owner Wendy Kosloski. We went through three years of street closures. That was the worst. This is about as bad, she said. When you compare that to this, we are survivors, I guess. And we keep on. Teagues switched to a full pick-up model in mid-March, about a week ahead of the governors order. She offers over-the-phone consultations and still sells chalk paint and furniture, though business has slowed, she said. The quietness of the street is bizarre, she said. We dont have our casual sales, which are always important to a retail establishment, Kosloski said. I have a lot of new things on the floor that arent moving, because there is no one there to browse them. To inspire shopping, Kosloski frequently updates the window displays to show off new pieces, she said. Shes also still advertising on the radio. The question for everybody right now is whether these COVID-19 closures will stunt growth on Commerce, Kosloski said. Just before this happened, there was a lot of vitality going on and lots of new businesses engaged downtown. Wed hope that that will come back. It might be different people (or different businesses). But wed hope that would come back. Love 2 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 21:43:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, April 12 (Xinhua) -- At least three Indian civilians were killed on Sunday in an exchange of fire and shelling between troops of Indian and Pakistan on the Line of Control (LoC) dividing Kashmir, police said. Around the globe, other leaders and venerated figures delivered Easter messages stressing resilience. In Britain, Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday night released what was believed to have been her first Easter address, in which she said that the religious holiday was a time of light overcoming darkness. This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe, she said in the audio recording. Easter isnt canceled. Indeed, we need Easter as much as ever. We know that coronavirus will not overcome us, the queen said. 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 archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, held Britains first national digital Easter Sunday service from his kitchen in London. He spoke of a very difficult time, in the life of the nation and of the world, and said his prayers were with those who were suffering, those who cared for them and those who mourn. The archbishop of Panama also went up in a helicopter to bless the country; Christians in Spain have played religious music from their balconies; and the Philippines has urged the faithful not to kiss the cross, according to news reports. (CNN) China has imposed restrictions on the publication of academic research on the origins of the novel coronavirus, according to a central government directive and online notices published by two Chinese universities, that have since been removed from the web. Under the new policy, all academic papers on Covid-19 will be subject to extra vetting before being submitted for publication. Studies on the origin of the virus will receive extra scrutiny and must be approved by central government officials, according to the now-deleted posts. A medical expert in Hong Kong who collaborated with mainland researchers to publish a clinical analysis of Covid-19 cases in an international medical journal said his work did not undergo such vetting in February. The increased scrutiny appears to be the latest effort by the Chinese government to control the narrative on the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 100,000 lives and sickened 1.7 million people worldwide since it first broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December. Since late January, Chinese researchers have published a series of Covid-19 studies in influential international medical journals. Some findings about early coronavirus cases such as when human-to-human transition first appeared have raised questions over the official government account of the outbreak and sparked controversy on Chinese social media. And now, Chinese authorities appear to be tightening their grip on the publication of Covid-19 research. CNN has reached out to China's foreign ministry for comment. Increased scrutiny According to the directive issued recently by the Ministry of Education's science and technology department, "academic papers about tracing the origin of the virus must be strictly and tightly managed." The directive lays out layers of approval for these papers, starting with the academic committees at universities. They are then required to be sent to the education ministry's science and technology department, which then forwards the papers to a task-force under the State Council for vetting. Only after the universities hear back from the task-force can the papers be submitted to journals. Other papers on Covid-19 will be vetted by universities' academic committees, based on conditions such as the "academic value" of the study, and whether the "timing for publishing" is right. The directive is based on instructions issued during a March 25 meeting held by the State Council's task-force on the prevention and control of Covid-19, it said. The document was first posted Friday morning on the website of the Fudan University in Shanghai, one of China's leading universities. When CNN called a contact number left at the end of the notice, a staff member of the education ministry's science and technology department confirmed they had issued the directive. "It is not supposed to be made public it is an internal document," said the person, who refused to reveal his name. A few hours later, the Fudan University page was taken down. The China University of Geoscience in Wuhan also posted a similar notice about the extra vetting on Covid-19 papers on its website. The page has since been deleted, but a cached version of it remains accessible. David Hui Shu-cheong, a respiratory medicine expert at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said he did not encounter any additional vetting when he and a team of mainland Chinese researchers published a clinical analysis of Covid-19 cases in the New England Journal of Medicine in February. "The process was really simple then," he told CNN over the phone. Hui said he was still revising the draft of the paper until 3 a.m. on the day it was due for submission, and the paper was sent to the NEJM by midday. "There was completely no restriction at all," he said. "I don't know if it is because some researchers published something that is considered sensitive domestically in China. (I'm) not sure if it is because of the controversy about the origin of the virus later, and the non-sensitive stuff becomes sensitive too." Origin of the virus In late December, Wuhan reported the first cases of the coronavirus, linked by authorities to a seafood market in the city. Scientists in China and the West have said the virus is likely to have originated in bats and jumped to humans from an intermediate host -- just like its cousin that caused the SARS epidemic in 2002 and 2003. However, parts of Chinese social media and even the country's government appear to have launched a concerted campaign to question the origin of the virus. Chinese officials and state media have repeatedly stressed that there has been no conclusion on the exact origin of the virus. Last month, Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, promoted a conspiracy on Twitter that the virus had originated in the US and was brought to China by the US military. In China, research papers on the coronavirus are already subjected to layers of vetting after they are submitted to Chinese academic journals, according to an editor at a Chinese medical journal. Wang Lan, the editorial director of the Chinese Journal of Epidemiology, said all Covid-19 papers have to go through an approval process for "major topics" after being submitted to her journal. "It has always been the case," she told CNN. "They have to be approved by three levels of organizations. It's a long process." This story was first published on CNN.com, "Beijing tightens grip over coronavirus research, amid US-China row on virus origin" 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 An assistant sub-inspector's hand was severed and two of his Punjab Police colleagues injured in Patiala district on Sunday when a group of Nihang Sikhs allegedly attacked them with swords after being asked to show curfew passes outside a wholesale vegetable market, police said. Hours after the incident in Sanaur town around 6.15 am, police arrested seven men, including five of the attackers, from a gurdwara in nearby Balbera village. With a lockdown in place to contain the spread of COVID-19, barricades were put up outside the market and entry restricted to those with curfew passes. ASI Harjeet Singh was rushed to Rajindra hospital in the town from where he was referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh where he was undergoing surgery. The Station House Officer of Sadar Patiala and another official were also injured in the attack. The horror unfolded when a group of four-five 'Nihangs' (a sect of Sikhism whose members are armed with traditional weapons and dressed in loose blue robes) travelling in a vehicle were asked to stop at a vegetable market by officials of the 'mandi' around 6.15 am, police said. "They were asked to show (curfew) passes. But they banged the vehicle against the gate and the barricades," Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala, Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. The group then attacked the police personnel on duty and fled the scene, taking shelter at a gurdwara managed by them in Balbera, officials said. Several police teams led by Sidhu were deputed to take the Nihangs out of the premises, they said, adding that the movement of people around the gurdwara was stopped. Punjab Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta described the incident as unfortunate. "In an unfortunate incident today morning, a group of Nihangs injured a few Police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh," Gupta tweeted. "I have spoken to Director PGI who has deputed top Plastic surgeons of PGI for surgery, which just started, he added. In another tweet, Gupta added that he was grateful to PGI for its full support. All of us praying to Waheguru for his full recovery!" The incident took place when restrictions are in place in the state because of the coronavirus outbreak. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) H ealth Secretary Matt Hancock said it was a sombre day as the hospital death toll from coronovirus in the UK passed the 10,000 mark. Speaking at the daily Covid-19 press conference, the Health Secretary said that 19,945 across Great Britain had been admitted to hospital with symptoms of coronavirus so far. Mr Hancock also announced the launch of a new NHS app for contact tracking and dodged apologising to NHS workers over the lack of personal protective equipment. Mr Hancock opened the news breifing saying: Today marks a sombre day in the impact of this disease as we join the list of countries who have seen more than 10,000 deaths related to coronavirus. Matt Hancock at Sunday's Downing Street press briefing / PA The fact that over 10,000 people have now lost their lives to this invisible killer demonstrates just how serious this coronavirus is and why the national effort that everyone is engaged in is so important. Announcing the new NHS app, he said: If you become unwell with the symptoms of coronavirus you can securely tell this new NHS app and the app will then send an alert anonymously to other app users that youve been in significant contact with over the past few days, even before you have symptoms so that they know and can act accordingly. All data will be handled according to the highest ethical and security standards and would only be used for NHS care and research and we wont hold it any longer than its needed. 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 He said the app is currently being tested and they are working with the worlds leading tech companies and experts in clinical safety and digital ethics so that we can get this right. He added: The more people who get involved then the better informed our response to coronavirus will be and the better we can protect the NHS. When pressed on whether the Government should apologise to the NHS for the lack of PPE, he became the third minister to avoid doing so - after Housing Secretary Robert Jerrick and Home Secretary Priti Patel. Mr Hancock also denied the Government had been too slow to stockpile PPE earlier in the coronavirus outbreak and said supplies had been significant. Loading.... He said: We went into this with the stockpiles, and the challenges are logistical ones of having previously had an organisation that serves just over 200 NHS organisations and the demand for PPE and the need for it has gone up enormously and theres now 58,000 organisations that this huge logistical operation services. So it has been a challenge of logistics as much as one of supply. He added: At the same time of course weve got to replenish the stockpiles that we went into this with so we did actually go in with some quite significant stockpiles but of course given the sheer quantities that were distributing across the system were using those stockpiles up. The Health Secretary was also asked about the speed of delivering PPE, which had been said to be two and a half days. The Health Secretary was also asked about the speed of delivering PPE, which had been said to be two and a half days / Getty Images Mr Hancock clarified that the two and a half-day figure was an average for people who called the 24/7 PPE hotline, and that urgent cases were dealt with immediately. When asked about the supply of PPE and if the government could commit to a date to deliver more PPE, Mr Hancock said: Its impossible because the quest is to get the right PPE to the right people on the front line at the right time across many millions of people across the NHS and social care. Im glad to say that effort is moving in the right direction, we now have record amounts of PPE thats been put out into the system but until everyone gets the PPE they need then we wont rest. 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 Mr Hancock said it was an enormous effort and experts were currently trying to source more gowns. He added: They often dont get thanks, the procurement experts because theyre not on the frontline, but by God do we need them to make sure that we can get all that PPE. The Health Secretary was asked about comments made by Sir Jeremy Farrar, who said the UK may be on course to have the worst death toll in Europe. Mr Hancock replied: I think that sort of comment merely reinforces the importance of the central message which is that people should stay at home because that protects the NHS and saves lives. Listen to The Leader: Coronavirus Daily podcast The future of this virus is unknowable as yet because it depends on the behaviour of millions of people and the Great British public. The good news is that so far we have managed to start to see a flattening of the curve because people are following the social distancing measures by and large. (Newser) The Postal Service is in serious need of money; marketing and first-class mail have dried up since the pandemic began. And the $2.2 trillion economic stimulus package obliged, until President Trump found out. Administration officials told lawmakers the president wouldn't sign the legislation, which at the time included a $13 billion grant that wouldn't have to be repaid. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told lawmakers that money for the Postal Service could bring the entire bill down, the Washington Post reports, making the choice clear to them: "You can have a loan, or you can have nothing at all." So two senators, one from each party, substituted a $10 billion loan to keep the agency going for a few months. Mnuchin objected to the loan, too, but it was included in the version that became law. story continues below Senate Republicans says the loan is enough for now, but the postmaster general asked Congress for more on Thursday. He wants $50 billion, plus a $25 billion loan. Otherwise, Rep. Gerald Connolly warned, the agency, which employs 600,000, might have to cut payroll and service this fall. The president says the Postal Service would be fine if it would just double what it charges Amazonboth are frequent Trump targets. That's not true, Vox points out. "I'm so frustrated at how difficult it has been for a long time to galvanize attention and action around an essential service," Connolly told the Post. "And maybe the pandemic forces us all to refocus on this service and how essential it is and how we need to fix it while we can before it gets into critical condition." ("The Postal Service needs America's help," House members told Mitch McConnell.) More than 3,000 Easter eggs were added to food packages delivered to vulnerable people across London over the weekend, as The Independents Help the Hungry campaign surged into action. Our appeal has surpassed its initial target of raising 1m for The Felix Project to fund the supply of food to children, the poor, the NHS and people struggling to get enough to eat during the coronavirus outbreak because they are having to self-isolate. The charity has been working hard to rescue surplus food from restaurants, retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, before getting it out to local food banks, homeless shelters and council-run community hubs. The Felix Project was provided with thousands of Easter eggs and other sweet treats from a variety of chocolate makers courtesy of the logistics company Kuehne + Nagel to help brighten up the emergency parcels going out to homes in the capital. We pride ourselves on getting balanced nutritious food out to as many people as we can, but its lovely to be able to provide treats to a lot of people as well, said head of operations Mark Fisher. Recommended How to support our campaign He added: Its a been very difficult time for many families, of course. Its great many of them will be able to do some of the things we normally associate with Easter, like enjoying chocolate, and our volunteers loved being able to add these to our deliveries. The Felix Project has been ferrying over 20 tonnes of food each day to three of the huge community hubs established by London borough councils over the past two weeks more than double the 10 tonnes a day it was supplying in normal times. In a bid to make the city-wide operation as efficient as possible, the charity has also forged an alliance with the two other big food surplus charities FareShare and City Harvest to create the London Food Alliance. The food industry has really stepped up to help us theres been a brilliant response, said CEO Mark Curtin. Theres still a huge amount of food coming from all our suppliers. And were doing everything we can to get that increased volume out where its needed. Some of the Easter eggs being delivered to vulnerable families (The Felix Project) The meal-kit company HelloFresh provides a regular supply of its surplus fruit and vegetables to the charity and donated 25,000 to help the charity scale up its operations. Food waste is something we have been very keen to minimise, so weve had a great relationship with The Felix Project since they launched in 2016, said Laurent Guillemain, CEO of HelloFresh UK. In the current crisis were trying to support the work they do as much as possible so they can get more food out to the people who need it most. Farmdrop, a London-based online grocer with a focus on food sourced from local farmers and fishermen, supplies the charity with 14 trolleys-worth of surplus produce each week. We started supporting The Felix Project several years ago, when Farmdrop was still a very small operation working out of our original hub under the train arches in Bermondsey, and we are very proud to still be supporting their incredible work, said CEO Eleanor Herrin. Our operating model has always aimed to be as close to zero-waste as possible, and we couldnt think of anyone better to donate this excess food to. She added: Now more than ever, we must continue to look after the most vulnerable in our society, and Im so happy that we can continue to help The Felix Project with their upstanding mission whilst supporting our own. Mark Curtin (left), CEO of Felix Project, and Andrew Faris, founder of Rhythms of Life deliver food for The Felix Project (Hannah Harley Young) It took only 12 days since the launch of The Independents campaign appeal, in conjunction with the Evening Standard, to get to 1m, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of all of our readers, donor companies, foundations, philanthropists and more than 650 members of the public. The aim now is to raise another 1m to help fund the vital work of The Felix Project, as it tries to meet the upsurge in demand. You can also help us build a directory of ways that our readers can help the hungry in their area through money, volunteering and food donations. The Independent is 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. Rome, April 12 : The coronavirus pandemic has claimed 19,468 lives in locked-down Italy, bringing the total number of infections, fatalities and recoveries so far to 152,271, according to the latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department. Addressing a televised press conference on Saturday, Civil Protection Department Chief Angelo Borrelli said fatalities grew by 619 on a daily basis, while active infections increased by 1,996 to 100,269, Xinhua news agency reported. Meanwhile, 2,079 new recoveries were registered over the last 24 hours, bringing its total to 32,534. Of those who have tested positive, 28,144 people are currently hospitalized (98 fewer than the previous day), 3,381 are in intensive care (116 fewer), and 68,744 are isolated at home, Borrelli said. Earlier in the same day, Extraordinary Commissioner for the Coronavirus Emergency Domenico Arcuri provided some updates in a separate press conference. He explained a new COVID-(19)-centre would be set up within military hospital Celio in the Italian capital, in cooperation with Defence Ministry and the government of the Lazio region, the region that includes the Italian capital of Rome. This new structure will add to the other COVID-19 hospitals already active across Italy, and will receive the first ventilators for coronavirus patients in the next days, according to Arcuri. The commissioner also warned about underestimating risks of the pandemic now that some trends were slowing down. "This dramatic emergency will finally be behind us only after an effective vaccine is discovered," Arcuri stressed. "Without it, there is only one antidote left: our behaviour, which must all work in the direction of preventing and containing contagion." On this regard, the Interior Ministry issued a stern notice on the eve of Easter festivities, which for Italians would especially coincide with open-air trips and family lunches in normal times. "Police controls have been strengthened across the territory, and especially in the perspective of the weekend over Easter holidays (Sunday and Monday)," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. From March 11 (the day after the national lockdown effectively entered into force) up to April 10, law enforcement forces checked 6,482,141 people and 2,681,184 business activities, according to ministerial data. In an interview with local media, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese sounded quite satisfied with the Italians' compliance with the restrictive rules imposed for the emergency, saying sanctions for violating restrictions have been just a little more than 220,000 from March 11 to April 9. "These numbers show the large majority of Italians have understood the severity of the emergency," she added. Also on Saturday, delivering a traditional greeting message ahead of Easter, President Sergio Mattarella encouraged Italians to "nurture hope and faith" despite the current difficulties. He acknowledged this year's festivity would be very different from usual, due to the many "broken stories and affections torn apart, often suddenly" by the pandemic. "Yet, in these days we are also seeing the tangible possibility of overcoming this emergency," Mattarella stressed. "We are about to win the fight against the virus or -- at the very least -- to reduce its danger as much as possible, waiting for specific drugs and a vaccine that would completely defeat it," said the president. On April 10, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the government's decision to extend the end of the national lockdown from April 13 to May 3. Partial concessions were however planned, with children goods stores, bookshops, and stationery shops allowed to reopen starting from April 14. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The number of Covid-19 positive cases in Odisha rose to 54 after four news cases, including two from the tribal-dominated district of Sundargarh, were reported on Saturday. Odisha Health and family welfare department late on Saturday night said that samples of four more people have tested positive. Of the four new cases, two are from Bisra area of Sundargarh district. So far, 3,551 samples have been tested in Odisha of which 3,497 have tested negative. Twelve of the 54 people have been discharged from hospitals following treatment while a 72-year-old man of Bhubaneswar, tested positive, died. National Health Mission director Shalini Pandit said just 35 cases needed hospital care as they are yet to show any of the classic symptoms of the disease even after they were tested positive. They were hospitalised purely as a preventive measure for their and the communitys safety. They would be discharged after their reports test negative twice, she said. Pandit said 80 per cent patients out of the total Covid-19 cases in Odisha were asymptomatic carriers. Therefore, surveillance is the best weapon against the disease. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 positive cases in India crossed the 8,000-mark on Sunday. According to health ministry figures, 8,356 people have contracted the coronavirus disease and 273 have died across the country, with more than 900 cases and 34 deaths in the last 24 hours. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 19:41:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Dana Halawi BEIRUT, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Experts say that the Lebanese Central Bank's circular allowing small depositors to withdraw their money from banks raised a glimpse of hope among economists in Lebanon. The circular came following the unofficial capital control adopted by banks since months ago due to shortage in U.S. currency in the country. The circular, which was issued earlier in April, allows depositors who own up to 3,000 U.S. dollars in their accounts to withdraw their money in Lebanese pounds at an exchange rate of 2,600 pounds per dollar, lower but close to that adopted in the parallel market, which has lately reached up to 2,900 pounds per dollar but not according to the central bank's official exchange rate of 1,507 pounds per dollar. The newly issued circular also allows people who have Lebanese pounds accounts of up to 5 million pounds to transfer their money to U.S. currency at the official rate of 1,507 and then sell their U.S. currency at the rate adopted in the market. Prior to the circular, small depositors have been standing in lines to withdraw 100 dollars a week in a bid to avoid withdrawing their U.S. currency in Lebanese pounds at the bank's official rate which would cause them to incur a loss of around 40 percent. "This mechanism will allow small depositors to withdraw all their money at a rate higher than the official rate of the central bank which would compensate them for their previous losses as the value of their salaries in Lebanese pound dropped by 40 percent with the rise in dollar price," Nassib Ghobril, head of the economic research department at Byblos Bank, told Xinhua. Ghobril said that this mechanism will increase purchasing power of this segment of the population. He noted that the central bank is also aiming to issue a circular to regular cash withdrawals by people who own higher than these amounts in their banks account. "People should stop criticizing the central bank which is issuing circulars to fill the vacuum created by the cabinet which has delayed the implementation of necessary reforms to restore confidence in the system and attract fresh dollars to the country," Ghobril said. Financial Analyst Walid Abou Sleiman said this step is positive as it releases the money of small depositors, adding that he fears that these people will aim to buy dollars with their money which will further increase pressure on the Lebanese pound. However, head of the Syndicate of Money Changers in Lebanon Mahmoud Mourad said that small depositors do not really need to buy dollars to store them in their houses like in the case of big depositors. "Small depositors with such small bank accounts need to withdraw their money to buy their needs," he said. Meanwhile, Patrick Mardini, president of the Lebanese Institute for Market Studies, is not in favor of the circular since it gives small depositors their U.S. currency at 2,600 pounds per dollar instead of the real market rate of 2,900 which means that depositors will still lose around 10 percent of their money. "This is some kind of a haircut for small depositors while others who have accounts higher than 3,000 U.S. dollars are currently losing 50 percent of their money value because they can only withdraw their money at the official rate of 1507," he said. The Central Bank Governor previously issued a circular aimed at forcing exchange shops to adopt the rate of 2,000 pounds per dollar. However, most of the exchange shops are still selling the U.S. dollar at a higher rate. "This is a very serious issue because this means that the central bank specified the exchange rate at 2,000 but then it allowed banks to give small depositors their money at 2,600 which means that the central bank does not have enough foreign reserves to be able to penetrate and control the parallel market rate," Mardini said. Lebanon has witnessed in the past few months a shortage in the U.S. dollars caused by economic slowdown and the drop in cash injections from Lebanese abroad, in addition to transfers by big depositors to foreign countries, reducing the central bank's foreign currency reserves and leading to a shortage in dollar for businesses and individuals. Hence, banks put restrictions on cash withdrawals by people and their transfers from Lebanese pounds to U.S. dollars creating panic among depositors. What do the kingfisher, box fish, tortoise, beaver, burdock seed and tumbleweed all have in common? Theyve all been copied by humans. And that was the basis of Jennifer Robinsons lesson on Wednesday. Biomimicry is when humans copy nature to solve a problem, she told dozens of students, mainly in first through third grades. Robinson, of the Montana Natural History Center, then showed them pictures of those plants and animals alongside human inventions they had inspired, challenging the class to match one of those inventions with the kingfisher. After a few minutes, the results were in and she unveiled the winner: A bullet train, modeled on the small birds aerodynamic beak. Later she showed them the properties of various shapes found in nature, and had them pick one to build a card-stock container for holding 15 markers. Robinson, the centers program director, did all of this from her living room. The COVID-19 pandemic has kept the Montana Natural History Center from hosting field trips or sending naturalists to classrooms. So Robinson and her colleagues are moving the museum online. Robinsons interest in teaching began in high school, when she was volunteering at an outdoor science school in her native California. One day, a naturalist there told a group of middle-schoolers how young people had saved a forested area from logging. The story was so inspiring and captivating, not just to the students but the teachers who were there, she remembered. I decided that what I wanted to do for the rest of my life was inspire students and outdoor leaders. After graduating from Humboldt State University, Robinson spent several years working at Sierra Nevada Journeys, an outdoor education center in Reno, Nevada, and obtained teaching licenses in several states. She moved to Montana this past summer to pursue a masters degree in educational leadership at the University of Montana and, at the beginning of January, became the Montana Natural History Centers program director. Then, the coronavirus hit. The center had already offered some remote programming. Its ID Naturalist LIVE! Program, for instance, videoconferences naturalists into subscribing classrooms. Were very lucky and fortunate that we already had a foot in the door with that style of learning, she said, crediting that programs coordinator, Kelli Van Noppen, with setting it up. Now that the Natural History Center has closed and its staff are working remotely, theyre expanding those offerings. Weve put together a series of webinars called NatureWebs, and theyre free, she said. The idea is, kids from up to 100 households can stream in live and interact with the instructor via a chat feature, Robinson said. Van Noppen put out the first one, about bird wings and biomimicry and geared towards third-, fourth- and fifth-graders, on March 24. Youth Programs Coordinator Stephanie Laporte Potts released one about bats a week later. Robinson opted to craft a biomimicry lesson for younger students. A lot of it is just taking content and scientific knowledge that I have logged into my brain from years of teaching, she said. One parent who has found it useful is Jamie Garaventa of Reno, Nevada. She knew of Robinson from her time at Sierra Nevada Journeys, and found her Webinar on social media. Of the various online educational resources Garaventa has consulted in recent weeks, Robinsons webinar stood out. Not only could youngster Edwin follow along, but it was also engaging to me as an adult, because I could learn something and I could also interact with my son, and I thought that was pretty unique. However, Robinson is quick to acknowledge the methods drawbacks. Getting used to teaching in front of a screen is really tough, she said. I spent a couple days doing test runs of the entire lesson ... its like practicing a speech in front of a mirror. Unlike the popular videoconferencing app Zoom, the centers program doesnt let her see the kids' faces. When youre a classroom teacher, you get a lot of energy from your students, and when you cant see them its hard to gauge where theyre at. And the center is still only reaching a fraction of the students it normally does. Robinson said the first three webinars drew about 160 students, well below the hundreds that might access the centers content in a normal week through various in-person programs. She said staff are developing offline materials for children without reliable internet access. We want to be able to provide equitable access to all the students in our community. As Robinson and her colleagues navigate these challenges, she expects their work will serve them well on the other side. "All this work weve put into webinars and digital learning can all be reused, she said. This is information that wont just float away once this is over ... It will open more doors to other types of programs that were able to offer. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Beijing, April 12 : China on Sunday reported 99 new cases of the novel coronavirus, more than double of the infections registered a day earlier, However, there were no deaths reported in the 24 hours from Saturday morning, the National Health Commission said. The Commission said that of the 99 cases, 97 involved travellers from abroad, reports Efe news. The other two remaining cases of the 99 announced on Sunday were locals from the northeastern province of Heilongjiang. Coronavirus cases imported into the mainland from abroad has sparked a wave of concerns in China. Beijing had put a temporary ban on the entry of foreign citizens into the country on March 28. However, the restriction has not been able to contain the number of imported cases that currently stands at 1,280. Many Chinese have returned home from abroad since the pandemic originated in the country last December. This has led to a rise in the number of imported cases in the last few weeks as many had travelled from other hotspots of the virus. Meanwhile, the number of patients cured and discharged stands at 50 in the 24 hours from Saturday morning along with the 99 new infections, thus taking the number of active cases in the country to 1,138. This broke the trend of continuous decline in the number of COVID-19 positive cases. It also marked the second day since April 6, after official statistics began in late January, when no COVID-19 fatalities occurred across the country. The total number of infections recorded in the country since the beginning of the pandemic now stands at 82,052 along with 3,339 deaths. On March 12, the Chinese government said that the peak of infection had ended in the country. (Newser) Pope Francis called for solidarity the world over to confront the epochal challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic, reports the AP, as Christians celebrated a solitary Easter Sunday, blending the joyful feast day with sorrow over the toll the virus has already taken. Families that normally would attend morning Mass wearing their Easter best and later join friends for meals hunkered down at home. Police checkpoints in Europe and closed churches around the globe forced the faithful to watch Easter services online or on TV. A few lucky Rome residents attended Mass from their balconies overlooking Santa Emerenziana church in the Trieste neighborhood, where a priest celebrated a rooftop open-air service. We feel close to each other despite this distance, parishioner Luca Rosati said. We can experience from here what we normally would experience inside the church, as a community. story continues below At the Vatican, Francis celebrated Mass in a largely empty St. Peters Basilica, with a handful of faithful sitting one per pew. Normally, St. Peters Square would be awash in fresh flowers for Easter, with tulips and orchids decorating the piazzas promenade in a riot of color to underscore Easters message of life and rebirth following Christs crucifixion. This year, however, the cobblestoned piazza was bare. Francis instead stayed indoors, underscoring the solitude confronting all of humanity amid lockdown orders. Francis lonely Mass was a scene that was repeated around the world. The Anglican archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, celebrated Easter Sunday in full robes behind a makeshift altar on his dining room table in London. Welcome to the kitchen of our home on Easter Day, he said. Once this epidemic is conquered here and elsewhere, we cannot be content to go back to what was before as if all was normal. (Read more Easter stories.) Jharkhand residents in Ranchi took to the streets in large numbers on Sunday to oppose the burial of a coronavirus victim in one of the local graveyards fearing it may lead to the deadly Covid-19 viruss spread, reported a news agency. According to the reports the crowd violated the lockdown norms in large numbers to gather near the Ratu Road Graveyard despite polices assurance that no corona casualty will be buried there. We assured people that body of Covid-19 patient will not be brought here, still they are protesting & not following lockdown norms, a police official quoted by ANI said. Jharkhand has seen two deaths due to coronavirus and witnessed 17 positive cases so far. The police officer added that all the gates of the graveyard had been closed but the crowd was still not convinced. He added that police will have to resort to booking the violators if the situation didnt improve. Also, weve closed all gates of the graveyard. Still, if they continue to create ruckus FIR will be filed against violators, said AP Dung, Traffic SP Ranchi. For all latest stories on coronavirus In another related incident, the Ranchi district administration is reported to have completely sealed the Hindpiri area after declaring it a containment zone. Eight positive coronavirus cases were from the area. India has a total of 8,447 positive cases including 273 deaths, as per the health ministry data. Click here for live and latest updates on Coronavirus A father-of-three has been killed on his daily cycle ride across one of Britain's most stunning bridges. The family of a cyclist Robert Holmes, 36, have said they are 'heartbroken' following the incident on the Isle of Anglesey. The construction worker had gone out for his regular evening ride, which includes crossing the famous Menai Suspension Bridge, which connects the isle to Wales. At around 9pm Friday, Mr Holmes was involved in a traffic collision on Pentraeth Road. The family of a cyclist Robert Holmes, 36, have said they are 'heartbroken' following the incident on the Isle of Anglesey Police and ambulance crews attended the scene near to the bridge where Mr Holmes was pronounced dead. The road was closed for 19 hours while investigations were carried out, and police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Mr Holmes, of Menai Bridge, regularly rode over the UNESCO World Heritage Site - designed by Thomas Telford and a Grade I listed structure. He leaves behind three sons, Aaron, Jack and Connor. His parents said in a statement: 'Our loving son, Robert Holmes died too soon at 36 years old, in a tragic road accident on Pentraeth Road. The construction worker had gone out for his regular evening ride, which includes crossing the famous Menai Suspension Bridge, which connects the isle to Wales 'We are all heart broken. He will be dreadfully missed by his three boys Aaron, Jack and Connor and his whole family and friends.' Police and ambulance crews attended the scene and the road was closed for 19 hours while investigations were carried out. Sergeant Emlyn Hughes of North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit said: 'Our sympathies go out to Mr Holmes' family and friends at this difficult time. 'We are appealing for any witnesses or those with dashcam that were in the area of Pentraeth Road, Menai Bridge between 8:45pm and 9.10pm last night.' Anybody with information is asked to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit on 101 or via live web chat quoting reference number Y049943. With the country being told to avoid as many social gathering as possible, many of us will spend the next couple of weeks at home and there's only so much cleaning and worrying you can do. We can still go out when we need to for groceries and the like, so there is no need to panic. Why not take the opportunity to binge on a few Netflix series (Unless you're working from home - don't be a slacker!). Our suggestions below aren't necessarily suitable for younger viewers but will keep adults enthralled for sure. The Stranger Probably the top trending Netflix series so far this year and for good reason. Harlen Coben's latest creation shows a strange woman turn up in a British community to reveal the secrets of the inhabitants. The resultant human wrangling and mystery makes this one of those series where 'one more episode' is never enough. The tying of those secrets together as the series unfolds reveals a lot more about the locals than they care to admit and uncovers a murky underbelly. This is a must-watch. Marcella Anna Friel is exceptional in this Nordic-inspired British crime drama. She plays a run-ragged detective who finds herself central to the murder mysteries she's investigating. The edge-of-the-seat drama entailed in the unravelling of the story in each of the two stories is truly gripping. This is a well-acted and produced ITV drama that might have slipped under the radar for many. With two series and 16 episodes available on Netflix, there is plenty to binge on. Unforgotten Another ITV production starring the brilliant Nicola Walker. This series sees a team of detectives re-opening cold cases following the discovery of new information. They endeavour to reach back in time and across generations to dig up old evidence and connections. The result is another brilliantly gripping drama with a new story taking centre stage in each of the two series available on Netflix. It is fast-paced and written in a way that puts you in the investigation room, often shouting at the TV with nuggets of information you've spotted in previous episodes. A third series has aired but has not yet reached the streaming service. Safe Another Harlen Coben creation which has seen an increase in traffic since the success of The Stranger, although Safe appeared on Netflix first last year. Coben specialises in writing a big story within the context of a small community and this is the ultimate example. A teenage girl goes missing from her home in a gated community, and her father's desperate search brings him into a dark world. Suspicion falls on almost everyone and this series will have you second-guessing every word out of every character's mouth. The Trials Of Gabriel Fernandez This true-crime documentary is perhaps the most disturbing of these suggestions but is compelling viewing. It charts the story of nine-year-old Gabriel Fernandez and his gruesome death at the hands of his mother and her partner. The abuse he suffered sparks a wide-ranging investigation. That investigation and this series shines a light on something far more sinister and systematic than the abuse in Gabriel's own home. It will make you feel very uneasy but you will not be able to stop watching, wide-eyed with shock. Iran begins lifting restrictions after coronavirus lockdown International oi-Vicky Nanjappa Tehran, Apr 12: 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 April 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. The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most patients, who recover within a few weeks. But it is highly contagious and can cause severe illness or death, particularly in elderly patients or those with underlying health problems. 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 Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The U.S. has offered humanitarian aid to help Iran combat the outbreak, but Iran's leaders have rejected it, instead demanding that the sanctions be lifted. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, April 12, 2020, 9:53 [IST] Israel's president on Sunday rejected parliament speaker Benny Gantz's request for more time to form a government, as talks persist on a possible alliance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "President Reuven Rivlin informed ... Benny Gantz that in the current circumstances no extension would be possible to the period allocated to him for forming a government," a presidency statement said. Gantz has until the end of Monday to form an administration. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) . , " ". , - . , ... Jammu: A 45-year-old Indian woman was injured in a small arms firing by the Pakistani Army near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Poonch and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir. While providing information, Salima Beevi, a resident of Lanjout village in Balakot sector of Poonch district, was injured late Saturday when a mortar shell exploded near her house. Indore: 9 of the 19 Tablighi Jamaat members staying in the mosque visited many places in the city Officials said that amid heavy fire, a joint team of army, police personnel and health workers rescued the woman and rushed her to the hospital for treatment, where her condition is stated to be stable. Officials said that the ceasefire was violated by Pakistan for several hours in Mendhar along with Balakot on Saturday night due to which the army had to retaliate. Andhra Pradesh: 417 people infected with Corona so far, 6 died He said that many houses were damaged in the Pakistani firing. On giving information, officials said that there was heavy firing between Pakistani Rangers and Border Security Force (BSF) overnight in Hiranagar sector near International Border in Kathua district of Jammu region. He said that Pakistan started violating the ceasefire by firing at three forward areas including Karol Matarai, Fakira and Chandwa around 9 pm, after which BSF personnel monitoring the border responded with a befitting reply. Will lockdown extend in Karnataka too? Now state government has given answer The world not only needs innovation in the face of the coronavirus crisis, but especially afterwards, to rebuild the global economy on better foundations, says Jason Pau, Jack Ma Foundation senior advisor Considered as one of the leading Chinese multinational technological companies in the fields of e-commerce, internet and cloud computing services, Ali Baba and its sister foundations have been playing a crucial role in collaboration with the Chinese government and the medical sector to reduce the spread of the Covid19 virus in China. In the following interview Jason Pau, Senior Advisor for Jack Ma foundation shares their experience to strengthen the world combat against covid-19. He also highlights on their initiative to support African entrepreneurs and the successful stories of startups in the continent who are able to excel and provide creative solutions in these hard-economic moments. With respect to the current world crisis due to the spread of the corona virus. What are the experiences and technological tools that you can share with technology companies and policy makers to overcome the current crisis? It is extremely important that we be able to pool efforts and use all resources at our disposal to combat Covid-19. To this end, the "Jack Ma" Foundation and the "Alibaba" Foundation share a digital guide developed by doctors and health personnel in the first hospital of the Faculty of Medicine - Zhejiang University (FAHZU) This specialized medical staff was the forefront of the front lines of Covid-19 treatment in China, and they had a critical role in slowing its spread. Therefore, in the digital guide, they cover and share what they have learned in every step of the way to confront the virus on a global scale, from examination, to diagnosis and treatment of patients who have contracted the disease. We provided the digital guide in ten languages and can be viewed through the following link covid-19.alibabacloud.com The two institutions also established an international communications platform for medical sector experts to facilitate communication between these experts around the world with the aim of exchanging experiences and lessons learned during the fight against the Covid 19 pandemic. The platform is provided by Alibaba's DingTalk messaging program, and supports simultaneous interpretation using AI technology in 11 languages. Our goal is to enable medical sector experts worldwide to engage in bilateral talks to exchange experiences in fighting the epidemic, as well as group participation in live broadcasting sessions and webinars with their peers from other countries. Many international conferences and events were cancelled or postponed. Why have you decided to launch the Africa Netpreneur competition in its second year? The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) is the flagship philanthropic program of the Jack Ma Foundation. Since we first launched the ANPI, our long-term mission has been to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and commit to allocating US$100 million in grant funding, training programs, and support for the broad African entrepreneurial ecosystem over a ten-year period. Indeed, we find ourselves in unprecedented and extraordinary times, but it is now more than ever that we need entrepreneurs with courage and vision to do what they do best solve problems and create economic opportunities for society. At this time, it is not only physical but also economic well-being that is under attack and it is in the nature of entrepreneurs to find the resources, resilience and strength to overcome challenges. With the ANPIs Africas Business Heroes prize competition, we hope to encourage aspiring applicants to seize this opportunity to break through barriers and create hope for the future at a time where hope is desperately needed. For this years competition, all ten finalists will share a prize pool of USD 1.5 million in grant money, up from USD 1 million last year. We will also be working with Anchor Partners across the continent, including RiseUp from Egypt, to identify and support African entrepreneurs. We will also partner with Pulse.Africa to highlight stories of African entrepreneur heroes. How many applicants do you expect will apply? We are excited to have kicked off the application process on April 6 until June 9. The competition is open to African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, across every sector, age group, and gender. Last year we received nearly 10,000 applications from 50 African countries, and we hope to receive even more this year. Will there be any preferences to select the projects related to covid-19 crisis? The Africas Business Heroes prize competition is open to businesses in all sectors. We are focused on those working to solve the most pressing problems across Africa. Finalists will be selected for their vision and leadership, inspiring and innovative ideas, and their ability to create positive impact and value for their local communities. The aim of the competition is to highlight entrepreneur heroes from Africa and we hope to give them a platform to showcase their talent and business ideas, as well as to inspire others to get involved. Will there be any arrangements during the phases of the competition due to the pandemic? We are monitoring the situation very closely and we have already worked to make alternate arrangements. We updated our launch event on April 6 to be completely virtual and will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our teams, partners and participants. After the first annual Africa Netpreneur competition how did Jack Ma Foundation empower the winners to enhance their business models and reach their target audience? Last year, the Africas Business Heroes Competition awarded a prize pool of USD 1million in grant money to be shared among the top ten finalists. Not only that, but our finalists also found special value from the ANPI community of business leaders to leverage the communitys shared expertise, best practice, training and resources to take their businesses to the next level. Our finalists have also been able to benefit from training programs run by Alibaba Global Initiatives which span topics from digital transformation to e-commerce. Our 10 finalists from 2019 represented a range of industries and experience, and we believe the potential of these entrepreneur heroes is limitless. We are proud to see how our heroes from last year have been able to benefit and grow from the Prize. For example, the Prize enabled Temie Giwa-Tubosun from Lifebank company to grow her business in improving access for blood transfusion to become truly pan-Nigerian, and she now has plans to expand from her Nigerian headquarters into Kenya as well. Tosan Mogbeyiteren from Black Swan company in Nigeria was able to attract new talent and upgrade their WeMUNIZE system, enabling them to operate at scale and offer their immunization programs in more states. Moulaye Taboure of Afrikrea company from Ivory Coast was able to drastically expand his team across the continent. Several of the 10 finalists went on to receive multiple investments and grants from other investors and partners. What is your advice to them as they are currently facing financial crisis due to the covid-19 pandemic? Now, more than ever, is the time to be creative, confident and work hard to realize your business goals. It is heartening to see how our finalists from last year have stepped up in the fight against COVID-19 in Africa. I encourage all entrepreneurs to look to them and find inspiration from their demonstration of innovation, resilience and leadership at the forefront of the health emergency: The Egyptian pharmacist Omar Sakr who wone the third prize last year - of Nawah-Scientific, an online scientific research company, has developed skin-friendly hand sanitiser and is continuing to support research in the region by offering free pickup services of research samples that will need laboratory examinations. The company is also partnering with SciWare to experiment on a cheaper and quicker way to diagnose COVID-19 using Near Infra-Red technology Christelle Kwizera and her team at Water Access Rwanda (WAR)have sped up efforts to connect households in Rwanda to water supply, so people can be able to access water from their home thereby complying with mandatory social distancing and being able to protect themselves against COVID-19 with frequent and thorough hand-washing. At LifeBank startup, founder and CEO Temie Giwa-Tubosuns team has opened an online registry for enlisting equipment like ventilators, respirators and ICU Beds within Nigeria. The company is also distributing floor stickers to hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores to promote social distancing. Chibuzo Opara and his team at DrugStoc in Nigeria are leveraging their strong supply chain system to provide health workers in remote facilities with critical anti-COVID-19 pharmaceutical products. The world needs more of these entrepreneur heroes, my advice is to take a chance on your own innovative ideas and see the current challenges we all face as opportunities instead. How could these companies move from the startup to the scale up phase locally and internationally? The question of how to scale can vary greatly depending on the business. But no matter the business, the most important thing is how to deliver for your customer. We also believe that programs like the ANPI can be game changers in allowing entrepreneurs to grow their global networks, learning experiences and opportunities. For instance, very few African entrepreneurs do business across the continent, let alone with countries like China. Many of the top 10 finalists have started to build partnerships across Africa and the world through our program. How can the developing countries overcome the crisis, especially with the lack of technological infrastructure? I believe entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to be able to help us overcome this crisis. As we emerge from the health and economic crisis, entrepreneurs will have a special role to play in rebuilding the economy and helping local communities recover. Today, as long as you have a mobile phone and internet many things are possible. We hope that one day when we are looking back upon this time of crisis, we will have seen a new generation of mission-driven entrepreneurs emerge to innovate new solutions and pioneer new business ideas. Search Keywords: Short link: Cornell Mason, 33, was found in a house in the 4000 block of Clay Place NE, the police said. Officers were sent there about 11:55 p.m. in response to a report about a stabbing. Missouri now has 4,024 known cases of COVID-19 and 109 deaths, health officials said Saturday. Thats up by 225 cases and 13 deaths from Friday. In St. Louis County, officials reported 29 new cases and nine new deaths, for a total of 1,524 cases and 42 deaths. There were no new deaths reported in St. Louis city or Jefferson or Franklin counties. Total reported cases increased by 51 in St. Louis, to 645. St. Charles County reported a total of 349 known cases and 13 deaths. Positive cases in Jefferson County increased by four, to 117, with three total deaths. Franklin County reported 12 new cases, for a total of 83, and no new deaths adding to their total of three. Cases in the Metro East increased by 10, to 319, with 12 deaths. Ebb and flow The number of patients either known or suspected to be infected by COVID-19 in area hospital beds, ICU beds and on ventilators changed only slightly from Fridays numbers, moving up or down by only single digits, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, a group of local health and hospital systems. There were 592 patients in hospital beds, 211 in ICU beds and 157 on ventilators. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Asked how long he worked on his new book, New Mexicos Stolen Lands, author and retired educator Ray John de Aragon replied with a laugh, Almost my entire life. A native of Las Vegas, New Mexico, de Aragon grew up hearing tales of how his family was swindled out of their rights to the Nicolas Duran y Chavez Land Grant. Located south of Albuquerque near Belen, the grant from the Spanish crown to de Aragons ancestors totaled 42,000 acres. His story of how his family and others were cheated by unscrupulous lawyers, judges and surveyors operating on behalf of themselves, the U.S. government or the railroad makes for surprisingly lively, if not heartbreaking, reading. De Aragon knows his way around dry documents and the law, but he also can spin an absorbing tale about the land shenanigans that took place in New Mexico after the Mexican-American War ended in 1848. Tales abound of forged proclamations on yellowed parchment, church record changes and Anglos who adopted Spanish names to appear to be heirs to land grants. But one of the most interesting stories takes place about 50 years ago. It chronicles de Aragons involvement in the Alianza Federal de Mercedes movement to get back millions of acres of lost land, not just in New Mexico, and to gain more rights and recognition for Hispanics. De Aragon first met Reies Lopez Tijerina, the charismatic leader of the Alianza, in 1967, when he walked into the organizations Albuquerque headquarters and introduced himself to Tijerina. As a student at New Mexico Highlands University, de Aragon was active in the Alianza and other civil rights movements of the time. Was de Aragon at what he calls the famous or infamous raid on the Rio Arriba County courthouse in Tierra Amarilla, which took place June 5, 1967? No, he was not. As a member of the New Mexico Air Force National Guard, de Aragon was away at a training camp in Wisconsin learning crowd control tactics to handle the civil unrest of the time. According to de Aragons book, The area of Tierra Amarilla was selected by Tijerina and the Alianza to bring the issues of injustice to national and international attention. It did get the attention, but in a negative way. The New Mexico National Guard was mobilized, and went into the area with tanks and troops. Tijerina was hunted down by federal authorities in what de Aragon, not a man prone to hyperbole, described as one of the greatest manhunts in history after the showdown at the courthouse, where Alianza members were imprisoned for allegedly holding an illegal meeting. Meanwhile, de Aragons National Guard unit was mobilized as the war in Vietnam escalated. He served two years in the U.S. Air Force in Korea before returning to New Mexico and enrolling at the University of Albuquerque. While in college, de Aragon was activities vice-president for the student senate and helped bring speakers on social justice and civil rights, including Tijerina, to the university. De Aragon had the opportunity to hear Chicano rights crusader Cesar Chavez speak at the Alianza headquarters. It was a marvelous and inspiring presentation, de Aragon recalled. As the years passed, Tijerinas run-ins with the authorities and the time he served in prison and a mental hospital took some of the momentum away from the Alianza. But de Aragon never lost his interest in land grants and New Mexico history. After graduating from college, de Aragon served as a cultural consultant for the University of Albuquerque. In 1976, he produced the official Bicentennial poster for the state of New Mexico that was sanctioned by the National Bicentennial Commission in Washington, D. C. De Aragon went on to earn a masters degree and spent many years running an arts program for the Los Lunas school system. The author of more than a dozen books is also a santero who carves wooden statues of saints. His wife, Rosa Maria Calles, is a painter. De Aragon remembers how one time in a Chicano history class he took for his masters degree, he surprised his professor. The students had been asked to read a chapter on the Alianza movement and report their impressions. He was shocked when I told him about the many factual errors in the chapter. When I said, Some of those things never happened, he wanted to know how I knew. I was there, I said, de Aragon recalled. The history of stolen land in New Mexico is a convoluted one and the myths surrounding Tijerina have given rise to falsehoods. In his latest book, de Aragon aims to set the record straight. In his book he writes, What did it mean for the people to lose their lands? For one thing, beloved family members who had passed on were buried on those lands. This included fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, aunts and children. The people had sacrificed and suffered over many generations through droughts, illness and debilitating disease. De Aragon believes the losses of land and livelihood that occurred in New Mexico in the second half of the 19th century continue to reverberate today throughout the so-called Land of Enchantment, with poverty, drug addiction and stubbornly persistent low national rankings in child well-being. One of the most successful of the land grabbers, according to de Aragon, was a former Confederate Army officer who hailed from Missouri. At one point, Thomas B. Catron owned 6 million acres in what would become New Mexico, most of it former land grants, making him the largest land holder in the United States. Wikipedia and other sources hail Catron as instrumental in gaining statehood for New Mexico, which he represented in Washington as a U.S. senator. Today his name graces a building on the Santa Fe Plaza and a state county. As the old expression goes, History is written by the victors. Not this time. Writing his book wont get his familys land back, but it does give de Aragon a sense of satisfaction. Now retired, hes already writing another book, but it can be said that, with New Mexicos Stolen Lands, de Aragon has completed his lifes work. The World Bank has said that the coronavirus pandemic has severely disrupted the Indian economy. It added that the impact of the pandemic has magnified pre-existing risks to its outlook. The World Bank estimated the Indian economy to slow down to 5 per cent in 2020 and sharply decelerate to 2.8 per cent in 2021, as mentioned in its South Asia Economic Update: Impact of COVID-19 report. It said in the worst case scenario, growth would dip to 1.5 per cent. The coronavirus lockdown imposed by the government has resulted in domestic supply and demand disruptions, the report stated. Revival in domestic investment is likely to be delayed due to enhanced risk aversion on a global scale, and renewed concerns about financial sector resilience. However, the World Bank estimates that growth is likely to rebound to 5 per cent in fiscal 2022. In a conference call with reporters, World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia Hans Timmer said India's outlook is not very encouraging. Also read: Coronavirus India Lockdown live updates: Maharashtra records 187, Delhi 166 new cases in last 24 hours If the domestic lockdown is extended then the economic result can be worse than estimated, the World Bank says. If a large-scale spread is avoided, early policy measures payoff, and restrictions to the mobility of goods and people can be lifted swiftly, growth for FY21 could be around 4 per cent, it said. However, if domestic contagion is not contained, and the nationwide shutdown is extended, growth projections could be revised downwards to 1.5 per cent, and fiscal slippages would be larger, the World bank said. Nevertheless, India must focus on containing the disease and ensure that everyone has sufficient food, Timmer said. Focus on temporary job programmes at local levels, prevention of bankruptcies of MSMEs must be ensure by the government in its measures to rebound. Additionally, this will also be an opportunity to bring the Indian economy back on a sustainable path fiscally and socially. The World Bank is working with India to cushion the impact of coronavirus. It has approved $1 billion to India. The first tranche has already been released for the health care sector. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: PPF, SSA deposit deadline for FY20 extended by three months Also read: Coronavirus impact: LIC extends deadline for March, April premiums by 30 days 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. Mr. Martinez worked very hard to make sure CTA customers had the best service possible, and took a great deal of pride in his accomplishments. I join with the men and women of the CTA in expressing our heartfelt condolences on this profound loss, and we urge everyone to remember and honor his service to CTA and Chicago. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. It's not uncommon for some of us to describe a great, genuinely transcendent movie as a religious experience. We like to exalt the sublimity of the moving image, sacralizing what is too often regarded as a godless, sometimes profane medium. We make our dutiful pilgrimages to this Robert Bresson retrospective or that repertory house blessed with a 35-millimeter print of "Andrei Rublev," and we return home in a state of grace, even rapture a feeling that can be expressed in silence or in gushing, free-flowing conversation. You needn't be a believer in anything but the greatness of cinema to be so moved and transported. But for those of us who do attend churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship, it is no stretch to see the movie theater as another kind of temple an essential forum, in its own right, for the blessings of joy, restoration and communion. As temples go, a theater is not even a strictly secular venue: I know I'm not the only one who emerged from Carlos Reygadas' "Silent Light" and Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life" feeling genuinely closer to God. The social aspect of these public rituals of gathering in a common space, with a mix of friends and strangers, to see and hear something (hopefully) remarkable is something to cherish. And it has been one of the many pleasures we've temporarily surrendered as we shelter at home, hoping to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The absence of these gatherings has surely hit especially hard this week for those who held Passover Seders on Zoom or who plan to gather online for an e-Easter Sunday. But the physical distance between us and our fellow worshipers can provide its own kind of solace. All those familiar faces, smiling out at us from our laptop screens, show how precious and resilient the bonds of a spiritual community can be. They also serve as a heartening reminder that despite the rationalizations of the many places of worship across the U.S. that have defiantly stayed open a physical gathering is not necessary to experience meaningful connections with God and with others. And there is beauty and meaning, too, in the very nature of the self-isolation we have taken upon ourselves. Even in non-pandemic times, my personal experience of Holy Week has always driven me toward solitude. I've always found it both saddening and deeply consoling to wrap myself in the deep gloom and enveloping shadows of Good Friday, a day when Christians recall and identify with Jesus in his darkest hour of suffering. For Jews and Christians alike, I imagine this week will invest the act of self-quarantine with its own obvious metaphors: As the COVID-19 outbreak surges and peaks in parts of the U.S., many of us may huddle in our homes and think of the plagues and pestilences of the distant past. This will be, for many of us, a week of solemn reflection as well as quiet gratitude. And also, yes, a week for movies, always an ideal companion in trying times. The pictures listed below will serve, I hope, as a useful guide, and I recommend them wholeheartedly regardless of a viewer's faith background or lack thereof. Some Passover perennials ("The Ten Commandments") have been included despite their obviousness; other titles may seem more obscurely related to the events and observances at hand. A few suggested pairings are sprinkled in, and I also tried to include some laughs, which we do desperately need. Comedy, too, can nudge us closer to the sublime. All titles are available for streaming on multiple platforms unless otherwise specified: Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) Jean-Luc Godard described Bressons masterwork as the world in an hour and a half. Ostensibly about the life and death of a donkey, it is also a story about the sufferings we endure and inflict daily, and the lasting sorrow that ultimately unites all creatures great and small. The ending is one of the most wrenching spiritual benedictions in all of cinema. Cool Hand Luke (1967) and A Hidden Life (2019) Dramas of imprisonment and endurance are always particularly faith-resonant; certainly the Christian parallels and iconography running through Stuart Rosenbergs durable Cool Hand Luke have been well chronicled, especially Paul Newmans unforgettable (and very Easter-appropriate) hard-boiled-egg eating challenge. The more recent A Hidden Life, Terrence Malicks biography of a World War II conscientious objector, is as powerful a movie about the challenge of Christlike conviction as any director has made. Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) and Uncut Gems (2019) Thirty years separate Woody Allens darkly brooding comedy-drama from Josh and Benny Safdies ferociously amped Adam Sandler-starring thriller. Both are intricately plotted stories about Jewish Manhattanites in desperate straits, trying to hold onto their families and outrun romantic and financial disasters of their own making. And both notably include scenes at a Passover Seder that position their characters sins and shenanigans in a haunting new light. Europa Europa (1990) Meticulously restored in 2016 and available for streaming on the Criterion Channel, Agnieszka Hollands surreal, funny and devastating film recounts the war-torn early years of Solomon Perel, a German Jew who escaped Nazi persecution by posing as an Aryan. The Passover scene in this movie takes the form of a dream sequence a strange, haunting reminder of an identity that, however hard one may try, can never be left behind. The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964) You might think of Pier Paolo Pasolinis beautifully spare biblical drama as the anti-"Passion of the Christ": Filmed in black-and-white rather than color, in Italian rather than Aramaic, it finds its soul in the trappings of vintage neorealism rather than in a pummeling display of authenticity. And it was made by a committed atheist who somehow summoned more of the poetry and mystery of Jesus life, death and resurrection than Mel Gibsons fervent Christ-sploitation massacre could manage. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) and Monty Pythons Life of Brian (1979) The cries of blasphemy! that once greeted Martin Scorseses impassioned Jesus drama and the Monty Python gangs joyous New Testament satire have long since receded into history; the thrilling impiety and wild creativity of their filmmaking remains. Blessed are the cheesemakers, always. The Ten Commandments (1956) and Dekalog (1989) It would take you a little more than 13 hours to watch Cecil B. DeMilles barnstorming Exodus epic and Krzysztof Kieslowskis monumental Ten Commandments-inspired omnibus back-to-back, and it would be worth every minute. (A Short Film About Killing and A Short Film About Love, two expanded entries from Dekalog, are available for streaming on Kanopy and the Criterion Channel; the entire series can be purchased on disc.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder on Sunday appealed to the people of the state not to step out of their homes on Baisakhi, which will be celebrated on April 13, and follow the ongoing lockdown imposed to combat the coronavirus outbreak. He also asked them to pray from their homes at 11 am on Monday for the state's victory over the deadly COVID-19 enemy and the safety of children. In a message on the eve of the festival, the chief minister said Baisakhi would be different this year as the celebrations will lack traditional fervour because people will not be able to venture out of their homes and gather in large congregations. It is necessary for all to stay at home in this difficult time and observe the occasion with prayers for the total elimination of COVID-19 from the state, he said in a statement here. Let us pray to Waheguru (almighty) to keep us and our Punjab in Charhdi Kala, to keep us safe and happy always, urged the chief minister, pointing out that even the Akal Takht and SGPC had appealed to the people not to congregate or gather outside to celebrate Baisakhi this year. The Akal Takht had asked people from the Sikh community to offer prayers at home on Baisakhi and directed Sikh organisations not to organise large gatherings on the festival in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Baisakhi, which falls on April 13 or 14 every year, is a major festival in Punjab as it marks the foundation day of the Khalsa panth' (Sikh order) by the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh. It also marks the start of harvest season. On this day, people throng gurdwaras to pay their obeisance. Expressing hope and confidence that Punjab would be victorious over the pandemic, Singh appealed to the people to do their duty in this battle, just as lakhs of frontline warriors were doing to keep them safe and protected. He thanked the doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, other health and sanitation workers, the police, the revenue staff, the religious organisations, the NGOs and everyone else engaged in fighting the battle on the frontline, putting their own lives on the line. He thanked the SSPs and the DCs for managing the situation effectively and efficiently, and expressed confidence that they would all continue to work relentlessly in the coming days in the interest of Punjab and its people. Pointing to the global COVID-19 crisis, the chief minister said the situation was relatively better in Punjab, and in fact across India, due to the early lockdown/curfew and its strict enforcement. It was important to continue with these stringent and difficult measures, despite the inconvenience and frustration being caused to everyone, he added. Underlining the need to continue with such strict restrictions, he cited various studies and expert opinions and said, If we do not implement the lockdown in the coming days, then the situation can get out of control. The numbers being projected by the experts in the absence of isolation/lockdown are scary, he pointed out. Though, there were some problems with the supply chain at the beginning of the clampdown, things were now on track and would improve further in the coming days, said the CM, assuring full support to everyone in the state in this hour of crisis. He promised the migrant labourers and other poor/needy people that his government will continue to take care of them, and ensure that not a single one of them will go hungry, till the COVID crisis ends. Singh said all arrangements were in place for harvesting wheat which is set to commence on April 15 and promised another season of smooth procurement, in line with his government's track record. Underlining the need to give serious thought to the way ahead, the chief minister said the Task Force set up to work out the curfew/lockdown exit strategy will submit its report within 10 days, and a high-powered committee, to be headed by a leading finance expert, would work on ways for economic and industrial revival of the state post COVID-19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Despite the rising death toll in New York City, fewer coronavirus cases are sent to hospitals which seemingly indicate that the battle against COVID-19 is nearly over. New York City is now one of the worst epicenters of the coronavirus pandemic, but there are some peculiar things happening in the area which includes fewer 911 calls, and ventilators are still in supply. This is a contrast with the rising death that is causing difficulties for leaders in NYC. Still, as the state got hit with the most deaths on Thursday, about 4,778 dead that rose from 4,260 a day earlier, new deaths and hospitalizations are going down to 806 people who perished on Tuesday. In the eyes of the health providers, this day of the pandemic are hoping the worst has been deflected with fewer beds to go around, and worst is doctors acting as gods because they need to decide who lives or dies. Dr Jolion McGreevy, medical director of Mount Sinai Hospital's emergency department said, "There is a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the volume of patients and how sick people are." He added that everything will not go down easy. Instead, there will be a 'slow decline' in weeks and months to come. The fewer incidences is a good sign, but things are expected to get worse before getting better. Last Thursday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced another 799 fatalities courtesy of the virus, it was just the third day of grim increases in the death toll. In New York state, the deceased around 7,000 people. Also read: Coronavirus Weak Spot Discovered: Researchers Find Out That Virus is 'Low Shielding' Another statistic that was encouraging across New York is the number of patients hospitalized which is only 200, that is way lower than 1,427 patients last April 2. Cases in the ICU took a splashdown in numbers. Overall, the total number of coronavirus positive people placed in hospitals were 18,000 people. It is important to remember what Cuomo said, "Today we can say that we have lost many of our brothers and sisters, but we haven't lost anyone because they couldn't get the right and best health care that they could." There's already an increased supply of ventilators that was a problem a while back. New York City was able to get supplies from all over the world as a precaution if the cases overwhelm too much. Another good sign is more are released from COVID-19 treatment than admitted at the New York-Presbyterian's hospitals in the New York City area, added CEO Dr Steven J. Corwin in a statement last Thursday. The Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, sent out with a chime for each patient who goes home.The chime has been rung 450 times as patients go home. With the tapering off in cases, Dr.Corwin said keeping social distance must be maintained. Both Cuomo and de Blasio on Thursday told everyone that it is "not out of the wood, stay at home." Despite the decrease of numbers, Cuomo advised to continue staying home. Related article: Numerous Dead Bodies Picked Up by Rental Van in USA Homes @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A 62-year-old man from Bhiwandi town in the district, who had come in contact with some attendees of Delhi's Tablighi Jamaat event, tested coronavirus positive on Sunday, an official said. He had gone to Mumbra in the district, where he came in contact with the Nizamuddin event attendees, Dr Jayant Dhule, medical officer of Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) said. "He is the first COVID-19 patient in Bhiwandi," he said. "He had stayed in Mumbra for about two weeks and returned to Bhiwandi four days back. Soon after his return, he started showing symptoms of coronavirus infection. His test reports confirmed that he is infected," Dhule said. He has been admitted to the Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai, while nine of his family members have been quarantined, he added. Till Saturday, 169 persons tested coronavirus positive in Thane district, nine of whom have died, officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 19:30:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- From organized helping-hand schemes to impromptu groups in local communities, hundreds of thousands of people have signed up to offer help in Britain amid COVID-19, making up the biggest mobilization of volunteer helpers in the country since World War II. Britain's National Health Service has seen 750,000 volunteers step forward following an appeal seeking 250,000 people to provide a helping hand. The first batch of volunteers started their tasks last week, including medicine delivery and checking on vulnerable groups over the phone. In Liverpool, two 11-year-olds are offering to deliver boxes with fresh vegetables to the homes of elderly and vulnerable people in their streets. Another child is providing a pizza delivery service, using a remote-controlled model truck to transport the food to people's front doors. Organized and impromptu schemes are working to ensure the old and the vulnerable are not left isolated or abandoned, as Britain enters its fourth week of a lockdown with strict distancing rules in place. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) issued advice to guide people in Britain eager to display the traditional British "bulldog spirit." "The simplest thing everyone can do right now is look out for their neighbors and offer help with shopping and other errands," the NCVO said. "If you must stay at home but feel well enough to help, you can volunteer remotely, for example to befriend people who are isolated people or share official information by telephone or online," it added. London police cadet Josh St John James, 17, has set up a group of young volunteers to support local people. "I think lots of people are prepared to volunteer and hopefully our group will give them a place to focus," he told local media. Charlotte Barry, one of the first to volunteer for a new help scheme in Cornwall, said the county has "a lot of elderly people" who are retired and don't have family backing. They are among the most vulnerable "as they don't have anybody obvious to fall back on," Barry said. In Liverpool, more than 3,000 people came forward after a plea for volunteers by Mayor Joe Anderson. "The Liverpool Good Neighbor Scheme matches volunteers with people in need who don't have anyone else nearby to help with day-to-day tasks," said a city hall spokesman. With city libraries closed, Liverpool has offered a massive range of ebooks and audio books to people, so they can read or listen to thousands of books from its massive catalog. Local newspapers around the country are reporting on the new spirit of neighborly help, in the biggest emergency in living memory for the vast majority of the population. Ex-military chief Gantz was given the mandate to form a government four weeks ago by President Reuven Rivlin. Jerusalem: Israel's president on Sunday rejected parliament speaker Benny Gantz's request for more time to form a government, as talks persist on a possible interim alliance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ex-military chief Gantz was given the mandate to form a government four weeks ago by President Reuven Rivlin following Israel's March 2 election, the country's third inconclusive vote in a year. Then in a surprise move last month, Gantz was elected speaker of Israel's parliament, or Knesset, and pledged to seek an emergency unity alliance with Netanyahu to ease the political deadlock and help the country tackle the coronavirus pandemic. While his mandate to form a government runs until the end of Monday, Gantz was no longer actively engaged in talks to forge a coalition led by him as prime minister. Instead, he was widely believed to be pursuing a unity deal that would see Netanyahu remain as premier for a defined period, possibly then handing power to Gantz. Despite reports of progress from the two sides -- and from Israeli media -- no deal has been agreed. Late Saturday, Gantz asked Rivlin for an extension of his mandate. In response, Rivlin told Gantz "that in the current circumstances no extension would be possible." "The president made his decision after also speaking to ... Netanyahu, who did not confirm in their conversation that the parties are close to signing an agreement that would lead to a unity government," a presidency statement said. If no unity agreement is reached by the end of Monday, Rivlin will likely ask the Knesset to nominate a candidate to become prime minister. Blue and White, a centrist alliance led by Gantz, said in a statement that "the attempts by the negotiating teams to arrive at a unity government are still ongoing." Earlier Sunday, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party said that it too remained open to forming a unity government. Israel has confirmed nearly 11,000 cases of coronavirus and there have been widespread calls for an agreement on an interim government to led the country through the global pandemic. "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." 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. - 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. Medical professionals work at a coronavirus walk-up testing site at Public Safety Headquarters on April 10, 2020 in Jersey City, New Jersey A driver drops his COVID-19 test into a bin at a coronavirus mobile testing site in Los Angeles on April 10, 2020 Dressed in protective gear, a university student displays information for arranging COVID-19 testing in Los Angeles on April 8, 2020 Egypt's Health Minister Hala Zayed has instructed the Egyptian Ambulance Organization (EAO), which is part of the health ministry, to take control of conveying all bodies of those who have passed away from coronavirus to be buried, after repeated refusals by hearses to do so. The ministry said in a statement on Sunday that it is responsible for the washing and shrouding of dead coronavirus patients, and the Preventive Medicine Sector (PMS), part of the ministry, will supervise the burial process. The decision comes a few hours after attempts to prevent some burials by people concerned that burials would allow the virus to spread. 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. Ministry spokesman Khaled Meghad explained that bodies do not transmit the coronavirus as long as preventative measures are taken. Each fatality case of the respiratory illness has been transferred to the mortuary shrouding in sheets and on a sterilised and cleansed trolley, he said. The team responsible for washing and transferring the bodies must wear a "thick" protective suit covering the arms and chest and extending to the bottom of the knee, in addition to using a face mask, medical gloves that cover the suit to the wrist, a cap, and plastic shoe coverings, the spokesman noted. "All the protective gear has been put on and taken off properly and the workers wash their hands precisely after that, he said. The team responsible for washing coronavirus corpses also wear personal protection gear and the entry of individuals whose presence is unnecessary is prohibited; however, if necessary, they must stay more than one metre away from the corpse and wear gloves, a mask, a face shield, a cap, and shoe protection. The body parts that may discharge secretions must be covered with liquid-proof dressings, he said. After the washing and shrouding, the body is always transferred inside an impermeable bag and closed coffin with the lowest number of people possible besides the deceased person, and using personal protection tools as well, said Megahed. He added that the coffin is only opened during the burial. He noted that the people who transfer the body from the coffin to the cemetery should take all previous preventative measures and wash their hands with soap and water for not less than 40 seconds, or rub them with alcohol. All surfaces that have been touched by the deceased, including the bed, the mortuary and the surfaces of the conveying vehicle and coffin, are purified using the disinfectants approved by the health ministry. The flu-like virus has so far killed 159 people and infected 2,065 across the country. The burials of coronavirus victims are often held in secret in Egypt under police supervision, with the attendance of only close family members. The sweetest moment of the Passover Seder is when the youngest child stands up and asks the Four Questions, which begin, Why is this night different from all other nights? Jews in New Haven, America, and around the world did not have any difficulty in answering this question when they sat down to their seders this past Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The coronavirus has made the night that is different more different than we ever could have imagined. The holiday of Passover is about tradition, faith and family. In order to stay safe and limit risk, we had to celebrate with our immediate family only. Some had to be alone. We took comfort in the familiar rituals and favorite dishes of the past, to hold on to the normal in the face of the abnormal, the bizarre, and the tragic global plague of COVID-19. New Delhi: A group of Nihang Sikhs, who got into a scuffle with policemen at Patiala vegetable market chopped off a hand of an assiatant sub-inspector and injured other cop, a station house officer. The incident took place at around 6:15 am on Sunday (April 12) morning outside a wholesale vegetable market in Sanaur town in Punjab. According to reports, the Nihang Sikhs, who were travelling in a vehicle, attacked assistant sub-inspector Harjeet Singh and another cop with swords, after they were asked to show curfew passes. Singh was immediately rushed to Rajindra hospital in the town from where he was referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh, where he is undergoing a surgery. The Station House Officer of Sadar Patiala and another official were also injured in the attack, said a report. Hours after the incident, police arrested seven men, including five of the attackers, from a gurudwara in nearby Balbera village. An official said that the Nihang Sikhs were asked to show curfew passes but they banged their vehicle against the gate and the barricades and then attacked the police personnel on the duty with swords. After commiting the crime, they fled the scene, and took shelter at a gurudwara managed by them in Balbera. With a lockdown in place to contain the spread of COVID-19, barricades were put up outside the market and entry restricted to those with curfew passes. Nihangs is a sect of Sikhism whose members are armed with traditional weapons and dressed in loose blue robes. Punjab Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta described the incident as unfortunate. "In an unfortunate incident today morning, a group of Nihangs injured a few Police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh," Gupta tweeted. "I have spoken to Director PGI who has deputed top Plastic surgeons of PGI for surgery, which just started," he added. In another tweet, Gupta added that he was grateful to PGI for its full support. "All of us praying to Waheguru for his full recovery!" VATICAN CITY Pope Francis called for solidarity the world over to confront the epochal challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic, as Christians celebrated a solitary Easter Sunday, blending the joyful feast day with sorrow over the toll the virus has already taken. Families that normally would attend morning Mass wearing their Easter best and later join friends for celebratory lunches hunkered down at home. Police checkpoints in Europe and closed churches around the globe forced the faithful to watch Easter services online or on TV. A few lucky Rome residents attended Mass from their balconies overlooking Santa Emerenziana church in the northern Trieste neighborhood, where a priest celebrated a rooftop open-air service. We feel close to each other despite this distance, parishioner Luca Rosati said from his balcony. We can experience from here what we normally would experience inside the church, as a community. At Jerusalems Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified and entombed, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa urged the faithful to not be discouraged. The message of Easter is that life, despite all, will prevail, said Pizzaballa said during Mass attended by a few clerics, with the streets of the surrounding Old City devoid of pilgrims and vendors. Across Africa, many Christians marked Easter at home, following services broadcast on television and radio. In Nigerias capital, a Catholic Mass was celebrated in Lagos empty cathedral, while Congo braced for a battle with both COVID-19 and an ongoing Ebola outbreak. At the Vatican, Francis celebrated Mass in a largely empty St. Peters Basilica, with a handful of faithful sitting one per pew and and the choirs Kyrie hymn echoing off the bare marble floors. Normally, St. Peters Square would be awash in fresh flowers for Easter, with tulips and orchids decorating the piazzas promenade in a riot of color to underscore Easters message of life and rebirth following Christs crucifixion. This year, however, the cobblestoned piazza was bare. Police barricades ringed the square, blocking the tens of thousands who would normally flock to hear the popes Mass and noontime Urbi et Orbi speech and blessing to the city and the world. Francis instead stayed indoors, underscoring the solitude confronting all of humanity amid lockdown orders to prevent further virus infections. In his Easter address, Francis urged political leaders to provide hope and opportunity to the millions of newly jobless. He appealed to the European Union in particular to step up to the epochal challenge posed by COVID-19, which has ravaged Italy, Spain and other EU countries. After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again, thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past, Francis said. This is not a time for self-centeredness because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons. He urged the faithful to pray for the sick, the dead and the elderly confined alone. And broadening his horizons, he called for sanctions relief, debt forgiveness and ceasefires to calm conflicts and financial crises around the globe. Francis lonely Mass was a scene that was repeated around the world, with churches either closed or, at the few still open requiring the faithful to practice social distancing. In South Korea, where one outbreak was tied to a church sect, services were largely held online. A small number of masked faithful attended service at Seouls Yoido Full Gospel Church, one of the biggest churches in South Korea. They were seated notably apart from each other, and choir members sang hymns from behind masks. The Church of England shuttered its churches, prompting the Anglican archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to celebrate Easter Sunday service from his kitchen in London. The spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide, Welby delivered his sermon in full robes behind a makeshift altar on his dining room table. Welcome to the kitchen of our home on Easter Day, he said. Once this epidemic is conquered here and elsewhere, we cannot be content to go back to what was before as if all was normal. In Lebanon, home to the largest percentage of Christians in the Arab world, Cardinal Bechara Rai urged the faithful to abide by virus lockdown measures even as Lebanon endures its worst economic crisis in decades. We are praying so that Lebanese officials work together in the spirit of collaboration to revive Lebanon economically, financially and socially, Rai said in an almost empty church in Bkerki, northeast of Beirut, the seat of the Maronite Church he heads. The church would normally be packed with people marking Easter, including the president, prime minister and parliament speaker. In New Zealand, Catholic bishops wrote a special pastoral letter to worshipers stuck at home, acknowledging the stresses and uncertainties of this Easter like no other but urging the faithful to take comfort in time with family. This time has proved to be a reflective time enabling us to refocus or revision ourselves and how we live, the letter said. For Orthodox Christians, Sunday marked the start of Holy Week, with Palm Sunday services held in similarly barren churches. Pope Tawadros II, the spiritual leader of Egypts Coptic Orthodox Christians, celebrated in a largely empty Monastery of Saint Pishoy, in a desert valley west of the capital, Cairo. The church made the prayers available on its Facebook page. The Coptic Orthodox Church is one the worlds oldest Christian communities. The Russian Orthodox Church said it would hold Easter services in Moscow next Sunday without the faithful present, citing an order from the citys chief epidemiologist prohibiting mass gatherings. ___ AP writers from around the world contributed. __ Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak In the last week, I called several of my clients around the world to get a sense of how they're coping in this crisis. There is huge anxiety for where this is all going and particularly with regards to liquidity. You may remember that in this column just three weeks ago, I said that 'cash is king'. That was an understatement, because now cash is critical. With no end in sight to the restrictions on movement, we also have to anticipate the inevitability of the need for social distancing for some time. That has extraordinary implications for non-food retail, travel and hospitality. The consequent knock-on impact further up the supply chain for every industry is obvious. Particularly at senior level, every executive has a role to play in supporting the drive for cash. In normal trading times, all executives have a responsibility for getting cash in, for spending cash, and/or for maximising productivity. The CFO, however, is the one person that has full visibility and understanding of the cash situation. For that reason, in a time of crisis, the CFO role has to move temporarily into pole position. Tips for CFOs in a time of crisis 1 Assess liquidity The first step that all CFOs have undoubtedly engaged in is to get a handle on the short-term cash situation across all revenue and cost streams. Don't forget to consult with all departments to explore how you can delay payments out and accelerate payments in. Being a little aggressive in the pursuit of cash is forgiveable at this time. 2 Convene a 'SWAT' Team Despite having access to all the data, the CFO also needs to know what other commitments have been made in the short and medium term. Bring together representatives from all functions to gather information on what is in the pipeline. This might include new products, supply-chain issues, recruitment drives, marketing campaigns, long-term agreements with customers or contractors, investments in IT, and so on. You need to insist on collating all of this information into one spreadsheet to give you full temporary control. 3 Build short-term plans With this clarity, develop a number of scenario-based cash-flow forecasts. Anticipate how the recovery might develop in best-case versus worst-case options. Bring together all of your own company data along with macroeconomic and industry insights. Build a supply-and-demand analysis, and develop a rolling forecast of outcomes and ebit risks. Consider geographies that have not peaked versus those that have passed the curve. Don't forget any issues specific to your supply chain and people. If you have let people go, even temporarily, consider the time it takes to build a new team. 4 Communicate with conviction The one thing we can take from this crisis is the level of community concern and support. Your people can see every day how this pandemic has affected all of our lives. So they won't be surprised at your extra-special focus on cash. Communicate the SWAT plans in enough detail that conveys action, showing that you're in control during what everyone agrees is an unpredictable environment. Nevertheless, be careful to bring leadership and balance in the face of adversity. Your teams don't want to hear more bad news from you. Yes, they want the truth, but a great leader will inspire and reassure through measured and balanced messaging. 5 Facilitate medium-term plans To try to just pick up on all projects from before the crisis started might not be wise. Perhaps new or different products should come to the fore? Routes to market, channels of distribution or even customer preferences might change. When the CFO and SWAT team have got past the initial crisis-management phase, they should look to support the business in its recovery phase. 6 Strategise for the long term Most likely, the strategies that you developed before the end of 2019 will have to be revisited. For example, your budgeting may have been built through an incremental percentage uplift on 2018 results. It's going to have to change now to zero-based budgeting. So get ready to have that strategy workshop with the senior team. I appreciate it's a little early for some to be thinking about that, but it will need to happen quite soon. The Last Word How an organisation copes in this crisis will be a real test of its culture. If, in your values, you claim to be agile, innovative or people-focused, please don't forget these great attributes. Taking on the pole position for the whole organisation carries great responsibility. The CEO is still the CEO, but with a combination of sound judgment, good decision-making and empathy, the CFO needs to step up and be the steady voice of reason. The finance team needs to develop a sense of urgency for the next year that is relentless. If you have been a department of bean counters, you need to pivot and become proactive. Your business needs you more than ever. UK wide PPE plan welcomed by Welsh Government This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 12th, 2020 The UK is aiming to get its act together with the supply of vital personal protective equipment (PPE) to those on the frontline fighting the coronavirus outbreak Its two months since the first COVID-19 cases were identified in the UK, a point at which Chief Medical Officers told the nations governments to plan for all eventualities. On Friday, Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock unveiled a 3-strand PPE plan to get the right kit to our frontline heroes. As part of the plan, a full, 24/7 military operation is now underway to deal with the demand for PPE and a new national supply and logistics network has been created from scratch. A new website, developed with the help of the military, is being rolled out in the coming weeks to improve distribution and will enable NHS and community care providers in England to order critical PPE, no mention of Wales in the government PR. And, a new PPE hub will provide easy access to all the (UK) governments guidance on PPE in one place, a one-stop shop people can visit to understand what PPE they need. Mr Hancocks Welsh counterpart, Vaughan Gething welcomed the new plan, he said: It makes sense the four UK nations work together on procurement of PPE rather than compete against each other. Matt Hancock said: I will stop at nothing to protect those on the frontline who are fighting this virus. Our heroic health and care staff are working around the clock and my absolute priority is to support them. Our new online ordering tool for PPE is supported by a 24/7national supply and logistics network. There is a herculean effort behind the scenes, supported by the military, to get the right kit to our frontline heroes. These new supply chains, matched with a call to arms for more businesses and organisations to join this national effort, will help save lives. The 3-strand plan provides clear guidance on who needs PPE and when they need it, to ensure those who need it can get it at the right time and set out action to secure enough PPE to last through the crisis. [Vaughan Gething] Mr Gething said the Welsh government was already working with businesses to manufacture more PPE. I have been overwhelmed by the swift and generous response from companies to help. We have been working hard to get PPE to frontline health and social care staff so far we have distributed more than 8m extra pieces of PPE from our pandemic stocks, over and above the usual supplies, which are held by the NHS. We are also working with military planners to refine our distribution plans in Wales. New guidance on PPE has been developed for health and social care staff it is really important this is followed and PPE is used in line with the guidance. Every piece of PPE kit used unnecessarily is a piece of kit which will not be available to a member of staff at risk. Frontline NHS and social care staff are working hard, in difficult circumstances, to care for people with coronavirus. It is vital they can do their jobs safely and with confidence. We must make sure they have the equipment to do that. Maria Crimi, left, Joe Cataldi, center, and Domenick Crimi, work on completing on-line orders while also fulfilling others on the day before Easter inside Cappuccio's Meats at the Italian Market in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 11, 2020. Cappuccio's Meats is one of several family-owned businesses that had to make adjustments to stay open during the COVID-19 crisis. Read more Fresh sorrow and new hope arose in the fight against the coronavirus on Saturday as the Philadelphia region prepared for an Easter unlike any other. Pennsylvania and New Jersey announced more deaths, and while the rate of increase for new cases appeared to have slowed, an end to the crisis remained distant. Health experts and elected officials pleaded with people to stay home from Sunday church services and family gatherings, saying a crucial chance to flatten the curve of the coronavirus spread was at hand. The worst that could happen out of this is that people get together physically right now and then the virus starts to surge again, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said on WURD radio. So please, please, please have your services virtually rather than face-to-face. Churches, mosques, and synagogues in the region and beyond have closed to try to stop the movement of the virus. Many houses of worship in the Philadelphia region planned to offer livestream services, providing at least virtual connection among worshippers stuck in their homes. Catholics can watch Easter Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia website and on Archbishop Nelson J. Perezs Facebook page. The archdiocese shut off public access to the cathedral Masses last week, after The Inquirer reported that attendees were not practicing social distancing. Among the more than 200 parishes in the city and suburbs, at least 63 now are livestreaming or pre-recording Masses. But in-person Easter services will take place as usual at Greater Exodus Baptist Church on North Broad Street. READ MORE: Pastor welcomes worshippers into church despite coronavirus and that needs to stop | Jenice Armstrong Closing the doors of the church is not an option for me, said the Rev. Herb H. Lusk II, the pastor. I know theres a lot of temptation around going to the services, Philadelphia Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner Javon Davis said on WURD, an African American owned-and-operated talk station. But with the way that this is hitting the black community, I really hope people would refrain from doing that. I had to have a long conversation with my grandparents about holding out for just this one year. READ MORE: In an ICE detention center in Pa., one migrants case of COVID-19 and fear for others who might have been exposed Easter is one of the oldest and most important events on the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after he died on the cross. For children, it also can be a time for candy and egg hunts. On Saturday, the Easter Bunny hopped into suburban Jenkintown, in the furry, pink-eared form of police officer Anthony Matteo, who dressed up and delivered candy to children, always from a safe distance. The bunny traversed the borough neighborhoods, dropping candy into baskets left curbside, riding in the trunk of a police SUV driven by fellow officer Cory Murtagh. For many, the sense of isolation and social separation grew deeper and more frustrating. Everyones in a funk. Its a global funk, said Sicklerville video producer Ron Cohen. He wanted to create something uplifting, and after seeing videos of professionals singing together, thought, Wouldnt it be neat just to get regular people? He assembled 33 people from Philadelphia to the Philippines for an international recording session of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World, working at a socially appropriate distance with sound mixer and neighbor Matt Campana. So far, the video has been viewed more than 5,000 times, an emotional singalong thats provoked a few tears. Still, anyone who thought the crisis was over needed only to look at the numbers. The United States passed Italy in total coronavirus-related deaths, reaching 20,268 on Saturday, according to Johns Hopkins University. Italy had 19,468. New York City weighed whether to join Pennsylvania in closing schools for the rest of the academic year. The economy continued to tilt. Parx Casino and Parx Racing in Bensalem prepared to furlough 2,200 workers, according to LevittownNow.com. The deaths kept coming too, each but one in the widening sea of fatalities, each deeply personal and devastating to one family or community. Officials confirmed that Archbishop Stephen Sulyk, 95, a longtime leader in the Ukrainian Catholic Church, died on Monday from the coronavirus at Virtua Hospital in Voorhees. READ MORE: In the stay-at-home days of the pandemic, people take on personal projects for which they never had time Pennsylvania officials on Saturday reported an additional 78 deaths, bringing the death toll to 494, and 1,676 positive cases, pushing the case total past 21,000. State Health Secretary Rachel Levine said that social-distancing and preventative efforts seem to be working, slowing the rise of new cases and bending the curve if not yet flattening it. That slowing hardly signals the end. An Inquirer analysis showed that Pennsylvania had improved to where cases were doubling every three to four days, instead of every two to three days. Levine urged residents to continue to stay home and socially distanced. State officials are considering what conditions must be met to lift the stay-at-home order, although that longed-for transformation remains in the future. Were not there yet, Levine said, cautioning that even when the state eventually ends the order, it's not going to be one grand opening, it's going to go in a progressive fashion. Philadelphia now has more than 6,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, officials said Saturday. The 359 new cases overnight look like an improvement, down from roughly 500 cases a day, but officials noted that some labs dont report results on weekends. Now is not the time to let up on social distancing and other precautions, Health Commissioner Farley said. There were 23 deaths in the city overnight, for a total of 160 deaths since the start of the pandemic. New Jersey reported on Saturday that nearly 3,600 more people had tested positive and an additional 251 had died, bringing the totals to 58,151 cases and 2,183 deaths. Still, the rate of new cases is slowing, a very good early sign that we are beginning to beat this virus back, Gov. Phil Murphy said at a news conference. Murphy announced that New Jersey Transit will be directed to cut capacity on trains, light rail, buses, and paratransit vehicles to half the maximum. The agency will supply transit workers with gloves and face coverings, and riders must wear masks or the equivalent. ASK US: Do you have a question about the coronavirus and how it affects your health, work and life? Ask our reporters. People entering restaurants to grab takeout orders also must wear face coverings, Murphy announced. New Jerseyans have to stay vigilant or we blow our chances of flattening this curve, he said. Masks may be inconvenient, but you know what would be really inconvenient is if you ended up in the hospital with COVID-19. Inquirer staff writers Allison Steele and Katie Park and photographer Tyger Williams contributed to this article. People across America are stepping up to the plate. Millions are performing essential services at great personal risk, and millions more are staying at home, away from friends and extended family. In return, they want the answer to a simple question: What is the plan to safely reopen America? So far, the Trump administration hasnt supplied an answer. The plan has to start with responding effectively to the immediate medical crisis and ultimately lead to the widespread availability and administration of a vaccine. But we cant stay home and just wait for the vaccine to arrive. As others have noted, we need to build a bridge from here to there. Heres what our national strategy should look like. First, we have to get the number of new cases of the disease down significantly. That means social distancing has to continue and the people on the front lines have to get the supplies and equipment they need. President Trump needs to use his full powers under the Defense Production Act to fight the disease with every tool at our disposal. He needs to get the federal response organized and stop making excuses. For more Americans to go back to their jobs, the president needs to do better at his job. Second, there needs to be widespread, easily available and prompt testing and a contact tracing strategy that protects privacy. A recent report from Mr. Trumps Department of Health and Human Services made clear that we are far from achieving this goal. UPDATE: The UP Police has clarified that the woman did not throw her children into the river because she could not find food during the ongoing lockdown. In a shocking incident on Sunday, with no food during coronavirus lockdown, a woman allegedly threw her five children into the Ganga river in Jeghangirabad in Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi district. As soon as the police were informed, senior police officials reached the spot and divers were pressed into service to locate the children. The woman has been arrested and police officials said that she seemed mentally unsound. Mother sitting in the center/Amar Ujala New agency, IANS quoting unnamed sources, reported that the woman had earlier said that she and her children were not getting food in the lockdown and money inflow had stopped because she was a daily wage earner. "Our priority is to rescue the children as soon as possible, We will carry out other investigations later," said a police official. A woman threw her five children into the #Ganga river in Jeghangirabad in #UttarPradesh's Bhadohi district. The woman has been arrested and police officials said that she seemed mentally unsound. pic.twitter.com/303aIojJod IANS Tweets (@ians_india) April 12, 2020 However, according to PTI, the district magistrate denied reports that the woman threw the children into the river because she could not find food during the ongoing lockdown. The woman and her family members have not mentioned any such thing, District Magistrate Rajendra Prasad said. PTI, quoting Superintendent of Police Ram Badan Singh reported that the woman, Manju Yadav and her husband Mridul Yadav often quarrelled in the past one year. Hence, she thought of killing her children by throwing them into the river," he said. India's migrant daily wage workers are among the worst-hit due to the ongoing lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic in the country. As many as 92.5% of labourers have already lost one to three weeks of work, according to a rapid assessment survey by Jan Sahas, a civil society organisation that focuses on human rights of socially excluded communities. The loss of income is proving to be catastrophic on numerous fronts, and this incident is probably one of the most heartbreaking ones to have surfaced. The Bishop of Derry Rev Donal McKeown carried out an Easter Blessing of graves at Derrys City Cemetery at sunrise this morning, Easter Sunday. Bishop McKeown visited the cemetery at dawn to sprinkle graves using Easter Water that was blessed in St Eugenes Cathedral during the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday night. The visit was arranged in co-operation with Derry City and Strabane District Council. Bishop McKeown said he hoped the Easter Blessing would bring some comfort to grieving families across the Derry Diocese who are unable to visit the graves of their loved ones. He said he was very aware that the government legislation that forced all cemeteries and burial grounds to close for visitors, was a difficult one for many people, but he urged the public to be mindful of their own health and welfare and to take heed of the government advice to Stay at Home. He urged people to have faith and to remember their loved ones through prayer and reflection and encouraged the public to care for one another during this difficult time. The big picture: It's no secret that China has been working to reduce its reliance on American technology, hence its decision to commit no less than $29 billion to homegrown intellectual property around semiconductors. The country also plans to replace all foreign hardware and software from its public infrastructure and institutions in favor of local alternatives by 2022. One of the latest developments in that path is the recent arrival to the CPU market of an impressive x86 chip that is the result of a joint venture between the Chinese government and Via Technologies. It should be noted that Zhaoxin is not the first, but rather the culmination of a relationship between the two entities that started in 2013 and has supplied various local clients to this day. Zhaoxin's KaiXian KX-U6780A isn't something that you'll be able to buy outside of China anytime soon, but it paints an important picture of the progress made by a company that flew under everyone's radar for much of its existence. The 8-core CPU is the second-fastest in Zhaoxin's latest lineup and is based on the LuJiaZui architecture, which itself is an evolution of the WuDaoKou architecture. To get an idea on how much work went into it, the company says it's the result of over 9,000 engineering months and 200 TB worth of data from simulating more than 4,000 cores against all kinds of software. Until now, we've only been able to judge its capabilities based on leaks and official marketing materials. For instance, Zhaoxin claims it should perform similarly to an Intel Core i5-7400 (Kaby Lake), a chip from 2017. When the KaiXian chip appeared in PassMark's CPU benchmark database, the result seemed to confirm this, except that the single-thread rating was considerably lower. Then we saw the KaiXian KX-U6780A make an appearance on Geekbench earlier this month, with results following the same overall pattern. The Chinese CPU managed a single-core score of 363 and a multi-core score of 2091, which is outside of the scope of the i5-7400 that sits at 884 and 2793, respectively. The new processor is built by TSMC on a 16nm FinFET process node and can operate at up to 2.7 GHz. It's rated for a TDP of 70W, which is somewhat comparable to the i5-7400 TDP of 65W, but with no L3 cache and a larger process node, it's no wonder why the Chinese chip isn't quite able to keep up with Intel's. Still, it's a big step for Zhaoxin. The folks over at Tom's Hardware were able to get their hands on the KaiXian-U6780A processor and the HX002EH1 development board. The CPU comes in a 35mm by 35 mm HFCBGA package, and the stock cooler is reminiscent of AMD's old stock coolers, with a relatively low profile heatsink and a noisy fan. An interesting fact about the Zhaoxin CPU is that it doesn't feature some of the fancy technologies present in AMD and Intel's CPUs. There's no simultaneous multi-threading (SMT), hyper-threading, or any advanced frequency boost capabilities. At most, the KX-U6780A supports a few P-states that seem to be there just as a way to save power when you're using the "better performance" and "better battery" power modes on Windows 10. Otherwise, choosing the "best performance" power mode pegs the frequency at 2.7 Ghz regardless of what the CPU is doing. You get 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes and support for up to 64 GB of DDR4-2666 RAM, and a custom, ZX-C960 iGPU that supports DirectX 11, OpenCL 1.1, OpenGL 3.2, and accelerated H.264 and HEVC encoding and decoding. Zhaoxin says the chip is capable of driving up to two 4K monitors simultaneously. However, trying to play Dota 2 on it at 720p and the lowest graphics settings results in a modest 19-20 fps, which is well below the 100-120 fps that you'd get from the Intel HD 630 found inside an i5-7400. Interestingly enough, the KX-U6780A suffers from some of the Spectre vulnerabilities that affect Intel processors, with Zhaoxin planning to integrate in-silicon fixes in the KX-7000 series. The instructions per clock output is way behind that of modern Intel and AMD CPUs, even entry-level ones like Intel's i3-7100 or AMD's Ryzen 3 3200G. When Tom's Hardware compared the single threaded and multi-threaded Cinebench scores of these chips, it found that a lack of hyper-threading and frequency boosting abilities places the Zhaoxin CPU at a severe disadvantage. While it was almost able to keep up with a Core i3-7100 in the multi-core test, the single-threaded performance leaves much to be desired. Power consumption couldn't be measured reliably due to particularities in Zhaoxin's development board and power delivery choices, but the maximum power draw through the 8-pin connector seemed to top at 55 W under AIDA's stress test. Fortunately for the Chinese company, it plans to move to 7nm with the KX-7000 series, which should bring about better numbers in this department. Tom's Hardware tested the KX-U6780A against a number of benchmarks and games using an RTX 2080 Ti, and the results are largely unsurprising. The Zhaoxin processor managed a 3DMark Fire Strike Physics score or 6871, which is just a tad lower than the 7404 achieved by the Intel i5-7400. However, synthetic benchmarks are rarely indicative of real-world performance, and the 8-core Zhoaxin KX-U6780A trails even the weakest Intel and AMD dual-core CPUs in games like Far Cry 5, Civilization VI, Dawn of War III, and even the less demanding World of Tanks. This should be no surprise given the low clock speed and lack of SMT. The KX-U6780A also doesn't excel in web browser benchmarks and application launch times, and the same can be said about encoding performance, which is at least two times slower in Handbrake with both x264 and x265. The only places where the Zhaoxin CPU showed some strength in are 7-zip and Zlib compression and decompression benchmarks. Someone from China did these tests on a KX-U6880, which was able to score 28122 MIPS, while the KX-U6780 tested by Tom's Hardware only managed 19088 MIPS. There is only a 300 Mhz clock speed difference between the two CPUs, which shows that Zhaoxin has a lot of room for improvement if it can get its LuJiaZui architecture beyond 3 Ghz. Above you have a summary of the tests made on the KX-6880 CPU, and although their accuracy should be taken with a grain of salt, it's possible that these are the basis for Zhaoxin's claims that the KX-U6780A can be more or less on par the Intel i5-7400. The author of these tests explained that the power consumption figures for the KX-U6880 varied between 44 W at idle and 105 W under full load, which is decent for a CPU rated for a TDP of 100 W. Zhaoxin's latest CPUs aren't in a position to challenge Intel and AMD, but it's important to note that the company has been quick in narrowing the gap. The next steps on its roadmap involve a transition to 7nm or 5nm by 2021 depending on TSMC's calendar, as well as adding support for things like PCIe 4.0 and DDR5 RAM. The Chinese company is also aiming at the workstation, server, and HPC markets with the KH-40000 series, which will comprise 32-core chips that would could potentially go against AMD's Epyc and Intel's Xeon CPU families. For now, Zhaoxin is mostly working with system integrators like Lenovo, HP, and local rivals like Xinyingjie to build small form factor PCs like the HP 268 Pro G1 MT that run Windows 10 CMIT Government Edition and come with a BYOsoft Chinese Bios. There's a looming threat of expiring x86-64 patents that might create the opportunity for more competition for Intel and AMD. China's 3-5-2 policy is only the start, with the goal of developing technological solutions that are good enough to serve their needs. The next potential step could be taking to the global market. We already know the Chinese government has a penchant for pumping money into domestic companies like Huawei to help them rise against established brands. This could very well happen with Zhaoxin, which is transparent about being backed by the Chinese government. T he Archbishop of Canterbury thanked NHS staff and other British key workers for their efforts in helping to combat the coronavirus outbreak in a remote Easter sermon. The Most Reverend Justin Welby, the head of the Church of England, held the service from his kitchen with all churches closed to combat the spread of Covid-19. He spoke out about inequality in British society, saying in a pre-recorded sermon: "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." "So many people right across the country are anxious about employment, food, are isolated from loved ones and feel that the future looks dark, the Archbishop said. People right across the globe feel the same uncertainty, fear, despair and isolation. But you are not alone. Mr Welby linked the suffering felt by many during the coronavirus outbreak with the suffering that Christians believe Jesus underwent on the cross. The Archbishop added: "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 was broadcast on BBC Radio 4, as well as the Church of England's Facebook page and website. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby / PA The Archbishop's service, which would normally have a congregation of around 1,500, ended with a pre-recorded version of the hymn Thine be the Glory, submitted in advance by BBC listeners. Many churches have moved online since the buildings shut in March. Around 1,000 have been holding regular livestreamed services. Five million people listened to the Archbishop's service on the BBC on Palm Sunday, a week before Easter. People watch the Pope give another remote service last month / AP Catholics around the world have had a similar experience to followers of the Church of England. Pope Francis said Mass in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome - broadcast on TV - instead of the traditional service in front of a packed congregation outside in the square. At the Easter Vigil the previous night the Pope spoke of the importance of hope. He said: Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope. "It is a new and living hope that comes from God. The head of the Catholic church in England, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, reminded listeners of reasons for optimism in his service on Saturday evening. He said: We know that the Holy Spirit continues to hover over our world. In the work of creation, gifts are given of scientific genius, selfless service, enlightened business practice, compassion and generosity in so many hearts. Flat tire Shutterstock Medical workers on the front lines of battling the coronavirus discovered their tires were slashed after leaving a shift at the New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt, New York. According to police, 22 vehicles in the hospital's parking lot were found with gashes. Police have arrested Daniel Hall, 29, as a suspect in the incident. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. After a grueling overnight shift treating COVID-19 patients in the center of the US outbreak, medical workers were preparing to go home only to discover their tires had been slashed while they were working. New York state police received a complaint of "criminal mischief" around 7 a.m. on April 10 from a group of hospital workers at New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt, New York. According to a press release from New York State police, the tires of 22 vehicles in the hospital's parking lot belonging to health workers, including nurses, had been sliced while they were at work. New York-Presbyterian officials expressed disbelief at the slight against hospital workers, who have emerged as heroes putting their lives on the line amid the coronavirus outbreak. New York-Presbyterian also noted that they would pay for the damage done to their employee's cars. "We were shocked to hear of this incident, especially at this time when our employees are working tirelessly and courageously" through the COVID-19 pandemic, the officials said in a statement to the Journal News. The news came after dozens of local police officers and firefighters gathered outside the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Thursday evening to applaud the hospital workers for their life-saving efforts, the Journal News reported. New York has become the center of the US outbreak with over 181,000 infections and 8,000 deaths, according to data collected by John Hopkins. "What our hospital is focusing on today is the beautiful tribute given by our first responders last night," the hospital statement said. Story continues After an investigation, the New York State Police in conjunction with the city of Peekskill Police Department arrested Danie Hall, 29, as a suspect in the incident. Local authorities found PCP, a mind-altering drug, in his possession at the time of his arrest. Hall has been charged with criminal mischief, criminal possession of a controlled substance, auto stripping all of which are felonies. Hall was arraigned before the Westchester County Court and remanded to the Westchester County Jail. The judge set his bail at $1,500. Hall is due at a Peekskill, New York, court on May 18 and at a Cortlandt, New York court on May 21, 2020. It is unclear if Hall has an attorney at this time. Read the original article on Insider Last weekend, my boss called me at home to tell me that Michael Tyson, a patient in custody in the New York City jail system, had died. He was 53 years old. His was the first covid-19-related death of an incarcerated patient under our care. Rikers Island, where I am a geriatrician and palliative-care doctor, already had more than 300 confirmed cases of the virus. We'd been grimly expecting to lose patients to the pandemic. I did not take care of Mr. Tyson directly, but I had been speaking with his hospital doctors and attorneys: We'd hoped to free him before he passed, but he wasn't released before it happened. This makes the circumstances of his death seem like an accident of timing - as though they didn't result from a decision someone had made and then tacitly renewed by refusing to unmake it. And there is truth to that: He was being held on a parole violation, and the parole apparatus often does seem to crank like a rusty, autonomous cruelty machine. Once someone becomes trapped in its gears, it's hard to pull them out or to identify the engineer - the lawyer, the judge, the bureaucrat, the parole board member, the governor - who can intervene. But there are usually multiple people along the way who have kept the cogs grinding. My job is to take care of the oldest and sickest patients on Rikers Island. I see preventing deaths in custody as the core of my work. Sometimes this means trying to stop suicides, overdoses and injuries before they happen; sometimes it means diagnosing and treating serious illnesses. But occasionally people are just dying, because they have an incurable disease or frail bodies too tired to fight. For these patients, while death isn't preventable, death in custody still is. In such cases, we work to pursue "compassionate release." For a patient in pretrial detention - someone still, nominally, presumed innocent - this often just means finding an alternative to jail: home, care at a hospital, admission to a nursing home. When people imagine those stuck behind bars at Rikers, they don't typically picture the people I take care of. My guys are old men, bent and hesitant as they trudge down the hall with their walkers; paraplegic patients dependent on nursing assistants to turn their bodies and change their soiled diapers; young people with advanced cancer, handcuffed as they're taken to the hospital for chemotherapy; patients too demented to know exactly why they've been arrested. According to our census records, nearly 15 percentof the New York City jail population is over the age of 50. I have taken care of many incarcerated people who were over 80, even over 90. The jails are a terrible place to be very sick. This isn't the fault of our medical staff, whose commitment inspires me daily. Individual acts of tenderness abound: a doctor rolling her eyes maternally at a favorite patient bragging about his girlfriend; an officer cajoling a recalcitrant patient to go to his physical therapy appointment; nursing assistants carefully drawing a privacy screen around a bed, murmuring reassurances before dressing someone's wounds. But by their nature, jails are places characterized by violence, indifference and mistrust. The pain or nausea my patients may feel because of disease compounds the discomfort of being locked in a pen or a cell or a dorm, often with dozens of strangers. Their movement is restricted, as is any opportunity to exercise personal agency - to choose your clothes or food, to turn the lights on and off at will, to go outside and feel the sun, to take medicines on your own schedule. This limits my ability to truly alleviate physical discomfort. It's hard to make someone's back pain better when he spends the day lying on a hard cot. It's hard to help someone sleep when he fears what will happen to him when he drifts off. The challenges of treating physical symptoms aren't the hardest part of providing palliative care. The vast majority of my patients are being held in pretrial detention or for parole violations. The average length of jail detention is about 73 days, but I have taken care of patients who have been in pretrial detention for six years. They are trapped in a kind of waiting room, unsure which door will unlock - the one that sends them to the prison system upstate or the one that releases them back to the community. Existential distress is the experience held in common by the jailed and the dying alike. For those who are sick and incarcerated simultaneously, suffering sometimes emanates from their bodies, and there are moments when the least I can offer and the most I can do is bear witness. It can be difficult to tolerate proximity to so much pain. I often leave a patient interview, exit security at the jail's front gate and feel the need to drive immediately off the island. When I took care of dying patients in clinical or home settings during my medical training, I oriented conversations around a dual agenda: I tried to help them understand their diagnoses, and to create meaning and moments of control in their final days. Some patients cared passionately about maintaining small vanities even as their health declined, and we'd talk about getting their nails done or about where to buy a wig. Others wanted to live to see a daughter's graduation, or a grandchild born, and we'd circle those dates on the calendar and think about what would have to happen to get them there. These conversations go quite differently in jail. I'm embarrassed to think of how, when I started this job four years ago, I clumsily used stock phrases to get to know my patients - prompts like, "If your time is short, what is most important to you now?" Did they want to eat their mother's cooking again, relive a favorite vacation, see a child get married before they died? Sure. But they were cut off from those opportunities. My conversations with incarcerated patients now revolve around different objectives: to think about how they might make meaning while stuck in the cage, and to figure out if its door can open before their time is up. The palliative-care physician Ira Byock talks about the "tasks of the dying": to say I love you, I'm sorry, I forgive you, thank you and goodbye to the people you have been close to. My patients can often do this, if it is important to them, by phone or letter or during visiting hours. Once, for a patient in his 80s, I arranged a family meeting between him and his estranged son. I knew this patient as a stoic former Marine who had significant dementia; he was mostly quiet when I visited his bedside in the housing area and, when I asked how he was doing, would gruffly reply, "All OK." The minute he saw his son, he burst into tears. I learned more about him in those 35 minutes than I had over the prior year. Other times, the urgent task for my patients is to tell their story. Several have said that what they fear most is that they will spend their last moments unknown to the people around them, and forgotten by people on the outside. For these patients, my team has sometimes conducted and recorded structured interviews, inviting them to recount the highlights of their lives for posterity. But sometimes the patient is too sick to do any of this. Then the work is up to the rest of us. We can make someone's experience of leaving this world less sorrowful when we do our utmost to honor their dignity, and the complexity of their identity and life experience. To do that, it is imperative to open the cage. The people who hold the keys - politicians, corrections commissioners, district attorneys and judges - must recognize that allowing a person to die in custody is a death sentence delivered regardless of the crime. In anything called a justice system, a death in such circumstances is a failure. There is potential for many detainees and prisoners to die of covid-19. "Social distancing" is impossible in correctional facilities. People sleep on cots four feet apart, share bathrooms, sit in a small common space to watch television and gather for therapy sessions. Every day, staffers move among housing areas and in and out of the jails, potentially exposing dozens to contagion. Despite the health service and the Correction Department's best efforts to identify, test and quarantine potentially infected people, the New York City jail system is set up perfectly for viral spread. People are getting very sick. Mr. Tyson was one of them. I didn't know Mr. Tyson, and can't speculate on what work he didn't get to do as he lay dying in the hospital with a corrections officer outside the door. I do know that decarceration on a mass scale is an urgent public health demand and an outbreak mitigation strategy - and that such population-level concerns should not obscure the individual implications of removing the constraints of unfreedom for each person who is released. No one deserves to die in handcuffs. - - - Bedard is the director of the geriatrics and complex-care service for Correctional Health Services, the city agency that provides health care in the New York City jail system. The UK will receive the 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. Follow live updates on coronavirus 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 to ferry thousands of Britons stranded in India. We have been working very closely with the Indian authorities in London, the Ministry of External Affairs, 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. An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has asked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to submit details of the attachment of the properties of Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was killed in a US drone strike in 2016. The Karachi-based court on Saturday ordered the agency to provide details of Mansour's attached properties he had reportedly purchased in Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar using fake documents before his death. The court also directed the agency to submit a report on the proclamation of the slain Taliban leader's two alleged accomplices, who are absconding in a terror financing and money laundering case filed in July, 2019. The hearing in the case has been adjourned till April 20. Mansour was killed in a US drone strike inside Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on May 21, 2016. He assumed the militant group's leadership in July 2015, replacing Taliban founder and the one-eyed reclusive long-time spiritual head Mullah Mohammad Omar who died in 2013. The FIA had booked Mansour, Akhtar Mohammad and Amaar in a case lodged under section 11H (pertaining to fund raising and money laundering) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and also charged them with sections under the Pakistan Penal Code, including cheating and forgery. The Afghan Taliban leader had allegedly bought five properties on fake identity. According to the final charge-sheet submitted to the administrative judge of the anti-terrorism courts on July 25, 2019, Mansour had purchased the properties in the name of Mohammad Wali and Gul Mohammad. Theproperties include four flats in Karachi and a 441.67-square-yard plot in the financial hub. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-13 04:39:16|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Irish President Michael D. Higgins attends a special commemoration marking the 104th anniversary of the Easter Rising in Dublin, Ireland, on April 12, 2020. The Irish government on Sunday marked the Easter Rising, a failed armed insurrection in 1916, without public gatherings, as COVID-19 cases approached 10,000 in the country. (The Office of the President of Ireland/Handout via Xinhua) DUBLIN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Irish government on Sunday marked the Easter Rising, a failed armed insurrection in 1916, without public gatherings, as COVID-19 cases approached 10,000 in the country. President Michael D. Higgins led a special commemoration marking the 104th anniversary of the Easter Rising at his official residence, according to a statement by the president's office. The commemoration began with Higgins ringing the Peace Bell, followed by a prayer, a wreath-laying ceremony, and a minute's silence. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, along with a few officials, attended a brief ceremony inside the General Post Office (GPO), the headquarters used by rebels during the Easter Rising, reported the Irish national radio and television broadcaster RTE. There was no public involvement in both events because of the anti-virus restrictions imposed by the government, according to RTE. Data from the Department of Health showed that as of Sunday, Ireland has registered a total of 9,655 COVID-19 cases with 334 deaths. The Easter Rising is an armed insurrection launched by the Irish republicans to end the British rule in Ireland. It began on Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, and last for six days. Almost 500 people were killed in the rising. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12 By Nargiz Ismayilova - Trend: The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan SOCAR carried out 150,800 meters of drilling operations and commissioned 76 new wells to stabilize oil and gas production in 2019, Trend reports referring to a report on the activity of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers in 2019. In accordance with the report, the reconstruction and modernization of the Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery and the relevant processing enterprises of Azerikimya Production Union was underway in 2019 in accordance with the schedule. Some 3.2 billion cubic meters of dry gas, 12,000 tons of technical butane and 20,000 tons of gasoline were obtained from 3.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas at a gas processing plant in 2019, the report said. In accordance with the report, the production growth was also achieved in the petrochemical sector, 459,300 tons of raw materials were processed at Azerikimya Production Union, 88,100 tons of propylene, 94,600 tons of polyethylene and 143,500 tons of other valuable petrochemical products were obtained in 2019. ---- Follow the author on Twitter:@IsmailovaNargis The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has reproached a pornographic material that was aired by GHOne, an Accra-based television station belonging to the EIB Group on Thursday, April 9, 2020. According to the GJA, the said pornographic material on a live television programme, was ethically reprehensible, culturally repulsive and morally repugnant. Although it is an adult show, broadcasting images of naked sex on live television with wide coverage across the country is offensive to the sensibilities of viewers and totally unacceptable, a statement from the GJA, signed by its General Secretary Kofi Yeboah, and copied to the Ghana News Agency said. The material, the statement explained was broadcast on the stations late night adult show, Duvet. On the part of the GJA, timing of airing the programme to coincide with the Nation Broadcast by the President to give an update on Ghanas fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, was absolutely wrong. The Association, urged the television station and other media outlets to always uphold the ethics of the profession. In the context of the GHOne case, we wish to particularly draw the attention of media houses to Article 24 of the GJA Code of Ethics, which provides that: A journalist shows good taste, avoids vulgarity and the use of indecent language and images. We further urge media houses to abide by other ethical codes of the profession, including Section 7(e) of the National Media Commission (NMC) Broadcasting Guidelines, which provides that: Actual sexual intercourse between humans should at no time be transmitted. The GJA, according to the statement, had noted the apology rendered by the management of the EIB Group to the NMC and the public, as well as assurance given by management to sanction the erring staff in that regard and a promise to sin no more. These proactive steps taken, it said, demonstrated good faith by management to accept blame and mend the trust and credibility damage the station might have suffered in the eyes of the public as a result of such indiscretion. We hope the measures being taken towards ensuring administrative sanction and production sanctity will be thorough and encompassing in order to curb the recurrence of such ethical breaches in the future, the statement noted. The traditional functions of the media are to inform, educate and entertain, which ultimately help to promote national development. However, the GJA insists in the discharge of those functions, the media must uphold the ethics of the profession and serve the best interest of the public. The GJA stated categorically that the incident on GHOne television, however, distasteful it might be, was by no means a justification for media censorship as advocated by some people. It said apart from being an affront to Article 162(2) of the 1992 Constitution, the contemplation of media censorship was also a deadly virus intended to kill freedom of speech and expression, which is a fundamental human right upheld explicitly in the 1992 Constitution and by the good conscience of humanity. 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 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." 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. Israels Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz has reportedly sought more time to form a government with incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu after a yet another inconclusive election. The 28-day mandate for finalising a coalition government ends of April 14 and the centrist leader has asked President Reuven Rivlin for a 14-day extension. Gantz contested the election on the promise of not forming an alliance with Netanyahu citing the corruption charges that the Israeli Prime Minister has denied. However, another inconclusive election results have forced Gatz to go back on his promise and look for a possible coalition government. However, Netanyahus rival has claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the formation of a national emergency government with Likud party. In a letter to President, published by Blue and White party, Gantz had said that the health and social crisis have brought him to the decision that he will do all he can to establish a government with Likud, even at a heavy political and personal price. Gantz received a mandate from President Rivlin to form a new government after the general election. PM Netanyahus right-wing Likud party won 36 Knesset seats compared to Blue and Whites 33 in the March 2 elections. However, Netanyahu's attempt to cobble up a right-wing bloc again failed. In the 120-seats strong Knesset, any party or coalition needs the support of at least 61 members to claim the government formation. Read: Israel's Netanyahu, Gantz See 'significant Progress' Toward Unity Govt Charges of corruption In November last year, Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit formally charged Netanyahu in a series of corruption cases that deepened the countrys political crisis. Netanyahu became the first sitting prime minister of Israel to face indictment. The charges include offering to amend regulations in policies in exchange favourable news coverage from a media outlet. Read: Israel: Benny Gantz Elected As Parliament Speaker, Signals Coalition With Netanyahu Israel has become vulnerable to the ongoing health crisis with over 10,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 101 deaths, necessitating a stable working government. According to the latest report, nearly 1.8 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide with more than 108,800 deaths. Read: Israel: Benny Gantz Calls For 'unity' To Form Govt, Urges Netanyahu To Join Him Read: Israel PM Netanyahu's Rival Benny Gantz Wins First Chance To Form Government (With agency inputs) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) Soldiers and policemen will now man public markets to strictly enforce social distancing measures, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Sunday. "Gagawa po tayo ng joint social distancing teams consisting of AFP and PNP personnel na ide-deploy sa public markets to enforce social distancing measures," Nograles, spokesperson for The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, said in a virtual presser. [Translation:We will form social distancing teams consisting of AFP and PNP personnel to be deployed in public markets to enforce social distancing measures.] He also said that they will coordinate with local government units to implement this directive. The policy comes after reports circulated that people still flocked to the Balintawak public market in Quezon City despite the implementation of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte then ordered to stop retail selling in the Balintawak market. Wholesale selling and drop-off of products will still continue in the area. The local government will coordinate with affected vendors to sell their products through its "Fresh Market on Wheels" program to different barangays. With roads cleared of traffic because of the coronavirus pandemic, some cities across the country have repurposed streets into car-free zones, giving pedestrians and cyclists extra room to spread out and practice social distancing. Cities including Boston, Minneapolis and Oakland, Calif., have closed streets to through motor traffic. Others are extending sidewalks to make more space for pedestrians looking to stay at least six feet apart. And some municipalities are considering adopting similar measures. Samuel I. Schwartz, a consultant and former New York City traffic commissioner known as Gridlock Sam for his traffic-curbing efforts, supports the idea of car-free zones in the city. There is no more important resource in New York City and in all the dense cities after people than space, he said on Saturday. And cities are now dedicating 30 to 40 percent of their land areas to cars. This could be a welcomed reclamation movement. Dear Amy: My daughter is disabled. She is unable to do much for herself, and needs an aide to help her with everything -- including going to the gym. She loves going, but needs help getting onto/out of the equipment, and cleaning the equipment after use. The aide never uses the equipment; she is there solely to assist my daughter. The gym, however, wants to charge my daughter an extra fee for bringing "a guest." This gym is part of a national chain. Several of their (very young) employees said that they must charge a fee for the aide for "liability reasons." I explained that their policy is discriminatory to persons with disabilities, and therefore illegal. My daughter is using an aide as another disabled person might employ a support animal. Their response was, "Well, her aide is not an animal. If your daughter brings a guest, she must pay for it." I spoke to a manager a few weeks ago, who told me I would get a call from a regional manager. A month has now gone by and now, due to the coronavirus, the gym is closed. I never received a call back. When this crisis passes, however, I must deal with what to me, is discrimination. Should I engage an attorney? -- Furious in Virginia Dear Furious: I don't think you need an attorney -- yet. When the gym reopens, you should go in, work your way past the younger employees, and educate the manager about your daughter's rights. Yes, call the regional manager again, discussing the gym's responsibilities to accommodate her and her aide. You can contact the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (dredf.org) to research this issue. An email address and phone number are listed on the website. I am aware that charging an extra fee for aides has been an issue with some gyms (shame on them). At least one national fitness chain has been pressured by a lawsuit in New York State to drop this "guest" fee, and I assume other national chains have already (or will) follow suit. Dear Amy: My husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last year. This was a second marriage for both of us, so we both had kids from our previous marriages. Our wills were done about 18 months prior to my husband's death. At the recommendation of the attorney, the wills were set up so that if I died first, he got everything, and if he died first, everything was mine. If we died at the same time, our estate would be split between all of our children. One stepchild was kind at first -- even after reading the will, but then after about a month, wanted my husband's vehicle. When I refused to give in to the demands, this stepchild turned on me, sending nasty text messages. I figured it was grief spilling out for the loss of a parent. However, several months later, when I was trying to sort things out and give this stepchild items that were part of their family, again, the response was nasty. This stepchild constantly blew off their father while he was alive, only calling when they wanted or needed something. The rest of my husband's family has grown more and more distant as well. I keep trying to reach out to the family with calls, texts and sending cards for birthdays, Christmas, etc. My kids have told me to leave it alone, but it still nags at me that after all these years, this is what it comes to. Should I be trying to mend fences or leave it alone? -- Hurt Widow Dear Hurt: You are already trying to mend fences, but in the absence of a positive or even receptive response, these fences will remain broken. Over time, you may carve out a renewed friendship with one or more of these family members, but unfortunately some may have actually been waiting for a reason to exit the relationship, and the (legal) disposition of their father's will has handed them the excuse they've been seeking. Dear Amy: "Ignored" was upset not to receive any follow-up after job interviews. Managers talk to each other about what talent they are looking for. A candidate may have talents not suitable for one position, but useful elsewhere in the business. A follow-up "thank you" about what the interviewee got out of the meeting ALWAYS causes a second look at the resume and the interview notes. -- Experienced Dear Experienced: Great advice. (You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.) COPYRIGHT 2020 by AMY DICKINSON. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. Read more advice: Ask Amy: Separated soulmates are eager to connect Dear Annie: Looking to hop off the hamster wheel Dear Abby: Children cut off stepmother with dads power of attorney Thank you, thank you, thank you. More than 2,200 of you have already signed up for voluntary subscriptions to OregonLive to support our newsrooms work. Of course, the news remains free on OregonLive so signing up is a significant gesture of support, and its very gratifying to us that so many of you did. If you havent yet, please subscribe at oregonlive.com/supporter. The Oregonian/OregonLives newsroom has been tested as never before by this coronavirus outbreak. The devastating swiftness with which it has killed Oregonians and shuttered businesses is unprecedented. Our journalists quickly mobilized, dropping existing stories and beats to focus almost exclusively on the effect of the virus on our lives. Weve successfully pressed for more information to be released to the public, weve shifted our desks to our homes, and weve worked under a constant shadow of gloom as newspapers around us respond to the precipitous drop in advertising by laying off staff. Thankfully, we have not had staff reductions. But the drop in local advertising has affected us, just as other businesses have suffered. Thats why your subscription is so meaningful to us. We also appreciated the many readers who emailed with their thanks for our work on this story. From a Brownsville reader: I subscribed because you and your staff have performed in an admirable fashion with this horrid health crisis that has confounded and affected so many of us. Thank you for that. OregonLive is one site I read at least hourly when I am awake, sometimes more often. Another reader said: Thank you for (finally) offering paid subscriptionsnow I dont have to be a freeloader anymore. One reader sent an appeal to all of his friends to subscribe: I want to encourage all of you to acknowledge the value you receive by accessing the websites/pages you see and read every day, and consider investing in a subscription to those you use most frequently, he wrote. Seems to me, for them to remain viable in providing timely information, we should at least support them with a small monthly subscription. A reader who had just lost her job apologized because she could not afford to subscribe right now: I really appreciate the free news reports I am receiving from OregonLive. I also heard from readers about why they were choosing not to subscribe at this time. Several mentioned perceived bias. The reporting is always slanted to the right and most times VERY slanted! one wrote. That was followed almost immediately by this: The Oregonian has become a real piece of liberal trash, albeit a replacement for current toilet paper shortage. Several readers brought up the elimination of reader comments. When OregonLive renews the comments for articles, one wrote, then I will renew my subscription. Restoring reader comments is not under consideration, but there are still many ways to express your views to us, including the ever-popular Letters to the Editor. In addition to our digital subscribers, we also have seen thousands sign up for free text alerts and a free newsletter for coronavirus and COVID-19 updates. This week, we launched a new online page oregonlive.com/teamoregon where we are highlighting good deeds as people pull together to get through this crisis. Theres a lot of hope out there in the darkness. A year ago, in April, The Oregonian/OregonLive took part in a suicide awareness reporting collaboration. We, along with 40 other Oregon newsrooms, published stories in the hopes of bringing Oregons suicide epidemic to light. More than 800 Oregonians die each year by suicide. We called the project Breaking the Silence. Wed intended to repeat the collaboration this month, but the pandemic pushed those plans to later this year. Because there is a lot of anxiety out there right now, I reached out to Dwight Holton, chief executive officer of Lines for Life, to see what his crisis line workers are hearing. The calls and call volumes are not out of the ordinary so far, he reports. But he also emphasized the importance of highlighting the good. I remain convinced that the hopeful stories we are seeing families spending time together, people looking up old friends, neighbors checking in on elderly neighbors has acted as a cushion against a spike in crisis that you might expect to come with this, he said. The message we are carrying is that we are committed to physical distancing and social connection, he said. I tell people our call counselors build hope every day and now everyone should be doing that, with a call to a friend or a Zoom with a family member. Heres hoping. Therese Bottomly is editor and vice president of content for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at tbottomly@oregonian.com or 503-221-8434. Nellore: In a sad incident, a native of Madamanur village in SPSR Nellore district, Dega Dheeraj Reddy, studying at America has suffered a gunshot when he was on his way from Gas Station at Maryland Heights, St Louis, Missouri at 11 am on April 9 On April 9, 2020. According to a close friend of Dheeraj, T Sai Teja of Madamanur village, his injuries are severe and he was admitted in Mercy Hospital, Ballas Rd. The bullet entered his body from the left side of the abdomen and ended up on the right side damaging the intestine and liver. He is currently on ventilator and the condition is critical. He is still to undergo multiple surgeries and the bullet is yet to be removed. On a positive note his heart rate and blood pressure is better and his kin are hoping for recovery. Dheeraj was grown up by his maternal grandparents and uncle after his parents passed away in his childhood. With a lot of hurdles in his life, he started his career as a software Engineer in India for a MNC. It took time for him to stand financially and support himself for his masters education. To fulfill his dream he went to the USA in January 2020 for pursuing Masters at Eastern Illinois University, shares his friend. He was an intelligent guy who got a scholarship in his school for his excellence in an academic career and had the potential in achieving his goal. Unfortunately, with this incident all his dreams are shattered Mr Teja said. The road to recovery for Dheeraj will be long, but he is dedicated to continuing his journey and living a full life, he noted. He said that a childhood friend of Dheeraj, Kishore Chittamuru, who is working in US, has been raising funds for treatment which is costing more than Rs 1.50 Cr through fundraising website gofundme. In an appeal Kishore Chittamuri appealed to people for help to cover the costs of hospital stays, rehabilitation facilities, and 24/7 care for Dheeraj as he transitions into a life that is different, but still his own. As we, his well wishers, are still in the wake of this devastating tragedy, its difficult to imagine what the future holds, but we know that Dheeraj will never cease to be the brilliant, beautiful, hardworking, and vivacious man that he is. We simply need to be able to support him along that journey Mr Teja said. He further said that Dheeraj is stable now but he will undergo one more surgery on Tuesday. Pastors, Christian entertainers host 2-hour Easter Across America Sunday special Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment As most church campuses in the U.S. remain closed due to restrictions meant to contain the spread of the COVID-19 disease, church leaders are hosting a two-hour national video streaming event called Easter Across America, featuring speaker Nick Vujicic and megachurch pastors Max Lucado and Miles McPherson among others. Easter Across America is a faith-filled, hope-bringing, positive message for all Americans, says the Facebook page of the online event, which will be hosted by author and pastor Nona Jones. The speakers of the event, to be livestreamed Sunday at 7 p.m. Eastern time, include Lucado of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas; North Point Community Church Senior Pastor Andy Stanley; Australian motivational speaker Vujicic; Grammy Award-winning musician Jon Foreman; pastor McPherson of Californias Rock Church; and author Bob Goff. Social distancing and shelter-in-place quarantine measures have been in effect for weeks in various parts of the country and many Americans are starting to feel the effects of isolation and an uncertain future, says a statement announcing the event, which is sponsored by the Christian humanitarian organization World Vision and the health care sharing ministry Medi-Share. Its time to place a pause on the pandemic and be reminded of the treasured message of hope and renewal in the Easter story, said Kenny Jahng, co-lead of ChurchCommuncations.com alongside Katie Allred. Were seeing that people are yearning for a sense of unity and shared experiences again." As of Sunday afternoon, there were more than 1.8 million confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 112,241 deaths worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center. In the United States, there were more than 532,200 cases with 21,418 deaths. All speakers, presenters, comedians and musicians are volunteering their time and talent out of a common desire to bring hope, joy, and inspiration to America during the COVID-19 pandemic, say the organizers. Recently, a 10-hour livestream event called Leader Check In was hosted by PULSE and Year of the Bible founder Nick Hall. It was organized in partnership with thousands of churches and organizations worldwide, and every speaker volunteered their time to give a word from God to a hurting world. COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Holds 52nd Meeting Saudi Press Agency Saturday 1441/8/18 - 2020/04/11 Riyadh, April 11, 2020, SPA -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 52nd meeting today. During the meeting, all relevant COVID-19 updates and reports were reviewed. The committee discussed the epidemiological situation globally, as well as the cases reported locally. All precautionary measures carried out at the points of entry into the Kingdom will continue in full and will be further enhanced, the committee stressed. Following the meeting, a press conference was held where Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali reported that the total number of confirmed cases with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world amounted to more than 1,700,000, adding that 382,000 cases recovered so far. He disclosed that the number of deaths from COVID-19 reached 103,000. "As many as 382 new cases of COVID-19 are recorded in the Kingdom. The confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom are 4033, including 3261 diagnosed as active," he said, adding that 35 cases have recovered today, bringing to 720 the total number of recoverees. He stated that the total number of deaths from Coronavirus is 52 after reporting 5 deaths today. He called on whoever has symptoms or would like to check-up, to use the self-assessment service in MAWID application, and inquire or consult the Health Center (937) around the clock. --SPA 20:46 LOCAL TIME 17:46 GMT 0016 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alex Morales (Bloomberg) London Sun, April 12, 2020 23:49 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd16a483 2 World COVID-19,UK,Boris-Johnson,COVID-19-death-toll Free UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised doctors for saving his life during his week-long hospitalization for COVID-19 treatment that has left him too weakened from the virus to resume immediate leadership of the government. Looking pale and gaunt, the premier thanked the National Health Service for the care he had received. In a 5-minute video posted on Twitter on Sunday, he called the health service unbeatable, and lauded the personal courage of the doctors, nurses, cleaners and cooks who work for it. The NHS has saved my life, no question; its hard to find words to express my debt, the premier said, his voice still croaky. He thanked the staff who cared for him, including two nurses who stood by my bedside for 24 hours when things could have gone either way. Johnson wont return to work right away, instead continuing his recovery at his country retreat, Chequers, his office said. In his absence, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputizing, while emphasizing that decisions are being made by the cabinet as a whole. Meanwhile, the government said in a statement that Parliament will resume activity on April 21. House of Commons authorities will consider how to use technology to best allow lawmakers to fulfill essential constitutional functions of conducting scrutiny, authorizing spending and making laws, the government said on Sunday. Despite the developments, the UK is far from returning to normality. After three weeks of lockdown thats brought large swathes of the economy to a standstill, government scientists still arent confident the pandemic has peaked. The death toll surpassed 10,000 on Sunday, making Britain the fifth country to cross that grim threshold. The UK is likely to be certainly one of the worst, if not the worst affected country in Europe, Jeremy Farrar, a member of the scientific panel advising the government on the pandemic, told the BBC on Sunday. Johnson was taken to the hospital last Sunday after failing to shake off the virus-related cough and fever hed been suffering from for 10 days. He was put into intensive care the following day and was given oxygen to help with his breathing. He remained there until Thursday before being transferred back to an ordinary ward, where a day later, his office indicated he could take short walks. The seriousness of Johnsons condition was reflected in social media posts Sunday by his partner Carrie Symonds, and by his own video message. Johnson named many of the staff who cared for him at St. Thomass Hospital in central London, picking out nurses called Jenny from New Zealand and Luis from Portugal in particular. The reason in the end my body did start to get enough oxygen was because for every second of the night, they were watching, and they were thinking, caring and making the interventions I needed, Johnson said. There was also a flash of Johnsons trademark humor when he thanked his doctors men and women, but several of them for some reason called Nick. They had, he said, made crucial decisions a few days ago which I will be grateful for for the rest of my life. The most severe cases of the virus can take weeks to recover from, and Johnsons office gave no indication of when he might be back at work. Johnsons administration has come under increasing criticism from the opposition and by UK media over the time it took to respond to the pandemic, the level of testing for the virus and the amount of vital protective equipment reaching hospital and care home staff. The announcement of Parliaments resumption follows calls from new Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer and other opposition parties for a recall to allow members of Parliament to hold the government to account as it tackles its greatest peacetime crisis in modern history. Attention has focused on getting vital protective aprons, gloves and face masks to hospital workers and nursing home staff. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been criticized for suggesting the workers might be wasting the equipment, and Home Secretary Priti Patel was pilloried on social media on Saturday for issuing an apology that to some smacked of a non-apology. Nurses shouldnt be placed in that position of lacking safety equipment, Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sky. Im incredibly sorry that people feel they have not been able to get this equipment, he told the BBC. Sharmas department is under pressure to ensure businesses are able to easily access the package of loans, grants and tax breaks announced last month by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to try to limit the economic fallout from the pandemic. On Sunday, Sharma told Sky that 4,200 small- and medium-sized businesses had secured government-backed loans totaling 800 million pounds ($1 billion) to cope with the interruption resulting from the outbreak. That number was dismissed as low on the same program by former Bank of England Governor Mervyn King. I am worried about it because the economy will recover quickly only if we can keep the businesses that existed at the start of it functioning, he said. Companies have complained about the program announced last month, saying banks were diverting them to commercial products and requesting personal guarantees to secure the lending. Its very important in a crisis like this that Parliament is sitting so that decisions can be properly scrutinized, so that the concerns of constituents can be put to relevant ministers, Starmer told Sky News on Sunday. A path out of the national lockdown is deemed key to helping businesses survive the pandemic. An initial three-week lockdown that was due to end on Monday was extended on Thursday by Raab, although no end date has been given. The government needs to set out its exit strategy because it needs to plan for those 12 months that are likely to pass before a vaccine is developed, Starmer told Sky. It needs to do that planning now and it needs to be open about it. 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... An Assistant Sub Inspector's hand was chopped off and two other police officials were injured when a group of people allegedly attacked them in Punjab's Patiala district on Sunday, police said. A group of four-five 'Nihangs' (Sikhs armed with traditional weapons and dressed in loose blue top) were travelling in a vehicle and they were asked to stop at a vegetable market by the Mandi board officials at around 6.15 am, they said. "They were asked to show (curfew) passes. But they banged the vehicle against the gate and barricades put up there," Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala, Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. The group then attacked the police personnel on duty, he said. "An ASI's (Assistant Sub Inspector) hand was chopped off by a sword. A Station House Officer of Sadar Patiala and another official suffered injuries on arms in the attack," Sidhu said. The ASI, identified as Harjeet Singh, was rushed to the Rajindra hospital, where from he was referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh. The Nihangs fled the scene after the attack, the SSP said. Police said they later took shelter at a gurdwara managed by them in Balbera village of the district. Several teams of police led by Sidhu have been deputed to take the Nihangis out of the premises, they said, adding movement of people around the gurdwara has been stopped. Punjab Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta described this incident as unfortunate and said the Nihangs would be arrested soon. "In an unfortunate incident today morning, a group of Nihangs injured a few Police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh," Gupta tweeted. "I have spoken to Director PGI who has deputed top Plastic surgeons of PGI for surgery, which just started. The Nihang group will be arrested and further action taken soon," he said. In another tweet, Gputa said, "Grateful to PGI for full support. Director PGI tells me that surgery has already started by 2 senior surgeons who will do their best. All of us praying to Waheguru for his full recovery!" The incident took place when restrictions are in place in the state because of the coronavirus outbreak. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) I am very grateful to him, Szo said, adding she was very grateful the Rev. Wozniak figured out a way to carry on the tradition. The sisters were afraid this would be the first time in their lives they would be unable to have their Easter meal blessed due to the coronavirus. Palm Sunday was the first in their lives they were unable to bring home blessed palms. Farmers examine a rice field damaged by drought in Tan Tru district, the Mekong Delta province of Long An (Photo: VNA) An aid package of 530 billion VND (over 22.7 million USD) has been approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to help eight provinces in the Mekong Delta deal with drought, water scarcity and saltwater intrusion, which have been taking a heavy toll on the agricultural production hub of Vietnam. Accordingly, Ben Tre, Long An, Tien Giang, Ca Mau and Kien Giang will be provided with 70 billion VND each, while Soc Trang, Tra Vinh and Bac Lieu 60 billion VND each. The support is meant to help them carry out urgent solutions to prevent and cope with drought, water scarcity and saltwater intrusion like pumping water, dredging canals, building temporary embankments to retain freshwater, digging ponds and wells to contain freshwater, extending the water supply network, purchasing equipment for water filtration and storage, and delivering water to areas facing water shortages./. A series of tornadoes ripped through multiple states on Easter Sunday with severe storms expected throughout much of the southern US, according to reports, potentially causing destruction as the nation battles the global coronavirus pandemic. In Texas, the National Weather Service confirmed at least one tornado nearly 50 miles east of Austin, as another more dangerous tornado moved towards the town of Monroe, Louisiana at 45 mph. The weather service said the greatest risk for strong storms ran from northeast Louisiana and southeast Arkansas, across wide swathes of Mississippi and Alabama and into western Georgia. "This could be a very difficult day weather-wise, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves told residents in a live Facebook presentation. "Please be weather aware, he added. Pay attention. I know that these storms that are coming through can be dangerous. We can see significant winds. We can also see significant tornadoes coming through Mississippi today." Recommended Extreme weather season could be made worse by abnormal sea temperature At midday, the weather service in Birmingham said radar showed strong storms moving into Alabama from Mississippi. The weather service said a broader area, from east Texas to the East Coast was under at least a "marginal" risk of storms. The severe weather potentially impacting as many as 95 million Americans nationwide comes as the US death toll for the coronavirus pandemic surpasses more than 20,000. Much of the country was meanwhile living under some form of stay-at-home orders, with southern states like Florida having recently announced shutdowns of restaurants and businesses in an effort to slow the rate of transmissions and keep local hospital systems within capacity. Severe storms also brought recent tornadoes to Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, as local officials reported dozens of injured residents. The storms also destroyed multiple farm buildings and damaged at least two houses near Sherrill, Iowa and Potosi, Wisconsin. There were no injuries reported, but some livestock were killed when barns were knocked down at one farm. In northern Illinois, a tornado that touched down in rural Ogle County near the town of Oregon was on the ground for roughly 10 minutes, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Gino Izzi. No injuries were reported. High winds and a possible tornado damaged homes in the southwestern Indiana town of Newburgh. One person was hospitalised for minor injuries, according to Warrick County Sheriff Mike Wilder. Additional reporting by AP Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) - The COVID-19 crisis has forced the cancellation of a number of events, but one couple decided it should not stop them from beginning a life together. In a social media post on Sunday, the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center shared the story of one their hospital staff who decided to push through with her wedding, despite the COVID-19 crisis. The hospital explained that she was set to get married in a ceremony in Cebu, but opted to have it in Bacolod city instead, due to the enhanced community quarantine. The couple tied the knot in the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center on Wednesday, practicing all precautionary measures and safety protocols mandated by health authorities. "Truly, a testament that love, bound in God's glory, has endless possibilities," the hospital said on social media. The hospital added that the face masks were only removed so the couple could kiss to seal their vows. The logo of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) sits outside its headquarters in Vienna By Katya Golubkova, Rania El Gamal and Ahmad Ghaddar BAKU/DUBAI/LONDON (Reuters) - OPEC and allies led by Russia agreed on Sunday to a record cut in output to prop up oil prices amid the coronavirus pandemic in an unprecedented deal with fellow oil nations, including the United States, that could curb global oil supply by 20%. Measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus have destroyed demand for fuel and driven down oil prices, straining budgets of oil producers and hammering the U.S. shale industry, which is more vulnerable to low prices due to its higher costs. The group, known as OPEC+, said it had agreed to reduce output by 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) for May and June, after four days of talks and following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to arrest the price decline. OPEC+ sources said they expected total global oil cuts to amount to more than 20 million bpd, or 20 percent of global supply, effective May 1. OPEC had the same figure in its draft statement but removed it from the final version. The biggest oil cut ever is more than four times deeper than the previous record cut in 2008. Producers will slowly relax curbs after June, although reductions in production will stay in place until April 2022. In a statement from the White House, Trump welcomed the commitment by Saudi Arabia and Russia "to return oil production to levels consistent with global energy and financial market stability." Earlier on Twitter, Trump wrote: "The big Oil Deal with OPEC+ is done. This will save hundreds of thousands of energy jobs in the United States." Thanking Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman for pushing the deal through, Trump added: "I just spoke to them... Great deal for all," Oil demand has dropped by around a third because of the coronavirus pandemic. Oil prices jumped more than $1 a barrel in Monday trading after the agreement, but gains were capped amid concern that it would not be enough to head off oversupply with the coronavirus pandemic hammering demand. Total global cuts will include contributions from non-members, steeper voluntary cuts by some OPEC+ members and strategic stocks purchases by the world's largest consumers. Story continues Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told Reuters that real effective cuts by OPEC+ would total 12.5 million bpd because Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait would cut supplies steeper given higher output in April. Three OPEC+ sources said non-members Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Norway and the United States would contribute 4 million to 5 million bpd. Three OPEC+ sources said the International Energy Agency (IEA), the energy watchdog for the world's most industrialised nations, would announce purchases into stocks by its members to the tune of 3 million bpd in the next couple of months. The IEA said it would provide an update on Wednesday when it releases its monthly report. The United States, India, Japan and South Korea have said they could buy oil to replenish reserves. SEVERE DISTRESS Trump had threatened OPEC leader Saudi Arabia with oil tariffs and other measures if it did not fix the market's oversupply problem as low prices have put the U.S. oil industry, the world's largest, in severe distress. Canada and Norway had signalled a willingness to cut and the United States, where legislation makes it hard to act in tandem with cartels such as OPEC, said its output would fall steeply by itself this year because of low prices. The Canadian government said in a statement it welcomed the OPEC+ deal, saying it was committed to achieving price certainty and economic stability. The deal had been delayed since Thursday, however, after Mexico, worried about derailing its plans to revive heavily indebted state oil company Pemex, balked at the production cuts it was asked to make. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday that Trump had offered to make extra U.S. cuts on his behalf, an unusual offer by the U.S. leader, who has long railed against OPEC. Trump said Washington would help Mexico by picking up "some of the slack" and being reimbursed later. He did not say how that would work. A previous agreement by OPEC+ to cut production this year fell apart because of a dispute between Russia and Saudi Arabia, triggering a price war that brought a flood of supply just as demand for fuel was crushed by the coronavirus pandemic. Global oil demand is estimated to have fallen by around 30 million bpd as more than 3 billion people are locked down in their homes due to the outbreak. Banks Goldman Sachs and UBS predicted last week that Brent prices would fall back to $20 per barrel as cuts would not be enough to help offset severe demand destruction because of the restrictions to curb the coronavirus outbreak. <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ANALYSIS-Mexican president's nationalist oil vision fuels standoff with Saudis ) TIMELINE-OPEC's oil output changes since the 1990s FACTBOX-Even big OPEC+ cuts won't offset oil demand collapse - analysts Crude oil prices vs U.S. crude oil stocks https://reut.rs/34qOqEO OPEC+ 10 million bpd cut distribution for May-June https://reut.rs/2VjJGwB OPEC+ 8 million bpd cut distribution for July-December https://reut.rs/39S16py OPEC+ 6 million bpd cut distribution for January 2021-April 2022 https://reut.rs/2JVK92Q ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Reuters OPEC Team, Alex Lawler in London, Lamine Chikhi in Algiers; Nailia Bagirova in Baku, Katya Golubkova in Moscow and Tamara Vaal in Nur-Sultan; Additional reporting by Stephanie Kelly in New York; Florence Tan in Singapore and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Writing by Andrey Ostroukh and Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Alex Richardson, Tom Brown and Peter Cooney) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-13 00:41:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENTIANE, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team had paid a special visit to all the COVID-19 patients in the Lao capital Vientiane before returning to China on Sunday. Lao Health Minister Bounkong Sihavong and Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong went to the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane on Sunday to pay farewell to the returning Chinese experts. Before going back to China, the Chinese medical experts visited the Mittaphab Hospital (Hospital 150) on Saturday, where all the 19 confirmed COVID-19 patients in Vientiane were treated. The Chinese experts entered the wards to visit and encourage every patient there. Also on Satuday, the Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team inspected the procedure optimization in pre-examination and triage, fever clinic, laboratory, radiology, and intensive care unit in Mittaphab Hospital. Somdy Douangdy, Lao deputy prime minister and chair of the Task Force Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, joined the Chinese experts for a meeting of the Lao epidemic prevention and control committee at the Lao Ministry of Health. At the meeting, the Chinese team suggested that the Lao side improve medical preventive and protective materials' management, carry out quality monitoring for the donated supplies, as well as continue to reserve a certain amount of necessary protective equipment such as medical masks and protective clothing. The expert team also went to the Lao National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology on Saturday to exchange views with the Lao laboratory technicians. They went to Wattay International Airport to check the implementation of prevention and control measures. The Lao Health Ministry said at its daily press conference that the country has detected 19 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Sunday afternoon. Staff at Port of Cork have completed a full schedule of deliveries this week as part of ongoing efforts to keep supply chains moving across Munster. Cork Harbour has seen the continued delivery of food, crude oil and other essential commodities during the Covid-19 crisis. The cornavirus toll increased to seven with the death of a 52-year old man while the total positive cases to 420 in Andhra Pradesh, the state government said on Sunday. As many as 15 new cases were added since Saturday night, according to the latest government bulletin. One more patient has recovered, it said adding total number of people cured in the state has risen to 12. The 52-year-old man died of coronavirus in Dachepalli of Guntur district after midnight on April 10. He was primarily a tuberculosis patient and had tested positive for COVID-19, the bulletin added. A 65-year-old man in Vijayawada, who underwent treatment in the government hospital upon his return from Mecca on March 27, has recovered and was discharged on Sunday. The total active cases in the state now stood at 401, according to the bulletin. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MUKONO As policymakers around the globe struggle to combat the rapidly escalating COVID-19 pandemic, they find themselves in immense distress. Much has been written about the policies used in countries such as China, South Korea, Singapore, Japan and Taiwan to stifle the pandemic. Unfortunately, throughout much of Europe and the United States, it is already too late to contain this contagion in its infancy. This pandemic has successfully managed to bring down all major powers on their knees. Economies are crumbling, health care systems are failing and all social events have either been cancelled or postponed. This time round, whether rich or poor, each country has had a taste of this infectious virus. This hasnt spared our motherland, Uganda either. So far the government has managed this crisis well but much more is needed if only this battle is to be won. The precedented systematic and proactive risk management, based on collaboration between government officials and health experts, has proven to be effective in containing the virus. There are numerous lessons that the government must adopt from this crisis which should direct how the health care system must be run. This pandemic has shown that the government needs to invest more in health than other sectors that take huge portions of the national budget. This government spends less on health with most of the funding coming from donors such as The US Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, USAID, Global Fund, United Kingdom, European Union and others. Uganda currently allocates just 8.9% of its budget to health. This is far below the 15% commitment President Museveni agreed to under the 2001 Abuja declaration. Although the government spends less on the sector, it needs to properly account for every penny that is invested. Serious mismanagement and corruption in the system, however, threaten any advances on health of all Ugandans. In March of 2016, Global Fund audit highlighted serious deficiencies in Ugandas health sector, such as the governments failure to properly use and account for the money allocated to fight against three of the nations biggest health threats; HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The shortages of vital life-saving medicines and the lapses in government oversight, put thousands of Ugandan lives at unnecessary risk from preventable and treatable diseases. Authorities must take responsibility, eliminate corruption and adopt financial transparency with health funding. Covid-19 has shown that the government has to pool resources to fund health research in universities, pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies with an aim of improving the health among citizens. Currently, there are 6 public and 6 private medical schools in the country. The government must take the responsibility of providing funds for health research in these universities to help out with ground breaking innovations that might be beneficial. Although there is some funding when it comes to research at Uganda virus institute, some pharmaceuticals and public universities but nothing is given to private institutions. Government must have a comprehensive plan when it comes to health care system. This ranges from setting up a national health insurance for all citizens to setting up modern hospitals with facilities and necessary human capital needed to run them through out the country. One of the critical tools in controlling a major epidemic is having specific, reliable, accurate and fast detection methods to screen infected and non-infected people. This is to ensue that citizens get the best treatment that they need. This also reduces government expenditure on airlifting officials to foreign hospitals in search for better healthcare solutions. This money can be diverted to other needy sectors of the country. Lastly, the government must learn to keep the health care staff motivated. This comes down to remuneration and provision of basic allowances and facilitations to ensure that they work efficiently and effectively. Meagre salaries in the health care system have facilitated the massive exodus of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to foreign countries in search for greener pastures. This has negatively affected our health care system where by the doctor to patient ratio stands at 1:26,000. In times of the crises like the covid-19 outbreak, the system becomes overwhelmed and most of the times collapses if nothing is done to arrest the situation. As we head into what is to be a stressful and overwhelming period, uncertainty remains about the long-term outlook. If policymakers want to win the war against this crisis, it is essential to adopt a response that is systemic, prioritizes learning, and is able to quickly scale successful experiments. Yes, this a toll order especially in the midst of such an enormous crisis but given the stakes, it has to be done. The healthy lives that all Ugandans deserve ultimately depend on a far greater commitment by the government to ensure that future becomes a reality. ============================================ The writer is a student of Dental Surgery Uganda Christian University. Related The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) on Sunday, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assured that the legal community will fully co-operate and play an active role in steps to contain the spread of coronavirus. In the letter to the Prime Minister, the BCD urged him to assure the nation that the legal community will fully co-operate and play an active role to take all steps to curtail the spread of coronavirus and to eliminate it totally. BCD Chairman KC Mittal stressed that as a responsible citizen, it is everyone's duty to adhere to the instructions to maintain social distance, use masks and wash hands regularly. "During the lockdown, no one should be allowed to hold congregation, party and any assembly, nor any corona suspect should be allowed to hide, go missing or be a carrier to spread. It is a cause for each one of us to follow, irrespective of caste, colour or religion in the interest to save lives. We also hope that arrangements for necessary equipment, facilities and services would be put in place," Mittal said in the letter. The BCD also lauded doctors, nurses, other paramedics for working 24X7 and risking their lives. Mentioning that the country is passing through an unprecedented crisis because of the spread of COVID-19, the BCD said: "The legal community in Delhi/NCR is alive to the situation and has been fully observing total lockdown, despite innumerable difficulties being faced. The increase of positive cases and consequent deaths has been painful, but it is also true that if lockdown wouldn't have been imposed, it would have spread unimaginably and caused many deaths as is happening in other developed countries." India is under 21-day lockdown since the midnight of March 24, the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to prevent COVID-19 spread, which has infected over 8,300 people in the country so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 53-year-old North Syracuse man was arrested Friday night and accused of driving the wrong way on Interstate 90 while drunk, according to New York State Police. James T. Diffenderfer was charged with driving while intoxicated, second-degree reckless endangerment and reckless driving, police said. At about 10 p.m., officers saw a man later identified as Diffenderfer driving westbound in the eastbound lanes on the New York State Thruway, just east of the Weedsport toll plaza, police said. Troopers tried to catch up to and stop the vehicle, according to police. As troopers chased the vehicle driven by Diffenderfer, other drivers had to take evasive actions to avoid hitting his vehicle, police said. The troopers later found the vehicle Diffenderfer had been driving on the shoulder of the thruway with its lights off and arrested him, police said. Diffenderfer was taken to state police barracks in Syracuse and then transported to the Cayuga County Correctional Facility while he awaited arraignment, according to police. 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. Washington A Trump administration request for quick approval of $250 billion in additional loans to help distressed small businesses weather the coronavirus crisis stalled Thursday in the Senate after Republicans and Democrats clashed over what should be included in the latest round of government relief. The dispute was a prelude to what is likely to be a far more complicated and consequential set of negotiations over a larger infusion of federal aid that lawmakers expect to consider in the coming weeks on the heels of the $2 trillion stimulus law enacted late last month. The White House had asked lawmakers to move in the interim to inject more money into a new loan program intended to keep small businesses afloat and allow them to avoid laying off workers as the pandemic continues to batter the economy. But Democrats argued that as long as Congress was providing additional aid, it should include more money that was urgently needed for hospitals, states and cities confronting the coronavirus, as well as additional food assistance for Americans coping with its economic toll. Republicans balked at that effort, saying the time for negotiating such additions was later. "My colleagues must not treat working Americans as political hostages," said Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the majority leader. With the Senate not scheduled to return until April 20, he added, lawmakers should have "focused discussions on urgent subjects without turning every conversation into a conversation about everything." During a choreographed exchange on the Senate floor, McConnell tried to push through the $250 billion in funding for small-business loans during a procedural session, a maneuver that would have required the support of all senators. Democrats objected as promised and proposed doubling that request by adding $100 billion for hospitals and $150 billion for state and local governments, as well as placing conditions on the small-business funds and adding oversight requirements for the administration's coronavirus response. "Yes, we know we need more money for this program," Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said on the Senate floor. "But for goodness sake, let's take the opportunity to make some bipartisan fixes to allow this program to work better for the very people it's designed to help." When Van Hollen countered with the Democrats' proposal, McConnell blocked it, ensuring that the Senate could not move forward on the issue until another procedural session scheduled for Monday. Democrats said they had been blindsided by McConnell's announcement last week that he would quickly move to approve the administration's request for additional money for the small-business program, and charged that he was merely looking to score political points by trying to do so without making any effort to reach an agreement with them. "There was no effort made to follow the process that we could to get this done, so it won't get done," said Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, D-Md., one of the architects of the small-business loan program. He called McConnell's move a "political stunt." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had called her on Tuesday and "asked for a quarter of a trillion dollars in 48 hours with no data." Although she acknowledged that the offer formed "the basis for some negotiation," she reiterated that without the additional aid Democrats were seeking, it could not pass the House. "I don't have any intention of spending any one second on Sunday trying to convince anybody that it is necessary to address the needs of everybody in our society," Pelosi said. "If they don't share that value, they're not going to get it on Sunday." McConnell, leaving the Senate floor on Thursday, said that lawmakers would have "a continuous discussion" as to how to move forward. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Republicans and administration officials have said that the soaring demand for the small-business loan initiative, called the Paycheck Protection Program, warrants a stand-alone bill, while other demands should wait for negotiations on the broader package that lawmakers have begun referring to as "Phase 4" of their coronavirus aid efforts. With most of the funds from the $2 trillion economic stimulus plan just beginning to trickle out to agencies and taxpayers, they argued that it was premature to allocate billions more dollars this week. The stimulus package enacted last month created the Paycheck Protection Program and provided $350 billion for it. Its rollout has been plagued with problems, even as it has been inundated with requests from companies desperate to avoid collapse. In addition to providing more money, the Democratic proposal would have placed new conditions and disclosure requirements on the administration, according to a summary released on Thursday. There were additional guidelines to streamline the lending process through the Paycheck Protection Program, and to expand its eligibility to include farms. Some of the new small-business loan funds would also be reserved for small, community-based lenders, disaster grants or loans. Those included $50 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which has typically been used to help companies after natural disasters. The program has run low on funding, and applicants are unclear what aid, if any, they will receive. "There is a disparity in access to capital in our country," Pelosi said. "We do not want this tragedy of coronavirus to exacerbate that disparity." The Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency would have had to report to Congress monthly on the administration's coronavirus testing strategy, as well as the allocation of testing and supplies. And the administration would have had to submit a separate report by May 15 on the demographics of patients who had contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and its strategies for reducing health disparities related to it. That proposal came about after data emerged suggesting that the disease was infecting and killing black people in the United States at disproportionately high rates. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 20:00:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A volunteer group helps the day laborers who lost their jobs during COVID-19 curfew in Syria by distributing food and detergents. With the help of locals, the team, called Ammerha, or Build It, aids the most affected families in Damascus. Residents of Whitesand community, a suburb of Lagos, were shocked to the marrow as they woke up to discover a middle age man had died inside a container during a s.e.x romp with his concubine. The deceased, identified just as Akin, aka AK, a father of four, was found dead inside the container, while the lady was gasping for breath. Sympathisers were said to have invited policemen from Orile Police Station to the scene before the lady was rushed to a private hospital, where she is recuperating. The lady, whose identity was yet to the ascertained, was said to be pregnant for her husband, who is known to the deceased. The incident occurred at the early hours of Thursday. Said to be a successful young man in his early 30s, the deceased, as gathered, was an agent with Betnaija Lotto, having two staking centres located at 24, Adunni Plaza, Plot 1, Badia Industrial Scheme, Ijora. His wife, who did not know what had happened, was said to have rained curses on him when called that the man was sick. The wife was quoted to have claimed that her late husband had abandoned her with the children for three weeks without sending them money to feed with. AK, as he is fondly called, was said to own a three-bedroom flat in Sango area of Ogun State, where he resides with his family before his untimely death. Said to be a merchant in orange business at Orile Iganmu fruit market, Akin was described as a jolly good fellow, a tomboy and lover of the green bottle. After the necessary documents, it was learnt that his corpse was released to family members and buried in his Sango-Ota residence. The Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress in the area, who identified himself as Mr. Orebintin, said the incident was uncovered when the sales boy at the centre resumed for work and found that the container was locked from inside. He said all efforts to force the door of the container open proved abortive, until a cardboard attached to the roof was dismantled. The OPC coordinator also informed that the love birds had set on a generating set outside the container, suggesting that they were suffocated by the fume of the generator. Orebintin said: We are still in shock of how it happened because this is not the first time they have been sleeping inside the container. It was the sales boys who drew our attention to it when he wanted to open the container for the days sales that the door was locked inside. We assisted him by forcing the cardboard attached to the roof of the container because it was locked inside. On entering through the roof, we found the guy stone dead, while the lady was breathing profusely. We had to call the police from Orile Division before the lady was rushed to a private hospital for treatment. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Trying times test people, their relationships and their organizations. In a town where it has not always been easy to be a public school teacher, I can say I have always at least felt good about the service educators provide to the community. I have never been more proud of District 861 and the excellent job it is doing than in the past four weeks of societal shift. Without exception, everyones job detail completely changed, yet none of the services a public school renders paused in Winona. Leadership matters, but never more so than when seas are rough and the compass is spinning. WAPS leaders have risen to the task of moving us temporarily to online learning. Meals continue to be delivered. Devices have been provided. School social workers, psychologists and counselors are continually reaching out to our families most in need whether it is wifi issues or mental health or both simultaneously. It is my fellow teachers of whom I am most proud. As a parent of three young adults, I have been reminded of the quality of our staff year after year. This transition to virtual learning has been hard. The extra effort teachers are making to reach out to all our families is heartwarming. Classroom teachers are keeping community learning alive. Special education teachers are getting creative to meet the needs of their students. Specialists are challenging students in new ways. Paraprofessionals provide essential childcare. Interventionists are delivering specialized lessons. We are trying to remove the barrier of isolation, enable parents as co-educators and become more adept at distance learning. Nobody signed up for this, its not perfect, but the challenge is being met. I can only speak from my own experience. Its hard not seeing the kids. Contacting families is not always easy. Learning new platforms, using video tools and Zooming while your Wi-Fi bandwidth weakens is frustrating. Yet every day I hear from positive and resilient teachers. I wish everyone as safe and healthy a weekend as possible. I hope our community shares my pride in being a Winhawk. Matthew Schultz, Winona Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Desperate times call for desperate measures is the expression of the moment when it comes to summing up how countries are addressing the coronavirus crunch. Germany is no exception. As The Spectator writes, even before the pandemic, the country's economy was heading towards a mild recession, according to plenty of projections. But once the virus spread across the Hubei province, Germanys manufacturers started to get hit in a painful spot: their supply chains. The early supply shock stemming from reduced production capacity in China again exposed Germanys dependency on its trade relations with the economic giant in the east. For years now, Germany has been leaning on China for cheap supply and as a market for its exports. Following the 2008 financial crisis, when most of Europe was suffering, Germany kept itself rather unscathed thanks to a strong export-orientated economy and partly thanks to China. Germany was not concerned about any geo-economic advances Beijing was making. It cared little about the 16+1 forum with Central and Eastern European countries launched in 2012 or the Belt and Road Initiative unveiled in 2013, and the Made in China 2025 strategy intended to establish Chinese dominance in emerging technologies. However, when Chinas Midea Group took over German company Kuka a rising star among robotics manufacturers in 2016, Angela Merkels government was caught off guard. Only a few months after Kuka fell in the hands of a Chinese company, the chip maker Aixtron avoided the same fate only because Germanys economics ministry withdrew its initial approval of the takeover. These two events forced the German government to update its foreign investment regulations, with a particular focus on China. But the coronavirus economic shock has once again changed the dynamic. Government officials in Berlin are again discussing how they can protect the countrys industrial crown jewels from hostile takeovers, given that most of them are undervalued on the stock market. This makes such firms potentially exposed to outside investors if enough nervous shareholders intend to jump ship. Naturally, China and its companies are considered interested buyers. After a year in which investments from China in the EUs 28 member states dropped by about one third, the trend can quickly change when Beijing sees enough advantages in buying into new companies, particularly if China, where coronavirus restrictions are finally being lifted, is the first to recover from the economic shock caused by the disease. Publicly Berlin has positioned itself against Xi Jinpings mask diplomacy since the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, condemning attempts to exploit the crisis politically or economically. But behind closed doors, senior officials acknowledge that the domestic economy needs China just like it did in the aftermath of 2008, or possibly even more. Germany has the highest export ratio among the G20 about 47 per cent of its GDP. A demand shock of global proportion puts a lot of manufacturers in a tough spot. As China is recovering from the pandemic faster than the rest of the world, Germany might end up tying itself closer to the economic giant than before the crisis. Germanys big carmakers, Volkswagen, Daimler, and BMW, which make roughly one-third of their profits in China, could spearhead a future push towards the east. In 2019, the export of German cars to China increased, despite the number of new registrations in China declining by about ten per cent. Herbert Diess, chairman of Volkswagen, was the first high-level business leader that publicly expressed what many in his and other industries think: we need China and its market to get out of this crisis. Volkswagen and BMW have remained optimistic in their outlook, promising shareholders to pay substantial dividends despite the current turmoil. Such optimism stems from confidence in China and trust in Merkel. After supporting Europes pushback against Beijing that culminated in the EU declaring China a systemic rival a year ago, the German chancellor was starting to press the breaks on any additional efforts to confront China throughout the past twelve months. Well before the crisis, the chancellery was already worried that further pushback could mean Germany has to pay an economic price. Berlin has been increasingly unhappy with its European partners because it feels that it has to carry Brussels on its shoulders. The current debate about coronabonds, which entail eurozone countries collectively guaranteeing debt in the form of bonds, might push Germany further away from its long-time partners on the continent. Instead, these desperate times could make Merkel forge a new alliance with Xi, accepting that Germany cannot survive without the Chinese market and financial firepower, but also knowing that Beijing will not be shy to exploit such a dependency to further its geoeconomic goals. For its future prosperity, Germany may be forced to look east. The Supreme Court has indefinitely postponed oral arguments in more than two dozen cases that were set for March and April because of the coronavirus outbreak. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) The Supreme Court had planned to spend these weeks deciding whether President Trump has absolute immunity from congressional and grand jury subpoenas seeking his tax returns and other financial records. The justices were also set to rule on the inner workings of the nation's little-understood presidential election system and decide whether a states electors may ignore the wishes of the majority of their states voters. These were among the more than two dozen cases from March and April whose oral arguments have been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic has upended the courts schedule and its tradition of hearing public arguments through the end of April and issuing rulings on all those cases by the end of June. It could result in putting off this spring's cases until the fall. For the Trump administration and its lawyers, that would be good news. While federal judges and U.S. appeals courts in New York and Washington all rejected his immunity claims, the Supreme Court in November put those rulings on hold, pending a final ruling from the justices. If the trio of Trump tax cases are put off until the fall, the ruling will not come until after the president faces reelection in November. But in a statement last week, the justices were juggling a variety of options. It said the court will consider rescheduling some cases from the March and April sessions before the end of the term, if circumstances permit in light of public health and safety guidance at that time. The court will consider a range of scheduling options and other alternatives if arguments cannot be held in the courtroom before the end of the term. Advocates of greater openness said the court should hold its public sessions via a remote hookup and allow the sessions to be televised. The group Fix the Court said a poll of more than 1,000 Americans found overwhelming support for that idea. The American public expects Supreme Court justices to use modern technology to continue doing their jobs, and that includes hearing arguments, said Gabe Roth, the groups executive director. Story continues However, the justices could opt for no public arguments at all. They are used to deciding legal questions based on the written briefs alone, and they do it frequently when facing a claimed emergency. This month offered a pointed example. On Saturday, lawyers for the Republican National Committee filed a 20-page emergency appeal asking the court to block part of a judges order that told Wisconsin election officials they should count absentee ballots that arrive by April 13. Thousands of Wisconsin voters would not receive their requested ballots until after election day, which was Tuesday. The state election officials did not object, but the RNC did. Its lawyers said the extra time could lead to fraud. At the courts request, the Democratic National Committee responded with a 20-page brief in response on Sunday. On Monday evening, after the Wisconsin high court sided with the states Republican Legislature and overruled the states Democratic governor, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 ruling that gave the RNC what it asked for. Still, the justices have maintained their practice of holding oral arguments and issuing written opinions for the cases where they granted review. Usually, they have agreed to decide these cases because the law was not clear, and lower court judges were divided. Unlike with the emergency orders, the justices take up the cases for review intending to set a precedent in that area of the law. For that reason, many lawyers who closely follow the court think the justices are more likely to reschedule the March and April cases to be argued later either in May, June or in the fall. "My thought is that the court will not schedule in-person argument unless and until there is an effective treatment or vaccine, or proof that the virus loses all potency in the summer. There is too much risk to the justices to do anything else," said Irv Gornstein, a Georgetown law professor who is director of its Supreme Court Institute. "Because I don't see any of those things happening, I think all arguments will be rescheduled for the fall." Washington lawyer Kannon Shanmugam, who argues regularly before the court, said he doubted the court would short-circuit the process by relying only on the written briefs. "The court could decide those cases without oral argument, but Im sure the court would prefer not to do that if its at all possible," he said. "The court views argument as an essential part of its decision-making process." He thought it was possible that arguments could be held in the months ahead. "Given that no one is likely to be going on vacation anytime soon, the court could schedule argument in the summer, or even in September," he said. "But I think the most likely outcome is that most cases will get pushed off until October." The weeks ahead could still yield a series of significant rulings on gay rights, gun rights, immigration, religion and abortion. The court has an unusual number of high-profile cases still awaiting a decision this term. * Does the federal civil rights law protect LGBTQ employees from discrimination in the workplace? The court heard three cases on this question on Oct. 8, the second day of this year's term. (Bostock vs. Clayton County) * Did the Trump administration exercise its authority legally when it moved to repeal the Obama-era policy known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA? It has provided protection and work permits to nearly 800,000 young immigrants who came to this country as children. An estimated 27,000 of them are working as healthcare providers. The court heard arguments in three combined cases on Nov. 12. (Department of Homeland Security vs. Regents of University of California) * Did New York City violate the 2nd Amendment and its right to "bear arms" when it prohibited gun owners from carrying their weapons when they traveled across town or left the city? The court heard arguments in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. vs. City of New York on Dec. 2, and because the city ordinance had been repealed, many assumed the case would be dismissed as moot. But the long delay suggests some justices are determined to rule on the issue. * If states provide scholarships or other aid to students in private schools, are they required to also offer aid to religious schools? The court heard the case of Espinoza vs. Montana on Jan. 22 to decide that question. * Can Louisiana enforce a law that would require all doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, even if doing so would shut down all but one of the state's abortion providers? The case of June Medical Services vs. Russo, which was argued on March 4, has been seen as a test of whether the more conservative court will uphold far stricter regulation of abortion. The court is expected to issue its next round of decisions on April 20. 11.04.2020 LISTEN The chief role of the people's direct representative is advocacy. Asutifi North is a constituency in the rich Ahafo region. It in fact is the richest district in Ahafo, with a large gold deposit being mined by the globally acclaimed Newmont of Denver, USA. Do you know that, that constituency does not have a Member of Parliament? If you doubt me, then tell me. There are no town roads in the community. There is a government health center which is fit for a poultry farm. The District Offices are an eyesore. The level of indigenous poverty is so appalling that the youths of the district constantly agigate for job opportunities. But our MP has been mute, even though he is not a member of the National Association of the Dumb. What will happen if a District that has Omanhene Kwabena Asante of Adom TV has its MP speaking both in and out of parliament, making his voice heard on relevant issues? I dare say, our MP must have been attacked by COVID-19 even before COVID-19 became a global issue. He has been in self-isolation for too long that his President forgot to appoint him even as a Deputy Minister of a new region when he is the 2nd longest-serving MP in Ahafo. Our MP is a Ghost MP and has made our district a ghost district in the scheme of development, both human and infrastructural. The people of Ahafo need a by-election to restore the region into its place in the table of the region. Edem Koku Edem Ahafo. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment These are very trying times. There is an enemy out there at the microscopic level, wreaking all kinds of havoc in peoples hearts and minds and lives. The economic consequences alone of the coronavirus could possibly be felt for years to come. The big problem in life, of course, is the threat of death. But the coronavirus is not going to cancel Easter though it may cancel our traditional celebrations of it. But Easter hope defangs the threat of the coronavirus because Jesus has taken the sting out of death. After a bee stung a boy one day, his young brother was frightened as the insect continued hovering around him. But his father told him not to worry there was only one stinger in that bee, and his older brother had already received it. Jesus is our older brother, and He has taken the sting of death upon Himself. As the Apostle Paul would say, Oh death, where is thy sting? Easter hope is not just a pious sentiment. There is ample reason to believe that Jesus bodily rose from the dead, historically. For Christian television, I once interviewed Dr. Dana Harris of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in the Chicago area. She told me, Christianity rests on the historical proclamation that Jesus rose from the dead. Harris added, I would say that its virtually impossible to maintain the idea that we can separate religious truths from historical facts and it has to do with the nature of Christianity. Christianity is fundamentally dependent on historical truths. In other words, if Jesus is not resurrected from the dead, then we dont have Christianity. But what about the idea, promoted by skeptics, that perhaps this was just a legend from the ancient world? One man has an interesting take on that. Lee Strobel, former legal affairs editor for The Chicago Tribune, received his legal training at Yale Law School. When his wife started going to church, he worked hard to disprove the faith, so he could reclaim her, and the two could live happily ever after, as agnostics. But his quest to disprove Christianity had an unexpected result: He became a believer in the very thing he tried to falsify. He wrote all this up in his classic book, since made into a motion picture, The Case for Christ. In an interview for D. James Kennedy Ministries, Strobel noted, One very powerful evidence is that we have a report to the resurrection of Jesus that has been dated back by scholars to within months of His death. So, what we have is, in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, starting in verse 3, a creed, a report of the early church that says, Jesus diedwhy? For our sins, He was buried, and the third day He rose from the dead. And then it mentions specific individuals and groups to whom He appeared. Strobel adds, And if that creed developed so early, the beliefs that make up that creed go back even earlier. Probably, one of the greatest classical historians who ever lived, A.N. Sherwin-White of Oxford, studied the rate at which legend grew up in the ancient world. And he determined that the passage of two generations of time is not even enough for a legend to grow up and wipe out a solid core of historical truth. With the Christian reports of the resurrection, notes Strobel, Weve got a news flash from ancient history. So that is a very powerful bit of evidence. The interesting thing about the resurrection of Jesus is that the earliest skeptics of the event were the disciples themselves. They were only convinced because Jesus appeared to them over and over. Then they became so convinced, they went out and became unstoppable in their proclamation in some cases, even when it meant they would be put to death for their testimony. As Lee Strobel puts it, We have nine ancient sources inside and outside the New Testament confirming and corroborating that the conviction of the disciples is that they encountered the resurrected Jesus. That is an avalanche of historical data. When you consider most of what we know from ancient history is from one or two sources, but nine ancient sources inside and outside the New Testament [corroborating the disciples conviction], that is a convincing amount of evidence that convinced me that the disciples encountered the resurrected Jesus. It changed their lives, it changed everything about them. Covid-19 may have set the worlds teeth at edge. And ultimately it is a reminder of our mortality. We are not going to escape this world alive. But thank God for Jesus, the elder brother, who has taken the sting out of death for those who believe. Nothing, including Covid-19, will ever cancel Easter. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Beijings iconic Summer Palace tourist resort is the home of a huge new ice rink thats opened just ahead of the Winter Olympics. The rink measures 300,000 square meters and consists of two areas designed for different types of activities. The city has opened seven municipal ice rinks and four snow resorts to the public. Since 2014, ice and snow activities in municipal parks have attracted nearly 2 million visitors, according to the Beijing Municipal Administration Center for Parks Jan 11, 2022 07:26 PM Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 12:30:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The United States and China have to facilitate bilateral cooperation on combating COVID-19, which is affecting over 180 countries and regions, to save the future of the global community, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai has said. "Let's work together to respond to this global crisis, to save people's lives, to save the future of global economy, and to save the future of the global community. This is our paramount task," Cui said in an interview on April 3 with Ian Bremmer at weekly digital and broadcast show Gzero World, which was aired nationally on Saturday by American Public Television. "This is such a complex and comprehensive relationship. But fortunately at the top level, our two Presidents have maintained good communication between them," said Cui responding to a question on China-U.S. ties. Noting that "President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump had another phone call" in late March, Cui said "it was (a) very long, very constructive phone call. They agreed that our two countries should really work together." "This is the time for solidarity and cooperation," said Cui. "Let's concentrate on the positive things. Let's focus on our common interests and mutual needs." The Chinese envoy listed three things to which the embassy gives priority "at this critical moment" as COVID-19 is ravaging the world. The first is to facilitate cooperation between the two countries to combat the virus, to contain the pandemic and to save people's lives, whether it is about medical supplies or about technical cooperation between the governmental and research institutions, Cui said. "We in the embassy are doing our best to facilitate such communication and coordination between us," he said, adding the two country's CDCs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) had another video conference of "a very technical nature" on March 29. "Second, as agreed by the two Presidents and as agreed by the leaders of G20 at a special summit, we have been really making good efforts to stabilize global market, boost global economic growth, and protect people's jobs and livelihood," Cui said. "This is, I think, one of the priorities for us." "Based on my own experience here, our two leaders have a very good and effective working relationship between them. Their meetings and their phone calls have been, all of them, constructive and giving us some guidance about the relations," he said. "So hopefully, everybody would work together with us to implement such agreement between the two presidents, and really focus on the constructive things that we really have to do together," he said. "Then maybe as important as all these things for me and for the embassy, honestly, we have to make sure that we have a supportive public opinion for cooperation between our two countries. This is maybe as difficult as the previous two, but this is crucial," he said. Cui added that the embassy has to take care of the overseas Chinese, the students as well as all the Chinese diplomats and their families in the United States. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 19:28:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JAKARTA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has decided to extend the area of the large-scale social restrictions to West Java province which has the biggest population in the country as the number of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases spikes. Governor of West Java Province Ridwan Kamil said on its twitter on Sunday that the large-scale restrictions will be applied on the provincial towns of Bekasi, Depok and Bogor that share borders with the country's capital of Jakarta which has imposed the restrictions since April 10. "The restrictions will kick off on Wednesday or Thursday," he said. Governor Kamil pointed out that the provincial administration has also been preparing the provincial capital of Bandung for applying the large-scale social restrictions. The social assistance in the forms of cashes and logistics would be delivered to the people affected by the policy, according to him. West Java province is home to 49.9 million people, the biggest in the country. Meanwhile, the Indonesian government's spokesman for the COVID-19 Related Matters Achmad Yurianto confirmed on Sunday that the central government has given an approval to West Java province on its request to apply the restrictions. Banten, another Indonesia's province which shares a border with Jakarta in the west, has also requested for applying the large-scale social restrictions, and the request is now under process, Yurianto said. Indonesia on Sunday reported the biggest daily hike of the COVID-19 cases of 399, bringing the total to 4,241 with 373 casualties, and 359 others recovered, Yurianto unveiled. Over 27,000 people have conducted rapid tests, and 60 laboratories have been activated with rising capacity, he added. Most of the cases were detected in the Indonesian capital. Indonesia has banned government employees, police and military personnel as well as officials of state-owned firms from returning to their hometowns for celebrating Muslims' post-fasting festivity Eid al-Fitr which falls in May to avoid exodus. Rashami Desai shares throwback photos with brother Gaurav, who also entered the house of Bigg Boss 13 to warn Rashami Desai against Arhaan Khan. Take a look at the photo Bigg Boss contestant Rashami Desai is among the finest Television actors, who misses no chance of astonishing her fans with her phenomenal work and her true personality. In the house of Bigg Boss, Rashami Desai very well proved that it is not about winning or losing, it is about how well do you connect yourself with the audience with your genuine nature. Now, when the entire country has come to a standstill due to coronavirus outbreak, it is Rashami Desai, who is making the most of the lockdown, recalling her fond memories from her past. Recently, the hottie shared then and a now picture with her brother Gaurav and it is too cute to handle. Rashami has shared three throwback pictures. In the first, she is seen wearing a salwar-suit and is seen standing behind Gaurav and looks like a family picture, in the second one both of them are posing adorably with each other and the third is the replica of the second but both of them are looking cuter. Not just with her family, Rashami Desai also shared a throwback picture from her Khatron days where she is seen handling a snake in a car. To those who dont know, Rashami Desai was a part of Khatron Ke Khiladi season 6 and after getting eliminated also entered the show as a wildcard. Also Read: Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke star Kaveri Priyam aka Kuhu opens up about her bond with Shaheer Sheikh and her team Talking about Rashami Desais brother Gaurav, he also entered the house of Bigg Boss and revealed the truth of Arhaan Khan on national television. Gaurav was seen warning Rashami Desai to stay away from him as he doesnt consider him as the right match for Rashami. On the work front, Rashami Desai is up with her RD Shhow and is often seen inviting guests on her live chats from different fields. For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App 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. * * * The parking lot of a Cicero used car dealer was the scene of a drive-in Easter morning church service during which those in attendance stayed in their vehicles and listened in on their radios. Among those participating was Rep. John Katko, who gave a brief welcome message at the beginning of the service. Used Car King Todd Caputo, who owns four car dealerships in Central New York, said he decided to host the event at one of his lots after being frustrated about not being able to attend church Easter because of the coronavirus pandemic. I go every Sunday, he said. About a week ago I was looking on Facebook and saw that in other parts of the country that they were having drive-in services at churches and other locations with people not having to leave their cars. I thought to myself, I have a car dealership with all this space out back. I listened to the Holy Spirit and made some calls. Things began to click, he said, when he got a commitment from 102.9 FM Mars Hill Network, a local Christian broadcasting station, to air the service. CNY Central also did a Facebook Live posting of the event. The service began at 8:30 a.m. and lasted about 40 minutes. Caputo said more than 100 vehicles came to his lot. Cicero Police helped direct traffic and keep people in their cars. Those in attendance included Roger Burdick, CEO and Lou Bregou, COO of Drivers Village, along with Pastor Mike Mazzye of Renovation Church in North Syracuse, who delivered about a 20-minute sermon emphasizing faith and hope in Jesus Christ and celebrating his resurrection. Paul and Sara Daly from Congruent Story (an advertising agency) and members of Renovation Church, led the gathering in song. The key was getting on the radio, Caputo said. It was broadcast in four counties and it reached God knows how many people. Caputo operates Sun Chevrolet in Chittenango and used car dealerships in Cicero, Cortland and Elbridge. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Social distancing is working. That means it wont end soon (Where we stand after 27 days) Coronavirus shutdown ending soon in NY? Cuomo pours cold water on speculation After a dream wedding, the coronavirus spreads pain and fear through a CNY family Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Migrants on board German rescue vessel will be transferred to another ship for screening and quarantine. Italy has ordered migrants and refugees on board a rescue ship off its coast to be quarantined on another vessel to test them for the coronavirus before allowing them to disembark. The Alan Kurdi, run by the German non-governmental group Sea-Eye, is sailing in international waters off the western coast of Sicily after rescuing 150 people off Libyas coast last Monday. On Sunday, Italys transport ministry said in a statement that those on board would be screened by health authorities after being transferred and quarantined on that ship. Last week, Italy closed its ports to NGO vessels rescuing migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean for the entire duration of the national health emergency enforced due to the coronavirus pandemic, a ban due to remain in effect until July 31. The transport ministry statement said allowing the migrants to disembark without being screened would put too much pressure on already stretched health services in Sicily. It gave no details on the planned transfer, its timing or location. The development comes three days after Libya refused entry to about 280 returning migrants whose boat was intercepted by the countrys coastguard in the Mediterranean as they attempted to cross into Europe. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the situation was tragic as it called for a comprehensive approach to the situation in the central Mediterranean. The status quo cannot possibly continue, said IOM official Federico Soda. Libya acts as a major gateway for African migrants hoping to reach Europe. Currently, there are close to 700,000 refugees and migrants in the war-torn country. More than 16,700 people have died crossing the Mediterranean for Europe since 2015, including at least 241 this year. More than 500 migrants departed from Libya in the last few days, attempting to reach Europe, according to the IOM. In addition to those intercepted and rescued, 67 reached the Italian island of Lampedusa, where they entered a two-week quarantine because of COVID-19. At least 70 have been stranded at sea for days awaiting rescue after drifting into Maltese territorial waters, according to Alarm Phone, a crisis hotline for migrants in distress in the Mediterranean. The people on board tell us they are without water, the pregnant woman is so tired, the child is crying, so thirsty. Please if you dont want to save us give us at least water, Alarm Phone said in a press release on Saturday. In the central Mediterranean, a dangerous rescue gap is actively being created. At 17:44h CEST, the people on board tell us: We do not have enough energy left to take the water out of the boat. Our phone battery will die soon. RCC Malta refuses to listen to us on the phone and hangs up. Alarm Phone (@alarm_phone) April 12, 2020 On Friday, 64 migrants rescued from a capsizing boat in the Mediterranean Sea were brought ashore in Malta, hours after the government had said no further groups would be allowed in after it shut its ports due to the coronavirus pandemic. The migrants were rescued early on Friday by the Maltese armed forces from a boat inside the Malta rescue zone south of the island. Maltas government said it could not guarantee further rescues and would not allow any further disembarkation of rescued people because resources have been strained by the coronavirus pandemic. In a joint statement, 13 NGOs working with migrants and refugees said they are shocked by Maltas announcement. It is unacceptable for Malta to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to shelve its human rights obligations and endanger the lives of men, women and children, the statement read. Whilst we appreciate Maltas current challenges, we nonetheless insist that migrants must not be sacrificed for the nations well-being. National emergencies should be overcome with solidarity and compassion, it continued. We therefore urge Malta to ensure the rescue and disembarkation of persons within its responsibility and to revise the situation of hundreds of detained persons. Rajesh Abraham And Ganesh Neelakantan By Express News Service KOCHI: Manju, a Malayali woman living in Dubai, who is into the seventh month of pregnancy with no medical insurance, has not gone to the doctors for the past two months. In an audio message, she is heard pleading with the officials of Dubai Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), an organisation for NRIs from Kerala in the Gulf country, to inform her about the resumption of flights to India. Im staying in a bed space and not with my husband. I have no means to know if flights have resumed. Please help me, she said in the audio clip. Mini Thomas (name changed), a nurse in an Abu Dhabi hospital, said things are not safe. I work in coronary care unit and there are no positive cases here. But we may be asked to work in Covid unit soon, she said. Adding to the panic among the Malayali community is the news on Sunday that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considering imposing restrictions on work quotas of countries that refuse to accept their nationals who wish to leave the Gulf nation amid the Coronavirus outbreak. The move comes after a number of nations, including India, didnt respond to requests from their citizens for repatriation. In the UAE alone, a total of three Keralites have died due to Covid and the situation in Naif is said to be even worse. Two Keralites died in Saudi Arabia in recent days, taking the total number of Malayalis dying in the Gulf to five. Shabeer Kizhur, chief coordinator, KMCC Help Desk in Dubai, said he gets calls from hundreds of people seeking help to come back to Kerala. He said though the government of Dubai is providing all help, including giving quarantine facilities for the Covid infected persons, no such help was coming from the Union or Kerala governments. In Naif alone, we are dealing with 480 Covid cases, out of which 450 are Keralites, Kizhur told TNIE over the phone from Dubai. The Kerala government, which went out of the way to bring Thushar Vellappally to Kerala, is only doing lip service, he said. KMCC has two major demands. One is to start emergency flights to take the aged, ill and those people who have lost their jobs, besides transporting bodies to Kerala. The second is to get a medical team comprising doctors to the Gulf countries from India. A Malayali doctor, who is working with a hospital in Abu Dhabi, said the Gulf city was doing extensive testing, which the health ministry has stepped up from last week. Quarantine process, the next step, needs lots of infrastructure and involves logistics, which Abu Dhabi is focusing on, he said. Though the situation in Qatar is not alarming, its not reassuring either. The rules here are getting stricter every day, said C Krishna Menon (name changed). Nearly 200 people are tested positive every day now and most of them are Qataris, including students and diplomats, airlifted from the US and Europe. Its the situation in other Gulf countries too, he added. Ahmed T (name changed), who is now in Sanaya, said: I did Covid test when the authorities offered a chance for four people from our building. The result was negative. Im confined to my room. The Qatar KMCC and Qatar Charity are providing us with all essential items. But were all tense because there are many camps with over 2,000 inmates. They share kitchens and toilets, so you can understand, said Ahmed. The cry for help is sure to get louder also from the other three GCC countries Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain. Reaching out to them and extending the right sort of help is task the Central and state governments have on their hand. But it is easier said than done. (With inputs from Abhilash Chandran) Franklin Graham urges pastors to obey authority, save lives while doing Churchs work Graham responds to attacks against him, BGEA and Samaritan's Purse: 'The blowback is not against me, its against God' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Speaking on a show with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, evangelist Franklin Graham encouraged pastors in the United States to obey those in authority to protect themselves and others from the COVID-19 disease while continuing to do what God has called them to do. We dont slow down, said Graham, president and CEO of Samaritans Purse, when Shapiro, the Daily Wire founder, asked how he, his family and organization are doing during the new coronavirus pandemic. Shapiro also asked Graham about his perspective on state and local governments deeming churches to be non-essential and shutting them down due to the social distance rules in place. What are Christians supposed to do, as its Easter Sunday? We need to obey those in authority. Thats what the Bible teaches, responded Graham, son of the late evangelical leader Billy Graham. The churches are not shut down, he continued. I think more people are attending online services than they did when they were meeting in person. Graham emphasized that the Church needs to continue to be the Church. But Id just encourage pastors across the country to obey those that are in authority. And I think thats what the congregations would expect us to do, he said, calling the virus very infectious and deadly. Especially for those who have underlying health issues, this could be a death sentence, he added. Graham cautioned that Christians should not stop the work that God has called us to do. We just need to do things differently, he explained. We need to be careful; practicing social distancing is wise. He shared that Samaritans Purse has sent dozens of healthcare professionals to Italy, which is not receiving help from anywhere in the world. As of early Sunday, there were a little less than 1.8 million confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 108, 902 deaths around the world, according to Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center. In the United States, there were more than 530,000 cases with 20,608 deaths. In Italy, 19,468 deaths from COVID-19 have occurred. Last month, Samaritans Purse opened a 68-bed emergency field hospital in northern Italy to help the medical system as it struggles to deal with the coronavirus. Graham said his organization works in the name of Jesus so that those who are served would know that God cares for them and has not turned His back on them. Graham shared that Samaritans Purse recently set up a team also in New York, where 8,627 people have died from the new coronavirus. Graham added that the group loves and serves everyone, no matter who they are, and provides the best possible medical care. Asked about concerns some people have expressed on social media about Samaritans Purse being a Christian organization which believes in traditional marriage and is pro-life, Graham said his group shows the same love and compassion to gay and transgender people if they have coronavirus and need help. We are Christian; we are not equal opportunity employer, he clarified. The doctors and nurses are all Christians, he added. What motivates us is our faith in Jesus Christ. In February, the Scottish Event Campus and other facilities canceled events planned by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which Graham heads, for a summer visit to the U.K. due to his biblical view on homosexuality. Graham said that the blowback is not against me, its against God. The Bible teaches that marriage is between a man and a woman, he explained. Thats what I believe, he said and added that he doesnt compromise with his religious beliefs and will not change them. Earlier this month, Dr. K. Elliott Tenpenny, a medical doctor leading the Samaritan's Purse coronavirus response at a field hospital in Central Park in New York, said Americans need to treat the coronavirus as a serious disease. This is not something to think this is the end of the world, but it is not something thats also to dismiss, Tenpenny told The Christian Post at the site of the field hospital Thursday. Its serious. Its a serious disease. Its not the end of the world. Were going to make it through this, but it is serious and anyone that says differently I dont believe theyre speaking truthfully. A temporary 2,000-bed hospital for COVID-19 patients in Tehran. (Associated Press) Iran's incompetent, authoritarian regime failed to react quickly when the coronavirus arrived early this year. It initially denied that an outbreak was underway and delayed countermeasures until a parliamentary election was over. Then it dissolved into internal bickering. The results are tragic: at least 70,000 infections and more than 4,300 dead and those official figures are almost certainly too low. It would have been nice if the outside world had rallied to offer help and some tried to. But Irans theocratic leaders are prickly and paranoid. When Doctors Without Borders, the international medical aid group, sent a team to help, officials accused the doctors of being Western spies and expelled them. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has remained in a virtual state of war with Iran. In 2018, President Trump abrogated the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by President Obama and imposed crippling economic sanctions on Tehran. The two countries have collided all over the Middle East, from Iraq to Yemen. Trump and his secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, regularly excoriate Iran as a terrorist regime that must be brought to heel. So when Trump offered publicly to send U.S. aid to Tehran, nobody was surprised when Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said he didnt want American help. And when Iran asked the International Monetary Fund for a $5-billion loan to help keep the economy afloat during the pandemic, nobody was surprised when the Trump administration blocked the funds. When Iran asked for relief from U.S. sanctions, Pompeo called the idea a scam. In a statement that came close to gloating, he added, The Iranian leadership is trying to avoid responsibility for their grossly incompetent and deadly governance. This is a poisonous relationship, and both governments are behaving badly. I hold no brief for Iran, which I covered after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Its regime is brutal, repressive and corrupt. The Trump administration is under no moral obligation to send cash to Tehran. Story continues But U.S. sanctions dont just prevent Iran from selling oil, its only major source of foreign income. They dont only stop Iran from buying weapons or nuclear technology. They also make it difficult for Iran to buy food, medicine and medical supplies on the open market which is what Tehran needs now. On paper, the sanctions allow exceptions for humanitarian aid, mainly food and medical goods. Pompeo and other U.S. officials point to those clauses as proof of their benevolence toward Irans beleaguered people. But thats not how the sanctions which cover foreign companies as well as U.S. businesses work in practice. The rules are complicated, and businesses that run afoul of them can incur huge penalties, Richard Nephew, who helped administer the system during the Obama administration, told me. The risks of engaging in this trade are high," he added. "The costs are high, too. And the benefits are pretty marginal. There are easier ways for a medical supply company to make a profit especially during a pandemic that already has taken more than 100,000 lives. And for most international banks, shipping companies and insurers, humanitarian shipments to Iran are too small to be worth the risk. That helps explain why applications for special permits to sell medicine and medical equipment to Iran have plummeted since Trump took office from 176 in the last quarter of 2016 to 24 in the last quarter of 2019. One more wrinkle: The regulations make it easy to sell some medical supplies to Iran, but not others. Special permission is required to export oxygen generators and full-face respirators, equipment often needed for intensive care of COVID-19 victims, because they could potentially be used for nonmedical purposes. Theres an easy way the Trump administration could ease those problems without bolstering the Tehran regime: Make the existing rules for humanitarian shipments clearer and easier to use. Thats the core of a proposal last week by 24 former U.S. and European officials, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, a Democrat, and former Sens. William Cohen of Maine, John Danforth of Missouri and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, all Republicans. It won't help its chances at the White House, but Joe Biden, the presidents likely Democratic opponent, has endorsed the proposal. Whatever our many, many disagreements with the Iranian government, its the right and the humane thing to do, Biden said in a statement. Its a sensible idea. It wouldnt weaken U.S. sanctions in any significant way. It would help make the administrations policies match its lofty rhetoric. America remains the worlds leading light of humanitarian goodness [in] this global pandemic, Pompeo said last week. We do this because were good and generous people. We also do this because viruses dont respect borders. When we help our friends abroad, it keeps us safe back here in the homeland as well. Generosity and self-interest have always been good reasons to help foreign peoples in distress and they apply to Iran as much as any place else. Trump and Pompeo often say they hate Irans regime but love the Iranian people. One way to show they mean it would be to make it easier to sell medical supplies to Tehran. Ahram Online talks to one of the best known Egyptians in the field of philanthropy about reaching out to burn victims, as well as society in the time of Coronavirus The headquarters of Ahl Masr NGO in Cairo's 5th Settlement district might not be bustling with the same energy as in regular times. Still, the work goes on. The walls are adorned with photos of the beaming smiles of people living with burns, setting a cheerful vibe to the place. Ahram Online talked to the founder of this unique entity, Heba El-Sewedy, about the NGO she founded and the "Humanity Burn Free" initiative she launched, and endeavours underway to help society in the time of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The birth of an idea El-Sewedy recalls the launch of the idea of focusing on treating burn victims when she was approached by the wounded reaching out for help at the time of 2011 revolution. In the midst of what was happening, many came forward with cases of burns, particularly among children, which drew attention to often overshadowed suffering. "I remember a baby girl who was only weeks old, and who was burnt after her mother left a candle accidentally near her crib at the time of the traditional suboo ceremony usually held by Egyptians on the seventh day after birth to celebrate newborns. By the time we found a place to treat the girl she had already passed away. "Another incident followed. A father came with two of his sons severely burned after they had played with hot coal. By the time we admitted them to the hospital, they were in a horrible condition. They died on the day after admittance. "We knew that for every 1,000 Egyptian patients there was only one spot in intensive care, and burns are like no other hazard; they cannot to be dealt via waiting lists. It was time to do something about it, El-Sewedy says. In 2012, she saw it was time to start something more structured, so the idea of Ahl Masr (People of Egypt) was born. The NGO gained a license from the government in March 2013, and was officially launched. In April 2014, direct work with the inflicted commenced. Alarming numbers The problem is global, even in developed countries. Worldwide, burns are the ninth cause of fatalities. Still, in Egypt, the problem is of a much bigger scale. El-Sewedy sheds light on the alarming statistics in the country. "In Egypt, there are 250,000 cases of burns every year, 37 percent of whom die in the first six hours after the incident if they are not given proper treatment. "According to data we have, the number of deaths due to burns every year in Egypt reaches 180,000 (almost 60 percent of the total number of burn victims). Unfortunately, 50 percent of victims are children, 18 percent end up with a form of handicap, and 99 percent of kids suffering burns are deprived of being educated at schools," she adds. El-Sewedy says that currently Ahl Masr is treating 4,000 burn cases, each requiring numerous operations, sometimes reaching up to 15 or even 30 medical procedures. Flagship project Although the construction of a burns hospital is at the forefront of priorities of the NGO, many sub-projects are simultaneously taking place to raise awareness and bring society on board. "First, there are the campaigns of prevention and awareness already underway in schools, universities, and companies through their corporate social responsibility programmes. We have collaborated with famous Egyptian chefs to talk about burns on their show, as 70 percent of accidents occur in the kitchen, El-Sewedy says. Setting misconceptions straight is part of the awareness campaign as well. "We have also been trying to alter the misconception that treating burns is a form of cosmetic surgery. We explain that there are organ reconstruction processes, limb provision, treatment of damage occurring to the eyes, as well as psychological help extended to both victims as well as their families and loved ones. "We have been shedding light on the fact that not all burns are from accidents, but that a large portion are crimes based on revenge, hatred or jealousy. We address these issues in society candidly. "There are also efforts made by doctors through the NGO to present patients with state of the art treatments, as well as research conducted to gather statistics from all over the country and understand the root causes that are specific to various areas. "Then there is the "Safe Village initiative, where we target the villages in Egypt where most burn incidents occur mainly in the governorate of Beni Suef. There we introduced a model, where roofs were installed that are resistant to fire, extinguishers provided to each house and locals taught how to use them, and campaigns introduced to teach people about evacuation plans in case of fire and the principles of First Aid, all while recruiting from inside the community to ensure continuity and the sustainability of these endeavours," El-Sewedy explains. El Sewedy says that the results were outstanding, with villages reporting zero fire incidents after having suffered dozens previously each year. "Finally there is the "Humanity Burn Free initiative, and the hospital we inaugurated in 2018. Psychological care will be an integral part of the building, with psychological rehabilitation provided not only to patients and their families, but also to doctors and nurses who are greatly affected after exposure to the traumas of those injured," El-Sewedy said. Helping in the times of Corona We know many will be concerned about how coronavirus (Covid-19) might affect the work of the foundation, but we want to do everything we can to help people weather the storm, El-Sewedy says. Ahl Misr Foundation is keen on being supportive to the medical sector and in exerting constant efforts to support the health system during the exceptional circumstances the country is going through, she added. El-Sewedy underlined that the foundation has prepared more than 10 rooms for intensive care and 30 devices for artificial respiration in many hospitals in Cairo, Giza, Upper Egypt and the Delta. The Foundation has also provided more than 500,000 different medical and protective supplies and equipment, such as body wraps, protective clothing and face masks to protect medical teams from infection. Moreover, the foundation signed a joint protocol with the Ministry of Health to turn three buildings affiliated with the foundation into quarantine wards and medical facilities, encompassing 500 beds. The first building will be ready for use in the coming week. A happy place El-Sewedy boasts that the NGO is run by youth who are trained to work with passion and remain sensitive to the feelings of burn victims. "We were dubbed the 'Youth NGO' by former Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Waly. Dozens of young staff members are trained not to see the external features of victims, but rather to look at the soul. "We take pleasure in entertaining people living with burns through events and birthday parties that we organise, and we host school and university students who come on board and help victims have a splendid time, as well as many celebrities who visit, among whom is actor Ahmed Fahmy, who is a frequent volunteer. Great expectations Speaking of hope, El-Sewedy described what she aspires to see in the future in how society deals with burn victims. "I hope the stigma associated with burns will dissipate, and that people with understand that burns are the third cause of fatalities in Egypt, and become ready to face the magnitude of the problem. Unfortunately, until now, the issue is surrounded with fear and denial. It is just too painful for people to face and see, but this must change." El-Sewedy calls for the government to dedicate more attention to the cause and reach out to people living with burns so they can be fully integrated in the workforce as fully capable citizens, as well as to extend help to children with burns to complete their education and stay enrolled in schools. "Finally, I hope that in cooperation with the UN, Egypt would be the birthplace of dedicating a particular day to those living with burns. I hope to see a World Day for "Humanity Burn Free", where we shed light on challenges and pave way for a better life for victims," she concluded. Search Keywords: Short link: Could BHP Group (ASX:BHP) be an attractive dividend share to own for the long haul? Investors are often drawn to strong companies with the idea of reinvesting the dividends. If you are hoping to live on the income from dividends, it's important to be a lot more stringent with your investments than the average punter. In this case, BHP Group likely looks attractive to investors, given its 7.2% dividend yield and a payment history of over ten years. It would not be a surprise to discover that many investors buy it for the dividends. Some simple analysis can offer a lot of insights when buying a company for its dividend, and we'll go through this below. Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis ASX:BHP Historical Dividend Yield April 11th 2020 Payout ratios Companies (usually) pay dividends out of their earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, the dividend might have to be cut. Comparing dividend payments to a company's net profit after tax is a simple way of reality-checking whether a dividend is sustainable. BHP Group paid out 77% of its profit as dividends, over the trailing twelve month period. Paying out a majority of its earnings limits the amount that can be reinvested in the business. This may indicate a commitment to paying a dividend, or a dearth of investment opportunities. Another important check we do is to see if the free cash flow generated is sufficient to pay the dividend. BHP Group paid out 66% of its free cash flow last year, which is acceptable, but is starting to limit the amount of earnings that can be reinvested into the business. 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. Consider getting our latest analysis on BHP Group's financial position here. Dividend Volatility From the perspective of an income investor who wants to earn dividends for many years, there is not much point buying a stock if its dividend is regularly cut or is not reliable. For the purpose of this article, we only scrutinise the last decade of BHP Group's dividend payments. The dividend has been cut on at least one occasion historically. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was US$0.82 in 2010, compared to US$1.43 last year. Dividends per share have grown at approximately 5.7% per year over this time. BHP Group's dividend payments have fluctuated, so it hasn't grown 5.7% every year, but the CAGR is a useful rule of thumb for approximating the historical growth. Story continues Dividends have grown at a reasonable rate, but with at least one substantial cut in the payments, we're not certain this dividend stock would be ideal for someone intending to live on the income. Dividend Growth Potential 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. In the last five years, BHP Group's earnings per share have shrunk at approximately 6.0% per annum. Declining earnings per share over a number of years is not a great sign for the dividend investor. Without some improvement, this does not bode well for the long term value of a company's dividend. Conclusion To summarise, shareholders should always check that BHP Group's dividends are affordable, that its dividend payments are relatively stable, and that it has decent prospects for growing its earnings and dividend. BHP Group's is paying out more than half its income as dividends, but at least the dividend is covered by both reported earnings and cashflow. Earnings per share are down, and BHP Group's dividend has been cut at least once in the past, which is disappointing. Overall, BHP Group falls short in several key areas here. Unless the investor has strong grounds for an alternative conclusion, we find it hard to get interested in a dividend stock with these characteristics. It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. To that end, BHP Group has 4 warning signs (and 1 which makes us a bit uncomfortable) we think you should know about. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our curated list of dividend stocks with a yield above 3%. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. - Some great news in Mandaluyong City came to light on Easter Sunday - A 95-year-old man named Cresencio Junio from the city gave so much hope after he recovered from COVID-19 - In a video shared by Mayor Menchie Abalos, the senior citizen received applause and loud cheers as he leaves the hospital - Mayor Menchie also thanked the doctors, nurses and other frontliners for their efforts amid COVID-19 pandemic PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Mandaluyong City was greeted with some good news on Easter Sunday, April 12. While medical experts say that old patients who contracted the novel coronavirus tend to be more seriously ill, a 95-year-old man from the city gave so much hope after he recovered from COVID-19. In a video shared by Mayor Menchie Abalos on Facebook, the senior citizen named Cresencio Junio received applause and loud cheers as he leaves the Mandaluyong City Medical Center. Maligayang pasko ng pagkabuhay, isang pag-asa ang ibinigay sa atin ni lolo Cresencio Junio na isang 95 yrs. old na naka-recover sa COVID-19, Mayor Menchie wrote in the caption. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga doctors, nurses at sa lahat ng frontliners ng Mandaluyong city medical center (MCMC). Simbolo ka lolo ng liwanag na nadadanasan natin ngayon. Ang importante ang pagkakaisa at pananampalataya sa Diyos, she added. Here is Mayor Menchie's video which immediately went viral: Mayor Menchie and her husband Benjamin Abalos Jr., as seen in the video, were among those who congratulated Cresencio. As of this posting, Mandaluyong City has recorded 162 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 23 recoveries. PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! In a previous report by KAMI, A greater number of men than women suffering severe symptoms of COVID-19 was observed in the emergency rooms of virus hotspots around the world, with obesity emerging as another potentially aggravating factor. 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. Maricar Reyes participated in a hilarious edition of our Tricky Questions challenge! Check out all of the exciting videos and celebrity interviews on our KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: KAMI.com.gh New Delhi, April 12 : Video meet app Zoom that has gained immense popularity among the enterprises, SMBs and schools in India and elsewhere to connect remotely, has also become a treasure trove for both ethical and not-ethical hackers who have zeroed in on the video conferencing app to find privacy and security bugs and make money. One hacker interviewed by Motherboard who claims to have traded exploits found in Zoom on the black market said that Zoom flaws typically sell for between $5,000 to $30,000. The vulnerabilities - everything from webcam or microphone security to sensitive data like passwords, emails, or device information - are being sold on the Dark Web. However, hackers said that Zoom flaws don't sell for high figures compared to other exploits. With this context in mind, we have the below commentary from Flock - the leading workplace communication and collaboration platform. According to Devashish Sharma, CTO at workplace communication and collaboration platform Flock, it is crucial for businesses to have to right security apparatus in place to avoid confidential organisational data falling into the wrong hands. "The recent incident where hackers posted pornographic content on the user screens of video conferencing app Zoom, shows us how cybercriminals are working overtime to find vulnerabilities and steal user data. In such a situation, it is vital that communication platforms support end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication to avoid such untoward incidents," Sharma said in a statement. While Zoom has emerged as a leading teleconferencing provider during the COVID-19 pandemic, the app is marred by daily news about it being prone to hacking. Issues that have affected its credibility is data-sharing with Facebook, exposed LinkedIn profiles, and a "malware-like" installer for macOS. Zoom Video Communications has also been sued by one of its shareholders who alleged that the company kept some of its security flaws hidden. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, alleged that Zoom failed to disclose some vulnerabilities and that the services did not provide end-to-end encryption. Zoom has started facing criticism as reports of "Zoombombing" and other privacy issues started surfacing from different parts of the world. Citing privacy and security concerns, Google has banned video meeting app Zoom for its employees. According to Rafi Kretchmer, Head of Product Marketing at cyber security firm Check Point, cybercriminals will always seek to capitalize on the latest trends to try and boost the success rates of attacks, and the coronavirus pandemic has created a perfect storm of a global news event together with dramatic changes in working practices and the technologies used by organizations. "This has meant a significant increase in the attack surface of many organizations, which is compromising their security postures. To ensure security and business continuity in this rapidly evolving situation, organizations need to protect themselves with a holistic, end-to-end security architecture," Kretchmer said in a statement. This means ensuring accessible and reliable connections between corporate networks and remote devices 24/7, promoting collaboration and productivity between teams, networks and offices, and deploying robust protection against advanced threats and cybercrime techniques at all points on the enterprise network fabric. Zoom Founder and CEO Eric Yuan has apologized for the privacy and security issues or Zoombombing being reported in his app. The video meet app has also been slammed for the lack of users' privacy and security by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Around 3:35 p.m., Demetrius Hardy was shot twice in the 700 block of South Kilbourn Avenue, police said. He was hit in the abdomen and right leg and was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where he died. A witness saw the incident unfold and one man was taken into custody. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal As people become more isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health can be affected by staying indoors and not having social interactions. A tracking poll conducted March 25-30 by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 82% of Americans were sheltering in place due to the coronavirus outbreak. The same poll found that 45% of people surveyed indicated that living through the crisis was having a negative affect on their mental health, and one in five of them said it was having a major impact on their mental health. And with the governors stay-at-home order in place, getting people the help they need can be challenging. Local psychiatrists say they are still keeping appointments with patients by speaking on the phone or with a video app, but people who lean on group support dont have that option now. Many of them have some resources of support outside, and now they dont, Santa Fe psychiatrist Barry Altenberg said of his patients. They cant go to their support groups. And as a result of staying home, Altenberg said more couples are having marital conflict. Were seeing a lot of angry outbursts in families not being able to deal with isolation, he said. Santa Fe Police Department Deputy Chief Paul Joye said he is currently researching whether domestic violence calls have gone up in recent weeks and said the data should be ready soon. Regardless, the important thing that we want to make sure is clear is that SFPD is still out, and available to respond to and help those involved in domestic violence situations, Joye said in an email. Resources and help are still available. But John Evaldson, an adolescent and adult psychiatrist in Santa Fe, said some people are actually using this time to unwind. Many people are feeling a relief of stress, Evaldson said. Things are slowed down. Some people have more time to put into their family. The same goes for some children, Evaldson said, even though they arent spending time with their friends during a time when they would normally be in school. Last month, the state Public Education Department closed schools for the rest of the year. Evaldson said children do a good job communicating with each other on social media. A lot of kids are relieved the school pressure is down and the social pressure is down, he said. Both doctors said people should go outside while still keeping about 10 feet away from others. Were made to walk and move, and its OK to go out your front door and walk in the sunlight, Evaldson said. Altenberg said its a good idea to communicate with others as much as possible so as to not get socially isolated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends periodically stretching or meditating, exercising, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol, which Altenberg said could lead to depression. Santa Fe County announced this month that its partnering with Albuquerque-based New Mexico Solutions to provide outreach, telephone support, counseling services and referrals to people with chronic mental illness. County Community Services Director Rachel OConnor told the Journal this week that the Mobile Crisis Response team that was supposed to do field work with law enforcement starting April 1 is now, by telephone, helping people with chronic mental illness from the Midtown Campus. She also said the team will hold virtual group meetings on topics ranging from depression and anxiety to substance abuse prevention. Those who need support can email santafecovid-19respond@rvbh.com. There is no charge for the services. Name: Marybeth Zuhlke Age: 74 Current residence: Racine Occupation: Recycled teacher. I retired but now I am back three days a week teaching Art for grades K4, K5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 at Our Lady of Grace Academy here in Racine and do volunteer workshops for Peace Learning Circles in Kenosha and Racine schools for 4th graders. Title of the book and Publisher: The ABCs of How To Be a Good Citizen, AMITY Publications Synopsis of the book: The book illustrates 26 ways to be a good citizen and encourages readers to think of the ways they can demonstrate the qualities of good citizenship. Knowing your ABCs is key to learning. Understanding your responsibilities as a good citizen is the key to peace and kindness. There is also information about Peace Learning Circles and various quotes from community members who read the draft and from teachers who piloted in their classroom. Children are challenged to think of things that they could do using their first name. For example Tom T is treat all living things kindly. O is open your mind to all points of view. M is motivate yourself to read. Is this your first book? Yes. The idea for this book began 20 years ago while I was teaching third grade in Kenosha at Somers Elementary School. I often brainstormed with the students using the ABC as a way to motive them to learn new words by playing Dictionary Dig, a game I made up. Students would use a paperback dictionary and call out a letter and then find a word that would fit the theme of the book we were writing together. One of my students chose the letter I and wrote I have good ideas on how to be a good citizen. You should publish these ideas Mrs Z. The letters of the alphabet have been a cornerstone of all my teaching. They reflect my philosophy of education Always Be Courteous, Always Be Caring and Always Be Curious. I have supervised student teachers for the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and encourage them to use the ABC technique. I have worked with middle school students at John XXIII Educational Center in Racine using the ABC technique to teach citizenship. Some of their comments have been incorporated into this book. Why did you write this book? In 2017, I attended the Character Education Conference at Alverno College in Milwaukee. The True Colors of Character was the theme. It was then that I decided to update and publish the book and asked my honorary granddaughter, Diana Raucina, from Latvia to illustrate it. Hopefully, when you read it, you will think of more ways to be a good citizen and practice peace. Together, we can build a better world. How long did it take you to write the book? One year, going over ideas, chatting about illustrations with Diana and getting input from people who would potentially use it. How did you get interested in writing? I have always written books with children in my classroom binding their illustrations and writing about a variety of topics from the Packers, Peace Mentors and field trips to the zoo. Where is the book available for purchase? From the publisher, amitypublications.com; Amazon; hopefully soon at Barnes and Noble; and by messaging me on Facebook (Marybeth Safransky Zuhlke). Is the book available at the library? Yes, it is available at the Racine and Kenosha libraries. I am planning to do a reading and workshop about my book and promoting kindness at the Racine Public Library July 14. If you are a Racine County author that has published a book within the last year and would like to be featured in Our Authors, please send request to Loreen Mohr via email at Loreen.Mohr@Lee.net; send letter to Loreen Mohr, The Journal Times, 212 Fourth St., Racine, WI 53403; or via fax at 262-631-1780. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has cautioned journalists to desist from racially and ethnically profiling cases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mrs Alice Tettey, Chairperson of the Central Regional Branch of the Association who gave the caution, noted that such reports could lead to hatred, ridicule and discrimination against COVID-19 patients and communities that had recorded cases of the diseases. She gave the caution at a days media orientation on COVID-19 organised by the Ministry of Information, the Health Promotion Division of the Ghana Health Service, and the USAID Breakthrough Action Project in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Private Newspapers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) in Cape Coast. It was to empower and equip journalists and communicators with the basic knowledge and information on COVID-19 to support in educating and disseminating valid information towards the containment and prevention of the spread of the disease. Mrs Tettey noted that despite the fact that the geographic of the COVID-19 disease had moved from its origin spreading across the World, there existed examples of racism and discrimination in reporting against certain group of people. Subsequently, she asked journalists to be wary of fake news which according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) had spawned massive infodemic of conspiracy theories and sham treatment recommendations, making it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance. Good reporting has to distinguish legitimate sources of information from rumours and half-truth. An effective journalist should cede, rather than seize the stage in the Coronavirus news and information theater, she added. She advised journalists to seek expert opinions, proritise expert sources and uphold professional ethics in reporting on the disease, adding that, journalists were expected to lead the frontlines in providing the news, information and needed education to the public. Mr Mathew Ahwireng, Regional Health Promotion Manager who took the participants through Risk Communication and Social Mobilisation described the training as apt and significant as journalists were key stakeholders in the management of an outbreak. He appealed to the journalists to help dispel rumours and manage misinformation, adding that, public perceptions were useful tools to work within times of an outbreak or pandemic. Mr Seth Adjei, a Health Promotion Officer of the GHS took participants through some of the frequently asked questions about the virus and provided answers accordingly to be communicated to the general public. He also educated participants on the causes, symptoms and prevention of the COVID-19. He mentioned some of the symptoms to include fever, running nose, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulties and possible headache. Mr Adjei reiterated the need for the media to feed the public with the right and accurate information about the virus, hence, the need for the training. 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 A six-year old child died and 390 people have been rendered homeless following heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in two villages along the Lake Rukwa Rift Valley Basin in Sumbawanga District, Rukwa Region. In the wake of the hostile weather pattern, 300 residents of Matete area in Nkwilo Village along the Rift Valley Basin abandoned their houses. The Rukwa Regional Commissioner, Mr Joachim Wangabo, told the Sunday News over the phone yesterday that a boy aged six died while 390 families had been rendered homeless following the heavy rains accompanied by strong winds that hit Kipa Village in Mwadui Ward. According to the RC the downpour that lasted for 15 minutes on Friday night damaged 16 houses. Although the actual damage caused by the downpour has not been assessed so far, the latest reports show that the incident had claimed the life of a six year old child, the RC explained. The Mwandui Ward Councillor, Mr Cledo Mshindo, told this paper over phone that at that material night, the child was fast asleep and all of sudden the wall of the house he was sleeping in collapsed. He said the whole of Matete area in Nkwilo village was swallowed up by flood waters. It is a big disaster as families of about 300 people had been left homeless after abandoning their houses, he remarked. Practically the whole Matete area has been submerged under water, as 60 houses had either been submerged or washed ashore, Mr Mshindo further said. A cross section of victims who were interviewed by this paper separately appealed to the government and well-wishers to bail them out through humanitarian assistance. We have been left with nothing, as whatever we had, including food, shelters and even clothes have been damaged ..... We have been reduced to destitute, explained one of the victims, Ms Janet Macheta. Four US senators have condemned Chinas sinking of a Vietnam fishing vessel saying it is a flagrant violation of international law. "I condemn in the strongest terms Chinas sinking of a Vietnamese vessel in the South China Sea. This is a flagrant violation of international law and comes at a time when nations around the world are focused on combating the Covid-19 (pandemic)," Senator Cory Gardner, chairman of the East Asia, Pacific Subcommittee and International Cyber Security Policy of the U.S Senate, said in a statement on April 10. Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch and Senators Bob Menendez and Ed Markey also expressed deep concern about the incident in a joint statement. "The reports of a Chinese Coast Guard vessel sinking a Vietnamese fishing vessel and Chinas other activities on illegally reclaimed features in the South China Sea are deeply concerning," the statement read. These are just the latest examples of China's blatant intimidation of its neighbors to assert its excessive maritime claims. "The U.S. will work with our allies and partners in the region to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and promote peaceful activity in the South China Sea," Risch added. Fishing vessel QNg 90617 TS with eight Vietnamese fishermen on board was operating in the Phu Lam (Woody) Island area of Vietnams Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands in the East Sea, known internationally as the South China Sea, on April 2 when it was rammed and sunk by a Chinese coast guard vessel. The eight fishermen were taken to the Phu Lam Island. Three other Vietnamese fishing boats that tried to rescue the Vietnamese fishermen were chased, captured and towed by the Chinese vessel to Phu Lam Island and released the same day. The fishermen on the QNg 90617 TS vessel were safely returned to Vietnam on April 3. The U.S. State Department and Defense Department have also issued statements expressing concern over the incident, calling it the latest in a series of actions by China to assert illegal maritime claims and disadvantage neighboring South East Asian countries in the South China Sea. The Philippines has also expressed its concerns and emphasized the need to avoid such incidents because they "undermines the potential of a genuinely deep and trusting regional relationship" between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China. On the same issue, Vietnam has rejected and protested China sending two diplomatic notes to the U.N., laying claim to Vietnamese territories in the East Sea. China seized the Paracel Islands from South Vietnam by force in 1974, and has since been occupying them illegally. In 2014 China brought an oil rig, Haiyang Shiyou 981, and installed it in waters off the Paracel Islands, changing the status quo in the waters. Since then, Chinese ships have chased after and rammed many Vietnamese fishing vessels near the islands in Vietnamese waters. A batch of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug that has been tipped as an effective therapy for treating the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, has arrived in the United States from India. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, ambassador of India to the United States, announced the news in a Twitter post on April 12, confirming that the consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today, as the country supports its partners in the fight against COVID-19. The arrival of the consignment of hydroxychloroquine comes as CCP deaths in the United States surpassed 2,000 on Friday, the highest daily tally to date, with the largest numbers in and around New York City. Its tally has now overtaken Italys with 532,879 confirmed cases and 20,577 deaths attributed to the disease so far. India, which manufactures 70 percent of the worlds supply of hydroxychloroquine, agreed on April 7 to lift an earlier ban on the export of the drug following a telephone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump had said at a previous press conference that India could face retaliation if it failed to lift the ban and release the 29 million doses of the drug it had ordered for its medical stockpile. The Economic Times of India reports that India has a production capacity of 40 tonnes of hydroxychloroquine every month, implying 200 million tablets of 200 mg each and noted that as the drug is used for auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, manufacturers have good production capacities that can also be ramped up. Following their conversation, Trump thanked Modi on Twitter for moving to lift the ban on exports, adding that the decision will not be forgotten. Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you PM Modi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight! Trump wrote. Modi later retweeted the Presidents words, writing, fully agree with you President @realDonaldTrump. Times like these bring friends closer. The India-US partnership is stronger than ever. India shall do everything possible to help humanitys fight against COVID-19. We shall win this together. Trump has previously advocated the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat the CCP virus, touting it as a game changer in the fight against the disease. It is currently being prescribed by doctors in the United States, France, and Bahrain, while India has recommended it for health care workers. There is no avoiding the apocalyptic atmosphere that has covered our island since the coronavirus hit our shores in mid-March. Bare streets, panic buying, in-fighting and fear have become as much a part of our routines as the evening report of deaths and diagnosis. Even for the most ardent atheists among us there is something undeniably biblical about the times we find ourselves in. While many turn to science to offer redemption from the pestilence - those of faith, particularly during Easter, turn their hopes and prayers to a higher power. On the evening of Good Friday, while across the country the traditional pageantry of the Stations was cancelled - members of the Travelling community gathered on their site in Ballymun to offer prayers. Expand Close Members of the travelling community gather for Good Friday prayers at St Margarets halting site in Ballymun in Dublin. Pic:Mark Condren 11.4.2020 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Members of the travelling community gather for Good Friday prayers at St Margarets halting site in Ballymun in Dublin. Pic:Mark Condren 11.4.2020 Our faith gives us great strength and comfort, says Martin Stokes, who led the prayer service. Wed have this every year for Good Friday, normally wed have the priest come in and lead the Stations but obviously that wasnt possible this year. Wed take it on board ourselves. We did the Rosary, we did the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and we did the Stations of the Cross. So we made it a little bit bigger this year. All the residents were very good, they all came out and we were all very pleased, it just made it our day. If we hadnt gone ahead with the prayers, we would have missed out on something. We would have missed out on the prayer and the stations and the get-together as a community on the site. That was important too. Read More Its the sense of community that Martin really seems to relish. He explains that faith still holds a stable place in the lives of member of the Travelling community. Faith and family, and the two things went hand-in-hand on Friday. Martin proudly talked about his grandson Tommy carrying the cross and sitting on his knee as they repeated the Rosary. Together. It brings great comfort knowing that your home is blessed, your family are blessed. One of the reasons we met up to pray this year is for our families, for protection. Thats all any of us want at the moment. Thats one of my main reasons for praying is for the protection of my family and for guidance. Prayer in particular gives me great comfort, reflects Martin. We all have the ups and downs and worries. But prayers and our faith in Jesus always bring us through. Expand Close Ellie Stokes at Good Friday prayers at St Margarets halting site in Ballymun in Dublin Pic: Mark Condren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ellie Stokes at Good Friday prayers at St Margarets halting site in Ballymun in Dublin Pic: Mark Condren Pavee Point - the advocate group for Travellers rights - has been vocal since the viral outbreak to ensure that Travellers arent left behind in controlling the outbreak and the residents of the Ballymun site havent escaped the impact of the lockdown. We are isolating ourselves, its pointless to say were not, says Martin. But maybe not as much as the settled person would. If youre in a house, youre in a house and youre isolating and thats that. But in the caravan its different. Wed still come out into the site and say hello. We are definitely taking it seriously. We have 30 bays here and we wouldn't have everyone out talking and chatting or anything. But youd be out, just one or two checking in. We're well aware of the social distancing, he says. God forbid if anyone had it, obviously everyone would be informed straight away. Were not neglecting the situation, obviously were being very careful if going out to the shops or anything like that. Thanks be to God, the virus is at a very low rate in the Travelling community. I would put that down to Travellers doing a lot of prayers. A lot of Travellers would have a very strong faith. Were putting our trust in God. By Express News Service BENGALURU: On Saturday, eight new positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in Karnataka, taking the total number in the state to 215. This includes six deaths and 39 discharges. Among the new cases is a 32-year-old male doctor from Bengaluru working at Shifa Hospital, Queens Road. This Patient 208 was the contact of Patient 196, a 42-year-old male patient from Bengaluru with history of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). Meanwhile, a staff nurse in Kalaburagi has also reportedly tested positive but this has not been included in the bulletin released by the health department as they are waiting for the second confirmation to come from the laboratory in Bengaluru. Patients 209, 210, 212, 213, 214 are residents of Mysuru, who were all in contact with Patient 88 who was working at a pharmaceutical company in Nanjangud.While Patient 209 is a 46-year-old male, Patient 210, a 43-year-old male, Patient 212, a 27-year-old male, Patient 213 is a 31-year-old male and Patient 214 is a 26-year-old male patient. Patient 211 is a 50-year-old female patient from Bidar and contact of Patient 122, 73-year-old male from Kiramani Colony in Bidar who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation. Patient 215 is the 10-year-old son of Patient 92, 40-year-old male, from Bengaluru. The good news is that five patients were discharged, bringing the total discharged patient count to 39. Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar said, Karnataka right now stands at the 11th position from the 3rd position at the beginning of the COVID-19 situation. The compound growth rate of COVID-19 in Karnataka is 6.5% against the national rate of 12.90%. The Additional Chief Secretary said, There are 11,036 isolation beds, 1,685 ICU and 784 ventilators available in the State. About 10,000 RNA testing kits will arrive from Pune on Tuesday which can test 1,500 samples. The paintings of Emmi Whitehorse beckon with squiggles, lines and secret swirls evoking the long vistas in a spiritual and geographic language of Navajo culture. With works hanging in the permanent collections of the Albuquerque Museum, the Denver Art Museum, the Heard Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Tucson Museum of Art, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, as well as institutions in Germany, Japan and Uzbekistan, this artist has nothing left to prove. Based in both Santa Fe and in Tucson, Arizona, Whitehorse keeps pushing the boundaries of her art, using her hands to smear, caress and layer the dry washes of ground chalk. The closer the viewer gazes across her microscopic compositions, the more they discover intimate marks, forms and scrawls suggestive of the sparse vegetation or shifting wildlife emerging across vast spaces. Born in Crownpoint on the Navajo Nation, Whitehorse was forged in a traditional nomadic family of sheepherders. Wed just pitch a tent all summer long, she said. I grew up with a lot of solitude. Your neighbors are so far away, so you have to entertain yourself. I just started drawing. Her grandmother wove traditional Navajo blankets. They were very geometric, Whitehorse said. She would build these cubes on top of each other. It kind of gave you vertigo to look at it. I was inspired by how something flat gave you this kind of space. Color and artwork lured her away from her elementary school work. She decided to study art formally at the University of New Mexico. In the early 1970s, all the professors were men. It was a very hard place for female artists and very hard for native women, Whitehorse said. Everyone tried to direct us into phys ed or teaching. The bias was against females being artists back then. She persisted, convinced a degree would make gallery owners take her seriously. Whitehorses style developed from watching shadows and light play across the terrain signaling different times of day. At the time, many native artists were painting portraits of people in full headdress with buffaloes. My parents didnt dress like that, Whitehorse said. We didnt have buffalo around. I wanted something I grew up around. I grew up with solitude and nature. So the works are about the process of the day; the little details like twigs or a seed pod or the arm of a plant. She works almost solely on paper. The nubby crevasses and risings of canvas proved too textured for her delicate approach. Paper was cheaper, too. Acrylic paint dried too quickly, so Whitehorse turned to chalk, grinding it with sandpaper before applying layers of subtle coloration with her fingers. I just sprinkle it over the paper and rub it with my hands and use different layers of color, she said. Going to school, I didnt have a lot of money, so I had to find ways to make it look professional. Her invented iconography comprises everything she remembers. A lot of the things you see are skeletal remains of plants, like pine cones splayed apart, she explained. Its up-close views of seed pods. They appear symbolistic of other things. Its up-close in a microscope. There are little funky plants that I make up. The marks also reflect the Navajo philosophy of a harmonious balance of beauty, nature and humanity. Everything in nature is very mathematically arranged, Whitehorse said. We dont notice it. We picked up that we are related to everything, she continued. Everything organic has a life force. The work is meditative, meant to be slowly absorbed. It is definitely done to slow you down, for your eye to keep discovering the work. You think something just moved over there; there are little activities going on. Whitehorses newest work is a mammoth, yellow, 9-feet-by-4-feet wood panel with a chalk bottom. The whole thing is layered with cut out mica pieces so it glitters, she said. Its a piece about organic matter. It aligns with the Navajo sense that beauty is around you. Its called Pollen Path. The work is the first of an unfolding project on the Navajo four directions. She will create a trio of additional panels in white, black and blue. I kind of mulled it over in my head for a while first, Whitehorse said. The solitude of social distancing suits her. Im working away, Whitehorse said. Im used to solitude. Im looking at all the strange life around Tucson; the cacti and all the life forms. _Deck>EXCERPT: Born in Crownpoint on the Navajo Nation, Emmi Whitehorse was forged in a traditional nomadic family of sheepherders. Ethics of wildlife trade examined While there will inevitably be future debates about economic, social and political change in Western democracies brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, ("Politicians, finally, acting grown-up", 10/4), there is surely one thing there should not be any debate about. It is time to crack down on the farming, smuggling, capturing and selling of wildlife across the world. We all know it happens in China but it is prevalent everywhere, including in rich, developed democracies. It is immoral trade for profit. It is rampant greed that exploits the poor, that trades on superstition and ignorance, that gives the wealthy a licence to indulge in private zoos or private tastings of animals no ethical person would entertain. It is demand and supply at its very worst. If anything comes from this crisis, including examination of the principles of the "free market", it must be the trade in wildlife that takes some priority. It alone has demonstrated how unchecked trade, globalisation and profit at any cost threaten all of our existences. Robyn Edwards, Chelsea THE FORUM Andrews' sterling job It has generally been accepted that Daniel Andrews' decisive and clear leadership during the coronavirus crisis has been exemplary. Michael O'Brien would be well advised to take his opposition leader's hat off and acknowledge this instead of trying to find fault with the state government's actions. He might find he would gain some respect. Phil Alexander, Eltham Temperature issue I have no idea how many thermometers capable of recording a person's temperature without touching the person are readily available. However, with the reopening of Victorian schools imminent for the children of essential workers and "at risk" children, would it not be prudent to test their temperature before they enter school? This would go some way in lessening the risk of infection to the teachers who will be rostered for face-to-face contact with students. Jenny Callaghan, Hawthorn Praise for teachers Thank you Tony Wright ("In testing times, praise of those born to teach", 11/4) for the article on teachers both past and present and how their dedicated giftedness can and does trickle down through the generations. Just so loved the apt pic of the dear little old school, out in the Aussie bush, in Drik Drik (1873). Tris Raouf, Hadfield Response questioned Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic timeline, why did I, the government and the media not respond to China's problems and WHO warnings in January? Why was our response limited to banning travel from China, Italy, Iran and Korea when, in retrospect, the US along with cruise ships, was the source of many cases? Our xenophobic response and ongoing blaming of China, or more absurdly, people of Asian ethnicity, raises questions about how far we have come as a multicultural society. Michael Langford, Ivanhoe Helping others paramount Well put Matt Wade ("We barely notice the calamity on our doorstep", 12/4). Despite the challenges to Australia's economy resulting from COVID-19 we must not ignore the even greater issues that will be faced by countries in our region. We are and will remain a wealthy nation so we have the means. We have always been a compassionate nation and it is in our own interest. When nations that surround us are progressing and developing they play a valuable role in the stability of our region as well as its prosperity. Peter Cleary, Medindie, SA Church communities unite This year has seen a very different Easter, as a parish priest it has been extraordinarily different. Yet it has been fulfilling. Our parish has made videos of all our services and we have had bigger congregations (by the number of views) than ever. Parishioners are ringing each other regularly and shopping or delivering meals, making sure everyone is OK. This story is being replicated in churches across the country. Church, after all, is not about a building, it is all about people being community, and many of us are discovering newer and richer ways to be community. Fr Graham Reynolds, Ballarat Help asylum seekers Advice to Keith Head (Letters, 10/4) with suggestions about his $750 government payment, have been interesting and encouraging. My suggestion is to consider the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre for your donation. This organisation is under stress as it tries to continue supporting families on various types of visas. Many, who have been struggling for up to seven years as they wait for approval of their application, have now lost their jobs and are in a perilous position both financially and health wise. Rosemary Faris, Torquay A call to action John Silvester ("Charting a future after COVID-19", 11/4) presents some interesting scenarios for the end of the year. My hope is that COVID-19 wakes us all up to a consciousness of mankind's limits and fragility. And to the need to foresee threats, and deal with them, early and hard. The challenge of climate change looms large. The Great Barrier Reef, the koalas, our beautiful bushland, the air and atmosphere all are threatened now. We don't want to look back in 10 years and wonder why we didn't act. Elaine Hopper, Blackburn Joggers, keep clear Joggers please cease and desist from being "space invaders" by keeping the required distance of at least 1.5 metres when passing or overtaking. If it's not possible to deviate on to the nature strip or even the road, just shout "passing on the right" when approaching walkers from behind and we would happily squish over to the left. Instead, you just hurtle past often swiping an arm on the way. Sally Landman, Camberwell It's all in the stats Graham Haupt (Letters, 11/4) the statistics say it all. With a population of 10.2 million compared to Australia's 25.5million, Sweden has 9685 confirmed cases and 870 recorded deaths. We have 6292 confirmed cases and 53 deaths. Self assessment be damned. Heather Murfet, Northcote People still suffering Peter Hartcher seems to think Scott Morrison has redeemed himself by belatedly recognising the seriousness of COVID-19. Certainly the doubling of the Newstart allowance is beneficial to many. However, one must notice the threat that this is temporary and that many sacked employees are ineligible. People waiting for citizenship and students who work limited hours are ignored despite being taxpayers. They have no superannuation to draw on, they are unable to "go home" because borders are closed and airfares now too expensive. Gael Barrett, North Balwyn Move strikes wrong note As a music teacher I find the decision by Haileybury private school ("School staff stood down via Zoom", 11/4) to stand down its music staff last week citing financial viability disappointing and short-sighted. Ostensibly the decision shows an ignorance of the value of music education and its benefits for students, particularly at a time like this. There are so many exciting possibilities for delivering music classes online that will keep students focused and engaged. It is incomprehensible that this element of a student's education would be denied to them. In the case of Haileybury, it has been stated that the staff affected are highly valued members of the school community. Indeed, so much so that in a time of crisis they are not required. Cheryl Morrow, Vermont Jobs figure illusory Treasurer Josh Frydenberg could not help but state the usual government line (Insiders, 12/4): "We have created a million and a half jobs". Well bully for them and if they keep saying they have created a million-plus jobs every time a minister talks to the media we may start believing the spin. But what the Treasurer failed to explain was that within those so-called "Million-Plus Jobs" are thousands of casual workers who work a day or two just to survive and will not be covered by this workers saviour bill. Dermot Mcintosh, Bacchus Marsh Scrutiny essential Thank you to the protesters who highlighted the inhumane nature of detention centres. Leaving these people at risk in high-density living during this pandemic is unforgivable. This protest also highlights the need for government scrutiny. While the state government seems to be doing a good job, a committee to oversee measures and suggest solutions relating to human rights, democracy and all those slipping through the cracks, may be beneficial, as necessary but draconian rules are applied. Atholie Harden, Williamstown Heading in right direction I never thought I would say this, but, apart from the debacle of the Ruby Princess, Scott Morrison and his team appear to have made the right decisions to curb the spread of coronavirus, and support for those affected by it. It is also a pleasure to see the Parliament working together as one instead of the usual party politics. Ron Hayton, Beaumaris Our 'disposable' workers To counter the loss of post-colonial economic exploitation, the Europeans (and the US) devised a colonialism-at-home system that allowed for temporary workers. Such workers were disposable so they would not become a burden on the welfare system. The COVID-19 shutdown has exposed a similar large disposable workforce in Australia. About one million workers may be entitled to some support through Centrelink (JobSeeker) but another one million on student or work visas have been advised to go home. At present they can't travel and can't access any support although they have paid taxes. Kishor Dabke, Mount Waverley Flu injection inconsistency I concur with GP, Dr Sarah Hume, who is unhappy with distribution of the flu vaccine (Letters, 11/4). Every year the supply to doctors and clinics is insufficient to vaccinate their at-risk patients, while the local chemist has adequate supplies to inject all comers. For the at-risk group it needs to be given by a doctor, so their health can be checked. This year it is more important than ever so those at risk do not have to line up in a chemist to get the injection. Doris LeRoy, Altona Focus on the future Premier Andrews has signalled his intention to ramp up infrastructure projects after the coronavirus lockdown, to stimulate the economy. I hope there will be less emphasis on projects designed for motorists and more on moving towards zero carbon emissions. Construction of a comprehensive network of charging stations for the inevitable increase in electric cars would be one worthwhile project. Another would be an increase in bicycle infrastructure. Julia Blunden, Hawthorn AND ANOTHER THING Further reading Barnaby Joyce's next book should be The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis ("From Thunberg to Bean, it's a matter of Joyce", 12/4). It is scientific, optimistic if we act speedily, and has practical actions for everyone. Barbara Fraser, Burwood If Barnaby Joyce took the time to read some of the books on climate change, before he gave them away, he might learn something useful. Annie Wilson, Inverloch At this time, we all require serious reading matter. We have no form guide for races at Mornington. William Hines, Mornington Coronavirus It used to be goals, behinds, points, team by team. Now it's infections, deaths, recoveries, country by country. John Walsh, Watsonia If the Coalition wants to upskill the workforce shouldn't online tertiary courses be free? Hans Paas, Castlemaine Trump, the Pythonesque Black Knight of the US. Gary Sayer, Warrnambool In view of the reputational damage, Easter Bunny has announced Bugs has applied for a name change. Joan Segrave, Healesville With our coronavirus curve done but not dusted (keep hand washing folks!), it's time to squash our total emissions trajectory. Greg Curtin, Blackburn South Surplus, bushfires, pandemic, global warming: let's hope the penny's dropped and it's burnt into the PM's brain that there's no snap-back from 2 degrees of warming. Vince Corbett, Glenroy Re the timing of "Coming Out", to quote economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, "the presence of disease kills people, and the absence of livelihood also kills people". Express News Service MYSURU: Mysureans were relieved as a 35-year-old man (P-52), the first employee who tested positive for COVID-19 at a Nanjangud pharmaceutical company, was discharged on Friday. But coronavirus fear was back to haunt them as 10 new cases were reported from the pharma company in just 48 hours. The cluster of Covid-19 cases with its epicentre as Jubilant Generics Ltd, the pharma company in Nanjangud, is growing and till date, 36 people related to the company, employees and primary contacts, have tested positive. But still, the district administration, health officials and police have been unable to trace the source of the infection. On March 26, P-52 with no travel or contact history tested positive, puzzling the officials. It has been 18 days since the officials started the investigation, but they are unable to come out with a definitive report. Though initially, the authorities pointed to the consignment imported from China as the possible source of infection, they backtracked, saying the investigation is still on and they are waiting for reports. A senior police officer probing the case, on condition of anonymity, revealed that they are in the final stages of the investigation and have procured the CCTV footage, records of visitor details and material movement. We served a notice to the company to get all the details and now we have been informed that several outsiders, including those from Goa and Australia, had visited the plant for auditing work, he said. A betel leaf vendor waits for customers at the deserted Devaraja Market in Mysuru on Saturday | udayshankar s The visit of foreigners, who could be carriers of the virus, has added a new angle to the investigation. When asked, Mysuru Superintendent of Police CB Ryshyanth said, We are investigating the case from all angles. It will take a couple of days to come to a conclusion. A health official said that tests of the cargo surface, which was initially thought to be the source of contamination, has come negative and other samples have been sent for tests. Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G Sankar too said that the samples have been sent to the Institute of Virology in Pune.He said, All primary and secondary contacts of pharma company employees are being tested. We have almost completed testing the primary contacts and started testing secondary contacts. Seven teams have been constituted for this.As on Saturday, 3,506 people were under observation in Mysuru, of which 1,483 are under home isolation. A total of 781 samples have been tested till now, of which 734 were negative. With the social distancing campaign drawing to an end, public opinion is sharply divided on a possible extension by the authorities. On Friday afternoon, five days before the campaign comes to an end, streets in Saigon are packed with commuters and people are exercising outdoors. But others are staying at home unless there is a pressing to leave. "I feel safe staying at home amid the pandemic, and it is totally okay to extend this social distancing campaign," Do Hoang Lam of District 10, Saigon, says. Several new patients who do not have a clear source of infection pose a great risk to the community and social distancing makes him feel safer, he adds. But his wife, Nguyen Thanh An, is not convinced. "We have no more than four new patients a day since April 4, meaning the disease in under control." As a businesswoman, she prefers a return to normalcy. She is counting every day until April 15 to open her spa after two weeks of closure. "Earning is as important as fighting the epidemic, especially when we have reasons to be optimistic." This division is playing out around the country ahead of the end of the 15-day social distancing period on April 15. Hanoians sit outside their houses on Lan Ong Street, April 8, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Hue. Since the number of new cases has been rising slowly over the past few days, many believe the Covid-19 pandemic is under control and another period of social distancing is unnecessary. Of Vietnams 258 Covid-19 patients so far, 144 have been discharged from hospitals. Of the 114 active cases, 12 have tested negative twice and 13 have tested negative once. Truong Anh Tuyet, a housewife in Hanois Long Bien District, says, "Since there are only a few new cases every day, the infection risk is minor, and millions of people are looking forward to resuming their normal lives." Since April 1 she had not ventured out until Saturday morning. "I finally went for a walk early in the morning because I was too bored, but a policeman told me to go home. Why are they so serious when more and more people have been treated and discharged?" On social networks, many people are optimistic. "Suspending international flights, putting suspected cases in quarantine and isolating hotspots ... we have been doing well," says a commenter on a Facebook group for foreigners in Hanoi with more than 100,000 members. "The social distancing period should end because life must go on." For businesspeople, whose livelihood has taken a hit due to the closure of non-essential services and shops, the earlier the social distancing period ends, the better. Many of them think authorities should not continue to sacrifice the economy to contain the pandemic, which seems to have eased off during the last few days of the social distancing campaign. An says: "Many people are losing money because of the social distancing. Can we just let things get back to normal and remind people to be careful for their own sake?" A crowded area in Saigon on April 9, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/HoangHuy. But others are less sanguine about the pandemic situation and do not want the social distancing campaign to end yet. Nguyen Huy Nga, former director of the General Department of Preventive Medicine, warns that the decrease in the number of new infections is good news but means little. Vietnam has reported only nine Covid-19 infection cases over the past five days. On March 22, the country had recorded 19 new cases, marking the highest number in a single day. "After the 15 days of social distancing are over, if there are new infections, we have to isolate the hotspots, contain the epidemic and maintain social distancing," he points out. Nguyen Thanh Vi, a white-collar worker in Ho Chi Minh City, still feels threatened by the deadly virus. While there have been inconveniences during the social distancing period, she does not mind them "as long as everyone is safe from the virus." "If we end this (the social distancing campaign) too soon, I am afraid our efforts would have been in vain." In fact, the government has predicted more community infections over the next few days. During the first seven days of the social distancing period, only 22 out of 31 new infections were diagnosed at quarantines, with the rest found in the community. More worryingly, the sources of infection have not been identified yet for some patients, making it difficult for medical authorities to trace people having close contact with them. Another reason people are hoping for a longer social distancing period is that even during the campaign many were indifferent with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City seeing crowds of commuters and people exercising outdoors, and things could worsen if the campaign is lifted. Lam, who supports the Ministry of Healths proposal to possibly extend the social distancing campaign, asks: "Many people people have not practiced social distancing in the last 10 days? If we stop (social distancing), more people will drop their guard." Testing the waters Tran Dac Phu, senior advisor at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center under the Health Ministry, too said social distancing remains crucial since Vietnam has many potential cases out in the community. "Once social distancing is practiced well, a hotspot will not have a chance to grow bigger. It is just like a fire: if the fires are small, we totally have the ability to extinguish each of them." The government has not decided to extend the social distancing campaign or not since the country has entered the third stage of the epidemic with several cases in the community, and the sources of some, yet to be detected, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Truong Son said Tuesday. Meanwhile, medical experts warn that many people could be carrying the virus without showing symptoms and transmitting it to others, creating potential transmission chains and posing great danger. But social distancing could cut those chains even when the sources of infection are in the community, Phu said. Last Monday Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc instructed ministries and local governments to prepare for a second wave of the virus that has hit other countries. "If the pandemic continues, protecting peoples health will be the most important factor, not economic growth." The National Steering Committee on Covid-19 Prevention and Control will discuss the possibility of extending the social distancing campaign on Monday before making a recommendation to the prime minister. Both Lam and his wife have been thinking about what they would do after the social distancing campaign is over. While An wants to go for a haircut, Lam has not decided. "I do not plan because it does not matter what I will do after this; it is safety that matters, the safety of all of us amid the raging pandemic," he says. Aligarh, April 12 : Junior doctors at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital in Aligarh have purchased protective gear worth Rs 1 lakh through donations. Shah Nawaz Iqbali, Vice President of the Resident Doctors' Association, told reporters on Sunday that their hospital is "one of the frontline medical centres for testing and treating COVID-19 patients in Uttar Pradesh despite an acute shortage of vital protective gear for healthcare workers". He said that the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) has raised its own fund through donations for purchasing critical protective gear like surgical masks and sanitisers. Iqbali said that the RDA had purchased protective gear worth Rs 1 lakh in the past four days. RDA President Hamza Malik said the availability of protective gear for doctors at the hospital had reached a critical point when they had threatened to boycott work if necessary gear was not made available to them immediately. The crisis was, however, defused on the intervention of AMU Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor, who assured them that their concerns were being immediately addressed. There are nearly 450 resident doctors at the 1,269-bed hospital -- a tertiary-level facility of the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, which is affiliated to the Aligarh Muslim University. A spokesperson of the medical college hospital, however, said that the concerns of the junior doctors were "misplaced" as adequate supply of protective equipment was in the pipeline. He said that the purchase procedures as stipulated by the Central government regulations had to be strictly adhered to for ensuring transparency. "For Sale By Owner" and "Closed Due to Virus" signs are displayed in the window of Images On Mack in Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., Thursday, April 2, 2020. The coronavirus outbreak has triggered a stunning collapse in the U.S. workforce with 10 million people losing their jobs in the past two weeks and economists warn unemployment could reach levels not seen since the Depression, as the economic damage from the crisis piles up around the world. Read more When the economy reopens, what will the recovery look like? Every economist is struggling with that question. The timing of the reopening will greatly affect the shape of the upturn. And the strength of the expansion will depend upon business and consumer behavior, government finances, and a global recovery. There are lots of variables, but not a lot of certainty. First, keep one thing in mind: The actions taken by Congress and the Federal Reserve are stabilization programs, not stimulus plans. You have to stop falling before you can start rising again. The Fed flooded the financial markets with massive amounts of liquidity. But while those actions created financial market stability, they do not insure growth will take place. Similarly, the CARES Act may create a temporary lifeboat for many businesses and households, but when funds begin to run out, they will have to stand on their own. The CARES Act also has some time-limited elements to it. For many, there are one-time grants of $1,200, plus up to $1,000 for children. But those grants will not be repeated. There is a major boost to unemployment insurance payments of $600 per week, on top of regular state payments. But those last for four months. And the extra unemployment payments come with unintended consequences. While state payments vary, the average is roughly $350 per week. When you add $600 to that, the total is large enough that many low- and moderate-income workers would have an incentive to remain on the unemployment rolls rather than accept job offers. The CARES Act also changes the way government funds are distributed to unemployed workers. Instead of laid-off workers receiving unemployment compensation, the government funds the wages of small to mid-size business who hire back workers. Those workers shift from being unemployed to being employed, even though the true employer paying the salary is the government. The idea is to create a Reserve Army of the Employed. Whether they actually work is irrelevant. As long as firms meet certain rehiring and retention requirements, the loan becomes a grant its free money for salaries and other costs such as rent. But that money does run out and firms will have to start acting like private-sector companies, not wards of the state. That means they have to make money the old-fashioned way: They have to earn it. When that time comes, the economy matters most. Despite all the money flowing from all the government funding plans, the best they can do is stop the decline. Turning it around will require the economy reopening and probably a lot more government money. And, that brings us to the shape of the recovery. The standard view is that we will have a V-shaped recovery. We crashed and burned, but once the economy reopens, it will rebound sharply. Indeed, as the argument goes, given the trillions of dollars being poured into the economy, a massive rebound is likely. At least in the first couple of months, that could happen. Since enormous numbers of firms closed, their reopening will obviously create an initial surge in activity. Households will likely go on a spending binge, restocking their homes and satisfying pent-up demand for all sorts of things. Unfortunately, to keep growth going, everything must go right: The V-recovery requires the pandemic end fairly quickly and at about the same time across the country. An extended shutdown increases damage greatly and reduces business survival rates. An in-sync recovery is needed to create the momentum required for strong growth. Households will have to become exuberant almost immediately and businesses will have to rehire most of their laid-off workers, keep them on the payrolls, and start investing right away. And most important, there cannot be a resurgence in the virus that leads to another shutdown. If that happens, the money spent will be largely wasted. ASK US: Do you have a question about the coronavirus and how it affects your health, work and life? Ask our reporters. There are simply too many significant conditions that must be met for the V-recovery to happen. More likely, the initial sharp rise in growth will wind up being a head fake, once the exuberance wears off. The six to 12 months after the initial upturn may be the most critical. That is when the economic fundamentals take over. On the consumer side, income matters the most. Initially, the government is supporting millions of workers. But once those payments decline, demand will have to be strong enough so businesses can pay those workers. But consumers might not start shopping till they drop. Even after firms start rehiring, the unemployment rate could be in the teens. With so many unemployed, demand will be well below pre-pandemic levels. Thousands of firms will fail, keeping unemployment high for an extended period. It could take years before the unemployment rate reaches 5%, let alone the 3.5% it was in February. Exacerbating the problem is that hiring is likely to be cautious and only enough to meet the CARES Act requirements. When the loans become grants, firms will be free to cut expenses by reducing head count. Decimated sectors, such as hospitality and travel, may take years to reach previous employment levels. As for capital spending, companies werent investing robustly when the economy was decent and the tax cuts were implemented. Why would they invest in an uncertain environment? As for government spending, the federal largesse is slated to fade quickly. In addition, state and local government budgets have been decimated, forcing them to tighten belts. Government spending will decline as the recovery kicks in. And finally, the rest of the world has to chip in. When Europe and Asia will start growing as solidly as they were before COVID-19 hit is anyones guess, but there is no reason to believe they will move in lockstep with the United States. Putting this all together, you get a recovery that starts with a "V" but then moves to u with a fairly long bottom. It may take six to 12 months after the initial surge fades for the economy to move back to a sustainable growth pace. The Vu recovery forecast recognizes that everything is not likely to go perfectly, but it ends with an economic recovery that is moderate and lasting. "Serving in the military changes you. The shades and degrees of change vary for everyone, but no one is ever the same as... Press Release April 12, 2020 Bong Go echoes calls to grant financial assistance to PLGUs during COVID-19 emergency Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go echoed the sentiments of several provincial governors over the need to provide a one-time 'Bayanihan' financial assistance to provincial local government units (PLGUs). Go has recommended to the Executive Branch that a one-time grant equivalent to half of the province's one-month Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) can help further capacitate PLGUs to respond effectively to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country. Go emphasized that PLGUs can ensure the readiness of provincial hospitals to handle the COVID-19 health emergency since they are in charge of funding, sustaining and enhancing the operations of these local health facilities. "Marami sa mga patients natin ay sa provincial hospitals po unang dinadala. It is the PLGUs that pay for the operations of these hospitals." But aside from ensuring that provincial hospitals are well-equipped to treat COVID-19 related cases, Go noted that PLGUs have additional roles to play in the fight against the pandemic which warrant additional government support. "PLGUs play a crucial role in implementing the measures imposed by the national government to control the spread of the virus. It would be beneficial to the people if PLGUs are also given additional funding to better respond to the needs of their constituents," Go said. Go, together with various PLGUs, noted that provinces also ensure the successful implementation of the government's enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measure. Among those who have expressed their sentiments in letters and messages addressed to the Senator were Camarines Sur Governor Miguel Luis Villafuerte, Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor, and Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba, among others. In a letter from Villafuerte, the Camarines Sur governor mentioned that PLGUs provide food assistance covering all municipalities and component cities within their jurisdiction and on top of that, they also provide financial support, shelter or quarantine quarters for stranded non-residents as well. Likewise, Dolor stated that provincial governments also take care of border protection to control the spread of the virus, provide food and maintenance for people in quarantine sites, and provide transportation and temporary dormitories for medical frontliners. Due to the prolonged health emergency, various governors noted that financial resources of PLGUs, such as calamity fund disbursements and real estate tax collections, have either exceeded their limit or have been drained, warranting assistance from the national government. They also cited the need for funds to create a surge in economic development which has been slowed down by the COVID-19 health crisis. In a letter sent by the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, the umbrella organization of all leagues of local government units, through their National President and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua, the group appeals for a similar grant for PLGUs as to what was recently approved for cities and municipalities. The letter further explained that provincial governments, as the highest form of government in the sub-national level, play a vital role in the COVID-19 situation as managers of the health care provider networks, according to the Universal Health Care Law. In earlier statements, Go reiterated his appeal for the provision of the assistance to PLGUs following the approval of his request to grant a one-time 'Bayanihan' financial assistance to cities and municipalities. "Huwag na nating hayaan na kumalat pa ang virus. Ihanda na natin ang mga probinsya kahit sa pinaka-malalayong mga lugar. I-equip na natin ang kanilang mga ospital. Dagdagan na rin natin ang mga testing centers and quarantine facilities," he added. As a member of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee overseeing the implementation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Go also reminded PLGUs to use the additional funding prudently if their request is approved. "Gamitin lang ng mabuti ang pondo pangtulong sa mga tao. Importante na malampasan natin ito ng sama-sama, walang pulitika, at walang pinipili ang tinutulungan," he said. Go stressed that the additional funding, if granted, should be used exclusively for its intended purpose in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and as determined by the national government. "Dapat magtulungan ang LGUs at national government agencies, pati na rin ang private sector, para matapalan kung ano man ang magiging kulang sa mga kailangan ng taumbayan," Go emphasized. Italy is approximately two weeks ahead of the US and the UKand perhaps four weeks behind Chinain its exposure and reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. The curve of infection there has flattened, but is falling slowly. Last night Italys Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte ordered an extension of the national lockdown until May 3, while adding that he would act accordingly if conditions change. Much of Italys vaunted fashion manufacturing sector has been closed for business since March 9, or shortly after. The only exceptions have been those plantsbelonging to companies including Gucci, Giorgio Armani, and Pradathat have been converted for the use of medical face masks and gowns. Today the Italian fashion industry presented an open letter to Prime Minister Conte in which it signaled its readiness to restart. As detailed in the newspaper Corriere Della Sera, three organizations representing the entirety of Italys 65, 000 fashion and luxury manufacturing companieswhich between them produce 80% of the worlds luxury goods and employ 600,000 peoplesay this beating heart of the global fashion system has slowed to a dangerously low ebb. Claudio Marenzi of Herno heads up the textile, fashion, and accessory organization Confindustria Moda and says: If we dont reopen within a reasonable time, 50%t of our companies risk collapse. But when might that reasonable time be? Thatequal to the annual turnover of the sectoris a $103 billion dollar question whose answer must be this: when it is safe. Carlo Capasa, who heads the Camera Della Moda (Italys CFDA), says: We know that we will have to be cautious, keeping a correct balance between health and economy. We already have rules that function for those industries that are active. By this Capasa means that the continued manufacture of medical-grade protective equipment has allowed Italian fashion companies to refine prototype protocols for when fashion production begins again. Staggered shifts, filtered ventilation, workstation distancing, disinfection systems, and of course mask wearing have all been tried and tested. Story continues The fear amongst many in Italian fashion is that its intricate ecosystem of small factoriesthe vast majority of businesses employ under 100 peoplewill begin to fall apart if it is unable to fulfill at least some orders for the fall 2020 season. Matteo Lunelli of the trade organization Altagamma told Corriere: The reopening must be addressed soon. Gradually, with prudence, and a great sense of responsibility. Originally Appeared on Vogue Wanted: Personal Buffer Often snarly, workaholic executive seeks buffer from annoying outside distractions AKA people. Free spirits with personal boundary issues, excessive quirks, or general squeamishness need not apply. Salary negotiable. Confidentiality required. Workaholic billionaire Sawyer Carlyle may have joked he needed a buffer from their marriage-obsessed mom, but he didnt need a waiting room filled with candidates to further distract him. (Thanks, bro.) But when a sexy job applicant shooes his mom and the socialite in tow out of his office, Sawyer sees the genius of the plan. And the woman. In fact, Miss Clover Lee might just get the fastest promotion in history, from buffer to fake fiance This free-spirit might look like hot sunshine and lickable rainbows, but she negotiates like a pitbull. 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Gods of Jade and Shadow is a magical fairy tale about identity, freedom, and love, and its like nothing youve read before.Bustle NEBULA AWARD FINALIST NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR Tordotcom The New York Public Library BookRiot The Jazz Age is in full swing, but Casiopea Tun is too busy cleaning the floors of her wealthy grandfathers house to listen to any fast tunes. Nevertheless, she dreams of a life far from her dusty small town in southern Mexico. A life she can call her own. Yet this new life seems as distant as the stars, until the day she finds a curious wooden box in her grandfathers room. She opens itand accidentally frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his treacherous brother. Failure will mean Casiopeas demise, but success could make her dreams come true. 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The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan. Mr Fadeyi said that the clash was not between cult groups but two hoodlum groups; namely Ebila and Ekugbemi groups. He said the incident happened around 4 p.m on Saturday. A report was received by the DPO Sanyo area that one Mosudi Ekugbemi of Olunde area was allegedly fatally injured with machete cuts by a group of area boys led by one Ebila Abiola during an open fight, while Abiola was purportedly trying to collect land royalty from one Babatunde who was roofing his building under construction. But some social miscreants at Mapo Bornphoto and Agbadagudu in Bere area attempted to take advantage of the circulation of the alleged death of Mosudi Ekungbemi. The Police with the support from other security agencies were quickly deployed to these areas and doused the tension, while Babatunde Oladapo and Ibrahim Abisoye were arrested and assisting the police in their investigations. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Shina Olukolu, wishes to reassure the people of the state that the police are on top of the situation and normalcy have since been restored, Mr Fadeyi said. He said that the CP has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department (DIC) to take over the case. (NAN) RTHK: Bangladesh executes leader's killer, 45 years on Bangladesh has executed a military captain less than a week after he was arrested after nearly 25 years on the run over the assassination of the country's founding leader, a minister said on Sunday. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was killed along with most of his family in a military coup on August 15, 1975, nearly four years after he led Bangladesh to independence from Pakistan. In 1998 Abdul Majed was sentenced in absentia to death along with a dozen other army officers over the murders. Bangladesh's Supreme Court upheld the verdict in 2009 and five of the killers were executed several months later. On Tuesday, counter-terrorism police officers arrested Majed as he rode a rickshaw in the capital early in the morning. Bangladesh prison authorities carried out Majed's execution by hanging days later, after the country's president rejected a mercy plea from the convicted killer. "He was hanged to death at 12.01 am Sunday," law minister Anisul Huq said, adding the execution took place at the country's largest prison, just outside the capital Dhaka. Majed is believed to have fled to India in 1996. He returned to Bangladesh last month. Majed's wife met him at the prison one last time on Saturday evening when the prison authorities had scheduled his execution. Prime Minister Hasina, whose public celebrations this year for the centenary of her father's birth have been hampered by the coronavirus pandemic, was in Europe with her sister at the time of the 1975 attack. In a video message, the country's home minister this week called Majed's arrest "the best gift of Mujib centenary year". (AFP) This story has been published on: 2020-04-12. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Help India! Auqib Javeed,TwoCircles.net Srinagar: The Union Territory Administration in Kashmir has started a massive axing and looping programme of Russian female poplar trees locally know as Russi phras in wake of Covid-19 on the directions of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir. Support TwoCircles As the erstwhile state grapples with an escalating economic loss due to the six months lockdown, the government has ordered axing of 16 million Poplar trees in Kashmir. The order came in wake of rapid spread of COVID19 as the Valley records 04 deaths and over 200 positive cases, with government claiming that the pollen generated by this Russian breed trees during the spring season could become carriers of the coronavirus. Economic loss The order, issued last week, has stoked fear that the drive may result in large-scale cutting of poplar trees a move that many experts believe will have a huge impact on not just local ecology but also the economy. We sell around 600 crore boxes of apples every year in fruit Mandi and most of the boxes are made of Russian Poplar wood, Fayaz Ahmad told TwoCircles.net. Ahmad, who leads Asias largest fruit market in North Kashmirs Sopore believes axing of poplar trees will surely hit the fruit the industry. As Poplars are the only fast growing tree species in the Valley, they are considered as the economic back bone of farmers in Kashmir, fetching them an income of Rs. 9,000 to 15,000 per tree at a short rotation of 10 to 15 years. A trader who deals with wood business told TwoCircles.net that he is associated with the trade since last 20 years and governments ill thought action will leave them unemployed. There are about 16 million Poplar trees in Kashmir, dotting highways, urban and rural pockets in the Valley. Poplar wood was initially cultivated in J&K for making boxes for apple packaging and for manufacturing pencils. The trees are also used for plywood manufacturing with over 30 plywood factories dependent on it. A vast number of traders dealing in wooden craft are also reliant on Poplars. Ecological Disaster Poplars are one the most important tree species in the Valley for its multiple benefits other than revenue generation. They facilitate carbon sequestration, uses in fruit industry, phyto-remediation, ecological treatment, stream bank stabilization, soil building, bio filtration, soil erosion control etc. It is most tragic that lakhs of Russian Poplars are being chopped in Kashmir on the order of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, based on the wrong perception that these trees are a severe health hazard for the region, said Jauhar Parrey. Jauhar is a PhD scholar at Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir ( SKUAST-K). He added that it is unfortunate that government has started a war against Poplar trees without expert advice stressing that they cannot underestimate the importance of Poplars in terms of environment cleaning and economical value. Back in 2015, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had ordered chopping down Russian Poplars all over Kashmir. Following this, about 2 lakh trees were cut down in south Kashmir between 2017-2018. Jauhar, remembering the same, noted that there is enough research available which suggests that Poplar seeds are not allergic in nature. Similarly, experts argue that the decision was not supported by any scientific evidence. Covid-19 and Pollen A 2017 study by Government Medical College, Srinagar, reveals that Pollens of Russian Poplar cause allergy in 20% population, Common grass in 73.5%, Pine in 62.7%, Chinar in 60% and Dust in 92.7% (cutting of trees increases dust and pollution). Similarly, the cottony substances dispersed are seeds, whereas the pollens are invisible to the naked eye. And ironically, no allergic protein has yet been found in the cottony seeds of Russian Poplar. A year later in 2018, Faculty of forestry SKUAT-K had organized a brainstorming session on Poplars including scientific experts, officers of Forest department, medics and legal authorities who collectively concluded that poplars show no allergic nature. Another seminar was organized by the Faculty whose Principal Investigator was Dr JA Mugloo, senior scientist at Faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K. This seminar was instrumental in proving that unfertilized seeds of Poplars are not allergy-causing in nature. Grass produces more pollen which is more allergic to humans, does it mean we will clear them off? said Dr. Mughloo told TwoCircles.net. As per Dr JA Mughloo, there is only a management problem of Poplar trees in Kashmir and removing of 60-70% of canopy would significantly reduce pollen shedding of these trees to the maximum, without having to cut them off fully. Simple pruning is enough to deal with the pollen shed by these trees, said Dr SA Gangoo, Chief Scientist at Faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K. Talking about pollen, Dr Gangoo discussed that conifers like pine, kiker, chinar and their other species also produce pollen grains and seeds and instead of bulk hacking them, pruning saves a lot. He opined that Poplars not only reduce the cotton fluff produced by trees, but also increases its productivity in terms of tree girth and height so it is not a solution to relate Covid19 with pollen. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) The annual Easter Sunrise Service at the historic Mt. Davidson Landmark Park and Cross in San Francisco was canceled this year due to the novel coronavirus shelter-in-place order, the first cancellation since the tradition was established in 1923. But part of the tradition, the lighting of the cross on the night before Easter, was continued Saturday into Sunday, with an added twist. The cross was illuminated in blue light " to show support for healthcare professionals and essential front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic," the Council of Armenian Americans of Northern California said in a news release. The concrete cross, which stands 103 feet tall atop the highest point in San Francisco, is one of several that have stood at the site, with others destroyed by arsonists. ALSO A dramatic hike right in the middle of San Francisco The current cross was dedicated in 1933 when President Franklin Roosevelt "pressed a golden telegraph key in Washington, D.C. to light up the cross in front of an audience of 50,000," according to a history compiled by the Armenian council. The council has been the legal owner of the cross and the site where it stands in the park since 1997, following prolonged debate about a religious symbol on city-owned property. "It is one of the oldest landmarks in San Francisco and stands as a memorial to the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915," the council said in its announcement. 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 PTI SINGAPORE: Fifty-nine Indians working in Singapore are among the 233 new coronavirus cases reported on Sunday, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients in the city-state to 2,532. Of the new cases, 51 are linked to known clusters while 15 to earlier cases. The remaining 167 have no links to earlier cases, pending contact tracing, the Health Ministry said in its daily update. Seven new clusters, or common places of gatherings, were found, including one linked to the Black Tap restaurant at a five-star casino-resort complex, Marina Bay Sands. Burgers and milkshakes restaurant Black Tap is linked to eight cases and McDonald's is linked to five infections. Thirty-one of the 976 patients still in hospital are in critical condition in the intensive care unit while most others are stable or improving. There are 988 cases who are clinically well but still tested positive for COVID-19. They are being isolated and cared for at community facilities, said the ministry. The death toll stands at eight. Four additional cases are linked to the Indian-origin mega store Mustafa Centre, taking its total to 82. The number of work permit holders working in Singapore and dormitory-related cases has increased sharply and this is likely to go up, "especially as we undertake more aggressive testing in dormitories", said the ministry. Authorities further tightened circuit breaker measures to control the spread of the deadly disease, recommending that commuters wear masks on public transport and closing all beaches. Markets will also refuse entry to people not wearing face masks and food outlets will face fines if their workers do not wear masks or face shields. During the circuit breaker period, which lasts from Apr 7 to May 4, Singaporeans are to leave their homes only for essential activities such as buying food and groceries. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-13 06:23:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday welcomed a deal to cut oil production reached by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some other major oil producing countries, known as OPEC+, as it will save hundreds of thousands of U.S. energy jobs. "The big Oil Deal with OPEC Plus is done. This will save hundreds of thousands of energy jobs in the United States," Trump tweeted. "I would like to thank and congratulate President Putin of Russia and King Salman of Saudi Arabia. I just spoke to them from the Oval Office. Great deal for all!" said the president. The OPEC and other crude producers led by Russia agreed on Sunday to reduce output by 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) for May-June after four days of talks. "We welcome today's announcement of an agreement by other producing nations to follow the lead of the global marketplace - and U.S. producers - to reduce supply to align with lower energy demand as result of the pandemic," American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Mike Sommers said in a statement. "This is a significant agreement that will foster increased stability in energy markets to the benefit of both American energy consumers and producers," he said, adding "significant challenges remain in the weeks and months ahead" for the energy industry. Oil prices have fallen by more than 50 percent since early this year due to the global coronavirus pandemic and a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. The West Texas Intermediate for May delivery fell 2.33 U.S. dollars to settle at 22.76 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange on Thursday, while Brent crude for June delivery dropped 1.36 dollars to close at 31.48 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. Almost 40 percent of U.S. oil and natural gas producers face insolvency within the year if crude prices remain near 30 dollars a barrel, according to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. "Expectations for future activity also fell to their lowest level since late 2014, as most firms do not expect energy prices to return to profitable levels this year," said Chad Wilkerson, an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The Manitoba government revealed Sunday that they have identified no new novel coronavirus cases in the province. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/4/2020 (638 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin and Shared Health's chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa walk into room 68 to provide their daily media briefing at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg on April 6. The pair did not hold a press conference on Easter Sunday. (Mikaela MacKenzie/Winnipeg Free Press) The Manitoba government revealed Sunday that they have identified no new novel coronavirus cases in the province. In fact, government officials said that their caseload actually went down from 243 to 242, since one probable case turned out to be a false positive. However, eight individuals are still hospitalized due to the virus, four of whom are in intensive care. Manitobas COVID-19 death rate remains at four. Plus, the province reminded people on Sunday that they should remain vigilant to help flatten the curve of the virus and resist the urge to take part in large social gatherings throughout the Easter long weekend. Sunday also didnt feature any press conference with Dr. Brent Roussin, the province's chief public health officer, and Lanette Siragusa, Shared Health's chief nursing officer. The Brandon Sun Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal On the day before Easter Sunday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham broadened her public health order banning big gatherings to include houses of worship statewide. The order aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 did not previously include places of worship, though many congregations had already canceled in-person services, the Governors Office said Saturday in announcing the expansion of the order. As Easter approached, however, officials learned that some groups were making other plans. Were incredibly grateful that so many houses of worship already took action of their own, Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Meyers Sackett said Saturday. However, there have been a few outliers, putting New Mexicans at risk. We were hearing additional ones planning on holding services (Sunday) and we wanted to be crystal clear. Of the 39 states that have implemented stay-at-home orders, only 11 now have exceptions for religious gatherings, and most of those require social distancing at services, according to the news release from the Governors Office. The majority of New Mexico churches, synagogues and mosques already ended face-to-face gatherings, and many churches are planning virtual Easter services via livestream, broadcast or other technical means. We know that you want to practice your faith, as you should. But this year we must remember that home is holy. The best thing you can do for your community is to stay there, Lujan Grisham said in the release. While this will be emotionally difficult for so many New Mexicans, public health must be the top priority. The only way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is by staying home and minimizing all person-to-person contact. Many churches offering virtual Easter services London: Britain is giving 65 million ($127 million) in aid to the World Health Organisation to tackle the coronavirus pandemic as part of a broader 200 million package, days after US President Donald Trump threatened to pull funding from the organisation. Pressure is building on global bodies and governments to co-ordinate with each other as hotspots in Europe consider easing lockdown measures while the number of cases worldwide nears 2 million. The UK's Department for International Development said in a statement on Sunday that the funding will help prevent the virus from spreading in developing countries and sparking a second rise of infections in the UK. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, minister for International Development. Credit:Getty Images The British government pledged the WHO money as Trump criticised the organisation for being too lenient about China's effort to contain the virus at the start of the outbreak. The rest of the money will go to charities such as the International Red Cross. "The United Kingdom's generous contribution is a strong statement that this is a global threat that demands a global response. WHO is deeply grateful to the government and people of the United Kingdom for their generous contribution," the WHO's Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. (CNN) Prosecutors in Los Angeles have leveled another sexual assault charge against imprisoned former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. The charge of sexual battery by restraint stems from an alleged incident at a Beverly Hills hotel in May 2010, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Weinstein, who is serving 23 years in prison in New York after being convicted of committing a criminal sex act in the first degree and rape in the third degree, was already facing four felony charges in Los Angeles, including forcible rape, sexual penetration by use of force, sexual battery and forcible oral copulation. Weinstein has denied the allegations. CNN reached out to his representatives Friday for comment on the new charge. The victim was initially interviewed as a possible corroborating witness to the earlier charges, according to the district attorney's office. Last month, she provided information confirming that the assault took place within the 10-year statute of limitation, the district attorney's office said. "As we gather corroborating evidence, we have reached out to other possible sexual assault victims. 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," Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement. The district attorney's office also said it has declined to pursue two other potential cases against Weinstein because the accusers did not want to testify. The district attorney's office said it has initiated a request for temporary custody of Weinstein from New York, the first of several steps in the extradition process. Given the coronavirus pandemic, it is unclear when that move might occur. Weinstein has not been arraigned on any charges in Los Angeles. He will be arraigned after he arrives in California, according to the district attorney's office. If convicted, Weinstein faces up to 29 years in prison. A New York judge sentenced Weinstein, 68, to 20 years in prison for criminal sexual act and three years in prison for rape. The sentences will run consecutively, and both come with five years of supervision after release, and Weinstein must register as a sex offender. The former producer was assigned to the Wende Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Alden, New York. This story was first published on CNN.com "Harvey Weinstein faces another sexual assault charge in Los Angeles" GVM MART in Tullamore plans to develop a virtual bidding system for buyers and sellers within the coming three weeks if Covid-19 restrictions are not relaxed. Mart Manager, Antoinette Daly said their preferred option would be to hold cattle sales with a maximum of 50 people at the ringside. We would carry out all the necessary precautions to ensure that everyone is safe if the Department of Agriculture allow such a development, Ms Daly told the Tribune this week. She said otherwise the mart committee would move to install the virtual bidding system which has been pioneered by a local company. She said that the mart was matching up sellers with buyers at present but it was not an ideal system to work with. Tullamore Mart closed in the middle of last month due to the Covid-19 situation. At the time, the mart committee stated that the decision had been taken in the interest of our loyal staff, their families, our customers and their families and wider public. We are postponing our weekly sales i.e weanlings, sheep and cattle until further notice, the statement outlined. It added: As the number of people getting this virus is increasing everyday we feel if we dont stop and take guidance from the experts in the health organisation this pandemic will only get worse. As our elders always thought us your health is your wealth. We need to stop and think before this totally gets out of control. We hope the farmers understand our decision it was not easy to do this but we feel the quicker we try stop this virus getting out of hand the quicker we can look forward to returning to business. Do look after yourselves in the meantime and keep safe, the mart advised its clients. The President of the Irish Farmers Association, Tim Cullinan last week acknowledged measures announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, including permitting the marts to facilitate trade between farmers. He said it was important that the marts could facilitate trade to guarantee payment, assemble calves for export and utilise their weighing facilities for cattle and sheep sales. Mr Cullinan stated that the IFA has been working with the marts and the Department of Agriculture to get the essential trade in livestock moving again while complying with the Government and HSE COVID-19 guidelines and which do not require people to assemble. He also said it was important that all eligible applicants could be funded under the calf investment scheme. However, he said that the beef market was now in turmoil and that significant measures were required at EU and national level to support beef farmers The Minister and Government now have a lot more flexibility as the EU Commission have increased state aid limits. While there a lot of other calls for funding, farmers cannot be forgotten and they need help now, added Mr Culinan. ICSA suckler chair Ger OBrien has said that the necessary closure of all marts on account of Covid-19 is a blow to farmers and hopefully will be for a short period only. Livestock marts play a vital role in Irish farming and are a critical resource in determining a fair price for farmers. ICSA is concerned that prolonged mart closure would lead to a lot of difficulties for farmers who depend on the service they provide. The livestock mart provides a level of transparent and open competition for livestock and it gives farmers a realistic view of what livestock are making. Many farmers who do not finish cattle on a commercial scale are very reliant on marts for selling stock and they offer the advantage of allowing farmers to see what stock are worth. Moreover, cattle are weighed properly and farmers can rely on prompt and guaranteed payment. Farmers need to be very careful of dealing on farm and need to be conscious of the risk of cheques bouncing. While farm to farm sales can still take place, it will be vital that marts are available to weigh stock, to facilitate payment and to update the AIM database. This could be a time for innovation in the selling of livestock and farmers who are new to selling cattle need to look at how to offer stock for sale using social media and internet sites. Good photos and accurate information around weights, and ICBF figures in the case of breeding stock are helpful. Nursing homes in Barcelona, overwhelmed by the new coronavirus pandemic that has hit the elderly especially hard, are receiving help from a Spanish humanitarian organisation to transfer patients with COVID-19 out of the city to avoid further spread of the virus. Volunteers from the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Open Arms say their mission to save lives hasn't changed - instead of rescuing asylum seekers from rubber boats in the Mediterranean Sea they are now tending to Spain's oldest generation, helping care workers and ambulance drivers transfer them to medical facilities. Nursing homes are especially vulnerable during the new coronavirus pandemic. In the north eastern region of Catalonia alone, health authorities there say over 1,600 people have died in nursing homes from COVID-19 since March 15, the vast majority in or near Barcelona. The city's mayor has been especially critical of the regional government, the authority in charge of nursing homes, accusing it of mishandling the crisis and not assisting the elderly quickly enough. On Thursday the city announced it was calling upon the Barcelona-based NGO to give nursing homes a hand. But the transfer of patients in their 80s and 90s is very delicate - many suffer from Alzheimer's and dementia as well as other medical conditions. Some are frightened at the sight of caregivers in full body suits with face shields, masks and gloves and wonder if they are next in line to die from the virus. Care workers say they are both relieved and sad to see their residents leave in ambulances. Although the patients will get much needed medical care and moving them helps avoid futher infections within the facilities, care workers also fear that some patients will never return. Spain has a total of 163,027 infections of the new virus, with 16,606 deaths, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. 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. =========================================================== Clients are reminded: (i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com (ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service (iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory. Bronkhorstspruit (South Africa) (AFP) - Dedicated staff at a South African animal shelter have gone into lockdown with dozens of dogs, cats and horses to make sure its four-legged residents are not left to fend for themselves during the coronavirus crisis. Despite the outbreak, it's business as usual for the team at the WetNose Animal shelter outside the capital Pretoria where they continue to walk, exercise, feed and care for its unwanted pets and farm animals. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa imposed a nationwide lockdown late last month in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus. But under the new measures workers feared they would not be permitted to travel to the site. So five of them decided to move into the shelter to prevent the animals being abandoned. "Its been hard for the staff because they have been on lockdown on this property," said shelter manager Veronica van Greunen, stroking a ginger cat. "Not visiting their families, not allowed to go see them, not allowed to go out of this property. So they've basically been in quarantine... with all the animals." South Africa is the worst-affected country on the continent by the virus, with more than 2,000 confirmed cases of the disease and 24 recorded deaths so far. People are only allowed to leave their homes to shop for groceries or seek medical attention. Van Greunen said having workers on site was key, as animals were still being taken in by the shelter despite being closed for adoptions until the end of the lockdown -- which was extended to April 30 this week. Worker Josef Mashaba said he was undeterred by the prospect of not seeing his family for weeks, adding that he was driven by his "love for animals". "Thats why we are here and dedicated our time to do this," he said, dogs wagging their tails excitedly in the background. The financial capital, home to the maximum Covid-19 cases in the country, on Sunday witnessed the launch of its first drive-through testing sites. SRL Diagnostics, which has launched three such facilities in the city, said a test sample will be collected within 10 minutes without a person needing to step out of his car and results conveyed the same or next day over e-mail. Tests done at the facilities will be free of cost for everybody as per a recent Supreme Court judgement, a company representative said. The facilities at Indiabulls Finance Centre in Lower Parel, Celestia Spaces in Sewri and Lodha Supremeus in Kanjurmarg will be operational between 9 am to 6 pm everyday and the patient can receive the report the same day if the test is conducted before noon, the company said. The drive-throughs or mobile testing centres were used massively by South Korea to successfully arrest the rate of infections. They have also been started in the national capital region and Kerala by different bodies. The announcement comes at a time when India is still working to increase the testing for the infection. In a statement, the company's regional chief operating officer Ravi Aggarwal said Covid-19 cases are rising exponentially in Mumbai and such facilities will be of help as it fast-tracks testing. Its director for lab operations Dr Prabal Deb said there is a huge shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves and hazmat suits and we need to find innovative ways to conduct tests efficiently. A person can make an appointment by calling the company,and present a doctor's prescription seeking a Covid-19 test and a copy of Aadhaar Card, the statement added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The first COVID-19 positive patient of Manipur, who was undergoing treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), here was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, doctors said. Director of JNIMS Prof Thongam Bhimo said the woman was discharged as she had recovered completely from COVID-19 after successful treatment. The 23-year-old woman, a resident of Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai area in Imphal West district, had returned from the UK. After reaching Imphal she visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) here on March 23, complaining of nasopharyngeal problems. Test reports of her swab and blood samples confirmed that she was infected with coronavirus. She was admitted to the isolation ward of the JNIMS and was undergoing treatment. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on April 9 said that the state government has decided to give Rs 35 lakh to the medical team and officials of JNIMS who treated the state's first COVID-19 patient. Manipur so far has reported only one case of COVID-19. Meanwhile, the 19 people of Moreh town in Tengnoupal district quarantined at the quarantine centre of RIMS have tested negative for COVID-19, said Prof Ahanthem Santa Singh, Director of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal on Sunday. The RIMS director said that the 19 people were quarantined as they were close associates and relatives of a 66-year-old COVID-19 positive patient, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bengaluru. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A would-be carjacker already suffering from a gunshot wound and unsuccessful attempts to subdue him with Tasers, was fatally shot early Sunday after fleeing in a patrol car, South San Francisco police said. Police were notified around 5:35 a.m. Sunday about what was reported a fight between two men at the Chevron gas station at 110 Hickey Blvd. in South San Francisco. On arrival officers learned that one man attempted to take vehicles from two different people, stabbing one of them with a knife. An off-duty San Francisco police officer who saw the attack tried to intervene and was stabbed by the suspect. The officer then shot the suspect in self-defense, investigators said. The suspect then fought off South San Francisco officers who attempted to take him into custody, resisting even when Tasers were used, and fled in a patrol car. "A pursuit was initiated and the suspect was chased to the Kaiser Permanente medical facility on Hickey Boulevard in Daly City, where he attempted to drive through the gates to the parking garage," South San Francisco police said in a news release. He then attempted to ram one of the patrol cars before getting out of the stolen cruiser and threatened officers with the knife, refusing commands to surrender, police said. "The officers were forced to shoot the suspect and immediately rendered first aid until medical personnel arrived," police said, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim of the carjacking and the off-duty San Francisco police officer were hospitalized for their injuries and are expected to fully recover, police said. No South San Francisco officers were injured. The South San Francisco and Daly City police departments and the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the South San Francisco Police Department at (650) 877-8900 or the anonymous TIP line at (650) 952-2244. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. The coronavirus crisis didnt create the massive injustices and inequalities that underlie our everyday existence, but it did throw them into relief. Start with the most basic. Theres an extreme divide in the ability to act on what were being asked to do to slow the virus spread. Working from home is for some people not so bad. If you have a yard and streets or trails to walk on, it can even be pleasant. No more commute; doctors appointments handled conveniently via telehealth; and when you do have to venture out, the highways are all but empty. Not everyone is so lucky. Many others still have to go to work and be around people. Beyond that, people have basic needs, and if you live with your family in an 800-square-foot apartment, getting outside for a few minutes counts as a basic need that can be difficult to satisfy without breaking the 6-foot guidelines. No matter their situation, everyone is looking to elected officials for leadership, and there seems to be an agreement that Ned Lamont has done well in his handling of the coronavirus. Its true just about anything would look good compared to the White House, where every move has been dictated by considering first the presidents re-election efforts, with public safety coming in a distant second. Still, Lamont has been honest, realistic and timely in his assessments. But there are places where Lamonts response has fallen short, and they are the flip side of the Greenwich stereotype the governor brought to office. Renters are left behind while homeowners are better protected. Low-income residents are in much more danger than anyone else. And he has failed to act meaningfully to protect prisoners who are not capable of social distancing even as advocates have pleaded for action. State Rep. Josh Elliott, a Hamden Democrat, has been among many calling for a de-densification of state prisons to slow the virus spread. Releasing people is not just for the safety of incarcerated people it is essential to protect correctional officers, their families and community health care facilities that would be overwhelmed by an outbreak in prison, he wrote in an op-ed last week. In a follow-up interview, Elliott acknowledged the long-term direction on incarceration in the state has been positive, with the daily prison population regularly hitting multidecade lows. But he said the current health emergency shows there is much more to be done. We have done a good job over the last decade, he said. But there are things we could be doing better. The immediate push is to release prisoners least likely to reoffend, including the elderly, the infirm and people in pretrial detention for low-level offenses. That would provide some breathing room in the prison system and let people keep their distance more effectively, and should have been an early priority. But it also raises the question which may not be the most immediate issue, but should be answered eventually if these are people who could be released now, what purpose does their imprisonment serve when there is no pandemic? There are two schools of thought that argue they shouldnt be locked up, one moral and the other fiscal. It costs a lot of money to keep people in prison, and conservatives have taken the lead nationally on some criminal-justice reforms in the name of cutting public spending. When those two factions combine with a public health crisis, releasing people should be an easy call, but it hasnt happened yet. The other question is what happens to people who are released, and here, too, Elliott has been working to improve conditions. In the past year, weve been working on putting together a truly holistic solution to this, Elliott said. Its not just about someone (for prisoners) to go back to, its about housing, its work, its health care. Again, these are questions that need answers whether theres a pandemic or not. There are many good reasons to help people who have recently come out of prison, not least that its likely to reduce crime. Give people a chance at an honest living and a return to prison is less likely. None of this is without risk, including politically. A released prisoner who goes on to reoffend is what negative ads are made of. But the people in question are statistically the least likely to commit more crimes, and given proper support are highly unlikely to cause problems. All of which is yet another reason to question whether prison makes the most sense for them, pandemic or not. Despite progress the state has made, continuing reduction in the states prison population is in everyones interest. It shouldnt take a pandemic to make it happen, but the state shouldnt miss this opportunity. Its time to open some doors. Hugh Bailey is editorial page editor of the Connecticut Post and New Haven Register. He can be reached at hbailey@hearstmediact.com. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Remarks on Guangdong's Anti-epidemic Measures Concerning African Citizens in China 2020/04/12 Faced with COVID-19, an abrupt global public health crisis, all countries are taking containment measures to prevent it from further spreading. China has achieved remarkable progress at this stage thanks to our most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough measures, but we are still facing great risks of imported cases and domestic resurgence. Particularly, as the pandemic spreads all over the world, imported cases are causing mounting pressure. China and Africa are good friends, partners and brothers. Our friendship is forged on the basis of joint efforts to seek national independence, liberation, economic development and better livelihood in the past decades. Such time-tested friendship is a treasure for both Chinese and African people. Humanity shines through the darkness of the epidemic. After the Ebola epidemics broke out in three West African countries in 2014, the Chinese government provided assistance at the earliest time possible and fought side by side with the African countries and people. Now faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Africa are again tiding over difficulties hand in hand, and our friendship is again elevated. We will not forget the support from Africa during our most difficult times. While overcoming difficulties at home, we also give love and care to all African citizens in China, especially African students. As the situation is getting more severe in Africa, the Chinese government and people have urgently delivered batches of supplies to the continent. Our assistance, conveying deep friendship for our African brothers and sisters, demonstrates our fine tradition of mutual assistance and mutual support, and has been highly acclaimed by African countries and the African Union. While arduously fight the virus at home, China has donated large amounts of test kits, masks, protective suits, goggles, face shields, forehead thermometers, medical-use gloves, shoe covers, ventilators and other supplies to the African Union and African countries. We will continue helping our African brothers to the best of our ability. During our fight against the coronavirus, the Chinese government has been attaching great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals in China. All foreigners are treated equally. We reject differential treatment, and we have zero tolerance for discrimination. Since the outbreak, the authorities in Guangdong attach high importance to the treatment of foreign patients, including African nationals. Specific plans and proper arrangements are made to protect their life and health to the best of our ability, thanks to which we were able to save the lives of some African patients in severe or critical conditions. The Guangdong authorities attach great importance to some African countries concerns and are working promptly to improve their working method. The measures include: to provide health management services without differentiation, to designate hotels for the accommodation of foreigners required to undergo medical observation and adopt price adjustment for those in financial difficulties; to set up effective communication mechanism with foreign consulates-general in Guangzhou; and to reject all racist and discriminatory remarks. The Chinese people always see in the African people partners and brothers through thick and thin. China-Africa friendship is unbreakable as it is deeply rooted in this land. African friends can count on getting fair, just, cordial and friendly reception in China. The foreign ministry will stay in close communication with the Guangdong authorities and continue responding to the African sides reasonable concerns and legitimate appeals. The virus knows no borders. The pandemic, a challenge to all mankind, can only be defeated through concerted international efforts. With mutual understanding, mutual support and cooperation, we are ready to continue working with African friends to achieve the final victory. The condition of food banks throughout New Jersey is sturdy but strained, as the intrepid workers at these sites continue to stare down the menace of the coronavirus with risks and shortages threatening to red-line. That doesnt mean that all the pantries, kitchens, shelters, and other feeding programs will hold up against the rising tide of demand, however, so we must help fortify what could soon be a fraying safety net. The need for vigilance, particularly in the Covid-19 era, is reflected by the agonizing math: One in 9 New Jerseyans are food insecure, including 1 in 6 children a total of 900,000 neighbors in all. If just one food bank cannot keep its doors open for a few days or if just one distribution site in its orbit cannot keep serving its community people will feel the impact as profoundly as a gut punch. These are the challenges the banks are currently facing, as need follows the soaring trajectory of state unemployment: Provisions are shrinking everywhere. CEO Carlos Rodriguez of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey reports that the increase in demand for many of the 1,000 sites stocked by his powerhouse has grown as high as 50 percent since the crisis began. Its driven mostly by the increase in unemployment, he said. People cant wait for SNAP or unemployment benefits as they become available. Families have to eat today. Sites throughout the state are reporting a critical drop in rescue food thats what they call the produce and meat donated by supermarkets each day because there just isnt as much left over. Restaurants that were donating their excess inventory in March are mostly shuttered in April. Many volunteers, particularly those in their gentle years, must stay home, forcing pantries to serve more people with fewer hands. And revenue has cratered because of cancelled fund-raisers, postponed food drives, and a lag in charitable contributions. If you want to be a great state, there are minimal things you have to do. And feeding your people must be one of them. Legislation is on its way to the Senate to help fund NJ's food banks, but these organizations need everyone's help right now: https://t.co/80kh7Fx9O1 Speaker Craig Coughlin (@SpeakerCoughlin) March 30, 2020 The worst thing is that this doesnt have a definitive ending, like a natural disaster, says Adele LaTourette of Hunger Free New Jersey. Were barely a month into this and the pantries are already stressed, some beyond their limits. Were seeing closures among the smaller, faith-based sites run by senior volunteers. But even the big facilities already feel the strain. Consider CUMAC, the community juggernaut in downtown Paterson that moves 2 million pounds of food and feeds 50,000 people each year through 77 area distributors. This is the kind of facility that cannot afford to backslide: One out of 4 people they serve are children. In Passaic County, 28 percent of the kids live in poverty, nearly double the state average. So Mark Dinglasan, CUMACs charismatic executive director, takes the temperature of his 22 employees every morning at 9, hands out their masks, and tells them he loves them. Then he spends the rest of his day scrambling to find fresh produce and meat, because the weekly food rescue haul from his supermarket partners has fallen from 17,000 pounds to 11,000. He has suspended other services (a wonderful client-choice marketplace, job training, etc.) to focus on disaster relief, but this is what keeps him up every night: There are scores of folks that CUMAC cannot reach, homebound seniors and disabled who cannot visit its Ellison Street sanctuary for grab-and-go packages. Have a strategy? Dinglasan welcomes your call. Marissa Davis, senior program manager for the State YMCA and former director of the NJ Partnership for Healthy Kids in Trenton, cites a similar problem: There are 13,000 homeless public school students in our state, K through 12, she explains, and there is no easy way to reach them when theyre living in motels outside of their school districts. And these providers cant do anything at all if the supply chain dries up, which is why the rest of us must help. The biggest assist we can give food banks is financial. Just visit FeedingAmerica.org and plug in your zip code to find the one nearest to you. Food donations are helpful, but for now, it is too time-consuming to organize and repack with staff levels now dwindling, says Patricia Espy of the Center for Food Action. Diapers, baby formula, and paper products are very prized, however, and theyd take any quantity, gratefully. There are also facilities that can use young and responsible volunteers, but they should ask whether masks and gloves will be provided upon their arrival. And helping a neighbor sign up for SNAP benefits takes only 30 minutes just visit NJHelps.org or NJOneApp and follow the links. Were facing a period of great deprivation for our most vulnerable, but this state has an abundance of compassion and heart. This would be the time to show it. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Shoutout to @CUMACFeedss dedicated team of staff and volunteers! As we get through this pandemic day by day, Im so appreciative of our community leaders, like CUMAC in Passaic County. No family should worry about their next meal. #NJThanksYou pic.twitter.com/4tij3OgwwK Tammy Murphy (@FirstLadyNJ) March 31, 2020 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. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday granted posthumous presidential amnesty to Ambrose Alli, a former governor of the defunct Bendel State, and a foremost nationalist, Anthony Enahoro. It is clear for what reasons Mr Alli was granted pardon: a military tribunal during Mr Buharis first coming as head of state convicted Mr Alli in 1983 for misappropriating 983,000 funds for a road project. The pardon, therefore, means he ceases to be considered an ex-convict, officially, although the military tribunal was condemned by local and international rights groups for being draconian and non-transparent. However, the case of Mr Enahoro is different. He was jailed alongside other leaders of the defunct Action Group (AG) then Nigerias main opposition party led by Obafemi Awolowo. Mr Enahoro, Mr Awolowo, Lateef Jakande, who would later become governor of Lagos State, and other AG leaders were tried by the Tafawa Balewa civilian government for plotting to overthrow the government. They were jailed for treasonable felony. However, as contained in a Gazette (No. 81 of vol. 53) dated August 12, 1966, and signed by Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon, the then military head of state, Mr Enahoro was granted full pardon for the offence of treason for which he was jailed in 1963. Although during the British colonial era, Mr Enahoro was jailed at least on three occasions, all on the count of sedition. These were for his critical exposes on the British government as a journalist. Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon Whether or not this was the reason for which Mr Enahoro got the posthumous pardon is unclear. Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola who announced the presidential amnesty on Thursday offered no details aside listing the beneficiaries of the pardon. The ministers of interior and information, as well as the attorney-general of the federation, could not provide further clarification on Mr Enahoros pardon. Rauf Aregbesola (Photo Credit: Instagram page) A spokesperson of the interior ministry referred all enquires on the matter to the justice ministry. When contacted, Umar Gwandu, spokesperson of the justice minister, said, Youre sure that he was pardoned in the past? If there is any response Ill provide for you. He is yet to get back or respond to further enquiries. Information Minister Lai Mohammed and his spokesperson, Segun Adeyemi, declined to comment. So did presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu. Calls and messages to their phones were unanswered. Enahoros family speaks President Muhammadu Buhari was appreciated in a statement shared on Facebook on behalf of the Enahoro family, by the son to the late Mr Enahoro, Eugene Enahoro. President Muhammadu Buhari Mr Eugene Enahoro acknowledged the initial pardon by the Gowon regime. He added that the latest pardon would exonerate the late Enahoro for the persecution he got under the military junta. Also, in what he described as an erroneous trending post, the younger Enahoro said his fathers pardon was not related to his famous Treasonable Felony trial. IT IS NOT. Buharis pardons relate to what happened under military government. Odia Ofeimun, who worked as an administrative officer in the Federal Public Service Commission, and as a private secretary to late Mr Awolowo, also said Mr Enahoro was not convicted in any other trial apart from that of treasonable felony alongside Mr Awolowo. No, not at all, he said. I can remember that there was a probe on FESTAC under Obasanjo (as military head of state). At the time, Chief Enahoro was probed for $15,000 FESTAC funds. But he was not convicted. The Initial Pardon In 1966, there was a turn of fate for Mr Enahoro and other Action Group members. After Nigerias second military coup which brought in Yakubu Gowon, the new military ruler granted them amnesty. The gazetted directive read thus: Whereas Chief Anthony Eronsele Enahoro, having been duly convicted of the offences of treasonable felony, conspiracy to commit a felony and conspiracy to effect an unlawful purpose, and sentenced to imprisonment for seven, three and one years respectively on all three counts: And whereas the said Chief Anthony Eronsele Enahoro, having served a portion of the sentence originally imposed on him in September 1963: Advertisements And whereas the Supreme Military Council after reviewing his case, is pleased to remit the sentence and to grant a full pardon: Now therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 101 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Supreme Military Council do hereby remit the unexpired portion of the sentence imposed on the aforesaid Chief Anthony Eronsele Enahoro and grant him a fall pardon. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of the Republic of Nigeria at Lagos this 2nd day of August, one thousand nine hundred and sixty-six. Mr Gowon would later appoint Mr Enahoro as Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Information and Labour in 1967. In a unique initiative, the Ahmedabad civic body has roped in five persons who have recovered from the coronavirus infection to work as volunteers at a care centre set up for asymptomatic COVID-19 patients who do not suffer from any underlying complications. The initiative has been taken as the patients who have recovered are likely to have developed immunity to the disease and chances of them contracting the infection again are several times less than others, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra said on Saturday. Amid the rising number of cases in Ahmedabad, the city civic body has started the COVID Care Centre, a separate facility for asymptomatic coronavirus patients in the age group of 18 to 60 years who do not suffer from any other health conditions, with the aim to leave hospital beds for critical patients who require medical care, he said. "The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation approached five persons who recovered from coronavirus disease and received their consent to work as volunteers at this care centre set up for asymptomatic COVID-19 patients who do not suffer from any underlying complications," Nehra said. There are around 30 coronavirus patients, out of total 243 reported so far in Ahmedabad, who can be shifted out of hospitals to the separate care centre, he said. "It is well established that people who recover from the virus develop immunity towards it. So, they will have antibodies and their chances of getting infected again are far less than other people. Five of the seven patients discharged from SVP Hospital have agreed to volunteer," he informed. They will be given personal protective equipment (PPE) to work at the centre, Nehra said. The COVID Care Centre, planned two months ago and set up as per guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the central government, will have a dedicated team of doctors, other medical staff and ambulances. "Now that the numbers have increased, we have decided to shift asymptomatic patients at the care centre," he said. The city civic body has also operationalised a COVID Medical Centre for coronavirus patients who require oxygen support. Till Saturday, the city reported 243 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Perwira Adjie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, April 13 2020 Amnesty International Indonesia has called on the government to step up its commitment to identifying the person or persons responsible for an acid attack on graft investigator Novel Baswedan, as Saturday marked the third year since the incident without significant progress. According to Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid, the authorities have been dragging their feet in handling the investigation into the attack, which left Novel blind in one eye. They may have arrested two active police officers [in the case], but [their involvement] is still in doubt, Usman wrote in a statement on Saturday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login - East Avenue Medical Center or EAMC is among the list of major hospitals who are fighting against COVID-19 - A spokesperson from the local hospital has come forward to address the claims made by Arnold Clavio - According to the doctor, bodies have indeed 'piled up' in the hallway of the hospital's morgue facility - Moreover, the spokesperson aired his wishes and requests to the people regarding the matter PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to rise, various local hospitals have been exerting all their efforts to contain the spread of the virus in the Philippines. On March 11, Saturday, Arnold Clavio recently made a shocking revelation after posting about a local hospital allegedly in dire need of cadaver bags. According to Arnold's source, who is a frontliner, the bodies of the deceased patients have started to 'pile up' along the hospital's hallway. Following this news, KAMI learned that a spokesperson from the East Avenue Medical Center or EAMC has finally come forward to address the journalist's claims. According to the article by CNN Philippines (authored by Paolo Barcelon and Carolyn Bonquin), spokesperson Dr. Dennis Ordona said that due to the lack of equipment in the hospital, such as freezers, bodies of the deceased have indeed 'piled up' in the hallway. Ang capacity lang po kasi noon is for 5 patients. Ang pinakamataas po na na-record po namin ay 20 na mga cadavers na hindi po napi-pick-up, Dr. Ordona said. He also mentioned that some of the bodies in morgue have been there for at least four days, Honestly po, may mga bangkay na po doon na nangangamoy na. Umaabot na din po admittedly yung amoy sa ibang areas po ng hospital. Ordona also confirmed that the hospital Arnold was referring to in his online posts was EAMC. However, Ordona refuted the claim from Arnold's source who mentioned that the bodies were piled up in the hospital's hallway as he clarified that the bodies were piled up at the morgue facility of the hospital which is a separate building from the main hospital. Ordona also revealed that as of Saturday, at 4 p.m., 6 bodies are yet to be collected in the morgue. Furthermore, Ordona also expressed his wishes and requests to the people regarding the matter, "Sa ngayon po, ang maihihingi lang po namin is suporta mula po sa lahat ng mga Pilipino, whether private po ito or government. "Kami naman po sa East Avenue ay hindi aatras, hindi po kami titigil na magserbisyo." PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! As reported earlier by KAMI, the Department of Health finally released a statement regarding the controversial Instagram post of Arnold Clavio. In his online post, Arnold revealed the "true" state of COVID-19 patients in a local hospital. POPULAR: Read more viral stories here 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 Bollywood producer Karim Morani's daughter Shaza Morani has been discharged from the hospital after she tested negative for coronavirus. Shaza, who had returned from Sri Lanka in the first week of March, showed no symptoms but was admitted to Nanavati Hospital here, on April 7 where she tested positive for the novel coronavirus. "Shaza was discharged on Saturday and will be under home quarantine for the next 14 days as a precautionary measure," sources close to the family told PTI. Soon after Shaza was admitted, her sister, actor Zoa, and father Karim also tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently under medical care. In an Instagram live on Saturday evening with actor Varun Dhawan, Zoa said she is feeling much better thanks to the medication and health care she received at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital, where she is currently admitted. "I am feeling so relived after coming to the hospital. From the second day itself I started feeling better. Coming to the hospital was the best decision ever. I feel like I've gotten cured immediately," she said on the instagram live. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) People's Bank of China (PBOC) has raised its stake to 1.01% in the country's largest housing finance lender HDFC in March quarter. China's Central Bank held nearly 1.75 crore shares in HDFC in Q4 of last fiscal, data from BSE show. PBOC already held 0.8 percent in the company as of March 2019, HDFC's Vice Chairman and CEO Keki Mistry said, according to reports. It is compulsory for firms to disclose data for shareholders with over 1% stake at the end of every quarter. National Co-convenor of Swadeshi Jagran Manch Ashwani Mahajan in a Twitter post urged PM Narendra Modi and FM Nirmala Sitharaman not to let ownership of institutions go out of Indian hands. China profiteering from #ChineseVirus HDFC shares cornered by #PeoplesBankOfChina Dear PM @narendramodi ji, investigate and dont allow our institutions to go out of Indian hands. @nsitharaman @ashokatluri pic.twitter.com/aFY24LE8WE ASHWANI MAHAJAN (@ashwani_mahajan) April 12, 2020 Other public shareholders who held substantial stake in the parent of HDFC Bank are Invesco Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund (3.33% or 5.76 crore shares) , Government of Singapore 3.23% or 5.28 crore shares) and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (1.74% or 3.01 crore shares). HDFC Bank succession: RBI puts on hold key board appointments, says recruit new CEO first Among insurance firms, India's largest state-owned insurer LIC held 4.67% or 8.09 crore shares in HDFC. Private sector insurer ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company held 1.20% stake or 2.08 crore shares in HDFC in Q4 of last fiscal. Largest shareholders in the housing finance firm were 37 mutual funds which held 9.52% or 16.49 crore shares at the end of March quarter. The large cap stock lost 32.29% in last quarter amid market hit by weak sentiment. HDFC Bank stock gains 4% as RBI asks lender to pick new CEO on priority On 31 December, the stock stood at Rs 2,412.55 on BSE. The stock fell to 1,633 on March 31 this year. The stock closed 9.29% or 144 points higher at Rs 1,701.95 on Thursday. Its market cap stood at Rs 2.94 lakh crore on BSE. The stock has gained 13.51% in last three trading sessions. However, it has lost 17.7% during the last one year and fallen 29.48% since the beginning of this year. During the last one week, stock has gained 7.42%. HDFC owns 19.43% stake in country's largest private sector lender HDFC Bank and 52.7% in HDFC Asset Management Company and 51.45% in HDFC Life Insurance Company. U.S. General Meets With Afghan Taliban Officials To Discuss 'Need To Reduce Violence' April 11, 2020 The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, has met with representatives of the Taliban's 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 governor's 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 Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-general-miller-meets-afghan -taliban-violence-reduce/30547417.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A student startup has developed a prototype of a ventilator here which could be used in an emergency situation. The Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing Ventilator (IPPV) is developed by a start-up started by students of Rathinam Group of Institution at the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC), which is funded by the union government. "During this COVID-19 pandemic crisis, we came up with this low-cost ventilator. When we started we thought that ventilators are huge and sophisticated machines. But when we thought of designing one, we came to know that most emergency ventilators use the same mechanism and the base technology is same. We started making a prototype of Intermittent positive pressure ventilation," said Ebin, Microbiology Engineer and senior manager at Atal Incubation Centre. "This can be used in an emergency situation. We are also upgrading this product to suit it for use in ICUs. We will have to give this to ICMR and get it certified and this process is going on," he said. Once it gets certified it can be used for commercial production and will cost around Rs 25,000, he added. The Director of the AIC Dr Madan A Senthil said, "If the demand for the ventilator is increased then its cost can come down to Rs 15,000 or even less. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Health Ministry on Sunday said that only 20 percent of coronavirus patients need ICU support and critical care. "On March 29, we had 979 positive cases, now that we have 8,356 positive cases; of these only 20 percent cases need ICU support. So as of today, 1,671 patients need oxygen support and critical care treatment. This figure is important to show that the government is planning things well and is over-prepared," said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. "With the rise in case of coronavirus, we are increasing number dedicated COVID-19 hospitals and number of isolation centers in the country," he added. He said that the medical staff has been given proper training on ventilator management and how to manage biological waste, biomedical waste, cleanliness, infection spread prevention, etc. When asked about the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in last few days in China, Japan and Korea he said, "It is a cause of concern for us too, so we need to make sure that we continue to follow our containment and social distancing measures like we are following today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Released Lawyer Kept in Isolation in the Name of Quarantine On July 9, 2015, more than 200 people were arrested by the Communist regime during a nationwide crackdown on Chinese lawyers and human rights activists. It was known as the 709 Crackdown. Wang Quanzhang was one of the 709 Crackdown victims and imprisoned by the Communist regime. In Jinan, he was kept in isolation while guards stood to watch at his doorstep around the clock. Even a delivery guy went missing after a security guard took him to the police for investigation. On April 5, to celebrate his freedom, his friend arranged a bouquet to be sent to him. However, even the delivery guy was implicated. Part 1 Friend: It was OK when we had things arranged and delivered to the manager. Floral Shop Owner: Right. Why did they take our workers away? I dont understand. Friend: I suggest that you call the police now. I will do the same. Friend: (Speaking to the police hotline 110) The floral shop owner called me. She said the delivery guy and his motorcycle were taken away by a security guard. At first, the delivery guy said he couldnt go in. I said if they dont let you in, you can leave the flowers with the property manager. Let them deliver it to you. But then, the phone was cut off. Soon after, the floral shop owner called. The floral shop owner is very worried too, thats why I am calling to report this. I was worried that she wouldnt call, so I volunteered to call. Please help. Police Hotline Operator: Let me confirm with you. The delivery guy went to the apartment complex but he was taken away, so were the flowers, right? Friend: Right. Id like the flowers to be sent to a friend. Id like the flowers delivered to him, you know, because of the pandemic. Its OK if its not delivered to him in person. But why would they arrest the delivery guy? Its already very difficult for people to return to work during this time. Police Hotline Operator: Alright, keep your phone available so that we can contact you later. Part 2 Li Heping is another human rights lawyer who was imprisoned during the crackdown on human rights advocates in 2015. He was released in May 2017. On the day Wang Quanzhang was released, Li called him and found out that surveillance guards were standing outside Wangs apartment. Wang Quanzhang: Hello. Li Heping: Quanzhang. Wang Quanzhang: Hey, Heping. Li Heping: Do you recognize my voice? Li Heping: The sound quality is good. No problem. Li Heping: Just run to Beijing. Li Hepings Wife: He shouldve come home. Theres no need for him to be quarantined for 14 days. Its nonsense. Li Heping: How about renting a car and coming to Beijing? Wang Quanzhang: (Sigh) Theres no way. There are guards outside. Li Heping: Someone is there to watch you? Wang Quanzhang: Yes. Li Heping: Outside the apartment or outside your door? Wang Quanzhang: By the corridor entrance. Li Heping: There are people by the entrance? Wang Quanzhang: Yes, yes. Video 3 Wang Quanzhang was arrested when his son was 2 years old. For nearly 5 years, his wife, Li Wenzu, has hoped for the day their family could reunite again. But theres no end in sight. Li Wenzu, the wife of attorney Wang Quanzhang posted on Twitter On May 24, 2016, while eating, Wang Quanzhangs son missed his father so much he stopped to pray for him to come home. Wang Quanzhangs son: Jesus, my Lord, please bring peace to him. Let him come home quickly. Jesus my Lord please have him come home with joy. Amen. Dear God, I love you. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay will return to MasterChef Australia during the 2020 all-star season as a guest judge. And he claims the new judges are definitely feeling the heat following the departure of long-running hosts Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris last year. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Sunday, the British restaurateur and TV personality said the new line-up were almost under as much pressure as the competing stars. Scroll down for video 'This show is huge outside of Australia': Gordon Ramsay claims Channel Ten's new MasterChef judges are feeling the pressure ahead of their debut on popular cooking series MasterChef Australia: Back To Win will see 24 contests from past seasons of the show return to the kitchen in a bid to win a cash prize of $250,000 Ramsay, who is the judge on the US version of the program, previously appeared on MasterChef Australia as a guest judge in 2018. 'I look at how this show travels and it's huge outside of Australia, and I mean really huge. It is the unsung hero of the MasterChef phenomenon,' Ramsay said of the success the Australian version has had over the past 10 years globally. Gary, Matt and George were replaced last year by Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong. Are they ready to take over the legacy? Ramsay spoke highly of the Australian version's global success over the past 10 years, claiming it was 'the unsung hero of the MasterChef phenomenon'. Pictured: MasterChef Australia's new judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong, and Jock Zonfrillo While many Australian reality TV programs have suspended their productions due to the outbreak of coronavirus, MasterChef Australia has pressed forward with filming ahead of its advertised April 13 premiere. Returning star Poh Ling Yeow, who was runner-up on the cooking shows debut season, confirmed the show was only 'halfway through filming' and were taking government COVID-19 regulations very seriously on set Speaking to Hit105s Stav, Abby and Matt last month, Poh said Channel 10 had no plans to shut down, or postpone, production of the ratings hit. 'Its going ahead following all the government regulations for the virus,' she said. 'We're following all the government regulations': Poh Ling Yeow (pictured) confirmed MasterChef Australia had adapted to coronavirus rules and were continuing filming the 2020 season in Melbourne during a radio interview last month 'It's halfway through filming': The celebrity cook said Channel 10 were 'pushing ahead' and felt they were in a privileged position due to filming the series without a live audience Remember her? Returning star Poh Ling Yeow was the runner-up on the cooking shows debut season in 2009 (pictured) International judges Nigella Lawson and Heston Blumenthal have had to cancel their scheduled appearances, while outdoor challenges with crowds have been shelved. One drawcard for the program, however, is having filmed segments in advance with Gordon Ramsay, Curtis Stone and American pop star Katy Perry. Former MasterChef contestant and new judge Andy Allen, 31, who recently closed his Three Blue Ducks chain as a result of coronavirus, told The Daily Telegraph that while the pandemic is 'a dire situation', the 'vibe on set is really positive'. Changes: The Sunday Telegraph reported how not only has Nigella Lawson (centre) bowed out of her scheduled appearance, planned travel and shooting outdoors has been cancelled. Nigella is pictured with former judges George Calombaris (left) and Matt Preston (right) Star appeal: One drawcard for the program, however, is having filmed segments in advance with Gordon Ramsay, Curtis Stone and American pop star Katy Perry (pictured) He previously told KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O radio show, that the new judges were told by producers to 'just be themselves,' after replacing old hosts, Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris. 'They didn't want us to step into Matt, George or Gary's role, they were just [like], "we chose you because we want you to be you".' Last year, Gary, Matt and George's contracts were not renewed after 11 seasons of hosting the show. MasterChef - Back To Win premieres Monday, April 13 at 7.30pm on Channel 10 Recently, a particular 42 year old man has just tested positive for coronavirus a little after going to the hospital saying that he had been experiencing testicular pain, doctors have revealed. The man recently reported no cough or even shortness of breath which are two of the most common COVID-19 symptom but that he did have a fever that later on vanished after two days. The doctors had then urged the man to seek out emergency help because of the reported 'stabbing' pain that he was experiencing in his testicles, stomach, chest, and also his back which had apparently lasted for a week. The 42 year old man's x-ray Medics have just recently revealed that his testicles were 'normal' and a recent X-ray of his chest actually came back as cleared. The man has been diagnosed with pneumonia a little after going through a CT scan which showed existing damage in his lungs that the previous X-ray did not show. His physicians had actually failed to tell the ER doctors that he had also been tested for the killer virus a little after attending a conference located in Boston which was linked to several cases. This meant that the man was actually treated by doctors who were not wearing PPE and even sat in the waiting room with the other patients for about two hours even before being treatment. Read Also: Blood and Saliva of Coronavirus Survivors Are Being Sold On The Dark Web Under The $1000 Price Tag Is testicular pain now considered a symptom? According to the doctors over at Harvard Medical School, testicular pain is not yet considered a symptom but the doctors did warn of an 'atypical presentation' of the coronavirus. This case report actually follows the concerns from scientists over in China who had claimed last February that the virus could even attack male reproductive organs. The virus was reported to bind to different cells which are actually found in abundance right in the testes which could later on lead to 'tissue damage', the team speculated. Read Also: Viagra Gas for Coronavirus Treatment? US and European Doctors Start Testing! Experts have still been stressing out that men do not actually need to be concerned about their own testicles during this pandemic until accurate and robust research is conducted. There were two medics from the Harvard Medical School that described an 'atypical' case of the COVID-19 in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine writing that, "We present this case as a lesson learned from the front lines and to bring awareness of atypical COVID-19 cases as they continue to present." The man's testicular pain The man had already been treated for constipation by his own family doctor before actually being advised to go to the A&E. He had been suffering a 'constant stabbing pain' in his abdominal area, back, and also testicular area even without having a cough, sore throat, or even shortness of breath. The lead author by the name of Dr. Jesi Kim has recently said that a physical examination of the man found nothing abnormal except the tenderness in the stomach. Only a CT scan later on revealed something wrong with the base of his lungs. 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. Disney is to stop paying 43,000 workers in its biggest furlough since closing its Florida theme park in March in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. The employees will be able to keep their benefits for up to a year, including medical, dental and life insurance. The move will take effect on 19 April. The Service Trades Council, a coalition of unions representing Disney World workers, said in a statement: "The union agreement provides stronger protections and benefits for 43,000 union workers at Disney than virtually any other furloughed or laid-off workers in the United States." The company will keep 200 workers to perform "essential duties". They will be offered positions based on seniority, the union said. Disney World is expected to furlough up to 77,000 workers in all. The Orlando Sentinel reports that adding that number to unemployment figures would triple the city's jobless rate from 2.9 per cent in February to 8.5 per cent. Sean Snaith, an economist at the University of Central Florida, told the paper that the move would have a knock-on effect for the area's airport and car rental companies. He said: "All the suppliers that will normally actively be engaged with Disney have gone idle as well." In a statement the company said: "The Covid-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on our world with untold suffering and loss, and has required all of us to make sacrifices. Over the last few weeks, mandatory decrees from government officials have shut down a majority of our businesses." Florida has recorded at least 18,978 cases of the coronavirus, with at least 445 deaths. The state's governor, Ron deSantis, has faced criticism for not doing more to shut down activities earlier, including allowing spring break parties. Several spring breakers later tested positive for Covid-19. Mr DeSantis, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump who has been praised for his performance by the president, said last week that he still believed schools in Florida could reopen in May. Anthony Fauci, one of the administration's lead scientists on the coronavirus task force, has said he does not expect schools to be able to open before autumn. New York City's mayor, Bill de Blasio, said on Saturday that he would keep schools closed for the rest of the year -- although state governor Andrew Cuomo quickly intervened to say that the decision was his to make. Disney's move comes as the number of people applying for unemployment benefits in the United States continues to spike, with 17 million people filing in the past four weeks. The Associated Press contributed to this report The world is about to end and Im eating olives. The original plan was pizza, but when I walked into the grocery store and saw all the empty shelves, I realized I could forget about pizza dough and tomato sauce. I tried talking to the cashier at the express line, an older lady who was Skyping with someone in Spanish on her cell phone, but she answered me without even glancing up. She looked devastated. They bought everything, she murmured, all thats left is menstrual pads and pickles. LIRE AUSSI > Mon fils ma dit: Papa, construis-moi une bombe, on va la jeter sur les Palestiniens La suite apres la publicite The only thing on the pickle shelf was a single jar of pimento-stuffed olives, my favorite kind. By the time I got back to the checkout, the cashier was in tears. Hes like a warm loaf of bread, she said, my sweet little grandson. Ill never see him again, Ill never smell him, Ill never get to hug my baby again. Instead of answering, I put the jar down on the conveyor belt and pulled a fifty out of my pocket. Its okay, I said when I realized she wasnt going to take the bill, I dont need change. A lousy Argentinian soap Money ? she said with a snort, the world is about to end and youre offering me money ? What exactly am I supposed to do with it? I shrugged my shoulders. I really want these olives. If fifty isnt enough Ill pay more, whatever it costs A hug, the tearful cashier interrupted me and spread her arms out, itll cost you a hug. Profitez de l'offre 1 pour 3 mois avec Google En choisissant ce parcours dabonnement promotionnel, vous acceptez le depot dun cookie danalyse par Google. Im sitting on my balcony at home now, watching TV and eating cheese and olives. It was difficult to get the TV out here, but if this is it, then theres no better way to end it than with a starry sky and a lousy Argentinian soap. Its episode 436 and I dont know any of the characters. La suite apres la publicite Theyre beautiful, theyre emotional, theyre yelling at each other in Spanish. There are no subtitles, so its hard to understand exactly what theyre shouting about. I close my eyes and think back to the cashier at the grocery store. When we hugged I tried to be small, to be warmer than I really am. I tried to smell like Id only just been born. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. OTTAWA - Parliament has approved a massive $73-billion wage subsidy program aimed at helping businesses and workers survive the economic ravages of the 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. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh speaks during a press conference on the federal government's response to COVID-19, in West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Saturday, April 11, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang OTTAWA - Parliament has approved a massive $73-billion wage subsidy program aimed at helping businesses and workers survive the economic ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bill to implement what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the most significant economic program since the Second World War was passed Saturday by the House of 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. But sources in other parties, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about confidential, behind-the-scenes negotiations, suggested the Conservatives insisted on the final vote being on division as part of an agreement to let the bill sail through the Commons in a matter of hours. In the Senate later, it was Conservative Senate leader Don Plett who called for the bill to be passed by that chamber "on division" as well, after which it received royal assent late Saturday. Plett accused the government of being "asleep at the wheel" and "doing too little, too late" throughout the crisis and asserted that, "by consistently fumbling its management of the health crisis, this government has led the country straight into an economic crisis." Plett also took a sharp jab at Trudeau, who went into self-isolation at his home, Rideau Cottage, after his wife fell ill with COVID-19. "Essential workers get up every day and leave the safety of their home to serve their country. Perhaps the prime minister should have done the same and gone into the office to pick up the phone and properly consult with Canadians, instead of choosing to stay at his cottage long after his 14-day isolation had ended," Plett told a handful of senators in the upper house. Despite the Conservatives' apparent lingering misgivings about the content of the bill, they agreed to allow it to pass quickly and dropped their previous attempt to tie the bill to the longer-term question of how Parliament should function in the midst of the crisis. At a morning news conference just hours before the Commons met for a rare emergency sitting on the Easter long weekend, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said his party agreed to continue discussions later on the future of Parliament. Members of Parliament, attending in limited numbers and seated apart to practice physical distancing, wait for proceedings to begin in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, as Parliament was recalled for the consideration of measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Saturday, April 11, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang The bill 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. The subsidy 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. 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 Conservatives won some improvements to the bill over the past week of negotiations and argued that 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 party's contention that the Commons should sit with reduced numbers four days a week. Trudeau has argued that in-person sittings present a health risk for Commons clerks, administrators, security and cleaners who'd 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. He's also argued that small sittings like Saturday's sitting of just 32 MPs who are primarily within driving distance of the capital would shut out MPs from all corners of the country. Trudeau's 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 can't wait that long." He suggested that in-person sittings should be held until virtual sittings can be implemented. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he's open to discussing either virtual sittings or "limited" in-person sittings. But Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet said he would never agree to regular, in-person sittings. For the past couple of weeks, the Commons finance and health committees have been meeting weekly via teleconference. As part of the deal struck with opposition parties to speedily pass the wage subsidy bill, government House leader Pablo Rodriguez said more committees industry, government operations, human resources and procedure and House affairs will also begin virtual meetings. The latter committee will be specifically tasked with exploring the best ways for the Commons to function in the weeks ahead. It is to report back by May 15. Senators separately agreed to have two Senate committees begin meeting to examine government measures to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and to set up a special committee once the pandemic is over to review lessons learned. To satisfy the NDP and Bloc Quebecois, the government promised in the motion to speed the bill through the Commons that it would implement measures "without delay" to fill some of the gaps left by emergency aid programs. It promised specifically to ensure financial support for Canadians who don't currently qualify for assistance including seasonal workers, students, owner-operators, those who've exhausted employment insurance benefits and those earning modest incomes from part-time work, royalties and honoraria. It also promised to ensure essential workers who are earning low wages will receive additional support. At the behest of the NDP, the motion was amended to add a promise that the government will not "unjustly penalize" anyone who in good faith applies for and receives emergency benefits but is subsequently found to be ineligible. The government also promised in the motion to provide partially non-repayable loans for small and medium-sized businesses to help them cover fixed costs, such as rent. 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. For the most part, the sitting was notable for its lack of partisanship, with New Democrat, Green and Bloc MPs thanking the government for being open to their suggestions for improvements and ministers thanking opposition MPs for their collaboration Conservatives, however, characterized the bill as a "fix," required after the government botched its first emergency aid legislation two weeks ago $107 billion worth of tax deferrals and direct financial aid, including just a 10 per cent wage subsidy. Trudeau, who has addressed the nation daily at briefings outside his home for 26 days, spoke instead Saturday in the Commons, where he delivered a Churchillian speech invoking the heroic battles fought by Canadian troops in the First and Second World Wars. "This is not a war. That doesn't make this fight any less destructive, any less dangerous but there is no front line marked with barbed wire, no soldiers to be deployed across the ocean, no enemy combatants to defeat," he said. "Instead, the front line is everywhere. In our homes, in our hospitals and care centres, in our grocery stores and pharmacies, at our truck stops and gas stations. And the people who work in these places are our modern day heroes." This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2020. London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has thanked two foreign nurses, including "Jenny from New Zealand," who he says saved his life during the three nights he spent on oxygen in intensive care as he fought coronavirus. The 55-year-old is recuperating at Chequers the British Prime Ministers official country retreat in Buckinghamshire after leaving hospital on Easter Sunday, one week after being admitted for what Downing Street claimed were routine tests. In the video message, he highlighted the severity of his condition, conceding "it could have gone either way," and thanked the National Health Service (NHS) workers at St Thomas' hospital in London. "I have today left hospital after a week in which the NHS has saved my life, no question," he said. "It's hard to find the words to express my debt." Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that the extension of the ongoing nationwide lockdown will be meaningful only if COVID-19 testing is intensified and people get access to essential items. "The demand to extend the lockdown will be meaningful only if COVID-19 testing is intensified, health workers get protection and the public gets access to essential items, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said in a tweet in Hindi. To end the problem of cash crunch, arrangements have to be made at village and colony level along with banks." In another tweet, the SP chief took a jibe at the state government for changing the emergency response number from 100 to 112. "Even after changing the name or the number, those who are helped, those whose lives are saved, they always remember the original motivator. The success of these public welfare systems gives immense satisfaction about our own work," he tweeted. On October 26, last year Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had launched an all-encompassing emergency helpline number '112' to access police, fire brigade, ambulance and other services under the Emergency Response Support System here. He also launched a senior citizen safety initiative Savera'. Dial 100' was launched by the Akhilesh Yadav government in 2016. "This single helpline number 112 will reduce the response time. Route chart of 112 should be prepared and positioning at district, station level should be done," Adityanath had said at the launch event. He said people do not need to remember different numbers for different tasks now. All emergency services have been integrated for the task. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Old Charleston Jail on Magazine Street is one of Bulldog Tours' most popular spots. While the company has stopped giving in-person tours during the coronavirus pandemic, guides have continued to host tours virtually. For one, a tour guide spent the entire night in the Old Jail and posted a series of videos on the company's Facebook page documenting his haunted sleepover. File/Grace Beahm Alford/Staff New Delhi: Amid the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, authorities are coming up with innvotaive ways to encourage people to stay at home. The Jaipur Police twitter handle posted a message with a warning that if people do not follow the lockdown rules they will be put in a room a made to hear Masakkali 2.0 song as punishment. The tweet has already gone viral and has garnered mixed response, while some appreciated the humour some felt it was a bit harsh. Recently, the remix version of the popular song from the movie 'Delhi 6' composed by veteran music composer A R Rahman, was released. The new version has been composed by Tanishk Bagchi and features Siddharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria. The lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi effective from midnight of March 25 to April 14, while there are reports that the lockdown may be extended. The lockdown was necessitated as social distancing and isolation are proven methods to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases rise to 8,447 and the death toll is at 273, the Union Health Ministry announced on Sunday. MADISON Blanch Jordan is taking social distancing seriously during the coronavirus pandemic. The 39-year-old is a breast cancer survivor with a compromised immune system. So, when she is not working as a caregiver at Elizabeth Residence, an assisted living facility outside of Milwaukee, she is staying inside the Milwaukee duplex she shares with her boyfriend and daughter, where she is stocked up on games to pass the time. When her doorbell rang one Sunday night, Jordan was beginning a new 1,000-piece Game of Thrones puzzle on her living room floor. Jordan recalled standing up, putting on a mask, and opening the door to find a woman standing on the other side. The woman, who identified herself as Veronica, handed Jordan a paper and relayed a message: Youve been served. The woman worked for a firm called Badger Process Inc. The paper was a court summons. It said Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital Inc., part of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, was suing Jordan for $7,150. Jordan said it was just three weeks after she paid off a different $5,000-plus Froedtert debt linked to a hysterectomy that her insurance did not cover. The lawsuit was the last thing she expected during a viral pandemic. This lady came to my door. She didnt have a mask on. She didnt have gloves. And she looked at me like Im crazy, because I had a mask across my face, Jordan recalled, adding, Im high-risk. Life in Wisconsin has been transformed since March 12, when Gov. Tony Evers declared a Public Health Emergency to combat COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Businesses have shuttered across the state and laid off workers, while public officials urge residents to stay at home to slow the virus spread. Evers also has ordered a 60-day ban on evictions and home foreclosures. Yet firms representing health systems continue to sue patients over medical debt. Jordan is one of at least 46 people sued by Froedtert in small claims cases since March 12. Those cases are among at least 104 similar suits filed statewide by health systems over the same period, according to an analysis of small claims cases by Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Watch. Steve Schooff, a spokesman, said Froedtert suspended filing small claims suits as of March 18 in response to COVID-19. In addition, we continue to work with patients related to financial counseling and are allowing patients with financial hardship who are on a payment plan to defer payments while financial assistance is discussed with them, he said. Yet court records show at least 18 lawsuits filed on the hospitals behalf since then, including 15 filed on March 31 alone. (The suit against Jordan was filed on March 17.) Schooff did not explain the discrepancy. Keary Bilka, an attorney representing Froedtert in the most recent suits, declined comment. Court records show that at least six additional health systems have also sued patients during the pandemic. UW Health in Madison has filed 19 lawsuits since March 12. Marshfield Clinic, which covers northern, central and western Wisconsin, has filed at least 14 since that date, followed by Bellin Health, based in Green Bay (11); La Crosse-based Gundersen Health System (10); and Aspirus Grand View Health System, which serves parts of northern Wisconsin (3). Froedtert South, which serves southeastern Wisconsin, also filed one suit. Five of those health systems UW Health, Gundersen, Marshfield, Aspirus and Froedtert South said they have since paused certain legal actions, which court records support. Tom Russell, a UW Health spokesman, said the health system instructed its legal agencies on March 26 to cease pursuit of any legal activity. These should be stopped for now, he said. Andy Napgezek, an Aspirus spokesman, said the system has paused all legal activity. Gundersen has paused small claims, and Marshfield paused claims on March 19, spokespeople for those systems said. Tom Duncan, a Froedtert South spokesman, said his system has generally suspended filing small claim suits during the pandemic. However, in rare circumstances, certain small claim suits may be filed to preserve Froedtert South rights. For example: If a medical debt has been in existence for 6 years, and the statute of limitations is about to end. Bellin did not immediately respond to questions from Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Watch. One Madison resident described being mortified when a process server knocked on her familys door on March 28 to serve papers for a UW Health lawsuit over $1,135 in medical debt. UW Health filed that lawsuit before March 26. In a phone interview, the resident asked not to be named in this story, because she was embarrassed by the debt. I couldnt believe someone would do that, she said about receiving legal papers during a pandemic. Theyre our bills, but really? In the middle of all of this? The woman said her husband offered the process server sympathy, apologizing that the man had to serve papers during a public health emergency. The woman, who works for a Madison-based nonprofit, saw things differently. Thats a choice, too. I wouldnt be able to sleep at night. She said the couples debt stems from a series of health complications You can put it in the category of heart disease that sent her husband in and out of a UW Health emergency room. Quartz Health Solutions provides the couple insurance through the husbands job. He is an essential worker in state government, the woman said. They live with two children, including a daughter with unspecified health complications. Another man was not aware that Marshfield Clinic had sued him until a reporter told him. Yeah, thats me but I dont know anything about a lawsuit, the man said, confirming that his name and address matched those of the defendant in a mid-March suit. I guess I have some phone calls to make. This story comes from a partnership of Wisconsin Watch and Wisconsin Public Radio. Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative reporting organization that focuses on government integrity and quality of life issues in Wisconsin. Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. First, knock down the number of new COVID-19 cases. Then, ramp up testing far beyond current levels. And lastly, prep health care facilities and businesses for the possibility of new flare-ups. Those are the three core steps in Joe Bidens plan to safely reopen America, according to an op-ed by the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in The New York Times on Sunday. The op-ed, mixing logistical steps informed by health experts with open shots against President Donald Trumps response to the deadly virus, lays out Bidens vision of whats required for the countrys economy to begin churning again. The questions of how and when the nation returns to normalcy after being shuttered amid a pandemic thats kept consumers at home and produced unprecedented unemployment are consistently posed to Trump administration officials, and Biden argues the administration hasnt supplied an answer. Trump has framed a thriving economy as the bedrock of his re-election campaign, and he has made clear hes eager to see businesses bounce back sooner rather than later. But hes also lately followed the advice of his more cautious public health experts and urged Americans to follow continued social distancing guidelines through the end of the month. Biden not only suggests that social distancing must continue until the number of new cases begins to fall significantly, but he called on Trump to use his full powers under the Defense Production Act to get supplies and medical equipment to health providers more quickly. He needs to get the federal response organized and stop making excuses, Biden wrote. For more Americans to go back to their jobs, the president needs to do better at his job. Biden also said the nation should be running multiple times the number of diagnostic tests were performing right now. He added that the country should be ready to scale up a second form of testing: rapid serology tests to tell who has already been infected with the coronavirus and has antibodies. The Trump administration, which has touted nearly 3 million tests performed throughout the country, this weekend announced that costs for diagnostic testing, including rapid antibody testing, and related services must be covered by private health insurers. Biden cautioned that when economic activity expands again, new cases could crop up and health care systems must be ready. Hospitals need to have the staff and equipment necessary to handle any local outbreaks, and we need an improved federal system to get help to these places as needed, he said. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert and a member of the White House coronavirus task force, has noted that some sections of the country can likely open quicker than others. Hotspots like New York, for instance, will take longer than places where the disease has had little impact, he said this past week. Biden agreed, writing that things will not go back to 'normal right away. As public health experts have said, we should expect activity to return gradually, with sites like offices and stores reopening before arenas and theaters. Biden said if he were president, he would convene top experts industry by industry to figure out ways to operate more safely, including perhaps spacing out workers in offices and factories and laying out restaurants with diners farther apart. Biden said he would also direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, organized labor and employee groups to figure out what protections workers need on the job during this period. Getting protective gear to our health care workers and emergency medical workers is the top priority and one where we are still lagging, Biden said. But once that need is met, Id ask the experts to figure out what delivery workers, waiters, clerks and so many other professionals need to be safe. And I would focus like a laser on the racial disparities in COVID-19 cases. The state of Massachusetts recently began including a breakdown of COVID-19 cases by race and ethnicity after state officials issued an order requiring labs to submit the information. Across the country, low-income communities and neighborhoods with high populations of African American and Latino residents have been hard hit by the virus. Related Content: Coca-Cola has issued a safety warning for several batches of its 1.5 litre bottle original Coca-cola over fears that the packaging is unsafe. A safety warning is different from a recall because the manufacturers aren't removing the product from supermarket shelves. The bottleneck rings on some batches have mistakenly been made with a sharp and uneven rim edge, according to the Sun newspaper. The soft-drink manufacturers are concerned that customers could cut themselves on the edges when opening or closing the bottles. A 1.5 litre bottle of original coca-cola. The company has issued a safety warning over the packaging but has not recalled the product. Check your bottle's batch code before opening Coca-cola have reassured customers that there is nothing wrong with the drink itself, just its outer packaging. The family-sized bottles are sold in most supermarkets nationwide for around 2 each. The affected bottles have a best before date of September 30 2020 and one of eight batch codes, which you can find printed just below the neck of the bottle. Which Coca-Cola batch codes should you look out for? Batch codes of the recalled 1.5 litre bottles: 083EK3TT:TT 084EK3TT:TT 085EK3TT:TT 086EK3TT:TT 087EK3TT:TT 088EK3TT:TT 089EK3TT:TT 090EK3TT:TT Advertisement If you have bought a 1.5 litre bottle of coca cola recently, you should check the bottle's batch code which you can find on the neck of the bottle just beneath the lid before you attempt to open it. If there is damage to the ring securing the lid to the bottle, customers are advised to open it without touching the ring. This can be done by placing one hand on the cap and the other on the bottle neck. In a statement on the Food Standard Agency website, Coca-Cola said: 'The safety and quality of our products is of paramount importance to us and we do all we can to ensure they reach people in perfect condition. 'We are sorry that on this occasion a small number of our products have not met our required standards.' Customers who aren't able to open their bottle of Coca-Cola safely can call the customer service team on 0800 227711 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. He arrived home as usual with dusty jeans and a handful of junk mail. "Hola bambinos," Marco said as he opened the door to the one-bedroom apartment he shares with his wife and two kids in Langley Park, Maryland. "Papi!" shouted his 9-year-old, Nataly, looking up from her Barbie kitchen play set. But instead of embracing the small girl with big eyes and a dark braid, Marco backed away. The 55-year-old Honduran immigrant is one of the few in his apartment building to still have a job. Yet with each day on his construction site came the risk of bringing the novel coronavirus home with him: home to his daughter with disabilities and a feeding tube in her stomach; home to a 7-year-old son with asthma; home to a wife without legal status and a household where the adults lacked health insurance in a neighborhood packed with other vulnerable families. As the coronavirus sweeps across the country, claiming the lives of thousands and crippling the economy, immigrant communities are likely to be among the hardest hit. The pandemic could be particularly devastating for Langley Park, a neighborhood seven miles from the White House where more than 80% of adults are not U.S. citizens - one of the highest rates in the United States - and many are undocumented. Here, countless cooks, construction workers and cleaners are suddenly out of a job without any chance of unemployment benefits or federal stimulus checks. Those who still work often do so in close quarters and at high risk of infection, even as their more affluent neighbors in Takoma Park or Silver Spring telework from the safety of single-family homes. Maryland's governor had issued a stay-home order. The normally bustling neighborhood was quiet save for the occasional chime of an ice cream truck. The sidewalks, usually occupied by people selling food or clothing, were largely empty. Only the parking lots were full: bumper to bumper with cars no longer taking hourly workers to blue-collar jobs. "We know this is an unprecedented time of uncertainty and anxiety for our residents," began a note in Spanish on the entrance to Marco's apartment building that recommended out-of-work renters apply for unemployment and expect federal stimulus checks, even though few were eligible. Another note informed residents that, although the coronavirus had closed the leasing office, it had not canceled rent payments, which should be dropped through a slot in a metal box. It was the first of the month, yet Marco - who has temporary protective status but asked that his last name not be used, to protect his wife, Maria - didn't have the entire $1,270. He didn't even have enough for his insulin, which he'd run out of three weeks ago. So he kept working, even as the situation grew more dire. "Today I heard some shocking news," he told Maria, who is from Guatemala. "On the radio, they said there are groups of people who shut themselves inside and then started feeling sick but never went to a hospital. More than 20 people have died that way from this disease." "Encerrados?" she asked. Shut in? "Encerrados," he said, "because they didn't have money, they didn't have jobs, and they didn't go to a clinic for a checkup." Maria gasped. This was what she feared most: that the same desperation that had driven her family to rent out their bedroom and sleep four to a bed in the living room would get them sick. "And they all died?" she asked. As they talked, Nataly lay on the dingy carpet next to a used thermometer, the valve from her feeding tube poking up under her pink Disney Princess T-shirt. She didn't understand why her father no longer hugged her when he got home from work. "Did their whole families die?" Maria asked again, worrying about a virus that was already closer to home than she knew. - - - They had moved here five years ago, drawn by the low rent and a sense of community that came with 20,000 people - most from Central America - packed into a single square mile. As densely populated as parts of New York City, Langley Park is a maze of aging apartment complexes where neighbors from rural Guatemala now found themselves sharing a laundry room or a ride to a construction site or a bedroom partitioned with sheets. But in a pandemic, that proximity could be deadly. "This distancing that they are talking about doesn't apply here," said Jorge Sactic, a local business leader and bakery owner. Already, the Zip code that includes Langley Park has 97 confirmed cases of covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to more detailed data released Sunday by state officials about Maryland's 8,225 cases and 235 deaths. The community's true tally is likely far higher. Few of the country's estimated 7 million undocumented workers - janitors, construction workers, landscapers, caregivers - have health insurance, and even those who do often avoid seeking medical attention. "There is definitely that fear of going to the hospital, getting help, going to the police, raising your head at all so that you're noticed," said Mark Edberg, a public health professor at George Washington University who has done research and outreach in Langley Park since 2005. That fear has grown under President Donald Trump, who has combined anti-immigrant rhetoric and increased enforcement with policies designed to prevent even some legal immigrants from receiving benefits such as food stamps and Medicaid. Last month, as states began issuing stay-home orders, Immigration and Customs Enforcement was still conducting raids. Though ICE has since suspended most enforcement nationwide and said it won't arrest immigrants seeking medical attention, "the damage is done already," said Maryland Del. Wanika Fisher, D-Prince George's County, who represents Langley Park. Local churches, clinics and the immigrant advocacy group CASA, based in Langley Park, have struggled to continue providing services. The pandemic's shadow first fell on Langley Park in early March, when cleaners began receiving word that their services were no longer welcome. "They don't want us going to their houses because they say we can bring them the virus," said a 30-year-old woman from El Salvador. She hadn't worked in a month, yet her $1,100 rent was still due. She'd heard landlords weren't supposed to evict anyone during the crisis, but, like so many things, she feared there were other rules for undocumented people. Asked whether she had enough in her savings to get by, she scoffed. "I don't have a bank account," she said. Another house cleaner from Guatemala said her husband had died in November after untreated headaches turned out to be brain cancer. Now on her own, she had lost her income yet was ineligible for unemployment. When she tried to apply for other jobs, she was told she needed papers. "Thanks to this virus, I have nothing," the 53-year-old said. "Who is going to help us?" Hundreds more in Langley Park lost their jobs on March 19, when Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, ordered the closure of malls, including La Union, the mall on the edge of Langley Park where Sactic had run La Chapina Bakery for two decades. Sactic was forced to lay off his five employees and was considering filing for bankruptcy. He predicted that few of the mall's 50 businesses would survive. "This is going to be catastrophic," he said. When Hogan ordered nonessential companies closed on March 23, many construction projects came to a halt. Among those out of a job was Marco's downstairs neighbor, Juan, an undocumented carpenter from Guatemala. Two years ago he'd brought his then-teenage son to the United States, but the boy had been laid off as well. So had Juan's nephew, with whom he and his son lived. Back in Guatemala, where a wife he hadn't seen in 15 years was waiting for him, there were about 150 reported coronavirus cases and only a few fatalities. But here in Prince George's County, there were already 2,000 and more than 50 deaths. "Everyone is afraid of getting sick," Juan said. By Langley Park standards, Marco was lucky. His temporary protected status allowed him to work legally. He was even eligible for federal stimulus checks. But his job was also precarious. Plumbers and carpenters on the project had already been fired. To generate more income, he and Maria rented a food truck a few blocks away to a friend named Jose Santos. As dusk settled on Langley Park on the first day of April, they decided to go see whether Santos would continue renting. The walk was the first time in days that Nataly and her brother, Kenny - both born in the United States - had been outside. Dressed in a flowery print and plastic pearls, Nataly chased her sibling around as their parents talked about the pandemic. "I heard a lady in No. 24 got infected," Santos told them. "They took her to the hospital in an ambulance." It was the first case Maria knew of in the neighborhood. She glanced up at the apartment buildings all around her. "Well," she said, wringing her small hands. "There you have it." - - - The ambulance had arrived March 30, not to the apartment building Santos identified but to the one next door. As anxious neighbors watched from balconies across the grassy courtyard, paramedics had hurried downstairs to a basement unit with a Santa Claus welcome mat. Inside, past a dachshund named Petey and a set of cheery Christmas lights, they found a 24-year-old woman shut inside her room, struggling to breathe. The woman had started feeling nauseated a week earlier, according to her roommate, Yasmin Alfaro. "She works at an ophthalmologist's office," Alfaro said. "She told me people were coming in, coughing, but they weren't given any [protective] equipment." Her roommate didn't have insurance, Alfaro said. When she called urgent care two days after getting sick, she was told her symptoms didn't match the coronavirus. By the time she called 911, the woman could barely walk out of her apartment to the ambulance. She was immediately put on a ventilator, Alfaro said. Two days later, Alfaro received a call from the hospital saying her roommate had tested positive for the coronavirus. When the friends moved in a year ago, the two-bedroom apartment for $1,600 a month was the cheapest they could find. Now Alfaro used five bottles of disinfectant while wiping down the appliances, the furniture, even the walls. She texted her roommate, but there was no answer. She wasn't allowed to visit the hospital, and her roommate's family was across the country. "That's the hardest part," Alfaro said, "knowing that she is there alone." - - - Marco had developed a recipe he believed would keep him healthy, which he prescribed to anyone who would listen with the confidence of a pharmacist. "What I do before work is make myself a cup of coffee, nice and strong and black," he had told Santos two days earlier. "The caffeine is good against any virus. And then a bit of Vicks under your nose. Vicks is good against any allergy, virus, whatever. Any bad air that passes under your nose, the Vicks attacks it and doesn't let it pass." He claimed the coffee idea came from Li Wenliang, the Chinese doctor who'd first raised alarms about the coronavirus. "Didn't he die?" Santos had replied. Maria had doubts about the health of her husband, whose blood sugar had soared to dangerous levels. At home with the kids all day, she made tortillas from scratch and tried to clean the dilapidated apartment. But mostly what the 51-year-old did was worry. Worry that her husband would bring home the coronavirus. Worry that her asthmatic son's lungs wouldn't be able to cope. And worry that her daughter, who suffers from a condition called Noonan syndrome and who had just started eating food by mouth a few months earlier, would regress without her special-education classes. Both children were supposed to receive laptops so they could continue their classes online. But when they went to pick them up on April 3, Kenny's school had run out. So the siblings would have to share a single computer with a cracked screen. Their parents also would have to pay for Internet connectivity, which even discounted to $10 was an amount they could not spare. "Hola bambinos!" Marco said, returning home from work to find the children fighting over the new computer. "Did you disinfect it?" he asked, squirting the laptop with a sizable portion of the family's dwindling store of sanitizer. The following day, he waited in line outside the bank to cash his paycheck and get a money order. Then he dropped the bulk of what he'd earned into the metal rent box. He would breathe a little bit easier until Monday, when he would wake up early once more, make himself a cup of black coffee, smear his face with Vicks and go back to work. KCPT Promotes Lockdown Tech Functional Alcoholism Quarantine Diary: How to Party in a Pandemic The first week or so was reminiscent of the rare school night sleepover in elementary school, or perhaps the even more lawless first week in the freshman dorms. The prospect of rolling out of bed and into the "office" made staying up a bit later to binge a few more episodes a little easier. Westboro Hates Easter 'Of course' Westboro Baptist will follow Democratic governor's order to cancel services on Easter This Sunday is Easter, the holiest day of the year for Christians. With most of the United States on lockdown amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the vast majority of churches are moving services online to avoid restrictions on public gatherings and unnecessary trips from home. Half Kansas COVID-19 Cases Located In Metro Area Kansas up to 1,268 confirmed coronavirus cases - half are in the Kansas City metro by: FOX 4 Newsroom Posted: / Updated: TOPEKA, Kan. - State officials are reporting 1,268 positive coronavirus cases in Kansas, including 55 deaths as of April 11. More than half of those cases are on the Kansas side of the KC metro. Johnson, Wyandotte and Leavenworth Counties combined have 673 reported cases. Insta Hotties Spark Anger Amid Coronavirus Scarcity Influencers are slammed for turning medical masks into bikinis Instagram models around the world have shared images of themselves modeling their 'quarankinis' which they have made using medical masks The shocking trend comes amid a global shortage of protective personal equipment (PPE) among healthcare workers who are having to re-use masks One influencer from Russia, Yulia Ushakova, shared a Prez Trump Coronavirus Reaction Debated Trump Repeatedly Dismissed Coronavirus Warnings as Alarmist for Weeks Before Crisis The Navy Is Losing Its Fight Against the Coronavirus Why Americans Are So Resistant to Masks This Is Joe Biden's Moment And Now ... Back to the Election The New York Times takes a deep dive into the weeks that preceded the coronavirus crisis and paints a devastating portrait of how the White House wasted valuable weeks before it finally decided to take action. Odds & Ends For Lady Veep The odds on who Joe Biden will pick as his female vice president candidate With Sen. Bernie Sanders out of the race, the Joe Biden campaign is now moving into the fraught and delicate process of choosing a running mate. Biden, at age 77, would be the oldest president ever elected should he triumph in November, making the vice president pick more important than ever. The Queen's Easter Greeting 'We need Easter as much as ever,' says the Queen "Coronavirus will not overcome us," the Queen has said, in her traditional Easter message to the nation. While celebrations would be different for many this year, she said: "We need Easter as much as ever." DOJ Defends Constitution DOJ: 'Expect action' on government regulation of religious services amid COVID-19 outbreak The Justice Department (DOJ) may take action next week against local governments that have cracked down on religious services as widespread parts of the country are shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, a DOJ spokesperson said Saturday. Guv Kelly Pleads With Locals To Stay Home Easter 2020 Kansas Gov. Kelly announces 'Safe Easter Egg Hunt' while stressing staying home TOPEKA, Kan. - Governor Laura Kelly announced an alternative to public Easter egg hunts on April 11, the day before Easter during the coronavirus pandemic. Kelly urged Kansans to participate in a 'Safe Easter Egg Hunt' by coloring state-themed patters on printouts of Easter eggs. Show-Me Long Gone Day Of Cooperation In Jeff City Capitol Perspectives: The passing era of bipartisanship in Missouri This spring, Missouri lost one of the key partners in the most dynamic cross-party legislative collaboration I've seen in half a century. Jack Buechner was a founding member of a group of lawmakers who entered Missouri's legislature in 1973 when Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War created a tidal wave of change. KANSAS CITY HIPSTER COOKBOOK COMING SOON!!! Deadline Extended! Submit Your Recipes to Extra Helping, a Cookbook to Benefit the Hospitality Industry Rye's lemon-meringue pie. Katie's Pizza & Pasta's fiori arrabiatta. Harold's Doughnuts' baked donut holes. These are just a few of the recipes we're excited to share with you in Extra Helping, a new community-sourced cookbook from Feast and Small Circle Recipes. Cowtown Endures Stormy Weather Tonight Severe storms could bring large hail, 60 mph winds the night before Easter Many areas in the metro are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 PM. We've already seen gusty winds and larger hail with the first severe warned storms. But what does that mean for the metro area and points north? We're watching the characteristics of these storms early to give us an idea of what we can expect later. The days of the "lad mag" are long gone but that doesn't mean we still don't love Lucy, legendary stories of her club days, and her legacy of hotness as we check pop culture, community news and info from across the nation and around the world . . .And this is thefor right now . . . Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., dies at 90 MIAMI, April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90. The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family. Wilhelmsen was a constant influence on the company from its founding, serving more than three decades on the company's board of directors. Together with the company's first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, Wilhelmsen saw possibilities for the nascent cruise industry that others did not. "At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible," said Richard Fain, RCL's chairman and CEO. "He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the 'industry' might have been a dozen used ships, total." Their key insight: building new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. The industry did not grow from New York, the traditional transit hub; it came to Miami, helping the region itself grow as the public discovered an entirely new way to take a vacation. Wilhelmsen saw the potential for cruising to become the fastest growing segment in a growing vacation industry. A believer in economies of scale, he once recalled, "My initial challenge was to convince my partners and management in Miami to build bigger and more efficient ships in order to grow the company." True to his vision, the company now sails 61 ships calling on all seven continents and its fleet features the largest cruise ships in the world. Born on June 15, 1929, in Oslo, Norway, Wilhelmsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a chartering assistant for Norway's EB Lund & Co. and later as a shipbroker in New York. After joining the family business in 1954, he became its president in 1961. The scion of a leading Norwegian shipping concern - Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS - he spent most of his life in the family business, including an early stint as a deckhand. "Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades," Fain said. "And in 2003, when he was ready to step back, he was succeeded on the RCL board by his son, Alex, who has carried the involvement of the Wilhelmsen family in charting our company's course into its sixth decade. Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family. We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly." About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677715/RCL_Logo.jpg The enemy used banned 122mm artillery systems, as well as 82mm and 120mm mortars. Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action as a result of eight attacks mounted by Russia-led forces in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on Saturday, April 11. Enemy troops used proscribed weapons, namely 122mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars to shell Ukrainian army positions, the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on April 12. They also opened fire from grenade launchers of various systems, large-caliber machine guns, and rifles. Read alsoDisengagement of forces in Donbas helps reduce shelling Zelensky (Photo) JFO members fired back, having wounded seven enemy troops on April 11, according to Ukrainian intelligence reports. Shortly after Sunday midnight, Russia-led forces again attacked Ukrainian positions. They used hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns near the village of Taramchuk in the Pryazovya area. Ukraine's Joint Forces retaliated against the attack. No Ukrainian army casualties were reported for the period from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on April 12. No coronavirus cases in the JFO zone have been confirmed. Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways said in a statement that it will operate special passenger flights to Brussels, Dublin, London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita and Zurich for those stranded in the UAE return to their home country during the coronavirus pandemic. Regular passenger flights from the UAE remain suspended as per a directive from the General Civil Aviation Authority. The special flights, which started on Sunday, April 5 to Amsterdam, Jakarta, Manila, Melbourne, Seoul Incheon and Singapore are one-way only, and on return journeys the airlines have been repatriating Emirati citizens stuck abroad. "The airline continues to repatriate UAE citizens on return sectors, where possible, and carry fresh produce as belly-hold cargo back to Abu Dhabi," Etihad said in a statement. Search Keywords: Short link: Web Toolbar by Wibiya The above LondonReal video was banned by both YouTube and Facebook because it apparently reveals the truth about the so-called "Coronavirus". In this interview, investigative researcher David Icke reveals that the "coronavirus" pandemic is being orchestrated by a three-fold mass manipulation. The first strategy of an apparent clique of fascists has been to conflate death tolls by getting hospitals to label as many people who come to the clinics and hospitals as having the coronavirus as possible. The second strategy which involves "eugenics" has been to currently manipulate as many very sick people in the hospital as possible to sign "do not resuscitate " forms. Eugenics was adopted by Nazi Germany under an ideology that elites would strengthen society by encouraging "the weak" to die. This has resulted in many people dying who would have not died if they weren't tricked by the "Corona-Fascists" that are seeking to trigger as much fear and panic as they can with mounting reported death tolls. The third and crowning diabolical strategy which David Icke reveals is that a cabal of owners in Big Tech with military elite backers have been using 5G to cluster EMF attacks on human populations. The result of these atmospheric blasts or radiation microwaves along 5G relay points from space and on Earth has been to produce the reported flu-like symptoms of the coronavirus. First they experimented against the honey bees and the birds. Now human populations seem to be the targets. David Icke reveals that the "COVID-19" is not an actual "virus" but a label give to symptoms which are actually being produced by 5G weaponry. Mr Icke also reveals in the above interview that doctors who have not been paid to lie say there's actually no such thing as "COVID-19" as described by WHO, governments and a cabal of elites. The doctors who David Icke reveals in the above interview say that when they examined the bodies of people who died from COVID-19 they could easily recognize that their lungs were destroyed as a result of radiation-like exposure and not any "virus". These doctors conclude that "COVID-19" is a faked virus that is not actually contagious but is being made to look contagious to enable a hidden agenda. The hidden agenda which David Icke reveals is explored in the above video. 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 View Results Riyad Fares Fares, M.D., is an internal medicine physician in Portland. At 2 a.m., my wife returns from work and drags herself into the shower after an emotionally charged and physically draining day in the emergency room. The skin of her face is irritated and etched with the markings of a surgical mask. By contrast, I went to sleep at my usual 10 p.m. bedtime and had little to do throughout the day except spend time with our three young children. My wife and I are both on the front lines of health care, yet our lives couldnt be more different during the Covid-19 crisis. She is an emergency room physician, and I am an internal medicine physician who practices primary care at my own independent medical practice in Portland. Rightfully, recognition has been given to those in health care who see patients in the hospital, like my wife. Ironically, those physicians like myself who practice in primary care, the other traditional frontline of health care, have been marginalized and are facing our own unique anxieties. Primary care physicians are the first point of contact with the health care system for most patients. We prevent patients from going to the ER and overburdening the system. This is especially important during a pandemic. As generalists, we have established trust and relationships with our patients and can offer guidance and reassurance particularly when theres rapidly evolving or misleading information about the new coronavirus. On a national level, our actions bring the overall cost of health care down while simultaneously improving patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Like many primary care offices in Oregon and nationally, our practice is struggling to survive. We are currently seeing about one-fifth the number of patients we were seeing before the pandemic. Our office was forced to transition to virtual office visits only, because we could not order the masks, toilet paper and hand sanitizer needed to see patients in the office. As of April 9, we had access to only 10 COVID-19 nasal testing swabs in the office. The long wait time for coronavirus test results made testing less effective in diagnosing patients or giving clear advice. Rather than worrying about whether my practice will survive the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, I would have preferred to focus on having a positive clinical impact by seeing more patients. Unfortunately, the lack of testing and protective equipment gave me few options. Share your opinion Submit your essay of 500-700 words on a highly topical issue or a theme of particular relevance to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and the Portland area to commentary@oregonian.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification. As patients stopped coming, our practice handled administrative tasks that, unfortunately, do not generate income. Our practice has been inundated with requests for 90-day emergency supply prescriptions and family and medical leave forms for work absences. We refer patients to other specialists and handle insurance forms so patients are not charged exorbitant bills. Administrative tasks were already a large burden as exemplified by a 2016 study in the the Annals of Internal Medicine that highlighted for every hour primary care physicians spend in direct patient care, they spend two hours engaged in administrative functions. During these unprecedented times, patients need their primary care physicians more than ever. The increased vulnerability of patients with underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, raises the stakes even higher for helping them keep those conditions under control. As tests and anti-viral medications become available, people will naturally turn to their primary care physicians to provide them. And no one fully understands the long-term health implications of a COVID-19 infection. Yet, because of a growing aging population, there is already a critical national shortage of primary care physicians which is expected to only increase in the next 10 years. Additionally, despite being one of the health care professionals who brings the most value to our health care system, we are among those most likely to face burnout. It remains to be seen what the health care delivery system looks like after this crisis and I fear many practices may not reopen. Physician practices, including mine, have furloughed critical staff and are searching for small business loans to keep operating. If meaningful financial relief focused on primary care is not offered soon, many practices in Portland and nationally will find themselves heading towards increasing financial hardship and insolvency. The Covid-19 pandemic has sidelined the primary care physician and I fear that the economic fallout may be the fatal blow. High schoolers are most likely to slip out of the system. Some will be lost in the transition from primary to secondary school, while older kids will find it easier to disappear because schools have less capacity to track their whereabouts. At one disadvantaged school, just one-third of students have logged onto their remote learning material, so teachers are busily tracking down hundreds of students who are unaccounted for. Already, some are not answering their phones. The departmental officers who usually knock on doors or sit down with parents or intercept kids at court appearances if they fall out of the system without permission before age 17 are no longer allowed that close social contact. "The numbers show that it's the obvious, poorly behaved, low-achieving middle-years boys [dropping out of the system], but lots of girls leave, too, who become detached from school because of mental health issues," Watterson says. One principal of a large, regional public high school is worried. "The longer this goes on, my fear is that we're going to have kids start to leave school," she says. There are two groups of students she is most concerned about. The first group is those that are now working full-time at their supermarket or fast-food job because their casual teenage wage is the only money coming into the house after their parents lost their jobs. "Those jobs will become their station in life, and that's not giving them the opportunities they could have had if they had completed their HSC," the principal says. Loading "The second level are the kids who are highly at risk of either moving into crime or being party to crime. The police are nervous; they've got serious concerns about kids in some houses." The school is working hard to keep in touch with those students. Teachers have designed a flexible timetable that students can fit around full-time jobs if necessary, and have handed out laptops and Wi-Fi dongles. They have also diverted their food technology budget to buy groceries. "We're dropping off bread, cheese and ham to their houses," the principal says. Mark Morrison runs Macleay Vocational College at Kempsey on the NSW mid-north coast. Some of his students are referred by Juvenile Justice, some are homeless and many come from troubled families. Up to 50 per cent of his kids are still attending school. "I think it's because I give them food," he says. "That's what they will always come for." They feel that they belong to this place. I don't think schools are given enough recognition for creating a place where kids are valued. Macleay Vocational College's Mark Morrison He too is worried about the kids who are not coming. He and his staff drive to the students' homes a few times a week with food and school work. "We're dropping of little bits of work to them, then we go and pick it up," he says. "Is that a massive cost to me? Yes. But the out-weighing consideration is that they will not turn away from school because they feel we have a genuine care for them." But not all of his students have homes. Some live in refuges, some live on the streets. Loading Many of his kids are in out-of-home care. Foster families are feeling the pinch of having their charges, often several of them, at home all day, while those who live in residential care are no longer allowed to travel to school. "We stay in touch with them, we talk to them through a screen," Morrison says. "They feel that they belong to this place. I don't think schools are given enough recognition for creating a place where kids are valued." Another principal said his staff devoted many hours to chasing truants and disengaged students at the best of times. In the era of COVID-19, that job has become much harder. Easter holidays will make it harder still. "I don't want the break, that's another removal we will have less connection with our kids," he says. "The holidays are the worst time for our kids. They're not looking forward to the Easter bunny coming." Julie Hourigan Ruse, the chief executive of Fams, the peak body for not-for-profits working with vulnerable children, said teachers have been telling her that the students they were most worried about had been the first to disconnect. "They were first to stay home, to stop going to school," she says. "We know it's difficult to get these kids to school at the best of times, let alone in a world where the Prime Minister and Premier say it's OK. The police in Lagos have said that most of the reported cases of robberies in different parts of the metropolis are false alarms raised to cause panic in society. Several other phone calls to police hotlines turn out to be pranks from the callers, the police added. Hashtags like #OgunUnrest and #LagosUnrest have trended on Twitter for days with residents reporting robbery cases in Alagbado, Agbado, Ijaiye, Abule Egba, Agege, Ogba, Akute, Ota, and Sango areas of both Lagos and Ogun states. Multiple residents in Ogun State had told PREMIUM TIMES that they had been unable to sleep since the lockdown began a week ago due to the robberies. A Twitter user; @sheikh_Shuayb, who said he resides at Ile-ogbo axis of Abule Egba, raised an alarm in the early hours of Sunday that a robbery was ongoing at Olaniyi, Abule-Egba, calling the police to the rescue. @PoliceNG There is a robbery going on at Olaniyi (Abule-Egba) now. Please come to our rescue. #LagosUnrest, he tweeted. An hour later, he tweeted that the situation was under control. While reacting to the reported cases, Bala Elkana, the Lagos State Police spokesperson told PREMIUM TIMES that most of the reports are not true, as people kept calling the police, only to put them in distress to watch while nothing was happening in those communities. He said the reported cases at Ogba, Abule Egba, Agege and some other areas are only false alarms. People are just at home being creative, sending panic messages, both Ogun and Lagos, he said. The Actual Robberies Mr Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said there were only three real cases of robberies, one in Ogun community and two in Lagos communities. He said hoodlums and miscreants have devised a new way of robbing people during the lockdown different from the reports being circulated on the social media. You know their style? They will step out in the name of supremacy fight, just to create confusion and draw people from their houses and start stealing from them and snatching phones. He said there was a cult clash within Ogun communities close to Alakoko area, and the area had been battling this for the past four, five days while the Ogun State police command had been making arrests. He said during the staged supremacy fights, they loot from people, steal phones, especially from those who refuse to sit in their houses. Due to the proximity of the community to Lagos State, once the clash starts, the Lagos State Command receives multiple calls from people on robbery and hoodlums disturbing the area and we rush there. Because we are very close to the community, we had to send some of our men to help them, and also because those hoodlums trying to escape the Ogun State police split into Lagos communities. Nine of them were arrested yesterday, Mr Elkana said. He said seven hoodlums were also arrested at Apapa area of Lagos after staging a supremacy fight and looting from residents. Those reports are not real, Im giving the scenarios of the real cases, he said, at the mention of Ogba, Abule Egba, Agege and other communities. We had another incident at the Ilaje-Ajah community, they had issues two days ago. You know these people have hostility for years because of dredging. Because these guys are on lockdown, they cannot come out to dredge again, so they started fighting themselves just to steal also. We got 20 of them arrested, he said. Mr Elkana said whenever the hoodlums start fighting, they cause commotion in the communities to draw people out and because people do not sit in their houses, they steal from them. Those are the few attempts we have, all others are false. Advertisements They keep on stretching our people, we push them and they go, not nothing there. What we did to them now is that we deployed all our tactical units last night permanently to those areas, he said. The Night Watch In a bid to foil robbery attempts, residents and youth of communities in Lagos and Ogun states are reportedly holding night watch to secure their neighbourhoods. In videos shared by some residents, few youth are seen holding bin fire, some holding cutlasses, as a way of safeguarding their communities. A Twitter user, @iamAbiodunAA tweeted: We were up throughout the night (#AbuleEgba). Police were patrolling sha, but can those police alone face those criminals? The police knows what to do. This is where anti robbery squad is needed not local police with oversized uniform. #LagosUnrest #OgunUnrest. Another user, @2tolu tweeted; We are securing the area ourselves over 100 men on standby.. thanks to Nigeria police too @PoliceNG I have seen 6 patrol van moving area the area #abuleegba #LagosUnrest .. I rep Clem Road Agbado area. @Eleojoflow; We couldnt sleep all night. Boys in the area mounted the street with bonfire, to protect the area. Called emergency number severally, said RRS is aware. Even as I type this we didnt hear any siren not to talk of seeing physical police. Mr Elkana described the bonfires and night watches as another strategy used by the hoodlums to cause panic in the communities and steal. That is the style of some of the hoodlums in the name of protecting their communities, they raise false alarms so that they will be able to come out in the name of protecting their communities. They are part of the hoodlums who want to steal. They are looking for opportunities to come out on the street since they had been on lockdown, so as to justify their coming out. Why will they create bonfires? This is to tell you that they are another set of hoodlums that just want to be on the streets. Mr Elkana said the SARS team, Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants, Anti-Cultism Units, Raiders, and the Rapid Response Squad teams have been released into the communities so that when the hoodlums make attempts, they meet strong teams there. Confusion over the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland abounded at a briefing this evening on the part of the National Public Health Emergency Team, as it emerged that Irelands total number of cases is more than 1,000 greater than previously thought. Dr Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer, said that Read More: However, the chief theme of the briefing was a long interchange with Dr Holohan as to how many confirmed cases there actually are after a report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) suggested that Irelands figure is 8,089, more than 1,000 greater than that being reported by NPHET. Three numbers were given, all of which Dr Holohan insisted were accurate. Officially, NPHET said that 480 new cases had been recorded in the country, bringing the overall total to 7,054. A second figure of 7,071, recorded by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) as at midnight on Wednesday was also delivered, followed by a final figure of 8,089. The larger figure includes 1,035 test results delivered from German laboratories and is the most up-to-date one available, Dr Holohan said. He stressed that the various numbers do not represent ambiguity, but rather the lower number is more accurate in terms of the number of new cases being reported on a day-by-day basis. He said that many of the tests being returned from Germany date from many weeks past. Were not trying to obscure them. Some of these tests go right back to the middle of March. If we reported them it would give a false sense of how the disease is increasing day on day, Dr Holohan said. The cumulative number of cases does not inform NPHET planning, he said. What does inform it are new cases, ICU admissions, and unfortunately, the number of deaths. In terms of ICU admissions, the number of patients currently receiving critical care is 157, while 62 people have been discharged from intensive care to date, Dr Holohan said. He said that 156 of the total number of deaths have either occurred in nursing homes or following referrals from same to a hospital. Asked whether or not Ireland would have a functioning testing regime in place for the revised restrictions Read More: Regarding the fact that many of Irelands 49 testing centres appear to have ground to a halt, Dr Colm Henry, the HSEs chief clinical officer, said that this is because the capacity to provide tests now outstrips demand since the threshold for testing was raised to those with an underlying condition. Of the countrys largest such centre, at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork, Dr Henry said anyone who has sought an appointment there in recent days has gotten one. Regarding the extension of nationwide restrictions, Dr Holohan said that weve saved many, many lives as a result of societys efforts with these measures over the past number of weeks. However, the chief medical officer once more could not be drawn as to the number of people who are still waiting to get a test, or who are waiting for a result. I dont have a precise number, but were not being evasive, he said. Helping two million people excluded from the historic JobKeeper program could rack up an extra $25 billion bill as the federal government wrestles to balance supporting workers with the climbing national debt. There are millions of newly employed casuals and visa holders who are not eligible for the $1500 fortnightly payments. But adding an extra 1 million people onto the $130 billion JobKeeper program would cost an additional $18 billion, and the government has warned the public purse has already taken a pummelling. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Managing the global economic fall-out of the coronavirus pandemic, including its impacts on joblessness and debt, will be discussed at an International Monetary Fund teleconference and at a phone hook-up between G20 leaders and finance ministers this week. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has warned there will be a "big hole" in the global economy, raising concerns about the effect of cash outflows as investors rush to havens, and currency devaluations increase the cost of servicing debt. The World Health Organisation's chief has been accused of failing to record three cholera epidemics in his home country. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, 55, is alleged to have been 'complicit' in failing to record or even identify outbreaks in Ethiopia back when he was a health minister. He strongly denies the claims, branding them a smear campaign as Donald Trump slammed the WHO's response to the coronavirus pandemic and accused the organisation of being 'very China-centric'. Dr Tedros says that the accusations are part of mud-slinging during the run-up to him being elected as director general of the WHO, the Daily Telegraph reports. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (pictured), 55, is alleged to have been 'complicit' in failing to record or even identify outbreaks in Ethiopia back when he was a health minister In May 2017, he was accused of refusing to record the epidemics in 2006, 2009 and 2011. At the time, he was Ethiopia's health minister and went on to become foreign minister in 2012, a position he held until 2016. Professor Larry Gostin told the New York Times in 2017: 'Dr Tedros is a compassionate and highly competent public health official. But he had a duty to speak truth to power and to honestly identify and report verified cholera outbreaks over an extended period.' Prof Gostin allegedly told the paper he feared the WHO might 'might lose its legitimacy' if it was run by somebody who covered up epidemics. Donald Trump slammed the WHO's response to the coronavirus pandemic and accused the organisation of being 'very China-centric' Dr Tedros is also accused of being 'complicit' in a failure to record a cholera outbreak in Sudan in the same year. In September that year, US doctors wrote an open letter to Dr Tedros, saying: 'Your silence about what is clearly a massive cholera epidemic in Sudan daily becomes more reprehensible. Your failure to transport stool samples from victims in Sudan to Geneva for official confirmation of cholera makes you fully complicit in the terrible suffering and dying that continues to spread, out of control, with daily new reports confirming that this is indeed a cholera epidemic. 'The inevitable history that will be written of this epidemic will surely cast you in an unforgiving light.' The outbreaks were classed as 'acute watery diarrhea' and it was alleged that by avoiding the term 'cholera', Dr Tedros was protecting tourism. The WHO insisted that the naming of the disease made no difference to its response. At the time, Dr Tedros denied the accusation that he'd covered up the pandemic. He said he was the victim of a smear to stop him getting the top health job in the world. But the New York Times also ran complaints alleging that Ethiopian officials weren't telling the truth about the outbreaks. Professor Gostin declined to comment when contacted by the The Telegraph last week and said the interview 'was a long time ago'. Professor Gostin also told the British Medical Journal that the New York Times report of the allegations he had made was not accurate. He also praised the health chief's track record in Ethiopia, citing reforms to the country's health care. But he voiced concerns about appointment based on the county's 'dismal' human rights abuse record and said the government had not fully and honestly reported several outbreaks of cholera which may have slowed the response of the international community. Seeking intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Federation of Indian Export Organisations on Sunday suggested various steps to the government to attract foreign firms that are looking at shifting manufacturing base from China after coronavirus outbreak. The suggestions include fixing accountability on state and central government officers to perform in a time-bound manner; deemed approval for all licences and permits if not granted well in time; change in land acquisition law; power connection in one month and bank loan sanction within two months. "All State Industrial Development Corporations must allot land to the applicant in one month positively if vacant land is available. At present, it takes about six months to get land allotted. Land use permission including non-agricultural use must be given in one month," FIEO President S Saraf said in a letter to the Prime Minister. He also suggested that all forest land within 10 km from taluka capital should be available for industry with a condition that the promoter will plant a specified number of trees in another forest land and maintain the trees for three years as this will provide enormous employment opportunities in the rural area. District collectors should be made responsible to increase investments in their districts, he said adding there are many such ground level issues that are making foreign investment in industry very difficult. At present, only large companies are coming to India and if we address all ground level issues, India will be able to attract even medium and small industries, Saraf said. "This is exactly what China has done where there is 'Ease of Doing Business' in true sense," he said. He added that now there are concerted efforts by major world economies to shift base from China as Japan has announced a fund of USD 2 billion to support Japanese industries who would like to shift from China. Industries from the US and Europe are also drawing up plans to move out of China. "Sir, this is a great opportunity for us. If we do not put our house in order, we will lose the opportunity and these companies will shift to other Asian countries. As an immediate short-term action plan, we suggest to revamp our grass root field offices and laws," the letter said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As questions mount why the US didn't act sooner to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the White House's infectious diseases expert Dr Anthony Fauci has confirmed there was "a lot of push back" against proposals to shut the US down in the third week of February. The US has recorded more than 21,000 deaths and more than half a million cases of infection - more than any country in the world. Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, at a briefing last month with President Donald Trump. Credit:AP The New York Times reported on Saturday that President Donald Trump ignored advice to recommend strict social distancing in late February because of the damage it would do to the US economy. Fauci told CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, local time, that lives could have been saved if aggressive social distancing had been adopted earlier, instead of in mid-March, when the President finally agreed to the measures. Ramchandra Hankare, head, PMC, health department, spoke about the challenges he faces while fulfilling his duty in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. What is your role in this pandemic? I handle the health deportment team that comes under the PMC jurisdiction. I have to coordinate with all the private and government hospitals in the city and make sure all the necessary arrangements are in place to help Covid-19 patients. I have to coordinate with divisional and municipal commissioners, additional municipal commissioner and district collector and follow the instructions on how to go about in this current situation. How does your day begin and roll out? Currently, there is no fixed timing for anything as I have to be on my toes to fulfil my responsibilities. My day starts at 6am and ends at 1am or 2am in the night or even late. I have to coordinate the ongoing house-to-house survey undertaken by the civic body staffers to detect Covid-19 related symptoms like fever, dry cough, cold and respiratory illnesses in certain areas of the city. I also have to keep a check on the number of patients testing positive for the virus and coordinate with private and government hospitals authorities about the ongoing measures taken to treat patients. What precautions are you taking? I follow social distancing while dealing with patients or their family members and during visits to the hospitals. I also wear a mask and other necessary equipment while on duty. I carry my food with me and avoid eating out. When I return home from duty, I take bath and sanitise my phone, spectacles, watch and other items, if I am carrying them to work. My wife and daughter are both in the medical field so they are busy as well and my son is pursuing a degree in medicine. So, we all make sure we take necessary precautions at home to keep away from Sars-cov-2 virus which causes the Covid-19 (coronavirus) infection. What is your view of the Covid-19 crisis in Pune? How do you see it unfolding? The situation is under control right now. People should coordinate with the authorities and together we can fight and overcome this situation. If people follow all the precautions and avoid stepping out of their houses unless it is urgent we can control the spread of Covid-19. Those who have symptoms should come forward and get tested and quarantined, so that the spread of virus stops. What gaps do you see in health and relief work? We are preparing for the worst. We are making maximum arrangement for Covid-19 patients and keeping various private hospitals ready to accommodate more patients. We are arranging medical and non-medical staff to deal with the patients, if the numbers increase. The civic body is doing its best with the available resources and many non-government organisations and individual volunteers are coming forward to offer help us. Instead of looking at gaps and shortcomings, we are focusing on how we can make maximum use of the resources available and what arrangements can be made if the number of patients increases in the coming days. We keep communicating with the medical and paramedical staff about how to take necessary precautions and deal with patients and they should follow all the precautions themselves to stay safe. Pastor Tony Spell talks with journalists before attending Sunday service at the Life Tabernacle megachurch challenging state orders against assembling in large groups to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana U.S. Carlos Barria/Reuters Rev. Tony Spell from Baton Rouge, Louisiana said he expected 2,000 to attend his Easter service at Apostolic Life Tabernacle Church despite the governor's stay-at-home order. "Satan and a virus will not stop us," Spell, told Reuters in an interview. "God will shield us from all harm and sickness." Spell has gained a lot of media attention in recent weeks for defiantly holding in-person services despite Gov. John Bel Edwards' ban on gatherings of 50 or more people. Spell was arrested on March 31 and charged with six misdemeanors for violating the governor's executive order. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Reverend Tony Spell has brazenly held several in-person church services at Apostolic Life Tabernacle Church with hundreds in attendance amid the coronavirus pandemic. And this Easter Sunday, he said he expected a crowd of more than 2,000 to gather in worship at the megachurch near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "Satan and a virus will not stop us," Spell told Reuters on Friday. "God will shield us from all harm and sickness. We are not afraid." However, Rev. Spell's biggest service yet comes as deaths from COVID-19 in Louisiana reported an increase of 970 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours on April 10, CNN reported. The state also reported new single-day records for the number of deaths, with 70 new fatalities on Tuesday and Wednesday. Coronavirus-related deaths in the state surpassed earlier estimates Friday that 746 Louisianna residents would be killed by the virus. A national model used by the White House from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation now projects nearly 950 infected residents could die, according to the Advertiser. Despite the rise in the projected death toll in his state, Spell told TMZ in an interview earlier this week that "true Christians do not mind dying." Story continues "Like any zealot or like any pure religious person, death looks to them like a welcome friend. True Christians do not mind dying. They fear living in fear," Spell told TMZ. Louisiana's state government has issued a stay-at-home order for residents to help curb the spread of COVID-19, asking people to limit movements outside of their homes other than for essential needs, like grocery shopping, refilling prescriptions, and exercising. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards even announced an executive order banning gatherings of 50 or more people while the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended canceling gatherings of more than 10 people in early March. Other church leaders have put measures in place to protect congregants from contracting the novel virus by hosting drive-in services or live streaming praise and worship. However, the 42-year-old Evangelical pastor has defiantly ignoring federal and state social distancing measures holding services so he could "lay hands" on his parishioners something he claimed he couldn't do with a livestreamed service. "I cannot baptize people in a livestream. I can not lay hands on people in a livestream. I cannot pray for people in a livestream, and this is our biblical command to lay hands on the sick and when they recover baptize them by immersion in water, which we do every day," Spell told Insider. He became the second pastor arrested for continuing to hold in-person services and was charged with six misdemeanors on March 31 for disregarding stay-at-home orders. Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran, who announced charges against Spell, said in a statement that the pastor's decisions have been "reckless and irresponsible," adding that they "endangered the health of his congregation and our community." "Instead of showing the strength and resilience of our community during this difficult time, Mr. Spell has chosen to embarrass us for his own self-promotion," he said. With several churches across the country insisting on holding in-person church services despite public health recommendations and mandates, even President Donald Trump has been forced to address church leaders urging them to follow state and federal social-distancing measures. "There are some pastors and ministers that want to get together and I have great respect for them," Trump said at a news briefing. "But I would say heal our country let's get healed before we do this." Read the original article on Insider The annual Easter Sunrise Service at the historic Mt. Davidson Landmark Park and Cross in San Francisco was canceled this year due to the novel coronavirus shelter-in-place order, the first cancellation since the tradition was established in 1923. But part of the tradition, the lighting of the cross on the night before Easter, was continued Saturday into Sunday, with an added twist. The cross was illuminated in blue light " to show support for healthcare professionals and essential front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic," the Council of Armenian Americans of Northern California said in a news release. The concrete cross, which stands 103 feet tall atop the highest point in San Francisco, is one of several that have stood at the site, with others destroyed by arsonists. The current cross was dedicated in 1933 when President Franklin Roosevelt "pressed a golden telegraph key in Washington, D.C. to light up the cross in front of an audience of 50,000," according to a history compiled by the Armenian council. The council has been the legal owner of the cross and the site where it stands in the park since 1997, following prolonged debate about a religious symbol on city-owned property. The California Department of Public Health announced Saturday that the total number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in the state had reached 20,615, with 609 deaths as of Friday. The majority of the cases are among people ages 18-49, with the total case count in that age category at 10,069, health officials said. People older than 50 are broken into two groups. There are 5,633 cases among those 50-64 and 4,561 among those 65 and older. Together they account for 10,194 cases. Only 303 people under 17 are confirmed to have COVID-19. At least 2,846 people with COVID-19 are hospitalized and 1,145 people are currently in an intensive care unit. Another 2,221 are hospitalized with suspected COVID-19 and 420 of those people are in ICUs. Health department officials said case numbers per ethnicity were close to the breakdown of the state population in each category: 34 percent of the current cases are Latinos (39 percent of the population) and 33 percent are white (37 percent of the population). Asian Americans accounted for 13 percent of all cases, 15 percent of all deaths and are 17 percent of the state population. African Americans have 7 percent of all cases, 10 percent of all deaths and are 6 percent of the state population, per CDPH numbers. A would-be carjacker already suffering from a gunshot wound and unsuccessful attempts to subdue him with Tasers, was fatally shot early Sunday after fleeing in a patrol car, South San Francisco police said. Police were notified around 5:35 a.m. Sunday about what was reported a fight between two men at the Chevron gas station at 110 Hickey Blvd. in South San Francisco. On arrival officers learned that one man attempted to take vehicles from two different people, stabbing one of them with a knife. An off-duty San Francisco police officer who saw the attack tried to intervene and was stabbed by the suspect. The officer then shot the suspect in self-defense, investigators said. The suspect then fought off South San Francisco officers who attempted to take him into custody, resisting even when Tasers were used, and fled in a patrol car. "A pursuit was initiated and the suspect was chased to the Kaiser Permanente medical facility on Hickey Boulevard in Daly City, where he attempted to drive through the gates to the parking garage," South San Francisco police said in a news release. He then attempted to ram one of the patrol cars before getting out of the stolen cruiser and threatening officers with the knife, refusing commands to surrender, police said. "The officers were forced to shoot the suspect and immediately rendered first aid until medical personnel arrived," police said, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim of the carjacking and the off-duty San Francisco police officer were hospitalized for their injuries and are expected to fully recover, police said. The largest event of the year in El Cerrito, the annual Fourth of July/worldOne Festival at Cerrito Vista Park, has been canceled for 2020, City Manager Karen Pinkos announced. The free event, which annually draws about 3,000 people for music, games, rides and other attractions, is a victim of the new coronavirus shelter order and the city's ongoing budget crisis. The cancellation was already one of a list of recommendations for cost-cutting made last Tuesday to the City Council during a presentation on the city's budget for the coming fiscal year. The city had been prepared to make more than $2 million in cost reductions, about 5 percent of its current budget, to meet a projected shortfall and begin replenishing its depleted reserve fund. But the public health crisis that has since unfolded means far greater cuts must be made, council members were told during the presentation. Even if funding could somehow be found to hold the event and the shelter order is lifted in time, the logistics and potential health issues involved with planning and holding the festival are too daunting, she said. Caltrans on Saturday night closed lanes of U.S. Highway 101 in preparation for work to replace and seismically retrofit the bridge deck at San Francisco's Alemany Circle, near the junction with Interstate Highway 280. Motorists are advised to reduce speed and exercise caution approaching and passing the work zone. The preparation work for the bulk of the project involves layout for barrier removal, slab saw-cutting, median barrier saw-cutting and removing/replacing approach slabs. The main work is scheduled to begin April 25, a date moved up from July to take advantage of light traffic levels accompanying the COVID-19 coronavirus shelter-in-place orders. The work is expected to be finished in early May. The Highway 101 Alemany Circle project will upgrade one of the Bay Area's most heavily traveled corridors, connecting the Peninsula to downtown San Francisco. More than 240,000 vehicles travel through this corridor daily. About 800 feet of bridge deck will be removed and rebuilt, and construction will include a temporary detour of northbound U.S. 101 traffic onto I-280. A suspected vehicle break-in burglar caught in the act allegedly had items from two other break-ins in his possession, as well as a loaded firearm Pacifica police believe had been stolen earlier. Police said Dustin Cottrell, 24, was found inside a car and arrested on suspicion of several crimes, including petty theft and attempted petty theft. Cottrell also faces felony charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, and grand theft of a firearm. According to police, officers were called at about 3:35 a.m. Saturday to the 1100 block of Elcanto Way in Pacifica, where a resident reported a vehicle burglary in progress. That's where police said they found Cottrell, and a backpack that contained items stolen from two other vehicles in the neighborhood, plus the loaded firearm. Cottrell was booked into the San Mateo County Jail. Instruction and student services at the campuses of the Contra Costa Community College District will continue to be done remotely through the end of the spring semester, district officials announced Friday. Remote operations at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, the Pleasant Hill and San Ramon campuses of Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, and the Brentwood Center are needed to conform with the extension of the countywide shelter-in-place order. The order was issued March 31 by Contra Costa Public Health and continuing through at least May 3 to stem the spread of novel coronavirus. The district said it will offer a summer session of instruction and student services remotely, "with a plan to offer face-to-face classes should the shelter-in-place order is lifted and deemed safe to do so." Registration for the summer course begins on April 20. A cat rescued last month from a utility box in the middle of the San Mateo Bridge is available for adoption, the Peninsula Humane Society said Saturday. The male cat, which has been named Raisin, was spotted hiding inside a utility box on March 17 by an AT&T technician, said Buffy Martin Tarbox, communications manager for the Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA. "The technician had just been dispatched to this remote location for a minor repair when he spotted two enormous yellow eyes looking back at him and called us for assistance," Tarbox said. When rescue staff arrived, they found the cat hiding behind a conduit and cable access point, dangerously close to oncoming traffic, Tarbox said. The humane society's animal rescue and control officer Justin Reese blocked the access point to the highway to keep the cat from running into traffic on the bridge. He then grasped the cat and brought it to safety. The cat was taken to the humane society's Coyote Point shelter, where he was found to have some minor abrasions, but overall in good condition. The adoption fee is $80. In an effort to help control the spread of COVID-19, PHS/SPCA is open for adoptions by appointment only. Those interested in meeting Raisin should call (650) 340-7022 to schedule an appointment. 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. About the show A weekly programme that examines and dissects the worlds media, how they operate and the stories they cover. Watch The Listening Post every Saturday at 0830GMT Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just confirmed the name of their new charitable organization, Archewell. The not-for-profit will replace the couples previous foundation, Sussex Royal, which they stopped using after March 31. Archewell will play an important role in the couples future plans, but they may have made a huge blunder by failing to register the name on Instagram. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Rosa Woods Pool/Getty Images Meghan Markle and Prince Harry launch a new organization At the beginning of March, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex filed an application in Beverly Hills that covered a variety of materials related to their new brand, including clothing, educational items, and a website about health and nutrition. But with Los Angeles currently under lockdown due to the coronavirus, the couple has delayed any plans related to Archewell. Instead, the pair announced that they will be helping out in pandemic relief efforts and focusing on their family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced plans to launch a new charitable organisation named Archewell that aims to "to do something that matters" https://t.co/C6pWb0d1Ji SkyNews (@SkyNews) April 7, 2020 With that in mind, it may be weeks before Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, announce the launch of their new organization. Although Archewell will be the name of their brand, the Sussexes may have missed a huge opportunity by not registering it with Instagram. Did the Sussexes fail to register Archewell on Instagram? Over the past two years, Harry and Meghan utilized Instagram to promote Sussex Royal and their various charitable endeavors. They quickly amassed millions of followers on the platform, though they recently deactivated the account in light of their exit from the royal family. While Instagram will likely play a huge role in building Prince Harry and Meghans new brand, Express reports that they did not open an account under the name Archewell. it became the inspiration for our sons name. Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we must draw upon ARCHEWELL pic.twitter.com/zf5WX9KVt9 michelle (@ddarveyy) April 6, 2020 Before Harry and Meghan had the chance to register the name, several fans opened Instagram accounts with the Archewell handle. The first person who started an account with the name Archewell did so at the end of February, weeks before sources leaked the information. The user has not posted any real photos on the account and it remains unclear if they meant to steal it from the Sussexes. The other account in question was registered under the name, Archewell Global, which is something the Sussexes may have planned on using as well. Harry and Meghan have not commented on the Instagram blunder, so we will have to wait and see how this one shakes out. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle open up about Archewell As part of their exit plan, Harry and Meghan agreed to stop using their royal titles in public. This decision forced the pair to abandon their Sussex Royal brand, which served as their main charitable arm since its launch last year. According to Express, the Sussexes recently revealed that they will launch their new organization when the time is right and opened up about why they picked the name Archewell in the first place. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are criticised for unveiling details of their Archewell charitable foundation https://t.co/FLdNgVOJwK Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) April 7, 2020 Like you, our focus is on supporting efforts to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic but faced with this information coming to light, we felt compelled to share the story of how this came to be, Prince Harry and Meghan shared. Before Sussex Royal, came the idea of Arche the Greek word meaning source of action. Harry and Meghan added that they hope to do something that matters with their new organization. It is unclear what causes they will tackle in the charitable world, but we probably wont hear much until after the current crisis is over. What are Harry and Meghan planning for Archewell? Although Prince Harry and Meghan have remained silent on their future plans, rumors have surfaced following the couples trademark application. While some royal watchers are speculating based on what was included in the application, a source cautioned against jumping to conclusions. The insider claims that Harry and Meghan included so many things in the trademark bid because of protection purposes. Some of the items included, such as support groups for people, are apparently not in their plan. New details on Prince Harry and Duchess Meghans non-profit Archewell. A name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon, the couple explain.https://t.co/UukyOvrPWT Omid Scobie (@scobie) April 6, 2020 The source did not reveal why the Sussexes failed to register Archewell on Instagram, but further information should be revealed in due time. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are currently living in Los Angeles and are reportedly going to buy a home in Malibu. They have not commented on the reports surrounding their new organization. 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. Her comments came as the UK death toll approached 10,000 and NHS trusts confirmed the deaths of more health workers, after health Secretary Matt Hancock earlier paid tribute to 19 NHS staff who died after contracting Covid-19. Sara Trollope, a matron for older adult mental health services in Hillingdon, west London, died after testing positive for the virus and Julie Omar, 52, a trauma and orthopaedics nurse at Redditchs Alexandra Hospital, in Worcestershire, died at home while self-isolating with symptoms. The Government has been dogged by criticism since the pandemic hit UK shores that not enough PPE was available for health workers, especially those working in social care. The Liberal Democrats said the issue was developing into a national scandal. 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 supplies of PPE, 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. 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. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) 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 weeks updated guidance. Ms Patel said distribution issues had been addressed with the help of the military, and the Ministry of Defence said a consignment of 250,000 items of PPE had been delivered to RAF Brize Norton from Turkey on Friday. Mr Hancock, in an earlier interview with BBC Radio 4s Today programme, said the guidelines now advise staff to use gowns for their whole shift but stressed he did not impugn blame on any health workers who had used more than strictly necessary. Sir Ed Davey, acting leader of the Lib Dems, was critical of the Governments 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 theyve been sold down the river, he said. Also announced at the press conference: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has Cabinet support to spend time convalescing in hospital following his coronavirus diagnosis The Home Office has set aside 2 million of funding for domestic abuse charities, along with setting up a public awareness campaign to help victims Ministers have held discussions about how to reopen Parliament following its Easter break but the focus remains on saving lives The UK is still in round one of the fight against coronavirus, with a vaccine expected to take months to develop 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. Expand Close Ms Patel takes questions from the media (Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ms Patel takes questions from the media (Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street) 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 by 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. Expand Close Medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) sent from Turkey, being unloaded at RAF Brize Norton (SAC Connor Tierney/MoD/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) sent from Turkey, being unloaded at RAF Brize Norton (SAC Connor Tierney/MoD/PA) 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 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. Number 10 has refused to be drawn on how long he is expected to remain in hospital. (Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trumps new chief of staff, Mark Meadows, has escalated tensions in the White House with a swift series of staff changes that have drawn complaints from some in the West Wing about his management style, according to people familiar with the matter. Trump changed his top aide last month just as the U.S. coronavirus outbreak began to accelerate. After a slow start -- Meadows didnt resign his North Carolina House seat until the end of March -- the new chief of staff kicked off his tenure by ousting a top legislative liaison last week and then, on Monday, replacing the White House press secretary, Stephanie Grisham. Meadows brought in Trump campaign spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany as press secretary and also installed two loyalists in the communications operation, Pentagon spokeswoman Alyssa Farah and his top congressional aide, Ben Williamson. Other aides may depart in the near future, including the chief of domestic policy, Joe Grogan, according to two people familiar with the matter. Meadows has also gotten involved in the administrations coronavirus response, calling Republican governors who have held out against issuing stay-at-home orders in their states to ask them to implement the policies immediately, according to two people familiar with the calls. The president has said such decisions are up to state leaders and has not publicly criticized those who decline, who are all Republicans. It is typical for chiefs of staff to make changes and hire familiar faces upon entering the White House, but the turnover has been more frequent under Trump because he is on his fourth chief in less than four full years as president. Meadows has demonstrated a firm grip on the issues and is working to ensure that everyone at the White House is carrying out the presidents agenda, according to one senior administration official. Meadows didnt respond to a request for comment. Mid-Crisis Changes The White House was already on its heels as Trump confronts the coronavirus outbreak, which has collapsed the U.S. economy and swiftly become both the greatest crisis of his presidency and a severe threat to his re-election in November. Story continues Meadowss moves -- especially Grishams replacement, which she and her staff learned was under consideration in a report last week by Axios -- have suddenly dialed up tension in a building that has long been riven by infighting, according to multiple people familiar with the situation. Meadows told Grisham over the weekend he wanted her to give up the press secretary position and serve only as the White House communications director. She declined, according to two people familiar with the matter. Grisham has a powerful advocate in the White House: first lady Melania Trump, who promptly brought the ousted press secretary back to the East Wing as her personal chief of staff. The only formal announcement about the staff changes on Tuesday came from the first ladys office, which some of the people suggested was a sign of her displeasure. All of the people asked not to be identified discussing internal White House tension. The White House formally announced the new communications hires Wednesday in a brief, 84-word statement. Top aides still have confidence in Meadows and are trying to work with him. But there is concern that he hasnt spent time getting to know how the West Wing works before making aggressive changes, the people said. Meadows pushed out other aides ahead of Grisham. He told people he believed Jessica Ditto, who had worked for Trump since the 2016 campaign, wasnt a team player and she later decided to resign, according to two people familiar with the situation. Mike McKenna, a deputy to legislative director Eric Ueland, also resigned last week, and it is unclear how long Ueland will remain in the White House under Meadows. Ditto had been the primary White House spokeswoman for Ivanka Trump, who called her talented, smart, driven and a joy to know in a statement after she resigned. Virus Calls The moves have damaged morale inside the West Wing, as staff have begun to fear the possibility of a broader shakeup. Some aides have come to Meadows with recommendations about which staffers he should oust, further raising anxiety, according to one person familiar with the interactions. Meadowss immediate predecessor, Mick Mulvaney, had lost Trumps confidence and was barely involved in the coronavirus response effort before he was pushed out of his job last month. But while Mulvaney had internal foes, he was regarded as promoting a more collegial atmosphere inside a West Wing known for its knife-fighting. The new chief of staff, by comparison, has jumped into some of the touchiest debates in the coronavirus crisis. In a White House meeting on Monday, Meadows sided with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar against Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma, according to people familiar with the situation. Azar wanted to provide $30 billion in grants to health-care systems; Verma wanted to provide $34 billion in loans. Verma announced both the grants and loans at a White House news conference on Tuesday. Azar and Verma have had a contentious relationship with multiple policy disagreements, to the point that Vice President Mike Pence instructed them in a December meeting to get along. HHS declined to comment on the Meadows meeting and CMS didnt respond to a request for comment. Meadows has also tried to persuade a group of holdout Republican governors that they should issue shelter-in-place orders to help curb the coronavirus outbreak. It isnt clear if the new chief of staff has Trumps blessing for the calls. The president has publicly said it is up to governors and local leaders to decide whether stay-at-home orders are appropriate and has declined to criticize the holdouts, all of whom are his political allies. The governor of one of the holdout states, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, tweeted Wednesday that shed spoken with Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who is a top medical adviser to the president. Thankfully, he AGREES that a one-size-fits-all approach isnt the answer in our state, Noem wrote. The tweet, according to one person familiar with the matter, was read by some as a signal to Meadows. (Adds Ivanka Trump statement on Ditto in 15th paragraph) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Matt Hancock vowed 'we will not' rest to get vital protective equipment to NHS staff today as the main nursing union told its members they could refuse to treat coronavirus patients if they felt unsafe. The Health Secretary came under mounting pressure at the daily news conference this afternoon as he revealed that under-pressure units face on average a two-and-a-half-day wait to be restocked with personal protective equipment (PPE). He spoke after the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) advised its members to refuse to treat coronavirus patients as 'a last resort' amid claims vital items like masks, goggles and gowns are still not reaching the frontlines. A spokesman for the union admitted that with-holding treatment would 'go against every instinct', but added that 'their safety must not be compromised'. One nurse, Becky Usher, 38, who works at Dewsbury and District Hospital in West Yorkshire, remains critically ill on a ventilator after treating patients without a mask. When asked about the supply of PPE and if the government could commit to a date to deliver more PPE, Mr Hancock said: 'It's impossible because the quest is to get the right PPE to the right people on the front line at the right time across many millions of people across the NHS and social care. 'I'm glad to say that effort is moving in the right direction, we now have record amounts of PPE that's been put out into the system but until everyone gets the PPE they need then we won't rest.' When asked about the supply of PPE and if the government could commit to a date to deliver more PPE, Mr Hancock said: until everyone gets the PPE they need then we won't rest.' Becky Usher, 38, is in intensive care at Pinderfields hospital in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Experienced nurse Julie Omar has died, Worcester NHS Trust has confirmed Ms Usher, who has a six-year-old daughter, pictured with her partner Martin Parker The current international death toll from coronavirus Mr Hancock said it was an 'enormous effort' and experts were currently trying to source more gowns. Crisis as HALF of Welsh hospital's A&E staff test positive for coronavirus A hospital is in turmoil after 50 per cent of its A&E staff contacted coronavirus, a doctor has revealed. A&E consultant at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Wales, Dr Tim Rogerson, 'around '50 per cent' of the hospital's staff had now tested positive for Covid-19. In a video shared by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board on Saturday, the doctor, said: 'This has obviously happened despite all of the PPE that we've got and all the hand washing that we're doing but it's probably just a likely thing that's going to happen when we're faced with such numbers of patients coming in with coronavirus. We're probably up to around 50% of the consultant workforce at the Gwent in A&E who have swabbed positive for the coronavirus and a similar percent in our nursing team. 'It is proving a challenge when it's coming to staffing the department when we are facing these numbers coming through.' The shocking revelation comes as the UK continues to grapple with the surge in coronavirus cases which has now hit 84,279. Advertisement He added: 'They often don't get thanks, the procurement experts because they're not on the frontline, but by God do we need them to make sure that we can get all that PPE.' He also denied the Government had been too slow to stockpile PPE earlier in the coronavirus outbreak and said supplies had been 'significant'. He said: 'We went into this with the stockpiles, and the challenges are logistical ones of having previously had an organisation that serves just over 200 NHS organisations and the demand for PPE and the need for it has gone up enormously and there's now 58,000 organisations that this huge logistical operation services. 'So it has been a challenge of logistics as much as one of supply.' He added: 'At the same time of course we've got to replenish the stockpiles that we went into this with so we did actually go in with some quite significant stockpiles but of course given the sheer quantities that we're distributing across the system we're using those stockpiles up.' The Health Secretary was also asked about the speed of delivering PPE, which had been said to be two and a half days. Mr Hancock clarified that the two and a half-day figure was an average for people who called the 24/7 PPE hotline, and that urgent cases were dealt with 'immediately'. Ms Usher, who has a six year old daughter, started suffering a high temperature and sore throat after spending two days treating a patient who had had not been tested for the virus. When she started experiencing breathing difficulties and slurring her words on Tuesday she was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital in nearby Wakefield, where she remains in intensive care. The mother of a six-year-old daughter suffers an irregular heartbeat which has caused multiple heart attacks since 2004. Labour leader Keir Starmer has backed nurses demands and criticised the government, saying there is a 'mismatch' between what Health Secretary Matt Hancock is saying and reports from the frontline. A third of surgeons are treating patients without sufficient protective equipment, a survey involving 2,000 frontline workers and carried out by the RCN has found. Business Secretary Alok Sharma insisted on Sky's Ridge on Sunday today that PPE was being sent out to hospitals. 'It is right that no medical professional should be placed in this position where they have to make that choice,' he said. 'That for me is self-evident. That is why we are making sure we get the equipment to the front line.' He added: 'I fully accept that it is up to the Government that we fix this.' Later, rather than admit any Government failings, he told the BBC's Marr: 'I'm incredibly sorry that people feel they are not able to get this equipment.' Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sky's Ridge on Sunday today: 'It is right that no medical professional should be placed in this position where they have to make that choice. Ms Usher pictured with her sister Kelly Cardwell. She said the family is heartbroken they are unable to be by her side while she is in the hospital Ms Usher's sister Kelly Cardwell, 42, said the family is 'heartbroken' as they are unable to be by her side in hospital, where she remains in a critical but stable condition. 'The hardest part is not being able to see her and not being able to see my parents, thinking we may not ever see her again,' Kelly said. 'Becky is bubbly, outgoing and has a heart of gold. She is also very stubborn and a fighter. 'She is extremely popular and has so many friends wishing her well. She will be overwhelmed with the positivity and support she's received.' Kelly said staff were told by the hospital, which is run by Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, that they 'didn't need' protective equipment as there 'were no patients with coronavirus', reports the Yorkshire Evening Post. 'I believe they do have it now, but obviously a few days too late,' she said. Kelly praised her sister's fellow NHS heroes on the frontline fighting coronavirus, which has killed at least 19 NHS workers. 'For the other NHS angels and key workers supporting everyone through this worrying and difficult time, we can't thank you enough for the risk you are taking to save other's lives,' she said. Kelly has penned a card for her sister urging her to 'get well soon' (pictured above) 'Just know how much everyone truly appreciates the sacrifice you are making each day. The staff in ICU are doing a great job and we are grateful for the support Becky is getting.' Kelly has posted a handmade card with a big red heart inside to Pinderfields, urging her sister to 'keep fighting'. Becky's partner Martin Parker, 40, said: 'She told me off when the paramedics arrived. Said she was fine, but I knew she wasn't. 'The paramedic said 'tell him off when you get home, but you're going to hospital'.' 'I miss her and I love her.' The government has come under heavy criticism for not doing enough to provide frontline staff with personal protective equipment. MailOnline has contacted Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust for comment. New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the Government, saying: 'It would be smart of the Government to acknowledge their ambition for equipment to be where it should be isn't being matched, and to apologise for that and get on with it.' Senior NHS officials have revealed that hospitals could run out of gowns for doctors after Priti Patel last night she is 'sorry if people feel there have been failings' over the supply of protective gear. Third of surgeons lack sufficient protective equipment, says survey A third of surgeons and trainees across the UK do not believe they have an adequate supply of protective equipment to do their job safely, new research has found. A survey of nearly 2,000 surgeons and surgical trainees, published on Sunday, also found that 57 per cent said there had been shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) at their organisations in the last 30 days. The survey, carried out by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), also found that 72 per cent of respondents believed widespread testing of the population would be necessary before the UK lockdown could end. The RCS figures showed a wide regional variation in surgeons' experience, with more than half in the Thames Valley saying they now have access to adequate PPE compared to about a third in the North West. In London 33 per cent of respondents said they did not believe their NHS trust had an adequate supply of protective equipment. The college warned that accessing protective equipment should not be a postcode lottery. Its vice-president Sue Hill said there was still a lot more work to do to get an adequate supply of equipment to the front lines. She added: 'Things are going broadly in the right direction with fewer surgeons telling us there is an inadequate supply of PPE in their trust now, than over the past month. 'But progress in this fast-moving crisis feels painfully slow. 'PPE supply should not be a postcode lottery - the most acutely affected areas need more kit, fast.' Advertisement Memos that were leaked today 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. Kingston 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. But new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the Government, there is a 'mismatch' in what Health Secretary Matt Hancock and frontline NHS staff are saying about the availability of PPE. He said: 'This is a difficult exercise, I understand the Government is trying to rise to the challenge here but there's a mismatch and that's the sort of thing that Parliament needs to pursue through individual MPs putting the points to ministers.' Sir Keir, asked if nurses should follow Royal College of Nursing guidance and effectively refuse to treat coronavirus patients if they do not have the right protective equipment and clothing, replied: 'They're in a position to give guidance to those in their association and they should give that guidance.' Home Secretary Priti Patel last night said she was 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. 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 Memos that were leaked today warned of a 'national shortage' of the long-sleeved gowns that are needed to treat coronavirus patients. Stock picture Firefighters and the Army have been brought in to improve distribution of equipment, but health officials are still concerned that there won't be enough to go around. One senior official involved told The Telegraph that London hospitals had been forced to negotiate directly with companies in China in a desperate attempt to get more supplies from them. 'The large teaching hospitals went out shopping in China, anywhere they could get their hands on these products, commissioning planes and negotiating with Chinese companies. 'This is some of the biggest market trading outside a trading floor that anyone has ever seen.' 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. 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: '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. Piers Morgan reacted with fury to the Home Secretary's 'apology' '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. The Health Secretary insisted that there is enough gear to meet demand but should be treated by hospitals as a 'precious resource' 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. 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. Royal College of Nursing general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair scolded the minister for saying there had been 'examples' of PPE overuse 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'. 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.' Nurses in PPE clap on a video at the coronavirus ward at West Cumberland Hospital 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. Bangladesh has executed a former military captain for his involvement in the 1975 coup in which the countrys 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 Dhakas 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, Majeds 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 Bangabandhus 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. Polices 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. Bangabandhus 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 Bangladeshs 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 Bangladeshs founder. Dhaka said it was trying to extradite them but Canada declined to entertain the request citing provisions of the countrys 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. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Brazil turns to local industry to build ventilators as China orders fall through Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro looks on while meeting supporters and Catholic faithfuls as he arrives at Alvorada Palace, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Brasilia By Anthony Boadle BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's health minister said on Wednesday that the country's attempts to purchase thousands of ventilators from China to fight the coronavirus epidemic fell through and the government is now looking to Brazilian companies to build the devices. "Practically all our purchases of equipment in China are not being confirmed," Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta said at a news conference. An attempt to buy 15,000 ventilators in China failed and Brazil was making a new bid, he said, but the outcome is uncertain in the intense competition for medical supplies in the global pandemic. Last week, Mandetta referred to being outbid for Chinese supplies and on Tuesday he noted "difficulties" in guaranteeing purchases. In one positive sign for Brazil's supply crunch, a private company said it managed to buy 40 tonnes of masks and test kits from China, with the shipment arriving by cargo plane in Brasilia on Wednesday. The purchase of 6 million masks and other protective equipment worth 160 million reais ($30 million) was undertaken by pharmaceutical and hospital equipment company Nutriex, based in Goiania, 220 km (138 miles) east of Brasilia. The firm plans to donate part of the order to medical institutions. Health authorities began to sound the alarm this week over supply shortages as hospitals faced growing numbers of patients with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. Confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in the country soared to 15,927 on Wednesday, with the death toll rising by 133 in just 24 hours to 800, the ministry said. Rio de Janeiro reported the first deaths from coronavirus in the city's hillside slums, called favelas, alarming authorities who fear rapid contagion in these crowded communities that have limited access to medical care and often lack running water for hygiene. Two of the six deaths occurred in Rocinha, one of the largest slums in South America. The virus has spread to 10 of Rio's favelas, potentially affecting 2 million people, the mayor's office said. Story continues Mandetta reported the first case of coronavirus among the Yanomami people on the country's largest reservation for indigenous tribes and said the government plans to build a field hospital for tribes that are vulnerable to contagion. "We are extremely concerned about the indigenous communities," Mandetta said. Anthropologists and health experts warn that the epidemic could have a devastating impact on Brazil's 850,000 indigenous people whose lifestyle in tribal villages rules out social distancing. President Jair Bolsonaro said in an address to the nation that the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine was saving lives of coronavirus patients and should be used in the initial stages of COVID-19. Due to the absence of scientific evidence on its effectiveness and safety, Brazil's health authorities limit its use to seriously ill patients who are in hospital. Mandetta said Brazil has hired local unlisted medical equipment maker Magnamed to make 6,000 ventilators in 90 days. Pulp and paper companies Suzano SA and Klabin SA, planemaker Embraer SA, information technology provider Positivo Tecnologia SA and automaker Fiat Chrysler have also offered to help build ventilators, he said. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle in Brasilia and Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Christian Schmollinger) Myanmar government is restricting the movement of people in Yangon and Mandalay during the New Year festival. Myanmar will ring in a new year next week. But celebrations will be muted because of the coronavirus pandemic. Festivities have been cancelled and people are being urged to stay at home. But it has not stopped some workers from trying to leave the cities and head to their hometowns. Al Jazeeras Florence Looi reports. A demonstration of how the shield will provide vital protection to health workers by providing a barrier between them and patients they are working with who have Covid-19 ASTON MARTIN has been part of a project working with engineers at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry to develop a protective shield for frontline NHS staff involved in the intubation procedure for Covid-19 patients needing to be on a ventilator. The shields were developed in collaboration with medical experts and industrial partners Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and Multimatic, with wider support from Innovate UK and were developed from prototype to manufacture in less than a week. The MTC has moved on to manufacturing the first batch of 1,000 units and is also working with the manufacturing supply chain to ramp up capacity to at least 200 units a day to meet expected NHS demand. MTC chief executive Dr Clive Hickman said: "The acrylic shields with access panels for medical staff are manufactured as complete units or can be produced as flat-pack self-assembly kits. "The shield has undergone several design changes during its rapid development following trials in three hospitals and extended trials at a further seven hospitals. Feedback from medical professionals suggests that the shields can be used during the intubation and extubation processes, and may also be useful for other medical procedures beyond Covid-19 treatment." "It is anticipated that the NHS may need several thousand of these shields and we are delighted to be playing our part in protecting frontline NHS staff during this challenging time," he added. Aston Martin president and group chief executive Andy Palmer said: "Times of crisis are also times of great innovation and we are delighted to be working with Multimatic and the MTC to produce the intubation shield for the intensive care staff." Rolls-Royce director, manufacturing technology, Neil Mantle, added: "The team has been working at full speed, motivated by the demand from anaesthetists and hospitals across the UK. We have transformed an important idea into manufacture in such a short space of time and I would like to thank all my colleagues." MTC is releasing open-source technical packs including drawings and assembly instructions, allowing other manufacturers to have access to the designs. Systematic investment plan or SIP has been the preferred route for retail investors to invest in mutual funds as it helps them reduce market timing risk. New Delhi: Investors are preferring SIP option for investing in mutual funds, as the industry garnered over Rs 1 lakh crore through this route in 2019-20, up 8 percent from the preceding fiscal, even as the broader market witnessed extreme volatility amid concerns over the impact of coronavirus pandemic. Systematic investment plan or SIP has been the preferred route for retail investors to invest in mutual funds as it helps them reduce market timing risk. According to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), SIP contribution in the just concluded fiscal 2019-20 rose to Rs 1,00,084 crore from Rs 92,693 crore in 2018-19. Inflows into SIPs have averaged about Rs 8,200 crore in the past 12 months. Investors are showing great maturity in handling this downturn by sticking to SIPs, said Harsh Jain, Co-founder and COO of Groww. It is very encouraging to see the faith with which a lot of retail investors have continued to put their trust behind mutual funds through SIP route. Number of SIP accounts has kept up the pace of growth with increase of 19 per cent between March 2019 and March 2020, said G Pradeepkumar, CEO Union AMC. N S Venkatesh, Chief Executive, AMFI said,Unprecedented situations warrant equally unprecedented response, to help make the most of the crisis an opportunity. This precisely sums up the retail investor riposte. Instead of exiting their investment in equity funds, retail investors have not only held on, but added more AUMs and folios, through SIPs. Over the past few years, inflows through SIPs have been showing an upward trend. Investments of over Rs 67,000 crore through the mode were seen in 2017-18 and more than Rs 43,900 crore in 2016-17. Currently, mutual funds have 3.12 crore SIP accounts through which investors regularly invest in Indian mutual fund schemes. The industry, on an average, added 9.95 lakh SIP accounts each month during the last financial year, with an average ticket size of Rs 2,750. The 44-player mutual fund industry, which mainly depends on SIPs for inflows, had assets under management (AUM) of Rs 22.26 lakh crore at the end of March this year, as compared to Rs 23.8 lakh crore in March-end 2019. SIP is an investment vehicle that allows investors to invest in small amounts periodically instead of a lump-sum payment. The frequency of investment is usually weekly, monthly or quarterly. It is similar to a recurring deposit where investors deposit a fixed amount every month. Manchester United have reportedly dismissed concerns they could miss out on 75 million worth of income as a result of Adidas' financial problems. In 2015, Adidas agreed a 10-year deal with United to manufacture their kits, which was worth 750 million split into yearly instalments of 75m. But the German sportswear manufacturer has hit financial problems after sales were hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Manchester United are confident they won't be affected by Adidas' current financial problems Adidas pay United 75m a season to make their kits but have asked for a government bail-out United insiders say they don't expect Adidas to make any late or deferred payments Despite a global turnover of 29.92 billion last year and boasting cash revenues of 873m in the bank, they've been in talks with state-owned bank KfW about a loan of between 900million and 1.75billion. Adidas recently failed to pay a 1.5m sum owed to Brazilian club Flamengo and confirmed the payment would be delayed as a result of the global health crisis. The brand has also warned other Brazilian clubs, Cruizeiro, Internacional and Sao Paulo that instalments will be delayed in the coming weeks. Adidas' financial struggles has now sparked concerns that they will be unable to meet payments owed to their biggest clients, notably United. Arsenal will also be concerned after signing a 60m a year deal with Adidas last summer Premier League sides Arsenal, Wolves, Watford and Sheff United also have Adidas kit deals But, according to the Mirror, an Old Trafford insider is confident that payments will be made on time and that the club won't be left with a dent in their finances. The insider said: 'We have not had any contact with Adidas which would suggest they will have a problem meeting their contractual obligation with us. 'As such, we don't expect that any payments will be missed or deferred.' A host of other Premier League clubs have their kits made by Adidas and will be concerned about the potential knock-on effect of their cash flow problems. Arsenal signed a five-year deal with the brand last summer, which is worth 60m a season, while Sheffield United, Watford and Wolves also have lucrative deals. When did the authorities first become aware that this country would face a deadly contagion that would cost the lives of many thousands? It must be at least two months back. Six weeks ago on Tuesday, Boris Johnson delivered what then seemed a shocking statement in which he warned of a serious pandemic. At that stage, there had been only 51 recorded UK cases of coronavirus. Now there are nearly 20 times that number of deaths every day. No one knows when or how this will end. But it is clear that a lack of basic equipment, in particular gowns, is putting the lives of NHS staff at risk. The extreme shortage of PPE is adding increasing strain to NHS staff across the nation, as guidelines state protective clothing should be worn by anyone including doctors, nurses, care home workers and paramedics within two metres of a suspected coronavirus patient The question which doctors, nurses and others on the front line have every right to ask is why with at least two months notice the Government has not made better provision for something so comparatively basic. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has boasted that 761million of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been produced for the NHS. Fine. But why is there nonetheless a shortage of gowns, and why are doctors and nurses dying for lack of them? Three nurses, who had been forced to wear bin bags on their shift because of a shortage of gowns, have contracted coronavirus. Isnt that disgraceful? NHS Providers, which represents all hospital trusts, has warned that supply of gowns is hand to mouth. Leaked memos warn of a national shortage of long-sleeved gowns. And, as the Mail reports, 57 per cent of doctors in a survey conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons said their trusts have experienced PPE shortages within the past 30 days. Meanwhile, the Royal College of Nursing has issued guidelines to its members saying that if they havent been given adequate PPE they can refuse to treat patients. Who could blame them? At least 19 NHS workers have died so far, and some relatives believe they were infected due to a shortage of equipment. What has gone wrong? There have been bottlenecks in shipments from China our main supplier of gowns so that critical supplies are being held up. Sara Trollope (pictured with Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year), 51, was just months away from retiring when she became yet another hero to been named a victim of the deadly virus Now, Im going to say something which during the present climate when everyone, including the Prime Minister, now mercifully recovered, is praising the NHS to the skies may seem controversial. The organisation is not perfect. Its doctors, nurses and other workers are exemplary, and we owe them an incalculable debt. But they are not the health service. The NHS along with its quango little sister, Public Health England is a vast lumbering and often inefficient bureaucracy. It does not respond quickly to the rapidly developing demands of this cunning virus. Already we have seen how cumbersome the NHS has been in grappling with testing, where the daily rate is still far below what experts agree is necessary. This slowness appears to have been at least in part the result of suspicions harboured by health service jobsworths over private laboratories. Of course, I can appreciate that proper testing is a complicated issue. It is undeniably true that many other countries have also not covered themselves in glory. But is providing enough basic gowns, and other fairly straightforward PPE equipment, really so much of a challenge for a country that is supposed to have the fifth or sixth largest economy in the world? Health Secretary Matt Hancock has boasted that 761million of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been produced for the NHS, yet a shortage still remains Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, pictured left, passed away in hospital after a 15-day battle against the virus - five days after urging Mr Johnson to make sure staff had appropriate PPE With at least two months notice, it surely would have been possible to ramp up the manufacture of gowns in the UK, instead of relying on fardistant China. There have even been appalling stories of health workers cutting up curtains. Slow-footed though the NHS and Public Health England are, the buck stops with Mr Hancock. No one envies the Health Secretary in his job at the moment. Ive no doubt he is working 18-hour days, and doing many good things. But the shortage of PPE equipment is finally his responsibility. Im afraid he was wrong-headed to imply that medics have been wasting equipment. It looks as though he is trying to shift the blame. It is immoral to ask doctors, nurses and other health workers to take bigger risks with their lives than they have to. No wonder some of them have said they feel like lambs to the slaughter. Action is needed. Bottlenecks must be cleared. More gowns and other vital PPE equipment must be found. It feels, not for the first time, that no one is fully in charge of this terrible crisis. On the occasion of the third death anniversary of former Congress leader and Union minister Akhilesh Das Gupta on Sunday, his son Viraj Sagar Das donated Rs 25 lakh towards the Uttar Pradesh COVID-19 Care Fund. Viraj handed over a cheque of Rs 25 lakh to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the latter's official residence here. In a statement, Ashok Singh, the media coordinator for the BBD Group, which was founded by Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta, said the members of the BBD family observed a two-minute silence to pay respect to the departed soul. Viraj said that the unfinished tasks and promises of his father will be accomplished by the BBD Group. Akhilesh Das Gupta, born on March 31, 1961, was son of freedom fighter Babu Banarasi Das, who also served as a Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh was Union Minister for Steel from January 2006 till May 2008 in the Manmohan Singh government during UPA-I. He died on April 12, 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On Sunday, Easter ceremonies looked as they never have before, with coronavirus restrictions discouraging or banning large-scale gatherings, including at churches. Some pastors are going forward with in-person services. At the Vatican, Pope Francis spoke in a mostly vacant St. Peter's Basilica as church bells clanged across Rome. "For many," Francis said, "this is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from St.Thomas' Hospital on Sunday, nearly a week after he was admitted into intensive care for covid-19. A special envoy to the World Health Organization said the virus may be a health threat that "stalks the human race for quite a long time" until the release of a vaccine. The United States is nearing peak infection, but the time frame to reopen the country remains a moving target, a Food and Drug Administration official said. The coronavirus is killing about 1 in 10 hospitalized middle-aged patients and 4 in 10 older than 85 in the United States. Japan marked a fifth day of record high daily jumps. With or without the blessing of state and federal officials, some pastors across the country are leading their Easter Sunday services in person, risking the spread of the coronavirus within their faith communities. After President Donald Trump expressed hope that the country would be reopened and churches "packed" by Easter, he called that goal "aspirational" at a news conference last week and said he would watch an Easter service online. Vice President Mike Pence also said he would watch a live-streamed service and discouraged religious gatherings of more than 10 people. But decisions about whether to allow in-person church services fall in the hands of states. Louisiana is limiting how many people can attend services, but Tony Spell, who leads Life Tabernacle Church near Baton Rouge, planned to hold an Easter Sunday service for 2,000, the Wall Street Journal reported. Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, said the number of people Spell plans to gather could land the pastor in legal trouble, but Spell, whose legal team includes former Alabama chief justice Roy Moore, told the Journal that he would sue Edwards and any police officer who tries to arrest him. "The Bible commands us to gather together," Spell said. Not all state leaders have commanded that churches close. Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said Texas churches are essential and can remain open if they keep worshipers six feet apart. Houston's Glorious Way Church is holding two services Sunday morning, one of which will be streamed, the Texas Tribune reported. The church plans to space 100 congregants across the 1,000 seats and offer hand sanitizer. In Kansas, Republicans objected to Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, including houses of worship in her expanded stay-at-home order and attempted to overturn her decision in the legislature. The state's high court sided with the governor late Saturday. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned his country that the state of emergency and confinement due to the pandemic would continue, even though the nation's strict lockdown ends Monday. "I want to be very clear: We are not entering the second phase, what the experts have been calling the de-escalation phase," Sanchez said Sunday in a nationally televised address. "The general confinement continues. The only thing that is ending is the extreme measure of hibernation." Sanchez had imposed the "hibernation" two weeks ago to stop nonessential activity through Easter. He said the broader lockdown, which began March 13, will extend until at least April 26. Spain's coronavirus tally continues to climb 3 percent daily, with 4,167 new cases announced Sunday, bringing the total to 166,019. Spain also announced a 24-hour death toll of 619, to reach a total of 16,972. The country leads in the number of deaths worldwide per 100,000 inhabitants, with 35.54 deaths, compared with 32.22 for Italy and 6.25 deaths for the United States. Security forces have started distributing 10 million "hygienic" masks throughout Spain for anyone using public transportation, reversing earlier guidelines that deemed general public use of masks unwarranted. The Navajo Nation is under a 57-hour weekend curfew as officials look to slow the spread of the coronavirus in what has been the hardest-hit part of Indian Country. The curfew took effect at 8 p.m. Friday and lasts until 5 a.m. Monday, according to the emergency order. It mandates that all residents stay at home during the curfew, except for emergencies and essential employees. The Navajo Nation, which has more than a quarter-million members and is spread across three southwestern states, had at least 698 confirmed coronavirus cases and 24 deaths. Health disparities make those in Indian Country especially vulnerable to the outbreak. High rates of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and asthma combine with insufficient housing, infrastructure and health-care access. Meanwhile, homes on reservations are often small and crowded, with multiple generations living under one roof. They may lack electricity and running water. "This could be like a wildfire on a reservation and get out of control in a heartbeat," Kevin Allis, chief executive of the National Congress of American Indians, previously told The Washington Post. "We could get wiped out." The curfew was enacted after officials observed many people ignoring the Navajo Nation's existing stay-at-home order. Police are enforcing the curfew with fines and other penalties. Indian Country officials said additional 24-hour or weekend curfews may be implemented in the future. Earlier efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus "could have saved lives," but there was a lot of initial "pushback about shutting things down," Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Sunday. "Obviously, no one is going to deny that," he said on CNN's "State of the Union" when asked whether earlier countermeasures could have lowered the death toll. "But what goes into those kinds of decisions is complicated." Anchor Jake Tapper asked Fauci about a New York Times report that he wanted to recommend social distancing as early as the third week in February but was rebuffed by the White House. The guidance was issued in mid-March. Fauci said a "better head start" would have been "nice" - "but I don't think you can say that we are where we are because of one factor." "We make a recommendation. Often the recommendation is taken. Sometimes it's not. But it is what it is. We are where we are right now," Fauci said. Fauci said the country will need a "rolling re-entry" into normal life after the ongoing period of mass quarantines and warned that a premature transition would bring health risks. "It is not going to be a light switch," Fauci said. "It is going to be depending where you are in the country, the nature of the outbreak you've already experienced, and the threat of an outbreak that you may not have experienced." Fauci, the nation's top expert on infectious diseases, said the transition could "probably start, at least in some ways, maybe next month," depending on the circumstances - but also said there's a possibility the virus will come back later in the year. "We are hoping that at the end of the month, we could look around and say, 'OK, if there's any element here that we can safely and cautiously start pulling back on - if so, do it. If not, then just continue to hunker down.'" There will be no one-size-fits-all solution, Fauci said, warning against taking action "prematurely and precipitously at the same time you pay attention to the need to try to get back to normal." A special envoy to the World Health Organization said Sunday the coronavirus is still "advancing" around the world and may be a health threat that "stalks the human race for quite a long time" until the release of a vaccine. Speaking on NBC News' "Meet the Press," David Nabarro said the public health community is "still very much on high alert," even as some countries see positive results from mitigation efforts. "The virus is still advancing in other parts of the world," Nabarro said. "We are not so sure it will come in waves in the way that influenza does. We think it's going to be a virus that stalks the human race for quite a long time to come, until we can all have a vaccine that will protect us." Nabarro predicted "small outbreaks that will emerge sporadically" and called for "every community" to develop a "defensive shield" to identify and isolate cases as they arise. "It's going to be necessary for every single country to have that capacity," he said. Nabarro pushed back on criticism from Republicans that the WHO has mishandled the response. "We believe that we've had the best information coming to us that can come under the current circumstances," he said, urging world leaders to move forward with the "best possible cooperation." The United States is nearing peak infection in the coronavirus outbreak, but the time frame to reopen the country remains a moving target, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn said Sunday on ABC News' "This Week." "This has been a really fast-moving outbreak, so we really have to take this day by day," Hahn said. More than 530,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the United States, and more than 20,600 people have died of covid-19, the disease caused by the virus. President Trump has suggested reopening the country as soon as May 1, but health officials have cautioned that abandoning social distancing measures prematurely could worsen the outbreak. Hahn said it was "too early" to know whether a May 1 reopening was realistic and that the "safety and welfare" of Americans had to come first. "It is a target, and, obviously, we're hopeful about that target, but I think it's just too early to be able to tell that we see light at the end of the tunnel," Hahn said on ABC. "I think it's just too early for us to say whether May 1 is that date." Widely available testing will be key in reopening the economy, Hahn said, acknowledging that in some parts of the country, "it's very easy to get a test, and in others, it's not." "We need to do more, no question about that," he said. The FDA has authorized an antibody test that can show whether a person has been exposed to the virus. But on NBC News' "Meet the Press," Hahn said he was "concerned" about potentially inaccurate antibody tests on the market that have not undergone the necessary scientific reviews, and he cautioned that having "wildly inaccurate" tests is "much worse" than having no test. Boris Johnson will continue to recover from covid-19 at his country home, 10 Downing Street announced Sunday. "The PM has been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery, at Chequers," the prime minister's office said in a statement. "On the advice of his medical team, the PM will not be immediately returning to work," the statement continued. "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." The news came shortly before the health department reported 737 more deaths from the virus causing covid-19 in the past 24 hours, raising Britain's official death toll above 10,000. Johnson was admitted to St. Thomas' Hospital a week ago, 10 days after falling ill with covid-19. His condition worsened Monday, when he was transferred to the intensive care unit. He was released from intensive care on Thursday and had remained hospitalized since. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will continue to deputize for Johnson while he recovers. In a video shared after his hospital release, Johnson thanked the National Health Service, Britain's state-run health system, for saving his life. He personally praised the NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him and, in particular, cited the lifesaving work of "Jenny from New Zealand" and "Luis from Portugal." They monitored his oxygen levels and "stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way," the prime minister said. Westerly, RI (02891) Today Sunny. Very cold. High 16F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 9F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) has supported the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Lagos, with a donation of medical masks, gloves and essential supplies to help combat the fight against the ravaging coronavirus in Nigeria. The Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, disclosed that the gesture was to ensure that the countrys health workers are equipped to discharge their duties without grave risk to themselves. As such, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) has made a donation of protective medical masks and gloves and various sanitization supplies to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Lagos, in order to assist in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in the country, she said in a statement. She gave the breakdown of the items which were delivered to the Central Public Health Laboratory Yaba as 5,500 units of Disposable Medical Face Masks ,2,500 units of N95 Respirator and Surgical Face Masks (3M N95 8810/8822), 20,000 units Latex Examination Gloves 50,000 ml of Hand Sanitizer, 50,000 ml of Antiseptic Liquid Soap, 100,000 ml of Germicide Liquid, 50,000 ml of Antiseptic Lotion, 8 Infrared Red Non-contact Digital Thermometers and 47,500ml Sodium Hydro Chloride Liquid. The foundation boss added that the donation will ensure enhanced healthcare delivery for patients and will help strengthen the centres fight against the virus, as the rest of the world is dealing with the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. She said the rise in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has put health workers at the frontline of the battle against the pandemic. Therefore, we commend the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and all the healthcare workers who have emerged as the real heroes of the times. We believe it is important that the designated centres currently located in the eight states with major airports, should be prepared to safely manage patients with designated holding/isolation areas before they are transferred to treatment centres. Mrs Muhammed-Oyebode called on Nigerians to continue to support the healthcare facilities with direct donations stating that, she has never been prouder to be a Nigerian. She acknowledged all the civil society groups, corporations and individuals supporting citizens in diverse ways, by providing medical facilities, medical equipment and psychosocial support including those that are supporting women who are facing increased incidences of gender-based violence because of the stay at home order. She stated that the time to express anger and disappointment over the lack of health facilities and the pervasive socio-economic neglect that has characterized Nigeria is not now, stressing that time will come. I instead call on all citizens to focus on our common humanity and support each other as best we can, with essentials such as food, medicine, water and mental support until we overcome. We must create food support chains to enhance governments efforts especially for those whose incomes will not sustain them during the lockdowns. She called on Nigerians to assist one another. Once you support that person then they should share with and support the next person beside them who has less than they do. This way we will build a chain of humanity until we get to the last person in need. The virus clearly does not discriminate on the basis of tribe, religion and socio-economic class, and it has shown that money only matters if it serves humanity. Greed and corruption must be eradicated from our country, and we must begin to prioritize, health and education, and begin to look inwards to build systems and structures that are resilient and make us self-sufficient. The foundation applauded those who are working hard to fill the needs gaps, drawing attention to last weeks pictures of factories in Aba producing masks shared widely on social media, adding, it is time for Nigeria and the entire continent of Africa to come of age. She said the foundation has for almost 20 years intervened in humanitarian response and disaster relief and management, stating that, as a not-for-profit organisation, the foundation is committed to improving the living conditions of Africans by contributing to the reduction of poverty, elimination of conflict, and promotion of self-reliance and development. We pray that the entire country will overcome the COVID-19 pandemic soon. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange fathered two children with one of his lawyers while holed up in Ecuador's embassy in London for much of the past decade, according to a report Sunday confirmed by the mother. The 48-year-old Australian is the dad of two boys, aged two and one, with lawyer Stella Morris, to whom he is engaged, she confirmed following a Mail on Sunday report. Assange is currently being held in London's high security Belmarsh prison as he fights an extradition request by the United States to stand trial there on espionage charges. Morris detailed the revelations shortly after the report emerged, in a video posted on social media by Wikileaks chronicling her five-year relationship with Assange and the arrival of their two children. "We fell in love," she said in the nearly 12-minute film, outlining how the romance began in 2015 -- three years into his seven-year stay at the Ecuadorian embassy in central London. "This is the person... I know the most in this world -- he's extraordinary," the South African-born lawyer said. Morris said she wanted to speak out now fearing Assange's life "might be coming to an end" due to his continued detention and the spread of coronavirus. Jennifer Robinson, one of Assange's lawyers in Britain who introduced the pair to each other in 2011, according to Morris, also confirmed to AFP they were a family. She said a statement by Morris outlining the situation had been cited as evidence in a failed court bid last month to get Assange bailed to avoid catching COVID-19. "Despite her statement about their family and the medical evidence about the severe risk to Assange's health, the judge refused bail and refused to grant her and the children anonymity," Robinson said. The British government plans to allow some prisoners temporary release, amid fears COVID-19 could sweep through jails, but a judge rejected the request on March 25, saying there were "no grounds" for his release. - 'Deliberate decision' - Assange faces charges under the US Espionage Act for the 2010 release of a trove of secret files detailing aspects of US military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. A ruling against Assange could see him jailed for 175 years. He ensconced himself in the Ecuadoran embassy in 2012 after skipping bail to avoid separate legal proceedings in Sweden, but was finally dragged out last year. He reportedly conceived the first child with Morris in 2016, according to the Mail on Sunday. Morris said the couple began a relationship the previous year while she was visiting him to work on his legal cases. Assange watched the birth of both children in London hospitals via live video-link and met the elder boy, named Gabriel, after he was smuggled into the embassy, the newspaper said. It published the report alongside photographs of Assange with the toddlers. Both boys are said to be British citizens and have reportedly visited their father in prison as well as the embassy previously. "Forming a family was a deliberate decision to kind of break down those walls around him and imagine a life beyond," Morris said. "While for many people it would seem insane to start a family in that context, for us it was the sane thing to do. "It grounds me and when Julian sees the children it gives him a lot of peace, and nurturing and support." Assange's full extradition hearing is due to resume for three weeks in mid-May, when witnesses will be called and cross-examined, with an eventual ruling expected by August at the latest. But proceedings could be delayed as court hearings have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The North East Regional Health Director, Dr. Abubakar Abdulai, has said a committee will be set up to investigate the cause of death of the patient who was alleged to have died of Covid-19 at the Walewale Hospital. We will carry out an investigation to find out the allegation by the family if it's true or not, he said. According to him, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has a different report from one of the family members calling for a committee to investigate and find out what really happened. The hospital gave us a report and it's different from what the relatives of the deceased have so we intend to constitute a committee to go to the hospital and investigate. The family of the supposed covid-19 patient who died at the Walewale government hospital in the North East Region refused to accept the test result which suggested that their son died of Coronavirus. According to the family, their 19-year-old son was abandoned and neglected by health officials at the Walewale hospital which led to his death and not Covid-19 as speculated. The spokesperson of the family, Ibrahim Alhassan told journalists that the report from the hospital is a complete fabrication. We are not saying the disease doesn't exist; they abandoned our son to die so for us he died as an asthmatic patient and not that the virus killed him, they handed over the body to us to go and bury. So why did they give us the body when you know it's infected, he asked. The deceased died at the Walewale government hospital after he was brought to the hospital reportedly coughing and showing symptoms of Covid-19. The West Mamprusi Municipal Chief Executive(MCE), Issahaku Aremeyaw Somo, who confirmed the incident to DGN Online, said the deceased was an asthmatic patient who visited the Walewale hospital regularly for treatment. ---Daily Guide The United Kingdom on Sunday pledged an additional sum of 200 million pounds to international organisations and charities to stop the second wave of COVID-19, making the UK one of the biggest donors in the fight against the virus. In a statement by International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said that the UK is pledging this sum under UK aid to United Nations' (UN) agencies like Health Organisation (WHO), Red Cross and Charities at home and abroad to stop the second wave of the virus that has already infected more than 1.5 million people and killed more than 108, 994 people globally. "A package of 200 million will back UK charities and international organisations to help reduce mass infections in developing countries which often lack the healthcare systems to track and halt the virus," it said. With this, the total funds pledged by the UK in the fight against the deadly contagion have reached 744 million pounds. As per the release, "The new UK aid announced today includes 130 million for UN agencies in response to their urgent appeal for support. Of this, 65 million will go to the Health Organization (WHO) which is coordinating international efforts to end the pandemic sooner," The release also mentioned the health care system in countries with weaker economies like Yemen where at least 80 per cent of the population is in the need of medical assistance due to the ongoing civil war. The release said, "80 per cent of the population is already in need of humanitarian assistance and only about 50 percent of health facilities are operational." A further 50 million pounds of the 200 million pounds package will support the Red Cross in difficult areas in war-torn nations A final 20 million pounds will go to NGOs, including UK charities which are using British expertise and experience to deal with coronavirus. Trevelyan said, "While our brilliant doctors and nurses fight coronavirus at home, we're deploying British expertise and funding around the to prevent a second deadly wave reaching the UK." The UK has already committed 250 million pounds of aid to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to rapidly develop a coronavirus vaccine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Coronavirus written newspaper close up shot to the text. The coronavirus is creating many problems for the Canadian economy. Businesses are being shut down and people are losing their jobs. Its putting the economy into a very dire situation one that makes a recession not only likely, but inevitable at this point. But there is good news for Canadians, as there is help on the way and relief options that can help people who are struggling through these difficult times: The Canada Emergency Response Benefit Canadians who have had to stop working as a result of the coronavirus pandemic could be eligible to receive $500 for up to four months. The government began accepting applications this past week for the benefit. Self-employed individuals are also eligible to apply for this. Tax deadlines are extended If youre ready to do your taxes, you can still file them as you normally would. But for Canadians who may have a big tax bill, the good news is that you can get a reprieve and dont have to file until June 1 and payments arent due until September 1. For out-of-work Canadians, thats some valuable time for payments that would have otherwise needed to be paid by April 30. Even for self-employed workers, the payment deadline is also pushed back until September 1. GST/HST payments deferred For Canadians who run a business or collect sales tax, they too can pay later. Any amounts that are owing on or after March 27 can be paid by the end of June. Its another extra buffer that can help keep businesses and self-employed individuals hold on to their cash a little while longer while they fund their immediate day-to-day needs. Investor or not take advantage Time is money, and any opportunity that Canadians have to either defer payments can be helpful at a time like this. And if you can apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, that can also be an important lifeline to help get you through a period of no earnings. Even if youre not able to invest today, these measures can help improve your financial position and potentially put you in a position where you may be able to invest later on. Story continues Taking on too much debt can cripple you and prevent you from being able to invest. And taking advantage of these benefits and deferrals can help avoid that and make your long-term financial position that much stronger later on. While it may be an appealing time to buy shares of Shopify or Tesla while theyre as low as they are today, the first priority has to be making sure your finances are in order; theres no point of investing if youre deep in debt and using money that you cant afford to lose. Investing is a long game, and if you cant afford to invest today thats fine. By taking advantage of the benefits listed above and ensuring you can get through these tough times, youll at least give yourself a chance to make an investment later on. There will always be opportunities in the markets and you shouldnt be in a rush to invest today. The post 3 Ways the Government Is Helping Canadians Financially With the Pandemic appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. More reading Fool contributor David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Tesla. Tom Gardner owns shares of Shopify and Tesla. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Shopify, Shopify, and Tesla. 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 Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. New Delhi, April 12 : While the world is busy battling coronavirus, the reports of a Malayan tiger being tested positive for COVID-19 in the United States has caught the attention of the Indian authorities. India's oldest National Park Jim Corbett, situated in Uttarakhand's Paurhi Garhwal region, has built isolation wards for animals. Speaking to IANS over the phone, R.K. Tiwari, Warden, Jim Corbett National Park, said, "At least 10 quarantine centres are being prepared within the premises to contain animals. We are also holding talks on converting the cages built for wild animals into a quarantine facility." Taking further preventive measures, the authorities have intensified video surveillance of animals. "Any animal with symptoms will be quarantined, the cameras installed in the vicinity of the national park will record the cold and cough symptoms of animals," he said. Jim Corbett's Wildlife Medical Officer, Dr Dushyant has however stated that there is less risk of animals, especially tigers, getting infected in forest areas. "However, if the animals which live near the human population come into contact with an infected person or thing, then they might get infected too," he said. In a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to tigers through the humans, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recently issued a direction that all workers coming in contact with tigers and elephants should be tested for novel coronavirus. The tiger Welfare body also asked the parks to immediately inform about the animals falling ill. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district, the mysterious death of 15 monkeys within two days recently led to panic in the village. While the autopsy report of the simians is awaited from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, veterinary doctors suspect that the monkeys of Pawansa village may have succumbed to pneumonia. According to the IVRI sources, initial tests show that the dead monkeys had liver and kidney infection. They attributed this to consuming contaminated water. The water, probably, had insecticides used by farmers for agriculture. A veterinarian, Prakash Neer, said the monkeys might have consumed some poisonous substance. He said the lungs of the dead monkeys were swollen and their body temperature showed they had high fever. People, however, fear that the deaths could be linked to some virus, probably coronavirus. This week there was a tiger death in US's Bronx zoo due to Covid-19. Cork-based Smartzone has announced a range of partnerships in Ireland and the UK as it expands in both the wellness and smart energy management markets. The Irish smart home provider is working with housing association Fold Ireland on deploying next-stage connected wellness technology at the 31-apartment Abelard Square development close to Phoenix Park, which the company claims will be Ireland's smartest and safest social housing. Residents and management in the new-build at Abelard Square will have a suite of automated and monitored energy and wellness services, controllable via a smartphone app. Smartzone's technology allows the option of its new wellness suite of services, which includes motion and connected health monitoring - allowing loved ones and carers to either communicate in real time to the resident or be notified of changes in their routine. Launched this week, Smartzone's wellness suite learns usual behaviours within a living space and then recognises when these change, triggering agreed alerts. At the centre of the suite is a wellness cam which allows family members and carers to virtually drop in on residents via voice and video to see if they are well. "This plug-and-play technology is about peace of mind for families, and people in charge of residents," said Smartzone CEO Justin McInerney. "For example, if someone stays in bed, there could be a good reason, but a family member will receive an alert that this is unusual based on recent activity and can check in to see that everything is OK. "Similarly, connected health devices such as blood pressure or diabetes monitors link with the hub, allowing nominated people, including medical professionals, to view a dashboard of current stats. "Fold Ireland is leading the way in Ireland by utilising an expansive set of solutions and personal safety notifications to create a safe environment for ageing in place." Smartzone will engage with Fold on 300 more homes before the end of the year and is also engaged in a student accommodation project with one of London's leading housing associations, A2Dominion, at the East London Hospital. It is also currently working with Ballymore and Comer on multi-unit dwelling projects in London, and is involved in projects with Flynn Group and O'Mahony Developments, Cork, plus Redmond Construction in Wexford and Wicklow. The Boeing 737 factory is seen in Renton, Washington on December 16, 2019. (Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) Boeing to Restart Work on Jets At a Few Sites, Recalls 2,500 Employees Boeing informed its employees on April 10 that the company is working to safely restart limited work on jets at a few sites in Washington as early as Monday. The company said it has put in place extra safety precautions, personal protection equipment requirements, and will strictly ensure social distancing to look after the health and safety of those recalled to work, reported the Seattle Times. The company is recalling 2,500 of the 30,000 employees idled by the shutdown and in a message told its employees that some other essential labs and support teams will also resume to support critical customer needs. The recalled employees will be placed at Boeings defense programs, including the Navys P-8 anti-submarine plane built in Renton and the Air Force KC-46 tanker built in Everett. Some employees will also be placed at the Moses Lake to support the maintenance operations of the grounded 737 MAXs. Boeing imposed a two week shutdown on March 25 following widespread criticism after a growing number of employees started testing positive of the CCP virus and one died. This necessary step protects our employees and the communities where they work and live, Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun had said in a statement about the shutdown on March 23. We continue to work closely with public health officials, and were in contact with our customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders who are affected by this temporary suspension. We regret the difficulty this will cause them, as well as our employees, but its vital to maintain health and safety for all those who support our products and services, and to assist in the national effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, Calhoun added. Due to the accelerating spread of COVID-19 in WA state, were temporarily suspending Puget Sound area production operations for 14 days starting Mar 25. This is a necessary step to protect our employees and the communities where they work and live. More: https://t.co/l7sAUCyK6E pic.twitter.com/zaNYAeNJ3x The Boeing Company (@Boeing) March 23, 2020 The company added that it was working to minimize the impact of the shutdown on its defense and space projects. Jon Holden, president of the International Association of Machinists union District 751, said April 10 that the restart certainly is positive as long as Boeing can provide a safe workplace. The news about limited restart comes five days after the company announced an indefinite lockdown in its local plants as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19, reported the Seattle Times. The affected employees had to take vacation or sick leave, or file for unemployment. Associated Press contributed to this report. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Nancy and Todd Riehle didnt know anything about toxic algae until it killed two of their dogs last August after their pets swam in a pond on the Riehle farm in southwest Ohio. Within 15-20 minutes after getting out of the pond, the dogs were foaming at the mouth, convulsing and losing their bodily functions. A veterinarian diagnosed toxic algae as the cause of their deaths. Two victims of toxic algae poisoning last year were Sadie, left, and Roscoe, who swam in a farm pond. Their owner, Nanci Riehle, recalled, It was traumatic. There were no telltale signs [on the pond]. No green scum. We didnt see any blooms. Thats the craziness of it. There was no way you could tell. (Photo courtesy Nancy Riehle)Courtesy of Nancy Riehle If that wasnt enough of an illustration of the potential hazards of harmful algal blooms (HABS) in inland waterways, two weeks later three dogs in northwest Ohio died from the same exposure after drinking water from another pond. Lake Erie receives a lot of attention for its problems with HABS, but Ohios inland lakes and waterways share the increasingly dangerous problem and its impacts on health as a source of drinking water and recreation, and the potential loss of millions of dollars in tourism and lakeside property values. HABs occur when colonies of algae in a body of water grow out of control and produce toxins that can be hazardous, and potentially deadly to people, pets, fish and wildlife. The blooms thrive in warm water fed by nutrients including phosphorus and nitrogen contained in runoff from fertilized farm fields, sewage and other sources. Although the causes of HABs in Lake Erie, and possible solutions being applied, are similar to those in Ohios inland lakes, some blooms in the latter can start earlier and last longer, even into winter, said Heather Raymond, water quality initiative director at Ohio State University. In recent years, Ohio has experienced an increase in HAB-impaired watersheds, or those on a watch list, and these areas can be found in almost every region of the state, according to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). The agency monitors and tests the algae in up to 16 lakes annually. Those used for drinking water and recreation are a priority. Some 114 public water systems in Ohio use 177 lakes for a drinking water supply. Last year, HAB advisories were posted at 16 beach areas in Ohio, eight of them inland lake beaches. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources monitors its 74 state park swimming beaches for algal blooms. Last year, five state park lakes experienced HABs, including Buckeye, east of Columbus; Grand Lake St. Marys, northwest of Columbus; Maumee Bay (Lake Erie), near Toledo; Caesar Creek, northeast of Cincinnati; and Dillon, east of Columbus. HABs have become more common and widespread during the past decade, as less snow increased runoff from exposed agricultural fields, said Carter Bailey, lead biologist at Aqua Doc, a lake and pond management firm in Chardon. Climate change has been a factor in increasing the number of HAB sites, said Jason Marion, an associate professor of environmental health science at Eastern Kentucky University who has studied inland lakes in Ohio and across the U.S.: Stronger rainfalls increase agricultural runoff, followed by periods of prolonged drought that create clear, warm water for algae growth, Marion said. The Ohio inland lakes that were created in the 1800s to feed canal systems including such top HAB sites as Grand and Buckeye lakes are particularly vulnerable to toxic algal blooms as years of phosphorus runoff from agricultural fields have been trapped in the sediment, and regenerate, Marion said. HABs can cost millions in declining property values in lakeside residential areas. A 2017 Ohio State University study estimated that property values around Buckeye and Grand Lake St. Marys dropped $152 million from 2009-2015 as a result of HABs. Programs to deal with HABs, both on Lake Erie and Ohio inland lakes, have concentrated on conservation measures such as establishing water-filtering wetlands and buffers, supporting best management practices on farms and livestock operations to reduce nutrient runoff, dredging phosphorus-laden sediment, and correcting deficiencies in residential septic sewer systems. A look at those efforts on inland lakes shows varying degrees of success from works-in-progress to near-total prevention. A LONG-TERM PROBLEM Time is not on the side of efforts to resolve HAB problems at Ohios inland lakes. Researchers and officials involved in the process say that a problem that took generations to develop, and is now further exacerbated by climate change, wont be solved quickly. Its still a long process, said water researcher Chris Winslow, director of the Ohio Sea Grant College Program. People say there are 20 things driving the problem, so if we fix the top two, everything goes away. Thats not necessarily so. A suite of practices to correct HAB problems should include getting the message out so everyone should be doing their part, said Heather Raymond, OSUs water quality initiative director. And every little bit helps. After the deaths of her dogs, Nancy Riehle did a lot of reading about toxic algae blooms, and posted her experience on Facebook to educate others. Her advice to dog owners is to rinse their pets off after they have been swimming in a pond so that they dont lick themselves and ingest toxic algae. Thats my take from everything. Read more about toxic algal blooms: Several inland lakes in Ohio battling same algal blooms as in Lake Erie Something old, something new, in solutions against toxic algae in Ohios inland lakes Climate change adds pressure to prevent toxic algal blooms Battle to restore Chesapeake Bay provides lesson for Great Lakes Manure a point of contention in algal bloom battle What you can do to help reduce harmful algal blooms Ohio not alone among Great Lakes states struggling to solve algal bloom threat Replacing chemistry with biology, Solon firm cultivates problem-solving products Coronavirus FAQ What is the coronavirus? The coronavirus outbreak started in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has spread worldwide. The new virus causes a disease known as COVID-19. The virus is part of a larger family of coronaviruses, which can lead to illnesses ranging from a mild common cold to more severe respiratory diseases such as SARS and MERS. Who is at risk and what are the symptoms? Public health experts say the new coronavirus is more contagious than the seasonal flu. The majority of people who become sick experience mild symptoms, but some become more seriously ill. People who contract the virus can develop pneumonia, and some have died. People who are elderly or have underlying medical issues are at greater risk of becoming more severely sick. Symptoms of the virus include a cough, fever and shortness of breath. What should I do if I develop symptoms? The North Dakota Department of Health advises that people call their health care provider to tell them about recent travel or exposure, and to follow their guidance. Try to avoid contact with other people in the meantime. What can I do to prevent the virus from spreading? The health department advises that people wash their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds. People who are sick should stay home from work or school, both to protect themselves and others with whom they would come in contact. Avoid touching your face, cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or an elbow, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, and avoid contact with people who are sick. Where can I find more information? People with coronavirus-related questions can call the state health department hotline at 866-207-2880. Those who need medical advice should contact their health care provider. The health department's online coronavirus page: www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's online coronavirus page: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov Bachelor star Michelle Money took to Instagram again on Friday to share some good news with her many followers regarding her daughter Brielle, and also to share plans for her own social media break. Michelle, 39, revealed last month that her 15-year-old daughter was seriously injured following a skateboarding accident, which caused her to be placed in a medically-induced coma. But on Friday, the news from Michelle was better, when she assured friends and followers that Brielle is 'going to be ok.' Relieved: Bachelor star Michelle Money took to Instagram again on Friday to share some good news with her many followers regarding her daughter Brielle 'Please watch this entire video,' the Bachelor In Paradise alum began in the caption next to the video. 'I need you guys to know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.' Then, after thanking everyone for their messages, thoughts, prayers and support, Michelle informed them that she will be taking a break from social media activity 'to allow myself to be fully in tune with my daughter and her needs.' 'She is going to be just fine!' the mother-of-one continued. 'We are going to get thru this! I just feel strongly that I need to honor Brielle and her privacy right now. 'When and if she wants to share her powerful story- she will. And I will be there to support her either way. Love you all so much!' Money concluded, before adding the hashtag #BrielleStrong. Emotional: After thanking fans for their support, Michelle said that she will be taking a break from social media activity 'to allow myself to be fully in tune with my daughter and her needs' In the video, the reality television star and Money Method entrepreneur got teary, as she said 'I am so grateful for you guys. 'Your prayers and your energy and your concern for her will never, ever, ever, ever, ever be forgotten.' She then went on to reiterate what she said in the caption, to explain the reasoning behind her impending break from sharing on social media. 'As her mom, I just feel this overwhelming need to just be present with her during this next chapter in her life. This is not my story to tell. This is her story. 'And I think, as a 15-year-old who has just gone through something so traumatic, it does not feel in alignment for me to be sharing any more,' she continued, before adding the great news: 'I can tell you that she is going to be OK. 'And so much of that is because of you guys,' she continued. Authentic moment: In the video, the reality television star and Money Method entrepreneur got teary as she said 'I am so grateful for you guys' Brielle was admitted to the hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah late last month after the freak skateboarding accident, which involved a brain injury that created too much pressure in the teen's skull. Brielle, who is daughter to Michelle and Ryan Money, was on life support for a time, and underwent surgery to remove the fluid creating pressure in her brain. In several Instagram posts and updates, Money said she regretted not obliging her daughter to wear a helmet, saying she wished she had been a 'parent first, friend second.' Michelle, who was born in Utah, was a contestant on the 15th season of The Bachelor with Brad Womack in 2011. She returned to Bachelor Nation for the second season of Bacheloer Pad the same year, before continuing on to win Bachelor In Paradise's first season in 2014 after coupling up with Cody Sattler. Updates: In several Instagram posts and updates, Money has kept her followers abreast of Brielle's condition In recovery: Brielle was admitted to the hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah late last month after a freak skateboarding accident A cabinet minister has admitted the NHS needs more gowns amid growing pressure on the government to apologise for a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff. Gowns with long sleeves are required to treat patients with coronavirus. But health officials have warned Britain is facing a shortage, while NHS hospitals have been forced to jet in their own stocks from China. As concerns mount, nursing leaders have told staff without suitable PPE they can refuse to treat patients. Alok Sharma, the Business Secretary, told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show: There is clearly a need for more gowns. There is clearly a need for more protective equipment. And that is why we have set out a plan to demonstrate how we are going to get that. Companies which can manufacture PPE in the UK are being asked to sign up to the fight against Covid-19. But Mr Sharma refused to apologise for problems with the supply of PPE, saying that he was "sorry for the loss of any life during this pandemic''. Later he added: "Im incredibly sorry that people feel they are not able to get this equipment. On Saturday Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, came under fire when she expressed similar sentiments, saying she was sorry if people feel there have been failings on PPE. Mr Sharmas comments came just after Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and an adviser to the government, warned that the UK was likely to be certainly one of the worst, if not the worst affected, country in Europe (by coronavirus)" The Royal College of Nursing has said nurses without suitable PPE can refuse to treat patients. Mr Sharma conceded that no medical progressional should be placed in a situation where they have to make that choice, during an appearance on Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky News. He also refused to say whether or not it had been right for the government to allow the Cheltenham horse racing festival to go ahead when the coronavirus-related death rate in Italy had already reached 200 people a day, saying ministers had followed the scientific advice. According to a new survey of a third of surgeons and trainees across the UK do not believe they have an adequate supply of protective equipment to do their job safely. The survey of nearly 2,000 surgeons and surgical trainees also found that 57 per cent said there had been shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) at their organisations in the last 30 days. The research, carried out by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), showed a wide regional variation, with more than half in the Thames Valley saying they now have access to adequate PPE compared to about a third in the northwest. In London 33 per cent of respondents said they did not believe their NHS trust had an adequate supply of protective equipment. Sir Keir Starmer, the new Labour leader, said it would be "smart" of the government to acknowledge their ambitions for the supply of PPE have not been matched, adding: "And probably just to apologise for that and get on with it. He also called for underpaid staff in the health service to receive pay rises in the wake of the global pandemic And he did not rule out a future Labour government raising taxes to deal with the economic impact of coronavirus. It has been announced that three more nurses have died due to Covid-19, bringing the total of NHS staff now thought to have died with the virus to 30 On Saturday morning, Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, paid tribute to those who had died, as he announced what was then a total of 19 deaths. He 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. Separately, the Royal College of Anaesthetists has told the BBC some key medicines used in intensive care are "in relatively short supply". Food trucks will now be permitted to set up in several rest areas along Connecticut highways, with the goal of feeding hungry truckers and other essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic. The action is the result of an Executive Order issued by Governor Ned Lamont, lifting restrictions on commercial activity in highway rest areas. The directive comes in the wake of recently suspended enforcement of federal prohibitions against the commercialization of rest areas nationwide, to free states to provide additional necessities. These truck drivers are keeping Connecticut moving and are providing critical necessities to and through our state during this national crisis. We need to make it as easy as possible to keep them fed around the clock," DOT Commissioner Joseph J. Giulietti said in a release. "I am hoping that the Governors Executive Order will go a long way toward easing any limitations facing these drivers who are such a critical part of Connecticut's economy, recovery, and most importantly our response system during these difficult times." Under the Executive Order, the DOT will open four rest area locations for food truck operations, which includes the rest area on I-84 in Danbury, on I-91 in Middletown and Wallingford, and on I-95 in North Stonington. If drivers cant eat, they cant do their job of transporting supplies in direct response to the public health emergency, said Joe Sculley, President of the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut. This is a great development, and we thank the Connecticut Department of Transportation for making the decision to allow food trucks to operate at these rest areas. CTDOT maintains seven rest areas on Interstates 84, 91 and 95, which are open 24-7, year around offering food and beverage vending machines and restrooms, but no other travel services. Rest areas are distinct from the Service Plazas on I-95, 395 and Route 15, which have fuel, food, and other amenities. Food truck operators interested in participating must obtain a permit from the CTDOT, which requires a valid license issued by a local health department or health district to serve food in Connecticut. Measures to limit COVID exposure, including the public health and safety directives for food service previously ordered by the Governor, including social distancing will be required. Food truck permit applications can be accessed on the CTDOT website, here. Food Trucks FAQs are here. PM interacts with CMs to strategize ahead for tackling COVID-19 India PIB Prime Minister's Office Chief Ministers suggest extension of Lockdown by two weeks Our mantra earlier was 'jaan hai to jahaan hai' but now is 'jaan bhi jahaan bhi: PM Next 3-4 weeks critical to determine impact of steps taken till now to curb spread of the virus: PM PM suggests specific measures for agriculture and allied sector including modification of APMC laws to facilitate sale of farm produce Aarogya Setu app is an essential tool in our fight against COVID-19, can subsequently act as e-pass to facilitate travel: PM PM condemns attacks on health professionals and incidents of misbehavior with students from North-East and Kashmir PM assures that the country has adequate supplies of essential medicines; gives a stern message against black marketing and hoarding Posted On: 11 APR 2020 4:39PM by PIB Delhi Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today interacted with Chief Ministers of all states via video conferencing to strategize 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 2nd April and 20th March, 2020. 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. Prime Minister 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 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. 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'. Prime Minister 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. 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, Prime Minister said that the crisis is an opportunity to become self-reliant and turn the nation into an economic powerhouse. The Chief Ministers provided feedback about the COVID positive cases in their respective states, steps taken by then to maintain social distancing, ramp up healthcare infrastructure, mitigate difficulties of migrants and maintain supply of essentials. The Chief Ministers suggested that Lockdown should be extended by two weeks. They also sought financial and fiscal assistance from the Contre to boost their resources in this fight against the pandemic. The interaction was also attended by Union Home Minister, Defence Minister, Health Minister, Principal Secretary, Cabinet Secretary and other senior officials of Government of India. ****** VRRK/KP (Release ID: 1613317) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Its good that we get support from all the departments putting their lives on the line every day, Hathorne said. We all know what were up against. Hathorne, who moved to Portage from Chicago, noted how hard the pandemic has hit Chicago. I think were more prepared that anyone else, he said. The morale is really good here. The pandemic has changed routines and procedures frequently for firefighters and health care workers. For Hathorne, that includes changing clothes in the garage as soon as he gets home from working and putting those clothes in a plastic bag to be laundered separately. I just live day by day, he said. Tina Traxler, an X-ray technician, is in the high-risk category. Its a little bit scary, Traxler said. Every time I come in, I hope I dont take anything home to my family. Its scary, but being younger Im not as afraid," said Michael Minix, a fellow X-ray technician. Hes trying to help everyone be safe. Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his concern over the spread of coronavirus, saying that "it is not a good time in the world". "It is not a good time in the world, in England and Italy and around Europe, because of this pandemic," the club's official website quoted Ancelotti as saying. However, despite the pandemic, the three-times Champions League-winning boss is looking on the brighter side of the things. "But from the other aspect, the fact we have the possibility to walk and bike is important for ourselves - it is a good time for this. I met some supporters out biking, from a safe distance, of course," he said. "In Italy, you are not allowed to do this. I am in contact with a lot of people in Italy and they are forced to stay at home, so it is not a good time for them," Ancelotti added. Premier League has already announced that the 2019-20 season will only return 'when it is safe and appropriate to do so'. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three Taliban terrorists have been killed, and five more have suffered injuries in a preemptive strike by the Afghan armed forces in Helmand province, the country's military said in a statement on Sunday. According to the 215th Maiwand Corps, the military received information that Taliban terrorists were planning an attack on security posts near the town of Gereskh. The army launched an assault, resulting in the death of three militants. Five other terrorists suffered injuries and one member of the Taliban who tried to flee during the attack was later captured by the Afghan military, according to the statement. Troops also deactivated 15 mines in the region, the military said. Violent clashes in Afghanistan continue despite the signing of a peace deal between the Taliban and the US on February 29 that called for a reduction in violence in the country. The agreement was set to pave the way for the beginning of intra-Afghan talks between the militant group and the government, following the mutual release of prisoners, although negotiations have yet to start. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Is it halal to buy shares in Tesla?" a young Muslim would-be investor asks on Twitter. Islamic finance -- an amalgamation of Sharia law and modern banking -- has become a $2 trillion business over the past two decades, covering everything from bonds to buying cars. But with complex standards set out by a number of Islamic bodies, it's not easy for observant Muslims to decide whether or not an investment is halal (religiously permissible). Yet new technology is helping. Tesla, the American electric car pioneer, for example, is considered 96 percent Sharia compliant, according to the Zoya mobile application. The app screens US-listed stocks based on criteria issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions, one of several bodies that set Islamic finance standards. Islamic funds are banned from investing in companies associated with tobacco, alcohol, pork or gambling. Earning interest is also banned as "usury". US-based Wahed Invest, an online halal platform, uses those criteria to help tens of thousands of people invest "ethically". Islamic bankers are hoping that modern platforms will open the industry up to young investors, and that its innately ethical credentials will prove to be another draw. Mehdi Benslimane, Global Expansion Strategist at Wahed Invest, said the guidelines in religious texts boil down to two conditions. "A business must have a real economic impact, not just a speculative one. And it must have a positive contribution to the world," he told AFP. - Not just for Muslims - According to the ratings agency Standard & Poor's, the Islamic finance industry has in its relatively short existence grown to be worth $2.1 trillion. In projections made before the coronavirus outbreak, it predicted the sector would "continue to expand slowly" in 2020. Financial technology, or fintech, could help the industry grow by "facilitating easier and faster transactions", it said in its Islamic Finance Outlook 2020 Edition. The meltdown the coronavirus pandemic has caused in other parts of the economy has prompted fears of a collapse in the sector. Dubai Islamic Bank has already delayed a planned issue of Shariah-compatible bonds, according to Emirati media reports. Yet Islamic finance -- based on the concept of shared profit and loss, thus minimising risk for banks -- has fans well beyond the Muslim world. For example, the Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank in November signed an agreement with Japan's mammoth pension fund to support the development of sustainable Sharia-compliant products. And the Responsible Finance & Investment (RFI) Foundation, a think tank, has talked up their ability to respond to the latest crash, due to the fact they are anchored in the real economy. It also suggests that profits on investments in industries such as protective medical equipment could be donated to charities, helping tackle the coronavirus crisis without breaking the Islamic ban on interest payments. But the sector's current slow-moving nature may hobble its ability to respond to crises. The emphasis has been on growing the market rather than making it more efficient, said Mohammed al-Sehli, CEO of Wethaq Capital, a Dubai-based fintech firm. The sector must focus more on innovation after "suffering from lack of innovation, standardisation and automation of processes", he told AFP. - Particular challenges - Before the novel coronavirus pandemic forced them to work from home, young men and women -- in traditional abaya robes or jeans and T-shirts -- sat on bean bags or hunched over their laptops in an open working space at Dubai's FinTech Hive. The company's executive vice president Raja al-Mazrouei says it connects start-ups with the Dubai Islamic Economic Development Centre, Sharia scholars, Islamic banks and financial regulators. "If you're targeting countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia... you have to be able to offer a (sharia-compliant) solution," Mazrouei told AFP. However, Islamic fintech firms face a string of obstacles that don't bother their traditional counterparts. "The main challenge... is to make sure that the whole supply chain, the regulations, are actually tested and verified by the Sharia scholars," said Mazrouei, a former computer scientist and a Harvard graduate. Talal Tabbaa, founder of Jibrel.com which connects investors with start-ups, and itself uses blockchain technology, describes an industry where cultures can collide. The approach of some Muslim scholars who approve financial products "is not technological, it is very manual and, in my opinion, subjective," he said. As the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic, the country coming in for maximum negative coverage barring China is perhaps India. However, from all accounts, the advanced nations of the West are faring no better than the lesser-accomplished ones. There are disconcerting reports, both from the USA and the UK, of doctors considering "universal do-not-resuscitate order" for Covid-19 patients. In Italy, one hears the medical system is so overwhelmed with a shortage of ICU facilities and critical equipment as ventilators, that they are not able to treat all patients. The biggest casualty being senior citizens, who are also the most vulnerable to contracting the infection. The criticism about India is, not unexpectedly, largely from domestic quarters. With a slight difference that many of the voices though of Indian origin are emanating across the pay-walls of international media. India has received flak for an allegedly unplanned countrywide lockdown throwing millions of poor migrant workers to fend for themselves. Government has been held responsible for a shortage of PPEs, masks and testing kits. Low reported numbers of Covid-19 positive cases was attributed to inadequate testing. Claims of community transmission held in check have been debunked, questioning the sanctity of data. Entirely inappropriate parallels have been drawn with South Korea and Singapore, which are both smaller in size, with far higher per capita GDP and a more disciplined population to boot. It is another matter that these countries have slipped back into regression on the Covid-19 recovery graph. Finally, the two "events" of Janata Curfew and 9-pm-9-minutes lights out and candle vigil has been cynically dismissed as theatrics at best and superstition at worst. However, a slightly more objective analysis would indicate that we are, arguably, being less than charitable towards the Indian government. People in Mumbai respond to PM Modi's appeal and light candles on April 5 to mark the fight against coronavirus. (Photo: Reuters) With the United States, with a population of 330 million floundering, one cannot even begin to imagine the scale and complexities for a country like India that has four times the population (1.3 billion) and one-third its size. In comparison, India's response to Covid-19 has been commendable. The government has been moving as per a plan keeping in mind its internal realities and constraints. Though not immediately apparent to the common man, it should not be difficult for the informed gentry to figure out that the government has been moving along a well-calibrated plan. It is nobody's case that India has crossed the hump. It has a long haul ahead with hazards and pitfalls at every step. No one realises this better than the government. It would be naive to think that administration in Delhi and the states are incompetent and insensitive. Not only the Prime Minister, but leaders of all major political parties except perhaps the Congress and a few of its allies in the wilderness understand their future is intricately linked to the handling of this crisis. As far as Narendra Modi goes, India has not had a more politically astute leader in a long time. He knows this is a make-or-break moment of his phenomenal career. In any crisis management, timing is of essence. Pulling the trigger prematurely can be as counter-productive as responding late. India started with the screening at airports in February, in tandem with high-intensity communication on hand and coughing hygiene. This was followed by a sustained campaign on social distancing. In a country large enough to be called a sub-continent in itself, with varying levels of education and awareness practices, it takes a while for the message to percolate down to the lowest common denominator. Similarly, a country-wide lockdown requires a lead time to put in place not only the administrative logistics, but also mentally prepare the population for a major disruption. But, the idea of a "Janata Curfew" was a masterstroke. It at once gave the people a sneak-peek into the coming weeks, and also co-opted the citizenry in what is likely to be a protracted battle on multiple fronts. The 'nine minutes lights out' campaign, albeit symbolic, was essential to keep the people engaged as they were getting impatient and restless. However, there is much more to the 21-day national lockdown than meets the eye. It essentially bought the government a three-week window to get its act together. Without such a "surgical strike", it would have been impossible to clear Nizamuddin, Shaheen Bagh and other similar gatherings across the country. Without a total lockdown, there was no way to stop Ram Navami congregations. Similarly, notwithstanding the fiasco in Delhi with the migrant labourers, by and large, uncontrolled movement across the country has been brought under check. Meanwhile, the government announced its first tranche of financial incentives for the economically weaker sections and the Reserve Bank came out with a bold set of policy measures. The impact of these steps should begin to trickle down by the time the lockdown is lifted. A country cannot remain at standstill indefinitely. The economic costs of it will be crippling. But, the toll of human displacement can be devastating for a nation that has over 30 per cent of its labour force engaged in the unorganised and informal sector, with a high component of daily wage earners. Therefore, it is just a matter of time before a phased exit plan is rolled out. But one hopes that during this interregnum, the country's readiness to combat Covid-19 would have increased manifold. Hotspots would have been identified for isolation. Sufficient hospital beds, ICUs and quarantine facilities would have been created. Testing kits, PPEs would have been procured and delivered. Though the journey ahead will be long and arduous, these three weeks of lockdown if handled well, can be the turning point for India. Also read: The road ahead from the lockdown With eyes in the sky and on the ground, the Environmental Defense Fund launched its PermianMAP initiative for an intensive study of methane emissions in the Permian Basin. The EDF teamed up with the University of Wyoming to study the Permian because there arent many studies looking at methane emissions despite its stature as the largest producing basin in the world, said Colin Leyden, EDFs senior manager of regulatory and legislative affairs in Texas. The basin is also the largest emitter of methane, with methane escaping from operations at an estimated loss rate of 3.5 percent, he said in a phone interview. Thats roughly three times the national average reported by the Environmental Protection Agency and roughly 15 times the targets set by producers active in the region, he said. The survey was of a 10,000-square kilometer grid spanning the Delaware Basin in Texas and New Mexico, which includes 11,000 wells producing 37 percent of the regions gas and 28 percent of the crude. David Lyon, chief scientist on the project, described the three data collection methods. Scientific Aviation will survey the area two to three times over 100 flight days with new data arriving bi-weekly with different scales ranging from a few sites to the entire study area. This method can only measure high emissions, but measured areas are randomly selected to be representative. On the ground, the University of Wyoming will use a van equipped with sensors to measure methane and volatile organic compounds to survey several dozen sites. The van is also equipped with an infrared camera for a fence-line survey. Also, Pennsylvania State University will erect five towers to continuously measure methane concentrations and develop an atmospheric transport model to estimate regional emissions on a quarterly basis. In an effort to determine trends, Leak Surveys Inc. will conduct three aerial surveys of randomly selected flares, utilizing an infrared camera to identify malfunctioning flares, Lyon said in a phone interview. Already, two surveys have been conducted, and Lyon said the findings indicate flares are doing a poor job of combustion in burning off the methane rather than letting it vent into the atmosphere. Even lit flares have a poor combustion rate of 90 percent, he said. The third survey is expected to confirm those preliminary findings. Kairos Aerospace, which has conducted large-scale Permian surveys for at least two years, has worked with major Permian producers such as Pioneer Natural Resources and has just been contracted by ExxonMobil to work on that companys field trials of emerging methane monitoring technologies at its Permian Basin operations. Steve Deiker, Kairos chief executive officer, told the Reporter-Telegram by email that the companys work has included the areas covered in EDFs research program. Kairos, however, provides its data directly to industry so that operators can quickly and efficiently reduce their emissions, he said. In our experience, there are a relative handful of sites that appear to be responsible for the majority of emissions within the basin, similar to the conclusions of EDFs work. The good news in this is that operators can, and in some cases already are, quickly identifying these sites and reducing emissions. Indeed, some of the large emitters identified by EDF likely have already been found and fixed by industry. PermianMAP data is made public before publication at www.permianmap.org, giving companies time to review the data and take action, Leyden said. The site allows operators the option of one, correcting information about a well listed on the site, or, two, detailing what action they took to address problems, if any, at the well. He said industry response has largely been positive. There is some concern with publicity he said. Theyre not the biggest fans of having the information public. But they also realize that technology will let a lot of groups do the same thing and theyd rather work with groups like us that are looking for solutions. Even though the industry is going through unprecedented dual black swan events, PBPA members continue to treat environmental issues with top priority, Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. The industry will continue our efforts to reduce emissions from our operations as we have done in recent years. On a percentage of production basis, emissions have been on a downward trend in recent years. Additionally, the PBPA is working with a broad-based group of allied trade associations known as the Texas Methane and Flaring Coalition. This group has been meeting regularly and is committed to finding and implementing additional industry-led solutions to minimize methane emissions and flaring. Indeed, the Coalition was formed to evaluate data such as this and develop industry-led practices and opportunities to improve environmental performance. Leyden and Lyon applaud voluntary industry initiatives such as the Environmental Partnership, Oil and Gas Climate Initiative and the Texas Methane and Flaring Coalition, but said such efforts can have their limits. The EDFs preliminary findings with its PermianMAP initiative show that theres much more work to be done, they said. Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, told the Reporter-Telegram by email: The Texas oil and natural gas industry is taking every step to protect the environment and produce energy in cleaner and more efficient ways. TXOGA member companies are participating in multiple initiatives that are committed to finding and implementing additional industry-led solutions to improve environmental performance and address climate concerns. This includes numerous efforts to minimize methane emissions and flaring, including the Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition that was announced just last week. Through these industry-led programs, industry is developing innovations, pioneering technologies, and achieving efficiencies that are successfully reducing emissions during a time when oil and natural gas production has drastically increased. On its web site, the Texas Methane and Flaring Coalition said it would review EDFs data and findings and will continue to demonstrate industrys commitment to advancing environmental progress while responsibly producing and delivering the energy that powers modern life. Howard Feldman, senior counselor with the American Petroleum Institute, cited the various industry initiatives that have helped reduce emissions by nearly 70 percent in producing basins like the Permian even as production grew significantly, he told the Reporter-Telegram by email. These initiatives underscore the industrys commitment to leveraging new technologies and innovative practices that reduce emissions and establish clear pathways for continuous environmental improvement. Through these commitments, and individually as companies, industry has taken an active role to partner with others, including EDF, to conduct research and advance our understanding of emissions which is essential to securing environmental progress. As with any report, we will review the methods EDF used to validate the data and their preliminary conclusions, he wrote. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 23:24:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARBIN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The city of Suifenhe, at the China-Russia border in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, has beefed up prevention against epidemic spread as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases from overseas continued to rise. According to the city's emergency headquarters on epidemic prevention and control, Suifenhe has demanded all inbound personnel undergo a fortnight quarantine and two nucleic acid testings and one serum antibody testing in designated facilities, which are put under close-off management. They are also required to be isolated and put under observation at home for 14 days after leaving the designated facilities. Also, all the Russian truck drivers entering the city should park their vehicles and live at designated places. More local police were deployed to carry out emergency drills and patrol the border area 24 hours a day. Meanwhile, only one entrance is reserved for each community in the city, and the community staff will work in shifts at checkpoints to check the temperatures of the people entering communities. The community will provide non-contact services to those who are quarantined at home every three days, including purchasing daily necessities and collecting garbage, said Yang Yang, a community worker in the city. As of midnight Saturday, Suifenhe had reported 194 confirmed cases and more than 100 asymptomatic coronavirus carriers. Experts said the number may continue to increase. Joe Biden faces the most important decision of his five-decade political career: choosing a vice president, as Democratic Party insiders think Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota has the inside track. Meanwhile, there are reportedly those inside the party who think Biden should make an all-out effort to persuade Michelle Obama to enter the fray as his running mate. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee expects to name a committee to vet potential running mates next week, according to three Democrats with knowledge of the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal plans. Biden, a former vice president himself, has committed to picking a woman and told donors this week that his team has discussed naming a choice well ahead of the Democratic convention in August. Democratic Party insiders have weighed in on which candidate has the best odds to join Biden's ticket, with Klobuchar as the most likely pick. Democratic Party insiders reportedly believe that Joe Biden (left) is most likely to pick Senator Amy Klobuchar (right) of Minnesota to be his running mate While party insiders acknowledge it's a longshot, they are still holding out hope that former First Lady Michelle Obama (seen above in December 2019 in Vietnam) can be persuaded to be Biden's running mate Party oddsmakers give the former presidential candidate a 5 to 2 shot of being picked by Biden, according to the New York Post. Klobuchar helped Biden secure the nomination after she bowed out of the race just before Super Tuesday and endorsed the former vice president. That allowed Biden to consolidate support from the moderate wing of the party and overtake his progressive opponent, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Insiders give Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who has emerged on the national stage while leading the key Midwestern state through the coronavirus crisis, a 4 to 1 chance of being tapped by Biden. Michigan is a crucial swing state that President Trump won in 2016, setting the stage for his shock victory over Hillary Clinton. Whitmer has won plaudits during the pandemic and meshes with Biden's pragmatic sensibilities, winning her post in 2018 with promises to 'fix the damn roads.' But it's not clear that a 48-year-old white woman from the Midwest brings Biden advantages he doesn't already have or can't find elsewhere. Some Biden advisers said the campaign has heard from many Democrats who want a woman of color. Black women helped rescue Biden's campaign after an embarrassing start in predominately white Iowa and New Hampshire. Yet theres no firm agreement that Biden must go that route. Senator Kamala Harris of California is considered a 9-to-1 shot of being named to the ticket, according to insiders. While Harris, whose father is Jamaican and whose mother is Indian, would likely galvanize African Americans, she may deter progressive voters who cite her record as a former prosecutor. Biden has regularly praised Harris, a former rival who endorsed him in March and campaigned for him. When she introduced him at a fundraiser this week, Biden did little to tamp down speculation about her prospects. 'I'm coming for you, kid,' he said. At 55, Harris is talented and popular with Democratic donors, a valuable commodity for a nominee with a fundraising weakness. But shes also a former prosecutor who faces the same skepticism among progressives as Biden. Meanwhile, her home state is already firmly in the Democratic column and could make her an easy target for Republicans eager to blast the party as too liberal. Stacey Abrams, who made history in 2018 as the first African American woman to be a major-party candidate for governor, has a 25 to 1 chance of being named as Biden's No. 2. Abrams gained a national following after she narrowly lost to Brian Kemp, the current governor of Georgia, in 2018. She did not concede the election, claiming that Kemp, who was secretary of state and was thus in charge of the same election he was competing in, engaged in voter suppression. Biden's also spoken positively of Abrams, who narrowly missed becoming the first African American female governor in US history. Abrams, 46, is a star for many younger Democrats, a group Biden struggled to win over in the primary. And she could help turn Georgia into a genuine swing state. But the highest post she's ever held is minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, a possible vulnerability in a time of crisis. Both Abrams and Harris highlight Biden's tightrope. Party insiders say that Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois could be a dark horse candidate. Duckworth is a 52-year-old woman who lost both of her legs while serving in Iraq. She's of Thai heritage and has notably jousted with President Donald Trump Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (seen above in Lansing on Monday) has emerged on the national stage as her state grapples with the coronavirus One intriguing name that has kept popping up in conversations among insiders is Michelle Obama. The former first lady is believed to be repulsed by the idea, but party officials think her husband's former No. 2 would be smart to kick the tires. 'If theyre smart, they will beg her to do it,' a senior Democratic insider told the Post. 'And there is a really strong case to be made that she should,' another party insider said. Democratic observers in the know say the odds of a Biden-Obama ticket are 15 to 1. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts was once thought to be a favorite, given her progressive credentials. Party oddsmakers give her a 20-to-1 shot of being picked by Biden for the vice presidential slot. Warren could offer a bridge to progressives, but several Democrats said her age, 70, is a bigger liability than potential policy differences with Biden. Selecting a running mate is always critical for a presidential candidate. But it's an especially urgent calculation for the 77-year-old Biden, who, if he wins, would be the oldest American president in history. The decision carries added weight amid the coronavirus pandemic, which, beyond its death toll, threatens to devastate the world economy and define a prospective Biden administration. 'We're still going to be in crisis or recovery, and you want a vice president who can manage that,' said Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist who worked for Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. The vice president is 'always important,' Finney added. But she pointed to Biden's role in the Obama administration's 2009-10 recovery efforts as evidence that a crisis makes the choice of a running mate an even 'more important decision than usual.' Biden faces pressure on multiple fronts. He must consider the demands of his racially, ethnically and ideologically diverse party, especially the black women who propelled his nomination. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts could appeal to progressives within the party, but her age (70) is considered a disadvantage He must balance those concerns with his stated desire for a 'simpatico' partner who is 'ready to be president on a moment's notice.' The campaign's general counsel, Dana Remus, and former White House counsel Bob Bauer are gathering information about prospects. Democrats close to several presumed contenders say they've not yet been contacted. Biden has offered plenty of hints. He's said he can easily name 12 to 15 women who meet his criteria, but would likely seriously consider anywhere from six to 11 candidates. He's given no indication of whether hell look to the Senate, where he spent six terms, to governors or elsewhere. 'The best thing you can do for all segments of the population is to win,' said Bidens campaign co-chairman Cedric Richmond, a Louisiana congressman and former Congressional Black Caucus chairman. 'He has shown a commitment to diversity from the beginning. But this has to be based on, like the VP says, who he trusts.' Paul Maslin, a Democratic pollster based in the battleground state of Wisconsin, said it will be impossible for Biden to please everyone. 'You can ask too much of a vice president pick to bridge everything - ideology, generational gap, gender, race, experience,' he said. 'There's going to be something wrong with every one of these choices.' New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is the Democrats' only nonwhite female governor. Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada has reportedly vouched for his state's Latina senator, Catherine Cortez Masto. Senator Kamala Harris (above) of California is also among a list of candidates that Biden is considering for his vice presidential nominee And Rep. Val Demings, a black congresswoman from the swing state of Florida, helped lead the House impeachment efforts against Trump. Yet all four women are relative unknowns nationally. Several African American advocates and progressive leaders said the Democratic ticket's policies and empathetic appeals are what's most important. Black voters 'have to trust the messenger,' said Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of Black PAC, and 'a black woman could stand up and have moral authority to lead on those big issues facing the country right now.' But she said that doesn't mean a white, Asian or Latina vice presidential nominee couldn't 'speak to the systemic issues, the structural issues that allow for inequalities to persist.' Boris Johnson said he owes his life to NHS staff who treated him after falling ill with coronavirus (Pippa Fowles/Crown Copyright) The Prime Minister has said he owes his life to NHS staff treating him for coronavirus as his Government faced further criticism about the supply of protective equipment to frontline workers. Boris Johnsons first public statement since he was moved out of intensive care at St Thomas Hospital, in central London, followed a daily briefing in which Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was sorry if people felt there had been failings in protecting health workers. And the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) piled more pressure on ministers by urging its members to refuse to treat patients as a last resort if adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) could not be provided. The advice came as the UK death toll approached 10,000 and NHS trusts confirmed the deaths of more health workers after Health Secretary Matt Hancock paid tribute to 19 NHS staff who died after contracting Covid-19. Thanking NHS medics for pulling him through, Mr Johnson said: I cant thank them enough. I owe them my life. Ultimately, if you have...not been given appropriate PPE, you are entitled to refuse to work Royal College of Nursing Ms Patel appeared to suggest the Prime Ministers return to work was not imminent, saying he needed time and space to rest, recuperate and recover. Among the latest health workers to die during the outbreak were Sara Trollope, a matron for older adult mental health services in Hillingdon, west London, who died after testing positive for the virus and Julie Omar, 52, a trauma and orthopaedics nurse at Redditchs Alexandra Hospital, in Worcestershire, who died at home while self-isolating with symptoms. In a bid to prevent further frontline deaths, the RCN issued new guidance, seen by the PA news agency, which says if sufficient PPE cannot be supplied and treatment cannot be delayed or carried out in another format, nurses should decline to work. Expand Close The Royal College of Nursing has advised nurses to refuse care if they are not provided with adequate PPE (Kirsty OConnor/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Royal College of Nursing has advised nurses to refuse care if they are not provided with adequate PPE (Kirsty OConnor/PA) A spokesman told PA: For nursing staff, this will go against every instinct. But their safety must not be compromised. The RCN said it would provide legal assistance to those making what it acknowledged was an enormously difficult decision and warned them that they could face criminal prosecution for corporate manslaughter in very rare cases for walking away. Expand Close Home Secretary Priti Patel led the Government coronavirus briefing on Saturday, with questions arising about PPE (Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street/Crown Copyright/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Home Secretary Priti Patel led the Government coronavirus briefing on Saturday, with questions arising about PPE (Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street/Crown Copyright/PA) The representative body issued a seven-point safety plan for nurses to follow, with step six saying: Ultimately, if you have exhausted all other measures to reduce the risk and you have not been given appropriate PPE in line with the UK Infection Prevention and Control guidance, you are entitled to refuse to work. This will be a last resort and the RCN recognises what a difficult step this would be for nursing staff. The RCN recommends those choosing to withdraw care should keep written justifications of their decisions and told nurses to brace for attempts to sack them, claims of clinical negligence, and possibly facing criticism at inquests or even criminal charges. On Saturday, 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. There was renewed political pressure placed on the Government after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded urgent talks with Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg to ensure ministers could be probed in Parliament over their handling of the Covid-19 crisis. He said there must be a way for MPs to ask questions of ministers after the Easter recess, due to end on April 21, even if it is via webcam. Sir Keir, in a letter to Mr Rees-Mogg, said answers are needed on matters such as PPE and the exit strategy from the lockdown currently imposed on the UK. Ministers have so far ruled out giving a date when the restrictions on movement and social contact will be lifted, with Mr Hancock and Ms Patel stressing the need for people to remain at home even during the fine Easter weekend weather. Seoul: North Korea has called for stricter measures to ensure the safety of its citizens from the coronavirus pandemic at a political bureau meeting presided over by its leader, Kim Jong-un, state media reported on Sunday. The Korean Central News Agency said the widespread virus had created obstacles to the country's effort in its economic construction. But it added the country "has been maintaining [a] very stable anti-epidemic situation" thanks to its "strict top-class emergency anti-epidemic measures ... consistency and compulsoriness in the nationwide protective measures". North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attends a politburo meeting in Pyongyang on Saturday, in this picture supplied by the North Korean government on Sunday. Credit:AP North Korea is yet to acknowledge it has recorded any cases of coronavirus, a claim that has been met with widespread scepticism. In a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on Saturday, a joint resolution was adopted to take "more thorough state measures for protecting life and safety of [its] people from the great worldwide epidemic disease". Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe By Ron Elving | NPR Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now. Perhaps the last thing we needed in this hyper-partisan election year was another reminder of what divides us as a nation. Then the COVID-19 crisis arrived and gave us one. The virus is affecting everyone, in one way or another, but in terms of actual sickness and death, it is disproportionately afflicting people of color. So far, at least, it is afflicting primarily those people of color who live in the most densely populated core of our metropolitan centers. "People of color are more likely to live in densely packed areas and in multi-generational housing situations, which create higher risk for spread of highly contagious disease like COVID-19," said Dr. Jerome Adams, the U.S. surgeon general, at the White House briefing Friday. Adams has also noted that minorities are not more disposed to infection "biologically or genetically," but rather they were "socially disposed" to it. New York City officials this week said black and Latino residents were dying at twice the rate of white people. In Chicago, more than 70% of virus-related fatalities were African Americans -- a percentage more than double their share of the population. Black residents in Milwaukee County, Wis., have seen similarly disproportionate rates. SNAPSHOT OF LA COUNTY L.A. County public health officials gave a demographic breakdown Saturday of the deaths here so far, with the caveat that they currently only have that data for 201 of the 265 people who have died. [We have added overall demographic estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau for comparison.] Here's what they're reporting about the residents who died: 32% Latino or Latina [48.6% of county residents] Latino or Latina [48.6% of county residents] 32% White [26.1% of county residents] White [26.1% of county residents] 20% Asian residents [15.4% of county residents] Asian residents [15.4% of county residents] 13% African American residents [9% of county residents] African American residents [9% of county residents] 3% Residents identifying with other races President Trump took note of the disparity in death rates, saying, "it doesn't make sense and I don't like it" at his Tuesday briefing. The next day he called the disparity "terrible" and added, "We are doing everything in our power to address this challenge." It is a large challenge. Disadvantaged people have long been found in the most densely populated cities and neighborhoods, confined there by economics, but also by deliberate policies of businesses and governments. The people most at risk tend to live in crowded quarters and take public transit to jobs deemed essential or impossible to do from home. Pre-existing health problems, also often related to living conditions, can make the virus more likely to be fatal. But even as public officials this week decried the racial disparity and its link to social conditions, the emergence of the issue also had a perverse effect. It apparently made it easier for some people living farther away to see the virus as someone else's problem. That is where the issue of racial disparity in death rates highlights the overall difference in the way America is experiencing COVID-19. And that difference largely follows the dividing line between urban and rural America. So far, at least, the disease is hitting us where we live, and that is primarily in the big cities. For those outside the major population centers, the impact is less immediate, and the sacrifices being asked of them often seem out of proportion. icon DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy That message can also be heard in the president's briefings, as when he resists suggestions there should be a 50-state shutdown by saying "parts of our country are very lightly affected" and mentioning states such as Nebraska, Idaho and Iowa. The president has held to this view, despite the openness to that approach by his own medical advisers such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases -- the man who, according to polls, Americans trust most in this crisis. Recent data also show that while cases may not currently be as high in rural areas, they are growing -- and there is concern that these areas will not be able to handle the strain on their health care systems. Despite the threat to all Americans, and while the crisis is causing many to sacrifice and serve, the sentiment of "we're in this together" is not shared in all parts of our body politic. And that should not surprise anyone who has followed the increasing polarization in our national attitudes and voting behavior. THE RURAL/URBAN DIVIDE The racial aspects of this divergence, demonstrated in the current viral crisis, are a salient element in a larger trend toward disunity in America. We typically talk of polarization in terms of "red states" and "blue states," Republicans versus Democrats, right versus left, your cable TV news channel versus mine. But it is also largely a matter of population density. The nearness of your neighbors can be highly predictive of your likely political leanings, says Will Wilkinson, vice president for research at the Niskanen Center, a Washington think tank named for a former chairman of the libertarian Cato Institute. Wilkinson has written a monograph called The Density Divide. "The pull of urbanization has segregated us geographically ... so thoroughly that Democratic vote share now rises, and Republican vote share drops, in a remarkably linear fashion as population density rises." In other words, the closer one lives to the epicenter of a major metropolitan area, the greater the chances that person votes for Democrats. Just as reliably, of course, moving away from the epicenter dramatically increases the chances that a person votes for Republicans. Wilkinson's maps show these tendencies to be so routine and so pronounced as to be almost comic. A woman walks past a homeless encampment beneath an overpass in L.A. last week. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) This dynamic holds not only for the mega-metros but for medium-sized and small cities as well. The people who choose to move "into town" or "head for the bright lights" are often seeking higher education or greater economic opportunity, Wilkinson says, or they are self-sorting as individuals attracted to what cities have to offer -- including diversity. Those who stay in more rural areas constitute "a lower-density, mainly white population that is increasingly uniform in socially conservative personality, aversion to diversity, relative disinclination to migrate and seek higher education, and Republican Party loyalty." Reaching these voters was a key element of President Trump's campaign strategy in 2016, both in the primaries and the general election. From his earliest rallies, he focused on the non-metro Americans he would later salute in his inaugural address -- "the forgotten man, the forgotten woman." The trend toward Republican loyalty outside the nation's metro areas has been noted for some time. The 19th century Democrats were a rural party as far back as Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson, and that bond was renewed in Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal. But in recent decades, the party of Jefferson and Jackson has struggled with outreach beyond its growing base in the cities. In the first decade of this century, NPR's rural specialist Howard Berkes reported on how Republicans were building super-majorities of the vote outside the metro areas that accounted for George W. Bush's presidential victories in 2000 and 2004. Residents of less populous areas were often opposed to environmental regulation, gun control, abortion, same-sex marriage and secularism in general. DISPROPORTIONATE POWER TO LESS POPULOUS STATES Population density is also political because the Constitution features a low-density bias that gives disproportionate power to less populous states. The founders negotiated a deal that split Congress in two, with one chamber based on population (the House of Representatives) and one that was not (the Senate). In the Senate, with all its special powers, the less populous states would always have clout disproportionate to their size. While this arrangement has endured for 230 years, it is under ever greater strain as the disparity between the populous and less populous states widens. Right now, a majority of Americans live in just nine states and so are entitled to just 18 senators (less than one-fifth of the total), according to 2019 Census estimates. At the same time, about 18% of the population is spread out over 27 of the least populous states. So less than one-fifth of the nation's population has a 54-seat majority in the Senate. Projections are that the U.S. population will become even more concentrated in a handful of states as their metropolitan areas become even more populous and diverse. The diversity means the problems of sheer numbers become complicated by the issue of race. The racial divisions become the face of the urban-rural divide that has been with us since the nation's founding. Defenders of the original Constitution and its view of states' rights argue that the non-proportionate Senate still makes sense, or that it can be amended through the usual process. But a constitutional amendment requires three-fourths of the states to agree, meaning it can be blocked by as few as 13. This means that urban-rural conflicts, often with a racial component, will increasingly be seen one way in the House and a very different way in the Senate. We are already seeing this play out the managing of relief bills in the current crisis. The radically different experiences that populous and less populous states are having with COVID-19 -- and the federal response to it -- offers a glimpse into our political future. Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS: Farmers should be given relief from the lockdown to harvest crop, and the Uttar Pradesh government would encourage institutions and agencies to purchase food grains directly from the growers at minimum support price (MSP) or higher, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday. He directed officials to start online classes for students of higher education, technical education, nursing and paramedical studies, so that their academic schedule is not wholly disrupted. Online counselling of students was also discussed at a meeting of officials chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "At the meeting, the chief minister said since harvesting season is on, farmers should be allowed to move. Apart from government purchasing centres, if other institutions and agencies want to buy crops directly from farmers, they would be encouraged to do so provided the price is on par with the MSP or above," Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi told reporters here. About arrangements made for the Tablighi Jamaat congregation attendees traced in the state, he said, "Provisions to quarantine people related to the Tablighi Jamaat have been made so as to stop further spread of COVID-19. Foreign Jamaatis have also been given medical treatment after putting them in quarantine. So far, passports of 259 persons have been seized." As many as 133 COVID-19 hotspots have been identified in 15 districts in the state, 342 positive coronavirus cases have been detected and 2,986 people suspected to have contracted the virus have been put in facility quarantine, the additional chief secretary said. Awasthi said so far 15,378 cases have been registered against 48,503 people for violation of the lockdown order and 2,144 vehicles impounded. He also said the cyber cell was probing 201 instances of fake that have so far come to the fore, of which 46 were reported yesterday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chad Daybell and his 'cult' mom wife Lori Vallow are being investigated for the murder of his previous wife Tammy, new documents show. Tammy Daybell was found dead under suspicious circumstances at the Idaho home she shared with then-husband Chad in October, less than three weeks before he and Lori tied the knot. Tammy's death was initially ruled to be from natural causes, but authorities reopened the investigation in December amid a multi-state search for Lori's children Joshua 'JJ' Vallow and Tylee Ryan, who were last seen in September. The Idaho Attorney General recently took over the probe from the Fremont County Sheriff's office. A letter confirming the transfer, obtained by the East Idaho News, shows that the investigation scope now includes conspiracy, attempted murder and murder, naming Lori and Chad as defendants. Chad Daybell and his 'cult' mom wife Lori Vallow are being investigated for the murder of his previous wife Tammy, new documents show. Tammy (pictured with Chad) was found dead under suspicious circumstances at their home in Idaho in October Lori and Chad tied the knot less than three weeks after Tammy died. They are seen celebrating the wedding on a beach in Kauai on November 5 Lori is currently being held at the Madison County Jail as she awaits trial on charges of child neglect and desertion in connection with the disappearance of seven-year-old JJ and 17-year-old Tylee. Chad has yet to face any charges - though the Idaho Attorney General letter suggests that that could soon change. His wife of 29 years Tammy passed away in her sleep at their Rexburg home on October 19. Lori is currently being held at Madison County Jail as she awaits trial on charges of child neglect and desertion in connection with the disappearance of her children. She is seen in court last month Her death was listed as natural causes when Chad declined an autopsy. Many friends of Tammy have insisted that the 49-year-old was in great shape, casting doubt on the initial ruling. Authorities exhumed Tammy's body in December after determining that her death could be linked to the disappearance of JJ and Tylee. The results of the autopsy and toxicology tests have not yet been released. Lori and Chad fled Idaho for Hawaii in late November, one day after police began asking questions about JJ and Tylee's whereabouts. Tylee was last seen on September 8 at Yellowstone National Park, and JJ was last seen at his school in Rexburg on September 23. Investigators say their mother has refused to cooperate with authorities even though they believe she knows where the children are or what happened to them. Lori was arrested in Princeville, Hawaii, on January 25 and extradited back to Idaho. Chad flew back to support her through the trial, which is set to begin in May. Lori's children, seven-year-old Joshua 'JJ' Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan, have not been seen since September 2019 The case captured nationwide attention with the revelations that police are also investigating three mysterious deaths linked to Lori and Chad, as well as family members' claims that the couple are members of a dangerous doomsday cult. The first death linked to the case was Tammy Daybell. The second was Charles Vallow, Lori's husband of more than a decade who filed for divorce from her five months before he was shot and killed by her brother Alex on July 11, 2019. Charles and Lori had gotten into an argument when he came to pick up JJ, their adoptive son, at her home in Chandler, Arizona. Alex intervened and fired two fatal shots into Charles' chest. Police initially determined that Alex acted in self defense - but the case was reopened with the search for JJ and Tylee, who had moved to Idaho, where Chad lived, with their mother in August. An email from Phoenix police that was leaked earlier this month revealed that investigators were close to charging Lori in connection with Charles' death. Court documents from early December indicated that Charles' death was being investigated as 'conspiracy murder'. Less than two weeks later, Alex was found dead in Gilbert, Arizona, on December 12, the day after Tammy's body was exhumed. His death aged 51 is now under investigation as police wait for an autopsy to determine the cause. Lori's brother Alex Cox shot and killed her then-husband Charles Vallow (left) in July. Cox (right) died five months later in December. Both deaths are under investigation The West Bengal government on Sunday made wearing masks mandatory for people visiting public places, a senior official said. An order to this effect was issued by Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha Sunday evening. "Mouth and nose should be covered by facial masks or any other available piece of cloth which may even include a properly folded or rolled dupatta, gamcha, handkerchief or any such material that acts as a protective cover," said the order, signed by the Chief Secretary. "It is hereby directed that it shall be mandatory to use this cover always, especially when in public places." West Bengal has witnessed seven COVID-19 deaths and currently there are 95 active coronovirus cases. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajasthan reported two more coronavirus-related deaths on Sunday, taking their number to 11, as over 100 new COVID-19 cases surfaced in the state, officials said here. With this, the number of confirmed cases climbs to 804, they added. Tests were conducted on two people who had died on Saturday and their reports come out as positive for the virus on Sunday, Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said. A 13-year-old girl from Jaipur died at the JK loan hospital while undergoing treatment for intestine perforation and septicaemia, whereas a 60-year-old diabetic man from Tonk district who had come here for a surgery also died. Both tested positive for COVID-19. "As many as 104 new cases have come up today in 11 districts of the state," Singh added. Of the fresh cases, 15 are in Banswara, 12 in Tonk, eight each in Jodhpur and Bikaner, seven in Kota, five in Nagaur, three in Churu, two in Hanumangarh, one each in Jaisalmer and Sikar, and two are evacuees from Iran who landed in Jodhpur airport last month. The state's coronavirus count includes two Italian citizens and 52 people brought back from Iran and lodged at Army health centres in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Jaipur has reported the highest number of 341 cases so far. The state is under a lockdown from March 22 and a massive survey and screening is underway to trace the contagion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Morbi: Even as the whole world is battling the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak and imposing nationwide lockdowns to stop spread of the deadly pathogen, people addicted to intoxicants are finding it especially difficlut to cope in these times. On Sunday (April 122, 2020), two persons from Gujarat's Morbi were arrested for buying and selling tobacco using a drone. The Morbi Police took both the buyer and the seller into custody after the persons uploaded videos of them executing the deal using a drone. The video which was uploaded on social media platform Tik Tok, shows a small package dangling from a drone while the operator guides the machine to the alleged buyer. The video went viral, and after the police came to know about the exchange they arrested both of them and has seized the drone. To fight the spread of coronavirus preventive, measures like isolation, social distancing and nation wide lockdowns are being suggested globally. India has been under lockdown since midnight of March 25 upto midnight of April 14. Meanwhile, a total of 8,356 COVID-19 cases have been reported while the death toll jumps to 273, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry Luv Agarwal said in a press conference on Sunday. Swapping the usual live format this weekend, the late-night television comedy show -- Saturday Night Live -managed to grab the attention of many as it was veteran Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, who hosted the show from his home, where he is quarantining after being diagnosed with coronavirus. The official twitter handle of Saturday Night Live posted the home edition special video on Twitter. In the four-minute and 27-seconds video, Hanks is seen coming straight from his kitchen and began his monologue by saying: "Hey it is all good to be here, though it is also very weird hosting Saturday Night Live from home." The actor and wife, Rita Wilson, were among the firsts of major celebrities who announced having been tested positive for coronavirus earlier in March and recently returned to Los Angeles in sound health after self-quarantining in Australia for two weeks. In the monologue, the 63-year-old actor added: "But why me as host? For one, I have been the celebrity canary in the coal mine when it came to the virus." "Ever since being diagnosed I have been more like America's dad than ever before since no one wants to be around me very long and I make people uncomfortable," Hanks said. The 'Forrest Gump' actor kept things funny as he mimicked the question and answer format of a typical host monologue. Towards the end, the Academy Award winner took the opportunity to thank all front-line responders for their tireless work in combating the spread of coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) My grandfather was a carpenter. I remember the first time we shook hands at church when I was very young and his leathery, calloused hands with swollen knuckles engulfed my own. I learned a lot about him by taking his hand, and by watching him extend it to greet someone. His devotion to craftsmanship, flesh toughened by his firm hold on a hammer over decades of building homes for folks, the tenderness in how he would soften his grip to shake hands with children and the blue-haired church ladies after my grandmother passed away. There was an intimacy engrained in a handshake one between people that was culturally acceptable, before now, and allowed you to look someone in the eye while skin-to-skin. This brief touch had always been instructive. Who exudes gravitas. Who projects safety. Who hasnt worked with their hands. Who concedes insecurity. Who sweats. Who is earnest. Who wants to be taken seriously. Who isnt serious. Who can look you in the eye. In business, a handshake was a greeting as much as a way to close a transaction. It used to be legally operative, with a whole body of common law devoted to a gentlemans agreement sealed with a handshake. It was a way to connect to potential voters. It was a way to forget old bygones. It was a way for a father to give his blessing to his daughters suitor. It was a way to say good game. Shaking someones hand possessed a certain timelessness of authority and purpose. But it has been abruptly taken from us. On March 14, 2020, President Trump paid tribute to the handshake, seemingly as Amazing Grace played in the background, remarking that though he was a non-hand-shaker, once he became a politician, he developed a natural reflex. But now, Trump, with the biggest presidential hands in history according to the Babylon Bee, has waved goodbye to the handshake, saying, Maybe people shouldnt be shaking hands for the long term. Dr. Anthony Fauci pronounced the handshake gone. I dont think we should ever shake hands again, he has said. Story continues In its sudden passing, we look to history. What was a sign of peace in ancient Greece to concede that neither man was carrying a weapon developed into a more intimate forearm embrace in Rome (S.P.Q.Rmus, amiright?). In the Middle East and Europe in the Dark Ages, the handshake was apparently used to shake out concealed weapons. Similarly, in the Boy Scouts, we shook with our left hands. Legend had it that our founder, Lord Baden-Powell, shook hands with African leaders with his left as a sign of respect, as one would have to lower his shield, typically held in the left hand, to shake. 17th century Quakers have been credited with mainstreaming the handshake, view[ing] a simple handclasp as a more egalitarian alternative to bowing or tipping a hat. In modern times, it has been commonplace and expected to extend a hand to men and women to greet one another and to curate trust. So maybe in its demise and absence, we have a sense of what we have truly lost an inability to put our guard down. What was once a socially permissive way to touch one another in all settings will now be reserved (at least for the distant present) for those in highly restrictive, disinfected ones. Men and women will no longer be forced to take each other closer than arms length. Just before work from home orders began, I ran into the hiring partner at my former firm in Grand Central. Rather than shake hands, we bumped elbows. Awkwardness aside, its almost as if things have been unresolved since. Like welcoming the hello and sealing the goodbye kept the conversation as one between passing ships waving different banners rather than creating a space for conversation and dialogue. In the handshakes wake, I know that the CDC-mandated six feet apart will shrink to four, or maybe three, if were lucky, over months maybe years. But as social distancing becomes the norm, recent memory of death and spread of disease wont be easily forgotten. The handshake may never return, shields and guards remaining up. And in a time where we are being driven apart politically, socially, and economically failing to extend a hand and touch one another, as a last remnant of the seal between us, seems like something we will miss. More from National Review SRINAGAR, India (AP) Tensions between India and Pakistan flared again in disputed Kashmir on Sunday as the two armies barraged each other with heavy artillery fire, killing at least three civilians, Indian police said. Each side accused the other of starting the shelling and targeting civilian areas in violation of the 2003 cease-fire accord along the so-called Line of Control that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan have a long history of bitter relations over Kashmir, with both claiming it in its entirety. They have fought two of their three wars since 1947 over their competing claims to the Himalayan region. Shri Ram Ambarkar, an Indian police officer, said three civilians, including a woman and a child, were killed when shells fired from the Pakistani army hit homes at two locations along the Line of Control in the Kupwara area of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Sunday evening. Ambarkar said some people were also feared injured as authorities launched a rescue operation amid heavy cross-border shelling in the area. Since Friday, Pakistans military has charged India with repeated violations of the cease-fire along the frontier. A Pakistani army statement said heavy artillery fire by India deliberately targeted civilians on the Pakistani side of the border. The military said Sunday that two people were seriously hurt overnight and had to be evacuated. On Saturday, the Pakistani military said six people were hurt, including a child, when Indian soldiers launched a barrage of rockets and mortars into civilian areas of Pakistan. Meanwhile, before the Sundays bloody shelling, some local residents in a frontier village in the Indian-controlled side of Kashmir protested and objected to the Indian armys positioning of artillery guns near their hamlet. Police Officer Ambarkar said the issue was an outcome of a misunderstanding and was sorted out. Last weekend, five Indian special forces and five rebels were killed in fierce fighting in the area along the frontier. Story continues The latest fighting has seen for the first time this year use of heavy artillery targeting civilian areas. Rebel groups in Indian-held Kashmir demand that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training anti-India rebels and also helping them by providing gunfire as cover for incursions into the Indian side. Pakistan denies this, saying it offers only moral and diplomatic support to the militants and to Kashmiris who oppose Indian rule. Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown. Harry, just Harry. Photo: Getty Images/2020 Getty Images Prince Harry would like to be known as Harry, just Harry, now that he has officially stepped back from life as a senior royal. Which is perfectly fine and acceptable in most casual situations, if perhaps also a little confusing, because there are lots of Harrys out there and what if we were talking about this one? How do we specify which Harry we mean? What full, official name would he use if, for example, he were filling out registration forms for his sustainable-travel initiative? Well! Conveniently enough, Harry appears to have done just that for Travalyst, a service that will help people book more environmentally friendly trips. The Daily Mail reports that, on the registration documents, he opted not to use the surname his grandmother created for her descendants, Mountbatten-Windsor. Instead, he went with Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex a mouthful, but very distinctive nonetheless. Of course, as part of his deal with Queen Elizabeth II, Harry had to relinquish his HRH (His Royal Highness) title and abandon any mention of the word royal in his personal brand, which is why Harry and Meghans forthcoming nonprofit endeavor will be called Archewell and not Sussex Royal. Still, Harrys technical last name remains Mountbatten-Windsor. As Cosmopolitan points out, though, Harrys decision to go with Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex does not necessarily point to an attempt to distance himself from the British monarchy. It may simply be that his moniker of choice, which is in fact his full name, was long enough without the addition of a hyphenated surname. Anyway, the important thing is that we now we have one long-winded way of differentiating this Harry from his other Harry peers. Phew. Stay in touch. Get the Cut newsletter delivered daily Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. A non-contact infrared thermometer and a Bible are seen at One1Seven evangelical Anglican church in Sydney, Australia. Easter service that is live-streamed via the internet for parishioners due to social gathering restrictions implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease. (Image: Reuters) A woman offers prayer during a live-streamed Easter Session in Kathmandu, Nepal. (Image: Reuters) A girl waits to see the Easter Bunny in California, US. (Image: Reuters) Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, holds a masks as he enters the Church of the Holy Sepulchre before the start of the Easter Sunday service amid the coronavirus disease outbreak. (Image: Reuters) A giant inflatable Easter bunny, messages of support for the NHS and an ambulance are seen at Belle Vue Mansions in Southbourne, Britain. (Image: Reuters) Pope Francis leads the Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica with no public participation due to the outbreak of COVID-19, at the Vatican. (Image: Reuters) A protective face mask hangs from a microphone at One1Seven evangelical Anglican church in Sydney. (Image: Reuters) A woman wears a face mask during a service at The Holy Redeemer Church as they celebrate Catholic Easter, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak in Bangkok, Thailand. (Image: Reuters) Soon after she discovered she was pregnant eight months ago, Zohra Benjamin was told by a midwife that, amid the excitement to come, there may be difficult moments too: back pains, extreme fatigue, ungodly thrush. It was September back then. The midwife did not predict, reasonably enough, the single incident which has since left this mother-to-be feeling most unsettled: an ambulance turning up for neighbours across the road. They were taken away in oxygen masks by paramedics in full PPE, the 29-year-old tells The Independent today. It was devastating but also I dont want to sound selfish it was scary because you realise this thing thats killing people, its here in your street. Pregnancy, though self-evidently one of lifes great joys, comes rife with risk, worries and anxieties at the best of times. But in this age of coronavirus, parents-to-be are experiencing a level of stress, isolation and upheaval not known since the Second World War: I feel, says Zohra, from her home in Sheffield, like our baby was conceived in a safer world to that which theyre being born in. In many ways, its worth saying from the start, Covid-19 is not the horror which a new infection could have been for pregnant women. Neither they, nor children, appear especially susceptible to the virus. Babies, indeed, seem to be among the most resilient. So confident are doctors of this that their advice to new mothers who contract the illness is to keep breastfeeding should they wish. Nonetheless, the coronaviruss arrival in the UK in January has led to huge disruption for those expecting including instructions to undertake extreme self-isolation, the cancellation of an estimated half of face-to-face midwife appointments, and heavy restrictions being placed on now-stretched maternity wards. A spike in calls to the National Childbirth Trust helpline suggests anxiety is skyrocketing among parents-to-be itself a danger to the pregnancy while there are also fears that forcing new mothers into a lockdown that precludes help from friends and family will lead to a dangerous rise in postnatal depression. Tragically, at least one woman, a patient at Whittington Hospital, in north London, is known to have died giving birth while suffering with the infection. Just as worryingly, perhaps, the NCT is concerned that the reduction of in-person appointments with healthcare professionals ahead of the birth will mean fewer chances to identify complications early and, as such, fewer opportunities to intervene. Neither charities or support groups officially want to go on the record to say it but, among healthcare professionals on the ground themselves working in at-risk roles there is some worry that social distancing could lead to a rise in still births and miscarriages. There is no [evidence that may happen], says Sarah McMullen, head of insight and engagement at the NCT. But what I would say is were worried about women not having the face-to-face support that might help diagnose issues when necessary. So, it is very important that, if women are experiencing anything they do think may be an issue, they must pick up the phone and insist on being seen. That is the key advice we want out there. Steve Waining and Zohra Benjamin managed to speak to a midwife in person (Steve Waining) As it happens, Zohra and partner Steve Waining, 38, did just that. After they were told a midwife appointment was to be arranged as a phone call, the couple pushed, successfully, to keep it as a face-to-face meeting because there had been earlier questions about the bumps growth. We were confident enough to do that, Steve says. In the end, everything was okay but, for another couple, maybe they wouldnt have insisted and something could have been missed. The pair say they have so far managed to navigate the fast-changing landscape. Because both are supply teachers, they have been able to self-isolate together after schools were closed. Because the pregnancy started well before the lockdown, they have largely managed to buy what they needed for the new arrival before shops shut and deliveries became so difficult to get. Nonetheless, they still find themselves facing huge unknowns, not least after the birth in late April. Theres no breastfeeding sessions or support groups now, says Zohra. My mum was going to come and stay with us but now she wont be able to my sisters either. Its pretty rubbish she wont get to see her grandchild for months possibly. And its my first time with this little thing, so Im feeling a bit like, Oh my god, am I going to look after you right? But, then, she says, women have been doing this since forever: So Im telling myself everything will be perfect, its not the first few months we would have wanted but we just have to cope. Marie Louise, another first-time-mum-to-be and herself a midwife in Essex feels the same. The 28-year-old, who is due in August, says that she has done two major things during the progression of her own pregnancy: limited her daily news intake and built what she calls a digital tribe. The news limitations, first, are to combat the stress of life lived in a pandemic. This is not how any of us would have envisaged this period of our lives, she says. But being stressed about something that cant be controlled doesnt help. Such anxieties left unmanaged, she points out, could have an adverse effect on the pregnancy itself. So, I would say to other expectant mums to keep yourself up to date with the clinical advice and how you can keep you and your baby safe, she says. But dont get obsessed with the news. Focus on what you can do to stay healthy. The digital tribe, she says, is a makeshift way of surrounding herself with support, albeit remote. Just because my friends and family cant visit to help out, doesnt mean that they cant be there for me with encouragement, says Marie, whose book on pregnancy, The Modern Midwifes Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, was published last month. Make sure parents are set up with webcams, perhaps, or have a WhatsApp group of strong friends whatever works for you. This is key NCT and NHS advice too, as it goes. An estimated one in four women suffer postnatal depression, a figure widely expected to rise in the lockdown as those support networks physically, at least are removed. Trying to reduce the impact of this isolation is key whether that be through connecting with specialist charities, practising mind exercises or using other online tools. For Marie, herself, the hardest thing so far was having to go for the 20-week scan without partner Andy Good, a 30-year-old black cab driver, because of limitations on visitors to hospitals. He was gutted, she recalls. He wanted to be there, of course, but we appreciate these are extraordinary times. It would have been hard to be there alone, she admits, should there have been bad news. Women will find themselves in that situation, she says. And it will be very difficult. Steph Bowers is worried partner Ian Bryan could develop Covid-19 symptoms and miss the birth (Steph Bowers) Being alone is something that concerns Steph Bowers. More specifically being alone in labour. Most hospitals have already introduced rules allowing only one person can be present at the birth. But for Steph, a teacher, the nightmare scenario would be partner Ian Bryan, who works in finance, showing symptoms of Covid-19, having to go into self-isolation and not being there at the big moment. Theres no reason that should happen to us more than anyone else, the 33-year-old says. In fact, because hes able to work from home, we re pretty fortunate. But its just something that plays on my mind, what if I have to deliver in a room full of strangers all wearing masks? It is unlikely to happen, Ian reassures her. Id be devastated if it did, though, the 31-year-old adds. The couple, from Sale, Greater Manchester, say the pregnancy has been unlike anything they could have imagined. When it first started emerging, I remember being upset there might not be a baby shower, silly stuff like that, says Steph. But pretty quickly the idea of worrying about that just seemed ridiculous. The priority just became staying fit and healthy. In that way, the lockdown was good. It added certainty to what was happening. They had planned on using these last few weeks of pregnancy on spending quality time together meals out, day trips, that sort of stuff before the new born came. Well, were spending time together, says Steph. Its just its in the house. The baby, due at the end of May, will potentially land around the same time restrictions are lifted. But Im still not sure Ill want too many people cuddling my baby, says Steph. I cant help it, it will put me on edge. It is a point all three couples make. For them, perhaps like the rest of us, the end of the lockdown will not mean an end to their worries; nor a resumption of normal life. Still, back with Zohra and Steve, they are keen to end all this on a positive. The advantage of having a baby in a pandemic, says Steve, is it will make number two seem like a piece of cake. Yes, says Zohra. And number three and four. Connecticuts prison population has declined at the fastest rate in state history since the onset of the coronavirus public health crisis. The Department of Correction said it is releasing inmates in larger numbers these days, and has regularly cited the overall drop in the states incarcerated population. The net population in the prisons declined by 895 in the 40 days from March 1 to Friday, a record pace. staff Thats dramatically higher than the average decline of 103 prisoners every 40 days between March 1, 2019 and Feb. 29 of this year. But the drop in overall prison population has been overwhelmingly the result of fewer prisoners entering the system, not more releases, a Hearst Connecticut Media investigation shows. The department has released 980 people from its sentenced population between March 1 and Friday, according to an analysis of publicly available data. That compares with an average of 865 people who were released in three 40-day periods since March 1, 2019. Between March 1 and Friday, just 322 people entered the states sentenced population far lower than the average of 840 in the prior three periods used for comparison. That reduction in the rate of intake far outweighs the number of releases in terms of its impact on the overall population. Reducing the overall population mainly through fewer new incarcerations may achieve the goal of making the prison system safer, if it allows the department to move people to less dense housing. But it does little to ease the anger and fears of families and advocates who say vulnerable inmates are sitting on a powder keg of infection that could explode. Families and inmate-rights advocates have implored the state to release those inmates, with family members protesting in front of the governors residence and the ACLU filing a lawsuit in an attempt to force the release of more prisoners. The Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Department of Correction have the authority to make discretionary release decisions for people sentenced to the custody of the DOC, said Marc Pelka, the point person on criminal justice issues for Gov. Ned Lamont. The DOC was able to divert valuable human resources to preparing for the release of approved, suitable, discretionary populations prior to the end of their term of incarceration, Pelka said in an emailed statement. This increase had the secondary, positive effect of reducing the number of people released from correctional facilities to the community with no supervision. The DOC is legally required to release an inmate in its custody at the conclusion of their court-stipulated sentence. The department has said it is prioritizing those discretionary releases for prisoners who are serving sentences for nonviolent offenses and are medically vulnerable, especially those over 50. And that is happening for a few inmates. The story for most, though, is that theyre stuck waiting to find out who is going home, when, how and if theyll carry the virus with them when they do. People like Danny Horner, an inmate who has been at Carl Robinson Correctional Institution since September 2018 for a non-violent drug offense. He was sentenced to three years in the medium-security prison in Enfield. Horners mom, Judi Downs, who lives in North Carolina, said he suffers from asthma and other medical issues including high blood pressure, and was told he was eligible for transition to a halfway house in October 2019, but Horner, 44, is still at Carl Robinson, she said. Now, shes afraid he could get sick and might never be released. Im really concerned, he has respiratory issues and with rising COVID cases, Im really concerned I might not see him again, said Downs, who lives in North Carolina and has been unable to visit her son since he was first incarcerated. Hes scared and Im scared for him. I want to see my son again, its so hard. Caused by COVID In February, the states Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division of the Office of Policy and Management predicted the states prison population would hit its lowest level 11,722 by February 2021. By Friday April 10, the population had dropped far beyond that to 11,588. There was no accounting for March 2020. The number of people released in March appears to have increased by between 50 and 175 people as a result of the coronavirus crisis, according to an examination of every inmate using a state-assigned code, compared with intakes and releases from prior periods. The department releases hundreds of people early every month, regardless of a public health crisis. The Department of Correction has declined to say how many prisoners it has released since March 1 from the population of sentenced inmates; it only shows a net change figure. And more exactly, the department wont say how many people it has released specifically due to COVID-19. Pelka said the counts will be released by the Office of Policy and Management as part of a monthly indicators report later this month. It sounds simple every inmate has a unique identifier, after all but tracking intakes and releases during a normal month, without a global health pandemic, is more complicated than it sounds, Pelka explained. We are concerned that the data available on the Open Data Portal cannot provide the level of detail needed to understand the complexity of the criminal justice system. Counting only admissions and releases masks the movements happening below the surface, Pelka said in the emailed statement. The Hearst investigation shows the the total number released is 980. In those same 40 days, 322 additional inmates joined the population of sentenced prisoners. The net reduction was 658 inmates in the sentenced population. Thats compared to the previous 40-day period when 821 people were released and 807 people were sentenced. In the same period a year ago, from March 1 to April 10, 2019, 914 people were released and 911 people entered. In the randomly selected 40 day period between Oct. 1, 2019 and Nov. 10, 2019, 861 people were released and 803 people entered. Of the 980 released since March 1, 173 were over the age of 50 and 707 were sentenced to two years or less, two metrics the department has said it is using to prioritize the release of inmates. The big difference lies in the numbers of people entering the sentenced population. Far fewer people have been sentenced in the 40 days since March 1, the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. Thats a drop of 592 from the same period one year ago, and a drop of 485 from the prior 40 days. The pre-trial population, which is under the jurisdiction of the judicial branch and makes up roughly one third of the overall incarcerated population, declined by a net 237 from March 1 to April 10, meaning at least that many have exited the pre-trial population. In the prior 40 day period, that population declined by 97 people. Similar data on intakes and exits is not immediately available in public records, due to the highly fluid nature of that population. Connecticut has no system of county or local jails. That means the population of people arrested and held pre-trial or before posting bail is constantly changing, making it harder to track individual people. Asking for more The call comes every night around the same time, lighting up her phone with the word, Robinson. Its her fiance, calling from Carl Robinson Correctional Institution in Enfield, where hes been incarcerated since July, when the world was still unmarred by the wrath of the COVID-19 coronavirus. He has a little over a year left in his two-year sentence for a non-violent offense. Their 15-minute phone calls are the only insight shes getting into whats happening inside, and whether or not he might be released. He was given paperwork this week, which might determine if hes eligible for an early release. But theres no timeline for that process. Hes not optimistic. This week he said to me, I feel like Im sitting here waiting to die, said the woman, who asked not to be named for fear of jeopardizing her fiances potential release. I told him not to say that, but he just feels hopeless. His sentence is short and for a low-level offense, two of the criteria that make him eligible for consideration, but hes 39 years old, with no pre-existing medical conditions other than knee pain and years of smoking. The Department of Correction has made it clear theyre prioritizing inmates over 50 years old, with high medical needs scores. Even with exceptional behavior, its a long-shot hell qualify. I know theyre worried about making sure everyone has a place to go. He has a place to go, said the woman, who lives in Cheshire. I just hope they let him out before he gets sick. It could already be throughout the entire prison and they dont know it. Im extremely afraid for all of these people. It started out because Im really afraid because I want him home, and now its not just about him, its about all of them. Families, inmates and advocates have pressed Gov. Ned Lamont and the Department of Correction to begin releasing inmates at a higher rate to no avail. The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut filed a lawsuit last week seeking an immediate court-mandated mass release of inmates who fall into certain categories, and to require the state to provide a plan for caring for those who remain incarcerated The states response, filed Tuesday in Superior Court, provided some insight into the level of scrutiny the department is giving each offender in terms of the crimes theyve committed and their medical scores. The Department of Correction has also issued a number of policies to prevent the spread of the virus within its facilities, and this week announced it would transition all inmates diagnosed with the virus to Northern Correctional Institution in Somers. The maximum security prison has the infrastructure recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to isolate inmates with the virus. As of Thursday, 41 staff members and 44 inmates had tested positive for COVID-19 across all of Connecticuts prison facilities. So far, 35 inmates have been transferred to Northern. For the woman whose fiance is incarcerated at Carl Robinson, none of that is reassuring. Her fiance told her staff at the facility were bringing meals to the inmates on trays, so they could eat at their bunks instead of in a crowded cafeteria. But this week, the cafeteria reopened. He told her the inmates can go to medical or to the commissary, but they cant go outside for recreation. Instead theyre sent to a gym, that at times, has been crowded well beyond the recommended social gathering of five people or less within six feet of each other. Im extremely worried about him, but its more than that, she said. There are so many people in there. Hes in a barracks situation with about 100 other people. Hes not in one of those two person cells ... How is this social distancing when youre in a bunk with 100 other people? kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt Locals gathered in large numbers near Ratu Road Graveyard in Ranchi on Sunday amid the lockdown, allegedly opposing the burial of a coronavirus positive patient who passed away earlier in the day at a hospital here. Earlier the administration attempted to bury the body at Bariatu graveyard but were prevented from doing so by locals, police said. Ajit Peter Dung, Traffic Superintendent of Police (SP) told ANI that, "We assured people that no COVID-19 patient will be brought here, still they protested and did not follow lockdown norms. We have also closed all the gates of the graveyard. If they continue to create ruckus an FIR will be filed against violators." He continued saying that a decision will be taken regarding the burial of the body. The deceased belonged to Hind Pirhi area of the town from where eight positive COVID-19 cases have been reported so far. He died this morning in the isolation ward of RIMS. An agitated resident said, "Deceased family members did not get the body then how did the authorities receive the body? The burial should not be allowed." So far, 17 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported from Jharkhand, 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.) While anyone in range could get an earful of the unusual Easter service, only those seated in their cars at the fairgrounds could see the religious leaders standing in the rain. Before the service, Medina spelled out what exactly he was trying to achieve. "We all have a hunger to be in relation with everyone else," he said. "And we had something to offer that would be a healing option." With the obvious obstacles to conducting a typical Easter service, Medina said he focused on creating community. "We're trying not to sugar-coat anything, you know?" he said. "Where do they take God when they cannot be in church? I firmly believe that we are the hope." Medina, who has been a preacher for 32 years, had never been in such a situation. But, he said, he wasn't too afraid. "I actually think I was born for this," he said. "If I can't preach hope to people after all these years, then I shouldn't be a preacher." The unusual feelings were shared by his congregants. She tied the knot with her longtime love Chandler Powell at Australia Zoo last month. And on Sunday, Bindi Irwin, 21, and her husband appeared to be smitten as they enjoyed their first Easter together as husband and wife. Sharing a selfie alongside the newlyweds, Bindi's younger brother Robert, 16, wrote: 'Happy egg day everyone. Hope the Easter bunny was good to you!' Happy in love: On Sunday, Bindi Irwin (right) and husband Chandler Powell (centre) celebrated their first Easter together as newlyweds with Robert Irwin (left) and dog Piggy The Wildlife warriors appeared happier than ever as they gripped onto a colourful mix of Easter eggs as Bindi was seen gazing at her adorable pet pooch Piggy. Robert wore a black printed shirt, while Bindi and Chandler, 23, opted for their trusted Khaki Australia Zoo button up shirts. The 16-year-old photographer later praised Chandler for his 'egg colouring' skills, sharing a photo of a green coloured egg which had a crocodile drawn on it in wax. Skills: The 16-year-old photographer later praised Chandler for his 'egg colouring' skills, sharing a photo of a green coloured egg which had a crocodile drawn on it in wax It comes as Bindi shared a throwback photo of her celebrating Easter festivities with her beau two years earlier on her social media channels. 'Easter celebrations with our chicken. This sweet girl was part of our lives for almost 13 years. Sending lots of love your way, have a beautiful weekend,' she wrote. Bindi and Chandler tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in front of only three people at Australia Zoo on March 25. Flashback: It comes as Bindi shared a throwback photo of her celebrating Easter festivities with her beau two years earlier on her social media channels Their guests included Bindi's mother Terri, brother Robert and her father Steve Irwin's best friend Wes Mannion. Steve died in September 2006 at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary in Batt Reef, Queensland. Bindi and Chandler commemorated Steve at their wedding by placing a picture of him at the altar and lighting a candle in his memory. The couple later revealed their wedding story would be broadcasted on Animal Planet on April 18, giving fans the opportunity to share in their big day. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 19:18:22|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close KABUL, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan Taliban on Sunday said the insurgent group would set free 20 Afghan soldiers later in the day, a Taliban spokesman confirmed. Zabiullah Mujahid, a purported Taliban spokesman, tweeted that the 20 will be handed over to International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in southern Kandahar province. Earlier on Sunday, the Afghan government released 100 Taliban inmates from Bagram prison in eastern Parwan province, bringing to 300 the number of Taliban inmates freed since Wednesday. On March 11, Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani issued a decree to release 5,000 Taliban inmates on parole and the release of the first 1,500 prisoners was planned to start on March 14, by freeing 100 prisoners every day, but the process was repeatedly delayed. The exchange process is part of a peace deal inked between the Taliban and the United States signed in Qatar capital Doha on Feb. 29, however, the Afghan government was not a signatory of the deal. The Taliban also agreed to launch direct peace talks with the government and accepted to free 1,000 Afghan government security force members. Munn, of the 2100 block of West Bradley Place in the North Center neighborhood, was taken into custody at his home Friday night by officers with the Great Lakes Fugitive Regional Task Force. While in police custody, prosecutors said Munn admitted taking a swing at Balde out of loyalty to his friend but said he was only trying to push the victim to the ground. Burgan Bank, the second largest bank by assets in Kuwait, has announced plans to distribute 12 fils per share as cash dividends for the FY 2019 after the board's proposal was approved by the shareholders at its 54th Ordinary Annual General Assembly meeting held today (April 12). The Kuwaiti bank had witnessed solid growth during FY2019, registering a net profit of KD84.7 million ($272 million) for the year ending December 31, 2019, up 3 per cent over the previous year. Accordingly, the return on shareholders equity recorded 10%. It had achieved for the fiscal year 2019 a total revenue of KD248.2 million with a net interest margin of 2.7% in addition to achieving strong levels of non-interest income (33% in FY19 compared to 31% in FY18). The group also succeeded in reducing operating expenses by KD9.5 million and improving the cost-to-income ratio by 90 basis points. In order to ensure the safety of the attendees during the current Covid-19 situation, the bank undertook precautionary measures through the provision of sterilizers, gloves, masks, followed safe and social distancing, in addition to on-ground medical staff, and provided a live broadcast to follow up on the meeting remotely. Speaking at the meeting, Chairman Majed Essa Al Ajeel said these strong results for 2019 reflect the banks focus on achieving high value profits, operational efficiency and improving the quality of assets with a clear goal of maximizing returns for shareholders. The quality of the assets also witnessed further improvement, as non-performing loans recorded 2.5% in FY19 (a decrease of 20 basis points year on year), while the loan coverage ratio improved further to record 200% (compared to 168% for FY18). The cost of credit also improved to record 110 basis points, compared to 140 basis points for the 2018 fiscal year. Burgan's loan portfolio for the fiscal year 2019 recorded a growth of 1%, which reflects the cautious growth methodology pursued by the group in the subsidiary bank markets, while the focus was on the main market (Kuwait), where the loan portfolio witnessed 8% growth. Moreover, during FY19, customer deposits with Burgan Bank increased by 6%, which in turn led to an increase in the diversity of the bank's funding base.-TradeArabia News Service With Nizamuddin emerging as a coronavirus hotspot, there's been much verbal confusion relating to a Muslim sect whose global centre is located in the area. Suddenly, politicians are blaming the 'Markaz' for the spread of the coronavirus in India. Of course, the sect cannot be absolved of its role in the episode but why blame the Centre? Yes, the word 'Markaz' means 'Centre' and is at times used in Urdu as a short form for central government. Just as in English the word 'Centre' is linked with the central government, in Urdu 'Markaz' is linked with markazi hakumat (hakumat means government). Paradoxically, while targeting this sect, by using the word 'Markaz', most people have not bothered to ask themselves exactly what or who they are blaming. In all probability, 90 per cent of Indian Muslims and more than 90 per cent of Indians are not really familiar with this sect. Let us accept it, those who are somewhat familiar with Nizamuddin associate the area with Sufism. However, this Islamic sect that is being blamed for the corona spread is not at all linked with Sufism. Rather, the building in Nizamuddin is the global centre of the Tablighi Jamaat, an offshoot of the Deobandi order, which was founded to eclipse Sufism. Muslims across the subcontinent are roughly divided into two orders, Deobandi and Barelvi. While the latter give importance to Sufism, the former choose to stay clear of it. Their reach is primarily confined to the subcontinent. If they have spread to some parts of the world, it is because people of this region settled there. In essence, this 'division' in Muslim society is not as strict as the caste system in India. Many families have members adhering to different orders, or none at all. It is all a matter of personal choice. In fact, quite a significant number arent even aware of these two orders. Those who wish to visit Sufi places do so out of their choice and not because they are for or against any order. Mention the words 'Deobandi' and 'Barelvi' to a person from any of the West Asian Muslim countries, chances are that he or she would wonder as to what is being talked about. Social divisions within the Indian Muslim society are totally different from those in other parts of the world. But people in those parts of the world would certainly be familiar with the word 'markaz', it being a word of Arabic origin. It means 'centre' for them too. It is possible that the Indian news outlets which blamed the Markaz for the corona spread may have befuddled people in other parts of the world. What a blunder! Rather than blaming the Markaz (that is, the Centre), it would have been more appropriate to hold the Tabligh-i-Jamaats Nizamuddin office specifically responsible for not calling off its congregation. Of course, this may be countered by saying, why should only a Muslim group be blamed when other religious groups too disobeyed restrictions on assembly? This is not a religious issue. The coronavirus is not spreading by taking into account the religious or national identity of its target. Yet, the sects mistake did give scope for the spread of communal messages targeting not just its members, but the entire Indian Muslim community. At the same time, it is a fact that the Indian community did see through the fake news accusing the Tablighi Jamaat of all kinds of other activities. A strong percentage of the population came out questioning such news. While those who did not take precautions against the spread of the coronavirus cannot be excused, their error too cannot be used as a pretext to spread communal hatred in the country. Let us admit it, such tactics are often used to divert peoples attention when crucial things have been mishandled by key leaders. Of course, a lot can be said about why this scheduled meeting of the Tablighi Jamaat did not catch the attention of authorities earlier. Why were its members coming from other countries not tested at airports? Why were they granted visas at a time like this? Ironically, each of these questions can be used to blame the Centre (Markaz) for not taking appropriate steps in time. Unwittingly, use of the word Markaz and not Tablighi Jamaat is equivalent to blaming the central government for not realising the threat of the corona virus the day the first case was reported. To the people at large, Nizamuddin has always been more than the location of the Tablighi Jamaat's HQ. It has always been more famous as a centre of Sufism, a place where outsiders feed the poor irrespective of the religion they belong to. The poverty that is forcing migrant workers to walk home or the relentless spread of the coronavirus are not influenced by anyones religious identity. Those who attempt to impute such linkages are displaying their own failing. They are blowing communal bubbles which are likely to burst sooner or later. India is well-prepared to handle a surge in Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, with over a hundred thousand isolation beds available across the 601 Covid-19 dedicated hospitals, the Union health ministry said on Sunday, adding that at present only 1,671 patients needed hospitalisation. Health ministry joint secretary, Lav Agarwal, said they there were focusing on strengthening infrastructure and surveillance as part of the strategy to manage positive cases. If you ask what is our strategy in managing positive cases, then I would say infrastructure and manpower strengthening, and surveillance. The number of available beds [105,980 ] in proportion to the number of required beds has been far higher, our analysis shows, so there is no need to fear about the adequate availability of beds, Agarwal said at a media briefing. Apart from the dedicated Covid-19 hospitals, some prominent hospitals in the country such as the All India institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi and Safdarjung Hospital have separate beds and blocks for those suffering from Covid-19, the government has said. About 80% cases with no or mild symptoms can be housed in Covid-19 care facilities equipped with all basic medical care required, and about 15% [cases] with moderate symptoms will be admitted to Covid-19 health facilities that will have oxygen support. Patients with serious symptoms will be kept in Covid-19 hospitals that are equipped with ventilators and advanced Intensive Care Units. The previous two facilities will be linked to a hospital, and will have an ambulance to transport a patient in case the symptoms turn severe, said Agarwal. The government is also looking to make use of the private and government medical colleges laboratories to increase the countrys testing capacity, according to Agarwal. They have the laboratories to do the molecular testing, if given a little training and resources, these labs can be utilised for testing purposes, said Dr Sanjeev Bagai, chairman and managing director, Nephron Clinic. Ten institute of national repute such as AIIMS, Delhi and Bengalurus National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences have been identified to mentor these medical colleges, the health ministry said. AIIMS, Delhi has been conducting webinars on a regular basis to train doctors, nurses, paramedics and our field staff involved in Covid-19 management. The training programme can be scaled up to include these medical colleges as well so that these can also be utilized in disease management and testing, said Agarwal. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the countrys apex biomedical research organisation, has tested 1,86, 906 samples for Covid-19 since January 24, with a positive percentage of 4.3%. If you look at last five days, 15,750 samples on an average were tested per day [across the country], with an average of 584 positive cases. There are 151 government laboratories and 68 private labs performing tests, said Dr Manoj Murhekar, director, National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai. India does not have a Covid-19 vaccine candidate as of now but at least 40 vaccine-related research projects are currently on across the globe. There is no news of any successful attempt as of now. These trials havent reached the next level, he added. Dispelling doubts on shortage of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a drug that has shown some promise against Covid-19, in the country, Agarwal said that there was no dearth of HCQ and it was being exported to 13 countries, including the US, in the first batch. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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 The low mortality, high recovery rates and a decline in the number of Covid-19 cases indicate Kerala is moving towards flattening the curve, the state government said on Sunday while adding it was too early to lower its guard. The state reported just two more cases on Sunday as its tally went up to 376. Officials said 36 patients have been discharged over the last one week and the number of those discharged is almost double of the new cases. Kerala, which reported the first Covid-19 case in India in January, was the worst hit state by the pandemic in March before Maharastra pushed it to the second spot. Eight states apart from Maharashtra have since reported more cases than Kerala. According to state health ministry data, at least 62 cases were detected since March 5 while the number of patients discharged in the corresponding period is 124. After Kottayam , Idukki district is now free of Covid-19 after all 10 patients were discharged. Now 500 people are under observation in their homes in Idukki and none of them have shown any symptoms of the disease over the last two weeks, said the district administration. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan underlined it is too early to say the worst is over and asked the state machinery to remain vigilant. He asked the health ministry to make use of the lean period to step up medical infrastructure. Statistics show we have a good grip on the disease and things will turn in our favour soon. But the time is not to lower our guard. If some lapses take place, things will go topsy-turvy...we have examples of some developed countries before us, he said. Health and finance ministers K K Shailaja and Thomas Issac echoed Vijayan. Public health expert Dr B Ramankutty said it is a new virus and nobody has any idea about its behaviour. No doubt, the state has got some control over cases. It is too early to say the state is on the verge of flattening the curve. It has to continue its surveillance and increase its medical infrastructure, he said . Indian Medical Association office bearer Dr Sreejith N Kumar said the lockdown has had desired effects. It has proved again social distancing is the best medicine. This is the time for some homework. In Kerala, each sector will have to devise plans on how to phase out the lockdown and work in the changed scenario. But of course zero case scenario is too far, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chinese authorities are now offering a 9% rebate on the export of animal products, such as edible snakes and turtles, primate meat, beaver and civet musk, and rhino horns, despite banning their domestic trade, the Wall Street Journal reports. Why it matters: Encouraging wild animal sales abroad "could spread the risk to global markets," according to a Congressional Research Service report cited by the WSJ. Chinas National Peoples Congress in February banned the sale and consumption of wild animals in the country. "The prominent problem of recklessly eating wild animals and its potential risk to public health have aroused wide public concern, a spokesperson said at the time, according to WSJ. WSJ: "Although health authorities have yet to identify the precise cause of the [coronavirus] outbreak, a study by the Wuhan Institute of Virology, based on patient samples, found a 96% genetic match with a bat coronavirus. Another Chinese study suggested snakes sold in a Wuhan market were the source." Go deeper: China reopens Wuhan after 10-week coronavirus lockdown The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Enforcement Team, has confirmed the arrest of a cleric, a Turkish and an Angolan for violating the presidential lockdown directive in the FCT aimed at curtailing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Abuja. Ikharo Attah, Chairman of the FCTA Enforcement Team on Movement Restrictions, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said that the team has also impounded no fewer than 269 vehicles for violating the presidential stay-at-home order. We got to Area one Roundabout, where a particular man was arrested with four military caps, he put one army cap in his boot, then another one for Nigeria Air Force and two other ones for Nigeria Navy, all in one vehicle. We arrested and handed him over to the FCT Commissioner of Police. Then we also had another case of a man whose vehicle was taken to VIO office in Area one and immediately, he decided to strip himself naked, removed all his clothes in protest that he must work, that he did not believe in the existence of COVID-19, he said. We also arrested the Imam of Wuye Jummaat Mosque because we received several complaints that the Imam had held a congregational prayer on Friday. But that Friday, we were at Kuje, we could not have come back within five minutes. So we got there today and invited him to come and explain; and we cautioned him at the FCT Police Command, Garki. We also arrested two expatriates at Glo Junction for violating the presidential order, going out without permit. We arrested a Turkish man and an man Angolan. Theyve been handed over to the police in taken to the Maitama, he said. He warned the FCT residents, particularly uniformed personnel and diplomats against violating the lockdown order of President Muhammadu Buhari. (NAN) San Francisco, April 12 : Russian space agency Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin took on SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, saying he has disrupted the space launch market with predatory pricing which has forces Russia to reduce its own launch prices for other countries. In a Twitter post on Saturday, Rogozin wrote: "Instead of honest competition on the market for space launches, they are lobbying for sanctions against us and use price dumping with impunity". The issue was then raised by Twittrati. Eric Berger, senior space editor at Ars Technica, tweeted: "What's specious about these arguments is that no Russians or Europeans complained when ULA got far higher 'subsidies.' But now that SpaceX comes along with a commercial rocket far cheaper than competitors, it's suddenly totally unfair. Musk replied to Berger, taking a dig at Russian space agency chief: "SpaceX rockets are 80% reusable, theirs are 0%. This is the actual problem". The Donald Trump administration aims to end its dependency on Russia for sending rockets and cargo to space, and is aggressively pushing the US space players like Musk's SpaceX, Boeing and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin to take over. NASA selected SpaceX and Boeing to create integrated spacecraft, rockets and associated systems to carry astronauts on NASA missions in September 2014. SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule earlier completed its unmanned flight test to the space station. SpaceX is scheduled to send astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) in May on board its reusable Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsules will also start transporting tourists to the ISS next year. In January, SpaceX successfully launched an emergency abort system test above Cape Canaveral and into the Atlantic Ocean. NASA has also picked SpaceX to provide launch services for the agency's Psyche mission that would journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid, also named Psyche, which orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. The Psyche mission currently is targeted to launch in July 2022 on a Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the US space agency said in a statement recently. The total cost for NASA to launch Psyche and the secondary payloads is approximately $117 million, which includes the launch service and other mission related costs. 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 in the hope of staying to play in the Australian Open.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 on Monday was due to start at the Federal Circuit and Family Court at 10am but was delayed multiple times due to technical issues. According to local reports, Judge Anthony Kelly said a professor and an eminently qualified physician have produced and provided to the applicant a medical exemption.Further to that, that medical exemption and the basis on which it was given was separately given by a further independent expert specialist panel, established by the Victorian state government. And that document was in the hands of the delegate.And the point Im somewhat agitated about is, was what more could this man have done? Judge Kelly asked.Footage by Slobodan Bendjo shows fans waving Serbian flags and dancing outside the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne. Credit: Slobodan Bendjo via Storyful UPDATE MONDAY: Severe thunderstorms, 50-70 mph winds make for dangerous mix. Coronavirus testing sites closed. While Easter Sunday is shaping up to be pleasant and mild in New Jersey, the weather will take an abrupt turn overnight as rain rolls in and sets the stage for a downright nasty Monday that could bring strong thunderstorms, hail and possible wind gusts of up to 70 mph. The National Weather Service is calling for a widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain through the overnight and into Monday morning before most of the precipitation clears out in the afternoon. Winds of 25 to 30 mph could gust as high as 70 mph across a large chunk of New Jersey, knocking down trees and power lines with possible widespread outages. Forecasters also havent ruled out the possibility of a tornado. The heavy rain will be mostly late tonight, through the overnight through tomorrow morning, Valerie Meola, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service told NJ Advance Media on Sunday. During the day tomorrow, its going to be windy all day mainly the morning through the afternoon. The high winds could cause trouble for temporary shelters and tents for coronavirus testing sites and screening areas outside hospitals. FORECAST: Windy, rainy conditions are expected tomorrow, which may cause power outages. Be prepared: Avoid unnecessary travel Maintain social distancing Beware of downed power lines Charge your phone Report a power outage: https://t.co/ivFNz3DX2J pic.twitter.com/KVEZskF8W6 Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 12, 2020 On Sunday afternoon, the weather service upgraded its previous advisories to high wind warnings for 10 central and South Jersey counties - Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean and Salem counties. Counties closer to the shore will have 30 to 40 mph winds on Monday with gusts of 60 to 70, while counties further inland can expect 25 to 35 mph winds with gusts of 50 to 60 anytime between 6 a.m and 7 p.m. Monday. A high wind watch is effect for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday. Winds that blow out of the south are likely at 20 to 30 mph, but could could gust as high as 70 mph in Hudson County and 65 in the other four counties. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph in New Jersey on Monday, April 13, 2020, according to AccuWeather.com In addition, the weather service issued advisories Sunday afternoon for Hunterdon, Sussex, Somerset Warren and Morris counties. Winds of 20 to 30 mph in those counties could gust as high as 50. The advisories also run from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. AccuWeather.com is a bit more conservative - pegging the highest wind gusts at 45 to 55 mph statewide. Clouds will increase through the afternoon on Sunday, but temperatures will be mild in the mid 60s to around 70. Temperatures will fall into the 50s overnight. Dry conditions returns on Tuesday with highs in the mid to upper 50s. Multiple threats can be expected over the next 24 hours. Very strong winds, severe weather, heavy rainfall, even coastal... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Sunday, April 12, 2020 Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Kate Middleton just dished on her and Prince Georges all-time favorite celebrity. The Duchess of Cambridge is currently under lockdown at her country estate, Anmer Hall, with her husband, Prince William, and their three children. Kate has crossed paths with a bunch of celebrities over the years, but her favorite entertainer of all time might surprise royal watchers and he actually has a long history with the royal family. Prince George, Kate Middleton, and Princess Charlotte | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Kate Middleton continues work from home Like other members of the royal family, Kate and William have canceled most of their upcoming engagements due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although they are practicing social distancing and staying home, the couple has been hard at work behind-the-scenes. Before the Easter holiday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in their first royal engagement via video conference. The couple spoke with staff members and children from Lancashires Casterton Primary Academy. William and Kate carry out their first royal engagement via video call | Daily Mail Online https://t.co/jZd8GsLPWi Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) April 8, 2020 The staff members are watching the children of medical professionals and essential workers who are not allowed to stay home during the pandemic. During the interview, Kate and William answered a bunch of questions from the staff and children, including who is the favorite celebrity they have met over the years. In a surprising twist, Kate revealed that she actually shares a favorite entertainer with her oldest son, Prince George. Who is Kate and Prince Georges favorite celebrity? Kate has met quite a few stars over the years, including Reese Witherspoon and Olivia Colman, but there is one celebrity who is at the top of her and Georges list. According to People, Kate revealed that the British broadcaster David Attenborough is her and Georges favorite celebrity of all time. Anita Ghidotti, who took part in the video conference, revealed that one of the children at the Casterton Primary Academy asked Kate Middleton and Prince William who is their favorite celebrity. Kate explained how George is a big fan of Attenboroughs Blue Planet show, which is why he is their favorite entertainer. Kate Middleton and David Attenborough have whale of a time at unveiling https://t.co/Bjbfj4jsWl pic.twitter.com/Lk6lss53me Evening Standard (@standardnews) July 13, 2017 The kids also asked them what the best famous person was that they had met something I bet they dont get asked very often! Ghidotti shared. The Duchess said that George has been watching lots of David Attenborough, Blue Planet and the like, so that would probably be hers. William, meanwhile, noted that the person at the top of his list is actually not a celebrity. Instead, the Duke of Cambridges favorite person is Ghidotti, who is the acting head of the Pendle Education Trust. Inside the royal familys connection to David Attenborough Apart from being huge fans of Blue Planet, Kate Middleton and the rest of the royal family have a deeper connection to Attenborough. In fact, Attenborough has collaborated with several members of the royal family over the years, mostly in the realm of environmental projects. Last fall, for example, Attenborough was present for the naming of a new research vessel that will be exploring the polar region, the RRS Sir David Attenborough. Prince Charles has used a speech at the launch of Sir David Attenborough's new series to praise his sons for following his lead championing environmental issues. Read more: https://t.co/Lh0pTcmOsd pic.twitter.com/EA0tt7F5YQ ITV News (@itvnews) April 4, 2019 In January of last year, Attenborough and William sat down to discuss environmental issues at the World Economic Forum. That following spring, William, Prince Charles, and Prince Harry, joined Attenborough for the premiere of Our Planet in London. Kate has met Attenborough several times over the years. Their most recent encounter was during the naming of the polar research ship. Considering how George is also a huge fan of Attenboroughs work, it is safe to say their paths will likely cross as well. Inside Kate Middletons homeschooling routine Apart from continuing her royal duties via video calls, Kate has been busy homeschooling her three children. Although Kate has been a vocal opponent of homeschooling, her hand was forced when the United Kingdom closed all schools due to the coronavirus pandemic. A source told Us Magazine that Kate is making the most of the situation and is handling the majority of the lesson planning. William is lending a helping hand and has been teaching George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis as well. How Kate Middleton, Prince William will homeschool their children https://t.co/94qKBxeKAP HOLA! USA (@USAHOLA) March 23, 2020 Being educated from home is a shock to the system for, the source revealed. To begin with, they were easily distracted and wanted to play together instead of sitting at a computer, but Kates now got them into a routine. [She] is mainly in charge of the homeschooling and playtimes, but William is also very involved too. The insider added that the Duchess of Cambridge has limited the use of electronics in the home and is encouraging her children to play outside more. Kate Middleton and Prince William will likely remain at Anmer Hall until the coronavirus pandemic is more under control. Exactly when schools in the UK will re-open, however, is yet to be seen. Scientists from Beijing examined surfaces and air samples in a Chinese hospital where the coronavirus pandemic began Associated Press Coronavirus can spread up to 4 m from an infected person. This is stated in a study by a team of scientists from the Beijing Academy of Military Medical Sciences, published in the journal of the US Centers for Disease Control, The Express reports. Scientists examined the surfaces and air samples taken in the intensive care unit and the Covid-19 sickroom in a hospital in Wuhan, where the coronavirus pandemic began. They found an aerosol with a virus at a distance of 4 m from the diseased. Scientists emphasize that at such a distance the coronavirus did not retain the ability to infect in all cases. It was also found that the virus was contained in half of the samples from the soles of the shoes of hospital staff. Scientists suggest that medical shoes may be one of the carriers of the disease. Related: United States becomes leader in death toll from coronavirus In Ukraine, the number of coronavirus infected increased to 2,777, as the press service of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reported. During the day, the number of cases in Ukraine increased by 266 cases. As of 9:00 on April 12, 83 deaths were recorded in Ukraine, 89 patients recovered. EDITORIAL: The best lies ahead of an Easter in darkness A Kentucky judge has overruled a ban on drive-in church services in Louisville ahead of Easter Sunday, citing the move 'unconstitutional' and something 'out of a dystopian novel'. On Fire Christian Church filed a suit against Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and the city after Fischer announced that drive-in style religious gatherings were not allowed on Easter because they are not 'practical or safe' due to the coronavirus pandemic. US District Judge Justin Walker ruled in favor of the church on Saturday and said Louisville cannot put a stop to the services. This comes as authorities in Mississippi enforced a similar ban, with footage circulating on social media of police officers shutting down a service in Greenville on Thursday. On Fire Christian Church filed a suit against Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer (pictured) and the city after Fischer announced that drive-in style religious gatherings were not allowed on Easter because they are not 'practical or safe' due to the coronavirus pandemic On Fire Christian Church (pictured) won the suit and has been allowed to hold drive-in church services Judge Walker blasted the ban in Kentucky as something out of the 'pages of a dystopian novel'. 'On Holy Thursday, an American mayor criminalized the communal celebration of Easter,' said Walker, who was recently nominated by President Donald Trump for a seat on the powerful US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. 'That sentence is one that this Court never expected to see outside the pages of a dystopian novel, or perhaps the pages of The Onion.' He said the city is prohibited from 'enforcing; attempting to enforce; threatening to enforce; or otherwise requiring compliance with any prohibition on drive-in church services at On Fire.' Walker added that: 'The Mayor's decision is stunning. And it is, beyond all reason, unconstitutional.' He also noted that drive-thru restaurants and liquor stores were still allowed to operate in the area. US District Judge Justin Walker (right with Mitch McConnell) ruled in favor of the church on Saturday and said Louisville cannot put a stop to the services The judge's decision was welcomed by Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul The judge's decision was welcomed by Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul who tweeted: 'Thank God for a judge who understands the First Amendment prevents the government from prohibiting the free government exercise of religion.' The ruling came as Republicans blasted Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's statewide plan to order people into quarantine if they attend mass gatherings, saying it unfairly singles out religious services. Under the new action, people seen participating in mass gatherings in Kentucky this weekend will have their license plate numbers recorded by authorities, who will provide the information to local health departments. Health officials will contact each participant and require them to go into quarantine for 14 days. Beshear, a deacon at his church, said the action was needed to prevent an Easter weekend acceleration of the coronavirus. Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a statewide plan to order people into quarantine if they attend mass gatherings, including religious gatherings Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron slammed the move saying it unfairly singles out religious services. 'Directing a uniformed presence at church services to record the identity of worshippers and to force a quarantine, while doing no such thing for the people gathered at retail stores or obtaining an abortion, is the definition of arbitrary,' Cameron said in a tweet on Saturday. At the same time, Cameron encouraged people to celebrate Easter at home and continue to practice social distancing. President Trump last week toyed with the idea of allowing churches a social distancing exemption to celebrate Easter. 'And I brought it up before, I said, maybe we could allow special - for churches - maybe we could talk about it, maybe we could allow them for great separation outside on Easter Sunday,' he said at the White House press briefing last Saturday. 'But somebody did say that, 'well, then you're sort of opening up to that little - do we want to take a chance in doing that when we've been doing so well?'' The president then said like many Americans he would watch both Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday services on his laptop. Kentucky had nearly 1,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus and its death toll stood at 90 as of Friday. Cops shut down Mississippi drive-in church service after local mayor bans Easter worship amid coronavirus lockdown Police shut down a drive-in service in Greenville Thursday Cops shut down a drive-in church service in Mississippi after the local mayor banned all Easter worship amid the coronavirus lockdown. Police were caught on camera shutting down a drive-in service held by Reverend James Hamilton of the King James Baptist Church in Greenville Thursday, after people flocked to attend the service while social distancing in their cars. Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons banned all in-person church services as part of Mississippi's shelter-in-place order to slow the spread of coronavirus. Parishioners hoping to gather together for Easter weekend have tried to sidestep the ban by holding drive-in church services where they can maintain social distancing by staying in their cars. The state's shelter-in-place order did not specify a ban on drive-in services, but the mayor's office said in a press release that churches are 'strongly encouraged to hold services via Facebook Live, Zoom, Free Conference Call, and any and all other social media, streaming and telephonic platforms.' In an intense video posted on Reverend Hamilton's Facebook account, officers were seen putting a stop to his service in Greenville on Thursday. In the footage, police were seen breaking up the service, ordering parishioners to leave or face a $500 fine, Magnolia State Live reported. 'I'm a good citizen, I ain't breaking no law. I ain't selling no drugs. I'm just preaching the word of God. Look at all these police cars here,' Hamilton is heard exclaiming in the video. He spoke of his disbelief that drive-in church services are being broken up and churches are classed as non-essential businesses while liquor stores can operate curbside services and remain open as essential businesses. 'Liquor and beer has killed more people than coronavirus ever would,' Hamilton told Fox News. Advertisement Donald Trump skips his daily coronavirus update for first time in a month as he reveals he will watch Easter Sunday service by controversial pastor who said Islam 'promotes pedophilia' and homosexuality is 'filthy' Donald Trump has skipped his daily coronavirus update for the first time in a month as he reveals he will tune in to an Easter Sunday service with a controversial pastor who says Islam 'promotes pedophilia' and homosexuality is 'filthy'. The president was notable by his absence on Easter Saturday as he failed to hold a coronavirus task force press briefing or any public update on the virus, which has now infected more than 530,000 Americans. Trump has been addressing the nation on a daily basis, usually from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the White House, since mid-March as the nation has grappled to bring the pandemic under control. But on the day that the US became the deadliest nation in the world from coronavirus, as its death toll inched past hard-hit Italy's and topped 20,000, and on the eve of the day he had previously vowed the nation would reopen from the pandemic, the president was nowhere to be seen. The president skipped his daily coronavirus update for the first time in a month on Easter Saturday as he takes an Easter break. Trump has been addressing the nation on a daily basis, usually from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the White House, since mid-March as the nation has grappled to bring the pandemic under control Instead, Trump simply tweeted to wish Americans a 'safe and blessed Easter Sunday' and to plug controversial pastor and his evangelical adviser Robert Jeffress whose service he said he will be watching remotely. 'Wishing all a safe and blessed Easter Sunday. I will be tuning into Pastor @robertjeffress at firstdallas.org/liveworship Church in Dallas, Texas tomorrow morning at 10:20 AM Eastern,' his tweet said. Trump's choice of pastor and one of his evangelical advisers has long been a source of concern for some due to the pastor's extreme right-wing views. Jeffress, pastor of the 4,000-member First Baptist Church in Dallas and a Fox News contributor, has sparked controversy on many occasions for his homophobic and anti-Islam comments. Back in 2010, Jeffress said Islam 'promotes pedophilia'. 'The deep, dark, dirty secret of Islam: It is a religion that promotes pedophilia sex with children. This so-called prophet Muhammad raped a 9-year-old girl had sex with her,' he said. He seemed to be taking an Easter break and instead tweeted to wish Americans 'a safe and blessed Easter Sunday'. He also plugged an Easter Sunday service with controversial pastor and his evangelical adviser Robert Jeffress Jeffress is known for saying Islam 'promotes pedophilia' and is an 'evil religion'. He has called homosexuality 'filthy' in the past and claimed Barack Obama was 'paving the way' for the Antichrist A few weeks later, he stood by his comments and even rallied Christians and conservatives to stand up to 'this evil, evil religion'. The pastor is also known for his discriminatory comments towards the LGBT community, having branded homosexuality 'filthy' and 'degrading'. 'What they [homosexuals] do is filthy. It is so degrading that it is beyond description. And it is their filthy behavior that explains why they are so much more prone to disease,' he said. The controversy doesn't end there, after he has made no secret of his Republican views and even used his faith to promote his political support of Trump. Former President Barack Obama was 'paving the way' for the Antichrist', according to Jeffress in 2012. Trump with First Lady Melania Trump (right) and daughter Tiffany Trump (left) arrive for Easter service at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach on Easter Sunday 2018 Trump, accompanied by a person dressed as the Easter Bunny, at the 141st Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in 2019 By contrast, he agreed that Trump has been chosen by God to run America. Citing the New Testament, Jeffress claimed in August 2017 that, 'In the case of North Korea, God has given Trump authority to take out Kim Jong Un.' Even when reports of Trump's unholy past reared its head when it emerged in 2018 that hush money was paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, Jeffress brushed it off saying voters 'knew they weren't voting for an altar boy' when they appointed him as their president. As he watches the pastor's service remotely, it will mark the first time since Trump entered the White House that he has remained in Washington DC for the Easter weekend. Over the last three years, the president and his family have traveled to Mar-a-Lago in Florida and enjoyed spending the holidays with a brunch on the lawn of his Palm Beach estate and attending a service at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, an Episcopal church where Trump and First Lady Melania married in 2005. The annual White House Easter Egg Roll, one of the oldest White House traditions, has also been cancelled. The event has only ever been canceled on two other occasions since 1878 - during World War I and World War II. His office said the purpose of the initiative is not just to provide meals to those on the front lines of the COVID-19 struggle, but to support local restaurants whose business has suffered because of the pandemic. He rose to fame after appearing on Angie Kent's season of The Bachelorette. And on Sunday, Jackson Garlick dressed up as Tiger King star Joe Exotic in a cheeky shoot he posted to Instagram. The 25-year-old reality star got into full character as Joe, the former zookeeper and murder-for-hire convict who is the centre of the Netflix docuseries. Goofing around: The Bachelorette star Jackson Garlick (left) dressed up as Tiger King star Joe Exotic (right) in a cheeky Instagram post on Sunday 'You don't have to tell me... I know I've lost the plot. Never had it if I'm honest,' he wrote underneath the video. Jackson didn't hold back from getting dressed up for the occasion, wearing a long blond wig, snakeskin printed shirt and denim jeans. In lieu of an actual tiger, Jackson sat beside his younger brother, who was dressed in a full body lion suit. Impressive! The 25-year-old reality star got into full character as Joe, the former zookeeper and murder-for-hire convict who is the centre of the Netflix docu-series Going for it! Jackson didn't hold back from getting dressed up for the occasion, wearing a long blond wig, snakeskin printed shirt and denim jeans Jackson, who will soon appear on Bachelor in Paradise, is heard putting on his best Southern American accent as he channels the breakout star. 'My name is Joe Exotic... I've had two boyfriends most of my life... recently got married, thank god it's become legal in the USA,' he tells the camera. In another video later posted to Jackson's Instagram, he appears to struggle to take off his eye makeup - asking his followers for advice. Handsome: 'I thought I was committed to the look before, but I cannot get this eyeliner of my eyes so now I'm going to look like Jack Sparrow for the rest of the night - or Timm Hanly,' he joked 'I thought I was committed to the look before, but I cannot get this eyeliner of my eyes so now I'm going to look like Jack Sparrow for the rest of the night - or Timm Hanly,' he joked. Joe is currently in prison for his failed attempt to take a hit out on his rival Carole Baskin. Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness is available now on Netflix Kids Easter Bunny and Chicken's Hunt in Lockdown Britain, Ecclesall Woods, Sheffield It's Easter in lockdown Britain, so here's a quick trip to the woods near where we live, time for Eliza's Easter bunny and chickens hunt. Hopefully better times are just around the corner (Ecclesall Woods, Sheffield). Ensure to subscribe to our youtube channel for new videos in our coronavirus series. By N Walayat http://www.walayatfamily.com Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. If you own shares in Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSE:BLDP) then it's worth thinking about how it contributes to the volatility of your portfolio, overall. In finance, Beta is a measure of volatility. Modern finance theory considers volatility to be a measure of risk, and there are two main types of price volatility. The first type is company specific volatility. Investors use diversification across uncorrelated stocks to reduce this kind of price volatility across the portfolio. The second type is the broader market volatility, which you cannot diversify away, since it arises from macroeconomic factors which directly affects all the stocks on the market. Some stocks see their prices move in concert with the market. Others tend towards stronger, gentler or unrelated price movements. Beta can be a useful tool to understand how much a stock is influenced by market risk (volatility). However, Warren Buffett said 'volatility is far from synonymous with risk' in his 2014 letter to investors. So, while useful, beta is not the only metric to consider. To use beta as an investor, you must first understand that the overall market has a beta of one. Any stock with a beta of greater than one is considered more volatile than the market, while those with a beta below one are either less volatile or poorly correlated with the market. Check out our latest analysis for Ballard Power Systems What we can learn from BLDP's beta value Looking at the last five years, Ballard Power Systems has a beta of 1.69. The fact that this is well above 1 indicates that its share price movements have shown sensitivity to overall market volatility. Based on this history, investors should be aware that Ballard Power Systems are likely to rise strongly in times of greed, but sell off in times of fear. Share price volatility is well worth considering, but most long term investors consider the history of revenue and earnings growth to be more important. Take a look at how Ballard Power Systems fares in that regard, below. Story continues TSX:BLDP Income Statement April 12th 2020 Does BLDP's size influence the expected beta? Ballard Power Systems is a reasonably big company, with a market capitalisation of CA$3.0b. Most companies this size are actively traded with decent volumes of shares changing hands each day. It takes a lot of money to influence the share price of large companies like this one. That makes it interesting to note that its share price has a history of sensitivity to market volatility. There might be some aspect of the business that means profits are leveraged to the economic cycle. What this means for you: Since Ballard Power Systems has a reasonably high beta, it's worth considering why it is so heavily influenced by broader market sentiment. For example, it might be a high growth stock or have a lot of operating leverage in its business model. This article aims to educate investors about beta values, but it's well worth looking at important company-specific fundamentals such as Ballard Power Systemss financial health and performance track record. I highly recommend you dive deeper by considering the following: Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for BLDPs future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for BLDPs outlook. Past Track Record: Has BLDP been consistently performing well irrespective of the ups and downs in the market? Go into more detail in the past performance analysis and take a look at the free visual representations of BLDP's historicals for more clarity. Other Interesting Stocks: It's worth checking to see how BLDP measures up against other companies on valuation. You could start with this free list of prospective options. 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| 2020-04-12 22:45:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISTANBUL, April 12 (Xinhua) -- More than 63.6 million people across Turkey were locked down at home on Sunday, the last day of the curfew which was declared on Friday to curb the fast spread of COVID-19 in the country. According to a written statement issued by the Interior Ministry on Sunday, the majority of Turkish citizens, who have been barred from going out, have so far complied with the ban. The lockdown came with a surprise announcement of the Interior Ministry on Friday night, saying it would be put into effect at midnight and would last two days until midnight on Sunday. The ministry said the curfew would cover more than 63.6 million people in 31 out of 81 provinces, including major cities such as Istanbul, the capital Ankara and the western province of Izmir. "Bakeries, hospitals, pharmacies, and workplaces producing health and medical supplies" would continue to operate, the ministry noted in a circular sent to the involved governorates. Local officials have distributed loaves of bread they bought from the bakeries to the public in the neighborhoods, while security forces across the country beefed up their controls to impose the curfew. According to the latest data from the ministry, a total of 18,770 people were fined for violating the curfew. Since Saturday, police from low-flying helicopters have been calling on people to stay at home in the southern province of Adana, a video aired by CNNTurk showed. While the curfew will end at midnight on Sunday, Ibrahim Kalin, the presidential spokesman, said in a televised interview earlier in the day that new lockdown decisions could be possible in the upcoming days. Speaking to CNNTurk, Kalin said the weather condition in the country has been getting better, making people want to go out, which could create an extensive health risk. Turkey has so far registered 52,167 COVID-19 cases and 1,101 deaths. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 15:51:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NEW DELHI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A policeman's hand was chopped off and few others were injured Sunday after a group of people defying lockdown allegedly attacked them in the northern Indian state of Punjab, police said The attack took place at Sanaur vegetable market in Patiala district, about 72 km southwest of Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab. "In an unfortunate incident today morning, a group of Nihangs injured a few police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh," Punjab Police Chief in a brief statement said. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (locally called PGI) is a premier health facility in Chandigarh. The police have identified the attackers as Nihangs -- armed Sikh warriors. Following the attack, the group fled away to Gurdwara (Sikh temple) Khichri Sahib, where, after an initial standoff, the police arrested seven of them. Officials said one of them was wounded in police firing and removed to a hospital. Reports said the clashes broke out after police stopped the group and demanded curfew passes from them for travelling during the lockdown. Punjab government on Friday extended the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown in the state until May 1. Advertisement By The Associated Press Apr. 12, 2020 | CAPE CANAVERAL By The Associated Press Apr. 12, 2020 | 01:42 PM | CAPE CANAVERAL Three astronauts flew to the International Space Station this week, departing the virus-plagued planet with little fanfare and no family members at the launch site to bid them farewell. NASAs Chris Cassidy and Russians Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner arrived at the orbiting lab in their Soyuz capsule six hours after blasting off from Kazakhstan on Thursday. They joined two Americans and one Russian who will return to Earth in a week. There was no social distancing 260 miles up: As they floated into the space station one by one, the new astronauts embraced the three already there. They had been in prelaunch quarantine for the past month. The newest crew members will remain on board until October, keeping the outpost running until SpaceX launches a pair of NASA astronauts from Floridas Kennedy Space Center, as early as next month. It will be the first orbital launch of astronauts from the U.S. since NASAs space shuttle program ended in 2011. Thursdays liftoff was low-key even by Russian standards, given the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe. NASA televised the liftoff live as usual, but only a few Russia-based employees of the space agency were at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The South African government extending the national lockdown will have a devastating impact on many businesses. Economists have said the initial 21-day lockdown was already devastating to the economy, and the extension will only add to this. While high-level analysis of the situation is in no short supply, as well as predictions on how many millions of jobs will be lost, it does not provide tangible insight into what the lockdown is doing to South African businesses. These macro-level effects are also often countered with people before profit arguments. While the national lockdown has helped to stop the spread of the virus and saved lives, positioning health and economic considerations in a diametric fashion is unhelpful. As stated by Efficient Group economist Dawie Roodt: The single biggest killer on this planet is not COVID-19, or measles or cancer. The single biggest killer on this planet is poverty. We cannot pay our staff MyBroadband spoke to a small construction company in Johannesburg, who asked to remain anonymous, about the crippling effect the lockdown was having on it. The company employs just under 30 people, the majority of whom are labourers and artisans. Their main line of work is planned maintenance and new projects, which have come to a grinding halt since the lockdown started. Before the lockdown began, our team would handle around 15 jobs per day. Today, we have two employees on standby who handle emergency callouts only, said the companys operations manager. Due to the lack of work coming in, their cash flow is all but dried up. For the employees who are not on standby, they are at home. We want to support our staff, but we are not in a position to do that. We dont know if we will be able to pay them for April. The manager said they had applied to the governments SMME relief fund for financial support, but after almost two weeks they had not received any feedback. We also applied for UIF for our staff members, but we have not heard anything and neither have our employees. It is hard for me to have so many families dependent on our business working and us paying salaries. Not being in a position to help them through the lockdown it is is something that I am really worried about. Its not only our staff we are concerned about, we have car payments, rent, and supplier bills to pay, but we simply do not have the money. With the extension of the lockdown, the manager said they hope, at the very least, businesses will be allowed to start operating under restrictions. We know the lockdown is necessary to keep people safe, but we just dont know how we will get through it. Restaurants and events companies in trouble Restaurants are yet another casualty of the lockdown regulations and have been forced to close their doors. This has made it incredibly difficult and in some cases not possible to pay staff, suppliers, and rent. One restaurant which MyBroadband saw asking for help on social media was a small Johannesburg outlet, which asked the community to donate money to it. The owner said without the donations, they will not be able to pay salaries in April or pay their rent. While the Department of Tourism has launched a COVID-19 Tourism Relief Fund to assist businesses including restaurants during the lockdown, this fund will be administered in line with the objectives of economic transformation. It will therefore be guided by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment codes. Additionally, the funding businesses may receive is capped at R50,000. The lockdown also paints a bleak picture for events companies, who felt the impact of the pandemic before a national lockdown was even discussed by the public. A big ICT casualty was Mobile World Congress 2020, cancelled in February. It resulted in host city Barcelona losing out on an estimated $500 million in revenue. In South Africa, the situation is dire, with scores of events cancelled in the build-up to the lockdown. Information shared with MyBroadband by an industry insider detailed how a number of local events companies were forced to close even before the lockdown, due to a lack of business. To provide a specific example, one company has 80 staff who are now at home and will not be paid for the foreseeable future, said the insider. The majority of these staff are carpenters, stand builders, and electricians. They are regular working South Africans. When the peripatetic novel coronavirus knocked on American shores, it afforded USA an excludable luxury in the time of any pandemic- the luxury of hindsight. The virus had manifested its biological character and course in China, and its genome had been mapped. All knew it was unfamiliar, had no known treatment or therapeutic prevention. Only non-pharmacological interventions like quarantine, isolation and physical distancing helped in arresting its spread. Yet USA went on to become the epicenter of pandemic and suffered the highest death toll in a short span of time. On April 10, it had 30% of confirmed cases and 18% of COVID-19 deaths in the world. Being the superpower, there was no dearth of intent, expertise or dollars to fight the pandemic. First confirmed case of COVID-19 in US was detected on Jan 21 in Washington state. India, a lower middle-income country, saw her first case on January 30, 2020. India with almost 430 percent of US population and just 14% of US GDP saw far fewer infections and deaths. There are several learnings here, which are reciprocal and of mutual benefit. However, there is a major caveat to this analysis. The USA also experiences a significantly higher air traffic than India and containment would have always been hard comparably. The reasons are as much cultural as these are political. Lets have a quick look at comparative charts for the two nations. Fig 1: Demographic and Economic comparison between India and USA (Source: Author) Fig 2: COVID-19 Statistics: Comparison between India and USA (Source: Author) Learnings from USA Personal Freedoms vs Public Good The first amendment is sanctimoniously revered. Politicians are mortally afraid to do anything that can be seen to encroach on peoples rights. Peoples individual freedoms are seen to be paramount and this makes necessary restrictions on public activities difficult. But extraordinary times require extraordinary responses. Before this was realised, there were thousands of avoidable infections and deaths in the community. Socialism Needs an Unbiased Rethink USA has one of the strongest social security nets among the countries. The delivery of benefits is almost par reflexe. Yet, here, socialism is a four-letter word. The health care system is largely private. This makes coordination among different hospitals and public health officials more challenging than a nationalized health care system like many countries in western Europe. Any well-meaning reform is seen as socialist and is vehemently opposed. Enactment of Obamacare aka Affordable Care Act was a case in point. [Affordable Care Act opponents spent an unprecedented amount of money to convince large segments of the US public of the laws demerits, outspending supporters by about 15 to one- (The United States Health System in Transition John E. McDonough, Harvard)] Profit motive in health care industry afforded little redundancy for dealing with crises of such nature. Consequently, poor Blacks and Hispanics, compellingly out of the medical insurance net, and constrained to work through the crisis are being disproportionately affected by disease and death. Over the last 40 years wages have stagnated in real terms while the price of college has risen eight times as fast and the price of health insurance has also outpaced earnings. (The Guardian) According to Bloomberg.com, top 1% of US rich earn 21% of total income. Fig 3: Gini Coefficient, India and USA (Source: Author), 0 means perfect equality; 1 perfect inequality USA has much more unequal distribution of income in population than India. There have been periodic movements demanding a balance like Occupy Movement. COVID-19 is anticipated to infuse rigor and vitality to such movements. Many positive steps are already taken like President Donald Trump has already put a freeze on interest for federal student loans, while New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has paused all medical and student debt owed to New York State. Democrats and Republicans are discussing suspending collection onor outright cancelingstudent loans as part of a larger economic stimulus package. These might sustain as historically while it is easy to ratchet state spending up, it is much harder to push it down. Disjointed Federal and State Response CDC had significant initial problems in designing and rolling out COVID-19 testing, which made it far harder to gauge the scope of the outbreak. New York Mayor and Governor could not reach consensus on critical timelines of closure of schools and businesses, allowing free reign to pandemic and overwhelming the health facilities. Texas Governor has delegated decision to counties- to each its own. There is no common national response for containment. This shall allow virus to leak through these porosities, and full containment is likely to be prolonged. Alienation of Friends and Allies The way I had it figured, Toruk is the baddest cat in the sky. Nothing attacks him. So why would he ever look up? - Jake Sully, James Camerons Avatar In the movie Avatar, Toruk, a fantastical bird- the apical aerial predator- being naturally selected to not fear any dangers from above, refused to look up; and was thus tamed. We may readily draw comparisons to current geo-political stance of US. USAs geo-political hubris was palpable. US has lost favour with Europe. And equally apparent is Chinas political model clearly based on an authoritarian regime intent on strengthening a deeply illiberal surveillance state at home while also exporting or at least trying to popularize its political and economic development model abroad. (More here) The last few years, it is safe to say, American relationship with many traditional allies has weakened. This makes it harder for the western world to coordinate its response. Allies of US are able to deal with China with more leverage and are preferring to do so. Learnings from India Former Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim ONeill who said Thank God this didnt start in somewhere like India, because theres absolutely no way that the quality of Indian governance could move to react in the way that the Chinese have done might be desperate to find a place to hide, given how effectively and quickly India moved to contain the pandemic. It is very early to celebrate any success over the pandemic, but the fact our efforts have been in the correct direction is borne out by relatively smaller number of cases and deaths despite a mammoth and concentrated population. Central and strong leadership: As the historian John M. Barry wrote in his 2004 book The Great Influenza on the 1918 flu pandemicthe main lesson from that catastrophe is that those in authority must retain the publics trust and the way to do that is to distort nothing, to put the best face on nothing, to try to manipulate no one. Prime minister of India sensed the gravity of the situation early and was prompt to seek trust of the country men on mandatory harsh measures necessary to save lives. Early lockdown at national level pre-empted the pandemic. Currently the Indian nation stands united irrespective of political affiliations at state levels. District level grass root efforts of pandemic suppression are an ode to strong grass roots Indian bureaucracy which activates synchronously during a crisis. It acts swiftly and with single minded purpose. Public servants here are permanent and thus carry institutional memory while having their fingers on the pulse of the local people. Nothing gives me more pride than bureaucrats at all levels engaging directly with people, their mellow demeanors hiding firm resolve and formidable intelligence in dealing with the pandemic. Their efforts are bearing good results. Disaster preparedness: Indias repeated tryst with natural disasters has helped us to perfect a response system where hundreds and thousands of health and other grass roots workers are mobilized swiftly. The acts and rules under disasters are historically tested, effective and free from political influence. Such freedom to take spot decisions and act idiosyncratically to unique ground situations is strength of Indian system of governance. Bill Gates presciently said US and Europe were not well prepared for fighting a sudden pandemic and need to learn from India. Opportune Time for Natural Allies to Come Together The USA and India share liberal and democratic ethos. India is neither willing nor capable of subterfuge unlike China. The platforms for collaboration are infinite and encompass economy, politics, institutions, culture and any combination thereof. Two immediate gravy trains are Biotechnology (Biotech) and Information Technology (IT). Biotech India was generous in supply of Hydroxychloroquine while China threatened to stop supply of antibiotics to US. India is the largest supplier of quality vaccines to the world. It has state of the art vaccine production facilities which can be readily repurposed to produce COVID-19 vaccine, when launched, in bulk and at hugely competitive prices for global supply. Similarly, Indias cost advantage and technical wherewithal in generic pharmacological production shall be a boon to the world for quick and cheap supply of drugs. IT World was already transitioning to newer, more efficient, parsimonious and remote modes of doing business, conducting commerce, consumer engagement and organizational & personal interactions owing to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. COVID-19 has only accelerated the pace of transformation. We must acknowledge that new technologies that created entirely new ways of serving existing needs and significantly disrupted dependence on traditional supply chains have mellowed the disruptive effect of pandemic on the globe. Major shifts were already occurring on demand side, as growing transparency, consumer engagement, and new patterns of consumer behavior (increasingly built upon access to mobile networks and data) forcing companies to adapt the way they design, market, and deliver products and services. Indian IT skilled workers have sustained innovation in Silicon Valley. Indian CEOs are most sought after in this area. More intense collaboration is required today to relentlessly and continuously innovate as our economic survival depends on our quick adaptation to disruptive and remote methods of doing business. The security and strategic danger posed to liberal world order by Chinese hegemony in 5 G technology and Artificial intelligence needs to be effectively countered through this partnership. Geo-Politics India can prove to be a formidable political ally for the USA to balance the Chinese flagship foreign policy initiative, the Belt and Road. China's emerging "Balkan Silk Road" will firmly cement its role in Southeast Europe as a leading lender, investor, and commercial partner in the coming years. Middle East Asia comes in the horizon of the initiative as well. India can help advance democratic principles, institutional freedom and rule of law while guarding US strategic interests in the area. COVID-19, while presenting the world with a dooms-day scenario has also given us an opportunity to pause and rethink. We learn that Nature selects and Nature culls those who are unable to adapt. She is indifferent to how the choice was made, whether due to ignorance or through an act of will. We also take away that economy is but a rental income on human ingenuity and diligence. The third lesson is that Science has to guide, and rationality has to be at forefront in all human endeavors. The choices presented to us today are baffling and arduous, akin to proverbial choice between devil and the deep see- whether to allow removal of work force due to sequestration or disease and death. The fight between lives and livelihoods was never so fractious. Yet there is a silver lining. After the virus has spoken, we have a chance to rewrite the rules so that untold millions of people at the margins are not so vulnerable again. India and USA have similar ethos, and both believe in a fair, free and open society, in which weak are protected, and all have an equal voice and opportunity to grow. COVID-19 gives us an opportunity to come together in helping each other and the world to successfully put this crisis behind us and help the world evolve in a more equitable, generous and peaceful place. Government has redefined the needy and vulnerable to get more people to benefit from the food distribution initiative. The Government, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from the Ministry of Finance, has now included persons who engaged in petty trading of non-edible items and had to stop work due to the stay home directive, as beneficiaries. Previously the vulnerable comprise Kakayei, persons living in slums, street children and adults, persons with a disability, and the aged poor. Mrs Cynthia Mamle Morrison, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the food was for every vulnerable individual and groups, hence the redefinition. She said this while the Ministry, in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the National Disaster Management Organisation, social workers and the Military, distributed packs of cooked food to about 5,000 vulnerable people in Accra. She gave an assurance that the Ministry would continue to support the vulnerable with food as long as the restriction of movement was in force. Mrs Morrison explained that the food collection centre was moved from the Ministry of Health to the Efua Sutherland Childrens Park because of the increase in the number of beneficiaries to ensure the observance of the social distancing. Now, with the relocation, we have been able to share more than 1,000 foods within a short time, she said. The beneficiaries were educated on how to wash their hands, apply alcohol-based hand sanitizers and properly dispose of the food packs to avoid littering the area. Mrs Morrison advised them to observe the social distance protocols and handshakes to stay safe from the respiratory disease. She appealed to the public, individuals and corporate institutions to support the government in its efforts at feeding the needy and vulnerable. However, if anyone wants to support communities with cooked food, they should let us know so that we give them our time-table and itinerary so as not to duplicate efforts and ensure everyone benefitted. 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 Prince Harry has dropped his royal surname after leaving Britain for California with wife Meghan Markle. The Duke of Sussex, 35, is listed as Prince Henry Charles Albert David, Duke of Sussex in documents registering new eco-friendly tourism firm Travalyst, which will feature a grading system for users to track their carbon emissions. He appears to have ditched both his HRH title and the royal family name Mountbatten-Windsor. It comes after the royal launched the firm in Edinburgh during one of his final round of engagements as a senior working royal - and asked delegates 'just to call him Harry'. Prince Harry, 35, has dropped his HRH title and the royal family name Mountbatten-Windsor after leaving Britain for California. Pictured, Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London Harry is listed as Prince Henry Charles Albert David, Duke of Sussex in documents registering new eco-friendly tourism firm Travalyst (pictured) Before he took to the stage, host Ayesha Hazarika, a former Labour adviser, said: 'He's made it clear that we are all just to call him Harry. So ladies and gentlemen, please give a big, warm, Scottish welcome to Harry.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also announced they are launching a new charitable foundation named Archewell early last week. They said they 'look forward' to getting started with the Archewell foundation, which will replace their Sussex Royal brand. The pair also have plans to include their own charity as well as a website, as part of their new venture. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also announced they are launching a new charitable foundation named Archewell early last week. Pictured, Prince Harry and Meghan holding son Archie as they meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Thandeka at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa, 25 September 2019 Harry and Meghan revealed the Greek word in the project Arche meaning source of action was the inspiration behind the name of their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. Further details about the organisation have been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The couple said an announcement will be made 'when the time is right'. However, Harry and Meghan were criticised for the timing of their announcement, which unfortunately coincided with Prime Minister Boris Johnson being moved into intensive care with coronavirus. Royal biographer Phil Dampier said it was 'appalling timing', adding: 'If I were Harry and Meghan I would have laid low until this situation (coronavirus) was over. 'People everywhere are really concerned with dealing with this and it does not look good, however good the cause is.' It took the CDC more than two weeks to come up with a fix to the test kits, leading to delays in diagnoses through February, a critical month when the virus took root in the U.S. Not until Feb. 29 did the Food and Drug Administration decide to allow labs to develop and use their own coronavirus diagnostic tests before the agency reviews them, speeding up the supply. Previously, the FDA had only authorized use of a government test developed by the CDC. Today is the 12th day I will wake up quarantined alongside my 89-year-old mother in a single bedroom inside a care home in South-West London. The walls of the 12ft by 8ft room close in on me. I cannot leave the room for any reason. Anyone who enters has to wear full personal protective equipment. Our rubbish goes into yellow hazard bags which are sealed and left in the room for three days the time Government experts say it takes the coronavirus to die before being taken to be incinerated. CAROLINE GRAHAM: Today is the 12th day I will wake up quarantined alongside my 89-year-old mother in a single bedroom inside a care home in South-West London (pictured together) Our towels, bedding and clothes go into sealed bags which sit on the bathroom floor for 72 hours before deemed 'safe' to wash in boiling water at the laundry. But I am not complaining because I am one of the lucky ones. On March 16, I was 5,400 miles away at my home in Los Angeles, where I work as this newspaper's US Editor, when I received a call saying my mum Charlotte was gravely ill. I was told to 'get on a plane immediately'. By the time I landed, my normally robust mum, who loves to go ballroom dancing twice a week, was in an isolation room at St George's Hospital in Tooting, fighting for her life. Barely conscious and struggling to breathe, even with the help of oxygen, she had tested positive for Covid-19. The doctor immediately asked me to agree to a Do Not Resuscitate order and said that her prognosis was grim. For two weeks, the outstanding doctors and nurses at St George's fought to save her life. I don't know how I can even begin to thank those heroes who put their own lives on the line to save my mother and hundreds like her. But Mum and I now find ourselves on the 'forgotten front line' of this pandemic two of 400,000 care home residents, many of whom are struggling desperately to cope. While Mum's home in Wimbledon is doing brilliantly there is no shortage of PPE, food is plentiful and staff have learned each other's jobs last week the full horror of Britain's neglected care home workers and residents emerged. Fatalities in care homes are not added to the official death toll from Covid-19. On Friday, experts said the figure already tops 1,000 and that is only the tip of the iceberg. More than half of care homes are believed to be infected with the virus and the Alzheimer's Society last week accused the Government of abandoning the frail and elderly by not providing proper PPE, testing or support. Fifteen residents at one 69-bed home in Luton have died, and another care home in East London has had seven deaths with a further 21 people seriously ill. In the past fortnight, three carers have died. CAROLINE GRAHAM: My normally robust mum, who loves to go ballroom dancing twice a week, was in an isolation room at St George's Hospital in Tooting (pictured), fighting for her life There have been reports of doctors refusing to enter homes, though I have to praise Mum's physician Dr Smitha Thurairatnam, who immediately came to see us and is making at-home visits to elderly patients despite the obvious risk. From the moment Mum was released from hospital on March 30 and 48 hours after coming off oxygen it became apparent to me that care homes truly are the unsung heroes of this pandemic. And the most vulnerable. Sharon Swanston, acting manager at Mum's home, kindly allowed me to move in on March 31. But under Government guidelines, I had to agree to stay isolated in Mum's room for 14 days. Mum was no longer infectious. The problem was me. I'd been in close contact with her and other Covid-19 patients at St George's. I'd been coughed on for days. While I am, miraculously, showing no symptoms, I could be a carrier. There are no daily exercise sessions for me. The room is on the second floor and for safety reasons the window only opens two inches. I stick my nose out to smell fresh air. Ironically, London is currently hotter than LA and, while I usually love the sunshine, I feel taunted by it. Mum's home took swift action after her diagnosis. It was immediately locked down and the 61 residents were isolated in their rooms. But the problems facing carers here and elsewhere are enormous. One tells me: 'You cannot expect patients living with dementia to stay in their rooms. They don't understand. But we endeavour to keep them two metres apart to keep them safe.' Physiotherapist Naomi Flood, the brilliant woman who gauged Mum's declining condition and raised the alarm, says: 'Carers often don't have the training nurses and other medical professionals have and it's going to be very difficult for care homes to contain this unless they have adequate PPE and carers are appropriately trained in clinical hygiene. 'You may also have people with dementia and Alzheimer's that could deteriorate because they rely on family contact to maintain cognition and communication skills. 'I've seen first hand the fantastic work carers are doing in very difficult circumstances.' The staff at Mum's home come from all over the world the Philippines, Ghana, Spain and Brazil. Carers, considered 'unskilled' workers, are paid considerably less than trained nurses. Watching them up close is humbling. They change incontinence pads, brush hair and cut nails. It is hard work but they do it with a constant smile: 'When I care for your mum it's like I am doing it for my own,' says one carer whose mother lives a continent away. Another carried on working even though two close family members were in hospital with Covid-19. On Wednesday, she said she was going home because one of those relatives had died. The pain was etched on her face as she said how agonising it was not to be there during her loved one's final moments. Care homes are, of course, used to dealing with the end of life. But coronavirus is different. The speed with which it has torn through the sector is terrifying. Care England, the industry's governing body, estimates the final death toll will be in the thousands. Ms Swanston says: 'Our job is up close and personal. It's what we do. Our residents rely on us even more as no family members are coming in. We've arranged FaceTime calls. Our activities staff have been doing one-on-one visits in rooms and trying to get residents out into the sunshine. Morale is high. But I won't lie, it's been tough.' The carers I talk to travel by bus, which raises anxiety considerably as they worry not only about giving Covid to loved ones but know if they bring it into the home, it could be devastating. Nine London bus drivers have died so far. Worried relatives, banned from entering the home, call constantly. 'We make time for all of them. We're doing everything we can to connect residents with the outside world but we're pushed to our limit at a time that's confusing and troubling for anyone, let alone the elderly,' Ms Swanston explains. The company which owns this home has given up waiting for the Government to provide testing. It has paid for test kits expected to arrive any day. Mum is slowly getting better. When friends ask if I am going nuts confined to one room, I say it would be far worse if I could not be with her. I can't imagine the pain and stress other families must be going through not being able to see their loved ones, potentially for many more weeks to come. As I write this, Mum is sitting in a chair and has just enjoyed a banana smoothie unthinkable just a couple of weeks ago when I was told to prepare for the worst. We are the lucky ones. But my own experience of being on the forgotten front line makes me realise the Government must act now. It needs to provide PPE, test kits, financial aid and support before it's too late. Bishop of Down and Connor, The Most Reverend Noel Treanor officiates at the Mass of Chrism in an empty St Peters Cathedral in west Belfast on Good Friday. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. A surge in coronavirus cases is expected in the coming weeks A further 11 people in Northern Ireland have died after testing positive for coronavirus, the Public Health Agency has said. This brings the death toll in the region to 118. As of 9.15am on Sunday, 89 more cases of the virus have been confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,806. Across the UK, 10,612 people have now died since the outbreak began. The news comes as people across Northern Ireland spent Easter Sunday in lockdown as the region continues to tackle the pandemic. Police have increased patrols and are manning checkpoints in order to ensure social distancing rules are being followed. Meanwhile, a row erupted on Saturday after Health Minister Robin Swann formally requested the Army's help in combating the pandemic. Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill hit out at the decision, stating the Executive was not informed, however other party leaders and members of the Executive said any assistance should be welcomed. Check out our live blog below to see how Sunday's coronavirus developments unfolded. The COVID-19 virus has crossed borders and affected millions of lives, but several local multi-cultural groups are stepping up efforts to stop its progression. In less than a week, the Tri-City Chinese Association (TCCA), Midland Chinese Christian Fellowship and Midland Chinese School have raised nearly $10,300 for three regional hospitals and are in the process of acquiring professional protection equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. We are very grateful for the generous out-pouring of donations from our Tri-City Chinese community, and feel very privileged to serve this community, stated TCCA President Xiaoyun Chen in a letter to members. The TCCA is the largest Chinese organization in the Great Lakes Bay Region, containing members from Midland, Saginaw, Bay City and Mount Pleasant. Its goal is to forge intercultural connections. Members keep in contact throughout the year and meet for major holidays three to four times annually. Past events include hosting lectures on Chinese culture and demonstrating the art of Chinese calligraphy. Joy Yang Jiao joined the TCCA shortly after moving to Midland two years ago and enjoys the contacts the group provides. We have a large Chinese population and its loosely connected, Jiao said. Jiao explained Chinese Americans are fighting the coronavirus on two fronts: in their daily lives in the States and worrying about their families in China where the virus first broke out. The fundraising effort to battle COVID-19 began on March 29 while members were video-chatting. They initially discussed donating face masks from China to local hospitals. Jiao talked to a neighbor whos a doctor with MidMichigan Health and learned that at that time, the hospital wasnt in need of masks. The TCCA decided to shift its focus and raise funds for area hospitals since they were on the frontline of fighting the pandemic. Members of TCCA, Midland Chinese Fellowship and Midland Chinese Schookl set a goal of $3,000 with $1,000 each to go to three hospitals. By the next day, the amount raised was double of their original goal. We got some large funds suddenly overnight. People are very enthusiastic about contributing, Jiao said. The fundraiser ended on April 1 with $10,299 total. The plan is to split $7,300 evenly to three hospitals in Midland, Bay City and Saginaw as well as give $3,000 to the Midland County COVID-19 Coalition. There are also plans to provide a pizza lunch to employees at MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland. We thought something physical would cheer them up, Jiao stated. The Chinese American groups are also endeavoring to collect PPE supplies and make face masks for local healthcare workers. Jaio said several orders have been made, but only one shipment has come in so far due to the slow shipping. All the while, local members are sending pictures to each other of masks and offering words of encouragement. The COVID-19 is a long battle. Its a long struggle for us all, Jiao said. We are, after all, global citizens. For more information about the Tri-City Chinese Association, visit tricityhinese.org. The Wisconsin primary had to be the end for Bernie Sanders. The logic of it was inexorable. Here was the definitive Trump 2016 state, where, as dozens of diner-safari retrospective stories told us, an alienated electorate had failed to rally to Hillary Clinton, tilting the national map ever so slightly but decisively into the red. The dream of the Sanders revolution was the dream of rousing those Wisconsin voters to his side, to energize a new coalition of the young and poor and hopeful in the name of a better democratic future. Advertisement When that didnt happen, it was time for Sanders to go. It was essentially impossible, as Sanders said in his livestreamed concession speech, for him to overcome Joe Bidens lead in the delegate count. There was, however, a puzzling aspect to this mathematical consensus: The returns from Wisconsin wont be released until the week after Sanders concession. Even when those numbers come out, theyll be nothing but the debris from a voting process that imploded under the strain of the pandemic and the malice of the Republican-controlled state and federal supreme courtstens of thousands of mail-in ballots thrown away or never delivered to voters in the first place; 97 percent of polling places in Milwaukee closed; the thousands of people who turned out anyway, risking their lives to stand in line. No one could plausibly describe what took place in Wisconsin as a democratic election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, it was the perfect conclusion to Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 Democratic nominating contest. A decisive nonevent wrapped up a primary season in which nearly half the states never had any say before it was over, and the majority of people who did vote were focused on trying to guess which candidate someone else would be most likely to want to vote for. In the swirl of anxiety over the question of electability against Donald Trump, the basic act of electing someone got pulled under and drowned. This could be written off as the complaint of someone who wanted someone else to win. Before Biden even entered the race, I said I would vote for him against Trump if I had to, but that his candidacy was a sad joke and a fantasy for people who couldnt get past wishing 2016 never happened. Facing the real disasters of 2019 going into 2020, as the climate and the exploitative economy overheated with the help of a self-sabotaged federal administration, I believedalong with many, and without any convincing contradictory evidence to this daythat Elizabeth Warren was better prepared to do the job of being the nations chief executive than anyone else in the field, and probably than any other candidate in my lifetime. At the same time, I thought Sanders message of radical solidarity and moral faith in democracy might be powerful enough to transcend the hopelessness of the political status quo. It was thrilling to imagine casting a ballot for either one in November. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, I wont even get to cast a ballot for one in June. There have been plenty of sharply argued assessments explaining why the Warren campaign faltered after a strong autumn, and why the Sanders campaign fell behind Biden after surging ahead: that both suffered from strategic and tactical missteps, mistimed messages, fatal stubbornness by the candidates. Many of these savvy verdicts on why the more inspiring candidates deserved to have lost the race were delivered by people who had not, themselves, cast a vote that mattered, and would never get to. Advertisement Advertisement Votersor people who think of themselves as votershave learned to live with this. Every primary plays out by nonelectoral means to a great or greater extent, even in ordinary times. An organizational, fundraising, and narrative-building contest winnows the field even before Iowa holds its caucuses or New Hampshire votes, and then the first handful of states set the terms of the narrative for the states that follow. If you dont live in the fortunate early states, then more often than not, the shape of the contest is determined before you get a chance to weigh in. From Ed Muskies snowflake speech through the Dean Scream to Jeb Bushs Please clap, the early stages tell a story about who the winners and losers were destined to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the 2020 primary didnt even make sense as a spectator event. By most meta-electoral standards, Joe Biden was on his way to a quick, crushing loss. His name recognition and generic support in national polling utterly failed to win anyone over in the face-to-face politicking of Iowa or New Hampshire. His institutional endorsements meant nothing in Nevada. His fundraising was feeble, especially next to the mass-scale small-donation machine Sanders had built. He was visibly weary, stumbling over his delivery of the simplest lines, devoid of any identifiable message or purpose beyond the personally and nationally impossible goal of turning back the calendar to how things were before. And then, in a span of less than four full days, he was the nominee. Loyal Democratic voters came out heavily for him in South Carolina, and in a startling spectacle, the rest of the field, save Sanders and Warren, folded immediately and lined up to endorse himspecifically, explicitly, as the candidate whom people believed their neighbors would vote for to beat Trump. Nominating an avowed socialist or a woman with a reformist agenda, whatever promise either embodied, risked distracting voters from the single, binary question on the November ballot: whether or not to get rid of the man currently in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders won California on Super Tuesday (a state where a lot of votes had been cast before people witnessed the weekend of mass concessions), but Biden won most everything else, and by larger margins than expected. None of his substantive weaknesses had gone away. But they didnt matter anymore. He kept on winning, piling up margins in states where he hadnt even campaigned. The headlines grew smaller. Warrenwhod been holding out in the hopes of getting one chance to pit her mental agility and command of detail against Biden in a small-stage debate March 15gave up. It wasnt the kind of contest where people were expected to change their minds anymore. Soon after Warren was out, it stopped being any kind of a contest at all. The coronavirus outbreak shut down rallies and public appearances; the March debate arrived as a stilted two-person show in a closed studio, with the moderators sitting across the room. The distant, absentee campaign Biden had been running became the only campaign possible. Arizona, Florida, and Illinois voted, but Ohio postponed its primary, and then the rest of the schedule slipped from the rails, with hardly a complaint.* Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this noticeably affected the way the story of the election kept playing out. Democrats had been suspending disbelief all along, one way or anotherfrom the moment the Iowa caucus results failed to appear on time and defied all efforts to reconstruct them. Everyone knew the engine of democracy was missing key parts, if you chose to lift the hood. It was one of the things on the list to be dealt with after the bad president was cleared away in November. And so the standard end-of-the-line leaks and rumors began surrounding Sanders: If he couldnt win Wisconsin, this would be it. The approaching election was the subject of a raw partisan power strugglewith the Republican legislature and courts trying to force in-person balloting to go forward in the midst of a public health catastrophe, and the Democratic governor trying to prevent itbut the fact that Wisconsin would be a sham election in a disaster zone was somehow irrelevant to its status as the final word on the 2020 nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From one angle, this certified Biden as the unity candidate the party had been seeking all along: a nomination by unanimous consent, with everyone agreeing to skip the hassle of counting votes. From another, though, it was a terrifying rebuke to the whole premise of Bidenism: Biden was always the candidate of those who wanted simply to hang on till Novemberthe so-called institutionalists who were afraid of the institution of impeachment, who didnt want to test the strength of the Constitution against an unfit and lawless president and his party. Why force a reckoning with the depth of the damage to the republic, when you could simply profess faith in the ability of democracy-as-usual to heal itself? Let the voters decide, they said. But November is still seven months away, and the vote is already breaking. The candidate of normalcy is the presumptive nominee. But who can count on a normal election? With the guidance from our elitist betters to stay home and order everything in, corporations like Amazon must be making a mint. I can't speak for others, but I'm so disappointed with Amazon that I'm well on my way to remaining with Amazon only for digital content that I've already purchased. I'm that disgusted. I'm sure Amazon has competent software people to implement its search algorithms, so it must be purposeful that they don't work as expected. You can try to make a narrowly targeted search phrase, but Amazon opens it up to things that aren't the slightest bit related. On top of that, "free" delivery is included in the price (so it costs more), and the item is sometimes not available for over a month. For example, you can certainly search for "water enhancer with electrolytes." It didn't limit itself to showing me water enhancers with added electrolytes. It included basic water flavorings and water enhancers with vitamins but not electrolytes. Is this an electronic version of making customers walk past everything in the store to buy the most popular items, to take advantage of impulse buying? I suspect so. It's almost as annoying as the brick-and-mortar version of the ploy, but at least I'm not abusing my arthritic knees trying to get the one item I need at the back of the store. I'm also not buying their water enhancer because I'm ticked off. Try searching for "made in USA" items. (Skip looking for "not made in China." That only selects for "made in China.") The search results include a number of items that do not say "made in USA" anywhere in the product description. Asking about the manufacturer often yields the information (from an Amazon customer who has purchased the item) that the product was made in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc. To me, this goes beyond the annoyance of clutter into deceptive advertising. Sure, Amazon has a liberal return policy, but you still have the inconvenience of picking it up and returning it, and the additional delay before you try again to get an item that was really manufactured in the USA. Enter the Amazon love for coronavirus argument: we would order a lot less and tolerate a lot less annoyance in normal times, when we could go get basics at local stores. We would make more of our own food instead of buying Ramen at double to triple the in-store price. We would go to restaurants only a few times per week. If you're unemployed on top of coronavirus worries, you cannot afford to live as if you had income. That credit card is going to have to be paid for eventually. Welcome to shopping slavery. And you thought you had it bad before. Through rain, sleet, hail, and even a pandemic, mail carriers serve every address in the United States, but the coronavirus crisis is shaking the foundation of the U.S. Postal Service in new and dire ways. The Postal Service's decades-long financial troubles have worsened dramatically as the volume of the kind of mail that pays the agency's bills first-class and marketing mail withers during the pandemic. The USPS needs an infusion of money, and President Donald Trump has blocked potential emergency funding for the agency that employs around 600,000 workers, repeating instead the false claim that higher rates for internet shipping companies Amazon, FedEx and UPS would right the service's budget. Trump threatened to veto the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or Cares Act, if the legislation contained any money directed to bail out the postal agency, according to a senior Trump administration official and a congressional official who, like others in this report, spoke on the condition of anonymity. "We told them very clearly that the president was not going to sign the bill if [money for the Postal Service] was in it," the Trump administration official said. "I don't know if we used the v-bomb, but the president was not going to sign it, and we told them that." Instead, Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., added a last minute $10 billion Treasury Department loan to the Cares Act to keep the agency on firmer ground through the spring of 2020, according to a Democratic committee aide. Lawmakers originally agreed to a $13 billion direct grant the Postal Service would not have to repay. That effort was blocked by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin who warned such a move could blow up the relief bill. A committee aide said Mnuchin told lawmakers during negotiations: "You can have a loan or you can have nothing at all." Only the $10 billion loan to the Postal Service made it into law, over Mnuchin's objections. Without the loan, which awaits approval by the Treasury Department, the Postal Service would be "financially illiquid" by Sept. 30, according to estimates provided to lawmakers. Advocates for the Postal Service worry the agency is in a vulnerable position. As its main funding source dwindles, the Postal Service could be seen as ripe for a makeover; conservatives have long talked about privatizing the mail delivery in the United States. The Postal Service projects it will lose $2 billion each month through the coronavirus recession while postal workers maintain the nationwide service of delivering essential mail and parcels, such as prescriptions, food and household necessities. That work often comes at great personal risk. Nearly 500 postal workers have tested positive for the coronavirus and 462 others are presumptive positives, USPS leaders told lawmakers. Nineteen have died; more than 6,000 are in self-quarantine because of exposure. While the Trump Administration and Mnuchin pushed through private-sector bailouts in the Cares Act - $350 billion to the Small Business Administration loan program, $29 billion to passenger airlines and air cargo carriers, and economic incentives for the construction, energy and life sciences industries, among others - Mnuchin has signaled any postal relief funds in a "Phase IV" stimulus package under negotiation would amount to a poison pill. Postmaster General Megan Brennan asked lawmakers Thursday for another $50 billion - $25 billion to offset lost revenue from declining mail volume due to the coronavirus and $25 billion for "modernization" - plus another $25 billion Treasury loan and a mechanism to pay down $14 billion in existing public debt. House Democrats, led by Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia cautioned that without the funding, the Postal Service may not make it past September without missing payrolls or service interruptions. Senate Republicans insist the $10 billion loan from the Cares Act provided sufficient short-term liquidity, the staffer said, and the Senate would not vote to extend more money to an agency unlikely to make good on its borrowing. "I'm so frustrated at how difficult it has been for a long time to galvanize attention and action around an essential service," Connolly said in a phone interview. "And maybe the pandemic forces us all to refocus on this service and how essential it is and how we need to fix it while we can before it gets into critical condition." Trump has long been antagonistic of the post office, calling it once in a tweet Amazon's "delivery boy." The Postal Service often serves as a vendor for Amazon, UPS, FedEx and other shipping companies, delivering the "last mile" service to often rural and remote areas. It is a crucial service for the Postal Service, for which package delivery is a growing part of its business. Much of Trump's invective on the Postal Service is aimed at Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post. Trump has advocated for increasing the prices on Amazon deliveries, against the recommendation of shipping experts and the agency's own Board of Governors, a majority of whom Trump appointed. "They should raise, they have to raise the prices to these companies that walk in and drop thousands of packages on the floor of the post office and say, 'Deliver it,'" Trump said at a news conference Wednesday. "And they make money, but the post office gets killed. OK? So they ought to do that, and we are looking into it, and we've been pushing them now for over a year." Raising rates too much would lead private-sector competitors to develop their own cheaper methods to deliver packages, said Lori Rectanus, director of physical infrastructure at the Government Accountability Office. Even if a rate increase generates revenue, that money would be marginal to the total Postal Service debt, almost all of which comes from a congressional requirement to prepay pension and retiree health care costs for all employees, even those who haven't yet retired. Under normal market conditions, the Postal Service nearly breaks even, save for the pension account debt, despite cratering volume on deliveries in recent years. In 2010, it delivered 77.6 billion items of first-class mail. In 2019, it delivered only 54.9 billion first-class items. The service handled 3.1 billion packages in 2010 and 6.2 billion in 2019, although processing packages doesn't earn the agency as much revenue as first-class mail delivery. The coronavirus has completely upended consumer behavior and the quantity of items in the mail. Volume in the first week of March declined 30 percent, postal agency officials told lawmakers. At the end of June, the agency projects volume to be down 50 percent, and it could lose $23 billion over the next 18 months. "We are at a critical juncture in the life of the Postal Service," Brennan, the postmaster general, said in a statement. "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." The Postal Service has faced financial troubles for more than a decade, as digital communication morphed and took off, giving lawmakers many opportunities to debate its future. The Postal Service is so foundational to the country that it is enumerated in the Constitution. The agency's troubles have renewed conservative conversations about structural changes that would force the Postal Service to act more like a corporation, with steps such as eliminating the prepaid pension requirement and easing its universal service obligation to deliver to every address in the United States, including ones so remote. "If we're concerned about the Postal Service and its workers," said Romina Boccia, an economist at the right-leaning Heritage Foundation, "the best thing we can do is to free up the Postal Service to operate like a business so they can try to get back into the black." - - - The Washington Post's Josh Dawsey and Jeff Stein contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 17:53:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close An empty street is seen in the blocked Mea Shearim neighborhood in Jerusalem amid coronavirus pandemic on April 12, 2020. Israel has announced several neighborhoods in Jerusalem as "restricted zones" as part of the fight against the novel coronavirus, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Health announced on Sunday. The decision took effect on Sunday at noon and will be valid until April 15. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Israel has announced several neighborhoods in Jerusalem as "restricted zones" as part of the fight against the novel coronavirus, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Health announced on Sunday. The restriction includes neighborhoods in four of the city's seven operating districts. These neighborhoods currently have high rates of coronavirus patients. The main neighborhoods restricted are Neve Yaakov, Romema, Ramat Shlomo and Ramot in northern Jerusalem, Har Nof and Givat Shaul in the west, and Mea Shearim, Geula and the Bukharim neighborhoods in central Jerusalem. Most of the residents of these neighborhoods are ultra-Orthodox Jews. The decision was taken by the Israeli ministerial committee for defining restricted area, after a nightly telephone meeting. The decision took effect on Sunday at noon and will be valid until April 15. Leaving these areas will only be possible for work, essential medical care, funerals of first-degree family members, taking a minor to another parent, legal procedure and any other essential need approved in advance, it said. The number of COVID-19 cases in Israel rose to 10,878 by an increase of 135 cases since Saturday evening, the state's Ministry of Health said Sunday. Two more deaths were reported from the virus, raising the number of victims to 103, it added. Manama The Hospitality and Tourism Committee at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), headed by Jihad Amin, has recently held a meeting with representatives of four-star hotels to probe the challenges facing the sector in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The meeting deliberated about the difficulties facing hotels, means of ensuring the sustainability of work, and discussed availing of the support packages offered by the government. The meeting also made a number of proposals with regard to reviving the sector, which will be raised to BCCI's board. In this regard, Mr Amin explained that "The hospitality and tourism sector is one of the worst-hit sectors by these exceptional circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is important to prepare for all possible scenarios and take swift actions to mitigate the negative economic impact." "As a committee representing this vital sector, we will spare no effort to ensure the revival of the sector at the soonest, he added. "We are proud of all the measures taken by the government to combat the spread of the coronavirus and ensure the health and safety of the people of Bahrain, and we urge all to adhere by the directives and take responsibility, he concluded. The Jessie cast will always remember Cameron Boyce in their hearts. During a virtual reunion recorded for the Stars in the House YouTube series, hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, the cast of the hit Disney Channel series shared some of their favorite memories with their late costar, who died in July 2019 at age 20 after suffering a seizure in his sleep due to epilepsy. Boyce starred as Luke Ross on the show, portraying one of the four Ross siblings opposite Skai Jackson, Peyton List and Karan Brar. Jackson, who played Lukes youngest sibling Zuri, recalled the day she first met Boyce at an audition for Jessie, remembering how sweet and loving he was towards her. I remember a week before I met him, I saw him on Dancing With the Stars and I was just thinking, This boy is just so talented. Hes just so good, Jackson, 18, said. Then during the audition for Jessie, the second time that I went in California, I saw him and I was so excited to meet him and we just got to talking and he just treated me like one of his own just right away. StarsintheHouse.com RELATED: Cameron Boyces Parents Open Up About His Sudden Death: It Was Just a Nightmare Brar, 21, also recalled bonding with Boyce during breaks between scenes, telling the hosts that, being so similar in age, he and Boyce felt they had a similar experience going through the show. We were always like two peas in a pod, he said. So we were always just hanging out together. I guess just spending time in our dressing room together and just talking about what we wanted to do in the future and I guess just figuring life out together. We were so close in age that we were both kinda just going through the same experiences and helping each other figure it out. Similarly, List, 22, remembered how she and Boyce were tutored together on set and often spent every moment together. Cameron was just an amazing soul and person he made me such a better person. He was younger than me and he would teach me something every day, she said. He really is an old soul and he taught me so much. Story continues Adam Rose/Disney Channel via Getty Image Skai Jackson, Cameron Boyce, Karan Brar Meanwhile, Debby Ryan, who portrayed the shows titular character Jessie Prescott, recalled how Boyce comforted her when her mother was battling breast cancer during the third season of the show. We werent really vocal about it, so I would like go to chemo with her after work and then I would come backsometimes people would be like, Tired, late night? like making jokes, whatever and I would just be like kind of fragile but never shared about it, Ryan, 26, recalled. [Boyce] had this sense and was aware, and I remember he would just pursue to come and give me hugs. I remember one time starting to cry and being like, You are like my younger brother, she continued. He sort of had this like maturity and this comforting and it was like a two-way street for the first time in a really cool way. I just will never forget that. He was really special. Debby Ryan, Cameron Boyce RELATED: Late Disney Star Cameron Boyces Parents Raise Awareness with Epilepsy PSA: Our Sunshine The Insatiable actress also praised Boyce for his many talents outside of acting, which included singing and dancing. He could be casually like making a sandwich and would just sing and youd be blown away and he would just be joking and doing a bit and dance and youd be like, How do you have that control of your body?' she said. Vocally and tonally he could just make everything funnier because he was deeply skilled at the things. Kevin Chamberlin, who played the Ross family butler Bertram Winkle, echoed Ryans comments, calling Boyce an amazing dancer. There was always a surprise when they worked his dancing into the show, Chamberlin said. He would come with his crew, he had these three guys or four guys, and they would like, krump and do breakdancing stuff and it was really cool and he would have to do take over take. The Broadway actor said that the shows creator Pamela Eells even texted him prior to the virtual reunion to make sure he mentioned how every time they did so many takes and [Boyce] would never get winded. They would constantly do these takes and was always spot-on. He was always at a 10, Chamberlin said, before adding, He was really one of the kindest people youll ever meet and just a beautiful soul. An old soul. NEW HAVEN The city-based Knights of Columbus has committed more than $1 million to support food delivery operations during the coronavirus pandemic, including with a $100,000 gift to the Connecticut Food Bank. This donation will support our increased expenses and service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Connecticut Food Bank Interim CEO Daniel Gomez in a release. We have stepped up our purchases of food and have increased deliveries to each of the six counties we serve. This donation is perfectly timed to help us meet an ever-increasing need as our transportation and handling costs have risen. The Knights of Columbus launched the food drive and delivery operation as food banks face increasing demand during the pandemic, the release noted. The Knights also are mobilizing 1.25 million members in the U.S. to help in more than 20 cities in 16 states and the District of Columbia, the release said. The first phase begins with more than a million dollars and a multitude of volunteers from coast to coast to help deliver food to those who need it. The Catholic fraternal organization also will give to food banks in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and other major cities and is asking its members to increase their partnership with food banks by volunteering at food banks and helping deliver food to those in need as needed. In addition to confronting the threat of the COVID illness itself, we are facing a pandemic situation in which hunger is a growing concern for an increasing number of unemployed individuals and their families, Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight and CEO Carl Anderson said, also in the release. Anderson noted that the Knights historically have provided vital support at key moments, including during the 1918 flu pandemic and during two world wars, but also after natural disasters. Our Leave No Neighbor Behind initiative continues that tradition, and we will work directly with food banks to help ensure that food reaches those most in need in communities from coast to coast, he said. The $1 million commitment is part of the first phase of the Knights efforts, the release said. Additional support in response to the pandemic is planned, the release said, and the Knights have asked members and the public to support the efforts by donating at www.kofc.org. Knights also are being encouraged to make blood donations, especially in response to current shortages. In addition, the organization is providing spiritual resources to its members and has established a program to equip dioceses with short-term financing to assist with the continuation of spiritual and charitable ministries, employment of staff, etc., as many dioceses and their parishes have suffered from the economic effects of the pandemic. Donations can be made at www.kofc.org or by mail to Leave No Neighbor Behind, Knights of Columbus Charities, P.O. Box 1966, New Haven, CT 06509-1966. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, the release said. Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc., is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and 100 percent of all donations collected by Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc., will be used for pandemic-related assistance, including food, medical supplies and other needs. 12.04.2020 LISTEN "The enormous challenges but also the vast opportunities of acting on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable." -- Earth Day Network. As this year's Earth Day, Wednesday, 22 April, 2020, approaches, one can't help but lament over the lack of commitment on the part of so many members of our nation's political class, to the preservation of our nation's remaining forests, and halting the abominable abuse and destruction of ecosystems nationwide, by illegal gold miners, with such impunity. In a sense, illegal gold miners actually pose a threat to public health in Ghana, because they poison our soils, streams, rivers and groundwater sources, with heavy metals and toxic chemicals - in addition to being potential morphed-rebel-force-warlords and myrmidon-foot-soldiers. Across the length and breadth of Ghana, their unlawful activities increase the turbidity of increasingly heavily-polluted rivers, sourced by the Ghana Water Company (GWCL), for treating to supply potable water to the general public, through its pipeline distribution networks across the nation. Sometimes that turbidity even results in the shutting down of some of the GWCL's treatment plants. At a time when we are fighting COVID-19, and ought to ensure that water flows through household taps across the nation, it is such an unfortunate development that the one member of President Akufo-Addo's government, with the strength of character, and moral courage, to face down galamsayers, has been made a sacrificial lamb: and removed from his position as the chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining. Pity. Alas, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng's removal, had been sought by those powerful and dishonest individuals in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who profit so mightily from illegal gold mining, from day one - right from the very moment he was appointed to head the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, by President Akufo-Addo. The plain and brutal truth is that the aforementioned NPP bigwigs profiting from galamsey, have always wanted the removal of the principled and honest stumbling-block, which Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng (whose honesty was such an impediment to their greedy ambitions), represented. The sods. I have never been ashamed to point out publicly, that although I loathe his party, I support President Akufo-Addo 100 percent, because of his commitment to preserving our natural heritage. However, the question we must all ponder over now is: Are we to believe the bush-telegraph anecdotal-story that President Akufo-Addo has become the Jubilee House prisoner, of a super-ruthless-mafia, who are now ruling our country by stealth, in his name, from behind the scenes? Hmmmm. Yooooo... And, perchance, is it the case that while the President goes around the country, wowing highly-intelligent educated-illiterates with his posh accent, reading speeches written for him by cynical philistines, bad actors are in the meantime taking advantage of his absence, and doing bad things to our country, and presenting it as a fait accompli to the President, as some allege? Perhaps it is all pure nonsense on bamboo stilts by conspiracy theorists, but an example such people often give, is the disconnect between the president's fine words in his speeches, about the health of our forests, which are invariably at variance with the true state of our natural capital - especially that of the all-important and critical (for the well-being of the millions who depend on its vital ecosystem services), Atewa Forest Reserve. Sadly, the realities on the ground, as opposed to the nice words contained in President Akufo-Addo's speeches, make most decent folk cringe when they hear those presidential speeches. That is because they are words that unfortunately make the President (a good and decent human being who actually cares about the natural environment unlike most Ghanaian politicians), appear unfairly to be a devious man, who speaks with a forked-tongue - and is allegedly an untruthful soul: judging by the ongoing brutal-gang-rape of Mother Nature, across Ghana. That is why the removal of Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, as head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee On Illegal Mining, was such a huge error of judgement, on the part of the leader of the current regime in power, in Ghana, today. Pity. Hmmm, Oman Ghana, eyeasem ooooo - enti yewieye paaa enei? Asem kesie ebeba debi ankasa, ooooo. Yooooo... Hmmmm... Members of the royal family have wished the nation a happy Easter via Instagram messages as people celebrate amid the coronavirus pandemic. Taking to the Kensington Royal Instagram account, Prince William and Kate Middleton, 38, shared a scenic photograph showing bright yellow daffodils in bloom at Kensington Palace. Alongside the picture, they penned: 'Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter' #StayHomeSaveLives.' And royals fans were quick to send the family their well-wishes too, with messages coming from as far and wide as Australia, America and Israel. Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 38, have taken to their Instagram account and posted a flowery scene outside of Kensington Palace Alongside the snap, they penned: 'Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter' #StayHomeSaveLives' Prince William and Kate Middleton carried out their first royal engagement via video call to school children whose parents are working on the frontline on Wednesday (pictured) 'Lovely to see this view of your place. Keep safe, from Australia,'wrote one, while a second penned: 'Happy Easter from Israel.' Shortly after, Prince Charles, 71, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, 72, shared a similarly Spring scene of daffodils at Canterbury cathedral and blossom at Westminster Abbey on the Clarence House Instagram account and penned: 'Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.' The message continued: Today you can listen to The Prince of Wales reading the Gospel for Easter Day services hosted online by Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral.' 'Despite having closed their doors, @westminsterabbeylondon and @no1cathedral will lead prayers for Christians who find themselves separated from their churches during this special Eastertime. The Prince of Wales, 71, and Camilla, 72, took to the Clarence House Instagram account and shared a similarly Spring scene to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Pictured, daffodils at Canterbury cathedral Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall shared a second photo showing blossom at Westminster Abbey (pictured) Alongside the Spring pictures, the royals reminded people they can listen to The Prince of Wales reading thee Gospel for Easter Day services hosted online by Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral (pictured) Taking to Instagram, Sarah Ferguson posted a photograph showing a hedge trimmed into the shape of a chicken (pictured) Alongside the snap, she penned: May today be a day of hope for all and continued strength #spring' (pictured) 'The Prince recorded a reading of John 20: 1-18 earlier this week, which relates the story of Jesus resurrection. The reading can be heard in both a podcast by Westminster Abbey and a video Eucharist service from Canterbury Cathedral.' Elsewhere, Princess Eugenie shared a photo to Instagram of a pink blossoming tree and wrote: 'Happy Easter to you. To quote Her Majesty's Easter message "May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face our future." Taking to her own Instagram page, her mother Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, posted a snap of a hedge trimmed into the shape of a chick and captioned the post: 'May today be a day of hope for all and continued strength #spring.' Their messages come after the Queen 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 delivered her first Easter audio address, which had the resolute message: Princess Eugenie, 29, also took to her Instagram account and shared a photo to Instagram of a pink blossoming tree (pictured) The royal quoted her Majesty's Easter message and penned: 'May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face our future' (pictured) '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 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. Royal fans were quick to take to the comments section, with well-wishes coming from as far as Australia (pictured) Los Angeles: The FBI is investigating an Australian "broker" accused of being involved in a scam that promised to deliver 39 million desperately needed N95 ventilator masks to US doctors and nurses fighting to keep coronavirus patients alive. The Australian allegedly claimed 2 million of the masks were sitting in a warehouse in the US state of Georgia and the product had been inspected by a certification company. The "stockpile" of 39 million masks turned out to be a fraud. Credit:AP California's powerful Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers West had been on a frantic search to connect hospitals with a potential supplier which led them to a Pittsburgh businessman and a potential stockpile of 39 million N95 masks. The 39 million masks and the 2 million in Georgia were a ruse, the FBI and prosecutors believe. The expert responsible for suppressing the coronavirus in China's closest neighbour says the superpower cannot be trusted, is influencing the World Health Organisation, and countries such as Australia must remain a step ahead of Beijing. "We have had respiratory nursing homes for maybe 10 years": Taiwan's Professor Su Ih-Jen. Credit:AP Professor Ih-Jen Su began annual rehearsals of a possible pandemic from China almost two decades ago after SARS killed more than 20 per cent of people it infected in Taiwan. The director of infectious diseases at Taiwan's National Health Research Institutes established dedicated respiratory nursing homes with thousands of ventilators and increased intensive care capacity to 10,000 beds, four times the size of Australia's capacity even though the two have roughly the same population. Second home-owners flouting the coronavirus lockdown are posting their luggage through couriers in an attempt to avoid police. Rural crime teams have reported investigating delivery vans carrying suitcases filled with clothes through police checkpoints, so that if families are stopped enroute they will not be found with them. It comes as furious villagers have demanded second home owners leave small communities which have been 'inundated' since the coronavirus lockdown. And a family were caught by police and fined for driving nearly 200 miles to go fishing, despite restrictions in place due to coronavirus. Devon and Cornwall Police said the family from London was discovered near Torquay at roughly 5am today. Rural crime teams have reported investigating delivery vans carrying suitcases filled with clothes through police checkpoints, so that if families are stopped enroute they will not be found with them Control room supervisor Mike Newton said they were fined and 'escorted out of Devon', adding: 'I shall refrain from further comment.' Pictures have today showed officers continuing to crack down on rule breakers, including stopping campervans on the road in Blackburn, West Lothian. Road blocks have been set up on popular routes to North Wales to keep tourists and irregular residents away by checking their cars. Police stop cars at check point in Rhos on Sea, North Wales yesterday But taking to social media, the force revealed they have been looking into reports of couriers taking their luggage ahead of them. 'Unbelievably we are investigating reports that people are sending their suitcases via courier with their clothes to holiday homes in Wales!' said the Rural Crime Team. 'So if they get stopped enroute they are not found with them Surely people aren't that selfish and cunning...are they? #StayHomeSaveLives.' One person replied to the tweet, saying: 'We've seen a number of suitcases through our delivery system Recently. It's not a coincidence I'm sure.' The seafront road and parking at West Bay in Dorset was closed to prevent visitors on a hot day during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown over the Easter Weekend Pictures have today showed officers continuing to crack down on rule breakers, including stopping campervans on the road in Blackburn, West Lothian The Daily Post reported that they were approached by a local man who made the initial claims. 'This sums up the arrogance of a portion of second home owners,' he said. 'A delivery driver said he was very busy today delivering suitcases to Aberdyfi. 'He (the driver) couldn't understand it when he left his depot this morning and then clicked as he delivered the first pair of five suitcase deliveries... to second homes.' North Wales Police has said it is now investigating the matter. Second home owners could receive 10,000 crisis grant due to loophole in government's business bailout fund Second home owners could take advantage of a loophole in the Government's coronavirus aid scheme to claim thousands in grant money, it has been reported. A lack of scrutiny by councils could put 10,000 into the hands of well-off property owners for each house they own. As part of the Treasury's rescue package during the coronavirus lockdown, Chancellor Rishi Sunak scrapped business rates for all properties in the leisure and hospitality sector. And for those who qualify, they will also be eligible for a 10,000 grant paid to them through the local council. Second home owners could take advantage of a loophole in the Government's coronavirus aid scheme to claim thousands in grant money, it has been reported (stock photo) But while some rely on holiday home lettings for their livelihoods, well-off individuals with large property portfolios can also make claims. There are approximately 1.9 million homes that are buy-to-let properties in the UK, according to the Resolution Foundation. If they are available for let at least 140 days a year, they can be assessed for business rates and most are exempt from paying anything. The concern is that rich property owners may also access the 10,000 Government grant designed to support small businesses struggling to survive the impact of the virus, even if the home is not a significant source of income. But while some rely on holiday home lettings for their livelihoods, well-off individuals with large property portfolios can also make claims (stock photo) The Government has announced that local councils will be in charge of implementing the scheme, and have some powers to withhold or recover grants in some cases. An HM Treasury Spokesperson said: 'It's only right that business owners that run their second home as a legitimate business and who are unable to generate revenue can access the additional small business grant scheme just like any other eligible small business.' Lib Dem MP Layla Moran said: 'The idea that, at a time like this anyone might take advantage of support measures when they do not need them is appalling. 'No doubt some will access this help because they are genuinely running a small business and rely on this income, but we have to make sure that is always the case.' Locals in seaside towns and villages as Londoners and people living in big cities flocked to their second homes to escape the virus, drawing the ire of locals. This comes amid anger in seaside towns and villages as Londoners and people living in big cities flocked to their second homes to escape the virus, drawing the ire of locals Now, furious locals in St Ives, Cornwall have scrawled messages on the beach demanding second home owners leave. An even more furious sign has appeared in Bala, north Wales, which says 'Go home rats'. It come as the government urged people not to head to the countryside or to holiday homes, with fears that they could be spreading the virus throughout the nation. However, despite their pleas, government commands and Boris Johnson imposing a UK-wide lockdown, second homers are remaining defiant and continuing to flock to the countryside in their droves. Now, furious locals in St Ives, Cornwall have scrawled messages on the beach demanding second home owners leave. Residents of St Ives in Cornwall scrawled a series of messages into the sand on the beach demanding that tourists go home. Two messages read 'Locals only', while another said 'Tourists please go home'. In Bala, second home owners were compared to rats in one sign while another message, scrawled on the side of a car, read 'Go home idiots'. Signs also appeared on a roundabout in Porthcawl, south Wales asking people to turn around. Meanwhile, a roadside sign in Pembrokeshire also urged non-locals to go home, while a sign in north Wales said: 'Snowdonia is closed. F*** off home!' Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 03:14:12|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Representatives of the Chinese American Federation (CAF) pose for a photo as they deliver donations to a store of Walgreens in Temple City, Los Angeles County, the United States, on April 7, 2020. As COVID-19 cases skyrocket in Southern California in the Unites States, Chinese Americans who saw Chinese people undergo hardship during the outbreak in China are stepping up to help their American neighbors as well. (CAF/Handout via Xinhua) by Julia Pierrepont III, Gao Shan LOS ANGELES, April 11 (Xinhua) -- As COVID-19 cases skyrocket in Southern California in the Unites States, Chinese Americans who saw Chinese people undergo hardship during the outbreak in China are stepping up to help their American neighbors as well. Local hospitals and first responders in Southern California are all experiencing drastic shortages of key medical supplies, equipment and personnel that are affecting their ability to treat patients and keep their own health workers safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Local Chinese American organizations and individuals have responded to the shortages with impressive speed, civic-mindedness, and dedication. Using their extensive personal and professional social networks, they are rapidly sourcing and donating tens of thousands of hard-to-come-by masks and other supplies to hospitals, police departments, firefighters, local city governments, nursing homes, and more. Simon Shao, president of the Chinese American Federation, told Xinhua, "We helped China when they needed it and now we are helping the U.S. and our local communities. We need to take a united stand to get through this together." The Chinese American Federation, comprising more than 120 Chinese American associations and business coalitions, has donated more than 180,000 masks and other protective equipment to more than 30 medical and first-responder organizations around California. The federation is also cooperating with various CVS and Walgreen shops in Southern California to distribute free face masks to help local residents in need. Also pitching in are the Beijing Association USA, Committee of 100, US-China Culture Exchange Association, Chinese American Association, Irvine Chinese American Federation, GanSu Chamber of Commerce USA, US Sichuan Chongqing Chamber of Commerce, to name just a few of the many other Chinese American organizations that have come forward with desperately needed donations and medical supplies to help out in Southern California. The US Sichuan Chongqing Chamber of Commerce donated 1,000 N95 masks to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and more to the City of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center. "We care about the American people, so when the outbreak happened, we wanted to donate money and supplies to help them," Phoebe Chen, president of the US Sichuan Chongqing Chamber of Commerce, told Xinhua. The Beijing Association USA donated 3,300 face masks, 5,500 gloves, as well as disinfectant and other supplies to the City of Industry's Sheriff's Station and other first responders, with more donations on the way. "With doctors and nurses in hospitals across the country facing the growing threat of the lack of adequate personal protective equipment, every single donation could help attenuate the danger felt by medical personnel and first responders," Hong Li, executive chairwoman of the Beijing Association USA, a Chinese American business and philanthropic organization, told Xinhua. David Salcedo, a law enforcement officer from the City of Industry's Sheriff Department, told Xinhua, "Beijing Association USA is constantly partnering up with local law enforcement groups and local governments to help strengthen our resources. This builds trust with local leaders and strengthens our partnerships." "It's one for all and all for one," Lester Fujimoto, vice president of development and community relations for Beverly Hospital in Montebello, told Xinhua, after receiving cases of donated masks and supplies from the Chinese American Federation for their healthcare workers struggling to contain the COVID-19 threat. "Therein lies the solidarity that we feel from the Chinese American community -- that we are not in this alone. That means a lot to the frontline workers taking care of the ill, who are running toward danger, not away from it," he said. Even more touching are the spontaneous outpourings from local Chinese American individuals who felt personally called to action. Angela Zhang used her WeChat social media group to source, buy and donate 1,000 N95 masks. Kent La, 75, a former community leader, bought 500 N95 masks himself to donate. Grace Cheung, local to the LA area, also donated 300 N95 masks. Beverly Duan, a young actress and voiceover artist who has worked for Radio Disney and Nickelodeon, first donated her own masks, and then used her Instagram following to ask for additional donations. When she was just four years old, Beverly worked as a child actor on KSCI-18, a local LA news network, where, as an on-air child spokesperson, she taught other kids how important it was to wash their hands. Sixteen years later, she is doing the same thing -- but with much higher stakes. "We can change the world when we work united," Duan told Xinhua. "Even in darkness there is hope." "These Chinese American donors are real heroes too, because, instead of hoarding, they are unselfishly giving of their own personal resources. They have the vision to see that it's important to strengthen our first-line personnel," Officer Salcedo told Xinhua. "We don't have the option of staying home. With the gear they provide, it gives us another layer of protection," he said. The Hermosa Beach Police Department posted a photo of a police officer wearing one of the face masks donated by the Chinese American community in Palos Verdes and Greater South Bay Area on Wednesday and expressed their gratitude to the Chinese American community for their timely donation of 2,000 face masks. "The men and women at HBPD appreciate your efforts in keeping us safe," wrote the police department. 12.04.2020 LISTEN The Minister of Education, Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has presented bags of rice and boxes of cooking oil to the Kumasi Childrens Home and Kumasi Cheshire Home in the Ashanti region. The donation is part of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos vision of addressing some of the challenges arising out of the Covid-19 lockdown in Ghana. He said the donation was part of his spiritual and social obligation aimed at helping managers of the home to feed the children well so that they will stay home and adhere to the governments lockdown order to help stop the speed of the virus. Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who is also the MP for Manhyia South constituency in the Ashanti region, made the donation on Friday, April 10, 2020. He added, the governments decision to partially lockdown some communities in our country, has resulted in some difficulties to some Ghanaians, and these children are of no exception. I am also using this opportunity to appeal to Ghanaians, especially the well-to-do people in our midst, to constantly donate to the various orphanage homes in order to support the children, who have no parents to turn look up to for support and care, he appealed. Divine deliverance Receiving the items, the Proprietor of the Home, Mrs. Mabel Amponsah, thanked Hon. Opoku Prempeh for his constant interventions in delivering them from difficulties that confront them. On behalf on my children and the staff, I sincerely express my utmost pleasure for always coming to our aid in times of difficulties. These foods items will assist in feeding the children who are locked down here as we observe the presidents directives, she added. At Kumasi Cheshire Home Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also presented food items to support the Kumasi Cheshire Home in fulfillment of his social and spiritual obligation of periodically lending a helping hand to the needy in our society. The donation which included bags of rice and boxes of cooking oil was to help the residents of the rehabilitation centre to survive the lockdown down period, with its attendant challenges, according to the minister. Presenting the foods on Friday, April 10, 2020, at the Home at Edwenase in Kumasi, said I am grateful to God for the opportunity to help others in need and I hope this gesture will help ease the huge burden on officials and users of the centre. The Holy Bible teaches that we should support the needy in our midst in times of difficulty. As a Christian, this has been my constant motivation of delightfully sharing whatever I have with vulnerable people, he added. The Administrators gratitude Administrator of the Kumasi Cheshire Home, Mr. Owusu Adjei, expressed their gratitude for the gesture. Such a time, in the era of a lockdown that many people contemplate on what they can save for their family and friends, hardly will anyone dare come out to help us, but you have honoured your spiritual and social obligations to the poor. May I remind you that this is not the first time the Home has enormously benefitted from your benevolence. We pray that God richly reward you, he stated. Donald Trump, Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron have each now described the fight against coronavirus as a war. Trump describes himself as a wartime president. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has asked the public to support health workers, who he refers to as the "troops". If the fight against coronavirus is a war and there are also good arguments why such an analogy is misleading what war is it? Which previous conflict provides the best historical insight into the dynamics we face today? Theres a few previous wars to choose from. In terms of deaths, the Trump administrations prediction of 100,000 American mortalities exceeds Vietnam. The map showing where Americans have stayed at home (the North East) and where they havent (the South) compares to the Civil War. The response of some European governments to the suspension of democracy in Hungary has echoes of the run up to 1939. But the closest parallel to todays crisis is the First World War. In terms of both geopolitics and socioeconomics, 2020 is the new 1914. Lets take geopolitics first. In 1914, a combination of inept bilateral diplomacy and a lack of developed multinational structures hampered governments collective ability to manage the July crisis. Sound familiar? Much of this years diplomacy has been similarly bilateral, piecemeal and ad hoc. The lack of global governance (beyond a limited, advisory role for the WHO) has frustrated a coordinated global response. The 1914 and 2020 crises share the same wider geopolitical backdrop too. Both hit as nationalism was prevalent within the Great Powers. Both occurred as tensions between challenging powers (Germany in 1914, China in 2020) and status quo powers (the UK in 1914, the US today) flared. Both took place as the established global order was fraying: the post-1945 rules-based international system today and the legacy of the Congress of Vienna in 1914. And both followed periods of rapid globalisation: just as today countries are adapting to social disruption and technological change, the citizens of 1914 saw a similarly shrinking world new transatlantic liners, telephones, airships, electricity and automobiles combined with large-scale urbanisation and industrialisation. Beyond politics, 2020 is also tracking 1914 psychologically, socially and economically. Financially, both crises are prolonged, brutal and expensive, requiring substantial increases in borrowing and national debt. Socially, just as the First World War led to suffrage for women, a trade union movement and unemployment benefits, coronavirus is fuelling new ideas for radical reforms such as a basic minimum income, and is challenging a Western socioeconomic model that many see as having failed to monetarily value core workers or sufficiently invest in public services. Last weekend, Britains new Labour Party leader called for a reckoning when the crisis passes. Psychologically, todays governments similar to their 1914 predecessors were distracted as the crisis unfolded at a speed and extent for which they were unprepared. In the summer of 1914, the Cabinet of the then superpower (Britain) was focused on Ireland, not Germany; this year, the focus of the US President as Covid-19 arrived was re-election, not public health. Greater international leadership by London in 1914 and Washington in 2020 could have positively impacted both crisis. Instead, Downing Street in 1914 and the White House in 2020 each promoted unrealistic (religion-based) deadlines the war being over by Christmas, the US re-opening at Easter rather than preparing public expectations for the long haul. Glance through Twitter today and you will see a multitude of tweets on what people plan to do when things go back to normal after this crisis passes. People in 1914 talked of the same. But the world never did return to how it was before the Great War. 1914 was the defining year of the last century, triggering revolution in Russia, the decline of Empire, the United States global emergence, and the creation of European welfare states and social rights. If we see half a million deaths across countries from coronavirus and months of house arrest then Western societies, economies and politics wont simply snap back to how they were before 2020 either. Globalisation, US leadership, Chinas role, the European Unions future, the distribution of wealth in societies, and the very social contract between citizens and governments are all now in play. The kaleidoscope has shaken. The world is about to change. 2020 is the defining year of the 21st century. Coronavirus is this centurys July crisis. Welcome back to 1914. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 12:19:29|Editor: yhy Video Player Close WASHINGTON, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The number of COVID-19 cases on USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has risen to 550, the U.S. Navy said on Saturday. In an update, the U.S. Navy said 92 percent of the USS Theodore Roosevelt crew members have been tested for COVID-19, with 550 positive and 3,673 negative results, and that a total of 3,696 sailors have moved ashore. The data came some two weeks after the ship's captain Brett Crozier sounded alarm over the outbreak when only dozens of sailors on the ship had tested positive for the virus. In doing so, Crozier was relieved of his command by then-acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy Thomas Modly, who himself resigned later after his remarks lashing out at the captain backfired. U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has said that a reinstatement of Crozier is not off the table, and that no decision will be made until an investigation is complete. "We've taken nothing off the table. What I look to do is hear from the chain of command. My inclination is always to support the chain of command and to take their recommendation seriously," Esper told CBS This Morning on Friday. The U.S. Navy has reported 945 cases and four deaths across the branch, according to Saturday's update. Justice Kanagaraj (right) with AP Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan at the Raj Bhavan, presenting his charge assumption report. (Twitter Image) Vijayawada: The state government on Saturday appointed Justice V Kanagaraj, a retired Madras High Court judge from Tamil Nadu, as the new State Election Commissioner (SEC) replacing N Ramesh Kumar. Amidst the lockdown, the 75-year-old Justice Kanagraj, presently practicing in the Supreme Court, drove all the way from Chennai a few days ago apparently at the request of the state government. He took charge on Saturday morning and submitted a charge assumption report to governor Biswabhushan Harichandan at Raj Bhavan. The state government had earlier promulgated an ordinance reducing the tenure of the SEC, thereby relieving the incumbent. The opposition parties had called the removal of Kumar unconstitutional This unprecedented move has come under judicial scrutiny, and Kumar filed a writ petition challenging the state action. Yogesh Tandava, a High Court advocate, also filed a public interest litigation questioning the violation of the Constitution by the government. The Andhra Pradesh High Court is likely to take up the cases for hearing on Monday. Kumar made his successor an unofficial respondent to the case, according to sources, as a precaution. In an earlier case, the court had dismissed a case challenging the decision of the state government to reduce the tenure of the SEC on the grounds that the successor was not made party to the case. In another significant development, Chief Justice J K Maheshwari re-constituted the bench that would be taking up cases of the emergency on Monday. Earlier, it was notified that Justice M Satyanarayana Murthy and Justice D V S S Somayajulu comprised the bench which would now be headed by the Chief Justice himself and Justice Murthy would continue in it. Mr Kumar in his affidavit made a scathing attack against the Governor for exercising legitimate power (in promulgating the ordinance) to achieve the illegitimate purpose of removing the petitioner from service. He alleged that the government had acted in utmost haste and secrecy when the world is fighting against Covid-19 and argued that there was no urgency for the Governor to promulgate the ordinance. He wanted all the actions of the government to be suspended and that he be restored as SEC. The former SEC argued that he rightly estimated the threat of Covid-19, a global pandemic, and postponed the elections as it would mean large gatherings. The stand was vindicated with the national lockdown announced by the Centre on March 24. Several states followed suit and postponed their elections. Kumar attributed casteist motives to Chief Minister, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and his ministers who openly announced that he ( Kumar) and Telugu Desam chief N Chandrababu Naidu, belonged to the same caste. Advocate Tandava, on the other hand, built his case on the grounds that any changes in the tenure leading to the cessation of the SEC when the election process is underway is unconstitutional and defeats the independence of the State Election Commission. He relied on Aparmita Prasad Singh Vs State of Uttar Pradesh wherein the Allahabad High Court observed that the EC shall not be able to discharge its constitutional obligations in case the tenure of service is not secured and protected. Meanwhile, the state government in a statement said Justice Kanagaraj had delivered a record number of 69,000 considered judgements and orders. The landmark judgements are on subjects of vital national importance of education, social justice. Justice Kanagraj was elevated as Madras High Court judge in 1997. Post his retirement in 2006, he was appointed administrator of the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (TELC) in 2016. The TELC has 120 pastorates and churches in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Puducherry. The court appointed him as administrator following disputes among rival groups over managing properties and educational institutions. Just as the Friends cast announced that they'd take part in a reunion interview together, COVID-19 gripped the planet and left the special on ice. But according to reports, the cast have been sure to keep ideas flowing from lockdown by participating in Zoom video meetings. A source told The Sun: 'As soon as filming was [postponed] everyone started panicking as it took so long to get their schedules to align, there was a deep fear it may take a year or even longer to get them all back together again. The One With The Zoom Meeting: The Friends cast have been sure to keep ideas flowing for their postponed reunion special from lockdown by participating in Zoom video meetings, according to reports 'Courteney [Cox] immediately set up a Zoom meeting for them and they all logged on to discuss ideas - brain-storming and bringing in the producers for a session which they called a mock rehearsal and chatted for almost two hours. 'Theyve been having daily meetings and Jen [Aniston] - who has the busiest schedule of the six - has assured them shell do whatever she can to ensure they dont have to wait months to get the reunion filmed. 'Their Zoom sessions have been brilliant fun, and theres some hilarious material on there which they hope can be aired as either a series of teasers, or even a stand-alone special.' Matt Le Blanc shared a morsel of information on the show's reunion special two weeks ago. Tease: Matt Le Blanc shared a morsel of information on the show's reunion special two weeks ago The actor - who played soap star Lothario Joey Tribbiani on the American sitcom - has claimed that 'we got the band back together without the instruments!' when he appeared on a pre-recorded segment for The Kelly Clarkson Show. Matt, 52, added: 'It's the six of us together talking about the good old days.' The special will feature fellow cast members Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Jennifer and Courteney. Filming was scheduled to begin at the end of March, but production was said to be pushed to May at the earliest, according to Variety. HBO Max and Warner Bros. Television declined to comment, but the delay is just the latest production to be sidelined by the outbreak of the deadly virus. In the can? The actor has claimed that 'we got the band back together without the instruments!' leading many to believe that the one-off has in fact already been filmed How YOU doin'? The actor played soap star Lothario Joey Tribbiani on the American sitcom Delayed: The long-awaited Friends reunion special has become the latest victim of the coronavirus, with production being delayed While there had been rumors and speculation about a Friends reunion for years, The Hollywood Reporter revealed in November that a reunion special is happening at HBO Max. Each of the show's main stars - Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer - were in talks to return, with series creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman. The deals were finalized and the reunion special was officially announced in late February, confirming the cast will reunite for an, 'untitled unscripted special.' Reunion special: While there had been rumors and speculation about a Friends reunion for years, The Hollywood Reporter revealed in November that a reunion special is happening at HBO Max The special is slated to be filmed on Stage 24 of the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank, where the original series was filmed. The special was supposed to help kick off the HBO Max streaming service when it launches in mid-May. The streaming service will also carry all 236 episodes of Friends through the original sitcom's iconic 10-season run. Original series: The special is slated to be filmed on Stage 24 of the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank, where the original series was filmed WarnerMedia reportedly shelled out a whopping $425 million over five years to air the original series, outbidding Netflix. Netflix had previously shelled out between $80 million and $100 million for the Friends streaming rights just in 2019 alone. Nielsen had previously reported that Friends was among the most-watched shows on Netflix, though they don't release any official viewership data. The Friends special is just the latest in a long line of film and TV productions to be either canceled or delayed due to the spread of COVID-19. On the TV side, shows like Amazon's Lord of the Rings, Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale and Netflix's Stranger Things were shut down, just to name a few. Movies such as The Matrix 4, Fantastic Beasts 3 and all of the Avatar sequels have been sidelined as well. Watch Friends on the soon to be launched HBO Max, or now on Stan in Australia. GREENE Funeral services for Clarence Edward Brinkman, 88 of Greene, will be broadcast live on YouTube at 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2020, from Retz Funeral Home in Greene. Instructions for viewing may be found on our web page. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene. To pay your respects to Clarence, you are invited to join the family in the procession to the cemetery (approx. 11:35). We ask that everyone remain in their vehicles. Clarence was born November 4, 1931, in Dayton Township, Butler County, Iowa the son of Fred and Isabel (Hoffert) Brinkman and passed away at the Valley View Care Center in Greene on April 9, 2020 after a 7-year struggle with Alzheimers. Clarence graduated from Greene High School in 1949. Clarence was united in marriage to Violet Luchtenburg on May 18, 1951 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene, Iowa. The couple was blessed with 7 children, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Clarence was a life-long farmer, and was very much involved in area agriculture as a board member of Greene COOP Elevator, COOP Creamery of Cresco and Greene, ASCS in Allison, and served as a Township Trustee. Clarence had various part-time jobs in his early years including the lumber yard in Greene, helping pour concrete and building grain bins, running a mobile corn sheller, and helped a neighbor with custom windrowing and combining oats. Clarence was a devoted husband, father, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather. He never saw a baby that he didnt want to take into his arms immediately to bottle feed. Clarence loved to tell jokes and stories, and was fond of saying, Have I ever been wrong? He liked spending time in the woods, cutting wood, starting fires, hunting, and taking fishing trips with the boys to Canada, Brushy Creek, and other places. He also loved a good box of chocolates and would share, but you could only have one. Clarence is survived by his wife, Violet; Children: Margorie Hanson, Nora Springs; David Brinkman, Greene; Dallas Brinkman, Webster City; Julie (Wendell) Leavens, Greene; Chris (Shirley) Brinkman, Manly; and Matthew Brinkman, Greene; Son-in-law, Keith Williams, St. Ansgar; Siblings: Darrel (Letha) Brinkman, Kenneth (Beverly) Brinkman, Catherine (Joseph) Huber, Esther Bose; Sisters-in-law: Lorraine Brinkman, Vi Wagner, Viola Luchtenburg; Brother-in-law, Harold Luchtenburg; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Clarence was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Williams; Daughter-in-law, Dixie Brinkman; Son-in-law, Donald Hanson; Great-Grandson, Karson Ott; his parents; Brother, Ray Brinkman; Sisters: Ruth Duncan, Irene Sartori, and Carol Ritchie. Memorials may be directed to the family at P.O .Box 219, Greene, Iowa 50636. Arrangements have been entrusted to Retz Funeral Home, 519 N. First St. Greene, Iowa. 641-823-4457 www.retzfh.com Do looks matter? Many from the Northeast of India find that unfortunately, they do, in the current situation A couple of days ago, two engineering students hailing from the Northeast were barred from entering a supermarket in Hyderabad due to their 'resemblance' to Chinese people, even after they produced Aadhaar cards to establish that they were Indians. The issue was resolved only when the authorities, alerted on social media, intervened. This is not a one-off case. There have been several incidents in the city, where people are being discriminated against because of their 'Chinese looks' in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. William Kan, who runs a Chinese restaurant (Chung Hua) recalls an incident that took place before the lockdown. My brother was visiting from Hong Kong and we went to the zoo. Kids there called us Coronavirus... Coronavirus. What could we tell them? They were too small to understand, sighs William. Citing another incident of racism, he says a woman who came to his restaurant before the lockdown had asked his staff whether they had recently come from China. As much as I understand her vulnerability, we want to clarify that we have been staying here for several years and that we prepare our food from the ingredients we buy from here, stresses William. Christina Chen, who has been running a beauty parlour named Womans World in Secunderabad for over 25 years, says her staff have been victims of racial abuse. My staff (from the North-eastern states) are abused when they go out. People yell Corona Corona... You guys go back to your country. Naturally they are hurt when people run away from them, says Christina, adding that its time people stood united in this fight. We are all Indians. I was born and raised here and my kids were also born in Hyderabad and speak Telugu too. Since I am in the beauty industry, I take care to maintain hygiene I have been doing so even before the Coronavirus spread in India, adds Christina, whose father is from China, while her mother is from Sikkim. In light of the current situation, it is feared that business at outlets run or staffed by people from the North-eastern States or with Chinese blood will be drastically affected. A Chinese Indian who runs a restaurant in the city, who did not wish to be named, admits that sales took a sharp dip since February. Definitely it will take some time before life and business come back to normal; we are just hoping it will happen at the earliest, he says. Yuking Yu, the public relations officer of the Overseas Chinese Friendship Association, says it is unfortunate that Chinese people are being targeted. Several Chinese are married to Indians and have been staying here for several years. Our children, businesses, friends and communities are Indians. We only hope that solidarity is shown in this fight against the Coronavirus, he says. It isnt just civilians who are subjected to racism. Even celebrities are prey to it. Badminton player Jwala Gutta has expressed anguish at being the target of discriminatory comments. Born to a Chinese mother and a Telugu father, Jwala revealed that she was called half-corona on social media. Meiyang Change of Indian Idol fame too recalled a disheartening incident when a few people called him Coronavirus because of his looks. Aparna Rayaprol, Professor and Former Head, Department of Sociology, University of Hyderabad, explains this irrational behaviour against a few individuals, saying, in the current climate of a global crisis, people need a target to blame. Despite India having been a colonial nation, We have inherited racism from the colonisers, which we are unable to shake off, she says. "A failure to recognise that people from the North-Eastern region of India are just as Indian as the rest of us, and instead, seeing them as Chinese, is the problem", she says, and adds "prejudice and ethnocentrism make people insult others. We can't blame a nation or a community for a pandemic. Photo credit: Ben Buchanan/Netflix From Town & Country As the co-director of Tiger King, the viral murder-mayhem-and-mullets Netflix documentary, Eric Goode has highjacked the culture, captivating even the White House briefing room. Its not hard to see why. In the engrossing seven-part series he created with Rebecca Chaiklin, which is back this Sunday for a wrap-up episode hosted by Joel McHale, Goode mines the underbelly of big-cat owners like latter-day Errol Morris crossbred with John Waters. Ive always been fascinated by these hidden subcultures that exist in America, Goode tells T&C, calling from his home in Ojai, California, and with passions that border on pathological. Photo credit: Jonathan Torgovnik A deep-pocketed animal rights activist behind such concerns as the Turtle Conservancy, Goode is referring to his interest in the exotic-animal hobbyist world. But its a penchant for strange creatures and obsession to the point of mania that dates back to his days of navigating the wilds of downtown New York. From 1983 to 1987, Goode was one of the co-owners and the public face of Area, one of the most canonical clubs in the history of New York nightlife. Located on Hudson Street below Houston, on the site of the former Pony Express stables, Area assumed the baton from clubs such as Studio 54 and ran with it like an amphetamine-charged anchor. As notoriously difficult to get into as 54, and every bit as hedonistic, Area had loftier ambitions from the get-go. It was known for its elaborate themesFashion! Confinement! Suburbia!that changed every six weeks and recalled the happenings of Jim Dine and Claes Oldenburg and its equally artful invitations (the one for Gnarly included a mousetrap that smashed open an ammonium capsule redolent of amyl nitrate). Those lucky enough to get in rubbed oversized shoulder pads with artists such as Warhol and Basquiat, and celebs from Madonna and Sting to Malcolm Forbes and Yul Brynner, as well as a menagerie of fabulous nobodies whose theatricality made the dramatizations of self in Tiger King look toothless by comparison. Story continues It was a remarkable cast of actors, who really dressed the part, recalls Goode, whose own look usually comprised boulder-shoulder Jean Paul Gaultier suits. I was definitely an 80s fashion victim who drank the Kool-Aid. According to Goode mythology, its about all that he consumed: every story written about him at the time was at pains to point out that, unlike most of his patrons, he abstained from alcohol and drugs. I never said that, Goode bristles. Look, when we were building Area, we were so driven and focused, partly because none of us came from money. If we had we been doing drugs all the time we would not have been able to accomplish what we did. But, you know, I was young and as time goes on you explore life. Which might explain some questionable lapses in judgment, especially when it comes to his use of animals in the clubs vitrines. We definitely used live animals and other things that I would not do today, Goode admits. I knew a notorious reptile dealer who would send me animals for Area. I regret that. I mean, the landlord had wolves and an arctic fox upstairs and quite possibly a tiger. Just as he has resisted calls for a second series of Tiger King for fear of overstaying its welcome, Goode and his partners always conceived of Arealovingly chronicled in the coffee table book of the same name published, in 2014, by Abramsas having a built-in use-by date. We approached it more like a limited run show on Broadway, he says. It was a place to meet and hang out for all kinds of reasons, obviously sex and drugs and all that, but also a forum to experiment with whatever you were working on. The second it became formulaic and predictable we closed. But up until that point I think it was pretty magical. The Tiger King and I recap premieres on Netflix this Sunday, April 12. You Might Also Like For people fortunate enough to still be working and doing that from the safety of home, there can be a blurring of time as one day bleeds into the next. University academics who rushed to get course content online and office workers now using their commuting time to work on their laptops at home are starting to wonder whether these habits will continue after the COVID-19 crisis is over. Will things return to the way they were before? A new report suggests working from home may become the "new normal" for millions in the future. But not everyone likes it. Film actors took to Twitter to deliver a robust ovation to policemen working round the clock to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak in Mumbai. It started after Mumbai police put out a video in which personnel on the streets were asked what they would do if they had the luxury of staying home during the 21-day lockdown. Action star of the 90s Suniel Shetty tweeted, "HEROES we love", to which the Mumbai police replied from its official Twitter handle that "every Dhadkan of our heart beats for this city", playing on the name of a film that was one of the biggest hits of the actor's career. Ajay Devgn wrote "#TakingOnCorona@MumbaiPolice" to which the police replied with a liberal mention of his films, "Dear 'Singham', Just doing what 'Khakee' is supposed to do to ensure that things return to how they were - 'Once upon a time in Mumbai'! The actor also tweeted "Dear Mumbai Police, you are known as one of the BEST in the world. Your contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic is unparalleled. Singham will wear his Khakee and stand beside you whenever you ask. Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra". Actor Abhishek Bachchan expressed gratitude by tweeting, "Always in debt to them and the great work they do" and got a reply from the police that it was "Just taking the 'ACP Jai Dixit' route to ensure that the city gets back to normalcy soon - that too, with a 'Dhoom'! and added a lockdown advice as well by stating that "All Mumbaikars need to do is not make 'Dus Bahaane' about going out unnecessarily!. "Giving up on their dreams for keeping the city of our dreams safe. Thank You @MumbaiPolice We owe you a lot and staying at home is the least we can do! #TakingOnCorona #MumbaiFirst" tweeted Shahid Kapoor. In reply the police said "The most 'Shaandaar' support Mumbaikars can provide right now is to stay at home. And make plans for what all we would do together 'Jab We Meet' post #lockdown #TakingOnCorona." Akshay Kumar tweeted "There's 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." The police told the Khiladi superstar "we are able to do what we do because we are never alone in this war. There's a much bigger army of Mumbaikars doing all that they can - from home. The whole of Mumbai is by our side." Among the others who tweeted in support of the men in khakhi were actors Jackie Shroff, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, Richa Chaddha, Sai Manjrekar, Raveena Tandon among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) We are now further away from the end of lockdown than when it was first introduced. Whats going on? The decision to extend the lockdown to May 5 was recommended by public health officials who are keen to avoid a spike in cases which could be caused by people engaging in normal behaviour after restrictions are lifted. It seems patterns that emerge in other countries will have a role in determining when normality resumes here. Austria and the Czech Republic have eased their restrictions recently and will be watched closely in the coming weeks. Why was there a big hullabaloo over holiday homes and long weekends? The important thing for health officials is to cut down on the number of cases linked to community transmission, cases where it cannot be determined how a person picked up coronavirus. People leaving their homes for the weekend to stay in other parts of the country increases the risk of them carrying the infection to new areas, or picking it up and bringing it home. With two bank holidays between now and the start of May, officials felt a need to act decisively. OK, but thats it after the May Bank Holiday, right? Not necessarily. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is adamant theres no magic figure that indicates when this will end, but experts will be keeping a close eye on hospitalisations, ICU figures and the number of new cases that will continue to emerge. When we get out of lockdown really depends on how well lockdown goes for our hospitals. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said we will see a relaxation on measures over time, but these can be reintroduced if cases become problematic again. How are our numbers looking? After some confusion last week, Ireland now has 8,928 Covid-19 cases. This may seem like a significant jump from the previous week we had 4,600 cases a week ago and can partially be attributed to the inclusion of numbers from swabs sent to Germany for testing. Initially, there were 7,054 cases last Friday, but this figure did not include more than 1,000 positive results returned from German labs. As of last night, we have had 8,928 positive cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, and 320 deaths. The growth in cases is still hovering around the 10pc mark, which is considered pretty good, but any increase would be worrying and will put hospitals under considerable pressure. Why are we sending swabs to Germany? Backlogs mean some 14,000 tests were sent to Germany for analysis to ease pressure here. While 1,035 of these showed a positive result, and the figures were logged by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, they were not included in the overall total announced by the Department of Health every day. Its explanation was that these tests were not determined to be new results because they were part of a backlog. They have now been added to the overall tally. What is happening with tests? The HSE says it is now in a position to process 4,500 tests a day. At the start of last week it was only doing a third of this number because of a global shortage of chemicals needed to analyse a test. It said the German agreement helps improve turnaround times for tests. Some people have been waiting two weeks for a result and recovered from the illness by the time they found out they had Covid-19. A HSE lab in Cherry Orchard, Dublin, came online last week to help, and a Department of Agriculture lab is also boosting capacity. Will this help those tested get results sooner? In theory, it should but there is currently no automated process for uploading lab results. The process has been developed over the past four weeks, and can scale up to deal with more than 2,000 new cases a day. The HSE admits this needs to get better but promises improvements are on the way. It should also help with contact tracing. There were 1,700 people trained to carry out contact tracing. At the moment, 200 of these are deployed every day because this is deemed sufficient for the number of cases in Ireland but there is capacity here to increase this if testing speeds up. Last week, political party leaders were told 53,000 tests had been analysed in labs. Are people recovering? The Sunday Independent asked the Department of Health for the number of people who have made a recovery from coronavirus. Details were not provided but there is anecdotal evidence of people making a full recovery. It is also clear that some of those healthcare workers infected in the early stages of this crisis are now beginning to return to work. Doctors are keen to emphasise that while some groups are at risk most people should be able to make a full recovery. But we still need a vaccine. What is happening with that? It has been labelled the modern holy grail, so there is a huge global push to develop a vaccine. It is estimated it could take up to 18 months to develop one that is safe to use, but companies insist they can have one in place within 12 months. They will be helped by anxiety around the disease and willingness by regulatory bodies to fast-track licensing. Many experts feel some restrictions will have to remain in place until a jab is in place, hence the urgency. And the Leaving Cert is postponed. What happens now? It is hoped that schools will be able to retain examiners and rooms that would have been available for the Junior Cert exams. Using these resources means young people sitting their Leaving Cert can continue to adhere to social distancing when exams take place. Students will not see an exam paper until restrictions are sufficiently lifted. So July, or even August, looks like when the Leaving Cert is most likely to happen. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) The Bicol region reports another person tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the area to 18. This was confirmed by Department of Health-Bicol Director Ernie Vera who said the patient is a 28-year-old female who had previous exposure to someone who was also COVID-19 positive. The patient is currently admitted at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital. Meanwhile, a COVID-19 patient from Calbayog City is now ready to be discharged after swabs came back negative. The patient was the second confirmed case in Eastern Visayas. Stringers Rosas Olarte and Wilmark Amazona contributed to this report. AT long last air cargo business has been launched at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), creating huge business opportunities for horticultural products stakeholders. Efforts by the Kilimanjaro Airports Development Company (KADCO) that manages the airports have finally paid off by signing an agreement with Ethiopian Airways that will be landing and taking off thrice a week, bringing in cargo and taking others for exports. The first cargo plane, under the contract, a huge Boeing 747 landed at KIA at 2220hrs on Thursday loading onboard 27 tonnes of goods destined to European markets. The good news comes as most international passenger planes have closed operations temporarily due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Speaking after the plane had taken off with the first consignment, KADCO Acting Managing Director, Engineer Christopher Mukoma, said the step was very important and beneficial to stakeholders that were struggling with their goods, especially perishables that had to be taken to a neighbouring country to be transported to Europe, Asia and Americas. The air cargo starts more than a year after completion of major renovation activities at the airport that started in 2015 until 2018, costing some 39.1 euros. A cold room was also well renovated and now has a 110 tonnes capacity at a go. Engineer Mukoma called on traders in different businesses to seize the opportunity to transport their goods, such as flowers, vegetables, fish and meat directly from KIA to destinations outside Africa. He said KADCO was incurring losses by cancellation of passenger planes, but said better days lie ahead as the air cargo business pays much more. It is a huge triumph for us and our stakeholders; it is an opportune moment for traders to seize the opportunity they had wanted for a long time in vain. They were hapless as they had to struggle and take their goods to Kenya. Now the whole process is simplified; theres no need to go around; use KIA for your exports. We have enough space for cargo here and a cold room for perishables, said Engineer Mukoma. He thanked all stakeholders who supported KADCO in its efforts to initiate air cargo, saying there were a lot of challenges and hurdles in the journey to such success. He said the air cargo business would earn the country huge sums of money. As per guidelines issued by the health ministers of the East African Community (EAC) member countries, health officials from KADCO will ensure crew for cargo planes are determined by the specifications of the aircraft and set international guidelines. The ministers decided that cargo should be decontaminated as well so as to avoid Coronavirus cases. KADCO Marketing Manager Ms Christina Mwakatobe called upon businesspersons to use the opportunity to fill the demand gap of horticultural products, fish and meat in Europe, Asia and Americas now that countries are hard hit by Covid-19. Ms Mwakatobe explained that a committee was set up by KADCO, bringing in several stakeholders to find out the challenges that led to lack of air cargo business at KIA and find solutions for the same. She said the stakeholders, including companies and some government institutions, cooperated well and ultimately operations had started. Tanzania Horticulture Association (TAHA) Managing Director Ms Jaqueline Mkindi said the cargo plane operations at KIA was a huge milestone and comforting move for horticulture stakeholders, saying their customers abroad would now get their shipments on time, in good quality and without any disruptions. The business starts just about three weeks since members of the Public Investment Committee (PIC) of the Tanzania Parliament called upon the government and its institutions and departments to offer full cooperation to KADCO so that it engages in cargo and perishable goods transportation. Mayor orders public schools shut for rest of school year in New York Nex York City mayor Bill de Blasio had ordered public schools shut beginning March 16 to curb the spread of the disease, with an initial goal of reopening by April 20. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Saturday public schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year as the city battles the novel coronavirus outbreak. NY GOVERNOR REJECTS THE DECISION Having to tell you that we cannot bring our schools back for the remainder of this school year is painful, but I can also tell you it is the right thing to do, he told a news conference. A few hours later, New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo pushed back on the mayors announcement, saying there had been no decision on school closures. Cuomo said de Blasio could not unilaterally close New York Citys schools without coordinating with the rest of the metropolitan area, and insisted the decision to reopen New York schools rested with him. It is my legal authority in this situation, the governor said in response to a reporters question about whether closing schools in New York City fell under his authority over the citys mayor. Charles Taylor Expands Marine Technical Services Insurance services company Charles Taylor has expanded its marine technical services offering by integrating Bowditch Marine, Pilot Marine and the marine surveyors of Charles Taylor Adjusting U.S. As of April 1, the adjusting team will be known as Charles Taylor Marine Technical Services, the company said in a press release. Charles Taylor purchased Bowditch Marine, Inc. in 2018 and Pilot Marine earlier this year. Charles Taylor has offered adjusting and surveying services in the U.S, including marine surveying, since 2001. By combining decades of marine surveying expertise as Charles Taylor Marine Technical Services, the newly integrated team will provide marine and cargo surveying and consulting services to assist vessel owners, reinsurance and insurance underwriters, and other maritime interests, the company said. The creation of Charles Taylor Marine Technical Services, through bringing together our highly skilled industry professionals, will enable us to centralize technical expertise under one brand, streamline client responsiveness and leverage operational scale, stated Christopher Schaffer, head of Charles Taylor Third Party Administration. Verisk Offering Free Use of Tools During Pandemic Verisk Analytics is offering insurance professionals free access to its ClaimXperience and OneXperience platforms during the coronavirus pandemic to help the industry scale back on-site inspections. The products allow professionals to collaborate remotely with policyholders using a range of tools, including video, the Jersey City, N.J.-based company said in a press release. Insurance professionals and policyholders will also receive, when available, up to six different aerial images that show overhead, north, south, east, west, and neighborhood views, along with some reference property characteristics. The data is used in home and business inspections that are often performed to identify and verify property characteristics and contents as well as adjusters who visit the home or business to determine the scope of damages and estimate the cost of repairs, Verisk said. To support the program, Verisk said it substantially scaled up its capacity to stream and store video and supporting data. In addition, the company added a range of remote training and support options for insurance professionals and shifted key resources to help them implement the platforms. Since rolling out the program in mid-March, more than 620 customers have signed up to access OneXperience and ClaimXperience. These customers have more than 17,000 adjusters or inspectors actively using the platform, the company said. They have handled in excess of 20,000 building inspections and claims with the help of nearly 14,000 video-collaboration sessions. Field staff and policyholders have also exchanged more than 175,000 photos and almost 9,000 hours of video, Verisk said. Starr Aviation Relaxing Rules During Pandemic Starr Insurance Companies announced that its aviation division is making accommodations for general aviation policyholders to extend training and medical-certification deadlines for insured pilots because of the coronavirus pandemic. We quickly saw that Covid-19 mitigation efforts could affect pilots whose policies require an annual training event and pilots subject to regulatory aviation requirements, stated Steve Blakey, president of Starr Insurance. We responded by building in time so our policyholders dont risk losing their coverage. Until June 30, Starr Aviation will extend training and medical certificate deadlines for recurrent trainings and medical certificates. A full description of the policy change can be found here. The company said the accommodations do not apply to any individual who lacked an applicable and unexpired medical certificate as of March 31, or any person serving as a flight engineer with a known physical deficiency or increase in physical deficiency that would make the flight engineer unable to meet the physical requirements for an unexpired medical certificate. Coronation Street are planning a series of spin-off episodes honouring the ITV soap's icons. With filming halted amid the coronavirus lockdown, show bosses are said to be pulling together a new four-part series that will take a look back at some of the show's favourite characters. Among the 'icons' set to appear are soap legend Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache and Bet Lynch, portrayed by Julie Goodyear. Soap icon: Coronation Street are planning a series of spin-off episodes honouring the ITV soap's icons It is said that the episodes could help fill a void in programming amid the COVID-19 crisis. With production on set halted due to social distancing rules, show bosses are sifting through old footage of the street's favourite characters, while interviews with the cast will be conducted from home. A source told the Sunday Mirror: 'During these difficult times, ITV bosses thought, 'What better to lift the spirits than some of the most memorable moments in 'Corrie' history?' Back again: Among the 'icons' set to appear are soap legend Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache and Bet Lynch, portrayed by Julie Goodyear 'It also gives them the chance to celebrate their many stars, including Ken Barlow - the longest-running soap star in the world. 'With filming suspended, this is a way of getting around the current restrictions as a lot can be pulled from archives and interviews at home.' The programmes will come following the huge success of Coronation Street Icons: Audrey Roberts 40 Fabulous Years, which honoured Sue Nicholls' great moments on the soap. Favourites: A source told the Sunday Mirror: 'During these difficult times, ITV bosses thought, 'What better to lift the spirits than some of the most memorable moments in 'Corrie' history?' Success: The programmes will come following the huge success of Coronation Street Icons: Audrey Roberts 40 Fabulous Years, which honoured Sue Nicholls' great moments on the soap It comes after 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.' 33 more Covid-19 patients have died, bringing the death toll in the Republic to 320. A total 8,928 people have been infected since the pandemic reached Ireland, which includes an extra 286 cases reported by a lab in Germany. It has already killed over 100,000 people worldwide and infected 1.7 million. Health Minister Simon Harris says after the German lab has cleared a backlog of up to 15,000 tests, the next step will be to extend the testing criteria. Dr Mary Favier, President of the Irish College of General Practitioners, says that will help find infection sooner. "At the moment the definitions are quite restrict, they are to do with fever and very particular symptoms and then if you're in a risk group where there is a healthcare worker or someone is a close contact of somebody who has tested positive," said Dr Favier. "The idea that it might ease it out a little further. The thinking behind that is that they are really trying to capture all of the possible cases that exist and then follow those up as quickly as possible." Yesterday, Minister 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. Mr Harris also said Ireland has more testing capacity than most other EU countries. He said testing per head of population is the 5th highest in the EU. People are being reminded not to visit family and friends for Easter Sunday and to comply with the 2km restrictions if they are going out for walks. Gardai are making sure people comply with the Covid-19 travel restrictions with checkpoints set up in towns and cities all over the country. It is part of Operation Fanacht, launched on Wednesday to ensure public compliance with the restrictions. 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. The operation will run until Monday night, and will involve thousands of checkpoints every day. Those who wish to attend Easter Sunday can do by watching on tv or online as Bishop of Kilaloe, in Ennis Co Clare, Fintan Monahan, says the Catholic Church will use technology to stream masses today. "The number of webcams has literally mushroomed around the various different parishes so many of the parishes will be live streaming the various different sacraments especially the ceremonies for today, Easter Sunday." People can also listen to mass on the radio. Scientists at the University of Ghana (UG) have successfully sequenced genomes of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic, obtaining important information about the genetic composition of viral strains in 15 of the confirmed cases in Ghana. The scientists, who work at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), under the College of Health Sciences, and the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, both under the UG, analyzed samples from selected cases to gain a comprehensive understanding of the variations of the virus that are present in the country. A statement issued by the University of Ghana to confirm the breakthrough on Sunday explained that Genome sequencing allows for the compilation of the most comprehensive information about an organisms genetic makeup. It said using advanced Next-Generation Sequencing methods, scientists were able to track and compare viral mutations to understand the origins of imported strains and to discover if any novel strains were emerging locally. Prof. Abraham Anang, Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), said the successful establishment of this sequencing capability at UG, was a significant milestone in Ghanas response to the pandemic, as it would strengthen surveillance for tracking mutations of the virus and aid in the tracing of the sources of community infections in people with no known contact with confirmed cases. He stated that samples analyzed were taken from two travelers, who arrived in Ghana from the UK, one from Norway, one from Hungary, one from India, and one traveler who arrived from the United States through the United Arab Emirates. Nine samples were also taken from individuals who had no travel history, who are believed to have acquired the infection locally, he said. Prof. Gordon Awandare, the Director of WACCBIP further said the data analysed indicated that while there were some differences between the strains from the various countries, all the 15 genomes generally resembled ( with more than 92 percent similarity), the reference strain that was isolated in the Wuhan Province of China, where the outbreak began. He said this confirmed that "we are dealing with the same pathogen, and that it has not yet changed its genetic make-up significantly". It is natural that pathogens would evolve as they encounter different environmental challenges, so the scientists would need to continue monitoring to keep track with these changes and determine how they impacted on the efficacy of potential drugs or vaccines that were being developed, he added. The statement said the information from the sequence data was shared with scientists around the world through an open access platform known as the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database, where other sequences from various countries were stored, at (https://www.gisaid.org/). Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, said the Institution was proud to note that this feat was achieved entirely by local scientists using established local capacity including; its Next Generation Sequencing Core and 'Zuputo, the High-Performance Computing system, which were jointly managed by NMIMR and WACCBIP, with support from the UG Computing Systems. He thanked the Government of Ghana, and all the funding agencies that provided grants to support the operations of the two flagship centres of excellence for biomedical research. 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 One of the top scientists in the United Kingdom said she is 80 percent confident a coronavirus vaccine will be ready by September. Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, feels 80 percent confident that a vaccine her team is working on could be the answer, noting that human trials are going to start in the next two weeks, the vaccinologist told The Times of London. I think theres a high chance that it will work, based on other things that we have done with this type of vaccine, Gilbert told the Times. Its not just a hunch, and as every week goes by, we have more data look at. --Check out all of PennLives coronavirus coverage by clicking here-- UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that the government is already preparing for a situation where a vaccine is ready for distribution. He noted that he is familiar with the project and said that it is really great to see some hop, especially on the front page of the newspapers." But the way I think about it is as follows, we will put all the resources into getting a vaccine because of the massive benefits wed have if we had a vaccine," Hancock told Sky News. Were also putting enormous resources into when a vaccine comes about, if and when, then we can manufacture enough here to be able to get it to everybody as quickly as possible. The Times reported that while distribution could take a long time, the government funding millions of doses would help make them available quicker. 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. -- Follow Ed Sutelan on Twitter, @EdwardSutelan 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. NRL star Tim Lafai has been hit with an apprehended violence order after allegedly punching several walls in his home following an argument with his wife. Police were called to the St George Illawarra Dragons centre's home south of Wollongong on Good Friday following reports from neighbours about 'loud noises' coming from the home. Police will allege when officers arrived around 1pm, Lafai's wife Jacqui told them the pair had a verbal disagreement over him wanting to train in his home gym with a friend rather than spend time with his children, The Sunday Telegraph reported. There's no suggestion Lafai was physically violent towards his family and no charges have been laid. Dragons star Tim Lafai has been issued with apprehended violence order followed a a verbal argument with his wife Jacqui (pictured together) on Friday. No charges have been laid. Police also allegedly spoke to Lafai, who told them he was going downstairs to 'release some frustration', the publication reported. Police returned to the home a hour later following reports Lafai was allegedly 'smashing up his house and being aggressive.' He was found on the back verandah with red marks on his forehead and his knuckles covered in blood. Tim Lafai (pictured) was taken to hospital for treatment after he allegedly punched holes into walls at his home 'Officers from the Lake Illawarra command were called to a home in Warrawong following a concern of welfare report,' a NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'A 28-year-old man was located lying in the backyard of the home and was taken to Wollongong Hospital for treatment for a hand injury.' 'Police were told the man had allegedly become aggressive after a domestic-related argument with a 27-year-old woman in the home, before he allegedly punched a number of walls throughout the house.' Lafai was issued with an apprehended violence order after he was later discharged from hospital. Police investigations into the alleged incident are continuing. Pictured is Lafai with his wife No charges have been laid. Police inquiries into the incident are continuing. The Dragons confirmed the NRL integrity unit had been made aware of the incident. 'St George Illawarra are aware of a police matter involving Dragons centre Tim Lafai,' the club said in a statement. 'The NRL integrity unit have been informed. As this is a deeply personal and private matter, at this stage the Dragons will be making no further comment.' This is the Samoan international's sixth season with Dragons after leaving the Canterbury Bulldogs at the end of 2015. A man has been found dead in his hotel room during forced coronavirus quarantine. The recently returned traveller's body was discovered on Saturday afternoon inside a hotel room at South Wharf, in Melbourne's CBD. It is understood the man's death was due to self-harm and Victoria Police confirmed they were not treating the death as suspicious. 'Police will prepare a report for a coroner after a man was found deceased in a hotel at South Wharf on April 11,' a spokesperson said. 'The death is not being treated as suspicious.' The death came as other returned travellers were able to leave the city's Crown Promenade hotel after completing the required 14 days in isolation. A man has been found dead in his hotel room during forced coronavirus quarantine, having recently returned to Australia from overseas (Stock image) The death came as other returned travellers were able to leave the city's Crown Promenade hotel after completing the required 14 days in isolation All departing guests on Easter Sunday were given chocolate eggs as a parting gift by the hotel There were smiles and thumbs up aplenty from those travellers who finally rediscovered their freedom on Sunday morning A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said: 'The coroner will investigate the incident and as such we are unable to comment further.' 'Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this time.' Any traveller who returned to Australia from overseas after March 26 was required to spend 14 days in hotels to prevent the spread of coronavirus. In total more than 5,000 people have been forced into quarantine across the country in recent weeks, with the majority in Sydney. The first 280 of those were released last Wednesday, while 1,300 more regained their freedom over the weekend. Before being released back into the world, travellers must undergo one final medical check. Those who were able to leave the Travelodge in Sydney's CBD on Sunday told Daily Mail Australia they had been treated well during their stay. 'It's very overwhelming to be outside right now, it's so wonderful - I think I might cry,' Mykayla MacNamara said. 'I did reading, listened to music and stared out the window for hours each day. 'I think the policy is reasonable given the situation with the cruise ships here, but I don't think it will be very effective if people aren't social distancing outside on the streets.' Mykayla MacNamara (pictured) said it was an 'overwhelming' moment when she got back her freedom on Sunday morning More than 100 returned travellers inside the Travelodge in Sydney's CBD were allowed to walk free on Sunday after returning to Australia from the USA and UK Katie Brown and Margaret Mulvaney returned to Australia from Iowa, U.S, on March 29, and were thrilled to be back outside in the fresh air An elderly woman is among the first returned travellers to be released from forced quarantine at the Swissotel, in Sydney's CBD, last Wednesday. There have been mixed reactions from the returned travellers, with some praising the government's stance and others comparing it to jail Margaret Mulvaney and her daughter Katie Brown spent two weeks sharing one hotel room and admitted they went 'a little strange'. But while being cooped inside for 14 days after returning from the United States was far from ideal, they said they understand why it was necessary. 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 treatment in here has been awesome, the food was really good and if you needed someone to talk to you just had to call,' Ms Mulvaney said. 'They had mental health and physical health checks everyday, so that was great, and I think it was fair that they made sure people quarantined because so many weren't. 'Two weeks felt like forever. We went a little strange, we did things like eye-spy out the window and karaoke sessions and lots of Netflix.' But not all had the same attitude to being forced into a hotel room under watch from police and the army. One man who walked free on Saturday said he felt like he'd been sent to 'prison'. 'The first three days were pretty horrendous actually because you're going from having complete freedom to being confined, not able to leave your room at all, and the food was terrible as well,' one man told the ABC. 'It was just a nightmare you really felt like you were in prison.' There are now more than 6,300 confirmed coronavirus cases in Australia, with 57 deaths Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday morning that he would be extending the current 'state of emergency' until at least May 11 Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday morning that he would be extending the current 'state of emergency' until at least May 11. The four week extension could increase if there is a change to the current trend of a reduction in cases. Victoria recorded just three new positive coronavirus patients on Saturday, but the state was warned not to become complacent. 'These are positive, albeit fragile numbers,' Mr Andrews said. 'These things can change very quickly.' Victoria has 1,265 confirmed COVID-19 patients, less than half of New South Wales which has 2,857. For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 While the state recorded its lowest confirmed cases overnight, Premier Mark McGowan said the war against coronavirus wasnt won and restrictions would remain in place for at least six months. Mr McGowan said although the three most recent confirmed cases was the lowest recorded number since testing commenced, the state needed to remain vigilant. We've been fighting a battle for the last month, and we're obviously doing well, he said. But the war isn't won and so, while we need to continue to fight the battle we also need to plan for the recovery, which is what we will do in the coming months. Mr McGowan said any form of loosening restrictions would come down to medical advice but no such plan was on the horizon any time soon. I don't want to give people false hope at the same time, I don't want to be too too pessimistic, he said. If the medical advice says that there can be some alleviation of restrictions and we have very low numbers of infection and certainly infection in Western Australians from contacts within the state, well then that will guide any decisions. But I just make the point, there's going to be restrictions in place at least for six months of one form or another and we're not going to lose some things that will make the situation worse. State government will continue to review the restrictions on a daily and monthly basis, with a continued emphasis on closed borders rather than closing down more businesses. Mr McGowan said keeping people employed was his main priority rather than allowing domestic and international travel. Id much rather put in place strong borders than close down more businesses, he said. Certainly, we'll review to see what more we can do over time to tweak to perhaps lift restrictions. One of the many arms purchase deals signed by the Indians when the American president visited India in February was for 24 American MH-60R Seahawk ASW (anti-submarine warfare) helicopters. These will cost about $109 million each, which includes accessories, spare parts, tech support and the cost of establishing maintenance facilities for a new type of helicopter. Despite their higher cost India has found American military helicopters the best value for the money. Indians called the purchase a major boost to their naval power. It certainly was because the Seahawks replace elderly Sea King helicopters that had to be retired in the 1990s because they were no longer safe to fly. Even before that, the Indian navy had been seeking replacements but the Indian defense procurement bureaucrats and parliamentary politics kept delaying the purchase of replacements. Even the Seahawk deal endured several years of delays before India cleared all the bureaucratic obstacles to finally agree to place an order. The final details on the Seahawk purchase were agreed to in early 2019 but in India, the signing of the deal can often be delayed several more years or be delayed indefinitely and then canceled. Until the purchase contract was signed, the construction and delivery of the helicopters could not be scheduled. Fortunately, the assembly line for all UH-60 helicopters is still going strong after 41 years. The MH-60 has been in service since 1984 and over 700 have been built so far, most of them in the United States. Some have also been built overseas under license. India will begin receiving their Seahawks in 2021. India already has some American helicopters in service and on order. In addition to newly ordered MH-60Rs India already has 15 CH-47F heavy transport helicopters on the way and some have recently begun arriving. In addition 22 AH-64E helicopter gunships began arriving in 2019. The ability of the Americans to deliver quickly is another plus. The Americans take good care of their customers, something that India does not get from Russia, its oldest, and largest supplier. Russia is losing more and more business to foreign (Western) producers. You get what you pay for. This MH-60R is a navalized version of the 11 ton U.S. Army UH-60. India will use the MH-60Rs for ASW as well as attacks on surface vessels with Hellfire missiles. ASW involves using computers, sonar, and radar to search for submarines. This work consists of someone staring at a computer display most of the time while manipulating the sensors and computers to detect and locate subs. Once you have a solid location fix, the MH-60 can launch a torpedo and sink the enemy sub. The MH-60R uses a sonar that operates in active (broadcasting) and passive (just listening) mode. The sonar system consists of dipping sonar and sonobuoys, which are dropped and communicate wirelessly. The dipping sonar is lowered into the water from the helicopter using an 806 meter (2,500 foot) cable and winch. The MH-60R is also equipped with a radar system for detecting subs on the surface or just beneath the surface. Modern non-nuclear subs often travel just beneath the surface with only the periscope or snorkel (to provide air for the diesel engine and gets rid of exhaust fumes) above water. MH-60Rs can also perform SAR (search and rescue) work where, to obtain maximum airtime and carrying capacity, the sonar and all its associated electronics is quickly and temporarily removed. The MH-60 can hover low enough to deploy a line to people in the water and winch people aboard. For decades the Indian Navy has had problems with procuring new helicopters and the situation kept getting worse. The navy preferred proven foreign models like the MH-60R but their procurement bureaucracy excels at corruption, timidity and an exceptional talent for not getting things done. As a result, Indian warships equipped to handle helicopters have had, for nearly a decade, only 20 percent of the helicopters they are supposed to have. The main deficiency was in importing a suitable medium (10 ton class) helicopters like the U.S. SH-60, Russian Ka-31 and the European EH101 or NH90. The main source of delays was the Indian effort to build a local design that met navy needs. Indian efforts to develop a local helicopter industry have been plagued by political and bureaucratic bungling. Despite that, after a half-century of effort, India did produce some Indian made naval helicopters, but not yet the heavier types the navy needs for ASW. The closest Indian manufacturers have come to filling navy needs was the locally designed and built 5.5 ton Dhruv. In late 2013 the Indian Navy finally put its first squadron of Dhruvs into service. These were used for patrolling, search and rescue, and anything else the Navy needed, except for those jobs requiring a 10 ton class helicopter. Its been a difficult journey for the Dhruv. In 2009 the Indian Navy bought six of the Dhruvs for evaluation and did not like what they saw. The main complaints were lack of engine power and poor reliability. These were considered fatal flaws for helicopters meant for SAR and ASW. Dhruv entered service in 2002 and the Coast Guard and the other services got a few of them for evaluation. The army actually bought 40 Dhruvs without thoroughly testing them. This purchase was made under intense pressure from the government to "buy Indian". Then the army discovered that, although the purchase contract stipulated that the Dhruv be able to operate at high altitudes (5,000 meters/16,000 feet), its engine (as the navy noted) was underpowered and could not handle high altitudes. So the army has to keep its older helicopters in service until the Dhruvs were upgraded. The Dhruv can carry up to 14 passengers or four stretchers. Max load is 1.5 tons and endurance is about two hours, depending on load and altitude. The Dhruv can also fly as high as 6,000 meters (nearly 20,000 feet), but not with much of a payload or stability. Northern India has a lot of mountains, so safely carrying troops and cargo at high altitude was a key design requirement that was never met in practice. The 5.5 ton Dhruv has had a lot of problems and by 2009, a series of crashes indicated some basic design flaws which the manufacturer insisted did not exist. The Navy disagreed. Although it is Indian made, until 2010, the Dhruv was assembled mostly (90 percent) with imported parts. The manufacturer had kept quiet about this because at least half the parts in "Indian made" weapons are supposed to be made in India. Since then the percentage of Indian made components has increased. As embarrassing as this revelation was, there were other problems that were more crucial. The primary goal of the MH-60R was to replace about 30 elderly Indian Sea Kings. MH-60s have replaced Sea Kings in many countries. The Sea Kings were a 1950s American design and the Indian Navy began receiving them from a British manufacturer in 1972. The last of 42 Sea Kings ordered arrived in the mid-1980s. As the Sea Kings got older they required more maintenance and a growing number were too worn out to repair. Only six were lost to accidents and most were retired because of old age. The last few that were still flyable only had a few years of useful life left. The U.S. is the main source of spare parts as most other suppliers have ceased production because so few Sea Kings are still in service. The Sea Kings have a max speed of 209 kilometers an hour, max load of 3.5 tons, max altitude of 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) max range of 1,200 kilometers and max endurance of about six hours. The MH-60R has a max speed of 270 kilometers an hour, max load of 1.9 tons, max altitude of 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), max range of 830 kilometers and max endurance of about four hours. The MH-60R entered service in 1984 as the SH-60. Most American military helicopters (UH-60, HH-60, MH-60) are militarized versions of the Sikorsky S-60, a 1970s design that won the competition to replace the older UH-1 "Huey". The UH-60 (for the army) was introduced in 1979. The latest version, the 11 ton UH-60M can carry 14 troops, or 1.1 tons of cargo internally, or four tons slung underneath. Cruise speed is 278 kilometers an hour. Max endurance is two hours, although most sorties last 90 minutes or less. Max altitude is 5,790 meters (19,000 feet). The army currently has about 2,000 UH-60s and has upgraded the force with the new "M" model and upgraded many of the older L models to the V standard. This includes a lot of the new electronic features of the M model. The M model has also been upgraded to the improved UH.60M. So far, about 4,000 UH-60 type helicopters have been built, mostly for the U.S. military. One reason the MH-60 is so popular is that the UH-60s have accumulated so many flight hours that there are many current or former pilots and so many people with experience maintaining it. Plus there are so many UH-60s still flying that its spare parts are not only cheaper but are going to be available for a long time. None of the Russian or West European competitors have these advantages and India made the most of that. As a bonus for all their foreign purchases, India demands some co-production or license manufacturing in India. For the MH-60 Indian firms will build some MH-60 components. This involves Indian firms qualifying for such status because those components must be built to work in any MH-60. That means if an American warship was near India and had a MH-60 that needed a part that the Indians produced, they could arrange to procure the part from India and keep their MH-60 flying. That rarely happens but these foreign parts suppliers can sell to the American manufacturer of the MH-60 or a country that is building the MH or UH-60 under license. In some cases, foreign producers of aircraft components are major suppliers of certain aircraft assembled in the United States or elsewhere. In this way, India improves its ability to eventually build helicopters, ships or warplanes to Western standards. Its a slow process.The Chinese have moved much more quickly at climbing that ladder and produces more capable ships, aircraft and all manner of weapons than India can. The Telangana Doctors' Federation donated glass shields to be used by police personnel for their protection while performing their duty amid the COVID-19 crisis. Famed actor Vijay Devarakonda and film director Shankar were also present at the occasion. Commissioner of Police in Hyderabad, IPS Anjani Kumar, thanked the federation and also Devarakonda and Shankar for being present at the event held on Saturday in which the police personnel were also informed about the precautions needed to be taken during this difficult hour. "We thank the doctors and Vijay Devarakonda and Shankar for being present at the programme. During this period of crisis, our personnel are working round the clock at about 150 checkpoints in the city. All kinds of help, support and motivation are needed in these times. The doctors have also guided the personnel present here about the precautions needed to be taken during this phase," Kumar said. Meanwhile, Vijay Devarakonda thanked the police department for their selfless service and urged people to help the police by staying inside their houses. "I thank the entire police department for keeping us safe by working round the clock. I also thank everyone who is staying at home by respecting the government's decision. The Telangana Doctors' Federation is donating glass shields to the police department as they interact with many people, hence their safety is very important. We want our officers to be healthy," Devarakonda said. As of Saturday evening, there are 504 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Telangana, including 43 cured cases. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has also announced an extension of lockdown in the state till April 30. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-13 02:30:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VILNIUS, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The first train of a new postal rail service to Europe, loaded with much-needed medical supplies, arrived early Sunday in Vilnius, according to the Chinese Embassy in Lithuania. Launched by Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, it is the first of its kind to Lithuania. The rail service aims to meet the rising demand for international parcel delivery amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The rail service "opened up new, reliable and efficient logistics channel for China to transport anti-epidemic materials in large quantities to Europe," said Chinese Ambassador to Lithuania Shen Zhifei on Sunday. The ambassador highlighted that the service came "at the critical moment when the world joins efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic." Departing from Chongqing on April 3, the "China Post" CR Express 1st block train carries 44 TEUs of relief supplies and parcels, which will be transferred later to other European countries. Following the first postal train, seven more bound for Lithuania are scheduled to depart in the near future. As of the end of March, the China-Europe cargo trains operated from Chongqing have provided postal service to 36 European countries since 2014. Chinese representatives tried to influence German government officials to give positive comments about Beijing's management of the coronavirus outbreak, Germany's Die Welt newspaper reported Sunday. The virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December and Beijing has been criticised by some -- most notably US President Donald Trump -- over its initial handling of the crisis. Senior officials and staff at German government ministries were invited "to speak in positive terms about China's management of the coronavirus," Die Welt said, citing a confidential foreign ministry document. The foreign ministry recommended that all German governmental departments reject such approaches, the newspaper added. The ministry has declined to confirm or deny the report. However a German intelligence source told Die Welt that "Chinese officials are pursuing an intensified information and propaganda policy with regard to the coronavirus". Beijing has sought to counter the narrative that the outbreak began in China and highlighted its assistance to Western countries "in order to present the People's Republic as a trustworthy partner," Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution said. The pandemic has shaken the world, killing more than 107,000 people and infecting over 1,745,000, wreaking vast economic damage and prompting a rash of finger-pointing. Trump and his administration had made a point of referring to COVID-19 as the "Chinese virus" or the "Wuhan virus", infuriating Beijing. The US president has also cast doubt on the accuracy of official Chinese virus figures and accused the World Health Organization of pro-China bias. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 19:32:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, April 12 (Xinhua) -- All provinces of Thailand are currently banning the sales of any alcoholic beverages at least the middle of next week to stem the COVID-19 pandemic, said government officials on Sunday. Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang and the governors of all 76 provinces, who are concurrently in charge of the situation administration at provincial level, have separately ordered the temporary ban on the retail and wholesale trading of alcoholic beverages for the time being, spanning the suspended Songkran festival, which was scheduled on the upcoming Monday to Wednesday, according to the officials of the Ministry of Interior. The period of time during which the sales of alcoholic beverages are prohibited apparently varies in different provinces, the officials said. The ban is effective until the end of this month in 27 provinces, including Pattaya, and until April 20 in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and 18 other provinces. Many care homes now are virtually shuttered from the outside world with a lot of efforts made in order to keep the virus outside. We talked to Mr Vandenbosch, the General Director at Fondation Pescatore, a care home for older people in the city centre with more than 300 residents. He shared some insight into how the residents and the employees are coping during these difficult times. Fondation Pescatore When asked about the impact of the coronavirus on his facility, he explained: All the usual processes had to be reorganised. One example: All of our residents have to eat in their rooms now instead of the dining room. We strictly separate staff taking care of residents infected with the coronavirus from the rest of the staff. About the situation of his employees more generally, he said: At the moment, we have enough staff. A few of them have been tested Covid-positive and of course they are not coming anymore. Sick leave is slightly higher than usually. "Most of the residents understand the situation and they support the measures. Of course, they are sad that they cannot go outside or that their families cannot come visit. The situation is more difficult for the residents with dementia, as it is not easy to explain the situation to them. Staff try to make sure that residents can still be in touch with their relatives: With the help of iPads they establish a connection between the resident and their relatives and like this, they can communicate via FaceTime or Skype. Can residents still see their relatives? According to the director: No visitors are allowed inside but we have a big area around our care home. It is secured with 2 fences and there, families can come to talk to their relatives, over a distance. Unfortunately, the care home needed to stop all of the usual activities for the residents., he said and added, We have a dozen of residents, though, that need to be entertained because, for example, they might fall when they are in their room and that is why they still come together under supervision. Of course, the risk is that they catch the disease but after weighing the risks against the benefits we have come to this decision. Despite the average age being 90 years, some of the residents would still like to go to the city, as Mr Vandenbosch said: 50 % of our residents are completely autonomous. Their health status dictates where in the care home they live and what they are still able to do but some rules apply to everyone: if they can still go outside then they cannot be in groups together anymore and chat, which they usually liked doing. Nevertheless, it is beneficial for the residents if they still have a little bit of contact with each other but they have to be very careful. Former eating areas are now make shift rooms for residents who tested positive for coronavirus. Fondation Pescatore According to Mr Vandenbosch, staff who work closely with the residents did not need to be specifically trained as they have the necessary experience: They are trained in working with people with multi-resistant germs but all of the other employees who are in contact with them were educated accordingly. Prospects are grim, as the isolation for people in care facilities might be extended to a longer period of time. When questioned about his view on a potential extension of the social distancing measures, Mr Vandenbosch explained: It seems like the government starts thinking about rollback actions sometime after Easter. "I anticipate that care homes are the last ones where the restrictions will be lifted. "I don't know if our residents are aware of the risk is that they might be the last ones for which restrictions might be lifted. The risk is just too high, as all of us know that the disease especially affects old people." Is there anything the government or the public could do to help? According to the director: While ensuring adherence to the general guidelines of the government, it then lies within the responsibility of the care homes to decide at which point they can lift their own restrictions. For example, at some point we could start thinking about opening our restaurant again. That would already help a lot because the residents could interact and they would be very happy about that. People from outside would pose a risk, though: I would think that the risk is just too high. As much as I appreciate it when volunteers become active, at the moment this is just possible for professionals. A great idea The conservatory of Luxembourg has invented a way of entertaining vulnerable people in care homes or other facilities. They have started giving mini concerts with four or five musicians standing outside of the premises and playing. Residents can open their windows and listen to the music. From next week on they will do that every day at Fondation Pescatore. One of the Fondation`s residents is a very good pianist and this Sunday he will also play for some of the residents. The performance will take place in an open space area that reaches over 4 floors and inhabitants can join from the distance. This is what we try to keep up the spirits of our residents. On Easter they will get a little bit of wine and an Easter egg. With little gestures, we try put a smile on the faces of our residents. A group of Nihangs chopped off a policeman's hand and injured two others in Punjab's Patiala district on Sunday. The police said that the group of four-five Nihangs (Sikhs armed with traditional weapons and dressed in blue) attacked the policemen when they were asked to show curfew passes. The group of men have been arrested by the police. Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala, Mandeep Singh Sidhu said, "They were asked to show (curfew) passes. But they crashed the vehicle against the gate and barricades put up there." The group was travelling in a vehicle and were asked to stop at a vegetable market around 6:15 am by the Mandi board officials. The group ended up attacking the police officials on duty. "An ASI's (Assistant Sub Inspector) hand was chopped off by a sword. A Station House Officer of Sadar Patiala sustained an injury on his elbow and another official suffered an injury on his arm in the attack," Sidhu said. Also read: Coronavirus India Lockdown live updates: Sikh group attacks cops in Punjab's Patiala, policeman's hand chopped The Nihangs fled the scene, said the SSP following the incident. Seven people were arrested from a gurudwara including the group of Nihangs. Meanwhile, the ASI was rushed to the Rajindra Hospital. He was referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh after that. People have been asked not to move out of their homes and travel in groups as India is undergoing a nationwide lockdown. Only essential goods and services are exempted from the lockdown restrictions. Also read: PM-CARES Fund: After AIIMS, RMLH, Lady Hardinge Medical College refuse to donate one-day salary 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. New Delhi: A 25-year-old man, who in a TikTok video ridiculed the use of masks for protection against COVID-19, has tested positive for the disease in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, an official said on Sunday (April 12). Authorities at the hospital where he is admitted had to seize his mobile phone as he kept posting more videos from the isolation facility even after testing positive. His condition is stable, Sagar's Government Bundelkhand Medical College Dean Dr G S Patel told PTI. In one of the videos, apparently shot after the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, the man was purportedly seen sitting on a bike and when someone asked him to wear a mask, he dismissed it saying, Is kapde ke tukde par kya bharosa rakhna, rakhna hai to us upar wale par rakho (why to trust a piece of cloth, keep faith in God). In later part of the video, he was seen throwing a piece of cloth in the air while the song 'Faya Kun, Faya Kun', from the movie "Rockstar" played in the background. Patel said the man came to the government hospital with complaints of cough and fever and tested positive for coronavirus on Friday. This is the first COVID-19 case reported from Sagar district, the official said, adding that the man does not have any travel history. Even after testing positive for the disease, he posted a video on TikTok from the isolation facility of the hospital where he is admitted. In this video, he was seen sporting a mask and asking people to pray for him. "Following complaint that the coronavirus patient shot the video from the quarantine centre and uploaded it through internet, we took his mobile phone in our custody," Patel said. After the man uploaded these videos on TikTok, several people mocked him for making fun of the mask. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alya Nurbaiti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, April 12, 2020 08:56 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd143cfb 1 City COVID-19,coronavirus,Jakarta-administration,ojek-driver,ojek-service,Gojek,Grab,PSBB,health-ministry,lockdown,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia Free Mohamad Usman, 45, usually transports up to 10 passengers a day on normal days. But ever since the COVID-19 outbreak hit Greater Jakarta, the app-based ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver has experienced a significant drop in passengers and, therefore, income. Ive only had five passengers in the past two weeks. Lately, Ive been sending packages, food and sometimes medicine, Usman told The Jakarta Post on Saturday. He said the situation had been challenging ever since schools and companies started imposing study and work from home policies, as encouraged by the government. The challenges continued following large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) ordered by the Jakarta administration on Friday in its bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Effective for 14 days until April 24, the PSBB states that ojek drivers are only allowed to transport goods and not passengers, as stipulated in Health Ministry Regulation No. 9/2020 on PSBB guidelines and Gubernatorial Decree No. 33/2020, which is the legal basis for the implementation of large-scale social restrictions in the capital. To comply with the PSBB status, multi-service apps Gojek and Grab also temporarily disabled their ojek services. Jakarta-based customers are only able to hail a car and use goods and food delivery services. Read also: 'Break the chain!': Businesses brace for Jakartas social restrictions Usman, who regularly transports goods and passengers around Cilandak, South Jakarta, said his income had dropped by 50 percent. For some drivers who usually transport only passengers, the decline must be much more drastic. Not all drivers can easily get an order for food or packages, said the driver, who has been working for Gojek since 2016. He further said that delivering food and packages also had its obstacles as many streets were closed due to the partial lockdown, requiring drivers to take longer routes, which means extra costs for gas. He also reported that some shops and merchants had temporarily closed their business. Despite suffering a decreased income, he expressed his support for the city administrations decision as it would help stop the chain of COVID-19 infections. Still, he hoped that both the government and ojek service providers would pay more attention to drivers whose financial conditions have now been affected. Online Driver Association (ADO) head Wiwit Sudarsono said drivers earning had been reduced up to 80 percent, especially for drivers who used to take only passengers. He also expressed his hope that Grab Indonesia and Gojek would compensate for the loss by cutting the usual 20 percent commission. We need an immediate solution by the government and ojek service companies, he said. Read also: COVID-19: Jakarta Police patrol streets, supermarkets during partial lockdown Meanwhile, app-based ojek association Two-Wheel Movement Union (GARDA) head Igun Wicaksono regretted that the Go-ride and GrabBike features had been disabled after the Jakarta administration prohibited drivers from taking passengers. We want the administration to evaluate the regulation so that drivers can take passengers. Otherwise, please give compensation to app-based ojek drivers during the prohibition, he said on Friday as quoted by tempo.co. Igun said ojek was a common, affordable mode of transportation among the general public for their daily commute. He added that the association had requested from the government an allowance of Rp 100,000 (US$ 6.30) for each driver or half the average daily income of app-based ojek drivers. Congressman Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, has expressed concern that, without proper oversight, Donald Trump could use the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic to enrich his own companies. "In the absence of oversight, you can pretty much guarantee you're going to get corruption and competence and malfeasance," Mr Schiff, House Democrats' lead impeachment investigator last year, said in an interview with MSNBC on Sunday. "The more that [the president] is neutering the inspector generals ... increases the risk that Donald Trump uses this money to reward his own businesses or businesses of allies and punishes companies that are run by people he doesn't like or won't praise him," Mr Schiff said. The $2.2trn economic stimulus package that became law in March contains a clause prohibiting businesses owned by the president, federal lawmakers, and other US officials to access federal aid programmes. And Mr Trump cannot unilaterally dissolve the oversight bodies that are intended to act as a check on his White House team's coronavirus response and other aspects of his administration. But he can shake up the leadership of some of those oversight bodies steps he has already taken. Earlier this month, Mr Trump removed two high-profile inspectors general: Intelligence Community IG Michael Atkinson and Acting Defense Department IG Glenn Fine. Mr Atkinson is the IG who forwarded a whistleblower complaint to Mr Schiff's congressional intelligence panel last year that initially outlined to the president's Ukraine controversy and ultimately led to his impeachment. Before Mr Fine's demotion last Tuesday, he had been pegged to lead the watchdog panel of inspectors general charged with overseeing how the White House spent trillions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief. He was replaced by Sean ODonnell, the inspector general of the Environmental Protection Agency who will be leading both IG offices for the time being. Also last week, Mr Trump criticized Health and Human Services Principal Deputy Inspector General Christi Grimm for compiling and publishing a report that warned hospitals were confronting a shortage of medical and personal protective equipment and testing delays. Mr Trump claimed the HHS report was politically motivated and "wrong." The report was based on interviews with officials from 323 hospitals and health systems conducted between 23 and 27 March. Meanwhile, House Democrats have begun taking steps of their own to provide oversight over the administration's coronavirus response. Mr Schiff introduced a bill on Friday that would establish a nonpartisan independent commission to probe and assess the federal government's response to the pandemic, in the mould of a similarly nonpartisan commission formed after the 9/11 attacks. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have begun discussions on who will chair a five-person joint Congressional Oversight Commission ratified under the so-called CARES Act, the $2.2trn coronavirus aid package from March, Politico reported. Bala Chauhan By Express News Service BENGALURU: Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers in the Karnataka-Goa region have been distributing cooked meals to thousands of migrant labourers and the homeless in Bengaluru. with the help of the police, BBMP and some non-profit organisations.We started distributing 500 food packets on March 31, but the queues kept getting longer. We now distribute 12,000 food packets a day where the government has lodged migrant workers in Bengaluru, said Sarvanan, Additional Director, Income Tax (Investigation). The Central Food and Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, is contributing nutritional supplements and immunity boosters for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and lactating mothers which are distributed along with food packets, he said, adding that CFTRI has also contributed mineral water for distribution, he said. The Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Karnataka and Goa, Patanjali Jha, and Principal Director, Income Tax (Investigation) Ravichandran, are heading the initiative which includes 25 IRS officers. We take help from BBMP officials to locate people who need food. Friends, families, well-wishers have all chipped in to send food to various localities such as Sampigehalli, Bagalur, Kothanur, Yelahanka, Nagarbhavi, Hennur, ChandraLayout, Marathahalli, and Kamakshipalya in the city, said Sarvanan. The coronavirus pandemic, which has swept the world, perishing people and crippling economies, is being used as a tool by some global extreme right-wing organisations and radical Islamist groups 'to advance their violent agendas.' Several of these dreaded organisations, like the so-called Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, have stepped up their recruitment drive and started spreading hate-filled conspiracy theories about the virus, writes Souad Mekhennet, for The Washington Post, citing security officials and experts. At such a crucial time, the radicals are exploiting the state of anxiety and "scapegoating Jews, blacks, immigrants, politicians, and law enforcement." Officials even warned that extremist groups may become emboldened at this time when governments and authorities are focused on the sweeping changes to societies and economies brought on by the coronavirus crisis. Mekhennet, who covers national security, Middle East, North Africa, terrorism, Europe, further writes that officials say the extremist groups are terming the virus an "act of God against the enemies of Islam" and the pandemic a hoax- a crisis that is being "orchestrated by Jews or China." These radical groups are using the pandemic to project their extremist agenda, calling the virus "an act of God against the enemies of Islam." Experts also stated that Muslim extremist groups and far-right organisations are using online platforms to exploit the global virus outbreak. One recent online extreme-right post listed chemical formulas for making toxic gases while the others have called for spreading the virus to Jews and black children, or encouraged sabotaging infrastructure to start race riots. "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," Washington Post quoted a European intelligence official, who did not wish to be named. A recent statement by Al-Qaeda claims that the virus 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. The Islamic State, in an editorial in an online magazine last month, the urged "lone-wolf" attacks to capitalise on the fear stemming out of COVID-19 spread worldwide. 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. Citing one of the incidents, the Post further quoted the security officials as saying that a man, who was planning to bomb a hospital where COVID-19 patients were being treated, was killed during a shootout by the FBI agents on March 24 in Belton, Missouri. Officials further claimed that they have noticed an uptick in threats against targets in New York and surrounding areas -- which have reported the maximum number of COVID-19 cases in the country. 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. The fact that people are under quarantine makes them safer from attacks, said Mitchell D. Silber, executive director of the Community Security Initiative, a program created to enhance the security of Jews in New York City. In a letter sent to the faith-based community last week, the Department of Homeland Security 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. The message was especially sent ahead of major holidays that will be observed over the coming weeks. Passover began on Wednesday, Easter is on Sunday and Ramadan starts the following week. Fearing that the pandemic, which has killed at least 108,770 people and infected as many as 1,779,099 others worldwide, will alter the way the looks at terrorist threats. Rita Katz, executive director of the SITE Intelligence Group, said, "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. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal In this time of uncertainty and quarantine, there is nothing like a little comfort food to provide a diversion. And for those who like their comfort slowly roasted and smoked over a wood fire, Santa Fe-based master cookbook author Cheryl Alters Jamison is coming out with just the thing. A four-time winner of the prestigious James Beard Award for her cookbooks, her 20th and latest, Texas Q, is due out this month. Original plans called for it to already be available, but the world situation pushed back the publication date, Jamison said. I look at cooking as comforting, she said. Its great for you or your family. You feel like youre accomplishing something positive. Texas Q expands on a topic she explored many years ago with her late husband, which won them their first Beard Award, for Smoke & Spice, published in 1994, which delved into the history of barbecue across the American South. Given the nature of the book, Texas got one chapter, but that wasnt enough, said Jamison, who is also the heart of the website excitedaboutcooking.com We needed to say something more on the topic, she said. Back then, we thought we were chronicling a dying art. It was slow, messy, it was outdoors. It was something people didnt do a lot of in that era. But then it caught fire. People got more interested in real American cooking, she said. An interest in more rustic or authentic American cooking. It all coalesced in an amazing new interest in barbecue by the general public. Its amazing to think back now, how scarce it was then. And before going any further, Jamison wants to make it clear that when she speaks of barbecuing, it is done with wood or flavored coals and slowly, preferably with indirect heat, as opposed to the open flame of gas and a grill, known as grilling. She has written several cookbooks dedicated to the latter and said it is a perfectly acceptable way to cook meat. A barbecue, however, is something different. Were talking slow-smoked, serious barbecue, Jamison said. Grilling became synonymous with barbecuing as a cooking technique, but is really a different animal in all respects. It was an event. A gathering. It started with people digging trenches and burning logs down to do the cooking. But with the move to suburbs and cities, you couldnt dig up your backyard, so grills became a thing people had access to. Barbecuing, however, was meant for slow cooking large pieces of meat, such as whole hogs and sides of beef, she said. It gradually evolved into a way of cooking smaller, but tougher, meats. That low, slow cooking tenderizes meat that can be tough as leather boots otherwise and adds so much flavor in the process of the cooking, Jamison said. You end up with something extremely tender. And you get the side benefit of the smoky flavor that comes from the wood. This new book not only gets into the history of Texas barbecue, but what it has evolved into. I refocused just on Texas, she said. One of the things weve seen happening in Texas is there is a very strong multicultural blending with newer cultures that have come into the state. Korean. Vietnamese. Tex Mex was always a staple of things, Tex Mex barbecue and chicken-fried steak. And a big focus of Texas barbecue used to be brisket, but there is so much more out there for people to experience, Jamison said. I wanted to give the reader a chance to look at the topic and look at where it is today, she said. It is a cookbook at its heart, but its a history of all of these. The heart of it is a cookbook so people can make these things at home. In addition to the meat recipes which even include such things as hamburgers there are lots of side dishes and desserts, she said. I think this appeals to New Mexicans because it oozes its way over to our state. We like live fire cooking here. The way we buy cars may never be the same as auto dealers adjust to working under COVID-19 restrictions and customers discover they prefer the new approach, which leans heavily on internet sales and vehicle demos and could include valet-style pickup and delivery service for everything from test drives to oil changes. This is going to fundamentally change how people view buying a car, said Rhett Ricart, CEO of Ricart Automotive Group in Columbus, Ohio, and chairman of the National Auto Dealers Association. By the end of this year, youre going to see 80%-90% of U.S. new car dealers with full e-commerce capability in their shops to handle everything online but the test drive and maybe the final signature, he said. Online deals at Ricarts domestic dealerships have doubled during the last six weeks, he said. In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmers extended stay at home order clears the way for that, after a month when nearly all vehicle sales were prohibited in the state. It allows: Workers at motor vehicle dealerships who are necessary to facilitate remote and electronic sales or leases, or to deliver motor vehicles to customers, provided that showrooms remain closed to in-person traffic." Michigan dealers have been hoping and making plans for just such a change. Deliveries could begin as soon as they work out a process that addresses all the legal documents that are part of buying a vehicle. James Martin Chevrolet on Woodward Avenue in Detroit on Wednesday, April 9, 2020, will be closed until April 14 due to the risk of the Novel Coronavirus. Stimulus checks: IRS rolls out new website to help non-filing Americans receive emergency payments Food recall: Conagra recalls 131,000 pounds of Healthy Choice chicken bowls that might contain rocks Were seeing a fundamental change in the way cars will be sold, said Doug North, owner of North Bros. Ford in Westland and chairman of the North American International Auto Show. This pandemic is going to create some permanent changes. Whos Zoomin who? Going totally online and paper-free will require changes to laws that require physical signatures. But North believes the government is open to the idea, particularly at a time like this when a slowdown in taxes from auto sales adds to the stress on state finances. Story continues In the meantime, dealers are stepping up their online efforts to schedule test drives for as early as the rules allow. Customers can reserve a specific vehicle from inventory to buy or for a test drive, said Ryan LaFontaine, chief operating officer of LaFontaine Automotive Group, which handles 18 brands in southeast and mid-Michigan. LaFontaine has staff manning its websites and phone lines during the current near shutdown, which has limited Michigan dealerships to service, repairs and sales to first responders who need a new vehicle pronto. Theres a new norm, LaFontaine said. All dealers are being forced to adapt. Were refining the process now to sign and finalize the deal off-site. People are changing their buying habits. Online platforms are as important as brick and mortar. LaFontaine produces online Motor Minutes to explain new features. The company is piloting Zoom for live walkarounds so sessions touching on every aspect of a new vehicle arent far away. Its really important for the customers long-term satisfaction that we describe at least the basics of a vehicles technology and safety features, North said. Less time at the dealership North described a process in which a buyer might come to a virtually empty dealership to sign for a car theyd picked, priced and financed online: "Everything they touch will be freshly disinfected. If the customer uses one of our pens, theyll take it with them when they leave. Buying research website Autotrader just launched Dealer Home Services, a set of online tools for "no contact interactions" and to schedule test drives, pickup and delivery. A sign at James Martin Chevrolet on Woodward Avenue in Detroit on April 9, 2020, tells customers that they will be closed until April 14 due to the risk of the Novel Coronavirus. Two out of three customers care even more about the time it takes to buy a car particularly negotiating price and signing paperwork than how much they pay, according to a recent survey by Cox Automotive, which owns the Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book buying websites. The report said customers spend an average of three hours at a dealership to buy a car and 2 for basic maintenance. The biggest consumer frustration with the auto experience relates to time and convenience, Autotrader senior analyst Michelle Krebs said. Online research into vehicles and prices makes shoppers better educated than ever before, Ricart said. This is where were headed. Customers have always wanted quicker interactions, and now, the change is accelerating exponentially. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How auto dealerships are moving to online car sales amid coronavirus Delhi earthquake: The Indian Metrological Department (IMD) reported 3.5 magnitude quake on richter scale. Soon after the tremors were felt, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that hope everyone is safe. Mild tremors of earthquake were felt in Delhi-NCR on Sunday, April 12. The Indian Metrological Department (IMD) reported that the epicentre of the earthquake was in East Delhi and its speed was noted 3.5 on the richter scale. As per thr early reports, no loss of life and property damage have been reported as it was a very low intensity earthquake. The National Centre for Seismology said earthquake was felt at around 5.45 pm in the Capital and near by areas. Earthquake tremors felt in Delhi-NCR. pic.twitter.com/TmR2dsmObh ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2020 Quakes epicentre was noted NCT Delhi at the depth of 8 km. Minutes after the quake occurred, people who felt tremors took social media to share the information and marked themselves safe. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was quick to take cognizance of the situation. In a tweet, CM Kejriwal said tremors felt in Delhi, hope everyone is safe. He also prayed for the safety of citizens. Tremors felt in Delhi. Hope everyone is safe. I pray for the safety of each one of you. Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 12, 2020 The Director General of National Disaster Response Force, Satyanarayan Pradhan, in a tweet, said an earthquake of Magnitude 3.5 was observed in Delhi- NCR. Occurred on:12-04-2020, 17:45:03 IST, Latitude: 28.7 N and Longitude: 77.2 E, Depth: 8 Km, Region: NCT Delhi, said Pradhan. Earthquake of Magnitude:3.5 just happened in Delhi NCR DETAILS OF EARTHQUAKE Occurred on:12-04-2020, 17:45:03 IST, Lat:28.7 N & Long: 77.2 E, Depth: 8 Km, Region: NCT Delhi.@NDRFHQ @ndmaindia t prdhn -DG NDRF (@satyaprad1) April 12, 2020 Although, its not safe to go out as suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to coronavirus, but earthquake forced people to get out. However, people who felt the tremors and stepped out of their houses were wearing masks and maintained social distancing. Not just the capital, tremors were also felt in the adjacent areas including parts of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, said the reports. For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Varun Dhawan reveals his relative has tested positive for coronavirus 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. (Read full story here) Puneet Issar slams Mukesh Khanna for comments about Sonakshi Sinha Actor Puneet Issar has called out his Mahabharata co-star Mukesh Khanna over his recent comments about actor Sonakshi Sinha. Mukesh recently took a jibe at Sonakshi for lacking knowledge about Hindu mythological epic, Ramayana. Speaking to SpotBoye, Puneet said Mukesh should have shown more grace and that the world doesnt end if Sonakshi doesnt know a fact from the epic. Khanna shouldnt have said that. Sonakshi is an AVM student, my kids too went there. If she didnt know one question of Ramayan in KBC, the world doesnt end there. Why should one condemn someone so openly? At least I wouldnt have said what Khanna has said, he said. (Read full story here) SS Rajamouli reveals why he chose Alia Bhatt for RRR Period drama RRR starring Jr NTR and Ram Charan in the lead will also be the Telugu debut of Alia Bhatt and will also see Ajay Devgn in a pivotal role. Talking about signing Alia for the film, SS Rajamouli said, I need an actress who can stand her ground between Tarak (NTR Jr) and Charan (Ramcharan Teja) both of whom are extremely talented actors. She can be innocent, vulnerable yet be extremely resilient. That is the reason I went for her. (Read full story here) Hema Malini condemns discrimination against health workers, watch her video message Actor Hema Malini on Saturday expressed concern over the health workers, who are being treated badly and are restricted to enter their own buildings. 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. (Read full story here) Bamfaad review: Aditya Rawal and Shalini Pandeys romance implodes Aditya Rawal makes a promising debut but Ranjan Chandels directorial debut is riddled with cliches of small-town love stories. The Hindustan Times review for the films reads: In his directorial debut, Bamfaad, Ranjan Chandel manages to capture the old-world charm of Allahabad - not Prayagraj, but Ilahabad -- as the locals would say. It is the perfect setting for dramatic young love, but Aditya Rawal and Shalini Pandeys romance is not quite the explosive and heady passion that it promises to be. (Read full review here) Follow @htshowbiz for more EUGENE, Ore. -- Since Governor Brown's announcement that she would consider releasing inmates on a case-by-case basis, many have questions about what that will look like. RELATED: EARLY INMATE RELEASE TO BE CASE BY CASE, BROWN SAYS "Non violent offenders I think absolutely should be considered," said Richard Gagnon, a Eugene resident. Governor Brown said to keep all Oregonians safe she is considering releasing inmates from state prisons under certain conditions. Kelly Simon, the interim legal director for the ACLU of Oregon said the group is urging swift action before it is too late. "Congregate living just like we have in Oregon's prisons are a recipe for a disaster," Simon began. "It's time for us to take steps to avoid that disaster." Eligibility is recommended by the Oregon Department of Corrections but decided by the governor. "The department of corrections doesn't have release authority we kind of put people in different categories, if they're vulnerable or they're over a certain age or if you've done most of your sentence," said a spokesperson for the DOC. The DOC has made a list of over 3,200 inmates who may be eligible. Those names will cross the governor's desk Monday. Simon saying more needs to be done now. "I don't think we're doing enough and I think we need to do more before it's too late," she said. No decisions have been made and steps moving forward will be decided by the governor next week. From low cost portable ventilators to drones for sanitising, robots for delivery of food and medicines to special stethoscope for examining patients from a distance and a UV technology fitted trunk for sanitising currency and grocery items---several institutions and start ups have come up with innovations to strengthen the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Special infection proof fabric for usage in hospitals, low-cost corona virus testing kits, isolation pods for coronavirus infected patients, bubble helmets which can be an alternative for traditional oxygen masks and pendant to raise alarm on breach of social distancing, are also among the innovative ideas that have been given shape since the coronavirus outbreak in the country. Various mobile applications including "GoCoronaGo" to "Sampark-o-Meter" for contact tracing, calculating risk of coming in contact with a COVID-19 infected person and tracking by authorities if a person has violated quarantine, have also been developed by IITs and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. While over 20 technical and scientific institutions are working on developing a vaccine for coronavirus, prominent IITs have already set up "COVID-19 specific research centres" in their institutions encouraging more developments in the innovation ecosystem. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has taken the lead in development of various drones to aid the fight. "While one group has developed drones for disinfection of larger areas, another group has come up with drone equipped with infrared camera which can help in thermal screening of groups without human intervention and identify suspected COVID-19 cases at an early stage once the lockdown is lifted. "The drone also has a loudspeaker which can be used by personnel to monitor places especially with high disease prevalence and give appropriate instructions," T. G. Sitharam, Director, IIT Guwahati, told PTI. "Another team from the institute has developed two robots which can be deployed in isolation wards for COVID-19 infected cases for delivery of food and medicine to patients and collection of contagious waste," he added. IIT Ropar has developed a trunk-shaped device fitted with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation technology, which they recommend be placed at doorsteps and all items brought from outside including grocery and currency notes be put in it to sanitise them. According to the team at IIT Ropar, the trunk when commercialised, can be available at less than Rs 500. The device will take 30 minutes to sanitise the items and the team has recommended a 10 minute cooling off period before one takes the items out. An IIT Bombay start up has developed a "digital stethoscope" that can listen to heart beats from a distance and record them, minimising the risk of healthcare professionals contracting the novel coronavirus from patients. The data or the auscultated sound from a patient's chest is wirelessly sent to the doctor using Bluetooth, doing away with the need to go near to take readings, according to members of the team. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, has developed three new equipment for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. "Acrylosorb, equipment to collect body fluids and dispose of it safely, is the first equipment developed which can absorb liquids at least 20 times more than its dry weight and also contains a decontaminant for in situ disinfection," a senior official said. "Another innovation is a isolation pod that restricts COVID-19 patients from having contact with others. The isolation pod is a chamber, just like a telephone booth, for examining COVID-19 patients. The disinfected examination booth is closed like a telephone booth for examining the patient without direct contact with the doctor to prevent transmission of infection. "It is equipped with a lamp, table fan, rack, and Ultraviolet (UV) light. The installed UV light in the booth disinfects the chamber after each patient leaves. Additionally, an entry tunnel on the side frame is provided to pass a stethoscope within the chamber. The third equipment is the bubble helmet, an alternative for the traditional oxygen masks," the official added. IIT Roorkee and Kanpur have developed low-cost portable ventilators. An engineering student at Punjab's Lovely Professional University (LPU) has developed a device named 'kawach' (shield) which vibrates and glows in case someone breaches the user's safe space of one metre. The device which can be worn as a pendant comes equipped with a 'hand wash reminder' feature that beeps every 30 minutes to remind the user to wash hands. It also has a temperature sensor that sends an alert to the user through SMS in case a user's body temperature crosses the prescribed limit. According to Union Health Ministry, the death toll due to the novel coronavirus rose to 273 and the number of cases to 8,356 in the country on Sunday. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 7,367, as many as 715 people were cured and discharged and one had migrated. As many as 34 new deaths have been reported since Saturday evening, the ministry said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The city of Midland Health Department is conducting its investigation on one new confirmed case of COVID-19 in Midland County, bringing the overall case count to 32, the city spokeswoman said in an email Saturday night. The 32nd confirmed case is a female in her 70s, who was tested by Midland Health. She currently an inpatient at Midland Memorial Hospital. The source of exposure is community-acquired. MIAMI, April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90.A The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family. Wilhelmsen was a constant influence on the company from its founding, serving more than three decades on the company's board of directors. Together with the company's first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, Wilhelmsen saw possibilities for the nascent cruise industry that others did not. "At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible," said Richard Fain, RCL's chairman and CEO. "He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the 'industry' might have been a dozen used ships, total." Their key insight: building new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. The industry did not grow from New York, the traditional transit hub; it came to Miami, helping the region itself grow as the public discovered an entirely new way to take a vacation. Wilhelmsen saw the potential for cruising to become the fastest growing segment in a growing vacation industry.A A believer in economies of scale, he once recalled, "My initial challenge was to convince my partners and management in Miami to build bigger and more efficient ships in order to grow the company."A True to his vision, the company now sails 61 ships calling on all seven continents and its fleet features the largest cruise ships in the world. Born on June 15, 1929, in Oslo, Norway, Wilhelmsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a chartering assistant for Norway's EB Lund & Co. and later as a shipbroker in New York. After joining the family business in 1954, he became its president in 1961.A The scion of a leading Norwegian shipping concern a Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS a he spent most of his life in the family business, including an early stint as a deckhand. "Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades," Fain said. "And in 2003, when he was ready to step back, he was succeeded on the RCL board by his son, Alex, who has carried the involvement of the Wilhelmsen family in charting our company's course into its sixth decade. Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family.A We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly." About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.A Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, orA www.rclinvestor.com. A A Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677715/RCL_Logo.jpg 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: 189,020 in New York state, including 9,385 deaths 547,681 in the U.S., including 21,692 deaths 1,835,373 worldwide, including 113,672 deaths. 402,110 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. Sunday's coronavirus updates: 6:30 p.m. A 33-year-old Bethlehem graduate and Albany native, Kyra M. Swartz, died in her apartment in New York City last week from COVID-19. Swartz, who died April 4, is one of the more than 6,300 New York City residents who have died during the coronavirus pandemic. The overall death toll in the state stood at 9,385 Sunday. Her young age is a reminder of the voraciousness of the virus. Less than three percent of victims in the state have been under the age of 40, according to data posted by the state Health Department. 11:35 a.m. The state announces that while new hospitalizations were down overnight, another 758 have died. Gov. Andrew Cuomo at his daily briefing said the deaths have largely flattened since April 7 - but at an alarmingly high rate. Deaths have been in the seven hundreds every day over the last five days. The total of lives lost in New York state is now 9,385 - most of those victims being from New York City. Cuomo said he is discussing when businesses should reopen with neighboring states New Jersey and Connecticut. 9:05 a.m. Cuomo appeared briefly at the Pathways nursing home in Niskayuna, thanking the operator and staff for offering to provide unused ventilators. The Times Union had previously written a story about how the operator was frustrated that his attempts to donate went unanswered. The state quickly responded after the newspaper reached out about the situation. The governor took no questions, and will have his daily update on coronavirus from the Capitol at 11:30 a.m. 7:06 a.m. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is scheduled to be at a nursing home in Niskayuna at 9 a.m. A news release says Cuomo will make an announcement outside the Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 1805 Providence Avenue. Saturday's coronavirus updates: 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. 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. 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. Albany County officials thank mosques County Executive Dan McCoy said area mosques came together to raise $20,000 for COVID-19 relief fund founded by the United Way of the Greater Capital Region and the Community Foundation: the Islamic Center of the Capital District, Al-Hidaya Center, Masjid As-Salam and Masjid Al-Arqam. The generous gift will help us continue to feed and take care of other members in our area who truly need us now more than ever, McCoy said. Mayor: New York City schools will close for rest of year 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. Other recent developments A 72-year-old woman from Siwan suspected to be infected with coronavirus left the Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) Saturday evening quietly after doctors prescribed her test for the virus, officials said. Raisa Begum, 72, a resident of Sultanpur village in Siwan, who was admitted to the hospital suffering from kidney-related ailment, gave authorities the slip even before they could collect her sample for test. Siwan accounts for 29 of the 64 coronavirus cases reported so far in Bihar. Follow coronavirus updates here. She was in the process of being shifted from the Tata Ward (exclusively for women) to the quarantine section for coronavirus suspects, when she left the hospital against medical advice, said PMCH principal Dr Vidyapati Choudhary. We could not take her sample for Covid-19 test, he added. Nose and oral swab are taken for test through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) methodology, which is the confirmatory test for coronavirus. Presuming that she will test positive and will have to stay in hospital isolation for a minimum of 14 days, the woman left the hospital against medical advice, said another doctor requesting anonymity. The patient was admitted to the PMCH on April 9. The hospital administration had lodged a police complaint, said Dr Choudhary. We received a complaint from the hospital administration that a 72-year-old woman left the hospital against medical advice last night. We have registered a case and are investigating it, said Amit Kumar, in-charge of the PMCH police outpost on the hospital campus. Sources said the woman had switched off her phone, which her relatives had mentioned at the time of admission at the hospital. When this reporter asked the principal if it was a lapse of the hospital administration in shifting a coronavirus suspect, Dr Choudhary parried the question, saying, Please talk to the superintendent for further details in the case. Repeated efforts to contact PMCH medical superintendent Dr Bimal Karak proved futile, as he did not respond to phone calls or text message. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Advertisement Food banks across America have been inundated by seemingly endless lines of people who have found themselves out of jobs and low on cash as the fight to flatten the coronavirus curve wears on. With the unemployment rate skyrocketing to 14.7 per cent this week - the highest since 1940 - and more than 16.8million people in the US filing for unemployment over the last three weeks, food banks have been struggling to keep up with unprecedented demand. The growing pull on these emergency food pantries comes just as families across the country are heading into major religious holidays Passover and Easter. Cars are seen here waiting for food to be put in trunks at the Easter weekend Food Bank in Santa Ana, California, Saturday Easter weekend Food Bank in Santa Ana workers are seen putting packages of food inside car trunks Saturday Thousands of people showed up forming massive lines of cars at the Santa Ana food bank Saturday A Santa Ana food bank worker is seen here wearing bunny ears Saturday. Food boxes included emergency food staples, as well as fresh produce, milk and meat A Santa Ana food bank worker is seen here carrying milk and apples to a car at Saturday's drive-thru distribution Thousands of people lined up in their cars as they waited to get inside the Easter Weekend Food Bank in Santa Ana On Saturday, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County hosted a drive-thru food distribution in Anaheim, California, meant to provide food to people most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The three-hour event was stocked with enough food for up to 7,000 families, with each car in the line being given a bag each of potatoes, onions, shelf-stable grocery items and Kings Hawaiian Bread, KTLA reported. In Honolulu, Hawaii, a two-mile-long line of cars awaited the Salvation Army's drive-thru emergency food distribution Saturday, Hawaii News Now reported. People waited as long as two hours to receive their food packages. All told, the Salvation Army said that it given food to nearly 700 cars, with multiple families inside one car, indication that thousands of people had actually been given food. These are just some of the latest reports of extensive lines of people in need of emergency food supplies following the coronavirus outbreak in the US. Earlier in the week, dramatic images revealed long lines of cars at drive-thru food banks in many major US cities. Texas' San Antonio Food Bank said that about 6,000 people had registered for its food distribution on Thursday, but that about 10,000 families actually showed up to receive more than one million pounds worth of food. Cars wait to collect food donations from the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank in San Rafael, California Saturday Volunteers wearing face masks direct traffic during a drive-thru food distribution in Anaheim, California Saturday A volunteer bags food during the drive-thru food distribution Saturday in Anaheim's Honda Center People are seen here standing on line outside a food pantry in New York's Staten Island Saturday Volunteers are seen bagging food for distribution at Community Health Action Of Staten Island Food Pantry Community Health Action Of Staten Island Food Pantry volunteers are seen at tables, package food to hand out People wait on line to receive food donations at New York City's Community League of the Heights food pantry People received free groceries at Community League of the Heights food pantry on Saturday The parking lot at the drive-thru event - the organization's largest, single-day distribution in its 40-year history - was packed with cars as people waiting in long lines for hours for food, according to the San Antonio Express-News. It was a similar story in Pittsburgh on Friday, when The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's three-hour drive-thru distribution event. Cars were lined up for more than a mile to receive two boxes of food - enough to make 40 meals - per vehicle. The organization had said that they had enough food to help 1,300 people at that giveaway. At the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank's giveaway on Friday, hundreds of cars had lined up by 8am outside The Forum in Inglewood, California. Workers then put the groceries inside the trunks of their cars, KTLA reported. The organization said that it expected to give food to as many as 5,000 families that day. Also in Los Angeles Friday, workers at LAX airport were invited to a specially-organized food bank, DailyMail.com reported exclusively. At least 5,000 cars were expected at the event, according to LA Food Bank President and CEO Michael Flood - all being given to people who depended on the airport to make a living, ranging from taxi drivers to air crews, as passenger numbers have dropped dramatically due to stay at home precautions. LAX's 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. The airport had said that until recently, it had 59,000 workers on site and in the immediate area around it, while the City of Los Angeles estimated that 100,000 additional jobs directly depend on the airport. Hundreds of cars were seen waiting on a two-mile-long line in Honolulu, Hawaii, Saturday, waiting for food A Honolulu food bank volunteer is seen here placing donated food into the trunk of a waiting car Saturday People waited as long as two hours to receive their food packages during the Honolulu drive-thru distribution The Salvation Army said it gave food to nearly 700 cars, estimating the thousands of people actually received food A worker registers applicants for the Food Pantry at the Vida Real Church in Somerville, Massachusetts A line of people waiting to be registered to receive food from the Food Pantry at Vida Real Church Saturday Feeding America - the largest hunger-relief organization in the country - told Good Morning America that it estimates it will need to feed an additional 17.1million people - many of who are relying on food banks for the first time - as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This, on top of the 37million people that were previously food insecure, including 11million children and 5.5million seniors. 'Ive never witnessed a system being more strained,' Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. 'For the first time probably in our history, weve had to turn some people away,' she said, not that 'We dont want to do that, ever.' Food bank officials are now worried about running out of food due to fewer food donations, which leaves them in need of financial donations. Officials at Anne Arundel County Food Bank in Crownsville, Maryland, told WBALTV that its donations were down 90 per cent, as grocery stores had reduced donations in efforts to meet the needs of their customers. 'The only donations that we are able to rely on is what we are receiving from the community, some businesses and what we are able to purchase with monetary donation,' the food bank's executive director Susan Thomas said. Central Texas Food Bank's CEO and president Derrick Chubbs said that the pantry, which serves 21 counties, had about 7,000 new families come through in March, alone. 'That's a 207% increase from what we're normally used to seeing, and I think that translates to approximately 22,000 new people,' he told KVUE. 'We've all seen the shelves. There isn't a lot of food being donated. The amount of donated food has dropped drastically, so we're already purchasing food,' Chubbs said. 'And to help us continue to purchase the food, we could certainly just use the financial donations.' Police have been caught selling black market alcohol in South Africa after a total ban on the sale of booze and cigarettes. The countrys police minister said a ban on all sales of alcohol as part of a coronavirus lockdown had helped lower crime. But with alcohol shops shut, the country has seen a growing black market for liquor and a wave of attacks on shuttered shops. In a statement, the police ministry said there have been at least 16 reported instances of burglary and the looting of shops selling alcohol in the Western Cape. It also revealed police minister Bheki Cele had noted with concern the alleged involvement of police members in some of the liquor-related crimes. Two warrant officers were arrested after they were caught buying alcohol, allegedly for resale, alongside a shop manager and cashier on Thursday, the ministry said. A further two members of the police in another province were then caught escorting three light pick-up trucks loaded with alcohol the following day. The ministry said those who undermine the effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus would be found and dealt with decisively. Additional reporting by Reuters. Intensive care units in the UK are in 'relatively short supply' of vital medicines including some anaesthetics. As units become filled with covid-19 patients, many are requiring the same combination of drugs along with a steady supply of oxygen in their fight for survival. However Dr Ron Daniels, a consultant in the Midlands told the BBC that hospitals there had already resorted to using alternative key medicines as supplies are 'running low'. Intensive care units in UK are in 'short supply' of vital medicines including some anaesthetics. Long-sleeved gowns also in 'national shortage'. Pictured: St Thomas' Hospital, London They are in short supply of the common anaesthetic propofol, and the opioid painkiller alfentanil, said Dr Daniels. He added that there is too much emphasis on providing ventilators and not enough on vital medicines, as patients who had reached the point of using a ventilator in critical care would also require blood pressure and circulation drugs. Dr Daniels warned that the quality of care for all patients in intensive care is likely to suffer as drugs, such as the life-saving low blood pressure drug noradrenaline, are swapped out for older alternatives in the less critical patients. The Royal College of Anaesthetists admitted that supplies of anaesthetic in some areas of the UK are 'a bit stretched', reports the BBC. Four leading royal colleges and health organisations have appealed to medical staff to 'act immediately' by using alternatives to the usual first line medications - with changes made in the guidelines on which anaesthetic drugs to use during the pandemic. Personal protective equipment to be worn by medics treating covid-19 patients But Dr Alison Pittard, dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, said that the NHS was not going to run out of medicines to treat patients and that care will not be compromised. She said that medics have been issued new guidance telling them to use alternatives which were 'perfectly safe for patients'. Britons could be left without dentists as one in five practices on the brink of collapse With trips to the dentist plummeting millions of Britons could be left without dental care as one in five practices say they are on the brink of collapse. A survey carried out by the British Dental Association (BDA) of 2,800 practices found that 71.5 per cent said they could only remain afloat for the next three months at the most, reports The Sunday Times. And one in five said they wouldn't last the month. Most dental practices rely on both NHS and private income, however they are paid for the work they do and due to the coronavirus many are unwilling to visit the dentist. Self employed dentists are eligible for government support if they earn under 50,000, however on average they earn 69,000. Mick Armstrong who chairs the BDA said: 'Practices are weeks from a cliff edge. Without meaningful support, the nation's dental services face decimation.' Patients with dental emergencies have in some places been forced to attend A&E for treatment as practices are forced to close, overstretching an already at capacity hospital service. Advertisement Dr Pittard added: 'We are not going to run out of drugs to treat patients, that's the bottom line. 'We may do things differently, but patient care won't be compromised because we have to change the choice of drug. 'I want to reassure the public - we know what we are doing, we are working together, we know what the situation is, and we are making sure they are our first priority.' Her comments come as she released a joint statement with leaders of the Intensive Care Society, Association of Anaesthetists and Royal College of Anaesthetists. In it, they said that while medics might not always be able to use their first choice drug, they expect them to be able to use an appropriate alternative drug. Dr Pittard said: 'There may be shortages of specific drugs but there are always alternatives in the same class that although staff will need to slightly modify their practice, they will be perfectly safe for patients.' But the four leaders also stressed the public should continue to adhere to the Government's guidance to stay at home. They added: 'By staying at home, not only will you significantly reduce the chance of being infected with Covid-19, but you will save lives by stopping the spread of this virus. 'Your compliant and considerate actions will help reduce the burden on NHS resources and staff who are working night and day to treat incredibly sick patients.' The Department of Health and Social Care said it had banned the 'parallel export' of more than 100 medicines to keep supplies in the UK. The government said it was 'aware there is an increase in demand for a number of intensive care drugs', with Chief Pharmaceutical officer of NHS England, Keith Ridge, also privately expressing his concern over the availability of drugs, reports the BBC. Face visors and long-sleeve gowns and aprons being worn while treating covid-19 patients, in Royal London hospital, east London NHS Providers told The Sunday Telegraph that the country was living 'hand to mouth' due to a lack of stock supplied to it's hospitals. Pictured: Staff at George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton In a statement, the Department of Health and Social Care said it was 'working closely with industry, the NHS and the relevant national expert groups to ensure precautions are in place to reduce the likelihood of shortages.' Warwick Smith, director general of the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), said manufacturers were working 'extremely hard' to meet the unprecedented demand for intensive care medicines. Dr Alison Pittard, dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, said that the NHS was not going to run out of medicines He added: 'The very significant increase in the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation in intensive care as a result of Covid-19 has inevitably led to an unprecedented demand for the medicines required for that treatment. 'We are currently seeing four-fold demand increases in some areas and so we are particularly focused on the supply of these critical products. 'Increasing production and supply to unprecedented levels in some cases cannot be achieved instantly but manufacturers are working extremely hard to help ensure the highest levels of supply possible.' The news comes as GPs were found to be advising patients to buy their own oxygen supply privately as shortages hit the NHS, reports The Sunday Times. Hospitals have encountered a problem supplying oxygen to numerous covid-19 patients at once as pipelines pumping liquid oxygen from its stores struggle to keep up with the unprecedented demand. Forty Commando Royal Marines is among five military units being trained to assist with delivering oxygen supplies should the normal supply chain fail due to a lack of drivers - with 100 marines taking tests to gain their heavy goods vehicle licences. Oxygen supplier to the NHS, the BOC Group, said that it had 'sufficient' staff and was confident it could meet demand for the gas in the UK. Suppliers said people were buying Oxygen for their personal supply to protect relatives they thought could be badly hit by covid-19. Private company Pure 02 in Manchester, said it had been inundated with a call every 12 seconds in the first days of the pandemic. Ambulance workers unload Oxygen tanks outside the ExCel Center in London, Britain, 28 March Elsewhere in the national health service a shortage of gowns has led to hospitals sourcing their own stocks from China by commissioning flights to carry the supplies. The information came to light after the government revealed a new plan to sign up more manufacturers to produce the vital personal protective equipment (PPE). In a leaked memo yesterday a 'national shortage' of the long-sleeved gowns used to treat covid-19 patients was revealed, reports The Sunday Telegraph. Kingston Hospital NHS Trust in Surrey warned they were very close to running out of the gowns in the memo, however they have since secured more. NHS Providers told The Sunday Telegraph that the country was living 'hand to mouth' due to a lack of stock supplied to it's hospitals. The government stated that current PPE supplies have been supplemented by 1.2million worth of goggles and masks donated by companies including B&Q, the publication reports. Twenty four healthcare workers have died after contracting covid-19 as the Health Secretary came under fire for the lack of PPE available to workers. President Donald Trump says his instincts will play a key role in his decision about when to reopen the country. The Commander-in-chief called into Fox News' Justice with Judge Jeanine Piro on Saturday evening, where he declared that he would decide 'reasonably soon' on a date when people can get back work. 'We have to get our country get back! People want to get back to work,' he told Piro in the phone interview. 'We're setting up a council with distinguished leaders in virtually every field, including politics and business and medical, and we'll be making a decision fairly soon,' he continued. But while Trump declared that he would obtain 'a lot of facts' during consultations with such leaders, he added: 'Whether you like it or not there is a certain instinct to it!' Trump has currently extended distancing guidelines through April 30 in light of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 20,000 Americans. He previously wanted to have the country opened back up by Easter, but widespread outrage from doctors forced him to push back the date. President Trump called into Fox News' Justice with Judge Jeanine Piro on Saturday evening, where he declared that he would decide 'reasonably soon' on a date when people can go back work. He is pictured on Friday Experts say the current shutdown threatens to cause an economic catastrophe to rival the Great Depression, which stretched on for much of the 1930s and saw 20 per cent of Americans out of work. In the past three weeks, more than 16 million Americans have filed for unemployment, with lockdown orders causing the closures of tens of thousands of businesses. Trump told Judge Jeanine that there was no option other than the mass lockdown because the coronavirus 'came upon us' 'so incredibly'. 'If we would've bulled through it it would've been unacceptable, so we've all had to go through a lot, but we did it the right way,' he stated. Trump also predicted that the economy will rebound when businesses are back open. 'A lot of things are happening, I think the stimulus coupled with this pent-up demand of everybody wanting to get back out and go back to work, I think we're going to have a tremendous surge,' he stated. 'Its going to be like a rocket ship, I really believe that'. The COVID-19 outbreak has already killed more than 20,000 Americans. Bodies are moved to and from refrigerated morgue trailers in New York on Friday Drone pictures taken Thursday show bodies being buried on New York's Hart Island where the department of corrections is dealing with more burials amid the COVID-19 outbreak In the past three weeks, more than 16 million Americans have filed for unemployment, with lockdown orders causing the closures of tens of thousands of businesses. Volunteers are pictured distributing food to needy families on Thursday In a separate part of the interview a somber-sounding Trump said the country will be rebuilt 'in honor of all those who have perished'. 'We were doing things that this country had never done before in terms of our success, and we're going to rebuild it again in honor of all those who have perished,' he declared. Trump's interview with Judge Jeanine awkwardly came just three hours after he hit out at her network in a Twitter post. In a tweet posted early Saturday evening, Trump wrote: 'Watching Fox News on weekend afternoons is a total waste of time. We now have some great alternatives, like OANN'. OANN, or One America News Network, is another conservative station which is often more complimentary to the President. It's unclear what prompted Trump's attack on Fox, but much of the media has been roundly criticizing him in recent weeks for his allegedly delayed reaction to the COVID-19 threat. That's awkward! Trump hit out at Fox News at 5.53pm, before spruiking his upcoming appearance on the network less than two hours late Dr. Fauci says it's too early to relax the lockdown as White House pushes to get people back to work by early May Dr Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus taskforce, said it was still too early to relax restrictions on Americans and they needed to be sure the US was heading in the right direction before opening the country again. '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. Tension? President Trump has been pushing to reopen the U.S. economy,but Dr. Anthony Fauci says it's too early to do so. The pair are pictured Friday '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. Advertisement The interview comes comes after Trump told media on Friday that his decision about when to reopen the country will be the biggest he's ever had to make. Public health officials are warning that if Americans go back to school and work too soon, the nation could face a second wave of infection and additional economic setbacks. Trump mused about the topic at his press briefing, on Good Friday, stating: 'I don't know if I've had a bigger decision than that, if you think, right? I mean think of that decision, somebody said, "It's totally up to the president," and it is. I don't know if I've had a bigger decision.' Public health officials are warning that if Americans go back to school and work too soon, the nation could face a second wave of infection and additional economic setbacks Trump says he will unveil economic comeback task force on Tuesday with business executives and governors from BOTH parties Trump told reporters Friday that he would unveil the economic comeback task force on Tuesday, but there is already widespread speculation about who will be included on the team. So far, predictions have included White House adviser Ivanka Trump, chief of staff Mark Meadows, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and economic adviser Larry Kudlow. Trump said his new task force, which will focus on when and how to reopen the country as it battles the coronavirus, and would likely meet by teleconference because he doesn't want people traveling right now. He said party membership was not a consideration. 'The one thing I didn't ask is are you a Republican or Democrat? Hard to believe, but I didn't ask,' he said of the group's membership. He said governors will be included and mentioned several Democratic governors he's become friends with because of the outbreak, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards. 'I've actually become friends with some of the Democrat governors that I wouldn't really have had the privilege of getting to know, Trump said. 'Governor Murphy of New Jersey is a very liberal guy. I'm not. But we've had a great relationship. As you know, I call him John Bell. John Bel Edwards. Sort of a cool name from Louisiana. I have a very good relationship with him,' he added. He noted he and Newsom disagree on many things but have become friends: 'He wants open borders I want people to come into our country legally. But I've gotten very friendly with Gavin Newsom. He's done a very good job here.' Advertisement In fact it is governors and mayors who have imposed stay-home orders on many American citizens, and Trump has refused to demand that all states impose them. But states and localities are certain to take guidance from the White House, and the president has many levers of power. 'But I'm going to surround myself with the greatest minds. Not only the greatest minds in numerous different businesses, including the business of politics and reason and we're going to make a decision and hopefully it's going to be the right decision. I will say this, we want to get it open as soon as we can,' Trump said of his task force. Public health officials that reopening before therapeutic treatments or strategies are in order could lead to another outbreak. Decreases in deaths and infections in hot spots like New York are most likely attributable to social distancing, government experts say. As for what to call the body, to be revealed Tuesday, Trump said: 'I call it the opening our country task force. Or Opening Our Country Council,' since there is already a task force on the coronavirus. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Windy with sunshine. High 36F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 29F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Think twice before violating the coronavirus lockdown in the Rajasthan capital: Jaipur Police will inflict Masakali 2.0 on you. Police here have warned on social media that they will confine violators to a room and then play the song, a recent remix of the original Masakali from Delhi-6, over and over again for those found roaming unnecessarily during the lockdown to fight coronavirus. The remake has not gone down well with many, including A R Rahman, the composer of the original for the Abhishek Bachchan-Sonam Kapoor-starrer a decade back. It was sung then by Mohit Chauhan. Original lyricist Prasoon Joshi has also gone on social media, making clear that he is not happy with the Masakali 2.0 music video starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria. Jaipur Police are not necessarily taking sides in the row over the remake. It's just that the lyrics are apt. Mat Udiyo, Tu Dariyo Na Kar Manmani, Manmani Ghar Par Hi Rahiyo, Na Kar Nadani, the lyrics say. Don't be stubborn, don't be stupid, stay at home, the lines say. On twitter, Jaipur Police warned, If you are unnecessarily roaming outside, we will put you in a room and play Masakkali 2.0 on loop." The post also carried a cartoon making the same point. That's a savage. Killing lot of birds with shot. Great sense of dark humourCan't stop laughing, Vivek Shah reacted on Twitter. Shashi M Nair tweeted, Awesome thinking. Masakkali 2 music deadliest than coronavirus. It's better to be at home rather than listening the song. Deputy Commissioner of Police Kavendra Singh Sagar, who handles social media, said they decided to use humour to get the message across to people. By Sunday afternoon, Jaipur alone had reported over 300 cases of coronavirus. Police have barricaded 262 location in the city to prevent movement of unauthorized people. They have seized over 8,100 vehicles so far and arrested 131 people for flouting prohibitory orders. Drone cameras are in use and their live footage monitored to check if the lockdown is being followed, officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. A group of Nihangs chopped off an officer's hand and injured three other Punjab policemen Sunday on after being stopped from violating the lockdown in Patiala district, triggering a police operation in which shots were fired and 11 people arrested at a gurdwara. Assistant Sub Inspector Harjeet Singh's hand was cut off with a sword and three other policemen injured when the group travelling in an SUV attacked them outside the wholesale vegetable market in Sanaur town. A mandi' official was also hurt. The group fled after the attack and holed itself up in the Nihang Dera complex which also houses Gurdwara Khichdi Sahib at Balbera village, about 25 km from Patiala city. The stand-off at the gurdwara last hours, till the police entered it and arrested 11 people, including the five involved in the mandi attack. A Nihang Dera member, Nirbhav Singh, suffered a gunshot wound and was admitted to Patiala hospital, the police said. Meanwhile, doctors at Chandigarh's PGIMER re-attached ASI Harjeet Singh's left hand after an operation which lasted over seven hours, officials said. A video clip on social media appears to show him seeking help after the attack. A man picks up the severed hand and gives it to the officer. He is then taken away from the scene on a two-wheeler. The ASI was rushed to Rajindra hospital nearby and then referred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). The three other injured policemen are Sadar Patiala station house officer Bakkar Singh, ASI Raj Singh and ASI Raghbir Singh. They were deployed outside the mandi, enforcing the lockdown to contain coronavirus. Only those carrying curfew passes were being allowed into the market. IMAGE: Punjab police's Special Operations Group was involved in flushing out the Nihangs from the dera. Photograph: ANI Photo. The Nihangs -- members of a Sikh sect whose adherents carry traditional arms and wear blue robes -- arrived in an SUV and were asked to stop by the mandi officials, the police said. "They were asked to show their passes. But they rammed the vehicle against the gate and the barricades," Patiala's senior superintendent of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. The Nihangs then attacked the policemen and fled to their dera. The police called Baba Balwinder Singh, who heads it, the main perpetrator of the attack. In their operation, policemen led by Inspector General (Patiala Zone) Jatinder Singh Aaulakh stopped the movement of people a kilometre away from the gurdwara and surrounded it, the police said. Several policemen took positions in nearby fields. Special Operation Group SOG) of Punjab police was also involved. The media was barred from going near the gurdwara. The police said three pistols, some used cartridges, two petrol bombs, spears, swords, LPG cylinders, five bags of poppy husk, other drugs in commercial quantities and Rs 39 lakh in cash were seized. We requested them through the public address system to surrender but they refused, Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta told PTI. The Nihangs inside hurled abuses at the policemen. Local people, including a sarpanch, also went inside to talk to them but they did not relent, the police said. The police said the Nihangs had placed cooking gas cylinders along the dera perimeter and were preparing to set off explosions. IMAGE: A Punjab policeman shows an injury on his leg sustained after being attacked by Nihangs, at a market in Patiala, on April 12, 2020. Photograph: PTI Photo. IMAGE: A Punjab policeman shows an injury on his leg sustained after being attacked by Nihangs, at a market in Patiala, on April 12, 2020. Policemen heard loud shouts inside the gurdwara premises, suggesting the possible presence of some innocent people and hostages. They then moved in to flush out the group of Nihangs. A few shots were fired at the policemen. Punjab's Special Chief Secretary K B S Sidhu said police acted in a respectful manner when they went inside the gurdwara. The police party observed full maryada while entering the gurdwara premises. There were also women and children inside, who were unharmed, and have been left secure within the gurdwara as before, he tweeted. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said he has given instructions to the police to deal with anyone breaking the law in the strictest possible manner. Akali Dal stalwart Parkash Singh Badal too condemned the attack. There is no place for violence in a civilised society, he said. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Gobind Singh Longowal flayed the attack and asked people to follow curfew restrictions. An attempt to murder case has been registered at Sadar police station for the attack on policemen. Another case has been registered against 11 people, including a woman, under the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and laws relating to disaster management and explosive substances. 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. Libya has deported 236 illegal immigrants of African nationalities to their countries of origin, the eastern-based Libyan authorities said on Saturday, Trend reports citing Xinhua. "Based on instructions of the General Command (of the army) and the Interior Ministry, a total of 236 illegal immigrants were departed to their countries in Sudan, Chad, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Ethiopia and Somalia," the Anti-illegal Immigration Department said in a statement. The deported immigrants include six women and one child, said the statement. Thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly Africans, choose to cross the Mediterranean Sea towards Europe from Libya as the country has been mired in insecurity and chaos ever since the fall of its former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said repeatedly that Libya is not a safe port for the disembarkation of immigrants due to the deteriorating security situation in the country. Libya has more than 650,000 illegal immigrants with 6,000 of them, including women and children, being held in detention centers, according to the IOM. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Sun, April 12, 2020 17:03 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd1621fd 2 Environment coronavirus,COVID-19,koala,Australia,wildlife,live-streaming Free Need a pick-me-up to boost morale? There's nothing like reality koala TV to put you in a better mood. If your trip to Australia has been thwarted by COVID-19, or you just need a bit of furry, cuddly inspiration, one of the largest koala sanctuaries in Australia has installed 24/7 webcams that bring the animals to your living room couch. Though the coronavirus has closed the gates to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, keepers have installed eight cameras around the habitat that capture the koalas eating, playing and sleeping, away from prying visitor eyes. Read also: Koala drinks from water bottle in Australia heatwave At the Koala Forest, cameras live stream their resident female koalas, who can be identified by their unmarked white chests (males have brown scent glands). Female koalas are also smaller than males. The Koala Train cam offers a view of the spot where some of the koalas like to "cuddle" together on chilly mornings, or sleep huddled in a group hug. Though koalas are normally solitary animals, the koalas at the sanctuary are more social than their wild counterparts, having grown up with each other, keepers say. The sanctuary opened in 1927 as a refuge for sick, injured and orphaned koalas and spans 200,000 square meters. Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey said her decision to walk away from the WWE is because of 'ungrateful fans' and a hectic work schedule. Rousey's controversial comments came Thursday during an interview on Steve-O's podcast, Wild Ride. 'What am I doing it for if Im not being able to spend my time and energy on my family, but instead spending my time and my energy on a bunch of f****** ungrateful fans that dont even appreciate me?' she told Steve-O. Rousey, 33, whose career in WWE began January 2018, previously said she would take a step back from the ring and any comebacks with pro-wrestling company would be part-time. Ronda Rousey (pictured), 33, said her decision to step away from WWE involved 'f****** ungrateful fans' and the busy schedule '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,"' she said. 'My family loves me and they appreciate me and I want all my energy to go into them. So that was my decision at the end of the day.' 'It's like, 'Hey girls, love what you're doing. I'm gonna try and take all my momentum and push you guys as far as I can. Fly little birds, fly! I'm going f---ing home!' And that was basically it.' This is not the first time Rousey has angered some with her comments towards WWE fans. Rousey (pictured): '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 (pictured), a former UFC champion, first joined WWE in January 2018 In March 2019, Rousey pushed back at the crowd during Monday Night Raw where she addressed getting booed at Staples Center in her hometown of Los Angeles. 'I'm not your dancing monkey, not anymore. Damn your fantasies, damn the man, screw the woo and no more Mrs. Nice B***,' she said. She later said 'f*** 'em' to fans during her a YouTube video when she called wrestling fake. A busy work schedule, according to Rousey, is another reason she has distanced from WWE. 'I needed to do it in order to learn and get immersed into it and really understand what's going on, but it's just not the lifestyle for me,' she explained. Rousey (right), pictured with husband Travis Browne (left), said that her WWE work schedule is another reason she's stepped back Rousey (right): 'People think youre only wrestling as much as they see you on TV, but they dont realize that theres three or four other days of live shows during the week' 'Running out there and having fake fights for fun is just the best thing. But I was doing basically part-time and I was away from home 200 days out of the year. And when I did get home, I was so sleep-deprived cause you just dont have time to lay down. 'People think youre only wrestling as much as they see you on TV, but they dont realize that theres three or four other days of live shows during the week.' She added that she was home only 'a day and a half a week' during the height of her WWE career. Rousey's focus on family comes after she revealed on Instagram last April that she and her husband, Travis Browne, wanted to have children. On Twitter, Rousey responded to angered WWE fans over her 'fake fights for fun' comment after the podcast was released. Ronda Rousey posted the message on Instagram yesterday, with a picture of her kissing her 36-year-old husband Travis Browne Rousey hit back at upset WWE fans on Twitter who were outraged over her remarks that likened pro wrestling to 'fake fights for fun' 'While you all are tip toeing around bruising some pro wrestlers' huge soft egos - no on is thinking about all the REAL fighters you're insulting when pretending pro wrestling is somehow on the same level of realism,' she wrote. Rousey's contract with WWE is set until April 2021. Before her stint in WWE, Rousey was a UFC's first woman champion and settled at a 12-2-0 record while with the promotion company. She's also won a bronze medal in judo during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A plane carrying more than 100 stranded Australian and New Zealand cruise ship passengers infected with COVID-19 has landed in Melbourne. The flight from Uruguay touched down at Tullamarine just before 7am on Sunday, carrying about 112 passengers from the Greg Mortimer cruise ship. Vision from the airport shows crews in hazmat suits boarding the plane, while a handful of passengers wearing masks are also seen disembarking then walking towards a smaller aircraft. It is believed that plane is bound for New Zealand. Passengers from aboard the Antarctica Cruise ship The Greg Mortimer arrive in Melbourne Sunday. Source: AAP The ship's operator Aurora Expeditions confirmed this week 128 of 217 people on board the Greg Mortimer, nearly 60 per cent, had tested positive for the coronavirus. Uruguay's Foreign Minister Ernesto Talvi said two Australian passengers could not be transported home as they were in intensive care at a hospital. The ship had been stranded in the South American nation for more than two weeks, after leaving Argentina on March 15 for a 16-day return trip to Antarctica. Victoria's Deputy Chief Health Officer Annaliese van Diemen told reporters on Saturday the flight would be met by medical staff and ambulances. "Everybody who needs to go to hospital will go to hospital and the remaining passengers will go into quarantine in hotels," Dr van Diemen said. Passengers filmed leaving the plane and walking across the Tarmac. Source: Nine News Any passenger displaying coronavirus symptoms will be taken to hospital, whether or not they have tested positive for the virus, she added. The group are among 1200 Australian nationals being flown home from overseas to land at Tullamarine this weekend, with flights from India and Peru touching down on Friday and Saturday. All incoming passengers will be shuttled off to hotels to start 14-days of quarantine. Victoria's total recorded COVID-19 cases stands at 1265, with 14 deaths. The number of new cases on Saturday rose by 24, compared to a rise of 13 the day before. Of those infected authorities say 118 may have been cases of community transmission. Chief health officer Brett Sutton called on people not to look for loopholes in physical distancing laws and not leave the house unless for an essential outing. Story continues While most people have heeded Dr Sutton's advice to have a quiet Easter, multiple people have been fined over gatherings at their homes. Australia's national death toll from the virus stands at 57, as of Sunday morning. 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. A rapist whose deportation was halted when airline passengers staged a mutiny is set to be released back on to Britain's streets despite the 'real risk' he will commit further offences. Judge Margaret O'Keeffe last week reluctantly granted Yaqub Ahmed 'bail in principle' because there is no prospect that he can be kicked out of the country soon. Ahmed, who should have been deported to his native Somalia 18 months ago, is awaiting the result of a legal challenge against his removal. Stopped: Airline passengers staged a mutiny which led the deportation of rapist Yaqub Ahmed to be halted 'Real risk': Yaqub Ahmed is being released back onto the streets of the UK despite fears by Judge Margaret O'Keeffe he could re-offend as he is unable to be deported The 30-year-old was jailed for nine years in 2008 for his part in the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in London. He was first told he was liable for deportation in 2010. An attempt to remove him in October 2018 failed when passengers aboard a Turkish Airways jet about to fly him out of the UK revolted. Unaware of his crime, they leapt to his defence and demanded security guards remove him from the aircraft at Heathrow after he began screaming. He was released from a detention centre on bail last March but detained again the following month because he ripped off an electronic tag and tried to flee the country, heading for Spain. Speaking at a bail hearing on Tuesday, Judge O'Keeffe warned: 'I am satisfied that there is a real risk that he would commit offences if released on bail. 'I am also satisfied that the applicant poses a risk of absconding. He failed to comply with bail conditions in the past and was caught attempting to leave the jurisdiction.' However, she said the risks of him offending and absconding 'have to be balanced against the length of time that the applicant has been in detention'. Government guidance for immigration judges states that 'imperative considerations of public safety may be necessary to justify detention in excess of six months'. Judge O'Keeffe said while there is conflicting evidence about Ahmed's mental state, 'what is not in dispute is that the applicant has been in detention now since April 2019 which on any reckoning is a very significant period of time'. She added: 'I have to take into account that there is currently no realistic prospect of his removal to Somalia and it cannot be said that his removal is imminent. 'There is simply no way to know when the position will change in relation to international air travel.' Ahmed's victim, who is now 28, last night described his looming release as 'disgraceful', saying: 'I am so sick of it. I just want it to be over but it's never-ending. I think it's disgraceful. 'At the end of the day they have considered him as a risk already, multiple times, yet they are willing to put people at risk now.' During last week's 37-minute hearing, Edward Terrell, a lawyer for the Home Office, said the case was 'uniquely appalling' and Ahmed had 'shown no hint of remorse' for his crime. Miranda Butler, Ahmed's lawyer, told the tribunal his mental health 'worsened significantly as a result of his detention' and he had attempted suicide. Judge O'Keeffe said Ahmed's bail was subject to the Home Office providing him with suitable accommodation, warning that if that did not happen within 14 days he would remain detained. She also suggested the bail decision could be reversed if Ahmed loses a judicial review against his removal, the result of which is expected in days. The Home Office last night declined to say whether it had found Ahmed accommodation and whether he had been released. In 2010 Ferrari won its last home race at Monza, until last year. Charles Leclerc finally won again in front of the tifosi in a red Ferrari. Team boss of Leclerc Mattia Binotto and journalist Will Buxton look back on this beautiful victory through the official channels of Formula 1. High expectations As it is nowadays, they speak to each other through a video call. The men sit safely at home and look back on last year. The year that started full of expectation for everyone with a red Ferrari heart. "We started with high expectations after the winter tests but that was disappointing in the beginning. There were some bad results but also missed opportunities like in Bahrain. In the end we went the winter break with a gap of six seconds to Hungary. After the winter break there were equal chances. We knew because of the long straights that we had chances for Spa and Monza but the pressure was high. That's where it had to happen." Immediately after the winter break Leclerc won at Spa. It was Ferrari's first victory that season. "Charles won in Belgium. He came from a victory but it was a difficult weekend because of the death of a good friend. He just wanted to get into the car as soon as possible when we arrived at Monza." Monza and 90th anniversary Around that time they also had a big party at Ferrari in Milan because of its 90th anniversary. "So we had the victory at Spa, the party in Milan at piazza del doumo was on the following Wednesday, and from there we went to Monza. The adrenaline was high when we got there." The party clearly gave the team motivation but also created extra pressure. From Friday at Monza it was clear that Ferrari was fast. "Being a Ferrari this is an opportunity and we were aware of that. Monza is Monza. We are always under pressure. By the way, the victory was no surprise for us at Monza. We knew on Friday that it was going to be a good weekend. The drivers came out of the car with a smile and the set-up was right pretty quickly. Then you're certainly not there yet but we started right away with the good feeling." In the end Leclerc won for the second week in a row and the party could be celebrated in front of thousands of fans. Saudi Arabias King Salman extended a nationwide curfew until further notice due to the spread of the new coronavirus, the interior ministry said on Sunday, after the kingdom reported more than 300 new infections on each of the last four days. Last week Saudi Arabia placed its capital Riyadh and other big cities under a 24-hour curfew, locking down much of the population to stem the spread of the virus. Elsewhere, the curfew which began on March 23 runs from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. Click here for the complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic The country of some 30 million has recorded 4,033 infections with 52 deaths, the highest among the six Gulf Arab states where the total count has surpassed 13,200 with 88 deaths despite strict measures to curb transmissions. The kingdom has halted international flights, suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage, and closed most public places. Other Gulf states have taken similar precautions. The interior ministry said all precautionary measures across Saudi Arabias 13 regions remain in place. Click here for the latest updates from the coronavirus outbreak The eastern Qatif region, where its first coronavirus cases were reported among Shiite Muslim pilgrims returning from Iran, has been sealed off since March 8. The United Arab Emirates, the regions tourism and business hub, has the second highest tally at 3,736 cases with 20 deaths. Several Gulf Arab states have seen the virus spread among low-wage foreign workers, many of whom live in overcrowded accommodations. Qatar has locked down a large section of an industrial area, Dubai has sealed off two commercial districts with a large population of migrant workers, and Oman has closed off its Muscat governorate, which includes the capital. Millions of migrant workers, mainly from Asian countries, including Nepal, India and the Philippines, are among the regions large expatriate population. Indias ambassador to the UAE told local English-language daily Gulf News on Saturday that the Indian government cannot repatriate a large number of its nationals while trying to break the chain of infection at home. At this stage, we feel that it is best for them (Indians wishing to return home) to stay where they are, Pavan Kapoor was quoted as saying. Once the lockdown in India is lifted, we will certainly help them get back to their home towns and their families. British Airways has become the latest airline to send its aircrafts to a so-called 'airport graveyard' as the company tries to reduce its operations amid the coronavirus pandemic. The airline is set to move its Airbus A380 aircraft to France's Chateauroux Centre Marcel Dassault Airport in order to prevent its planes from rusting while they are inactive during the Covid-19 crisis. The move comes just a week after British Airways transported six of its twelve A380s to the French airport in order to be stored. On April 6, a message on the French airport's Facebook page read: 'Due to the current international crisis British Airways has chosen Aeroport Marcel Dassault - Chateauroux to store a fleet of A380 aircraft. British Airways is set to move its Airbus A380 aircraft to France's Chateauroux Centre Marcel Dassault Airport for long term storage. (Stock image) 'The first to arrive at the moment is none other than the first device acquired by the English company, and is not unknown in Chateauroux since it came in training here, in 2013. 'Thank you to airport staff and Dale Aviation teams for the management and installation of these aircraft, and thank you to British Airways for their confidence and the quality of our exchanges for several weeks.' The airport later confirmed the company would be sending its remaining aircrafts to the their storage facility amid the crisis. The move comes just weeks after U.S. airlines including Delta and United revealed they were sending some of their largest planes to Pinal Airpark, Arizona, which is home to hundreds of retired commercial and military aircraft, to keep the aircrafts in good condition. The area, which is commonly described as a 'boneyard' for commercial aircrafts covers an area of 2,080 acres. Meanwhile United Airlines planes were also seen parked in the isolated desert airpark, which lies 90 miles south of Phoenix, after the airline was forced to cut back on service due to the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, pictures from the decommissioned Air Force base, Southern California Logistics Airport, showed rows of aircrafts, including Southwest Airlines and FedEx, parked at the 'airport graveyard' in Victorville which sits around 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Last month Delta Air Lines moved some of its aircrafts to the 'airport graveyard' in Pinal Airpark A Delta aircraft is worked on my crew members at Pinal Airpark in Arizona, U.S. on March 18 An aerial view of Pinal Airpark (taken in 2018), where many old aircrafts are laid to rest stretched out in the Arizona sun The increasing demand for 'airport graveyards' come as Lufthansa announced it would be permanently shutting down its large aircrafts to help keep its business afloat this week. The German airline company, which also owns Australian Airlines, Swiss and Eurowings, confirmed that they had been forced to cease their budget airline Germanwings and would be de-commissioning more than 40 aircrafts. The company, which will also be retiring six Airbus A-380s, five Boeing 747-400s and seven Airbus A340-600 aircraft, added that it would take years for demand for air travel to return to levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement the company, which is also cutting flight capacity in Frankfurt and Munich, said: 'Germanwings flight operations will be discontinued. All options resulting from this are to be discussed with the respective unions.' This month Southwest Airlines' 737 Max 8 airplanes were seen stored at the Southern California Logistics Airport Planes owned by Southwest and FedEx were seen parked at the remove desert airport amid the pandemic Three more medical workers have died from coronavirus, taking the NHS death toll to 31, amid an escalating row over the availability of personal protective equipment. A healthcare worker in Cardiff, a plaster technician in Doncaster and a pharmacy worker in Merseyside were among the latest victims on the frontlines to be identified. The UK's coronavirus death toll surged past 10,000 today to 10,585, after the department of health reported 737 deaths in the last 24 hours. Donna Campbell, 54, tested positive for coronavirus after being admitted into intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. She has been described as a bubbly personality Kevin Smith, who worked putting plaster casts on patients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, died after catching coronavirus. Colleagues paid tribute to him as an 'incredible person' who 'loved his job' and as a man who was 'renowned for his warm personality' Donna Campbell, 54, worked as a nurse at the Velindre cancer hospital, Cardiff, where she was known for singing and dancing with patients. She had been at the hospital for 20 years after getting her first position there as a volunteer, and was known among staff and patients for her bright and bubbly personality. Ms Campbell was treated in intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, after she tested positive for the virus. The Velindre University NHS Trust paid tribute to the nurse who will 'always have a special place in our hearts'. 'She was often found singing and dancing, entertaining patients and staff, making everyone smile,' they said. 'Donna will always have a special place in our hearts and we will all want to send our heartfelt sympathy and love to her family at this very difficult time.' 'Our staff and particularly Donna's team on First Floor Ward, are completely heartbroken that their beautiful, kind-hearted friend and colleague has died'. 'She was without doubt a treasured member of our work family who could light up a room with her infectious laugh and bubbly personality. 'But at the same time she had the most wonderful ability to comfort and care for people.' Kevin Smith, who died after a short battle with coronavirus, had worked putting plaster casts on patients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, South Yorkshire. He had been employed by the NHS for 35 years. His heartbroken daughter Ellie Whitley wrote on social media: 'It's so overwhelming to see so many amazing comments for such an incredible person who loved his job and everyone he worked with for many years. 'Thank you everyone. We will all miss him greatly but never forget him, ever!' The chief executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, Richard Parker OBE, said: 'I am utterly heartbroken to share the news that Kevin Smith, a well-respected and hugely popular member of our team, has sadly passed away following a brief but courageous battle with Covid-19. 'A plaster technician and valued member of the team for over 35 years, Kev, as he was known to friends and colleagues, was renowned for his warm personality, diligence and compassion.' Mandy Siddorn, 61, who worked for a pharmacist in the north-west of England died after contracting coronavirus Pharmacy worker Mandy Siddorn, 61, from Birkenhead in Merseyside has also died, her employer Swettenham Chemists Ltd has said. They operate branches across Chester, Wirral and north Wales. 'It is with much sadness that we acknowledge the loss of one of our Swettenham "family", Mandy, who passed away as a result of contracting coronavirus,' the business said. 'Mandy worked across our Wirral and Chester branches as a registered checking technician, the highest non-pharmacist role, and did so with outstanding professionalism and accuracy. 'We are all devastated by this tragic loss and our thoughts go out to all who knew her. 'Mandy is being remembered as a loyal, hardworking, dedicated and joyous friend to all of us. Yesterday was probably the hardest day the teams have ever faced.' She leaves behind her mother Dorothy, daughter Aimee, son-in-law Steve, granddaughter Molly and sister-in-law Jane. Experienced nurse Julie Omar, 52, has died, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said. She had been self-isolating after developing coronavirus-like symptoms Ms Omar had been working at the Alexandra hospital, Redditch, before contracting the virus Three nurses died from coronavirus yesterday. Experienced nurse Julie Omar, 52, died after treating patients, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said. She had been self-isolating at home after developing symptoms. Nurse Sara Trollope has died after testing positive for the virus at Watford General Hospital and nurse Gareth Roberts, who had more than 40 years experience, has died, Cardiff and Vale NHS Healthcare Trust said. Mrs Trollope, 51, who has worked at Hillingdon Hospital, died at Watford General Hospital, the Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust said on Saturday. The mother-of-four had spent 33 years working for the NHS and has been praised for her empathy and 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.' Tracy Woods, who set up a fundraiser for Mrs Trollope's family, said: 'Sara cared very much about her patients and staff and completely loved her job. 'Sadly it was the job that cost her life.' Sara Trollope, 51, was confirmed to have died by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. She had previously met Boris Johnson Nurse Gareth Roberts, who came out of retirement to work for the NHS during the crisis, has also died Experienced nurse Ms Omar had been working at Redditch's Alexandra hospital before she contracted the virus. Trust chief executive Matthew Hopkins said: '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.' Nurse Gareth Roberts, who had more than 40 years experience, was also confirmed to have died after testing positive for the virus, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said. He had come out of retirement to work for the NHS during the crisis. Paying tribute to Mr Roberts, a nurse since the 1980s, colleagues at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: 'Gareth was well known by everyone and was extremely popular, fun-filled and well-liked person, always greeting everyone with, 'Hello Cariad' when he saw them. 'He had a lovely way with relatives and always offered the caring personal side, he was very much an 'old school' nurse.' Mr Roberts, who is survived by his wife, son and grandson, died at the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. Two porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford were also confirmed to have died. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said on Saturday that both men were married to nursing staff at the hospital. Dr Bruno Holthof, chief executive officer, and Sir Jonathan Montgomery, chair of the 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. We all need each other and we stand together in honouring the memories of our colleagues.' Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sky's Ridge on Sunday today: 'It is right that no medical professional should be placed in this position where they have to make that choice. On Saturday morning, Health Secretary Matt Hancock paid tribute to those who had died, then announcing a total of 19 deaths. He 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.' The deaths come amid escalating disputes about the availability of personal protective equipment. The nurses union, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), has advised staff that they can refuse to treat coronavirus patients if adequate equipment is not available. The government has repeatedly insisted that there is enough equipment on the frontlines while nurses have reported shortages and have even said they have been required to wear bin bags for protection. Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that more equipment was being sent to hospitals across the country. Labour leader Keir Starmer has said there is a 'mismatch' between what officials are saying and what is being reported on the frontlines. A consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India has arrived in the United States, days after New Delhi lifted a ban on export of the anti-malarial drug, seen as a possible cure for COVID-19, to America and some other countries on humanitarian grounds. Photograph: @SandhuTaranjitS/Twitter Earlier this week, India at the request of President Donald Trump cleared the export of 35.82 lakh tablets of hydroxychloroquine to the US along with nine metric tons of active pharmaceutical ingredient or API required in the manufacturing of the drug. "Supporting our partners in the fight against COVID-19. Consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today (Saturday)," India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu tweeted. Trump, during a phone call last week, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lift the hold on American order of the anti-malarial drug, of which India is the major producer. India, which manufactures 70 per cent of the world's supply of hydroxychloroquine, lifted the ban on April 7. Hydroxychloroquine has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19 and it is being tested on more than 1,500 coronavirus patients in New York. Anticipating that it will work, given initial positive results, Trump has bought more than 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine for potential treatment of COVID-19 patients. The arrival of consignment was welcomed by Americans. "US will never forget this great humanitarian gesture by India. Under President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two largest democracies of the world have come together than ever in the past, said New York-based Al Mason, a real estate consultant and a Trump supporter. A wonderful gesture by India to its friends in need, tweeted Dr Sampat Shivangi. Describing this as a wonderful gesture, Steve Filipovic, who works in the construction industry, thanked the Indian Ambassador. Meanwhile, according to a new French study of 1,061 hospitalised COVID-19 patients showed a 91.7 per cent cure (viral shedding) within 10 days of hydroxychloroquine treatment along with anti-biotic. It also reported a 96 per cent cure rate after 15 days. Early this week, the National Institute of Health reported that a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of adults hospitalised with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has begun, with the first participants now enrolled in Tennessee. Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat malaria and rheumatoid conditions such as arthritis. In various studies, the drug has demonstrated antiviral activity, an ability to modify the activity of the immune system, and has an established safety profile at appropriate doses, leading to the hypothesis that it may also be useful in the treatment of COVID-19, NIH said. The drug is not without risks as even short-term use can cause cardiac arrythmias, seizures, dermatological reactions, and hypoglycemia, it added. Many US hospitals are currently using hydroxychloroquine as first-line therapy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 despite extremely limited clinical data supporting its effectiveness, said Wesley Self, emergency medicine physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and PETAL Clinical Trials Network investigator leading the ORCHID trial. Thus, data on hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 are urgently needed to inform clinical practice, he added. According to NIH, participants will be randomly assigned to receive hydroxychloroquine 400 mg twice daily for two doses (day one), then 200 mg twice daily for the subsequent eight doses (days two to five) or a placebo twice daily for five days. COVID-19 cases were first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. As of Saturday, more than 16 lakh people globally tested positive and more than one lakh have died. The United States has emerged as the hotspot with 20,000 deaths and 5.3 lakh cases. As communities around the country take precautions against the coronavirus pandemic, some places are dealing with an additional safety threat: severe weather outbreaks. April, May and June are peak tornado months for much of the United States -- particularly the Plains, the Midwest and the South. This tornado season, though, residents are seeking shelter from storms while also trying to practice social distancing. With this weekend expected to bring severe storms and flash flooding across the Southern Plains and possible tornadoes and damaging winds across the Southeast, weather experts and government officials warn that keeping safe from storms should take precedence over coronavirus concerns -- though people should try to limit the spread of Covid-19 to the extent possible. "The need to practice social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19 brings added complications to taking shelter from severe weather," the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service said in a statement. "However, state and federal officials agree that your top priority should be to protect yourself from a potential tornado." Agencies in Alabama and Mississippi have issued similar guidance. Here's how authorities are recommending people prepare for extreme weather events during the pandemic. Make a plan The American Meteorological Society (AMS) recommends that people living in areas at risk of tornadoes make a severe weather plan. That starts by identifying the best place to take refuge from a storm. Officials in Alabama and Mississippi recommend that residents shelter inside their homes when possible. Basements are ideal. For those without a below-ground storm shelter, well-constructed homes and buildings will provide protection from most tornadoes, state officials said. They advised taking shelter in a closet, bathroom, interior hallway or other interior rooms without windows on the lowest level of the house or building. Go to a public shelter if necessary For those can't seek refuge at home, the AMS suggests reaching out to neighbors, friends or family to discuss sheltering with them. Because concerns about the spread of Covid-19 could complicate matters, it's best to sort out a plan as soon as possible. The best option for some families may be public storm shelters, which are often set up in schools, stores or community centers. If a local public shelter is open, experts recommend that people take refuge there despite coronavirus concerns. "Do not let the virus prevent you from seeking refuge from a tornado," the AMS says in a statement on its website. "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." For those who need to travel to do so, the AMS says to make sure to complete that travel before a tornado warning is issued for the area. Whether shelters will remain open despite the pandemic is up to city and county governments. The AMS recommend checking with state and local emergency managers on whether such facilities will be operating and whether there are Covid-19 related concerns that should be taken into consideration. Closures and updates can be found on official social media accounts, government websites or by contacting local emergency management agencies. Stay informed Use multiple trusted sources to monitor severe weather threats in your area, the AMS says. It's a good idea to monitor the latest weather forecasts from the National Weather Service and local media, as well as the Covid-19 recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state health departments and other local authorities. Get your local forecast for the weekend >>> Take precautions against the virus If you do seek refuge from a storm outside your home, the AMS says to take precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as best as you can. Follow CDC guidelines, including wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing. The American Red Cross is adapting its evacuation shelter guidelines in light of the pandemic, Weather.com reported. The organization will work with local governments to consider alternative options to shelters, such as hotels or dorms, Trevor Riggen, senior vice president for disaster cycle services at the Red Cross, told Weather.com. When people must be housed in large open facilities like gyms or convention centers, the organization said it would partner with local officials to screen people at doors and enforce measures like social distancing. When the only option is a large open room like a gymnasium or convention center, the Red Cross will partner with local public health officials to screen people at the door and isolate people who could potentially be infected. New York State registered 758 more deaths from coronavirus in the last 24 hours as Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday stressed that he will work with New Jersey and Connecticut on a coordinated plan to reopen the economy that also safeguards public health. The state is witnessing mixed results as change in total number of hospitalizations is down but the ICU admissions and intubations ticked up. "You're not seeing a great decline in the numbers, but you're seeing a flattening. And you're also seeing a recurrence of the terrible news, which is the number of lives lost, which is 758" on April 11, Cuomo said. More than 180,458 people are infected with the virus in the state and the death toll now stands at 9,385. Cuomo said the big question on everyone's mind is when will the economy reopen. "People want to get on with their lives, people want to get out of the house. (They have) cabin fever. We need the economy working, people need a paycheck. Life has to function," he said at his daily briefing. The Governor stressed that he wants to reopen the state and the economy as soon as possible. "Let's just end this nightmare right. (It's like) Groundhog Day. You get up every day, it's the same routine, you almost lose track of what day of the week it is because they don't even have meaning anymore, he said making a reference to the movie. Cuomo underscored that the caveat in re-opening the economy is that one has to be smart in the way we reopen and there is need for a coordinated, regional and safe approach. "Nobody wants to pick between a public health strategy and an economic strategy. And as governor of the state, I'm not going to pick one over the other, we need a public health strategy that is safe, consistent with an economic strategy," he said. He emphasized that the last thing New York needs is an uptick in the infection rate and hospitalization numbers that the state has worked so hard to bring down. So we need a strategy that coordinates business and schools and transportation and workforce, he said. Reopening the state and moving people back in the workforce would require more and faster testing as well as federal help, he said. Cuomo said he will be coordinating with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont later Sunday on coming up with a "reopening plan that is a public health plan, safeguards public health but also starts to move us towards economic activation. He said the state will also pass an executive order which directs employers to provide essential workers with a cloth or surgical face mask free of cost to their employees when they are interacting with the public. The Governor and Mayor Bill de Blasio also continued to disagree over when to open public schools across the state. De Blasio has said the schools will remain closed for the reminder of the academic year but Cuomo has said the Mayor does not get to decide when the schools can be opened again. Cuomo said reopening schools, businesses and transportation had to be coordinated regionally because you can't restart the economy without fully restarting schools. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) While the coronavirus cases continue to mount across the country, the southern state of Kerala seems to have reported a slump in its Covid-19 cases. A look at the number of coronavirus cases reported in the state suggests that the state administration has been able to tighten its grip on the spread of the deadly contagion. The state accounted for the second-highest coronavirus cases in the country just a few weeks back after Maharashtra and now stands way below on the Covid-19 state tally as the number of cases sharply rise in states like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and others. Does this mean the land of coconut has managed to flatten the Covid-19 curve? My compliments to CM @vijayanpinarayi & people of Kerala for remarkable handling of #COVID__19 Its daily discharges far exceed daily new infections. It has restricted secondary spread & while international mortality rate is 5.75, rate in Kerala is mere 0.58 with just 2 deaths. https://t.co/L3T82tNGLA Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) April 11, 2020 As per the data released by the Ministry of Health on Sunday, Kerala has 471 total coronavirus which includes 346 active cases, 123 recoveries and 2 fatalities. A week back, last Sunday, the state had reported a total of 357 cases including 306 active cases, 49 recoveries and two fatalities. Earlier this week, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that recovery of more people and fewer new cases in the state are good signs but it should not let the administration lower the guard against Covid-19. Recovery of many patients is a good sign. And the number of people testing positive also came down. These factors show we have a good grip on the disease and things will turn in our favour soon. But time is not ripe to lower the guard. If some lapses do take place things will change. We have examples of some the developed countries before us. So we have to keep our surveillance well, Vijayan said. Excellent resilience shown by Kerala in dealing with #Covid_19. Best practices of leadership led by @CMOKerala, bureaucracy led by District Collectors & Health Department, ably supported by police, Local self govt, media & community as a whole. Worth emulating! @amitabhk87 pic.twitter.com/YHS8KC0tf9 Dr Dinesh Arora (@drdineshias) April 11, 2020 A look at Keralas Covid-19 trajectory: April 5 - 306 active cases, 49 recoveries, 2 deaths April 6 - 314 active cases, 55 recoveries, 2 deaths April 7 - 327 active cases, 58 recoveries, 2 deaths April 8 - 336 active cases, 70 recoveries, 2 deaths April 9 - 345 active cases, 83 recoveries, 2 deaths April 10 - 357 active cases, 96 recoveries, 2 deaths April 11 - 364 active cases, 123 recoveries, 2 deaths April 12 - 364 active cases, 123 recoveries, 2 deaths The state has not reported any fatalities in over a week. While the number of active cases in Kerala has gone up from 306 to 346 in a week (an increase of 40 new active cases), the number of patients who have recovered from Covid-19 in the state has a dramatic rise since last Sunday (from 49 to 123). According to Johns Hopkins University, flattening the coronavirus curve involves reducing the number of new Covid-19 cases from one day to the next. If Kerala continues to maintain the trend, it would soon be able to not just flatten its Covid-19 trajectory but also free the state from the menace of coronavirus. India on Sunday reported as many as 8,356 total cases of coronavirus infection in the country. As per the data released by the Ministry of Health on Sunday morning, India now has 7,367 active cases, 715 people have been cured or discharged and 273 Covid-19 related fatalities. Note: Figures are from official data released by the Ministry of Health, may differ from realtime numbers released by various state governments subject to confirmation from the Centre. In only a few weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has completely disrupted our normal way of life. With many businesses shutting their doors or transitioning to a work-from-home system, adaptability to a constantly changing situation will prove key for the survival of organizations large and small. Despite everything that is going on, however, the pandemic is also spurring new innovations, particularly in the world of artificial intelligence. Here are several important ways AI is already making a difference in improving public health and safety as the world adapts to a new normal. One of the biggest challenges with this coronavirus (and the COVID-19 disease it subsequenly causes) has been how quickly it can spread. While social-distancing measures and the closure of high-risk facilities are viewed as the best way to control the spread, many areas have been slow to enact such measures because they dont have an accurate perception of their risk. In Israel, however, an AI-powered survey system developed by the Weizmann Institute of Science aims to better predict outbreaks so authorities can proactively enact measures that will mitigate the viruss spread. The system uses a questionnaire focusing on key issues like health symptoms and isolation practices, then matches responses with a location-based algorithm. AI analysis can then identify potential hotspots in advance, which can help local authorities enact measures that will slow down the virus. 2. AI helps support centers With COVID-19 constantly dominating headlines, it should come as no surprise that hospitals and health organizations are getting more inquiries than ever from patients worried that they might have the coronavirus. Virtual assistants have already alleviated the workloads of customer support professionals in other industries, and now, similar tools specifically designed to address questions related to COVID-19 are being introduced. These AI tools can be embedded directly into healthcare apps and websites. One example of this is Hyro, a free COVID-19 virtual assistant that is being offered to healthcare organizations to help them manage the uptick in calls and questions. By answering frequently asked questions about the coronavirus, triaging symptoms and delivering information from verified sources like the WHO and CDC, such AI tools can help reduce the burden on healthcare workers who are already being stretched thin by pandemic conditions. Related: How Artificial Intelligence Is Helping Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic 3. AI fights the spread of misinformation An unfortunate issue that has popped up in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is the rapid spread of misinformation online. From downplaying the risks posed by the virus to false text messages warning of mandatory quarantine orders, this can further fuel panic during what is already a scary time. Many social media platforms use human content moderators to check for harmful posts, but with more employees being required to work from home or stop working altogether, AI is becoming increasingly important in combating misinformation. Though the lack of human supervision means an increased risk for mistakes, it could also spur new improvements for these machine-learning tools. As one example of this, The Verges Jacob Kastrenakes explains, YouTube will rely more on AI to moderate videos during the coronavirus pandemic, since many of its human reviewers are being sent home to limit the spread of the virus. This means videos may be taken down from the site purely because theyre flagged by AI as potentially violating a policy, whereas the videos might normally get routed to a human reviewer to confirm that they should be taken down. 4. AI identifies sick patients As noted by the Guardian, one of the biggest challenges in containing the spread of COVID-19 is the fact that many patients experience symptoms most similar to a mild cold. Some are entirely asymptomatic. Because of this, many people who could spread the virus to others may continue to go out in public rather than self-quarantining. While testing can be slow, AI is already stepping up to the challenge. As reported by The Next Web, several AI tools have already been developed to identify patients with COVID-19 and deliver treatment that keeps healthcare professionals safe. In China, a computer-vision algorithm was developed to scan peoples temperatures in public locations and flag anyone with even a slight fever. Another AI algorithm helps doctors more accurately discern between coronavirus and typical pneumonia patients. In Washington State, robots have even been used to provide remote treatment and communication to keep the disease from spreading from patients to doctors. Related: How Businesses Should Handle the Coronavirus Outbreak The future surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is rife with uncertainty. There is no telling how long social isolation measures and other precautions will need to remain in place to mitigate the spread of the disease, or what the overall impact of such actions will be. While AI may not have all the answers, it is clear that continuing innovation in this field will help and already is helping to make the world a safer place during these troubling times. By helping slow the spread of the virus and improving conditions for healthcare workers, these tech developments could very well save lives now and in the future. Related: $205 Billion of the $350 Billion Appropriated for PPP Loans Has Been Claimed 9 Entrepreneurs Who Have Rapidly Transformed Their Businesses for the Better Fight for Your Franchise Challenge, Week 2: Getting in the Mindset for Success Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The legal tug-of-war between Texas abortion providers and the state's leaders who want to ban the procedure during the coronavirus pandemic landed at the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday night. Twice, a Texas district judge has agreed with the providers that the state's prohibition of medical procedures that are not "immediately medically necessary" cannot be enforced against the time-sensitive and constitutionally protected right to abortion. And twice, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit has intervened. In its ruling Friday, the panel said on a 2-to-1 vote that only women who might not be able to receive an abortion before the state's 22-week limit could receive a waiver. The emergency request was filed to Justice Samuel Alito Jr., whose purview includes cases from the 5th Circuit. He will probably call for a response from the state, and refer the matter to the full court to decide in the coming days without holding a hearing. Abortion providers, represented by Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights, among others, said the Supreme Court's intervention "is urgently needed." "Virtually all Texas residents with unplanned pregnancies are unable to access early abortion care through medication abortion and must instead wait until they reach a more advanced stage of pregnancy," their petition to the court said. "Delaying abortions by weeks does nothing to further the state's interest in combating COVID-19, and indeed runs directly contrary to that interest: individuals will require more health care - even in the short-term - if they remain pregnant than if they have a desired abortion, and some will engage in risky, out-of-state travel in an attempt to access earlier abortion services, thus increasing contagion risks in the midst of a pandemic." Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, issued his executive order on March 22, saying a delay on elective surgery procedures was necessary to preserve scarce medical resources such as hospital beds and personal protective equipment (PPE). Governors around the country have issued similar orders, and judges in Alabama, Ohio and Oklahoma said the restrictions could not be applied to a woman seeking an abortion. U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel in Austin has ruled the same way. First, he said the ban could not apply to abortions. After a panel of the appeals court told him to dissolve his order he issued a new one at the bequest of abortion providers, saying the ban would not apply to women seeking abortions induced by medication and those who would soon not be able to obtain an abortion at all because of the state's 22-week deadline. The panel again disagreed. The judges let the ruling stand regarding women close to the deadline, but not to those seeking a medication abortion. Abortion rights lawyers say that procedure, allowed up to the 10th week of pregnancy in Texas, involves the woman taking two pills and does not require providers to use much, if any, of the PPE the state wants to conserve. The state, represented by Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, has said even medication abortions require staff to use PPE for initial visits, and incomplete medication abortions could require hospitalization. The providers say the risk is extremely rare, and the state is using the pandemic to further its long-running battle against abortion. "This is an extraordinarily difficult time, but this is an easy case," said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights. "Texas is blatantly abusing its emergency power to obliterate Roe v. Wade." The providers asked the court to set aside the appeals court decision and reinstate Yeakel's most recent temporary restraining order. Editor's note: This editorial, in modified form, has marked previous Easter holidays in this newspaper. The Easter story, the happy ending in a tale of brutal crucifixion, suggests that there's a powerful answer to the pain and evil that have touched the world throughout human history. That's why the Easter narrative can resonate not only with Christians but in secular society, too. Any story of hope is needed now more than ever, as recent headlines have reminded us. On this weekend's Easter, as in others, there's trouble afoot on our anguished planet. The crime news including mass shootings around the United States, loss of lives to the coronavirus pandemic over the past year all of this is pretty grim stuff. Illness and death are ever-present parts of the human condition, as the Easter story reminds us. But it has rarely been so pronounced in our lives as in pandemic form, with thousands across the globe dead or suffering from coronavirus-related hospitalization. Perhaps the prospects of vaccination hold out a bit of hope this Easter. Yet our capacity to be shocked and horrified by accounts of death and violence in our communities and around the world is, perhaps, one of the more affirming things about the human spirit. We know that such cruelty is an aberration that we're made for something better than bringing darkness to someone else. That brighter spirit is reflected in neighbors helping today, even under the difficult conditions of social distancing. Easter is the holiest day in the Christian calendar and this Sunday, believers are denied physical communion with each other. With technology, though, the path to participate in services is available. In whatever form, Easter speaks to our basic faith that love can transcend aggression, that miracles are possible. In "Charlotte's Web," his classic children's story, E.B. White suggested that belief in miracles is perhaps not so strange a thing when we consider the presence of the overlooked miracles we take for granted. White was writing particularly about the life of a barnyard, where the wonders of pigs and ducks and spiders were spectacles so grand but so routine that few visitors thought of them as special. Spring is like that, too, of course. After all the frost and cold of winter, the greening trees and emerging blossoms are an extraordinary thing, but they're a victory we usually overlook. Easter is a day to hold such gifts close to heart, to believe once again in the renewal of spring, and in ourselves. At a 6-foot distance: Will Louisiana recover from the space coronavirus put between us? King Mohammed VI has agreed to put the Sebeninkoro Polyclinic at the disposal of the Government of Mali to help the West African country fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The Moroccan sovereigns decision, made at the request of the President of Mali Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, was announced Saturday by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita during a phone talk with his Malian counterpart Tiebile Drame, the Malian government said in a statement. As part of the fight against COVID-19, the Malian President asked H.M. King Mohammed VI to make the Polyclinic of Sebeninkoro available to the Government of the Republic of Mali, said the statement, adding that the Malian President expressed his sincere thanks to the Monarch, and to the Moroccan Government and people for this very valuable gesture. The opening date of the Polyclinic will be decided in common agreement between the two countries, the statement said. The health facility, fruit of sound collaboration between Rabat and Bamako, aims to contribute to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality. In another development, the Malian Foreign Minister has expressed his countrys deep gratitude to Morocco for the treatment reserved for African students in general and Malians in particular in the times of the coronavirus pandemic. This came during a recent meeting in Bamako between the Foreign Minister Tiebile Drame and Moroccos ambassador to Mali, Hassan Naciri. The Malian and African students benefit from the same care and benefits as Moroccan citizens, the Foreign Minister noted. He underlined that these measures do not surprise anyone since they are part of HM King Mohammed VIs policy in favor of South-South cooperation, citing as an example the regularization of the situation thousands of Africans living in Morocco. Mali has so far recorded 105 coronavirus cases, 9 deaths, and 22 recoveries. New Delhi: The special forces of National Directorate of Security of Afghanistan has arrested two aides of Islamic State Khorasan Province chief Aslam Farooqui, the mastermind of Kabul Gurudwara attack. The accused have been identified as Tanweer, a Bangladeshi national and Ali Mohammad, a Pakistani citinzen. According to NDS, Tanweer is a finance expert while Ali Mohammad is a logistics and fundraising expert. Earlier on April 4, Farooqui, along with 20 others, was arrested on charges of planning the Kabul Gurdwara attack. The ISKP had claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed 27 Sikhs and injured eight others, on the gurdwara at the Shor Bazaar area in the Afghan capital on March 25. The barbaric attack was condemned by India and the US. Farooqui, a Pakistani national, was earlier associated with proscribed Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Tehreek-e-Taliban terror outfits. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had registered a case against the ISKP on Kabul Gurudwara attack, making it the first case registered for terror activity outside India. During the interrogation, he admitted his links with Pakistani spy agency ISI and other terrorist networks, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Haqqani Network. Officials tracking Kerala's ISIS module believe that the terrorist attack on Kabul's Gurudwara was carried out by the Haqqani Network with Lashkar-e-Taiba from Pakistan. Haqqani network has the capability to launch such an attack inside high-security zone of Kabul. Officials believe that the Kabul Gurudwara attack is a deliberate attempt to throw dust in the eyes of the world that ISKP is behind the attack. Earlier, it was found that ISKP claimed the attacks where the Haqqani network was originally involved. Pakistan is reportedly promoting ISKP and other groups as a check on the Taliban. Ahmedabad: The British Airways will operate three flights from here in the next few days to take back 900 UK nationals stranded in Gujarat due to the lockdown, the Ahmedabad Airport authorities on Sunday. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport here will facilitate operation of three relief flights of the British Airways for transporting the British nationals who are standard in Gujarat, the airport said in a release. Flight numbers BA9113C, BA9117C and BA9117C will operate on April 13, 15 and 17, respectively, it said. "It is estimated that approximately 300 passengers will board each of these flights from Ahmedabad," it said. Two aircraft will arrive here from the Heathrow Airport in London and leave for the UK capital on April 13 and 15. The third aircraft will arrive in Ahmedabad from Hyderabad on April 17 and depart for London the same day, it said. "Special care will be taken for the facilitation of passengers and social distancing, in line with directives of the Government of India," the release said, adding that the SVPI Airport has requested all the passengers to follow instructions of the staff on duty. SVPI Airport Director Manoj Gangal is in constant touch with the British High Commission to ensure no inconvenience is caused to the passengers, it added. Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon is staying home with her mother, father, actress- sister Nupur and pets Disco and Phoebe during lockdown and keeping fans entertained by sharing loving family moments. Recently, during a Q and A session with her fans on Instagram, Kriti shared a glimpse of what she looked like after gaining 10 kgs weight for her coming movie Mimi. Kriti had earlier shared that she will be weighing 15 kgs more than her usual weight while shooting for certain segments of the film. Giving an update about the project, Kriti revealed further that only a song sequence is left to be shot and rest filming on the Laxman Utekar project is complete. Mimi is a remake of the National Award-winning 2011 Marathi film Mala Aai Vhhaychay. Kriti stars in the film in the lead role of a surrogate mother alongside Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Pahwa, Supriya Pathak and Sai Tamhankar. The film is slated to be released in July. Apart from this, Kriti is also working in Bachchan Pandey with Akshay Kumar. (With inpputs from IANS) Follow @News18Movies for more 98.5% of Wuhan housing estates free of virus People's Daily Online (Chinadaily.com.cn) 15:27, April 11, 2020 Wuhan in Hubei province, the hardest-hit area by the novel coronavirus epidemic in China, had 6,999 housing estates free of infections as of 4 pm on Friday, accounting for 98.5 percent of the total number of estates in the city, Wuhan epidemic prevention and control headquarters announced Saturday. After the latest assessment, the headquarters announced Wuhan had 6,999 housing estates, 1,301 residential communities and 1,938 villages free from the epidemic as of 4 pm on Friday, accounting for 98.5 percent, 92.5 percent and 99.7 percent respectively. The headquarters also held a meeting on Friday to urge the further raising of awareness, strengthening of measures and normalization of prevention and control working mechanisms. It said although Wuhan has lifted the traffic control, communities are still an important line to defend against imported cases and prevent re-infection. It asked each community to continue to check the identities and temperature of each entry and exit, register their information, and ensure people wear masks. Communities will also need to meet people's needs in traveling to resume work and production while continuing strict management to prevent re-infection, it said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address (Bloomberg Opinion) -- For 100 years now, capitalism has had a pro-leverage bias. Unlike dividends, which are paid only after the state has taken its share of earnings, interest is deducted from pretax profit, shrinking the pie available to the government. This accounting oddity, which treats debt capital more favorably than equity, has driven the leveraged buyout industry, led to a correction in a foundational paper by a pair of Nobel economics winners, and played a role in the 2008 financial crisis. Disaffection with this anomaly has long swirled as an undercurrent, especially in tax-starved developing economies. The coronavirus is reheating the debate. Industrial losses may need to be socialized en masse to get displaced workers back on the job and prevent the global economy from spiraling into depression. To manage the backlash against using public money for private gains, more countries are likely to follow the U.S. Congress and the U.K. banking regulator, which have pushed for a halt to buybacks and dividends. But corporate rescue this time may also involve a rewriting of accounting rules to encourage deleveraging, so that bailouts are needed less often and are less costly. It was in 1918, when economists were likening the global spread of an excess profit tax on wartime corporate income to the deadly outbreak of the Spanish flu, that the U.S. relented and allowed all interest paid to be deducted from taxable profit. It was a temporary measure to give firms relief, but although the extra tax burden went away in 1921, the favorable treatment of interest income stayed and was copied around the world. The debt bias is very real. In the late 1950s, academics Franco Modigliani and Merton Miller controversially asserted that corporations should be indifferent to the mix of debt and equity in their capital structure. Five years later, the professors issued a correction, acknowledging that a dollar of debt would raise the value of a firm by 50 cents, the then-prevailing corporate tax rate.(1) Story continues The idea of a withholding tax on interest payments has done the rounds since at least 1982, but how does a foreign investor or a tax-exempt local investor get credit? No country would want foreigners to shun its corporate debt and go where there's no withholding. Developing economies have also been ambivalent. Their tax authorities hate it when multinationals give loans to their profitable subsidiaries, thus reducing their taxable income in poor nations.On the other hand, it didnt take long for local firms in Asia, Latin America or Eastern Europe to figure out that they, too, could attract large pools of Western savings by souping up shareholder returns with higher leverage. It helped that the cost of the debt was tax deductible. To the extent the borrowings came from state-owned local banks, the lenders interest income flowed to the government as taxes and dividends. After the 2008 crisis, policymakers looked aghast at the debt-financed expansion in banking over the previous three decades. But beyond specifying higher regulatory capital, they couldnt do much to shake the inertia. As McKinsey & Co. noted in 2010, replacing the stock of financial sector debt with equity in just 14 countries would have required more than 60% of the then-existing global equity capital. No wonder, then, that the world economy has kept accumulating debt. China stepped up borrowings to hold on to high growth in a slow-speed world; India wrecked its finance industry to achieve China-like expansion. On the supply side, as banks retreated under regulatory pressure for more capital, private credit from insurers, pension funds and other non-banks took their place, growing to a $300 billion industry by 2018 from $100 billion in 2010. The additional corporate value garnered with cheap debt isnt a free lunch. An International Monetary Fund staff discussion note warned in 2011 that costs to public welfare are larger possibly much larger than previously thought. The 2017 overhaul of the U.S. tax code restricted interest deduction to 30% of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization as an offset for slashing the corporate rate to 21% from 35%. The U.K., too, put a limit. But then came the coronavirus. The sheer scale of economic disruption and job losses means that governments and central banks will join hands. Japans near-$1 trillion fiscal spending has set the tone for outsize government borrowing. But while assuming a more active economic role, governments will also want to show that they arent running a Ponzi scheme. Disallowing interest deduction will generate resources as well as play into the zeitgeist for more public welfare. As independent strategist Gerard Minack noted recently, our world is primed to maximize financial returns on the assumption that nothing will go wrong. When things do, not just once but twice in 12 years, politicians must ask whether a smaller, more resilient firm, valued a little less than before, is better than a large but fragile enterprise. Minack also believes that temporary restrictions on stock buybacks could be accompanied by changes to the tax treatment of debt. With industries of all hues begging governments for survival capital, rebates and even employee wages, bargaining power of firms is at rock bottom. The unfinished tax reform agenda has a chance. Given that suppliers of debt financing are spread all over the world, a withholding tax on interest payments could cause dislocations. A less disruptive option, as law professors Michael Graetz and Alvin Warren, Jr. argued in a 2016 essay, might be to deny deductions for all or part of interest payments at the corporate level. Overcoming entrenched resistance to a once-in-100-years change wont be easy. The only time to even attempt it is when faced with a disaster not encountered since the Spanish flu. (1) Modigliani went on to win the Nobel prize in 1985; Miller would get it five years later. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners. Andy Mukherjee is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering industrial companies and financial services. He previously was a columnist for Reuters Breakingviews. He has also worked for the Straits Times, ET NOW and Bloomberg News. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly been discharged from the hospital after battling COVID-19 for more than two weeks and spending days in the intensive care unit (ICU). Downing Street spokesperson reportedly said that the Prime Minister will continue his recovery at Chequers, his official country retreat in Buckinghamshire. However, Johnson will not be immediately returning to work following the advice of his medical team. Earlier on April 11, Johnson issued a statement thanking the staff of the National Health Service (NHS) at the St. Thomas Hospital where he was admitted. The Prime Minister reportedly said that he owes his life to the NHS staff for treating him. Johnson was tested positive for the novel coronavirus over two weeks ago and remained in self-isolation but was admitted to St. Thomas hospital on April 5 after showing persistent symptoms for COVID-19. Read: COVID-19: UK PM Boris Johnson Thanks NHS Staff, Says He owes His Life' To Them Read: Boris Johnson Taking Short Walks, Doing Puzzles, Watching Films In Hospital Questions over leadership While Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is the designated deputy to Prime Minister Johnson, the questions regarding key coronavirus crisis decisions remain unanswered. Raab had suggested that Johnson will soon be back at the helm when the United Kingdom is facing an unprecedented public health crisis in the past few decades. Read: UK PM Boris Johnson 'able To Do Short Walks': 10 Downing Street Read: UK PM Boris Johnson Shifted Out Of Intensive Care, His Father Says he Must Rest Up A leading Melbourne ethicist has welcomed the debate surrounding Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying scrutiny of the measures is becoming increasingly important as the crisis escalates. University of Melbourne philosophy and ethics lecturer Andrew Alexandra said the demands being placed on private citizens by governments are, while understandable, becoming "increasingly burdensome" and at odds with the considerable freedoms those in liberal democracies are accustomed to. Melbourne - a city in lockdown. Credit:Justin McManus Mr Alexandra said Social Contract theory, developed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, could help answer questions as to why we are willing to allow curbs on those freedoms. "The function of law is not, in the first instance, to coerce us, but rather to help coordinate and direct our action," he says. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 7F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 5F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. A critically ill 40-year-old woman died here for want of timely medical care here after the ambulance helpline allegedly did not respond and she had to be taken in a hand-pulled 'thelaa' (cart) to the hospital, prompting the district administration to institute an inquiry. Guddi Devi (40) fell ill on Sunday morning. Her husband Laxmi Rathore and son were in Jaipur and could not return because of the ongoing lockdown due to coronavirus, according to local residents. Her neighbours gave a call to 102 for ambulance but they were told to contact 108 and yet she could not get an ambulance, they claimed. Guddi Devi was rushed to the district hospital on a 'thelaa'. At the hospital she was not provided stretcher and was taken to the emergency ward on the cart where the doctor pronounced her brought dead, they said. After the shocking case was brought to the knowledge of the District Magistrate Mahendra Bahadur Singh, he instituted an inquiry into it. Singh told PTI that Chief Medical Officer Ashok Kumar Pandey has been directed to enquire into the matter, take stern action against the erring persons and submit a report to him within three days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) The Health Department said Sunday there was no need to conduct "mass burials" for COVID-19 fatalities in the Philippines. Hospitals still have the capacity to store the remains of virus victims, it added. "Hindi pa po pinag-uusapan sa ngayon ang mass burial, dahil hindi pa po ito kailangan," Health Spokesperson Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media briefing, following the announcement of yet another double-digit spike in the infectious disease's death toll. [Translation: The option of mass burial is not being discussed, as there's no need for it at the moment.] "Sa kasalukuyan, ang ating mga hospital ay may kapasidad upang i-store ang ating cadavers sa kanilang mga morgue habang inaayos ng kanilang mga kapamilya ang proseso ng pagpapalibing or cremation," she added. [Translation: As of the moment, our hospitals have the capacity to store bodies of the deceased in their morgues while their respective families process the burial or cremation.] Other countries including the United States and Iran have started to build mass graves for coronavirus victims, as the global death toll for the highly-contagious disease continues to soar. However, DOH said it is looking into other contingency plans, including the use of mobile morgues for the casualties to help hospitals running in full capacity. Earlier, the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City revealed that there have been an overwhelming increase in the number of bodies in the hallway of its morgue facility. The hospital's spokesperson Dr. Dennis Ordona attributed this to the lack of equipment to store the victims' remains. Vergeire later on noted that the respective local government units have been assigned to manage the concerns of the hospitals. RELATED: Quezon City to manage unclaimed COVID-19 dead at East Avenue Memorial Center Officials have also stressed the importance of swift cremation for the COVID deaths, but Vergeire said that burials can still be an alternative given that the remains are properly sealed in two body bags. In February, the Health Department encountered delays in the cremation of a 44-year-old Chinese man, who was the first reported COVID-19 fatality in the country. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said some operators backed out from their previous commitments. The government's COVID-19 task force has since warned funeral homes to not turn down the victims, or else face possible penalties. As of Sunday, the Philippines has recorded 4,648 cases of the infectious disease, including 297 deaths and 197 recoveries. Loading In Western Australia, a hard border closure is now in place, meaning no one from the eastern states is allowed to visit WA. While the Easter Bunny has been granted a special decree by the Premier to be able to cross regions, it is no comfort for the children who are unable to now travel into or out of WA to see their other parents and family members. Tasmania has also closed its borders. Both states are trying to take advantage of their natural isolation in stopping the spread. Some states have regional travel bans within. People are not allowed to travel outside their designated region without an exemption for essential reasons. No one is criticising these actions. Far from it. The COVID-19 pandemic has stopped everyone in their tracks. Many Australians want to become exceptions to every rule ever implemented but this is one time where that isnt being allowed to happen. Adding to the complications, potential unknown exposure makes custody visits a high risk factor when it comes to containing COVID-19. For the moment, for those dealing with access to children across different states or different regions there is not much help at hand except for trying to take a step back and be as honest as you possibly can be. Hopefully, given the world we now live in, during the last few weeks, no matter how bitter your split was or is, you have realised that it is now time to put differences aside and think of the children. Loading How do you now explain to your children or stepchildren that they cannot visit their other parent or their other family? Or that they cant see their grandparents for a while? There is no one answer fits all. But the workability of any custody situation in this COVID-19 world should have opened everyones eyes that clear, straightforward communication is the key. This is not a time for people to do what they want to do and simply ignore their court-issued parenting orders because they think it is OK to do so during this time. It should not be about deliberately cutting out one parent simply to engage in a one-upmanship battle which will backfire once this pandemic ends. Children often sense the way adults are feeling and talking to them about whats currently going, especially about confronting situations. Getting back to basics is not as difficult as you may think. Parents should be putting aside their emotions to keep their children safe during this public health emergency. Always remember that your ex is not any child or childrens ex, ever. It is up to everyone now to be the adult and think ahead during these coming months. Loading Be proactive and initiate contact between your child and their other parent given the myriad of devices now available Facetime, phone calls, Zoom, the list goes on. We might be in this for the long haul. Reinforcement of the basics needs to be continually repeated while distance divides us. Depending on their ages, children's questions should be answered by all parents and step-parents before they are even asked by the children. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 23:08:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has launched a campaign nationwide to tackle the sudden increase in traffic safety risks on expressways across China. The traffic flow on expressways rise rapidly as the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control situation continues to improve in China and restoration of economic and social order picks up, and the free passage of all vehicles on expressways, said the traffic management bureau of the MPS. The 100-day campaign targets traffic offenses including excessive passenger-carrying, speeding, fatigue driving, illegal use of emergency lanes, and illegal parking. The bureau also stressed fastening seat belts and keeping a safe distance while driving on the freeways, and particular warned drivers against fatigue and dangerous driving. The Ahmedabad civic body has made it compulsory for people to wear masks in public places from Monday, failing which offenders will be fined Rs 5,000 or sentenced to three-year imprisonment, an official said. "Wearing masks has been made mandatory for everybody while stepping out of their homes, starting 6 am on Monday," Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra told reporters. Those who fail to comply with the order will be fined Rs 5,000or sentenced to three years in jail, Nehra said. An order to this effect has been passed under the Epidemic Diseases Act, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An officer's hand was chopped off with a sword and two other Punjab policemen injured Sunday when a group of Nihangs attacked them after being asked to show curfew passes at a vegetable market in Patiala district, police said. Seven people, including five attackers, were arrested hours later after an exchange of fire at a gurdwara where the group fled after the 6.15 am incident in Sanaur town. One of the arrested men suffered gunshot wound, police said. A 'mandi' official was also hurt earlier. A video clip on social media appears to show Assistant Sub Inspector Harjeet Singh seeking help. A man picks up the severed hand and gives it to the officer. He is then taken away from the scene on a two-wheeler. The ASI was rushed to Rajindra hospital nearby and then referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh where he was undergoing surgery, police said. The other injuresd policemen include Sadar Patiala's station house officer. With a lockdown in place to contain the spread of COVID-19, barricades were put up outside the wholesale market and entry restricted to those with curfew passes. The Nihangs -- members of a Sikh sect whose adherents carry traditional arms and wear blue robes -- arrived in an SUV and were told to stop by mandi' officials, police said "They were asked to show passes. But they rammed the vehicle against the gate and the barricades," Patiala's Senior Superintendent of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. The group then attacked the police personnel and fled to Gurdwara Khichri Sahib managed by them in Balbera village, around 25 km from Patiala city. In their operation, policemen led by Inspector General (Patiala Zone) Jatinder Singh Aaulakh stopped the movement of people a kilometer away from the gurdwara and surrounded it, police said. Several policemen took positions in nearby fields. Special Operation Group SOG) of Punjab Police was involved. Media was barred from going near the gurdwara. Seven persons have been arrested, Punjab Director General police Dinkar Gupta later told PTI. Three pistols, petrol bombs, swords, sacks of poppy husk and LPG cylinders were recovered from gurdwara, the DGP said, adding that the searches were still on. We requested them through the public address system to surrender but they refused, he said. The Nihangs inside hurled abuses at the policemen Local people, including a sarpanch, also went inside to talk to them but they did not relent, police said. The Nihangs threatened to set fire to the cooking gas cylinders if police entered, said DGP. The DGP said an exchange of fire also took place. Earlier Punjab's Special Chief Secretary K B S Sidhu said police acted in a respectful manner when they entered the gurdwara. The police party observed full Maryada while entering the Gurdwara premises. There were also women and children inside, who were unharmed, and have been left secure within the Gurdwara as before, he tweeted. Sidhu said five of the seven arrested men were a part of the gang that launched an unprovoked murderous assault on a police party, with sharp-edged weapons. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said he was proud of the police party at the mandi for professionally handling the situation. In a tweet, the CM said he has given instructions to police to deal in the "strictest possible manner" with anyone breaking the law. Earlier DGP Gupta tweeted that the injured ASI was undergoing surgery at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh "In an unfortunate incident today morning, a group of Nihangs injured a few Police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh," Gupta tweeted. "I have spoken to Director PGI who has deputed top Plastic surgeons of PGI for surgery, which just started. The Nihang group will be arrested and further action taken soon," he said. In another tweet, Gupta said, "Grateful to PGI for full support. Director PGI tells me that surgery has already started by 2 senior surgeons who will do their best. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. Johnson, 55, was taken to St Thomas Hospital in central London on 5 April, suffering from persistent symptoms of the disease caused by the new coronavirus. London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been discharged from hospital and will continue his recovery from COVID-19 at Chequers, his official country residence, his Downing Street office said in a statement on Sunday. Johnson, 55, was taken to St Thomas Hospital in central London on 5 April, suffering from persistent symptoms of the disease caused by the new coronavirus. On 6 April he was moved into intensive care, where he remained until 9 April. 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, an official statement said. In his first comments since leaving intensive care, Johnson said he owed his life to hospital staff. I cant thank them enough. I owe them my life, he said in comments that were released to journalists and confirmed by his office on Sunday. His pregnant fiancee, Carrie Symonds, who has also suffered from COVID-19 symptoms, thanked National Health Service staff in a series of tweets shortly after the Downing Street statement on Johnson being discharged. There were times last week that were very dark indeed. My heart goes out to all those in similar situations, worried sick about their loved ones, she said. While Johnson has been out of action, his ministers have come under mounting pressure to explain why the national death toll is rising so fast. Follow LIVE updates on the coronavirus outbreak here Britain has reported two days in a row of hospital deaths increasing by more than 900 people. Fridays death toll of 980 surpassed the highest recorded in a single day in Italy, the hardest hit country in Europe so far. The British government has had to defend its response, which has included carrying out far less testing than in some other European countries and ordering a lockdown that came comparatively late. Ministers have also resisted apologising for a shortage of protective gear for hospital staff. In a sign of the gravity of the emergency, Queen Elizabeth issued her second rallying message in a week, telling the nation that coronavirus will not overcome us. Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas in the Netherlands in an undated photo (kees torn via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license)s Harmony of the Seas in the Netherlands in an undated photo (kees torn via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license) Billionaire Royal Caribbean Founder Arne Wilhelmsen Dies at Age 90 One of the founders of Royal Caribbean, Arne Wilhelmsen, has died at the age of 90, according to the cruise company. The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family, Royal Caribbean said in a press release on Sunday. Together with the companys first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, Wilhelmsen saw possibilities for the nascent cruise industry that others did not. Wilhelmsen, according to the company, died in Palma, Spain, on Saturday. Its not clear if his death was related to the outbreak of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus in the country, and the firm did not release his cause of death. Royal Caribbeans cruise ship Anthem of the Seas in Bayonne, New Jersey, on Feb. 7, 2020. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images) At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible, said Richard Fain, the current chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean. He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the industry might have been a dozen used ships, total. He retired more than a decade ago, and his son, Alex, started taking his spot on the Royal Caribbean board of directors in 2003. Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades, Fain said. Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family. We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly. Wilhelmsen helped found the company in 1968, and it is now one of the largest in the world. Forbes magazine said Wilhelmsens net worth was around $1.9 billion. Idris Elba's wife Sabrina Dhowre-Elba has been describing how attending the 2018 wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry transformed her profile in just a few minutes. The 32-year-old, who wed actor Idris Elba, 47, last year and has recently been in lock-down with her husband after they both contracted coronavirus, said walking into the royal wedding, televised around the world, saw her transformed from 'Sabrina from Vanouver' to 'I don't even know what to call it'. Speaking to the Sunday Times Style Magazine, the former beauty queen, also revealed how she's been playing 'intense' chess tournaments with her husband while they're in lock-down. Scroll down for video The couple pictured at St George's Chapel in Windsor for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018; Sabrina, 32, says her phone has never been 'so busy' as after everyone she knew spotted her walking into the wedding with husband Idris Montreal-raised model Sabrina says her phone 'dinged' throughout Meghan and Harry's 2018 nuptials and she 'went from being Sabrina from Vancouver to I dont even know what to call it now!' Both Idris and Sabrina Elba tested positive for coronavirus but only displayed mild symptoms of the illness. The model revealed how she's been spending lock-down with her husband, saying 'We have an intense chess tournament going on, and we love playing video games together' Describing what it was like to attend the royal wedding - the couple are friends with the Sussexes, Sabrina said her phone didn't stop with alerts after her appearance at the nuptials was caught on camera. She said: 'It has never been so busy. I didnt look at it, out of respect, but I could feel it dinging.' Sabrina, who was raised in Montreal with Somali heritage, added that when she did finally check her phone later on, 'every single person I know just saw me walk into this wedding on TV - and I dont even know how to explain that feeling. It definitely went from being "Sabrina from Vancouver" to - I dont even know what to call it now!' The famous face has been holed up with actor husband Idris, 15 years her senior at 47, since the couple both tested positive with coronavirus at the end of March. Sabrina met and fell in love with the British actor after he arrived in Vancouver to film The Mountain Between Us with Kate Winslet, which was released in October 2017 The couple have been passing the time, sharing funny sketches on social media site tiktok Defending their decision to isolate together following The Wire star's diagnosis, Sabrina told Oprah Winfrey at the time: 'I wanted to be with him' and claimed she felt 'the instinct of a wife' to take care of him. Sabrina has opened up about being quarantined together in New Mexico, where Elba's latest film was in production. She revealed the couple had been cooking together and listening to the music Idris is making, saying: 'We have an intense chess tournament going on, and we love playing video games together.' In an interview on Winfrey's new Apple TV+ series Oprah Talks in March, the couple opened up about being quarantined together in New MExico, where Elba's latest film was in production. Idris told the US television icon that it is 'really obvious' to him that the outbreak is the world crying out. Elba said: 'One of the upsides of this whole drama is that we are forced to think together as a race. 'I wanted to be with him': Sabrina tested positive for coronavirus in late March and defended her decision not to self-isolate but to continue spending time with Idris 'Our world has been taking a kicking. We have damaged our world and it's no surprise that our world is reacting to the human race. 'It is no surprise that a virus has been created that is going to slow us down, and ultimately make us think differently about our world and ourselves. 'For me, that's a stand-out thing that is really obvious. This is almost like the world's cry out. 'Like: 'Hey, hey, hey - you are kicking me and what you're doing is not good, so we will get rid of you.' 'As any organism would do, (the world) is trying to get rid of an infection, and maybe this is it for the world.' Distance learning is the new normal for education in Cleveland ISD in the wake of the novel coronavirus. With students and parents getting used to new learning skills there has been some success. Learning at home has mostly been a positive experience so far, due to being able to spend more time as a family and doing fun activities, said Brenda Marquez in a Facebook story on the Cleveland ISD Facebook page. We cook and eat together, play outdoors, and play games such as Uno and horseshoes. Marquez had children attending Northside Elementary School and Cleveland Middle school when the school year began. Originally the Marquez family started picking up packets at Cleveland High School but decided when Cleveland got its first COVID-19 case that it was best to use the districts online platforms. Marquez says that teachers are keeping in touch with her children, which they enjoy. Marquez also appreciates the staff taking the time to check on her children. The kids would rather be at school than at home so they can socialize with their friends and teachers, Marquez said. Teachers have different strategies to help them learn instead of just being in front of a screen for an hour or two every day. They need to be able to ask questions and discuss ideas with their friends and teachers. They are looking forward to going back as soon as they can. If you would like to talk to our reporter Marcus Gutierrez on how distance learning is going, email him at marcus.gutierrez@chron.com. marcus.gutierrez@chron.com Tata Steel, the oldest steel producer in the country, is looking to raise up to Rs 10,000 crore after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) last month decided to provide additional liquidity to the system hit by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. The amount raised from the market would be mostly kept as additional liquidity buffer by the company and can be used to make any immediate short-term debt repayments that may arise post this lockdown, a source close to the development told Business Standard. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor One of the founders of Royal Caribbean, Arne Wilhelmsen, has died at the age of 90, according to the cruise company. The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family, Royal Caribbean said in a press release on Sunday. Together with the companys first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, Wilhelmsen saw possibilities for the nascent cruise industry that others did not. Wilhelmsen, according to the company, died in Palma, Spain, on Saturday. Its not clear if his death was related to the outbreak of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus in the country, and the firm did not release his cause of death. At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible, said Richard Fain, the current chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean. He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the industry might have been a dozen used ships, total. He retired more than a decade ago, and his son, Alex, started taking his spot on the Royal Caribbean board of directors in 2003. Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades, Fain said. Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family. We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly. Wilhelmsen helped found the company in 1968, and it is now one of the largest in the world. Forbes magazine said Wilhelmsens net worth was around $1.9 billion. From The Epoch Times Flash The number of COVID-19 cases on USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has risen to 550, the U.S. Navy said on Saturday. In an update, the U.S. Navy said 92 percent of the USS Theodore Roosevelt crew members have been tested for COVID-19, with 550 positive and 3,673 negative results, and that a total of 3,696 sailors have moved ashore. The data came some two weeks after the ship's captain Brett Crozier sounded alarm over the outbreak when only dozens of sailors on the ship had tested positive for the virus. In doing so, Crozier was relieved of his command by then-acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy Thomas Modly, who himself resigned later after his remarks lashing out at the captain backfired. U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has said that a reinstatement of Crozier is not off the table, and that no decision will be made until an investigation is complete. "We've taken nothing off the table. What I look to do is hear from the chain of command. My inclination is always to support the chain of command and to take their recommendation seriously," Esper told CBS This Morning on Friday. The U.S. Navy has reported 945 cases and four deaths across the branch, according to Saturday's update. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on April 2 had announced a one-time relief assistance package of Rs 5,000 for autorickshaw, e-rickshaw, Gramin Sewa vehicle drivers. This amount was to be given to compensate for the losses they suffered due to the 21-day lockdown. The Delhi government has now announced that the process of direct transfer of the amount promised would start from Monday Also Read: Coronavirus India live updates: 308 people dead in the country as active COVID-19 cases near 8,000-mark According to The Times of India, the reason the Delhi government took such a long time to announce the distribution of funds was that it was waiting for a mechanism that will ensure that the funds only go to the appropriate contender. The state government has now decided to give the one-time benefit amount to all Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge and driver license holders and not just to the vehicle owners or licence holders. "Unions of autorickshaw and taxi drivers had approached the government saying that if only permits were the basis of assistance, many needy drivers won't benefit," a Delhi government official told the daily. According to government directions, the one-time financial help would be given to those PSV drivers whose badges were issued before March 23. The amount will be transferred into the Aadhaar linked bank account, according to the daily. India has reported 8,356 total cases of coronavirus (as of 8 am, April 12), according to the health ministry. Total deaths stood at 273. As many as 715 patients have been cured or discharged. Also Read: Coronavirus crisis: LIC provides 30 days extension for premiums due in March, April Also Read: India asks US to extend Indians H-1B visa amid coronavirus pandemic Also Read: Coronavirus India Lockdown live updates: Lockdown extension certain; country's COVID-19 active tally at 6,634 New Delhi: India is under total lockdown for past two weeks as a part of 3-week lockdown imposed by the government to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic. Commercial flight operations also came to a halt at the Delhi Airport on March 25, 2020 following the announcement of the lockdown. However, in the last 14 days the airport remained functional 24x7 to handle cargo and special evacuation flights, operated by countries like Japan, Norway, Germany, Afghanistan, Poland, Russia, France etc. to repatriate their nationals stranded in India. Delhi Airport has handled a total of 56 flights (between March 25, 2020 and April 7, 2020) in which about 10,618 stranded foreign nationals flew to their country of origin from here. These flights were operated following the permission of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This has been made possible by the DIAL employees from operations, housekeeping, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), apron control, etc. and staff from CISF, immigration, airlines, ground handling agencies, ATC, etc. They are working round the clock at the airport. Members of terminal operations team and facilitation team are also working at odd hours to facilitate the arriving and departing passengers of special flights within the terminal. At present, Delhi Airport is handling cargo and evacuation flights, operated by various countries. We have handled around 56 evacuation flights and helped over 10,600 stranded foreign nationals in reaching their homes in the last 14 days since the lockdown has come into force. I would like to thank all officials and their family members for their professionalism and their sense of duty to serve the nation, CEO-DIAL Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said. Apart from this, they are also engaged in the distribution of food items and water to the arriving or departing passengers, at the airport. The Cityside team is managing the traffic outside the terminal to avoid any traffic congestion in and around the area. The Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting team (ARFF) is also vigilant and is ready to handle any crisis. The operation of flights carrying out evacuation has been very smooth due to the coordinated efforts of the airport employees. Their efforts have been well appreciated by the officials of various embassies. 'Yamraj', the God of Death, roamed the streets of Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, reminding people of the perils of stepping out of their homes during the coronavirus outbreak and warning to take anyone not following social distancing or the lockdown to the underworld. "I am 'Yamraj', I am coronavirus. If you do not adhere to the rules, no human will be left on the planet. I will become the cause of death of all. If you are careless, I will take you with me," he spoke into a mic, with a sickle in the other hand and policemen in tow. "No one should violate the lockdown and step out unnecessarily. A handkerchief can be used as a face mask, wash your hands repeatedly with soap, use sanitisers and maintain a distance of one to two metres from each other. This will ensure everyone's safety," he said. Wherever 'Yamraj' went, people, young and old, gathered at their doorsteps and listened to him carefully. However, there was no fear and many used their mobile phones to click his photos. The Lord of Death was deployed by Bahraich police to spread awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic and tell people how precautions like social distancing, washing hands, wearing masks can protect them against the disease. Dressed as 'Yamraj' in a black attire with a touch of gold and red is policeman Lavkush Mishra from Baundi police station. A faux Hungarian moustache and a gold crown complete his look. Baundi police station incharge Brahmanand Singh said, "We experimented with this idea in our area to spread awareness about COVID-19 and it was successful." About his colleague Mishra, he said he is fond of acting and before joining the police force he used to act in Ramlila. Uttar Pradesh has reported 483 coronavirus cases so far, with 31 fresh infections detected on Sunday. According to Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad, at present, there are 576 patients in isolation wards while 8,084 are in quarantine facilities. Agra, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Lucknow, Saharanpur and Ghaziabad are the state's worst affected districts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) If you havent filed your 2020 census yet, expect to receive a letter and questionnaire in the mail in the coming days. Or, you can take 10 minutes and do it online. You are required by law to respond to the 2020 Census, states the Director of the United States Census Bureau Steven D. Dillingham. Help us conserve natural resources and, process data more efficiently and save taxpayer money by responding online. Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin said in an interview with the Associated Press that Massachusetts currently ranks 13th in the nation in online responses, with nearly 45% of households submitting their forms to the census website. The Census Bureau is also helping nine countries conduct population and housing censuses with the support of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Because the world is better off with good data, said Mitali Sen, chief of the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Branch at the Census Bureau. Good data are key to reducing poverty, improving health, political stability, and strengthening economies worldwide, including in the United States. But the census isnt an American invention. Around the year of 2025 B.C., Chinese emperor Yu, was said to have conducted the earliest written census. That ancient count went far beyond just tallying the number of people and was used for taxation, conscription and land apportionment. Much like in ancient China, the U.S. census determines how communities will receive financial support every year and the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government. The Lagos state police command has arrested a 28-year-old man named Adeyayo Razak for allegedly having canal of an 8-year-old girl whom he lured into his room with biscuit. Confirming the incident, Bala Elkana, the Lagos state police spokesman said the suspect has since been arrested and would soon be charged to court. He said: The father left the girl with her two brothers ages 10 and 12 as their parents are separated and living apart. Read Also: Why I Did It: Father Who Raped, Impregnated His Daughter On inquiry, she told her father that on 31/03/2020, one Adetayo Razaq m 28 years old of Alladi Ijelu Street, Agunfoye, Ikorodu gave her biscuits and took her to his room where he had carnal knowledge of her. The survivor is taken to hospital for treatment and forensic examination. The suspect, a tiller and father of two, has been arrested by detectives from the Juvenile Welfare Centre, Ikorodu Police Station. The Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to Gender Unit, Command Headquarters, Ikeja for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution, he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tri Indah Oktavianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, April 12, 2020 17:38 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd162898 1 National COVID-19,coronavirus,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,outbreak,PSBB,health-ministry,Achmad-Yurianto,Banten,West-Java Free The Health Ministry is processing more requests from regional administrations to impose large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) after Indonesia recorded the highest single-day increase of COVID-19 cases with 399 new cases on Sunday, bringing the nationwide tally to 4,241 confirmed cases. Health authorities also recorded the highest increase of COVID-19 deaths on the day with 46 fatalities on Sunday, bringing the nationwide total to 373. The ministrys disease control and prevention director general, Achmad Yurianto, said more regions proposed the PSBB to curb the spread of COVID-19. Yurianto, who is also the government spokesperson for COVID-19, said the ministry was currently processing PSBB proposals from Tangerang municipality and regency, as well as South Tangerang in Banten. "Hopefully the proposal could be granted by today so that the handling of COVID-19 in Greater Jakarta can be integrated, Yurianto said. Read also: COVID-19 news is not all bad. Read this to stay positive Jakarta was the first region to impose strict social restrictions under the PSBB status. The ministry granted the West Java administrations proposal of the same status for its five cities and regencies yesterday. Jakarta remains the hardest-hit region in the country with a total of 2,044 cases and 195 deaths. Yurianto said that authorities were conducting real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. We have tested more than 27,000 samples using real-time PCR testing. According to data from the ministrys website, a total of 19,452 tests had been conducted as of Saturday evening. More than 60 laboratories across the country were ready to test samples from patients at COVID-19 referral centers throughout the country, Yurianto said, without specifying the locations of the labs. PHNOM PENH The period before Khmer New Year in mid-April is traditionally a busy time for monks. Chanting at numerous ceremonies across the districts, they receive donations for their blessings, and villagers from surrounding areas bring food to the pagoda to honor their Buddhist faith. But this year is different. Having noticed a significant drop in offerings in the two weeks leading up to Khmer New Year, the monks at Chumpouvaon Pagoda in Kandals Saang district - about 35 kilometers south of Phnom Penh worry things will get tough for them. Venerable Dean Det, 25, became a monk with his younger brother nine years ago. This year, he said, the fear of the coronavirus kept people from coming. Since the start of COVID-19, fewer people have come to the pagoda, he told VOA earlier this month. It used to be 50 to 60 people [on those days], [now it] dropped to 10 to 20 people, so there's a shortage of food for monks. While the population struggles to sustain an income amidst the coronavirus pandemic and many Cambodians are worried about feeding their own families, monks in Cambodia are left behind as not enough donations come in. Venerable Dean Det said they need at least $25 per day to feed the 31 monks living at Chumpouvaon Pagoda. Khmer New Year officially starts Tuesday and ends Thursday this year, although the government has cancelled the holidays in an effort to prevent people from returning to their families in the provinces and contain the spread of the virus. There are 120 official COVID-19 cases in the country, although doubts have been voiced about the accuracy of that number. Tens of thousands of factory workers across the country are out of jobs after clothing companies, facing plummeting demand, have cancelled orders. The tourism sector, which accounts for almost 20 percent of Cambodias economy, is in tatters, as travel restrictions and fears about contagion see flights cancelled across the globe. In normal times, the Buddhist clergy raises donations during religious events, such as during weddings or funerals. Now, they say, many have been cancelled, and the government has banned mass gatherings to celebrate the New Year. With social distancing becoming increasingly respected across the country, the monks daily ritual of door-to-door alms-collection has also largely come to a halt since February to prevent catching the virus, Venerable Dean Det said. To prevent the spread of the virus, the World Health Organization recommends so-called social distancing, namely to remain physically distant from others as much as possible. Owing to growing desperation, however, monks sometimes still go out to collect alms and small amounts of food, such as sugar and noodles, he said. And the situation might become direr after Khmer New Year, when alms and food donations drop even further and the monks do not have their New-Year-supplies to live off. They are not the only ones potentially facing hunger. In Cambodia, there are more than 60,000 monks who depend on alms, according to secretary of state at the Ministry of Cult and Religion Nhean Phoeun. Seng Sary, an independent social researcher who stayed at a pagoda for more than a year in the 1990s, said that the virus had impacted the monks supplies. When the Buddhist population has financial issues, the monks at pagodas have financial issues as well, he said. The monks rely on the income from laymen, so when they lose income, the monks face financial issues. Touch Tun, 43, an assistant to venerable Dean Det at Chumpouvaon pagoda who has been running errands for him for more than five years, said he is worried about the shortage of food monks are facing if the outbreak prolongs. Sary echoed similar sentiments, and said the situation could become much more difficult if the pandemic continued for too long. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues only for a brief period, the Buddhists still have the ability to support the pagoda. They wont let the monks starve. But if it continues for a long time, there will be an issue of alms, not enough alms, Sary said. It would then fall on the monks relatives of those in the monkhood to offer support, he said. But this is problematic, as many families send their children to study and live at pagodas because they lack the means to support them otherwise. This seems to be the case for most monks at Chumpouvaon Pagoda. All monks here are poor children who become monks. The monk chief and I came from poor families, from peasant families, Venerable Dean Det said. At the pagoda, about half of the monks are younger than 15 years old. Ou Virak, director of Cambodian think-tank Future Forum, said the monks could be indirectly affected as thousands of workers in the informal economy, for example tuk tuk drivers and construction workers, were particularly vulnerable to the pandemic. As they have no regular income, they will struggle to support themselves and their families in the countryside, he said. About 40 kilometers north of Phnom Penh, monks at Kraing Sovann pagoda also face a declining number of worshippers in Kampong Speu province's Oudong district. Monks at the pagoda say theyve seen a 45 percent drop in the number of people coming to their pagoda compared to the same period last year. Before Khmer New Year, people usually give alms to many monks, but this year we miss that - because of the instructions from above not allowing big gatherings as they are worried about the possibility of infection, said chief monk Vann Chantha. Nhean Phoeun, secretary of state with the Ministry of Cult and Religion, told VOA last week that the government had to be cautious to prevent the spread of the virus and had instructed people to avoid mass gatherings - and this, he said, included monks. Chief monk Chantha, 39, said that aside from not receiving enough donations, the virus affected the monks on a spiritual level as they were unable to properly celebrate one of Cambodias biggest national holidays. For monks, Khmer New Year means celebrating the kindness of the Buddhists, he said. The government this week also restricted travel between provinces in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, effectively blocking many reunions. This also has a spiritual effect on devout Buddhists, as the travel ban will prevent people from making offerings to their deceased parents. While the main occasion to make offerings to ancestors is later in the year -- during Pchum Ben -- it is also an important tradition at this time of the year. Man Deap, 40, is a devout Buddhist living close to Kraing Sovann Pagoda where her 13-year-old son has been a monk for the past two years. She said her deceased parents would be in want of food if she didnt offer them food, but that not everyone was able to do so this year. The devout buddhists who live near the pagoda will come during Khmer New Year, she said. But those who are far away, they are afraid to come. Deap knows that the pagodas depend on her and the other villagers. We are near here. If we dont come, the monks would have nothing to eat, she said. However, not every pagoda is affected by the outbreak. New coronavirus infections in Hong Kong dropped to just four on Sunday, the lowest number in nearly a month, but health officials and experts warned of a potential surge in imported cases as well as the risks raised by residents growing complacent. The city could be hit by a third wave of transmissions from arriving mainland Chinese as businesses reopened across the nation and people began to travel again after weeks of lockdown, experts warned, while the health minister said community clusters remained a deep concern, as many ignored social-distancing laws to head outdoors under clear blue skies during the Easter break. The coronavirus does not know it is a holiday, Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee said. The crowd at Repulse Bay Beach on Sunday. Photo: EPA Three of the latest infections came from overseas and the single local case was a close contact of an existing Covid-19 patient, according to Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan, the head of the communicable disease branch at the Centre for Health Protection. I cannot say this is under control yet because usually what is meant by under control is if we dont have any cases in at least one or two incubation periods, Chuang said. You need more than two weeks or a month. Given the global spread of the contagion, Hong Kong, which now had 1,004 cases, would find it very difficult to avoid new infections, she warned, pointing to travellers coming from overseas. We will definitely have new cases. Domestic workers follow social-distancing rules on their day off in Central. Photo: Edmond So The latest figure was the lowest since March 14, when four infections were recorded, and marked the fourth consecutive day of fewer than 20 cases. The city has already barred all non-residents from entering, except travellers from Macau, Taiwan and the mainland who have not been to any other foreign countries in the last 14 days. All air travellers must submit deep-throat saliva samples upon arrival before going straight into a mandatory 14-day self-isolation. The government is also requiring people coming from Britain to be tested at a temporary facility at AsiaWorld-Expo, near the airport, and remain there until the results are ready. The arrangement will be extended to all people coming from the United States and Europe beginning on Monday. Story continues Despite the curbs on arrivals, Hong Kong recorded 1,646 arrivals on Friday and 960 on Saturday, mostly returning residents. Hospitals are treating 637 Covid-19 patients, 13 of whom are listed as critical. Amid the strain, half of non-urgent services at public hospitals have been suspended, according to Dr Sara Ho Yuen-ha, the chief manager of patient safety and risk management for the Hospital Authority. They were looking at how some services could resume, she said, describing the outbreak as a protracted war. Public hospitals have already sent some patients to private facilities, including four pregnant women for caesarean section, according to Ho. Despite the fewer infections in recent days, the city continued to face a significant threat, warned Dr Leung Chi-Chiu, chairman of the Medical Associations advisory committee on communicable diseases. The condition is coming under control but we dont have herd immunity nor vaccines yet Leung said while highlighting the risk of imported cases. The chain of transmission in our community has not been completely cut yet. The health secretary earlier on Sunday repeated calls for people to stay at home after scenes of residents gathering at beaches and in country parks since Friday. We understand people may be feeling restless, especially on the Easter holiday, Chan told a radio programme. But the virus does not know it is a holiday. In a sign the city might be letting its guard down, a local travel agency came under fire for organising group tours to the mainland scheduled for next month. WWPKG later decided to cancel all its trips until June 19 and said it understood official warnings against leaving the city. Authorities have moved 56 people from government quarantine to their homes for the final four days of two weeks of isolation under an arrangement that came into effect on Saturday aimed at relieving pressure on the facilities. People relax at a park with the Hong Kong skyline in the background. Photo: AP On a separate television programme, medical experts including Dr Gabriel Choi Kin, former president of the Medical Association, said a third wave of coronavirus infections could hit Hong Kong as lockdowns were lifted in cities across mainland China. Wuhan in Hubei province, where cases of Covid-19 began to emerge in late December, lifted its curbs on Wednesday after two and a half months. Im worried about the third wave of infections coming from people arriving in Hong Kong from the mainland, with the country opening up now, Choi said. If no measures are implemented, it is possible that the infected could enter the community. People wear face masks on Cheung Chau island. Photo: Reuters Dr Arisina Ma Chung-yee, president of the Hong Kong Public Doctors Association, agreed, saying: Some cities on the mainland have not fully opened up. We can tell that perhaps their governments also have reservations on epidemic control measures. Hong Kong businesses continue to flout social-distancing laws, with about 1,700 warnings given to restaurants for failing to follow the rules, according to Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Director Vivian Lau Lee-kwan. Eleven operators face legal action. Authorities had carried out 32,000 inspections on eateries, issuing about 30 penalties of HK$2,000 (US$257), she said. Additional reporting by Zoe Low More from South China Morning Post: This article Coronavirus: Hong Kongs number of new cases drops to four, but residents warned over possible surge first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. After an anticipated return to the political mainstage after weeks of maintaining a low profile, it didnt take long for Priti Patel, the home secretary, to find herself at the centre of controversy once again. At the Downing Street news conference on Saturday, after reports of the highest daily hospital death toll in Europe, she said: I am sorry if people feel there have been failings. This was in response to issues regarding the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS staff, after 19 NHS workers were confirmed to have died with coronavirus. Make no mistake, this is not an apology. Far from it. In fact, it is more akin to a microaggression, where the intended person is made to feel that it must be their fault for feeling offended, hurt or upset. Microaggressions also make people feel that they must be imagining things, or even overreacting (similar to gaslighting, which itself is a form of microagression). It apportions responsibility to the intended. Here, Patel uses this language to transfer any accountability from the government for their failings in protecting NHS workers on the front line by providing sufficient protection and side-stepping any scrutiny over coronavirus. Microaggressions are a commonly used strategy to demean individuals belonging to a particular community. This kind of behaviour might seem inconsequential, but such microaggressions communicated via verbal or nonverbal messages are targeted at people based on their membership of a marginalised group. In this way, they demean and devalue them, othering them, highlighting their inferior status and marginalising them even further. The act of microaggression is intended to make the other person feel less valued Patels qualified apology has the same effect. Most of the NHS workers that have died from the virus are from the Bame community, including the first 10 doctors, as well as the fact that a third of those in intensive care are from Bame backgrounds. Such figures indicate how little the current government values minority ethnic communities. Such lack of compassion, and what can only be kindly termed as a veiled incivility, causes confusion, stress and anxiety. Individually, this statement might seem benign, but cumulatively, I believe they act like sort of low-grade microtraumas, with their associated stress and anxiety. They make the target individual or group doubt themselves, their instincts and their understanding of the situation, feeling confused and at the same time, completely dismissed and shocked. Those who would like to point out that Patel is herself from an Asian background would do well to remember her actions and words on racial intolerance. She defended Boris Johnson over accusations of racism, despite his comments that Muslim women in burqas looked like letterboxes and evidence that Islamophobia rose by 375 per cent in the week after his comments. Her points-based stance on immigration, targeting low-skilled and low-grade workers, and her insistence on pushing the immigration agenda through even as migrants prove to be among the most significant key workers has clearly shown that she subscribes to the ideologies that tend to work in the favour of discriminatory agendas, despite her skin colour. This is also the same Patel who claimed that there was no racism in Britain when Meghan Markle faced abuse from many sectors of the media and general population. 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 Yes, we can choose to ignore what looks like a seemingly minor comment, but research for my book Sway: Unravelling Unconscious Bias shows that such statements are dangerous and have a long-term impact on the mental health, as well as the morale of a community. Such actions can consume cognitive resources and lead to an increase in stress hormones. This is equivalent to being bullied, which wouldnt be the first time that Patel has been accused of something like that. This weekend, she has once again shown how damaging these microaggressions can be. By sending the signal that these failings have been exaggerated in our minds, the needs of those who are struggling the most risk being downplayed or ignored entirely. This is how unconscious biases work in society. Biases manifest and are reinforced through language and words. To defeat them, they have to be called out by the media, as well as the general public. It is also more crucial than ever that we as a society take a hard look at our own internalised biases, acknowledge them, and take steps to minimise them. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson took to his Twitter to thank the NHS staff for saving his life after his was hospitalized with COVID-19, Daily Mail reported. I am going to forget some names, so forgive me, but I want to thank Po Ling and Shannon and Emily and Angel and Connie and Becky and Rachael and Nicky and Ann, he noted. The PM then named two particular health specialists who stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way. They are Jenny from New Zealand Invercargill on the South Island to be exact - and Luis from Portugal near Porto. The reason in the end my body did start to get enough oxygen was because for every second of the night they were watching and they were thinking and they were caring and making the interventions I needed. Regarding the April 6 editorial Congress should investigate captains firing over COVID-19: As a military veteran as well as a 42-year police veteran, I recognize that opinions are accepted in a democratic leadership style. However, please understand, especially in the military including quasi-military circumstances in policing, that the process Capt. Brett Crozier chose was not acceptable, as the military does not function in a leadership style most are familiar with and has to function with an autocratic leadership style where rules, regulations and procedures are known to all military personnel and must be followed. The captain had his immediate supervisor at his disposal to report to. He must follow the chain of command. Depending on the issue, his actions could be irresponsible and set the most dangerous precedent the military can follow. Jeffrey W. Robbins, Matawan Replacing the naval captain was a travesty It is a travesty that Captain Brett Crozier, captain of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, was relieved of his duties by the U.S. Navy for showing compassion for his crew. There were more than l00 cases of coronavirus aboard his ship and his request was to remove the crew, treat the ill sailors onshore, have the entire ship sanitized and then return the crew. His superiors response was the crew had to stay aboard to be ready for their assignments. How do you socially distance 4,000 people in the cramped space of an aircraft carrier? How do sick members carry out their duties? Capt. Crozier went through the chain of command to no avail. The Navy said they removed Capt. Crozier because they lost confidence in his abilities to command the ship. Perhaps the rest of our leadership in Washington should show the same compassion and leadership as Capt. Crozier. He should be given back his command with an apology rather than being scapegoated as a whistle-blower. Gerry and Roger Di Gesu, Union ICE detainees deserve COVID-19 protection Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo has the COVID-19 disease. He knows this because he has health insurance, access to testing and excellent health care. The same cannot be said of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees in the Essex County Correctional Facility. Justice and human decency demand that they are freed before they are infected and some of them die. The citizens of Essex County should ask their freeholders, Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Donald Payne Jr., Sens. Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, and Gov. Phil Murphy to prevail upon ICE and DiVincenzo to release the population of the ECCF before the unspeakable occurs. Anthony Lioi, Montclair Help poor students get laptops In the early 1980s, I served on the state Board of Education. Once, I visited Trentons high school to learn more about the needs of urban students. I asked a small group to name what aspects of their education were most upsetting. One young man said, I dont like our textbooks. They are old. ... I feel as if no one cares about me learning. The excellent story As schools across N.J. go virtual, some kids are getting left behind made me remember this young man. I wondered if some years into the future, someone will visit Trenton High and speak to students. One will say, So many students during the pandemic couldnt go online for coursework and couldnt afford to buy laptops. Surely, we can urge our legislators to budget money to ensure that every student in urban and poor rural public schools statewide has access to a laptop at home during this time of crisis. Then the digital divide in New Jersey will end and all students will benefit. Susan N. Wilson, Princeton The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. The WHO seriously erred at the outset of the 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, in which 11,310 people were killed. Reexaminations of its performance then led to a greater emphasis on rapid response to outbreaks, among other issues. The agency did better in Congos Ebola crisis, which was complicated by violence and insecurity on the ground. When the coronavirus first surfaced, from December to late January, China misled its people and the world about the outbreak. In early comments, the director-general and other WHO officials were excessively positive about Chinas performance. They should have been more cautious. The agency was probably attempting to protect its access to China, no small matter given how Beijing attempted to conceal the 2002-2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome. The WHO has also mistakenly treated Taiwan poorly to stay in Chinas good graces. All of these issues can and should be addressed in subsequent investigations. London Bridge terrorist Usman Khans rampage left two dead and two women badly injured in five minutes of murderous mayhem, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Police reports compiled by detectives from interviews with 225 witnesses detail the harrowing timeline of events that began when Cambridge graduate Jack Merritt, 25, was stabbed repeatedly in a toilet at Fishmongers Hall. Witnesses described how Khan, a convicted terrorist who was allowed into the conference hall without any security checks being made, launched his attack at 1.57pm on November 29 last year. Mr Merritt, a course co-ordinator at the Learning Together prison rehabilitation conference, had entered the toilets near the main entrance hall when he was attacked by Khan, who had taped kitchen knives to each hand. HEROIC: Darryn Frost and John Crilly fight Khan with a narwhal tusk and fire extinguisher The graduate was stabbed repeatedly by Khan, who had also hidden a fake but convincing suicide vest under his jacket. Witnesses told police his victims screams could be heard throughout the building. Khan then rushed from the lavatories toward a female member of staff. He warned her to be silent but did not attack her. Instead, he launched a vicious assault on Saskia Jones, 23, another Cambridge graduate, who was standing nearby. Despite her wounds, Ms Jones managed to struggle free from Khan and ran screaming towards a staircase, where she collapsed as staff ran to offer first aid. Meanwhile, Mr Merritt had managed to stagger out of the toilets to the entrance hall, where horrified staff took him into the reception office. Emergency services were alerted by a 999 call at 1.59pm. KILLED: Victim Saskia Jones, who died in the London Bridge terror attack at the age of 23 Khan, 28, then targeted another woman, whose identity has not been revealed. As he began slashing at her, the victim managed to get away by running up a flight of stairs. Afterwards, Khan moved to the buildings entrance hall where he stabbed another woman. She was saved by Learning Together staff and other conference attendees who grabbed chairs, a pole, a fire extinguisher and a narwhal tusk from a wall display to tackle Khan. Meeting a determined fightback, the terrorist tried to flee the Grade II-listed Hall by threatening to stab a maintenance engineer before forcing him to open the front door with his security fob. Running out on to London Bridge Road, Khan was pursued by three men former convicts John Crilly, 48, and Steve Gallant, 43, along with civil servant Darryn Frost, 38 who had armed themselves with a fire extinguisher and the narwhal tusk. Heroically, they fought Khan to the ground. It was then, when armed officers from City of London Police arrived on the scene and spotted the suicide vest, that the first shot rang out. As Khan attempted to get up, Scotland Yard officers delivered, seconds later, the fatal shot, timed at 2.02pm. The police report details how, despite efforts by paramedics, Ms Jones, from Stratford-upon-Avon, could not be saved. She died of her injuries at 2.25pm. Mr Merritt, from Cottenham, Cambridgeshire, died at 3.14pm. Both had worked as mentors to Khan. Police sources said that the upcoming inquests into their deaths and that of Khan will closely examine how the extremist was allowed to take a bag containing three kitchen knives into Fishmongers Hall and why no metal detectors were in use at the venue. The event had begun with brunch at 11am served on the first floor, followed by an introductory session in the Banqueting Hall at noon. Documents reveal Khan had attended a creative writing lesson which finished at 1.45pm. The inquests are also likely to raise questions relating to the release of Khan from prison halfway through a 16-year sentence for plotting to blow up the London Stock Exchange and attempting to set up a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. President Muhammadu Buhari has warned Nigerians against disobeying the lockdown imposed on Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states. Buhari issued the warning in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Saturday. The President noted that in other to defeat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Nigerians must comply with the restriction directive. According to Buhari, the federal government was working on more interventions for vulnerable citizens. He commended Nigerians for their patience, resolve and strong determination to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement read, But we must ask you, once more, to observe restrictions on movement where they are in place, and follow the instructions of our scientists and medical advisers: stay home, wash your hands, save lives. 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. For those who suffer most egregiously, the government has announced multiple measures to assist: 70,000 tonnes of grain are being released from the National Strategic Grain Reserves for distribution to those in most need; distribution of small cash payments are also being made and will continue to be made by the Federal Government in the states and local government areas. 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 and accepting the restrictions even when they come with unintended consequences. But at this darkest hour, it remains our duty to offer you the full and unvarnished truth: this is a global pandemic 210 countries and territories across the globe are affected. We cannot expect others to come to our assistance. No one is coming to defeat this virus for us. 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. Naija News reports that Buhari had on March 29 ordered a lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states for an initial period of 14 days. Several other states had also put in place similar restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. Share this post with your Friends on Photograph: Barcroft Media via Getty Images The first person confirmed to have tested positive for the coronavirus in the US by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was a resident of Snohomish county, Washington. Related: Coronavirus threatens survival of US rural hospitals on frontlines of crisis That was on 21 January. In the weeks that have followed, the state, which has a population of more than 7.5 million people, has seen over 9,000 confirmed cases, including 421 deaths. Washingtons governor, Jay Inslee, has closed schools, ordered a halt to all elective surgeries and issued a stay-home mandate, which involves a ban on all gatherings and the closure of all businesses, except grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and other essential companies. Last week, he extended that order to 4 May, saying that was absolutely the soonest we possibly could achieve our ends to keep our loved ones safe. But though the path back to normal life is still some way off, the states early and comprehensive response looks to be flattening the curve of coronavirus infections. With the worsening of the financial crisis brought on by the public health emergency, that has prompted the questions: when, and how, could this end? Dr Anthony Fauci, Americas leading expert on infectious diseases, recently explained that it will be clear the outbreak is nearing its conclusion in the US when the number of new infections is approaching almost zero and the number of deaths is not far behind. I believe that in a few months, hopefully, that well get it under control enough that it wont be as frightening as it is now, but it will not be an absent threat, he told the New York Times. Washington saw the initial outbreak of the virus in the US and, after the infection struck a nursing home in the state, reported the countrys highest numbers of cases and deaths for weeks. But the state has since moved far behind hotspot states like New York and California, which have far greater populations of almost 20 million and 40 million respectively. Today, Washington state has the 11th-highest number of cases in the US, according to the CDC. Story continues A projection from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, an independent population health research center at UW Medicine, shows that Washington hit its peak in coronavirus deaths 11 days ago, with 24 fatalities. In contrast, New Yorks peak is projected to hit this week, while Californias is not expected to take place until 17 April. Washingtons low numbers can be attributed to the simple fact that its cities are less dense than those in states like New York and California. Its communities may also be following social distancing measures more closely. But officials also tested and found cases of coronavirus early, then quickly proceeded to ramp up preparedness, explained Hilary Godwin, dean of the University of Washington school of public health. Our hospitals have been preparing, building up capacity, she said. Once we got to the point where we had to do social distancing because the number of cases was so great, we were really well positioned and were able to roll those things out really systematically. Dr Scott Lindquist, Washington states epidemiologist for communicable diseases, said officials are paying particularly close attention to the percentage of people evaluated who test positive for Covid-19. He explained that at the beginning of this outbreak, the state was seeing 3% of people tested test positive, but as of Wednesday last week, that had increased to at least 7%. He said over one or two weeks, he would want to see the average stay consistently below 7%, as that would make it clear the numbers are trending down and thus the situation is improving. Lindquist said officials would also want to see a clear trend that shows the percentage of hospitalizations for people with corona-like illnesses and the number of deaths decreasing. These measures would offer a very clear indication about how much coronavirus is still in the community, he said. Although hospitalizations have been increasing, deaths have been staying fairly steady. Given these current trends, how much time could it take the state to get to a point when it would seriously consider easing social distancing restrictions? I definitely would say its not days, he told the Guardian. Its weeks to months. But again, if things turn around very quickly, were talking just a couple weeks. Jay Inslee has extended the stay-home order until 4 May. Photograph: Ted S Warren/AP More than a third of the cases in Washington have been reported in King county, which includes Seattle. According to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Disease Modeling, a private research institute in Bellevue, Washington, King county has seen a significant decrease in virus transmissions, probably due to strict social distancing measures. The researchers found that in late February each infected individual in the county was spreading the virus to an average of two or three other people. By 18 March, that number had been essentially cut in half, with people on average infecting 1.4 additional people. But, of course, in order to actually see a drop in new cases, on average each individual with coronavirus would need to infect less than one other person. Godwin said when making a decision about social distancing restrictions, its not necessarily a matter of getting the number of new cases and deaths down to zero. The trick is to get that number down low enough so that we would be more like we were at the early phase of the epidemic, when the health department could do contact tracing for each case and could make sure anyone who got infected was self-quarantined, she said. However, Godwin said if Washington were to get the virus under control and removed its stay-home mandate, a second wave of infections could still occur. Godwin said it may be a matter of Washington officials letting up for a little bit or releasing some constraints and then having to simply see how things go. But she warned that different virus timelines across US states could hamper efforts, especially if people from states that have not contained the virus continue to travel domestically. Dr Jeff Duchin, health officer for public health, Seattle and King county, said during a recent press conference that for the Seattle area or any community to transition out of comprehensive social distancing measures, there needs to be widespread availability of testing with very rapid turnaround time, and a robust healthcare system that is both heavily monitored and has the bandwidth to care for the sick. The severe lack of testing across the US is regarded as one of the biggest failures of the Trump administrations often confused response to the arrival of the pandemic on its shores. Technical flaws in early tests developed by the CDC set the country back weeks. And though private companies are now running thousands of tests a day, they cannot keep up with demand, and vital supplies for mass testing, such as swabs, remain critically low. But between the states public health laboratory and the lab at the University of Washington in Seattle, experts say there is plenty of capacity for testing. The big limitation is that medical workers do not have adequate personal protective equipment for obtaining samples, explained Lindquist. But there are some promising new developments where we can have patients obtain their own sample in their car with a nasal swab, he said. Related: WHO cited human transmission risk in January, despite Trump claims Duchin also said there should also ideally be proven treatments available and possibly a vaccine, although that is also very unlikely to be available in the near future. We are constantly reassessing this strategy and trying to understand if and when it is advisable to change our strategy, to relax some of these measures if possible in a way that would allow our healthcare system to continue to treat all those who need healthcare and not overwhelm that system and allow us to get back to our usual lives as soon as possible, he said. But I dont see that in the next month. Mike Faulk, spokesman for the governors office, said the decision to transition back to normal life will ultimately come down to a judgment call. Even when you make that call you dont necessarily know that the disease is done or on a permanently downward track, he said. Its just the most informed judgment you can make at the end of the day. The world in the past four months has been battling the COVID-19 pandemic which originated from China at the end of last year. The virus has now affected about 212 countries, including Nigeria. There was also a setback in the fight against another viral disease, Ebola, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as a new case was reported some hours before the epidemic was declared over. READ ALSO: Meanwhile, Nigeria has reported 318 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 10 deaths. The country is still battling other diseases such as Lassa fever which has killed over 188 people this year. Here is a round-up of some of the stories which made headlines last week Coronavirus: Kano records first case as Nigerias total rises to 318 Kano State on Saturday recorded its first case of COVID-19, as the total tally of confirmed cases in Nigeria rose to 318, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed. According to the new data released by NCDC, Nigerias tally of COVID-19 infections on Saturday evening increased to 318 from 305 on Friday. To date, 70 cases have been discharged and 10 deaths have been recorded in Nigeria. Measles claims seven children in Adamawa The Adamawa State Government confirmed the death of seven children after a measles outbreak in Malabo village in Fufore Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. Director of Public Health in the states Ministry of Health, Bwalki Dilli, said a report from the Executive Secretary of the LG Primary Healthcare Authority, revealed that 25 children were infected with the disease. Out of 25 suspected measles cases from Fufore LGA, seven were children who were confirmed dead. U.S. coronavirus death toll now worlds highest The U.S. has now overtaken Italy to have the highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, according to data from multiple sources. Tallies by Johns Hopkins University, New York Times and Reuters news agency, all show that the country had no fewer than 20,506 COVID-19-related deaths. With this, Italy, which used to be top, has fallen one step behind with no fewer than 19,468 deaths as of Saturday afternoon. On Friday, the U.S. also became the first county in the world to record no fewer than 2,000 deaths in a single day. Buhari begs Nigerians to stay at home 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, said the president has ordered the release of 70,000 tonnes of grain to augment the ongoing palliatives being distributed to vulnerable Nigerians. 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. Coronavirus: Atiku wants increased hazard allowance for medical workers A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the federal government to review the hazard allowance given to health workers involved in the fight against COVID-19. This is coming a day after the minister of health, Osagie Ehanire, said he was not aware if health workers get hazard allowance in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. An entry-level federal doctor or dentist earns an annual consolidated salary of about 1.7 million ($4,722), rising to 8.5 million ($23,611) for the highest grade. Of this, hazard allowance is 60,000 ($167), irrespective of level, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. Being the first respondents to coronavirus patients, health workers are highly exposed to the infection. Price high of not taking social distancing seriously Health Minister Nigerias Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, has warned that the rate of COVID-19 infections in the country could worsen if citizens do not strictly comply with measures such as social distancing and staying at home. Advertisements Mr Ehanire said during an appearance on Channels Television on Saturday evening that people need to take social distancing seriously as the price of not taking it seriously is very high, He raised concern about the failure of many people to comply strictly with the lockdown order and other measures to curb the spread of the pandemic, saying such people trivialise COVID-19 because they have not seen its effects. COVID-19: ECOWAS orders 120 ventilators for Member States The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered 240,000 diagnostic kits, 240,000 extraction kits, 250,000 viral sample transport equipment, 285,100 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 120 ventilators, among others, for member states to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou, disclosed this in a communique issued on Tuesday in Abuja. He said that the Commission has continued to closely monitor the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic in the world and particularly in West Africa. COVID-19: FG provides N102 billion intervention in healthcare sector Minister The federal government says it has provided N102.5 billion in resources for direct interventions in the countrys healthcare sector. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said this at a news conference on fiscal stimulus measures in response to COVID-19 pandemic and oil prices fiscal shock in Abuja on Monday. She said N6.5 billion had already been made available to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for critical expenditure. New Ebola case confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo A new case of Ebola virus disease was confirmed on Friday in the city of Beni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While not welcome news, this is an event we anticipated. We kept response teams in Beni and other high risk areas for precisely this reason, said Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. As part of the active Ebola surveillance system in place to respond to the ongoing outbreak in DRC, thousands of alerts are still being investigated every day. An alert is a person who has symptoms that could be due to Ebola, or any death in a high risk area that could have been a result of Ebola. This is a difficult and unprecedented time for families across New Mexico. First and foremost, New Mexicans are worried about protecting their health and the health of their families during this global pandemic. But they are also being forced to confront new economic pain and uncertainty wondering whether theyll be able to pay the bills and put food on the table. New Mexicans have responded to this adversity with characteristic resolve. In Congress, we are working hard to provide our state with the support New Mexico needs to get through this crisis. Last month, Congress passed a $2 trillion relief package to respond to the COVID-19 crisis the largest response package ever enacted. This pandemic demands action of this magnitude. Throughout this emergency, we have kept our focus on those hit hardest: working people, small businesses and our most vulnerable populations low-income communities, rural communities, communities of color and tribal communities. We worked to ensure the relief package effectively responded to the day-to-day realities New Mexicans now face. And we worked to provide major resources for our overloaded health care system the rural hospitals struggling to stay afloat, urban hospitals facing unprecedented challenges and the heroic health care workers on the front lines of this fight. When Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans released their draft relief package, it was a giveaway for industry and big corporations, and it didnt do enough for working New Mexicans. But we held firm. And, in the end, we helped negotiate the much improved bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES Act. This package, passed (by the Senate) by a vote of 96 to 0, helps keep workers on the payroll, dramatically expands unemployment benefits, helps small businesses stay afloat, establishes a $150 billion Marshall Plan to bolster our health care system and puts guardrails on funds for big corporations. Crucially, the state of New Mexico will be eligible for up to $1.25 billion for reimbursement of the state and local governments COVID-related costs. Our first priority is to keep New Mexicans healthy and make sure they weather the economic storm. Thats why this legislation will make direct payments of $1,200 to most individual New Mexicans, $2,400 for married couples, and $500 per child. The bill drastically expands unemployment insurance to cover the self-employed and gig employees and increases the weekly benefit by $600 for four months. It has key support for small businesses the engines of New Mexicos economy. That includes loans of up to $10 million for small businesses, with those loans being converted to grants if companies keep employees on the payroll. The CARES Act supports New Mexicos 23 tribes and pueblos, with $10 billion in relief and emergency funding for Native communities that are at severe risk from this pandemic. And it protects New Mexicos national laboratory and federal contractor employees by ensuring paid leave for federal contractors who cant work on-site or remotely. Is this a perfect bill? No. Must we do more? Absolutely. But it will provide immediate, and badly needed, relief to New Mexicans struggling to overcome this crisis. In New Mexico, we are fortunate to have Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams strong leadership. She acted early and decisively, and her work has gone a long way helping contain COVID-19 and saving New Mexican lives. Unfortunately, the president has not shown the same leadership or competence. And its the American people who are suffering as a consequence. In Congress, we have a lot of work ahead. We must be watchdogs over the administration to make sure the federal dollars we appropriated are expeditiously and fairly disbursed to states, local governments and tribes. We must push the federal government to use every resource at its disposal to ensure free and widespread testing, as well as to provide the necessary health care supplies to keep our communities healthy and safe. And we must closely monitor the continuing health and economic impacts of this virus on New Mexico and the nation as we prepare for what we hope will be a bipartisan fourth legislative package. This pandemic is challenging us in unprecedented ways. But there are thousands of stories of New Mexicans and Americans coming together, helping others making a difference. We firmly believe that, working together, we will get through this crisis and come out stronger on the other end. The head of Russias space agency on Saturday accused Elon Musks SpaceX of predatory pricing for space launches, South China Morning Post reported. 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 per cent 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 US$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 per cent reusable, theirs are 0 per cent. This is the actual problem. Abortion providers in Texas have asked the Supreme Court to let their clinics continue to perform some procedures after a federal appeals court temporarily upheld orders from state officials prohibiting most terminations. In their Supreme Court filing on Saturday, lawyers from Planned Parenthood and the Centre for Reproductive Rights said the health crisis did not justify severe restrictions on the constitutional right to abortion. At the very least, abortions induced by medication should be allowed to continue, they said. Three weeks ago, governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, ordered a halt to all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately medically necessary. That included abortions not medically necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother, Ken Paxton, the states attorney general, said in a news release. Other abortions, he said, must be postponed to preserve protective gear and other resources to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Abortion providers promptly challenged the orders as unconstitutional, and the case has twice reached the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, which both times overturned temporary restraining orders issued by judge Lee Yeakel of the US District Court in Austin. In his first ruling, Mr Yeakel, who was appointed by George W Bush, said the actions of the state official were at odds with Supreme Court precedents. Regarding a womans right to a prefetal-viability abortion, the Supreme Court has spoken clearly, Mr Yeakel wrote. There can be no outright ban on such a procedure. This court will not speculate on whether the Supreme Court included a silent except-in-a-national-emergency clause in its previous writings on the issue. Only the Supreme Court may restrict the breadth of its rulings. The latest ruling from a three-judge panel of the appeals court, on Friday, allowed almost all of the governors order to stay in place while the case moved forward. Quoting earlier decisions, the majority said: 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. Mr Yeakel had allowed exceptions to the governors order, which is scheduled to expire on 21 April but may be renewed, for abortions performed using drugs and for women whose pregnancies were in their later stages. The majority stayed Mr Yeakels latest temporary restraining order, making an exception only for any patient who, based on the treating physicians medical judgment, would be past the legal limit for an abortion in Texas, which is 22 weeks from the last menstrual period, on 22 April. The judges in the majority were Stuart Kyle Duncan, appointed by Donald Trump, and Jennifer Walker Elrod, appointed by Mr Bush. Judge James Dennis, appointed by Bill Clinton, dissented, saying he would have upheld all of Mr Yeakels order. In Saturdays filing, the abortion providers argued that restricting medication abortions didnt make sense. In denying patients access to medication abortion, they wrote, Texas singles out medication abortion as the only oral medication that cannot be provided under the executive order even though its provision requires no [protective equipment] and delaying it forces patients to undergo more invasive abortion procedures later in their pregnancies or to attempt to travel out of state to access early abortion. Several other states, including Alabama, Ohio and Oklahoma, have also sought to limit abortions as part of their response to the pandemic, and those efforts have been challenged in court. The Texas case is the first to reach the Supreme Court. The justices are already considering a separate abortion case from Louisiana that was argued last month. That case is a challenge to a state law that could leave the state with a single clinic. The New York Times A Georgia man was charged with fraud after attempting to sell millions of nonexistent respirator masks to the government as it struggles to shore up supplies of vital medical equipment during the coronavirus pandemic, the authorities said. The man, Christopher Parris, 39, of Atlanta, was arrested Friday and charged with wire fraud in federal court in Washington, the Justice Department said in a statement. Parris was accused of making a series of fraudulent misrepresentations to secure orders that would have totaled more than $750 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs for 125 million face masks and other personal protective equipment. Parris promised that he could obtain millions of genuine 3M masks from domestic factories when he knew that fulfilling the orders would not be possible, the authorities said. The manufacturer 3M, which is based in Minnesota, produces surgical masks and respirators that have been in high demand since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis. Through a series of misrepresentations, Parris claimed to act as a supplier who could quickly obtain the scarce personal protective equipment and supplies. The offer to Veterans Affairs came from a person at a Louisiana-based company who said it sells industrial safety supplies and identified Parris and his company, Encore Health Group, as one of its suppliers, according to an affidavit. When the offer was made in late March, the person said the N95 masks proposed for sale to the department would be made at plants in California and Illinois. However a lawyer for the company said it does not manufacture masks at those sites, according to the affidavit. Parris was revealed as the source of the companys misrepresentations, according to court documents. The authorities did not identify the company or the people working there. Parris on April 1 attempted to contact Veterans Affairs, claiming he was referred by the Louisiana-based company and representing Encore Health, according to the affidavit. He said that Encore Health has the ability to produce materials in one to two weeks and that it buys directly from 3M and other suppliers. A lawyer for 3M said, according to the affidavit, that Encore Health is not one of its partners and that upon review of 3Ms databases, 3M does not sell N95 Masks to Parris or Encore Health. A representative for 3M could not immediately be reached for comment Saturday night. Parris was also accused of making similar false representations to other entities in an effort to sell personal protective equipment to state governments, prosecutors said. This is not the first time that Parris has run afoul of the law. In January, he was charged by federal prosecutors with fraud, conspiracy and related charges in what officials described as a Ponzi scheme that defrauded approximately 1,000 investors of at least $115 million over 10 years ending in 2018. Prosecutors said the scheme involved Parris and a partner doing business as Lucian Development, in Rochester, New York, offering unsecured promissory notes and preferred stock issued by various entities that they controlled. The case is pending. Parris appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in connection with the masks case and was expected to be extradited to Washington. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. We will vigorously pursue fraudsters who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to make money, Attorney General William Barr said in the statement. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Around the world, some of the best minds are working to find a vaccine for the coronavirus, with some teams saying a vaccine could be a reality in just five months. While industry experts have said a vaccine could be developed and distributed globally in 12 to 18 months, one team working out of the United Kingdom has claimed a vaccine could be available by September. Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at Oxford University is leading a team of researchers working on a vaccine for COVID-19. Speaking to The Times, Professor Gilbert said she and her team had already created a potential vaccine and human trials are set to begin in just two weeks. Not only that, she is 80 per cent confident the vaccine will be a success based on other things that we have done with this type of vaccine. A participant in a COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine trial in the US. Source: AP Australian researchers in Queensland and Victoria are among to scientists working towards a vaccine but most health experts have warned any vaccine would still be more than a year away after human trials, while some epidemiologists believe an effective vaccine might not be achieved at all. At a press conference on Sunday, a reporter pressed Australias chief medical officer Brendan Murphy for his thoughts on the possibility of a vaccine by September. The Israelis have made a similar statement in the media this morning. It is too early to tell, he said. If there is any disease for which vaccine development will be accelerated, it is this one. He did add it was hard because coronavirus vaccines have not been successful before, referring to the family of viruses to which SARS-CoV-2 belongs. There are so many people working on this [a vaccine] now, so many brilliant scientists, including many in Australia, that we can hope but we cannot be unrealistic and none of these announcement that I have heard give me enough confidence to say that those dates will be met but these are reputable universities, Mr Murphy said, referring to the optimistic timeline announce this weekend by the Oxford University scientists. Story continues Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy alongside Minister for Education Dan Tehan on Sunday. Source: AAP Public restrictions here to stay NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said restrictions were being reviewed every month, but social distancing would be needed until a vaccine was found. No matter what restrictions there are in the future, no matter what restrictions are potentially eased in the future, until a vaccine is found, social distancing is a way of life now, she told reporters earlier this week. That sentiment was echoed on Sunday by NSW Health Minister and the countrys chief medical officer. We have to keep our pressure on and make sure that we don't end up like countries in the world that you have all seen on the news, Mr Murphy said Sunday. We are in a good place ... but we have to maintain that good place. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told a German newspaper she was hopeful a vaccine would be developed by the end of the year. In her opinion, two of the most promising research teams are based in Europe, Ms von der Leyen told the German Sunday newspaper Bild am Sonntag. "I hope they develop a vaccine towards the end of the year," the EU politician asserted, noting that there are plans to start clinical tests soon. Researchers have also expressed optimism as human trials for a potential vaccine got underway in the United States last month. with Wires 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. In the second half of March, several news outlets have reported that the White House has been discussing the possibility of putting troops on the U.S. border with Canada. Deploying troops would happen because of the coronavirus pandemic. According to these reports, the U.S. government was discussing this possibility because of various security concerns. Still, many were wondering if this policy was really necessary. Editorial credit: Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau confirmed that these talks have been happening. He emphasized that the U.S. and Canada have the longest border in the world that is not militarized (the border stretches as 5,525 miles). The Prime Minister also expressed that Canada would very much like the border to remain unmilitarized. Other Canadian officials, such as Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, also expressed their concerns. So far, everyone in the Canadian government made it clear that Canada does not support this plan and that the policy like this could seriously harm the relationship between the two countries. Diplomatic Relationship Between Canada And The U.S. Canadian media learned that if the plan goes ahead, the troops would be stationed about thirteen to fourteen miles from the border, between points of entry. The troops would be equipped with sensor technology used to detect people crossing irregularly and would then pass that information forward to official border patrol agents. According to these sources, the number of 1,000 military personnel has been discussed in the U.S. administration. What About The Southern Border? According to U.S. law, military personnel cannot detain or arrest anyone. The law does not allow them to act as domestic law enforcement, but instead, they can only respond in support to other border officials. Photo: The Canadian Press 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 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. 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. 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." South Dakota reports highest active case count since pandemic started Tuesday's report included testing conducted over the weekend. Another 4,110 people tested positive for the disease. UAE-based wasl properties has announced the distribution of food boxes, sterilisers, cleaning materials and gloves to its tenants in the Naif and Al Ras areas of Dubai in coordination with local authorities. One of the largest real estate development and management companies in Dubai, wasl manages 20 buildings in these areas, housing over 200 families. This comes as part of the company's efforts to help curb the global outbreak of Covid-19 and its continuous support to alleviate the problems of tenants during these trying times, said a statement from wasl. It is in line with wasls corporate social responsibility programme to support different segments of society and aligns with all the initiatives rolled out by government and private entities to face the possible consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak. The Emirati developer also recently announced its support of the Dubai Educational Zone and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Boys School by providing them with laptops and iPads to help students in their remote-learning process. This initiative is one of many that wasl had rolled out and comes in pursuance to the announcement last week of a relief package for tenants as a further confirmation of the companys commitment to its social role, in line with government efforts, and constant concern for the well-being of its customers, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Itanagar/Agartala/Aizawl, April 12 : Amidst lockdown, the Arunachal Pradesh government has introduced various Apps including "U Tell Us" and "Dukan Dada" (shop brother) to ensure the supply of essentials reach at the doorsteps of the people, officials said on Sunday. Besides Arunachal Pradesh government, other state governments of the northeastern region have taken some fresh measures to maintain supply of essentials for effective enforcement of the lockdown. An official of the Arunachal Pradesh government's Food and Civil Supplies Department said in Itanagar that to help people, the Arunachal Pradesh government has taken various steps to ensure essential supplies reach their doorsteps. Through the "U Tell Us", "Dukan Dada" and "Mebuddy" Apps, during a stipulated period, people are asking for their requirements and the delivery boys taking these required items to the customers' homes with reasonable charges. In Agartala, the Tripura government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to maintain the uninterrupted health services and supply of essentials to the people. In Aizawl, Mizoram Transport Minister T.J. Lalnuntluanga held a meeting with Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, members of the Task Group on transport, officials of the Home and Supply departments and the Mizoram Truck Drivers' Association representatives and discussed the supplies of essential goods into the state during the lockdown. An official release said that the Chief Secretary told the meeting that as there could be no certainty of when the lockdown could be lifted and as food and essential commodities need to be ferried in and out of the state continuously, there is always a risk of contagion of the novel coronavirus. The state government is also very concerned about the Mizos stuck in various cities across the country and a concrete procedure of bringing them safely home to Mizoram is being discussed with the concerned states and authorities, the release said. An official in Imphal said that the Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, during the video conferencing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, raised the "issue of racial discrimination of northeast people in other parts of the country". "Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister to ask concerned states to take appropriate steps to stop harassment of people from northeast India," the official added. The same week President Donald Trump told the public that voting by mail is "corrupt" and "ripe for fraud," his own party was sending a very different message to Republican voters in Pennsylvania. "Voting by mail is an easy, convenient and secure way to cast your ballot," read a mail piece the Republican National Committee distributed across the Keystone State. "Return the attached official Republican Party mail-in ballot application to avoid lines and protect yourself from large crowds on Election Day." Despite the president's rhetoric, state party leaders across the country are aggressively urging their voters to cast ballots by mail, GOP officials confirm. In addition, Republican officeholders in at least 16 states that do not have all-mail elections are encouraging people to vote absentee during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to a tally by The Washington Post. Among them are the Republican governors or secretaries of state in Georgia, Ohio, New Hampshire and Iowa, who announced in recent days that they would allow widespread voting by mail in upcoming elections. Their moves come after decades in which Republicans have encouraged their voters to take advantage of absentee ballot rules, running sophisticated mail programs that targeted GOP supporters most likely to vote from home. The apparent conflict between Trump's attacks on mail-in voting and his party's long embrace of the tactic comes as the health crisis has spurred Democrats and civil rights groups to push to loosen restrictions on mail voting in many jurisdictions. "Republicans like mail voting when it's used by people with second homes," said Terry McAuliffe, the former Virginia governor and former Democratic National Committee chairman, "but not by people with second jobs." Republican officials say there is no dissonance between the president's rhetoric and what's happening on the ground. They say Trump opposes all-mail elections in which every registered voter is sent a ballot by mail, as well as the practice of ballot "harvesting," where third parties are allowed to collect completed ballots from voters and turn them in. Both are too susceptible to fraud, they say. "There is a very obvious difference between requesting an absentee ballot when you will be unable to vote in person versus automatically mailing every registered voter a ballot," said Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh. "Sending everyone a ballot opens up wide possibilities for ballots to be intercepted, for ballots to be stolen from mailboxes, or for vote harvesting to occur." Trump, who voted absentee in Florida's primary last month, said he did so "because I'm allowed to," adding that he was at the White House and therefore out of state. He compared that with what he claimed were "thousands and thousands of people sitting in somebody's living room signing ballots all over the place." Experts said that mail balloting creates a risk of fraud by loosening the chain of custody of ballots, but they noted that such episodes are rare. The most prominent recent example came in a 2018 congressional race in North Carolina, when a GOP operative was charged with felonies as part of a ballot-tampering operation that is still under investigation. States with extensive mail-balloting systems have enacted safeguards such as signature requirements that make such fraud virtually nonexistent, according to Republican and Democratic election officials. Democrats and civil rights advocates say Trump and his party are trying to undermine confidence in voting by mail and suppress turnout even as they encourage their own voters with well-oiled mail operations. They say some of the restrictions Republicans want in place will have a disproportionate effect on minority communities and young people - an intentional effort, they say, to suppress turnout among voters who tend to vote for Democrats. "The Republican Party has now said, from the president down to the speaker of the Georgia Assembly, that they cannot win elections if everybody votes," said Marc Elias, a District of Columbia-based election lawyer for the Democratic National Committee. "So they are desperate to ensure that voter turnout is low among young voters and minority voters." The clash shows how both sides are hoping to gain advantage as the coronavirus upends the political calendar - a dynamic that voting advocates worry could interfere with the ability to find consensus on safe voting practices amid the pandemic. Republicans have a long history of persuading their voters to cast ballots by mail. Haley Barbour, the former RNC chairman and Mississippi governor, said the party's vote by mail operation "long predated" his tenure at the party's helm, from 1993 to 1997. The effort was intended to boost turnout among GOP voters who might prefer to vote from home, such as seniors. Republicans have been especially successful in states, including Florida, where their voters have embraced the option. About a third of the states allow mail balloting only with an excuse, with some granting excuses to groups that lean heavily Republican, such as the elderly. In the face of the coronavirus, Republican officials in many states are now loosening some of those restrictions. In West Virginia, Idaho, South Dakota and Nebraska, for example, GOP election officials are proactively mailing registered voters absentee ballot request forms. "Basically, if you feel more comfortable voting absentee because of the outbreak or your inability or nervousness about just appearing in person to vote, you can vote absentee and obtain an absentee ballot," said New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, as he announced Thursday that the state will allow voters to cite the virus as an excuse to cast a mail-in ballot in November. Democrats and some voting experts say some Republican officials are finding ways to curtail mail-in voting to their benefit. One central point of dispute is whether to mail ballots to all voters - or only those who request them. Republicans argue that voting rolls are wildly inaccurate in some states, including dead people, duplicates or voters who have moved. Mailing a ballot to every registered voter, they say, would open up the risk of ballots falling into the wrong hands and being fraudulently filled out. "States should resist proposals that open the door to voting fraud, such as mailing ballots to voters who haven't asked for one," said Justin Clark, senior political adviser to the Trump campaign. Michael McDonald, an elections expert at the University of Florida, said a ballot request system means "essentially you have to register if you wish to vote, before every election." He also said it is unfair to punish voters for poorly maintained voting rolls. In Georgia, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, announced last month that he would send a mail ballot application to every voter - but only to active voters, not all registered voters. The plan was developed in coordination with Trump's reelection committee, according to a campaign official. That approach means applications will not go to those who have not voted or responded to official election contacts in five years. That will exclude about 300,000 of Georgia's 7.2 million voters, according to state data. Of those, 24% are 30 and under and 40% are nonwhite. "It's a way to try to shape the electorate," McDonald said. Raffensperger has emphasized blocking fraud rather than increasing access. At a news conference last week, he announced the formation of an "Absentee Ballot Fraud Task Force" with prosecutors and other law enforcement to ensure that the expansion of mail balloting does not lead to more fraud. The task force, Raffensperger said, will "investigate every signature mismatch that remains uncured, interview voters with unaccounted for multiple votes from the same address, and construct the rules around investigating nonresidential addresses being used as registration addresses." Lauren Groh-Wargo, the former campaign manager for 2018 Democratic gubernatorial contender Stacey Abrams, said such efforts are likely to intimidate voters and suppress participation in mail balloting. "They're talking about criminalizing a mismatched signature," said Groh-Wargo, who now leads the Abrams-founded voting-rights group, Fair Fight Action. "This is why voter suppression is so insidious. You knock on 10 people's doors in a neighborhood because their signature didn't match. Nothing will likely come of it, but in the meantime, people get charged with misdemeanors or felonies, and it spreads virally that voting by mail is risky." Raffensperger's office did not respond to a request for comment. In his announcement, the secretary of state said: "Those who wish to take advantage of us in these troubling times, and undermine the strength of democracy in Georgia, should be forewarned. Actions that delegitimize the integrity of the vote in Georgia will not be tolerated." The parties are also sharply divided about whether to federally mandate uniform vote-by-mail standards for all the states - a proposal championed by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. In an interview, Klobuchar said that at the very least Congress must come up with more money to help states avoid chaos as millions more Americans prepare to vote by mail. "You have a number of Democratic and Republican elected officials across the country, and there are exceptions of course, that want to do vote by mail," Klobuchar said. "And they want funding for vote by mail." But GOP officials have resisted any funding that comes with requirements about how to run a vote-by-mail program, citing the potential for fraud. The partisan tensions were evident Thursday during a conference call organized by Klobuchar for the media to hear from eight secretaries of state. Two Republicans - Kyle Ardoin of Louisiana and Mac Warner of West Virginia - voiced concerns that a ramp-up of universal voting by mail would make their states vulnerable to election fraud. "You have to trust those local officials who say, 'I don't want to expand opportunities for misuse of the election process,' " Warner said. "And we've got that situation here in West Virginia. I don't want any of the buying of votes. I don't want assistance made easier for people to allow others to help them vote, and so forth." That drew a blistering rebuke from Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, who called her state's all-mail election system "the securest in the nation." New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver urged election administrators to avoid such arguments, saying they only serve to further divide Americans and undermine faith in elections. "This is not the time or place for us to be breaking down among each other along partisan lines," she said. Much of the debate focuses on the risk of ballot harvesting, which is illegal in many states. After the operation uncovered in the 2018 congressional race in North Carolina, lawmakers passed major election-law reforms in the state, including a stringent requirement that voters obtain two witness signatures before mailing their ballots. Democrats and state election officials, who supported the new rule at the time, now want to roll it back, saying the pandemic threatens voter access. Republicans, who control the legislature, have so far refused - and accused Democrats of trying to enable the type of fraud that infected the 2018 contest. "The concern I have is that if what you're doing is something that lessens the confidence in the result of the election, then I think we need to be very careful about going in that direction," said North Carolina Senate President Phil Berger, a Republican. Elias, who is leading Democratic Party efforts in court to roll back restrictions on voting by mail, acknowledged that third-party ballot collection is among the DNC's goals. The party is also seeking free postage, the opportunity for voters to fix a rejected ballot, and rule changes in states that require ballots to be received by Election Day to instead allow them to be postmarked by that day. Elias said the election is likely to be won or lost on the margins, meaning those kinds of rules will matter. Postage, for instance, becomes an issue for lower-income voters or young people unaccustomed to using the mail. The right to fix a ballot for a missing or mismatched signature is important to guard against unfair practices or untrained poll workers, he said. Democrats have sued over these rules, winning in Florida and securing a settlement in Georgia to assure the right for a ballot "cure." Elias said he is preparing litigation in a number of additional states now that mail balloting is likely to become more popular. State Democrats have already filed suit in Texas, where voters must have a reason such as disability, age or travel to vote by mail, and where Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, has resisted calls to expand mail balloting. - - - The Washington Post's Scott Clement, Emily Guskin and Michael Scherer contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) The government is not ordering hospitals to conceal information on COVID-19 fatalities, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles clarified Sunday. Nograles, spokesperson for The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, denied reports that the Department of Health supposedly issued a directive to a hospital to stop counting the deaths of any COVID-19 related cases. "Hindi po ito totoo. Naglabas na po ng pahayag ang DOH na wala po silang ganitong utos sa mga ganitong ospital. Tuloy-tuloy po ang balita namin sa COVID-19 response. It is our responsibility to give you facts," Nograles said in his virtual briefing. [Translation: This is not true. The DOH already issued a statement saying that they have no such directive to hospitals. We continuously update the public about our COVID-19 response. It is our responsibility to give you facts.] The East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City told CNN Philippines on Saturday that bodies have "piled up" in the hallway of its morgue facility due to insufficient equipment. Earlier in the day, news anchor Arnold Clavio posted on his Instagram account about an alleged order not to report deaths inside a "certain hospital in Metro Manila." EAMC director Dr. Alfonso Nunez confirmed that it was the hospital being referred to in the post, but clarified that none of the remains have tested positive for the virus so far. Meanwhile, the DOH also noted that it did not issue any order to stop counting deaths. 'What would the government get for concealing information?' Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo has also denied reports that government is preventing the disclosure of information on the number of fatalities. "Such allegation against the government is absolutely bereft of logic as well as of common sense. What would the government get from concealing the actual number of deaths due to COVID-19?" he said in a statement. Panelo said the Duterte administration has been pushing, in fact, for transparency in government response since the start of the outbreak, he added. "The government is precisely interested in knowing the number of deaths so that we will know the status of our fight against the coronavirus and we can undertake measures to improve our health system," he said. 'Stick to 12-hour cremation rule' Nograles said he and other Cabinet members from concerned agencies also tackled the issue and have resolved to impose a 12-hour-cremation policy among hospitals for COVID-19 deaths. "Ang naging resolution namin is number one, dapat 'yung 12 hours of cremation dapat ma-fulfill. Yung problema ng delay is payment, sino ang magbabayad. Do not wait for payment. Kung kailangang i-cremate, i-cremate na po iyan," he said. [Translation: We came up with a resolution that, number one, the 12-hour-rule of cremation should always be fulfilled. If there is a problem on the delay of payment, or who will pay, do not wait for payment. If the body must be cremated, cremate it immediately.] Nograles added that if hospitals or local government units experience problems with processing of documents, they must still stick to the prescribed period. "Ang isa pang naging delay kung kailangan pa ng papeles, death certificate, may mga ganyang klaseng instances. Bottom line, ang napagkasunduan ng gabinete ay we must stick to the 12-hour rule. Everything else can be solved and mahanapan natin ng solution," he said. [Translation: Another cause of delay is the processing of documents, death certificate, this type of instances happen. Bottom line, the Cabinet resolved that everyone must stick to the 12-hour rule. Everything else can be solved.] The government is now requiring public disclosure of personal information of COVID-19 patients to further contain the spread of the virus. The Philippines has over 4,648 COVID-19 cases, with 297 deaths and 197 recoveries to date. The entrance to the ER at Ochsner Baptist Hospital in New Orleans is seen on July 30, 2015. Bill Haber, Gerald Herbert/AP Business Insider spoke to an emergency room nurse working for the Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, who described what the fight against coronavirus has been like in his city. Eduardo Bilbao, 29, says he's gone from seeing about one patient a month die under his care, to two in one week. Bilbao says work has become "very stressful" and "very emotional." Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Related Video: How to Help Healthcare Workers Fighting the Coronavirus A New Orleans nurse says he's had to get used to giving bad news to families losing loved ones to coronavirus. Eduardo Bilbao, a 29-year-old emergency room nurse in the Ochsner Health System, says he's seen firsthand how the city's coronavirus death toll has climbed. In normal times, Bilbao says he would usually see one patient under his care die a month. In a recent week, he had two. "It's very emotional," he said. "It's hard to give bad news to family over the phone, especially after I told them that it was going to be OK." Eduardo Bilbao is seen wearing his protective gear to work a shift in the emergency room at an Ochsner Health System hospital in New Orleans Provided Thousands infected, hundreds dying As of Saturday, New Orleans officials said more than 5,400 people had been infected in the city, in addition to 225 deaths. At Ochsner, Bilbao says things have become "very stressful." Before reporting for duty, employees have their temperatures taken to make sure they're not infected. Then they're given a mask. In the early days of the outbreak, there were enough masks to use a new one with every new patient. Bilbao says they're now given one a day. One strange outcome is that parts of the hospital are eerily quiet, Bilbao said. People are being discouraged from coming to the ER unless absolutely necessary, plus there are no visitors allowed. Staff are also not socializing with each other in the hallway and cafeteria as they usually would. Story continues "There's no one in the waiting rooms. It seems emptier, but you open the emergency room and it's full. I wouldn't say it's chaotic, but it's active," Bilbao said. 'We become their family' Bilbao said one of the biggest challenges is caring for multiple patients at once, all of whom need more help and attention than usual. Before the coronavirus crisis, the hospital usually had a ratio of one nurse to three patients. Back then, Eduardo said he would usually get assigned one patient that needed a "full workup" a battery of tests to figure out what's wrong plus two patients who needed less work. The ratio is still three-to-one, he said, but now they all require a lot of testing. This presents a challenge when it comes to protective equipment. When he goes into a patient's room, he has to put on new protective equipment like a gown and gloves, and sterilize his visor and respirator mask. So he ends up spending between 40 minutes to an hour in their rooms so as not to waste this gear. At the same time, if you're away from a patient for an extended period of time, they begin to worry. "We've noticed a lot of anxiety around patients," Bilbao said. "When a family member drops them off at the door, they're going to be by themself. "We become their family, their support system, so I definitely understand how they feel if we're not there for 45 minutes, they might think we have forgotten about them." EMS personnel bring a patient into the emergency center at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center in New Orleans amid the outbreak of the coronavirus on March 25, 2020. Jonathan Bachman/AP Fears for the future While the hospital has assured them that they will have enough protective equipment (PPE), Bilbao says some staff have started personal stocks of respirator masks in case they ever run out. He's also been told that they have enough ventilators right now, but is worried about certain medicines running low with so many patients needing to be intubated. He says patients need to be paralyzed and sedated in order to be intubated, and he wouldn't be surprised if those kinds of medicines start to run low across the country in the future. While he himself is at peace with the fact that he may get the virus at some point, he says he's doing his best to stay active and eat right, boosting his immune system to prevent himself from becoming a carrier for the virus. Bilbao currently lives with a fellow ER worker and a pastor. He says they had a sit-down with the pastor, explaining the safety measures they're taking, but saying that there's still a high likelihood he could catch the virus from them. 'Big mistake' not to cancel Mardi Gras The outbreak in New Orleans has been pegged by some experts to Mardi Gras, an annual celebration in the city that centers on Fat Tuesday but actually spans several weeks. Bilbao said it was a "big mistake" to let the celebration go on as usual, but can see why it was a hard decision at the time. "Nobody knew that this was going to get that big. The officials might have been able to [cancel it], but they would have gotten a lot of backlash from the community. "But that's probably where a lot of these cases started happening in New Orleans. So it was a big mistake, but it was a tough call," he said. A crowded Bourbon Street in New Orleans is seen during a Mardi Gras celebration on February 25, 2020, Rusty Costanza/AP NYC bound Though the situation is worsening in New Orleans, Bilbao is currently headed to New York City the epicenter of the US outbreak to help the overwhelmed healthcare workers there. While the situation is bad in New Orleans, there are still considerably fewer cases compared to New York. As of Friday, New York had more than 94,400 cases and 5,429 deaths. Bilbao had already cut back on hours, with plans to start doing travel nursing, before the coronavirus outbreak happened. So when he heard about how the situation in New York was getting worse, he started looking for openings there. "I'm the kind of person who wants to help people with the greatest need, so I felt that was my calling," he said. "My superior wasn't very happy, but this is my calling and I'm happy to go help and make a difference." A spokesperson for Ochsner Health System declined to comment for this story. Read the original article on Business Insider Chinese representatives tried to influence German government officials to give positive comments about Beijing's management of the coronavirus outbreak, Germany's Die Welt newspaper reported Sunday. The virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December and Beijing has been criticised by some -- most notably US President Donald Trump -- over its initial handling of the crisis. Senior officials and staff at German government ministries were invited "to speak in positive terms about China's management of the coronavirus," Die Welt said, citing a confidential foreign ministry document. The foreign ministry recommended that all German governmental departments reject such approaches, the newspaper added. The ministry has declined to confirm or deny the report. However a German intelligence source told Die Welt that "Chinese officials are pursuing an intensified information and propaganda policy with regard to the coronavirus". Beijing has sought to counter the narrative that the outbreak began in China and highlighted its assistance to Western countries "in order to present the People's Republic as a trustworthy partner," Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution said. The pandemic has shaken the world, killing more than 107,000 people and infecting over 1,745,000, wreaking vast economic damage and prompting a rash of finger-pointing. Trump and his administration had made a point of referring to COVID-19 as the "Chinese virus" or the "Wuhan virus", infuriating Beijing. The US president has also cast doubt on the accuracy of official Chinese virus figures and accused the World Health Organization of pro-China bias. Search Keywords: Short link: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear implored residents to avoid gathering this weekend for the Easter holiday, warning that anyone who violates the state's stay-at-home order will be subject to a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine. Beshear said the state will record license plate information of people seen attending mass gatherings and turn that information over to local public health officials. Quarantine notices will then be delivered in person. The announcement was made on Good Friday, one of the holidays leading into Easter Sunday. "I hope everybody knows that even on a weekend like this we cannot have in-person gatherings of any type," Beshear said, adding that at least seven churches in the state are still considering whether to hold Easter services. "We absolutely cannot bring people together in one building like that because that is how the coronavirus spreads, and that's how people die," Beshear said. Image: ANdy Beshear (Ryan C. Hermens / Lexington Herald-Leader via AP file) All mosques and synagogues throughout Kentucky previously closed and none intend to hold services this weekend, according to the governor. Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican who is recovering from coronavirus, criticized Beshear's order in a tweet. "Taking license plates at church? Quarantining someone for being Christian on Easter Sunday? Someone needs to take a step back here," Paul tweeted. But Beshear, a Democrat, said "it's not fair" for some people to violate the state's stay-at-home order and risk spreading COVID-19 to others who are following the directive. "This is just an example of personal responsibility," Beshear said. As of Friday, Kentucky has 1,693 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 90 recorded deaths, according to NBC News counts. Preventing people from attending religious observances and other large events, including funerals, looms over the fight against coronavirus. Public health officials have repeatedly cautioned against violating social distancing guidelines as more super-spreading events are recorded. In Chicago, at least 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases were traced to a single man who attended a dinner, a funeral and a birthday party, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three people later died. Story continues Some faith leaders have remained defiant, however. A Florida pastor ignored the state's stay-at-home directive and held services for hundreds of worshippers last month. He was arrested and later agreed to hold services online this weekend. In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly sued the Republican-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council that overturned her executive order making it a crime to have more than 10 people at church services or funerals. In Louisiana, a pastor was cited this month after holding church services for hundreds of people. Across the country, some churches were looking at offering drive-in services this weekend if plans were approved by their local governments. Agra, April 12 : At a time when the Uttar Pradesh government was hopeful of the Corona curve flattening due to the lockdown, 12 new cases of the deadly virus surfaced in Agra on Sunday. With this, the number of Corona positive cases in Agra have reached 104, of which 52 are connected to Tablighi Jamaat. Agra district magistrate P.N. Singh said that all the cases who have tested positive are already in private hospital and their families have also been quarantined. The authorities are now tracking those who have interacted with these people during the past few weeks. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath took note of the Agra situation during his Sunday morning meeting with officials who informed him that the number of hotspots in the city has increased to 29. On April 8, the state government had sealed 22 hotspots in Agra and the remaining seven are being sealed on Sunday. Kaia Gerber has been giving back in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic by fostering some adorable puppies that she's showcased on social media. And on Saturday, the 18-year old model was back at it again when she picked up another cute pooch, through The Labelle Foundation, to bring back to her home in Los Angeles with the help of her father Rande Gerber. Not long afterwards, the daughter of Cindy Crawford took to Instagram to pose in a bikini alongside the newest of her temporary four-legged family members. Giving back: Kaia Gerber, 18, picked up another puppy to foster from an animal rescue in Los Angeles amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic Gerber, 18, was spotted moments after she and her dad loaded up her latest foster puppy into their SUV in West Hollywood. She kept it casual in the fashion department by flaunting her midriff in a grey crop top, blue denim jeans and sneakers. The Los Angeles native, who pulled the top of her shoulder-length hair back off her face, eventually got into the passenger's seat of the vehicle and the two drove off. Casual: The in-demand model flaunted her midriff in a crop top with some blue jeans Family values: The model's father, Rande Gerber, helped pick up her latest foster dog Helping hands: Gerber has been fostering adorable puppies during the coronavirus outbreak Gerber couldn't resist showing off the adorable white puppy on Instagram. 'thelabellefoundation helped me foster this little girl,' she captioned a quick video that she shared on her Insta-Story. In it, Gerber lounged back on a couch in an animal print bikini as the little pup took a nap just above her shoulders. She followed that up by professing her affection with a photo of the pair that read: 'BFF's,' and another a couple hours later that was captioned: 'best friends.' There was also another snap of the pair posing together outside on her lawn with the model dressed in a t-shirt and sweatpants. Revealing: Gerber showed off her curves and the adorable white puppy on Instagram Love at first sight: The daughter of legendary supermodel Cindy Crawford declared she and the pup were BFF's whiled dressed in an animal print bikini Making a difference: Gerber has been fostering dogs through The Labelle Foundation Gerber has been fostering dogs through The Labelle Foundation and posting pictures and information on her social media platforms since the COVID-19 outbreak reached a fever pitch in March. The Labelle Foundation is a Los Angeles foster based animal rescue devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating, advocating for dogs, according to the organizations website, labellefoundation.org. Their goal is to help the animals they assist find perfect forever families. The organization also specializes in neonatal orphans and sick or special need medical puppies. Animal rescue: The Labelle Foundation is a Los Angeles foster based animal rescue devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating, advocating for dogs, according to the organizations website, labellefoundation.org Finding a forever home: Gerber has been showcasing her foster puppies on social media Not everything from an interview makes it into a news story, nor should it, but sometimes a reporter cant shake the words and mental images from his head. Thats what happened after I interviewed energy industry restructuring expert Drew McManigle about the unprecedented crisis the oil and gas industry is facing. I quoted McManigle in two stories about the industry downturn, but his comparisons of todays events to the 1980s oil bust captured my imagination. Back then, the U.S. oil & gas industry shed hundreds of thousands of jobs over a four-year period that included the price of crude crashing to $10 per barrel while industries such as banking, real estate and insurance also collapsed. Thats going to happen now, McManigle warned. Its going to be another great generational clearing. World Standing Still: Oil industry faces unprecedented crisis McManigles father Richard Dick McManigle Sr. founded the Odessa oilfield service company Devonian Well Services in the 1950s. The company specialized in restoring production to older oil wells and had 12 workover rigs and crews across the Permian Basin. The late 1970s and early 1980s were a boom time for Midland, Odessa and the McManigle family. A Rolls Royce dealership opened off Highway 80, which links the two oil towns. McManigles older brother Richard McManigle Jr was mayor of Odessa, and the family business was thriving. At age 29, McManigle was poised to inherit the company but that all changed on Sept. 30, 1983. It was payday for the companys hourly rig workers, and McManigle was enjoying lunch at the Odessa Country Club when he learned that the National Bank of Odessa, the bank his company used, was folding. He called an emergency company meeting. I had to make the announcement in front of the men, their wives, girlfriends and children, McManigle said. He told them he couldnt pay them but handed out $20 bills to some who needed them. Devonian Well Services had credit at a local grocery store, so McManigle authorized employees to go get groceries on the company account. We had 12 rigs in the field but didnt know if anybody would come to work on Monday, McManigle said. Fuel Fix: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox It was an anxiety-filled weekend and McManigle woke up a 3:00 a.m. Monday unable to go back to sleep. Workover rig crews started at 4:30 a.m., so he went to the company yard in Odessa, where he made coffee and waited in silence. He heard the first pickup truck arrive and the rest of the workers quickly followed. They were as surprised to see him as he was to see them. I was standing there a little thankful and a little bit surprised, McManigle said. Later that day, McManigle joined a long line of deposit holders who lost money at the National Bank of Odessa. He checked the companys mail and discovered $87,000 in checks from customers. He was able to open an account at a different bank and make payroll but with oil prices and the economy in turmoil, he was only buying time. Similar to other deposit holders who lost money, McManigle filed a claim with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in a process that lasted about two years but produced no results. The FDIC office in Midland became a popular place, McManigle said. In Midland, they had a tall building with green glass. Whenever anybody would go over there, wed say were going to see the Wizard and the Emerald City. Downturn: $20 oil sends energy companies to restructuring experts in droves When it became clear that the company could not survive, McManigle decided to fold the family-run business after nearly four decades of operation. He hired Houston bankruptcy attorney Harry Perrin to handle the Chapter 11 proceedings but they ended up liquidating Devonians assets and dissolving the company. Shell-shocked by the entire experience, McManigle left Odessa and moved to Houston, where he tried to move forward with his life. I wanted nothing to do with oil and gas, McManigle said. I had all the fun I wanted to have. But fate had other ideas. Perrin offered McManigle a job at his boutique law firm Maddox, Perrin, Kirkendall, Collins & Christie PC, which specialized in bankruptcy and restrucing work for energy companies. Harry told me, Youre the only client Ive ever had that actually bought a bankruptcy code book and read it, McManigle said. More: Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com McManigle described the law firm job as a godsend and one that led him to open his own company, the MACCO Restructuring Group, in July 2019. The hard lessons he learned in Odessa and the 1980s serve him to this day, he said. It was better than a Harvard MBA, McManigle said. sergio.chapa@chron.com http://twitter.com/SergioChapa Armenians celebrated Easter on Sunday while being barred, due to the coronavirus pandemic, from attending services held in churches across Armenia on the occasion. Catholicos Garegin (Karekin) II, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, urged them to display national unity and help their government contain the spread of the virus as he led a mass at an empty Saint Gregory the Illuminators Cathedral of Yerevan. In a sermon read out during the liturgy, Garegin also said that the world must unite to defeat not only the pandemic but what he described as even greater evils such as materialism, poverty and armed conflicts. The Easter mass held in Armenias largest cathedral was attended by only two dozen clergymen and a smaller-than-usual choir. Sunday services in all churches have been held behind the closed doors ever since the Armenian government declared on March 16 a state of emergency to fight against coronavirus. The Armenian Church, to which the vast majority of the countrys population nominally belongs, instructed parish churches to livestream, if possible, liturgies online. The ancient churchs Mother See headed by Garegin also restricted church attendance on weekdays and cancelled pre-Easter ceremonies involving large numbers of people. It urged its faithful to abide by serious restrictions on peoples movements imposed by the authorities. In his Easter message Garegin said: We once again call on the sons and daughters of our nation in the homeland and in the diaspora to give a helping hand to our government authorities in their efforts to overcome the difficult situation created by the pandemic, in caring for the patients, and the welfare of those sons and daughters of our nation who are in great distress by making your contributions to a special account opened for this cause. Let us keep national unity and solidarity strong, as people faithful to Christ, he said. Let us live with the faith of the Resurrection, with the zeal to fulfill the commandments of Christ. Garegin had a similar message to Christians around the world. We believe that humanity will overcome this challenging situation of the pandemic and all the difficulties caused by it in the social, economic, educational, and public spheres, he said. However, it is of more importance that a permanent victory is achieved against all inhumane manifestations such as materialism, poverty, inequality, militarism, wars and other evils. Humanity must realize that the guarantee of prosperity and happiness is the life lived by God, which turns into a blessing, power and source of strength, he added. After the service broadcast live on national television, Garegin blessed a small group of believers, some of them wearing face masks, who gathered outside the cathedral. None of them was allowed to kiss a cross held by him. On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinian, who coordinates government measures against coronavirus, urged Armenians to stay at home and avoid trying to attend church ceremonies on Sunday. In any case, the police will prevent any gatherings, Avinian warned on Facebook. Let us demonstrate discipline and responsibility. Let us prevent the spread of the virus. The warning came amid an apparent Easter Eve shopping spree at food supermarkets in Yerevan. Photographs shared on social media showed scores of shoppers ignoring social distancing rules. TWO Limerick brothers have put their heads together to develop an app which would allow the HSE to get a step ahead in terms of Covid-19 contact tracing. The app, Tracing Irelands Population (TIP) is the brainchild of Dr Paul Byrnes, 27, and Patrick Byrnes, 30, from Croom and is focused on reducing the turnaround time of contact tracing efforts. Paul, who is now based in Liverpool, had been monitoring the Covid-19 situation in Ireland when the idea for the app came to him. A major issue he could see was that data collection for contact tracing only begins once a positive test has been recorded. I was keeping in touch with what was going on at home and following the HSEs guidelines and I quickly realised that if someone applies to get tested through their GP and if they do test positive, the HSE werent looking for their close contacts until after a positive test was returned, he explained. Given the delay between the time of booking a test, taking the test, and obtaining the result, the potentially infected person could transmit the virus to a large number of other persons. So between the initial application to the GP and actually getting the test results, seven days could lapse so this app was aimed at getting a head start in gathering that information and then once the test results were returned, the information is there for the HSE and they would be ahead of how they are currently doing things, Paul explained. The HSE has created contact centres to gather this information but the data obtained may be subject to human error and is a manually intensive procedure. Contact tracing relies on the recall and memory of interviewees and it is human nature that there will be instances when interviewees will not remember all their contacts. Therefore, beginning the data collection for contact tracing as quickly as possible is key to realise its true impact, Paul said. According to Paul, Tracing Ireland's Population (TIP) has the potential to overhaul the impact of contact tracing in its current format by reducing time required for contact tracing, and creating an efficient messaging service between close contacts. It also involves informing GPs of patients identified as close contacts, and involves integration with HSE portals. Information is key to battle Covid-19. TIP provides a base to capture this information in an efficient and concise manner, said Paul. To scale out the app nationally, funding has been applied through Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Science Foundation Ireland. Paul who moved to Liverpool about five years ago and finished his phd in mathematics last September is working as a data scientist in a company in Liverpool. He worked on the app with his brother Patrick who is research, development and innovation manager at Croom Precision Medical, an engineering company in Croom founded by their father Paddy in 1984. My background is mainly in the data side and Patrick is a mechanical engineer so he was thinking more in terms of the applications and the process of how to actually interact with the public. To develop the app from concept stage to finished product took around two days. Information which is requested on the app includes a persons contact details, a brief medical history, contact for GP and a list of contact details of the persons closest recent contacts outside their household. It was quite straightforward because you are inviting the public to participate. The idea is that everything is transparent, there is nothing hidden beneath the surface. You are simply asking the public would you mind providing this information to help protect the people around you. The funding would allow us to scale it out across the wider population so the systems would be able to handle large volumes of traffic. If we get approval for funding we can go directly to the HSE and say 'look, this tool is here and is ready to go if you think it would really help the contact tracing efforts'. The main thing is to improve the turnaround time. The HSE are doing a great job really scaling up their contact centres but were trying to give them a helping hand saying you dont need 4,000 people on the phones, you just need this system that will automate a lot of it and make work easier for you. As far as we are aware from last week the HSE were working on an application that uses bluetooth for locations but what was slowing it up was the data privacy and GDPR so this is a way around it, its totally transparent. The data will only be used if you want it to be used and it will be removed if you want it to be removed. One summer in the mid-1970s, there was a knock on the great oak front door of Knockdrin Castle in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. The current owner, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, then in his twenties and studying at Trinity, opened the door to find an American couple outside. They were castle buffs who had read about the neo-Gothic pile and decided to tip up on a whim. Could they, they asked, have a look around? Ferdinand obliged, and they came to a halt at the bottom of the great oak staircase that is one of the castle's show pieces. "The man," says Ferdinand now, "asked me if I would sell him the staircase. Just the staircase." He proposed to disassemble it, take it back to the US and build a house around it. And he would - at his own expense - have a precise replica made to replace the original at Knockdrin. "That was 1976 and he offered me US$100,000 for it," says Ferdinand, "I kicked myself later that I didn't say yes to that one." If that American couple were to return today, they could purchase the entire castle, stairs and all, plus 500 acres for somewhere in excess of 5m. Expand Close Novel gothic: Knockdrin Castles distinctive style has a lighter touch than some of its contemporaries, and the showpiece carved oak staircase is top-lit with a central glazed dome that highlights the decorative plasterwork / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Novel gothic: Knockdrin Castles distinctive style has a lighter touch than some of its contemporaries, and the showpiece carved oak staircase is top-lit with a central glazed dome that highlights the decorative plasterwork The 12-bedroom property originally came to market in 2017 with a price tag of 13.5m, which then included c1,000 acres. It was relaunched in February this year, asking in excess of 5m with 500 acres, something of a bargain when you consider that this historic slice of Irish architecture costs less than either of the two D4 redbricks currently for sale on Ailesbury Road. The early 19th century Gothic Revival castle is believed to have been built around 1810 by Sir Richard Levinge, then Lord Lieutenant of Westmeath. The first Sir Richard Levinge had come to Ireland during the Williamite wars and had wrested ownership of the 12,000 acre estate from the Anglo-Norman Tuite family around 1700. Although Sir Richard Morrison was commissioned to carry out the design, the castle is thought to have been built to drawings by James Shiel, assistant to Sir Francis Johnston, the architect known for some of the best Gothic Revival buildings in Ireland. According to architectural historian Peter Pearson, Knockdrin is one of the best preserved and finest of these mansions in a county rich in them. Unlike some examples of the period, however, Knockdrin's Gothick-ry is embellished with a light hand, and the place is surprisingly bright. The carved oak staircase that is such a feature of the house is top-lit with a central glazed dome that lights up the delicate plasterwork and arched niches of the first-floor gallery. Expand Close Knockdrin Castle / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Knockdrin Castle On the ground floor, a line of south-facing full-length windows floods light into the linked reception rooms which include a drawing room, library, dining room and ballroom. The accommodation extends to some 1,800sqm with seven main bedrooms, and 12 in total. Knockdrin Castle has another claim to fame besides its architecture. British wartime prime minister, Sir Winston Churchill was a regular visitor as a boy when his parents would stay with the Levinges to hunt with the Westmeaths - this is prime hunting country. Later on, during the War of Independence, says Ferdinand, "he wanted to find a bit of quiet so he asked the Levinges whether he could come and stay there for a bit. I gather he was there for about three months alone in Knockdrin." The Crown bedroom is where he took up residence. It was 1961 when industrialist Hans von Prondzynski, his wife, Irene Countess Grote, and their four children moved to Knockdrin from Germany. At the time the Berlin Wall was going up. "But we left because my father had health issues at the time," says Ferdinand, "and he was advised that he should change his lifestyle and should maybe go into farming. He couldn't afford to buy a farm in Germany but prices in Ireland were much cheaper." Expand Close Knockdrin Castle / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Knockdrin Castle He remembers that Knockdrin had "one curiosity", the entire place was painted top to bottom in a peculiar shade of light green. The previous owner, Irish actor Paddy Dunne-Cullinan, had bought the house during the ''National Emergency'' and that was the only paint he could get. The next few years, says Ferdinand, were ones of great freedom - he learnt to drive a tractor at the age of nine, and he and his three sisters roamed the estate, learning to speak English from the children on the farm, before he went to board at Headfort School in Kells. You develop a few odd habits, growing up in a big house, he says. "If I'm in a house, instead of looking for someone, I shout. In Knockdrin, you'd no hope of looking around to find someone - you could be doing that half the day. So you'd stand in the hall and just shout - and I've kept that habit." His parents didn't stay long at Knockdrin. "My father only stuck with it for five years and then he got totally bored with farming and went back to Germany and into industry." But they kept the property and Ferdinand would often spend time there when he was studying law at Trinity, or later when he was moved into academia. Ferdinand went on to become President of DCU from 2000 to 2010. "I had an extraordinary time there," he says. He met, for example, three consecutive American presidents, George Bush senior and junior - "you mightn't fancy their politics," he says, "but they were extraordinarily nice people" - as well as the Clintons, with whom he became friendly. Expand Close Knockdrin Castle / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Knockdrin Castle His parents retired back to Knockdrin in the 1980s, and lived there until their deaths - his mother passed away three years ago. Ferdinand now lives in Aberdeen, retired from his role as Prinicipal and Vice-Chancellor at the Robert Gordon University, though he continues to be involved in mentoring young academics. "I am sad [to be selling]," he says, "it is a place that has been a big thing in my life for so much of it. But I have to be realistic. It doesn't make sense for a middle-aged couple to live in that on their own. You have to accept the inevitable." Knockdrin is, he says, in good structural condition. A new kitchen was installed a few years ago. However, new owners would no doubt want to put their stamp on the place, modernising the bathrooms and upgrading the services. Selling agent David Ashmore says: "What's remarkable is how private Knockdrin is and how protected the vistas are, the castle is deep within the estate, and there are lovely rolling hills, and with the stands of old mature woods, and newer commercial coniferous timber, it is very well protected." The entire estate, which runs to more than a thousand acres, is available at a price in excess of 10m, and comprises roughly 600 acres of arable land, 425 acres of woodland, and 100 acres of lakes. Four estate cottages are also included in the sale. All fishing and hunting rights come with the purchase. Knockdrin is about an hour's drive from Dublin and its airport, and the nearest M4 junction is five minutes' drive. The closest town is Mullingar, with the village of Crookedwood just over 3km away. 12 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms Era: Early 19th century Size: 1,800sqm Agent: David Ashmore, Ireland Sothebys International Realty (01) 905 9790; 087 251 2909 Viewing: Strictly by arrangement The Parliament House Reception Catering Unit will be closed from April 15 in view of the COVID-19 outbreak, informed the Lok Sabha Secretariat on Sunday. "It has also been decided that w.e.f. the date of opening of the Secretariat after the lockdown ends, only tea, coffee in disposable paper glasses, biscuits and tetra pack juice will be served at other catering units operating from Parliament House Annexe, Parliament Library Building and Parliament House," read an official statement. Tea Board, Coffee Board, Delhi Milk Scheme and Himachal Pradesh GovernmentUndertaking Juice counters functioning in Parliament House Estate will, however, continue to provide their services. "All the officers/ staff of the Secretariat availing catering facilities are, therefore, requested to cooperate and bring their own food items and drinking water keeping in view the extraordinary circumstances," the order read. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Huawei Cloud has launched a global action plan to help customers around the world to fight Covid-19 with cloud and AI (artificial intelligence) services. As part of this international action plan against the coronavirus, Huawei Cloud will be providing free AI and cloud services and will be recruiting partners around the world to help fight this pandemic together. Deng Tao, president of Huawei Cloud Global Market, stated: "Huawei Cloud has been working with partners in China to use innovative technologies such as cloud and AI to fight the pandemic, and has accumulated practical experience with AI-assisted CT scan analysis, drug discovery, online education, and telecommuting technologies. Now, we are launching this international action plan to share our practical experience to the international market. We will make every effort to leverage technology to help our customers around the world cope with challenges faced in the midst of this crisis." In the healthcare domain, Huawei Cloud provides EIHealth free of charge, which includes services such as viral genome detection, Antiviral drug in silico screening, and AI-assisted CT patient screening service. In the education sector, Huawei Cloud works with partners to provide online education services for schools and other educational institutions. It is also helping enterprises migrate businesses to the cloud to ensure continuous operations while the pandemic continues. Huawei Cloud is now offering up to 1,500 hours of free cloud resources for each newly registered user, complete with 24/7 professional support on the Huawei Cloud (international) website. Huawei Cloud has also released the Anti-Covid-19 Partner Program, a program focused on five main scenarios: remote office, AI support, enterprise assistance, smart healthcare, and online education. Partners who participate in this program can not only obtain comprehensive business, technological, and market support, but will also have the opportunity to obtain free cloud resources worth up to $30,000. TradeArabia News Service A COVID-19 cell has been set up here at Alappuzha District Collectorate to monitor quarantine compliance by people and keep a check on their health conditions in real-time through Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System. Speaking to ANI, Alappuzha District Collector M Anjan said that even in the case of community transmission of COVID-19, this cell can operate from remote areas. "In our COVID control room, we use technology to reach out to a large number of people to provide them medical advice and assistance. Even in the case of community transmission of COVID-19, this cell can operate from remote areas," she said. She emphasised that the district administration is carrying out real-time inter-sectoral coordination and monitoring in view of coronavirus spread.The District Collector mentioned that when Pathanamthitta district had 8 active COVID-19 cases, Alappuzha was able to keep the count at three. Meanwhile, Dr Sharath Chandra Bose, an in-charge of COVID Control Cell in Alappuzha, said that all the people in isolation are contacted to know about their medical condition using IVR technology. "Each new day the number of people living in home quarantine is increasing and approximately at the moment it has reached over 7,000. From the call centre, it is not possible to contact more than 50 people who are staying in home isolation. As per the current COVID scenario, it is difficult to employ more humans to carry out various services. Even in this situation, all the people in isolation are contacted to know about their medical conditions using IVR technology," he said. After collecting details from people who are under home quarantine, the doctors are giving them adequate advice and medical assistance if required. Geo-mapping is being used with assistance from Google to locate and shift patients to isolation wards. "To take a COVID-19 infected person to the medical college hospital, an ambulance is used till the barricaded area and then the patient gets shifted to another fully equipped ambulance which is parked near the barricades. This is enabled with the technical support from Google and it is monitored by the district administration," Bose said. Dr Nithun Kabeer, an in-charge of the IVR response system, said that accurate data collection of COVID-19 patients is another advantage of the automated system. "We are able to compile all data by the end of the day by using the technology. Also, online medical services help to treat general patients so that hospital beds remain free for COVID-19 patients," he added. Kerala was the first state in India to report a positive coronavirus case. As per the Union Health Ministry, the state's tally for COVID-19 cases stands at 364 with 123 fully recovered and 2 deaths. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CEDAR FALLS As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to slow down business everywhere, #CedarValleyStrong is gaining strength to give area business owners a helping hand. Cedar Falls Laser Engraving owner Heath Wilken, who launched #CedarValleyStrong in March, has joined forces with Danny Laudick, owner of Red Cedar, a company that assists small business startups in the Cedar Valley. Together, the pair has created a movement, with more than 2,000 followers on Facebook. Its website, cedarvalleystrong.com, and Facebook page list and promote more than 200 area businesses that have modified their platforms and are still open for business online. The website allows visitors to shop online by category: food & drink, entertainment, locally owned franchises, professional services, health & wellness, retail and farm & produce. Theyre the most vulnerable ones to be hit by this, Wilken said. The platform encourages the community to buy gift cards from their favorite businesses or shop online. A shared gift certificate program allows patrons to purchase a universal gift card to all businesses who are part of the initiative. I could foresee this was going to impact communities before things were shut down. It was going to happen, and it was going to hit small businesses really hard, he said. The website also added a virtual tip jar for people to tip their favorite bartender, server, stylist or aesthetician. Service industry workers can sign up on the website with their Venmo or Paypal information. When youre tied into that fabric of the small business community and you know everyone personally, you take their problems personally, Laudick said. Laudick said his work with the community revealed to him how important small businesses and startups are to a community. You never like to be in a situation like this, but anytime theres a big shock to peoples lifestyles, theres a chance to refocus and refigure out whats valuable again. We get so caught up in the day to day, so this gives you a chance to step back and reframe, he said. Beginning this Friday, Wilken and Laudick will host 10 Days of #CedarValleyStrong. There will 10 events in 10 days, including a virtual 5K, giveaways and an online raffle. We know this isnt going to be done at the end of the month, so were trying to keep the ongoing excitement, Laudick said. To join Cedar Valley Strong, send an email to cedarvalleystrong@gmail.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant slowdown in the global economy have cast serious doubts on the highest-ever disinvestment target of Rs 2.1 trillion that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had set for 2020-21. The most optimistic assumption, according to informed sources, is there will be no transaction in the first half of the year (April-September). The worst-case scenario is the two marquee names up for privatisation Air India and Bharat Petroleum may not happen this year, and what the Centre may get in divestment proceeds could just be a fraction of the ... WHO warns against lifting restrictions too soon amid signs of slowing in COVID-19 infections in Europe People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:34, April 11, 2020 GENEVA/ROME, April 10 (Xinhua) -- 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cases of domestic violence are being reported at a higher rate in Houston during COVID-19, advocates and law enforcement officials say, because more victims are becoming isolated with their abusers. On top of the mental strain of isolation, during natural disasters or global panics such as the novel coronavirus, studies show that abusers become more violent in an attempt to assert their sense of control. If you or someone you know is suffering abuse, reach out for help from one of the regions nonprofits. Advocates can help assess the risk of harm in a home, create a safety plan to escape and connect survivors with critical resources such as legal help, shelter and childcare. National domestic violence resource National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Texas domestic violence resources The Family Violence Program: A program that says it promotes self-sufficiency, safety, and long-term independence of adult and child victims of family violence and victims of teen dating violence. Through a network of service providers, the program provides emergency shelter and supportive services to victims and their children, educates the public, and provides training, and prevention support to various organizations across Texas. All services are free and there is no income verification for eligibility. Texas Advocacy Project: Operates the Hope Line for survivors to get free legal advice on family violence, sexual assault and other issues. 1-800-374-HOPE. Crime Victims - Texas Legal Services Center: A statewide project providing free legal representation and referrals to domestic violence survivors. Crime victims lawyers offer legal advice, safety planning, pro se assistance and legal representation. The organization also helps survivors applying for crime victim compensation claims. Texas Council on Family Violence: A nonprofit coalition in Texas that says it is dedicated to creating safer communities and freedom from family violence. With a statewide reach and direct local impact, the organization shapes public policy, equips service providers with tools and initiates strategic prevention efforts. Houston domestic violence resources Brighter Tomorrows: Provides emergency safe shelter to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Their services are free and confidential. Brighter Tomorrows also has counseling and transitional housing, among other services offered in English and Spanish. Its 24-hour hotline number is 972-262-8383. Montgomery County Womens Center: Provides a 24-hour hotline, safe shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and legal services to survivors of family violence, sexual assault and stalking. Its 24-hour hotline number is 936-441-7273 Houston Area Womens Center: The organization says it works to help survivors affected by domestic and sexual violence build lives free from the effects of violence. The nonprofit has 115 paid staff, a counseling and administrative building, a residential shelter for 120 women and children, a state-of-the-art hotline call center and more than 1,000 volunteers. Its 24-hour domestic violence hotline number is 713-528-2121. The sexual assault 24-hour hotline is 713-528-7273. Fort Bend Womens Center: Provides programs to help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault escape abuse and move forward to build independent lives, free of violence and fear. All of its services are free. The centers 24-hour crisis hotline number is 281-342-4357. Bay Area Turning Point: A non-profit community-based social service agency providing services to people impacted by family violence and sexual assault. The agency also operates prevention and awareness services designed to bring an end to sexual and domestic violence. 24-hour hotline: 281-286-2525. Texas legal services for survivors AVDA: A nonprofit organization that says its mission is to end family violence by advocating for the safety and self-determination of victims, promoting accountability for abusers and fostering a community response to abuse. AVDA provides multilingual services to survivors of abuse and their families. Texas Legal Services Center: The centers attorneys provide sexual assault survivors with legal information and advice about legal issues that may arise following a sexual assault. Callers may remain anonymous if they wish, and still receive information about crime victims rights, housing, employment, immigration, education and safety planning. Houston legal resources for survivors Houston Volunteer Lawyers: Helps low-income people that other programs cannot serve, like those who may not meet the financial criteria or people who are not U.S. citizens. Lone Star Legal Aids Houston Office: The Houston office serves Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties. The organization provides legal information, advice or full representation in domestic violence cases, divorces, child custody matters, evictions, foreclosures, among other services. hannah.dellinger@chron.com Its easier to walk into a maze than it is to walk out. Once the coronavirus started arriving here by plane and cruise ship just a few months ago, what needed to be done gradually made itself clear: we had to shut down as much of our normal activity as possible. For how long, no one really knew. We still dont know. When I say we, I mean governments as well as ordinary Australians. Now that were not quite all the way into lockdown mode but somewhere near it, our lives are in the hands of our political leaders and those who advise them to a greater extent than at any time since World War Two. Whats been done up till now is having a positive effect. Theres some success at pushing back at COVID-19, although its still taking lives and making too many of us incredibly sick. However, the great challenge is still ahead of us: when and how do we start to relax the restrictions governing our movements, our income, our businesses, our education and our health? Some will see it as a mechanistic challenge, with our leaders looking at numbers and projections and taking soundings from scientists before deciding what to do. So much of modern governance is about process, about avoiding risk and building in degrees of certainty. Except that the risk here is ultimately not about dollars, its about lives and the moral choices we make or, more correctly, that our leaders make on our behalf. With the country under a total 21-day lockdown designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, social media has become an important tool for communicating important information while maintaining social distancing. `And Mumbai Police's Twitter handle has been doing just that in fun and creative ways. With the number of coronavirus cases shooting up up in India, several states have made the using of masks compulsory in outdoors to contain the spread of the virus. And to remind people constantly to use masks, the Mumbai Police took to Twitter to share a meme of Shah Rukh Khan from the 2004 movie Main Hoon Na. Fans probably remember when Shah Rukh Khan had to do a massive back arch to safeguard himself from being spat on by Satish Shah, who played the role of a college professor, in the staff room. Taking a cue from its popularity, Mumbai Police took to Twitter to say, "@iamsrk wouldnt need to do such stunts any longer - Mask Hai Na!" .@iamsrk wouldnt need to do such stunts any longer - Mask Hai Na! pic.twitter.com/8lHfCtJgye Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 12, 2020 In another tweet, the Mumbai Police reiterated the need to stay home, use hand sanitisers and masks. . . . . . Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 12, 2020 At a time when Maharashtra is reporting the highest number of Covid-19 positive cases in India, the post garnered more than 1,000 likes and 400 retweets. Netizens thronged to the comments' section to hail the force's humour, share more memes and laud the force's efforts in making sure a strict implementation of social distancing is followed in Mumbai. Iam in love with the person who is handling tweeter for Mumbai Police. Very entertaining. He/she is the real Bollywood fanLai bhari Priyanka More Kashid (@PKashidMore) April 12, 2020 You don't need such stunts to break the chain!You can break the chain by simply Staying At Home ! pic.twitter.com/oDM1YcjDS7 Dr. Rakesh Mote (@rakeshmote) April 12, 2020 Best in the world Saumen Banerjee (@SaumenBanerjee5) April 12, 2020 excellent !! Whoever is handling this is simply innovative Bharati Chaudhari (@bumekar) April 12, 2020 This is true, we need to wear a mask anyhow otherwise such type of people for us is very dangerous. Adv. Ashutosh J Dubey (@iamashu123) April 12, 2020 Meanwhile, India on Sunday crossed the 8,000-mark and registered 8,356 cases of Covid-19 with the death toll hitting 273, the Union Health Ministry said. Churches across the country on Easter wore a deserted look as mass gatherings have been suspended in view of the coronavirus outbreak. In the capital, Sacred Heart Cathedral near Gol Dak Khana was seen closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Similarly, Lucknow's St Joseph's Cathedral also closed its doors due to the coronavirus threat. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion on Good Friday. It also marks the culmination of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance. On April 21 last year, devotees had gathered at churches across India at midnight on Easter. Churches were decked up with flowers as people attended the ceremonial midnight mass to offer prayers in devotional fervour. However, this year, the public rituals had to be cancelled in the wake of the lockdown. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Mach 24 announced a 21-day lockdown to fight the virus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) irs internal revenue service Susan Walsh/AP The first round of coronavirus stimulus checks started hitting people's bank accounts Friday afternoon. Mobile banking startup Current has already seen about 10,000 accounts credited by the IRS, the company told The Wall Street Journal. Americans who qualify for automatic stimulus payments will receive them this week, the IRS said Friday. People who don't have direct-deposit info on file with the IRS will receive a check by mail, sent out any time between early April through early September. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Some people have already received their coronavirus stimulus checks from the federal government, according to mobile banking startup Current. The company told The Wall Street Journal that roughly 10,000 accounts received stimulus payments from the Internal Revenue Service starting Friday afternoon. The one-time payments are part of the government's stimulus package meant to help Americans recover from the financial shock of coronavirus shutdowns. Most people received $1,200 payments, according to Current. Others, who qualified for more money because they have children or for other reasons, received payments of up to $4,700. The IRS announced on Friday that people who already have direct deposit information on file from filing their taxes will receive payments in the coming week. Up to 70 million Americans will be paid by April 15, a Treasury spokesperson told The Washington Post. For everyone else, paper checks will arrive by mail any time between now and early September. New filers are urged to use a new IRS tool to submit their bank details in order to get their one-time payments as soon as possible. Read the original article on Business Insider Wind farms are losing out on tens of millions of euro because of constraints in Ireland's transmission system and the problem is getting worse, a new study shows. Wind farms lost 75.5m worth of revenue in 2019 - up from 49.7m in 2018 - because they were forced by grid operator EirGrid to either switch off completely or turn down their power output to the national grid at certain times, according to the report from the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA). That meant wind farms therefore missed out on getting paid for the electricity they were not being allowed to produce because the national grid was unable to handle the load. The report estimates tens of millions are lost every year by wind farms because of 'dispatch down', a technical term which refers to what happens when EirGrid, as the transmission system operator, turns off or reduces the amount of power a wind farm can produce for grid stability reasons. "There is a limit to the amount of wind the system can cope with at any time and EirGrid has done great work in recent years to increase this limit up to 65pc, making us a world leader," said Noel Cunniffe, head of policy at IWEA. "But the transmission grid itself also has constraints which mean that there may be a lot of wind farms producing power in, say Mayo, but the transmission system is too congested to get it from there to Dublin or wherever it is needed." The revenue lost by wind farms from this type of constraint more than doubled from 14.6m in 2018 to 35.1m last year. "While we don't have official figures from quarter one this year yet, indications are that it will actually unfortunately be a record quarter for dispatch down, primarily due to a lot of new wind generation connecting on to the system in Ireland in quarter four last year. So we have a lot more generation and we had a good few storms, which means we broke a lot of wind records in those months as well," Cunniffe said. "So while that's the positive side of things, it has also meant record levels of dispatch down. We could have had a lot more renewables on to the grid if the grid was capable of holding it." A key issue that has caused the problem is the failure to build major new power lines that EirGrid had proposed over the past decade because of massive local campaigns and objections, he said. EirGrid spokesperson David Martin said that the grid operator's strategy "will ensure that renewable energy accounts for 70pc of all electricity use in Ireland by 2030 - more than double current levels". He added: "Key to this is upgrading the power system so that it can handle world-leading levels of renewable energy, supplied through a combination of offshore and onshore wind, along with solar energy. We estimate that the cost of delivering this strategy is in excess of 2bn over the next five years." Constraints in Northern Ireland - part of the all-Ireland power market - have also jumped quite substantially from 2018 and 2019, at a time when there was not a large amount of new renewable generation connected. "One of the main reasons for this is because the north-south interconnector is not in place. There is basically a lot of renewable energy being generated in Northern Ireland and there's a bottleneck to export that either to Belfast or across the Border," said Cunniffe. Transmission of wind-farm-generated power from the south west and west has also been curtailed over the last year because of problems with a key transformer that connects to the country's only two 400 kilovolt power lines, which run from Moneypoint directly to north and south Dublin. The transformer has had to be shipped to Italy for repair and an older one brought back into service for now. But Cunniffe praised the grid operator for the work it has done to increase the capacity for renewable energy. "EirGrid and ESB Networks are the solution here. They're really doing good work in pushing up that limit for curtailment and connecting new projects. "What we need is the political momentum behind them to strengthen and improve the grid over the next few years so we can cut curtailment/constraints, reduce power prices and cut CO2 emissions," he said. Three Indian nationals, staying at a local mosque in southern Nepal, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a media report said here on Sunday. The three Indian nationals were staying in Birgunj due to the nationwide lockdown which has been extended by another eight days till April 15 to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country. With the three fresh cases, the total number of infections in the country has gone up to 12, a local news channel reported. After a preliminary report in Hetauda-based Vector-Borne Disease Research and Training Center came positive, the samples were sent to Kathmandu-based National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) for confirmation, the Avenues Television reported, quoting Health Ministry sources. The Kathmandu-based laboratory also confirmed that the test report was positive on Saturday evening, it said. The three Indian nationals had reportedly entered Nepal for a Muslim mass gathering held in Saptari district in March in which hundreds of people from Nepal and India participated. Meanwhile, the local administration has put 26 people, who were residing in the mosque, under quarantine, the report said. The Nepal government decided to extend the nationwide lockdown at a Cabinet meeting on April 6 after the country entered into the second phase of the coronavirus outbreak with the first case of locally transmitted person confirmed in Western Nepal. It was the second time that the government extended the lockdown. The government had initially announced a week-long nationwide shutdown on March 24. On March 29, it was extended till April 7. Globally, the novel coronavirus that originated in China in December has killed 108,862 people and infected over 1.7 million people globally. The US has the highest number of infections at 529,887, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The US on Sunday overtook Italy as the country with the highest number of deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the fatalities crossing 20,000. Image: Representational A man who featured as one of the four male partners in a polyamorous relationship with a pregnant woman that received media attention in December has been charged with aggravated child abuse after the 5-week-old baby suffered multiple severe injuries. 22-year-old Ethan Baucom was one of the individuals shown in a Barcroft TV production which told the story of 20-year-old Tory Ojeda sharing her Jacksonville, Fla. with three of her four partners, including Baucom. Ojeda revealed that she was marrying one of the men in the house, Travis, but that the father of her baby was another partner called Christopher. "We're all raising the baby together so everyone's Dad," Ojeda said. "We're all very, very excited to be raising a baby together." Christopher said he was looking forward to sharing father responsibilities with the other men in the house, commenting, "There is a lot of support between all of us dads and it's something we can tag team." It has now been revealed that one of those men, Ethan Baucom, admitted to physically abusing the 5-week-old baby while babysitting the infant. According to reports, the baby suffered a "broken leg, arm, ribs and skull fractures." The police report also reveals that Baucom, who told officers he needed to tell the truth," heard a "pop" during the incident, which occurred on March 12th. He told police he was "frustrated" at his inability to get any sleep during the babysitting and that this was the reason for carrying out the assault, further details of which are redacted in the official police report. Authorities got involved when officers were called to a hospital on March 15 and told about the baby's severe injuries as well as the the fact the infant had suffered "multiple brain bleeds." Experts concluded the baby had been attacked at least three separate times. The baby's mother called the Florida Department of Children and Families five days after the incident took place. Baucom told her he had merely "squeezed" the child. "I am so distraught that words cannot describe," said the baby's grandmother in response to the incident. "Oh the horror of all this! I'm so overwhelmed with pain, heartache and sorrow over this." The baby is expected to make a full recovery with no permanent damage. Baucom is now in jail. By Gerard Rotonda III My father grew up in Newark. He was a fireman and owned part of 7-Up bottling of Belleville. He married the woman across the street from him in Newark and they moved to Fairfield. They had five children and 12 grandchildren. Then his wife, Anna Marie, went to school, received her Ph.D. and became mayor of Fairfield. My dad treated all five kids equally and made us all go to college and continue until we either had a masters, Ph.D. or law degree. He wanted us to have a better life than him, as he was a man who worked 20 hours a day. He loved riding Harleys and collected them. He was friends with almost every police officer in New Jersey because he rode with the Blue Knights. His character can be described in the following: Many years ago, I had drinks with my dad before Thanksgiving. While driving home in separate cars, a State Trooper was driving behind me, pacing me. I was doing 70 mph. I was concerned about what to do next. Then, all of a sudden, a car came up the emergency lane, passing the trooper and me. The cop put on his lights and went around me and chased the car into the distance away from me. It was my dad! He didnt stop until I was safe from being pulled over. My dad was 84 years old. He had a little bit of Parkinsons, diabetes and heart issues. He was surviving everything. But then he had his leg removed due to circulation issues. He went into rehab on Feb. 24. The rehabilitation center in West Caldwell went on lockdown on March 10. On March 26, he was sent to St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston with pneumonia. Two days later, he tested positive for COVID-19. For the next 10 days, he was in isolation. He didnt have his cell phone with him and we werent allowed to visit him. Would he now die alone? We finally reached him on a landline telephone. He sounded weak but I taped every conversation as I didnt want to forget his voice. Our short conversations are mostly of me taking deep breaths and holding back the tears and telling him to hang in there and be strong. (Note: I never cry and was taught to be strong, but there was a huge lump in my throat and I didnt want him to know it). When I called Wednesday there was no answer. We called the nurses station and they were wonderful and gave us updates. The hospital was excellent and well run. We went three more days with no more words from him on the phone. I asked if we could somehow get him his cell phone so we could facetime him but they said it would be impossible because he was in isolation. On April 4th, my sister orchestrated, with the help of a nurse, a facetime session for my dad and me. The nurse, Fernando Camacho, was so wonderful and said he would try to find an iPad or tablet to facetime. Camacho, dressed in isolation in his PPE gear, found a way to call me back and tell me that although he couldnt find a tablet he would get his personal cell phone out of his locker so I could see and talk to my dad. I got the call from Camacho and told my dad, I love you, keep breathing, you are getting better and Ill visit tomorrow. I didnt know what else to say. He was looking right at me with an oxygen mask strapped to his mouth and his mouth agape. His eyes looking at me. I remembered a movie where they once said: blink twice if you can hear me. So I said, Pop, blink twice if you can hear me. He blinked twice. I laughed out of joy. I said, Pop, blink twice again. He did it again. Then I knew he could really hear me. I said I love you," again and named all my four sisters and told him they loved him, too. I asked him to blink again, and he did, assuring me he could hear me. I told him stay strong, and Ill see him tomorrow. I thanked Camacho and told him he was awesome. He gave me the thumbs up and said to me, Hang in there. My dad died shortly afterward. I sent the video call to my sisters and we all felt at peace that he knew we were there for him and then perhaps felt it was O.K. for him to die. I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. And I know its natural to be sad, but not just because of this tragedy, but because of the life I had with him prior to his death. Im not sure what would ease the difficulty of the days ahead. I watch the video often. Some things are deeper than time and distance. Thank God we were able to see him and be with him and I am very grateful to the front line medical providers dealing with this every day for having compassion and understanding during these strange times. Gerard Rotonda owns an online pharmaceutical company in Kentucky. He lives in Manhattan with wife and two daughters. His four sisters live in New Jersey. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Jailed Taliban are seen after an interview with The Associated Press inside the Pul-e-Charkhi jail in Kabul, Afghanistan on Dec. 14, 2019. (Rahmat Gul/AP Photo) Afghan Taliban Confirms Release of 1st Government Prisoners KABUL, AfghanistanThe Taliban announced Sunday it will be releasing 20 Afghan government prisoners the group has been holding, in the first phase of its commitment under its historic peace deal with the United States. The deal calls for the government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1,000 government officials held by the terrorist group. The Afghan government released its first 100 Taliban prisoners last week and Jawed Faisal, a spokesman for Afghanistans national security adviser, said the government has thus far released 300 Taliban prisoners overall from government custody. Jailed Taliban are seen during an interview to The Associated Press inside the Pul-e-Charkhi jail in Kabul, Afghanistan on Dec. 14, 2019. (Rahmat Gul/AP Photo) Suhial Shaheen, a spokesman for the Talibans political office, said in a tweet that the first government prisoners will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in the southern Kandahar province. Today, 20 prisoners of the Kabul Administration will be released by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and handed over to ICRC in Kandahar. Suhail Shaheen (@suhailshaheen1) April 12, 2020 The exchanges come after the Taliban 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 was 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 whom he said American troops would continue to come to the aid of 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 United States to extricate itself from the 19-year war, Americas longest. An Afghan National Army soldier stands guard at a checkpoint near the Bagram base north of Kabul, Afghanistan on April 8, 2020. (Rahmat Gul/AP Photo) 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. According to the Talibans Shaheen, the meeting was held late Friday in the Gulf nation of Qatar, where the terrorist group maintains a political office. Shaheen wrote on Twitter 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. At the meeting with Miller, the Taliban accused the United States of bombing its insurgents in their homes, contrary to the U.S.-Taliban peace deal. Earlier last week, the U.S. State Departments Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs sent out a harsh statement on Twitter expressing frustration at the continued political turmoil roiling Kabul. As the world gets slammed by COVID-19, with devastating economic consequences for all, donors are frustrated and fed up by personal agendas being advanced ahead of the welfare of the Afghan people, The State Department wrote. Afghanistan has imposed a lockdown in several cities to curb the spread of the new virus and has so far recorded 607 confirmed cases and 19 deaths. By Rahim Raiez The Modi government is in the process of reviewing and deciding on the likely course of action to be taken after the end of 21-day lockdown ending 14th April 2020. Six state governments have already publicly announced an extension of lockdown in their states, many others have expressed the view of its further extension. Even online netizen polls support a further lockdown, in view of an accelerated pace of COVID-19 positive cases, increasing fatality and inability of existing healthcare infrastructure to handle the existing level of outbreak, and its further growth will tear apart the crumbling edifice. So, by force, an extension of lockdown is a given certainty, with exemptions for some activities like Rabi harvest or some other activities in unaffected parts of the country or activities which can be undertaken in confines. Practically, there is the expectation of another 2-week lockdown, with scaled-down activities in some select sectors. I hope we can contain its spread, do enough testing, build up isolation centres, step up PPEs to save lives of our frontline warriors, and reduce COVID mortality rate with more ventilators and medicare. Also Read: What govt plans to do for migrant workers amid lockdown Since there are medical experts to address these issues, let's dwell on other aspects to save lives apart from COVID-19. However, i will point out to only one medical issue. Many hospitals have reportedly closed access to all other patients. Each life matters, COVID or non-COVID. But here, I will focus on socio-economic upheaval and its implications that have the potential to make or break society and the economy. The worst affected social group during the current lockdown are the labourers, and more particularly migrants who had left their homes for seeking odd jobs at various places, both urban and rural in industries, services, construction and even in agriculture. The unorganised sector in India accounts for 93% workforce, as per the latest India 2020 publication, which gives ministry-wise information about various programmes. So, in essence, we do not have adequate data on the details of labour and the workforce in the unorganised sector. Migrant labourers well caught unaware when the lockdown was announced, and not knowing what to do and in absence of a safety net made move towards reverse migration to their place of origin, mostly by foot as public transport got closed abruptly. More pain was to follow, with them being either sent back again from the state borders or finding them unwelcome in the(PMSYM)ir own villages fearing they might be carriers of the virus. So, most of the migrant labourers were left feeling like "stateless" and in a state of disarray created by the suddenness of lockdown. They are national assets, and petty interstate parochialism should not come into picture at all. Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown V: Three ways govt can help farmers, migrant workers overcome the current crisis According to the World Economic Forum citing Economic Survey of India 2017, the total number of internal migrants in the country (accounting for inter- and intra-state movement) is a staggering 139 million. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are the biggest source states, followed closely by Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal; the major destination states are Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. So, in our population of 130 crore Indians, these 130 million+ are one of the most affected in the current crisis. These are the people, who will play a key role in national reconstruction required after the pandemic, and attending to them at this hour is the key. Hopefully, policymakers and advisors will try to identify people from various records available with the government. One way is suggested below. To provide social security to the unorganised labour, there is a government initiative called Pradhan Mantri Shram-Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM) for workers with a monthly income up to Rs 15,000 and belonging to the age group of 18-40 years. They were assured a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60. Most of them are likely to be without jobs now. My suggestion would be to pay this Rs 3,000 per month to those who have enrolled for this social security, and whose details are available with the government until they are absorbed back into the economic production cycle. Apart from the migrant labourers referred above, the workforce, in general, has shrunk frighteningly. According to recent CMIE data, the unemployment rate for the first week of April spiked to 23%. This scale of joblessness is the largest ever recorded, including even during the great depression. Can government initiate specific measures such as providing large-scale unemployment allowance for sustaining them through the crisis, until they are gainfully employed again? Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 03:56:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close CAIRO, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Public Prosecutor Hamada al-Sawy on Saturday ordered an investigation after citizens attempted to prevent the burial of a doctor who died from COVID-19, state-run Nile TV reported. The police fired tear gas and arrested 20 people in Dakahlia province who protested against the burial process out of fears of the virus spread, the report added. The 64-year-old doctor, who tested positive for the virus after returning back from Saudi Arabia, passed away in an isolation hospital in Ismailia province last week. The images of the crowds who stopped the burial in the victim's village of birth went viral on the social media and caused public uproar. Finally, the authorities intervened to allow the burial to be held in the hometown of the doctor's husband under strict security measures. This is not the first time in recent days that people have opposed the burial of coronavirus victims over the concern that this would allow the virus to spread. "The Health Ministry is adopting strict guidelines in washing and enshrouding the deceased," said Ayman Fouda, chief of forensics medicine of Egyptian Health Ministry. He added that the dead body is placed with charcoal inside a sealed bag and the cemetery will be sterilized and closed following the burial for 60 days to avoid possible infections during the process. The first COVID-19 positive patient of Manipur, who was undergoing treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), here was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, doctors said. Director of JNIMS Prof Thongam Bhimo said the woman was discharged as she had recovered completely after successful treatment. The 23-year-old woman, a resident of Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai area in Imphal West district, had returned from the UK. After reaching Imphal she visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) here on March 23, complaining of nasopharyngeal problems. Test reports of her swab and blood samples confirmed she is infected with coronavirus. She was admitted to the isolation ward of the JNIMS and was undergoing treatment. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on April 9 said that the state government has decided to give Rs 35 lakh to the medical team and officials of JNIMS who treated the state's first COVID-19 patient. Manipur so far has reported only one case of COVID-19. Meanwhile, of the 19 people quarantined in Moreh town close to the Indo-Myanmar border, 10 have tested negative for COVID-19, said Prof Ahanthem Santa Singh, Director Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal on Sunday. He said the test report of the nine others were awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two persons died after consuming spurious liquor in Mawai Bachchan village in Sajeti area of the city, police said on Sunday. Sajeti's Station House Officer (SHO) Mukesh Solanki said six others, including village head Randheer Yadav, who had also consumed spurious liquor were being treated at the Lala Lajpat Rai (LLR) hospital. The deceased have been identified as Ankit Sachan (32), a health worker, and Anoop Sachan (30), a truck driver. Solanki said prima facie it appears that the victims had consumed the spurious liquor on Saturday night and then started developing complications. "We are trying to find out from where Anoop had purchased spurious liquor during the lockdown period," he added. District Magistrate Dr Brahmdeo Ram Tiwari and Senior Superintendent of Police Anant Deo Tiwari visited LLR hospital to take stock of their health and investigate the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub will donate a third of his salary to the solidarity fund for the next three months, the company announced on 12 April. Vodacom said Joosub has heeded the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa to aid South Africans in the battle against the COVID-19 coronavirus. The solidarity fund enables individuals and organisations to contribute to the detection and prevention of COVID-19. The fund provides care for those that need medical care and supports those whose lives have been disrupted by the health crisis. On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa set an incredible example by announcing that he would be taking a one-third pay cut for the next three months and that his entire cabinet will do the same, Joosub said. I, too, will heed the Presidents call by donating a third of my salary for the next three months to the solidarity fund and call on other CEOs to follow suit. Not only is it the right thing to do but it will, in a small way, help towards South Africas recovery from the pandemic, he said. Ministers take pay cuts Speaking at a media briefing on 9 April 2020, Ramaphosa announced that he and all ministers will receive a salary cut for the next three months. The president, the deputy president, and cabinet ministers will all take a one-third salary cut, which will be donated to the solidarity fund. Ramaphosa said the governments priority going forward is to prevent the massive loss of life which the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to inflict. This will see healthcare efforts ramped up, along with financial packages provided for local businesses. We are only at the beginning of a monumental struggle, said Ramaphosa. Now read: The high price South Africa will pay for extending the lockdown Chinese chain restaurant Xibei, which was exposed to having raised menu prices amid the COVID-19 pandemic, apologized and lowered prices back to pre-pandemic levels after the move sparked heated discussion among consumers. The food chain which specializes in delicacies from Northwestern China, has increased prices on 18 takeaway dishes in Shanghai and eight surrounding cities by 1-10 yuan ($0.14-$1.4) since February 1. The firm has also raised the dine-in prices of 25 dishes in 12 stores in Shanghai by 1-10 yuan starting from April 6, Jia Guolong, chairman of Xibei Catering Group, said in a post on China's twitter-like Sina Weibo on Saturday. Jia apologized for the price increases, noting that the move is not suitable at the moment. "We are also in a quite difficult period, and hope customers can support our businesses," Jia said. Hotpot restaurant Haidilao, which raised menu prices after resuming dine-in services, also apologized in a statement on Friday. Haidilao told the Global Times on Saturday that raising menu prices was a "wrong decision made by the management team," which impedes the interests of customers and the firm is "deeply sorry" for that. Both Xibei and Haidilao said menu prices will return to standard levels before January 26. The apologies came amid a multitude of restaurants allegedly raising menu prices following the resumption of dine-in services in China, in an attempt to offset rising food costs and economic losses from forced closures due to the coronavirus. In the first two months of 2020, the catering industry recorded a total revenue of 419.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 43.1 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Moreover, though more restaurants are resuming dine-in services as the pandemic has abated in the country, most still adopt quite strict anti-pandemic measures -such as asking consumers to sit separately while eating, frequent disinfection, and temperature screening to prevent viral transmission-further adding to operating costs. "I've waited for 50 minutes for a table for four - partly because customers are asked to sit separately while eating due to the pandemic," a Beijing-based resident surnamed Chen who visited a Haidilao restaurant in Chaoyang District, Beijing, told the Global Times on Saturday. Chen said it's also becoming "much more complicated" to get into the restaurant due a strict health check process - people without 'green' health codes, which trace travel history in the past 14 days, are denied entry. Besides, for every customer, body temperature screening and disinfection is mandatory. A Global Times reporter also recently visited the Joy City in Chaoyang district, one of the many bustling shopping malls in Beijing, and found major restaurants have reopened. During rush hour, consumers were seen waiting outside for a table, like usual and the waiting time has been prolonged as most restaurants require people not to sit next to each other. The comprehensive anti-pandemic measures adopted by Chinese restaurants, which were proved to be an effective way to reassure and encourage consumers to dine in as the pandemic still casts a shadow on people's daily lives, should also be considered by restaurants in foreign countries, analysts said. Industry analysts also noted that given that the profits of catering industries can reach 70 percent, leading companies should make joint efforts to tide over the difficult period rather than transferring costs to the customers in pursuit of profits. The apologies made by Haidilao and Xibei, which have sparked heated discussion online, are more like a free advertisement to attract consumers, as it tells everyone that "dine-in services restart, come to eat," Zhu Hang, an industry analyst told the Global Times on Saturday. A 45-year-old woman was injured in overnight shelling and firing by Pakistani army along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Poonch and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday. Saleema Bi, a resident of Lanjout village, was hit by splinters when a mortar shell exploded near her house in Balakote sector of Poonch district late Saturday night, the officials said. They said the woman was rescued by a joint team of the Army, police personnel and health workers amid intense shelling and was evacuated to a hospital, where her condition was stated to be stable. Balakote along with Mendhar witnessed heavy firing and shelling from across the border for several hours Saturday night, forcing strong and befitting retaliation by the Indian Army, the officials said. Several houses were damaged in the Pakistani shelling, they added. The officials said Hiranagar sector along the IB in Kathua district of the Jammu region was also rocked by heavy exchange of firing between the Pakistani Rangers and the Border Security Force (BSF) throughout the night. Pakistan initiated the ceasefire violation by resorting to firing on three forward areas including Karol Matrai, Faqeera and Chandwa around 9 pm, drawing retaliation by the BSF guarding the IB, they said. The officials said Pakistani Rangers used mortars to target the posts and villages, causing panic among the border residents who were forced to take shelter in the underground bunkers. Two cows were injured and were attended to by medical teams after the firing stopped around 4 am, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Michael Collins Ajereh, Nigerian music producer better known as Don Jazzy, has gifted an elderly woman N100,000 after she had offered to ... On Friday, Kolawale Atanda Adejojo, a journalist, had shared a touching video of the aged woman making this demand in Igbore, Abeokuta, Ogun state, on his Instagram page. In the short clip, a man can be heard in the background talking to her in Yoruba dialect as he asked her what she intends doing. She answered, saying she is willing to sleep with any man who gives her N500 to get food for her children. You said if youre hungry, you would do what?, the man asked. I will sleep with a man, she replied. Are you still sexually active?, he prodded further. Yes I am, I still have a v**ina, she answered. You said you will do this for how much?, he asked again. I will sleep with any man that can give me N500 to feed myself and my children, look at them over there, they have not eaten this morning, she replied. So you will let a man sleep with you?, he asked once more. Yes, it is better than stealing isnt it? she retorted. Rajasthans Covid-19 task force has recommended the phased withdrawal of the lockdown, ideally in districts with no infections, by allowing movement of vehicles transporting goods and agricultural value chain operations with conditions. The task force, headed by the additional chief secretary, was set up to suggest ways to withdraw the lockdown. The panel has submitted its report to the chief minister, and it will now be sent to the Central government. O April 4, chief minister Ashok Gehlot had formed two task forces to give suggestions on the phased withdrawal of the lockdown and on bringing the economy back on track. A senior official said on condition of anonymity that the 12-member task force has recommended that the lockdown should be withdrawn in phases, and not in one go, based on the number of infections in districts. The panel has placed districts in four categories based on the number of Covid-19 cases high risk, medium risk, low risk, and districts with no cases, such as Bundi, Jalore, Sirohi, Hanumangarh and Baran. The report recommended allowing agricultural value chain operations (production, marketing and consumption) with conditions. The task force emphasised the need to strengthen National Agriculture Marketing (eNAM), a pan-India electronic trading portal, which connects all agricultural markets (mandis), the official said. The task force also recommended allowing the transportation of goods and opening up of the services sector, including electricians, and repairs of coolers and air conditioning units, along with the supply of medicines and groceries and the continuation of banking operations, the official said. In addition, food delivery services, including by restaurants, and services such as plumbers, hair salons, laundries, cobblers and tailoring should be considered for resumption, the official said. The report said schools, colleges and libraries should stay closed, and factories with labour staying in the premises and major mining operations may be allowed, he said. The task force recommended that some activities should be permitted only after the return of normalcy, such as social gatherings of more than 20 people, markets in narrow lanes, cinemas, gyms, clubs and swimming pools, the official said. The panel has suggested ensuring that those given permits are bound to follow the advisories of the health department, such as wearing masks, using sanitisers and maintaining social distancing, he said. The report also gave details of the Covid-19 situation in Rajasthan, including hotspots and growth charts for infections. Rajasthan had imposed a lockdown on March 22, three days before the nationwide lockdown announced by the Central government. The 12-member task force comprised officials and experts such as additional chief secretary (home) Rajeeva Swaroop, additional chief secretary (health) Rohit Kumar Singh, additional chief secretary (industry) Subodh Agarwal, director general of police Bhupendra Singh, additional director general of police (crime) BL Soni, the heads of the energy, agriculture, food and civil supply, and labour departments and health experts Ashok Pangariya, Virendra Singh and SD Gupta. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have posted two spring photographs of two of the countries most famous religious buildings as part of their Easter greeting. Posting to the @Clarencehouse Instagram account, the couple, who celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary last week, wished the nation a 'very Happy Easter' and offered details of a recording of Charles reading from the gospel. Posting two images, one of Canterbury cathedral in Kent carpeted in daffodils, and another of white cherry blossom at Westminster Abbey, the royals sent a rallying message to people unable to attend church on Easter Sunday. Scroll down for video Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall shared two images of two of the UK's most hallowed religious buildings as part of their Easter greeting to the nation this morning. The first saw clouds of white cherry blossom over Westminster Abbey While the second echoed the image posted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with daffodils featuring, this time at Canterbury cathedral The couple are currently at the couple's Scottish residence of Birkhall; the Easter greeting detailed a recording made by Charles reading out John 20: parts 1-18, which is being aired by Westminster Abbey and Canterbury cathedral today The post read: 'Wishing you all a very Happy Easter. Today you can listen to The Prince of Wales reading the Gospel for Easter Day services hosted online by Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral. 'Despite having closed their doors, both will lead prayers for Christians who find themselves separated from their churches during this special Eastertime.' The reading is a section of John 20: parts 1-18, which, the post said 'relates the story of Jesus resurrection.' Earlier today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also used daffodils in their Easter photo. Taking to the Kensington Royal Instagram account, Prince William and Kate Middleton, 38, shared a scenic photograph showing bright yellow daffodils in bloom at Kensington Palace. Alongside the picture, they penned: 'Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter' #StayHomeSaveLives.' Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are both currently at the couple's Scottish residence of Birkhall. Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 38, have taken to their Instagram account and posted a flowery scene outside of Kensington Palace Alongside the snap, they penned: 'Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter' #StayHomeSaveLives' Prince William and Kate Middleton carried out their first royal engagement via video call to school children whose parents are working on the frontline on Wednesday (pictured) Camilla came out of self-isolation on April 6 after 14 days after her husband tested positive for coronavirus. Each of the royals resided in different parts of the 305-year-old property. Charles finished his isolation seven days before and spoke of the 'strange, frustrating and often distressing' experience of being without friends and family. Yesterday, the Duchess shared her reading list to help people get through challenging times. Camilla has spoken about a book by her late brother as she recommends good reads for those wanting solace during the coronavirus outbreak. Camilla put Travels On My Elephant by Mark Shand, her late brother, on a list of nine authors picked for readers. The duchess said: 'My late brother's tale of his love affair with Tara, an Asian elephant, on their journey across India - it always brings a tear to my eye.' The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Glotex Enterprise, Madam Gloria Owusu popularly known as Glotex has donated food items to widows in the country. The donation which included bags of rice, oil, hand sanitizer and canned fish among others amounting to a sum of GhS 31,000 was made on Good Friday, 10th April, 2020. Her kind gesture was to enable the widows survive during the lockdown period and to express her gratitude to God for bestowing blessings upon her and her family. She used the occasion to encourage them to obey and undertake the precautionary measures and the protocols outlined by the government and health authorities. She was hopeful "there is light at the end of the tunnel and so asked the widows and all Ghanaians to remain patient and keep their fingers crossed. Madam Glotex also fed over 2000 vulnerable people including head potters popularly called ''kayayei'', at the Baiden Powel Hall in Accra. According to her, she began her good works on the first day of the lockdown and promised to continue throughout the entire lockdown period. Madam Gloria Owusu is a philanthropist and usually donates to the Nsawam Female Prison. Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 12:09:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Overseas Chinese History Museum of China has initiated a collection of mementos and objects concerning the overseas Chinese and returned overseas Chinese who have participated in the fight against COVID-19. Items including the original documentation of news coverage, certificates, photos, audio-video materials of frontline personnel and donation certificates in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic are included in the collection list. The museum will also collect artistic works such as paintings and calligraphy works, original manuscripts of which are especially welcomed. "Since the COVID-19 outbreak, overseas Chinese have made contributions in different ways," said Zang Jiebin, curator of the museum. According to Zang, since the launch of the activity on March 18, the museum has received many materials from countries including the United States, Italy, Japan and France. The museum will hold a themed exhibition based on the materials it has received. Right Reverend Dr. Setorwu Kwadzo Ofori, the Moderator of the Global Evangelical Church, has assured that Ghana and the rest of the World will overcome the coronavirus pandemic because of the victory of Jesus Christ over death. We are hopeful that, the power that resurrected our Lord Jesus Christ from the grave will help humanity to prevail over this virus, the Moderator said in an Easter message. He said it was unprecedented that this years Easter had to be celebrated indoors without the usual jubilation and family reunions that come with it. Brothers and sisters in the Lord, it is no secret that we are not in ordinary times. Our beloved country Ghana has had its share of the devastating effect of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has hit the entire world. But we need to take consolation in the fact that, as Christians all things work together for our good, he said. He said the Global Evangelical Church would offer unceasing prayers for the nation and also extend hands of benevolence to needy institutions and individuals during the crisis period. Rev. Dr. Ofori reiterated the calls for individuals to observe personal hygiene, social distancing, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, regular use of alcohol based sanitizers, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing respectively among other precautionary measures. The period should also be used to strengthen family bonds, develop new skills like reading and writing and generally engage in productive ventures, he said. It is our fervent prayer that in due course, the LORD will make everything beautiful once again, the Moderator added. 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 (Newser) Governor and mayor locked horns again Saturday, this time over whether school buildings in the nation's largest district would close for the rest of the year, with classes continuing online, the AP reports. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news briefing that public school sites in the city's 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 favor of online learning, but that "it is the right decision." The goal, he said, is to reopen school sites by September. story continues below But Cuomo said school closings would have to be coordinated 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 we're going to do it in a coordinated sense with the other localities," Cuomo said. "It makes no sense for one locality to take an action thats not coordinated with the others." When a reporter suggested that the mixed messages would confuse parents, Cuomo said, "We just clarified it. It's not going to be decided in the next few days because we don't know." Adding to the confusion, an email from the city to parents was issued while Cuomo spoke, saying that "NYC school students will continue with Remote Learning for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year." (Read more New York stories.) London: Stirling Moss, the archetypal British racer widely regarded as the greatest Formula One driver never to win the world championship, has died at the age of 90. A teammate at Mercedes to Argentine five-times world champion Juan Manuel Fangio, the Briton won 16 grands prix in the 1950s and early 1960s when the sport was at its deadliest and most daring. British Formula One driver Stirling Moss on the road in Melbourne in 1996. Credit:AP Four times a championship runner-up, and also third overall on three occasions, no other driver has won as many races without taking the title. Moss was also the first Briton to win his home grand prix, beating Fangio at Aintree in 1955, and became a byword for speed. Photograph: Steve Helber/AP Virginia governor Ralph Northam has signed into law new measures on gun control and abortion rights and outlawing discrimination on grounds of sexuality and gender identity, establishing a progressive new direction for a traditionally conservative state where Democrats won the legislature in November for the first time in almost 25 years. Related: Cuomo undercuts De Blasio bid to keep New York schools shut until September In a Good Friday signing spree, Northam swept away a requirement for those seeking abortions to wait 24 hours, and tightened firearms restrictions to include background checks and limits on purchases. We lose too many Virginians to gun violence, and it is past time we took bold, meaningful action to keep our communities safer, the governor said in a statement. These common sense laws will save lives. As well as the background checks for all weapons purchasers, and limits to one handgun per month to curtail stockpiling, the new laws impose penalties for those who do not report lost or stolen guns within 24 hours, and allows law enforcement to confiscate firearms from anyone deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. The statement claims Virginia is the 20th state, plus Washington DC, to enact such a law. The states new Reproductive Health Protection Act, meanwhile, repeals medically unnecessary restrictions on womens healthcare. Among its clauses are the removal of the waiting period and a requirement for those seeking abortions to undergo an ultrasound. There are also protections for abortion clinics against so-called targeted regulations of abortion providers restrictions that campaigners say obstruct their constitutionally-protected rights to a procedure. No more will legislators in Richmond, most of whom are men, be telling women what they should and should not be doing with their bodies, Northam said. The Act will make women and families safer. On Saturday, Northam signed the Virginia Values Act, which he said sends a strong, clear message Virginia is a place where all people are welcome to live, work, visit, and raise a family. Story continues According to an official release, the VVA prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, public and private employment, public accommodations, and access to credit. The legislation also extends important protections on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, and status as a veteran. Northam said: We are building an inclusive Commonwealth where there is opportunity for everyone, and everyone is treated fairly. No longer will LGBTQ Virginians have to fear being fired, evicted, or denied service in public places because of who they are. Virginia previously had some of the most restrictive abortion laws, and loosest gun freedoms, in the country. In November, after the Republicans were swept from both state houses, having controlled one or both for a quarter-century, the New York Times examined the reasons why traditional Republican voters in Virginia had abandoned the party, especially in the suburbs. The first interviewee it quoted cited gun control. The new measures did not find favor with everybody in the state, however. Virginias Catholic bishops attacked the governor for signing the abortion law on Good Friday. We are deeply saddened and disappointed by his signature of this legislation, Bishops Michael Burbidge and Barry Knestout said in a statement. That he would take this action on Good Friday, one of the most solemn days for Christians, is a particular affront to all who profess the Gospel of life. Two men were arrested after an FIR was lodged against them in Mangaluru Rural Police station for allegedly obstructing an ASHA worker from performing her official duties related to the health department. Reports of attacks on doctors and healthcare workers have come in from several places across the country in recent weeks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people against harassing doctors and healthcare workers calling them incarnations of God in this hour of crisis and warned of police action if anyone mistreats them. According to the latest update by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state is 214, of which 37 have been cured/discharged/migrated and 6 persons have died. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country crossed 7,500 including 6634 active cases, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday. So far 652 people have been cured/discharged 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.) Taiwan confirms 3 new COVID-19 cases, all imported ROC Central News Agency 04/11/2020 04:49 PM Taipei, April 11 (CNA) Taiwan on Saturday reported three new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus, all classified as imported, bringing the total number in the country to 385 since the disease outbreak began at the end of December, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (), who heads the CECC, told reporters that the three imported cases were Taiwanese nationals who returned recently from the United States and France. One of them, a man in his 60s, returned from the U.S. April 10 and was confirmed Saturday to have contracted the virus, Chen said. The patient, who had worked in the U.S. for a long time, and developed stomach problems March 31 in the U.S. and sought medical attention there, Chen said. The second case is a man in his 70s, who also returned from the U.S. April 10 with symptoms that included a bad cough, Chen said. On arrival in Taiwan, both men reported their health problems and were tested for COVID-19, Chen said. The third case is a woman in her 20s, who returned April 3 from France, where she had been studying, according to Chen. During her home quarantine period after her arrival in Taiwan, she developed symptoms such as runny nose and fever and was tested on April 7, he said. According to the CECC, 331 of the 385 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taiwan were imported, and 54 were indigenous infections. As of Saturday, Taiwan had reported six COVID-19 deaths and 99 recovered patients, while the others were still undergoing treatment, according to the CECC. Globally, COVID-19 has infected 1,701,335 patients in more than 200 countries and regions, including 503,177 in the U.S., 158,273 in Spain, 147,577 in Italy, 124,869 in France and 122,717 in Germany, with a total of 102,830 fatalities, according to Worldometer COVID-19 data. (By Chang Ming-hsuan, Wu Hsin-yun and Frances Huang) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Lawrence County astronaut prepares to return from space while the world copes with a pandemic A total of 156 foreigners who travelled to Maharashtra after attending the Tablighi Jamaat event in New Delhi last month have been booked on the charges of violating the Foreigners Act 1946, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Sunday. These people, who were visiting India on a tourist visa, allegedly participated in religious activities including preaching, he said. The Health ministry has attributed the spike in COVID-19 cases in various parts of the country to the religious congregation held at Nizamuddin Markaz in March. "Section 14-B of the Foreigners' Act has been invoked against the 156 people for forgery of passport which stipulates 2-8 years in prison and the fine between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000," said an official from the home department. Sections 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 270 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were also invoked against them, he said. These people hailed from 17 countries like Kyrgyzstan, Ghana, Djibouti, Malaysia, Togo, Indonesia, Bangladesh to name a few, Deshmukh said. All of them have been traced and put under institutional quarantine, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In Kerala, the beginning of the Zodiac New Year is celebrated as the festival of Vishu. While it is referred to as Vishu only in Kerala, the same spirit is shared in various festivals over India- such as Ugadhi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Bihu in Assam and Baisakhi in Punjab. On this day, the most significant event is the sighting of the Vishukkani during dawn, which is believed to bring luck throughout the year. In Malayalam, the word kani means that which is seen first, hence, Vishukkani means that which is seen first on Vishu. The Vishukkani is prepared by Malayali women, comprising items like rice, lemon, golden cucumber, jackfruit, kanmash kajal, betel leaves, golden yellow Konna flowers, an oil lamp, coins and currency notes and image of Vishnu, the Hindu god. This is the auspicious sight which family members open their eyes to first thing in the morning. The Vishu festival is observed during the early hours of the morning in temples such as the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple or the Kulathupuzha Sree BaalaShastha Temple. On this occasion, family and friends prepare different types of delicacies as part of the days celebrations. They wake up early and watch the laburnum tree while making offerings comprising silver items, rice and money. Children are also an integral part of the celebrations and wear new clothes and burst firecrackers. Vishu is a day of feasting and the food comprises sweet, salty, sour and bitter items. Food items include Veppampoorasam, which is a bitter preparation of Mampazhapachadi (a sour mango soup) and neem. Sadya is a feast which comprises traditional vegetarian dishes. Normally it is served on a banana leaf. There is a strong belief among people that if they see something auspicious on this day then their entire year shall be better. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Flash As COVID-19 cases skyrocket in Southern California in the Unites States, Chinese Americans who saw Chinese people undergo hardship during the outbreak in China are stepping up to help their American neighbors as well. Local hospitals and first responders in Southern California are all experiencing drastic shortages of key medical supplies, equipment and personnel that are affecting their ability to treat patients and keep their own health workers safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Local Chinese American organizations and individuals have responded to the shortages with impressive speed, civic-mindedness, and dedication. Using their extensive personal and professional social networks, they are rapidly sourcing and donating tens of thousands of hard-to-come-by masks and other supplies to hospitals, police departments, firefighters, local city governments, nursing homes, and more. Simon Shao, president of the Chinese American Federation, told Xinhua, "We helped China when they needed it and now we are helping the U.S. and our local communities. We need to take a united stand to get through this together." The Chinese American Federation, comprising more than 120 Chinese American associations and business coalitions, has donated more than 180,000 masks and other protective equipment to more than 30 medical and first-responder organizations around California. The federation is also cooperating with various CVS and Walgreen shops in Southern California to distribute free face masks to help local residents in need. Also pitching in are the Beijing Association USA, Committee of 100, US-China Culture Exchange Association, Chinese American Association, Irvine Chinese American Federation, GanSu Chamber of Commerce USA, US Sichuan Chongqing Chamber of Commerce, to name just a few of the many other Chinese American organizations that have come forward with desperately needed donations and medical supplies to help out in Southern California. The US Sichuan Chongqing Chamber of Commerce donated 1,000 N95 masks to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and more to the City of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center. "We care about the American people, so when the outbreak happened, we wanted to donate money and supplies to help them," Phoebe Chen, president of the US Sichuan Chongqing Chamber of Commerce, told Xinhua. The Beijing Association USA donated 3,300 face masks, 5,500 gloves, as well as disinfectant and other supplies to the City of Industry's Sheriff's Station and other first responders, with more donations on the way. "With doctors and nurses in hospitals across the country facing the growing threat of the lack of adequate personal protective equipment, every single donation could help attenuate the danger felt by medical personnel and first responders," Hong Li, executive chairwoman of the Beijing Association USA, a Chinese American business and philanthropic organization, told Xinhua. David Salcedo, a law enforcement officer from the City of Industry's Sheriff Department, told Xinhua, "Beijing Association USA is constantly partnering up with local law enforcement groups and local governments to help strengthen our resources. This builds trust with local leaders and strengthens our partnerships." "It's one for all and all for one," Lester Fujimoto, vice president of development and community relations for Beverly Hospital in Montebello, told Xinhua, after receiving cases of donated masks and supplies from the Chinese American Federation for their healthcare workers struggling to contain the COVID-19 threat. "Therein lies the solidarity that we feel from the Chinese American community -- that we are not in this alone. That means a lot to the frontline workers taking care of the ill, who are running toward danger, not away from it," he said. Even more touching are the spontaneous outpourings from local Chinese American individuals who felt personally called to action. Angela Zhang used her WeChat social media group to source, buy and donate 1,000 N95 masks. Kent La, 75, a former community leader, bought 500 N95 masks himself to donate. Grace Cheung, local to the LA area, also donated 300 N95 masks. Beverly Duan, a young actress and voiceover artist who has worked for Radio Disney and Nickelodeon, first donated her own masks, and then used her Instagram following to ask for additional donations. When she was just four years old, Beverly worked as a child actor on KSCI-18, a local LA news network, where, as an on-air child spokesperson, she taught other kids how important it was to wash their hands. Sixteen years later, she is doing the same thing -- but with much higher stakes. "We can change the world when we work united," Duan told Xinhua. "Even in darkness there is hope." "These Chinese American donors are real heroes too, because, instead of hoarding, they are unselfishly giving of their own personal resources. They have the vision to see that it's important to strengthen our first-line personnel," Officer Salcedo told Xinhua. "We don't have the option of staying home. With the gear they provide, it gives us another layer of protection," he said. The Hermosa Beach Police Department posted a photo of a police officer wearing one of the face masks donated by the Chinese American community in Palos Verdes and Greater South Bay Area on Wednesday and expressed their gratitude to the Chinese American community for their timely donation of 2,000 face masks. "The men and women at HBPD appreciate your efforts in keeping us safe," wrote the police department. The father of three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi who died while trying to reach Europe during the migrant crisis has named his newborn son after the child he lost. Abdullah Kurdi, 45, saw his wife and two children drown when their overloaded boat sunk off the coast of Kos, Greece, on 2 September 2015. A picture of Alan's body washed up on the Greek shoreline sent shock-waves around the world, prompting action from government's and a surge in donations to charities assisting migrants. Abdullah Kurdi, 45, pictured cradling his newborn son. He has named him Alan after his three-year-old boy who drowned while in a boat crossing the Aegean sea. A painting of his body can be seen behind the father Abdullah and his sister Tima pictured by a migrant rescue ship named after his son Abdullah has since moved to Kobani, on the Syrian-Turkish border, where he married his second wife Fayize two years ago. Welcoming his newborn son he said, reports Rudaw: 'Praise be to God who gave me and my wife a child. 'I wish this child a happy life, go to school, study, live like any other child. I want this hope for all children.' His sister Tima, who lives in Vancouver, Canada, said the baby was born on April 7. 'Congratulations Abdullah!,' she wrote. 'May your little boy fill your heart with happiness and each moment with him bring joy to your lives. "There's always hope".' Alan Kurdi, left, pictured with his brother Galib at home in Kobani, on the Syrian-Turkish border Abdullah told Italian newspaper La Repubblica in September that he plans to join the crew on the Alan Kurdi rescue ship, named after the three-year-old who lost his life in the Aegean, after his wife gives birth to their child. 'As soon as my son is born, I will go on the ship to save migrants,' he said. 'I want to give them the help that I did not get.' Speaking in September charity Sea-Eye, which operates the ship, said: 'We have built a strong and emotional bond with the family. 'If we succeed in filling all organizational requirements, then we would be happy that Abdullah accompanies the ship. He will then be part of the crew and also take over tasks.' It is thought that the global shutdown caused by coronavirus may delay these plans. The Sea-Eye's migrant rescue ship 'Alan Kurdi' in operation off the coast of North Africa. Abdullah has said he will join the vessel after the birth of his son Alan Kurdi's death led to a surge in support for migrants and donations to charities. One charity that helps migrants, Migrant Offshore Aid Station, reported a 15-fold increase in donations within 24 hours of the photo being published. A second migrant crisis was triggered early this year after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced his country's borders were 'open' following a dispute with the European Union. Thousands surged to the country's land and sea borders with Greece as they aimed to gain access to Europe. First came the stuffy nose, followed by a sore throat, ear pain and headache. By April 4, fever hit and her legs, lungs and chest began to ache. The inundated medical staff aboard the Navy aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt wouldnt take her temperature, so the young sailor self-medicated with the Mucinex and Nyquil that she had left over from a care package from home. Her mother said she told her daughter to insist on a test, and she finally got one. But for almost a week, as she waited for results and fought her symptoms, she continued sleeping in close quarters with an apparently healthy sailor and working 16-hour shifts, from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., without wearing a mask. I just want to get soup to her, the mother said in an interview with The Chronicle, her voice shaking. She told me, Mom, I feel like Im dying. Just knowing my daughter is halfway across the world and sick with a pandemic virus and basically all alone, I feel absolutely helpless, she said. Conversations with more than a dozen Roosevelt sailors and family members, and photographs, text messages, social media posts and videos they provided, offer an intimate glimpse of how a now notorious outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, aboard the nuclear-powered ship has played out over the past two weeks. Even as Navy officials downplayed the severity of the situation, saying the outbreak was under control, sailors who spoke with The Chronicle described unsettling scenes aboard the ship and in quarantine on shore, where avoiding close encounters or touching shipmates or common equipment is nearly unavoidable. Worried parents said their sons and daughters who have shown symptoms have been working without masks sometimes tearing up T-shirts to cover their faces to clean the ship and cook meals as they await test results. One sailor who tested positive told his parents hed rather be on the ship than crowded into a cramped group quarantine on shore in Guam with limited supplies, unsanitary conditions and mediocre food. Another shared stories of trying to sleep in group berths with coughs piercing the silence throughout the night. The Chronicle agreed to withhold the names of sailors and some parents of crew members, who were not authorized to speak to the media or were concerned about repercussions, in accordance with its anonymous sources policy. J. Myers Vasquez, a Navy spokesman, countered some of the claims, saying if Roosevelt sailors show flu-like symptoms, their tests are expedited and the crew members are isolated in sick bay until test results come back. Once confirmed positive for the coronavirus, the sailors are moved off the ship for a 14-day isolation period where they are monitored, he said. Sailors not showing symptoms are also tested, he said, and test results take about three days to return from labs in South Korea. As of April 5, he said, sailors on board the carrier are following federal health guidelines that require protective coverings over their mouths. As far as infected sailors care, Vasquez said, a Navy medical representative evaluates those in quarantine twice a day, and food and laundry service is delivered. Sailors have access to Wi-Fi to stay connected to the command, family, friends and support networks, and have virtual access to counseling services and chaplain services, Vasquez said. But some crew members and their parents paint a bleaker picture of the situation on the Roosevelt, which has been docked in Guam for more than two weeks. In that time, infection rates among its crew have soared, the ships commanding officer was ousted after The Chronicle reported on his letter pleading for help, and Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly resigned after blasting the captain in an address to the ships crew, saying the captain had betrayed them. On Thursday, the Navy announced the first hospitalization of a Roosevelt sailor. The unidentified crew member, who had tested positive, was found unresponsive. By Saturday, the Navy reported that 550 sailors from the ship have tested positive and 92% of the crew had been tested. Almost 3,700 sailors had been moved off the ship, nearing the limit the Navy has said it would remove. Its a helpless, helpless feeling, said Renea Blakewood, mother of 24-year-old Chris, an Orange Park, Fla., sailor on his first deployment. He tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus. Were supposed to be taking care of our kids. I know hes an adult, but hell always be my little son. Everything changed aboard the Roosevelt on March 22, when the first sailor tested positive for the coronavirus 13 days after it left Da Nang, Vietnam, after a five-day port visit. Critics have second-guessed the Navys insistence on visiting the country during a time when the novel coronavirus was starting to take hold there. The word spread, and the captain addressed it over the intercom, one sailor told The Chronicle, after more infected sailors were identified. They were flown off ASAP and anyone that had contact with (them) were placed in (restriction of movement) status. John Blanchard Most of the crew remained calm after that, sailors said, but as the ship continued through the Philippine Sea, they became aware that the contagion was spreading. By the time the Roosevelt tied up in Apra Harbor, Guam, on March 27, the number of positive cases had grown to 25, and would soon climb to 36. We knew it would be everywhere as soon as the day broke, one sailor said. As the crew raced to disinfect the ship with bleach and other disinfectants, the young sailors, many of whom had attended their senior proms just the year before, began to show concern. So did their commanding officer. On March 30, Capt. Brett Crozier sent a stark email memo that would reverberate throughout the Navy, the military and the country. This will require a political solution but it is the right thing to do, Crozier wrote his superiors, asking for immediate assistance to get 90% of his crew off the ship. We are not at war. 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. After she read The Chronicles March 31 report on Croziers letter, Elizabeth Paz of Tulsa, Okla., immediately texted her 19-year-old daughter, who was already anxious on her first deployment on the Roosevelt. Paz told her daughter about the letter, and her daughter echoed Croziers concern that it was impossible to maintain proper distance among thousands of crew members in the confined spaces of the ship. Inside the newsroom Anonymous sources: The Chronicle strives to attribute all information we report to credible, reliable, identifiable sources. Presenting information from an anonymous source occurs extremely rarely, and only when that information is considered crucially important and all other on-the-record options have been exhausted. In such cases, The Chronicle has complete knowledge of the unnamed person's identity and of how that person is in position to know the information. The Chronicle's detailed policy governing the use of such sources, including the use of pseudonyms, is available on SFChronicle.com. See More Collapse Pazs daughter texted her: There is no way at all for social distancing Im so close to people all the time i run in to people all the time i tough (sic) people on accident just from walking around. She felt sick, she told Paz, but had not been tested. Please be very vocal about getting taken care of, Paz told her. If you get sick I have to be able to FaceTime you so I can talk to drs and nurses. I would really want you brought back here if you got sick. It can happen really fast too. One minute you are OK and the next you are very sick. Sailors said apprehension spread among the crew. One officer told The Chronicle the mood became very mixed. I personally have been mad, sad, worried, concerned and even scared. After days of silence, Pazs phone buzzed just before 4:30 a.m. April 2 with a text from her daughter. The sailor who sat a few feet away from her had tested positive and she was ordered to clear her work area. Despite the close contact shed had and feeling sick, she wasnt tested, she told her mother. Shed continued cleaning and working long hours. Her mother tried to comfort her, but also texted a dire prediction. Everyone is going to end up getting it at some point. There is no way around it. Her daughters disturbing message came days after Navy officials held multiple news conferences trying to calm criticism of their handling of the outbreak and giving assurance that the evacuation of much of the ship was under way. Later that same day, Crozier would be relieved of his command, cheered by his crew as he departed the ship. His departure was a big hit to morale, sailors said. They would soon learn through the media that their ousted captain had tested positive for the coronavirus. Within days, the situation aboard the Roosevelt worsened. The number of infected sailors grew as virus test results came back. Parents of those who tested positive had new concerns. My daughter tested positive for COVID-19, one mother shared on a Facebook page for Roosevelt families. Shes doing OK. But shes really uncomfortable. Shes off the ship, sleeping on a cot in a kitchen. 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. Meanwhile, the sailor who had been treating her symptoms with her own medication waited anxiously for her test results. Days after her nose was swabbed, she continued working, with no mask or facial covering. She slept next to her asymptomatic bunkmate. You have to get a mask! Where can you get a mask?!, her mother recalled telling her over the phone. Shes like, Mom, they dont give us one! This is straight bulls, the mother said in an interview. Im livid. A program director for a medical assisting program, the mother has had to work at home during a shelter-in-place order. But she has called in sick of late, she said, because shes been racked with anxiety and not sleeping. I just feel like in a way my daughter is in prison, she said, crying. Friends tell me, Shes young, shes healthy, shell be fine. But thats not their child. On Thursday, Chris Blakewood ate his dinner of cut-up hot dogs and rice. It was a better meal than the pasta MRE he was served at the Guam Navy base gym where infected Roosevelt sailors are sent for a 14-day group quarantine. By contrast, his shipmates who have tested negative are isolating in five-star Guam hotels, sharing Snapchat photos of the prime rib and other luxury cuisine they are enjoying, said Chris father, Mark Blakewood. When his 24-year-old son first arrived at the gym, it was a room full of empty cots and fewer than 50 sailors bedding there. But over the past few days, Blakewood said Friday, his son has seen a spike in the numbers sent there, with more than 350 crammed into the space. They keep needing to get more cots, he said. Chris gets up early to have a better shot at one of only eight outlets to charge his electronic devices. He had hoped to pass the time using the TurboTax program to secure an income tax refund, his father said, but the demands on the spotty Wi-Fi have made it impossible. The quarantined sailors are using linens taken from the ship. Chris hangs his wet towel on the gym bleachers to dry, Blakewood said, and he has had to borrow toothpaste, as toiletries are running low. His 6-foot, 215-pound son, a workout fanatic, doesnt fit on his cot, so sleeping has been a problem. More needs to be done for our kids who put their lives on the line for our country, said Chris mother, Renea Blakewood. Elizabeth Pazs texts from her daughter have been more sporadic. Kept busy working and cleaning, the young sailor has sometimes gone days with no communication at all. Paz, meanwhile, has tried to read every report she can about the situation on the Roosevelt. On Thursday, her daughter finally answered Pazs repeated inquiries. Yes i got the results back its negative, she wrote. On Friday, she left for a hotel room and quarantine. Photo illustration / The Chronicle Well thats amazing, Paz wrote back. For the mother of the Roosevelt sailor who had been on the ship for six days with a fever, aches and lung pain, the news from Guam was not happy. On Friday, she learned what she had suspected her daughter was positive for coronavirus. She was being moved to the gym. I had already prepared myself for it since she had all the symptoms for a week, the mother said. I am worried sick and very scared for her. She also believes her daughter very likely got other sailors sick. So they kept a positive corona on the ship for six days, not in quarantine and with no mask, pending results, the mother said. Thats irresponsible in my book. Matthias Gafni is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: matthias.gafni@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mgafni A "proud" London bus driver said she is "frightened to die" as she begged the Government to do more to protect transport staff. Lorraine, whose route covers areas of south London, said she is "proud to drive a London bus" but is worried after hearing news that 20 bus drivers have died after contracting Covid-19. She said she had been up all morning writing letters to relatives, including her parents in Jamaica, as she feared she "would not have the opportunity to say goodbye to the ones that I love" if she contracted the virus. "I've got up this morning to the news that we've just lost 20 bus drivers to this Covid-19," she said in a video posted online. Lorraine, a 62-year-old London bus driver who said she was "proud to do her job" but is "frightened to die" / PA "I want my children and my family to have the letters that I have written because I am put at risk by TfL and Khan by not providing a safe environment for me to work in. "I am proud to drive a London bus, I'm proud to do my job, I'm proud to get front line services to their place of work to help people. That's why I'm still driving. 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 "But I'm frightened. I'm frightened that I'm going to die, because nobody in government - [Sadiq] Khan TfL will not listen to us." A total of 14 London transport workers have now died after contracting the virus, nine of them bus workers, according to the The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT). The 62-year-old added that more needed to be done about those "roaming the streets". "I've had people day after after day get on my bus for no reason, putting me at risk," she said. "It's not fair - my life matters, if it doesn't matter to anybody else it matters to my family. New Hampshire officials have procured a shipment of 91,000 pounds of personal protective equipment to supply healthcare providers and emergency services that work on the frontline against the COVID-19 pandemic. One month ago, New Hampshire wasnt even in the business of PPE procurement and today we secured over 91,000 pounds of this critical lifesaving equipment for N.H., tweeted Gov. Chris Sununu on Sunday. We scoured the earth and left no stone unturned. Sununu said that on Sunday afternoon the FedEx plane carrying the PPE will arrive at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport where he will be joined by President and founder of DEKA Research & Development Corp. Dean Kamen, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and the National Guard to unload the plane. The precious cargo departed Shanghai, China on Saturday evening and was processed in Anchorage, Ala., this morning. This afternoon, I'll be joining Sen. Chris Sununu and DEKA Founder Dean Kamen to welcome this plane carrying a substantial delivery of PPE to N.H., said Shaheen. This is lifesaving PPE which will be distributed to the frontlines. The New Hampshire governor gave special thanks to Kamen who was instrumental in facilitating this effort. N.H. Department of Health and Human Services reported Saturday night that a woman from Rockingham County, who was older than 60, has died. She is the 23rd person in the state to die from COVID-19. In New Hampshire there have been 929 confirmed cases and 2,275 people are currently being monitored for the virus. Wheels up to MHT. One month ago New Hampshire wasnt even in the business of PPE procurement, & today we secured over 91,000 pounds of this critical lifesaving equipment for NH. We scoured the earth and left no stone unturned. Thankful for this team effort in fighting #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/bov9YXFCxE Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) April 12, 2020 Related Content: President Donald Trumps approval rating has slumped to a six-month low of 43 percent as the coronavirus crisis drags into its third month. A total of 56 percent of voters disapprove of Trumps job performance in office, according to a Friday Rasmussen Reports poll of 500 likely voters. Those latest numbers include 30 percent of likely voters who strongly approve of Trumps job in office and 44 percent who strong disapprove, resulting in a presidential approval index rating of -14. President Donald Trumps approval rating has slumped to a six-month low of 43 percent as the coronavirus crisis drags into its third month. A total of 56 percent of voters disapprove of Trumps job performance in office, according to a Friday Rasmussen Reports poll of 500 likely voters Trump today is doing worse in approval ratings than President Barack Obama did during his time in office this time in 2012. On April 9 2012 Obama had an overall approval rating of 49 percent On this day in 2012 when Barack Obama was in office, his approval rating was 49 percent. Trump hit his all time approval high of 47.3 on March 31, but that number has plummeted to 44.9 percent, according to a RealClear Politics polling average. Over the past month, Trumps approval numbers have dramatically risen and fallen as the nation is reels from over 500,000 cases of COVID-19 and over 20,000 deaths, and businesses go out of business and unemployment hits record numbers. A record high of 6.6million Americans filed first-time unemployment claims last week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Last week's numbers bring the total claims over the past three weeks to more than 16million. Trump hit his all time approval high of 47.3 on March 31, but that number has plummeted to 44.9 percent when unemployment spiked As of Sunday there are over 530,000 cases of coronavirus and over 20,000 deaths in the US Comparing those claims to the 151million people on payrolls in the last monthly employment report, means the US has lost 10 percent of its workforce. That's about a 14.7 percent real-time unemployment rate for the week ending in April 4, according to Fortune. That rate is the highest the US has seen since 1940. Across the country food banks have been inundated with long lines as unemployment spikes and families find themselves low on cash. Food banks have been struggling to keep up with unprecedented demand, especially this week as the country observes major religious holidays of Passover and Easter. On Saturday, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County hosted a drive-thru food distribution in Anaheim, California, meant to provide food to people most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The three-hour event was stocked with enough food for up to 7,000 families, with each car in the line being given a bag each of potatoes, onions, shelf-stable grocery items and Kings Hawaiian Bread, KTLA reported. As over 16million Americans claim unemployment, lines are growing at food banks across America. Cars are seen here waiting for food to be put in trunks at the Easter weekend Food Bank in Santa Ana, California, Saturday Easter weekend Food Bank in Santa Ana workers are seen putting packages of food inside car trunks Saturday Thousands of people showed up forming massive lines of cars at the Santa Ana food bank Saturday Cars wait to collect food donations from the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank in San Rafael, California Saturday In Honolulu, Hawaii, a two-mile-long line of cars awaited the Salvation Army's drive-thru emergency food distribution Saturday, Hawaii News Now reported. People waited as long as two hours to receive their food packages. All told, the Salvation Army said that it given food to nearly 700 cars, with multiple families inside one car, indication that thousands of people had actually been given food. Feeding America - the largest hunger-relief organization in the country - told Good Morning America that it estimates it will need to feed an additional 17.1million people - many of who are relying on food banks for the first time - as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This, on top of the 37million people that were previously food insecure, including 11million children and 5.5million seniors. 'Ive never witnessed a system being more strained,' Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. 'For the first time probably in our history, weve had to turn some people away,' she said, not that 'We dont want to do that, ever.' Taiwan reveals email, blasts WHO for possible 'dereliction of duty' ROC Central News Agency 04/11/2020 03:19 PM Taipei, April 11 (CNA) Following the World Health Organization's (WHO's) rejection of Taiwan's claims that it had warned the global health body that the novel coronavirus may be transmitted from human to human, Taiwan's government on Saturday revealed the contents of the disputed Dec. 31 email, blasting the WHO for possible "dereliction of duty." Faced with repeated requests by reporters to see the email, Taiwan's Health Minister Chen Shih-chung () held up a placard printout of the contents of Taiwan's email to the WHO at a regular news briefing on Saturday. It read: "News resources today indicate that at least seven atypical pneumonia cases were reported in Wuhan, CHINA. Their health authorities replied to the media that the cases were believed not SARS; however the samples are still under examination, and cases have been isolated for treatment. I would greatly appreciate it if you have relevant information to share with us. Thank you very much in advance for your attention to this matter." Chen, who is also head of Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), argued that while Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control did not actually mention "human-to-human" transmissions in the email, it had "strongly hinted" at the possibility. He said the letter clearly indicated that health authorities in China confirmed seven patients with atypical pneumonia had been isolated for treatment. "If being isolated for treatment is not a warning, what situation will constitute a warning?" Chen said. Chen also asked whether China, as a WHO member, informed the world health body of the seven cases. If the Chinese did not notify the WHO, "what else would be called a cover up?" he asked. "If (the Chinese) did report it, what else would be deemed a dereliction of duty (on the part of the WHO)?" In repeated statements to international and local media, as well as at news conferences, Taiwan's officials, including from the health and foreign ministry, had said it warned WHO of the possibility of human-to-human transmission in the email it sent to the WHO on Dec. 31, when the COVID-19 outbreak first came to public knowledge. On Friday, international media, including the Agence France-Presse, a news agency based in Paris, reported that the WHO denied Taiwan's claim that it mentioned the possibility of human-to-human transmission in its email. Responding to this, Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) spokesman Chuang Jen-hsiang () accused the WHO of "garbling the email content" in a phone interview with CNA Friday night. Chuang said Taiwan learned about the emergence of atypical pneumonia cases in Wuhan on Dec. 31, 2019, which was later known as COVID-19, and immediately alerted the WHO and the Chinese side through email, requesting them to verify. Atypical pneumonia is what China commonly referred to as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Chuang said, stressing that the disease itself, also caused by coronavirus, is transmittable from human to human. Although Taiwan did not "directly" point out the possibility for human-to-human transmission in that email due to confused information at that time, its email "strongly hinted" of such a scenario based on the characteristics of SARS and observations that patients in China were isolated, Chuang said. In a press conference held on March 24, CECC officials claimed that the WHO failed to pass on its warning in the Dec. 31 email about a possible human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus to other countries. Taiwan's claims of its early warning has led to a diplomatic row between the United States and China, and fueled Washington's criticism of the WHO. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus supported Taiwan's claim in a recent Twitter post and blamed Chinese authorities' refusal to admit human-human transmission until Jan. 20 for the "catastrophic consequences" of COVID-19. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman and other Chinese spokespersons have rejected such claims, arguing that China had taken effective and strong measures to contain the spread of the virus, including locking down the entire Hubei province of 58 million people, where the outbreak was first discovered. The WHO's website states that on Dec. 31, WHO's China office was informed of several cases of unknown pneumonia, and by Jan. 3, Chinese authorities had informed the WHO of 44 cases: https://www.who.int/csr/don/05-january-2020-pneumonia-of-unkown-cause-china/en/ U.S. officials and others have also criticized the WHO for saying there was only limited human-to-human transmission as late as Jan. 14 and not announcing the virus could be transmitted from person to person until 10 days later. The WHO, however, has argued that it actively dealt with the outbreak, getting information from China and seeking details on its own, while also passing on findings to the global community. Meanwhile, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAreiterated on Saturday that Taiwan's tightening of virus preventive measures, including the screening on airline passengers from China right after the email was sent, was indeed implemented based on the assessment that the emerging disease was transmittable between humans. The MOFA reiterated that Taiwan, as a member of the international community, has the ability and the willingness to cooperate with international partners in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus and to contribute to the health and welfare of all mankind. The U.S., Taiwan and the WHO, including its Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have been locked in a word war on the accountability of the spread of the coronavirus and Taiwan's participation in the WHO. Taiwan is not a member of the WHO because of China's objections and it lost its observer status in the WHO's World Health Assembly in the past few years due to tense relations between the current administration and Beijing. Taiwanese officials have argued that its exclusion means it cannot easily obtain information from or share its expertise with the WHO about disease outbreaks or other health issues. (By Chang Ming-hsuan and Emerson Lim) Enditem/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KABUL -- The Taliban says it has released a first group of Afghan government prisoners it has been holding captive, as part of a delayed swap considered key to paving the way for peace talks between the two sides. The Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) quoted Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid as saying that 20 Afghan troops were set free in the southern province of Kandahar on April 12. The Taliban sent photos of those allegedly released to TOLOnews, saying they were handed over to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the broadcaster reported. Afghan officials have not immediately commented. Earlier in the day, the Afghan National Security Council (NSC) said the government had released 100 Taliban prisoners, bringing to 300 the total number of Taliban inmates freed since April 8. The NSC posted several photos of the prisoners on Twitter and said that they had been freed on April 11. The council said that the health condition, age, and length of the remaining sentences were considered in choosing which prisoners to release. A pact signed by the United States and the Taliban in the Qatari capital, Doha, on February 29 calls for the Afghan government to release 5,000 Taliban fighters as a confidence-building measure ahead of formal peace talks aimed at ending the 18-year conflict in Afghanistan. The Taliban has vowed to release some 1,000 Afghan government troops and civilian workers it is holding. But the Taliban last week recalled a three-member team it had sent to Kabul to try to finalize the swap originally set to happen by March 10. The militants blamed the administration of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for delaying the exchange "under one pretext or another, while Kabul called on the Taliban not to sabotage the process by making excuses." In return for the start of talks between Kabul and the Taliban and a series of security commitments from the militants, all U.S. troops and other foreign coalition forces are meant to withdraw from Afghanistan within 14 months. With reporting by dpa, Reuters, and TOLOnews Thirteen people, who came in contact with Tablighi Jamaat members at a mosque in Chhattisgarh's Katghora town, have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 31, an official said on Sunday. These 13 new COVID-19 patients include three women, he said. Katghora town in Korba district, located around 200 km from the state capital Raipur, has emerged as the COVID-19 hotspot in the state. The town has been sealed and samples of all people residing in the affected area are being taken for testing, Katghora's Sub-Divisional Magistrate Suryakiran Tiwari said. "Seven people from Purani basti area of the town tested positive for coronavirus late Saturday night and six more on Sunday. All 13 had come in contact with 16 Tablighi Jamaat members, who were staying at a mosque in the locality," Tiwari said. Earlier, officials of AIIMS Raipur, where tests are being conducted, had said that one of the cases detected on Sunday was from Bilaspur. However, Inspector General of Police (Bilaspur range) Dipanshu Kabra said, "Nobody has tested positive from Bilaspur on Sunday. The confusion began as two individuals shared the same name and both were screened for COVID-19." A 16-year-old boy from the 16-member Tablighi Jamaat group tested positive for coronavirus on April 4, after which eight others from Purani Basti area contracted the infection, he said. The coronavirus tests are being conducted at AIIMS, Raipur, and Jagdalpur Medical College (Bastar) in the state. Of the 3,945 samples sent for screening till now in the state, 31 tested positive while 3,856 returned negative. The reports of 58 are awaited, a So far, 10 people from the state have been discharged after recovering from the infection, while the remaining 21 active cases, all from Katghora, are being treated at AIIMS Raipur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) Over 1 million workers nationwide have been displaced due to the implemented COVID-19 quarantine measures, the Labor Department reported Sunday. Citing information from its regional offices, the department said some 1,048,649 workers in the formal sector were affected by temporary business closures or flexible work arrangements. Metro Manila recorded the highest displacement numbers as of Sunday with 246,810 affected workers, according to DOLE. Central Luzon came in second with 179,875 workers, followed by Calabarzon and Davao region which listed 99,178 and 90,414, respectively. Region 2 or Cagayan Valley reported 75,189 displaced workers, followed by Central Visayas (51,150), Cordillera Region (46,614), Region 10 or Northern Mindanao (46,351), and the Bicol region (41,322). DOLE added that the majority of the affected workers include those from the manufacturing, hotel, restaurants and tourism, and education sectors. Labor officials said the agency was already able to assist about 180,000 workers with close to 900 million worth of aid. DOLE earlier rolled out its flagship program Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Displaced/Underprivileged Workers (TUPAD), to cover those affected by government measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. The enhanced community quarantine in Luzon has been extended until the end of April, with the country still battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Several local government units in other regions followed suit. The Philippines has recorded 4,648 COVID-19 cases, as of the Health Department's latest record. Of this number, 297 have died, while 197 have recovered. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 15:46:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Afghanistan has reached 600 as of Sunday morning with 45 new cases reported, a public health official said Sunday. Forty-five COVID-19 new cases were detected in Afghanistan within last 24 hours, including 28 cases in the capital city Kabul and eight cases in southern Kandahar province," Wahidullah Mayar, spokesman of Ministry of Public Health, told at a press briefing. The remaining new cases were detected in Balkh, Bamyan, Nangarhar, Helmand and Paktia provinces, he said. Afghan authorities have imposed strict curfew-like restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19. All road and transportation services have been suspended, except essential services that have been exempted. The spokesman also called upon the people to follow the advices given by the Ministry of Public Health. A total of 18 people have died and 37 have recovered. The day before Easter featured further political pushback from Gov. Gretchen Whitmers stay-at-home order from Republican legislators, as well as affected small businesses. In addition, it marked the 13th consecutive day where Michigan saw at least 1,000 more confirmed coronavirus cases. The state also is nearing 1,400 COVID-19 deaths after Saturdays update. In between, public safety officials offered further warning to residents planning to leave their homes as the weather turns warmer. Below is a look at the most recent coronavirus developments as of Easter Sunday, April 12. Michigan cites possible testing lag as coronavirus cases drop The reported number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths across the state of Michigan dropped significantly Sunday. However, the state of Michigan urged caution against reading too much into the dip, saying the holiday weekend could have caused a lag in test results being reported. The figures released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Easter Sunday showed 95 new deaths and 645 new COVID-19 cases. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Kroger, Meijer report deaths of grocery store workers in Michigan from coronavirus Two major grocery store chains in Michigan are reporting that workers have died of COVID-19. Kroger representatives confirmed Saturday that four of its employees from Detroit-area stores have died from the COVID-19. Meijer spokesperson Frank Guglielmi confirmed one death of a worker at an undisclosed location. Sen. Shirkey says Whitmer killing our livelihoods with stay-at-home extension 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. 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. Despite criticism, Gov. Whitmer defends revised stay-at-home order Gov. Gretchen Whitmer defended her stay home order amid criticism from Republican legislators and small businesses, saying she is prioritizing Michigans health and safety. As of yesterday, the state had over 22,700 confirmed COVID-19 cases and over 1,200 deaths," her office said in a statement to MLive. "Protecting the health and safety of the people of Michigan remains the governors number one priority. She has worked closely with Speaker (Lee) Chatfield and Sen. Shirkey throughout this emergency, and will continue to do so. We welcome constructive participation from the legislature, but the priority must be on taking actions to slow the spread of this virus and keep Michiganders safe. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Need tips on teaching children at home? Home-schooling parents have got you covered Parents are naturally feeling overwhelmed with the new reality of educating children at home now that schools across Michigan are closed for the year, but Christy Buss insists they shouldnt put too much pressure on themselves. Just do what you can, said Buss, of Northville, who oversees home-schooling for her four boys while helping lead the Heritage Homeschool Group out of Plymouth. This is a full-time job for me, and you cant really recreate that in a month or two. Youre doing a job youve never done in a pandemic for three months." While school districts across the state have started developing online learning platforms and distributing tech devices to help students, many parents now working at home amid the coronavirus outbreak find themselves searching for answers on how to get their children to thrive in a new learning environment. Michigans high school class of 2020 just wants a final goodbye We asked Michigans high school seniors what theyll miss most about not finishing their senior year in class. More than anything else, they just want a chance to say goodbye -- to fellow seniors, teammates, underclassmen and teachers. I just think its really sad that we didnt get a final goodbye, but its more important that everyone stays home and stays safe so this virus can die down, said Pinconning High School senior Lexi Pero. The Class of 2020 is missing out on a lot of lasts, said Cameron Wells of Maple Valley Jr.-Sr. High School. Theyre going to miss the experience of that symbolic last day of class, and are worried they may not even get a chance to walk for graduation. More free meals for healthcare workers: 5 things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis 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 generous offers from local restaurants is one of five Washtenaw County stories of hope that MLive featured. McLaren Flint Hospital employee dies due to coronavirus complications An employee of McLaren Flint Hospital 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. Drive-thru coronavirus testing sites opening Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced 13 new or expanded COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites, one of which is in Flint. Flints drive-thru location is at Atwood Stadium via the parking lot entrance off West 1st Street. It opens on Wednesday, April 15. Thereafter, it will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Other new drive-thru sites will also operate in Atlanta, Bad Axe, Battle Creek, Bay City, Benton Harbor, Detroit, Jackson, Kalamazoo and Traverse City. The expanded testing services are available through a partnership involving the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Primary Care Association, 11 health centers, and NxGen MDX Laboratory. Detroit-area coronavirus field hospital scaling back beds 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. Bay County reports first coronavirus death, Washtenaw reports three more Bay County has reported its first death from COVID-19, while the death toll in Genesee County continues to climb. Bay County officials announced the first death in their jurisdiction on Saturday, April 11. The decedent was an elderly man who had been hospitalized at Covenant Health Center in Saginaw. Genesee County on Saturday announced its number of deaths had increased by three from the previous day, growing from 57 to 60. Three more coronavirus deaths in Washtenaw County emerged on Saturday, while health officials reported 22 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19. This brings the countys novel coronavirus death count up to 18 as of April 11. For updates on cases, deaths, recoveries and more throughout Michigan, check out the state coronavirus page. Washtenaw County Sheriff will host online coronavirus Q&A Monday Sheriff Jerry Clayton of Washtenaw County will facilitate a question-and-answer for public COVID-19 concerns Monday on Facebook Live. The livestream will take place at 6 p.m. April 13, and can be accessed online using this link. Clayton will moderate the discussion, which will include county administrators, health officials and Ann Arbor city leaders, he said. Some of the discussion will involve how Claytons deputies will be treating violations of Gov. Gretchen Whitmers stay home order, which she extended to April 30 on Thursday. His office is trying to serve in its role of keeping the public informed, Clayton said. Were going to make it clear to folks that we are inclined to take a more assertive enforcement role if people do not comply (with the order), especially if they participate in large gatherings, he said. Were still going to try to engage and educate, to try to get people to disperse, but if they dont, weve already been in consultation with the prosecutors office and the courts, and we will be more inclined to issue citations that can range from $500 to $1,000. Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office reports 2 confirmed coronavirus cases among staff A pair of staffers with the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office have tested positive for COVID-19. The two employees are direct service staff, said Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton. He declined to say if they were deputies or administrative staff, citing an effort to protect personal information. These are the first two positive coronavirus cases reported in the sheriffs office. At least four other COVID-19 cases have been confirmed with other public safety officials in the county: three with the Ypsilanti Fire Department and one with the Ann Arbor Fire Department. Hotel rooms for Washtenaw County homeless reduce strain on Delonis Center While hotels and faith-based organizations have helped alleviate growing concerns about the health and safety of homeless people in Washtenaw County, some advocates argue the county should be doing more amid the spread of COVID-19. At the Delonis Center in Ann Arbor, measures have been taken to bring the homeless shelters daily intake of residential clients and warming center guests, which typically ranges from 130 to 145, down to 62 on Thursday, April 9, according to Shelter Association of Washtenaw County Director of Development Sarah Paspal-Jasinski. The population at the shelter has been reduced since Washtenaw County began providing shelter at a local hotel, with 48 individuals staying in hotel rooms on Thursday, Paspal-Jasinski said. County officials have declined to name the hotel to maintain as much privacy as possible. Ypsilanti family takes on coronavirus with courage and cancer-fighting experience Alex and Kimberly Fuller have been enjoying frequent family visits with their son, daughter, son-in-law and grandchild -- but from a distance, looking down on them from a balcony outside their Ypsilanti home, wearing masks and fighting the urge to make their way down and give them all hugs. Alex Fuller has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, and Kimberly has shown symptoms of the illness. It was really difficult not to be within six to eight feet within them, said Mariah Fuller, the couples daughter. It was definitely bittersweet to see them from afar. Ive dropped off a few groceries at their place when they werent able to go shopping, and every time, I cried." Graduate student workers union rallies in cars amid contract talks with University of Michigan 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. For yesterdays update, read: Saturday, April 11: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan 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 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extends coronavirus stay-at-home order through April 30 Michigans updated coronavirus stay-at-home order will close garden centers and other parts of grocery stores How many Michiganders have recovered from coronavirus? Why state, local leaders have different answers Dr. Fauci says coronavirus antibody tests expected in U.S. by next week IRS launches coronavirus stimulus payment web tool for those who usually dont file taxes Planning for the unknown: West Michigan hospital workers brace for coronavirus surge Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told an Easter mass that we offered love to the enemies who tried to destroy us. Sri Lankas Roman Catholic Church has said it had forgiven the suicide bombers behind the attacks that killed at least 279 people last Easter. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told an Easter mass broadcast from a TV studio because of the coronavirus pandemic on Sunday that we offered love to the enemies who tried to destroy us. We forgave them, he said, adding that instead of retaliating, the nations Catholic minority had contemplated Jesuss message of hope and reduced tensions. The attackers carried out bomb blasts at three churches and three luxury hotels on Easter Sunday April 21, 2019. About 600 people were injured in the attacks. Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith holds an online Good Friday service at the almost deserted All Saints Church during an island-wide curfew [Chamila Karunarathne/EPA] Last year, Ranjith called for the government at-the-time to step down over its alleged failure to investigate an international conspiracy behind the attacks. That government headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, lost Novembers elections, with former President Mahinda Rajapaksas younger brother Gotabaya taking the reins. Officials charged with murder Sirisena initially blamed Muslim hardliners for the bombings, but later accused international drug dealers of being behind the attacks supposedly to destabilise his anti-narcotics drive. The countrys then-police chief and secretary to the Ministry of Defence have been charged with murder for allegedly not acting on intelligence about the attacks. Police have arrested 135 people in connection with the bombings, blamed on the National Thowheed Jamath group. They have yet to be charged. This years Easter celebrations have been muted amid a nationwide indefinite curfew imposed to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic. Some 199 people have been infected, with seven deaths, the government said. Closed-door Easter services were conducted at two of the churches attacked St Anthonys and St Sebastians. Nigerian rapper, Ruggedman has appealed to the governor of Ogun state, Dapo Abiodun to deploy policemen into streets in order to curb the increase in criminal activities in the state. Read Also: COVID-19: Ruggedman Urges Buhari To Address Nigerians He made this call in a tweet he sent out on his official Twitter handle on Saturday after news filtered in that suspected criminals have been terrorising the state. Dear @dabiodunMFR , I greet you and pray long life to you and your family. I know you are definitely strategizing on how to handle the sudden rise in criminal activities in Ogun state, I humbly ask that while you strategise please deploy officers into the streets of Ogun state. Dear @dabiodunMFR , I greet you and pray long life to you and your family. I know you are definitely strategizing on how to handle the sudden rise in criminal activities in Ogun state, i humbly ask that while you strategise please deploy officers into the streets of Ogun state. RUGGEDMAN (@RuggedyBaba) April 12, 2020 OTTAWAThe investigation into Irans downing of a commercial jetliner that killed dozens of Canadians in January has hit a snag due to COVID-19. Canada and other countries had been waiting months for Iran to hand over the flight recorders from the doomed Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 so their data can be downloaded and analyzed. Yet while the Transportation Safety Board of Canada says Iranian authorities reached out last week to see when interested countries would be available to have representatives on hand for the process, travel bans imposed due to COVID-19 have made it impossible to attend now. As a result, the TSB says Canada and other countries who lost citizens when the plane was shot down have asked that Iran put off downloading and analyzing the data from the so-called black boxes until travel restrictions have been lifted. Flight 752 was shot down by the Iranian military on Jan. 8, killing all 176 people on board, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents. The federal government recently appointed former Liberal cabinet minister Ralph Goodale as an adviser on the matter after the families of some of those killed on the plane complained COVID-19 was detracting from efforts to hold Iran to account. Read more about: April 12 : When it comes to hairdo, we have seen Kriti Sanon usually going the easy way, leaving her tresses open and straight. The Panipat actress is usually seen in poker straight mane or at the most giving little waves to her hair. But going through her Instagram handle, we have spotted a few cute hairstyles that the Luka Chuppi actress has sported recently. If you are confused about your hairdo every time you step out, take some inspiration from Kriti Sanon. The actress, who loves to leave her hair messy and bouncy, was seen in a cute hairdo with a stylish headband. Kriti chose a loose sweater and accessorised it with a pastel pink headband. The actress is seen in this hairdo quite a number of times recently while she is practicing social distancing amid coronavirus pandemic. The Mimi star is always appreciated for her sartorial choices and her impeccable ways of styling her hair. But undoubtedly, the actress loves to wear her hair open and messy. Here Kriti is looking stunning with her messy and wavy locks. Messy braid hair is trending for quite a long time now. Kriti is looking cute in this hairstyle, which we have seen her sporting quite a number of times off screen as well as onscreen. Messy braids look good with any outfit, western or Indian. Bareilly Ki Barfi actress sported a cute hairstyle which went well with her Indian wear. The actress made a messy bun and sported a stylish look by twisting the hair in the front and pinning up neatly on the sides. Kriti opted for a gorgeous embellished sharara suit and gracefully pulled her hair back in a centre-parted low ponytail. The heavy outfit was perfectly balanced by her cute yet simple hairdo. Abu Dhabi, April 12 : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has offered to fly stranded Indians who wish to be repatriated if they test negative for COVID-19, the country's Ambassador to India Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Banna said. Speaking to the Gulf News on Saturday, the envoy said the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) had sent out a "note verbale" in this regard to the embassies of all the countries in the UAE during the past couple of weeks. "We have sent the note verbale and all the embassies have been informed including the Indian embassy in the UAE and even the Ministry of External Affairs in India," Al Banna said. According to him, the UAE has offered to test those who want to be evacuated. The envoy told the Gulf News that those who test positive for COVID-19 will however, remain in the UAE. "They will be treated in our home facilities." Speaking on the same issue, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Pavan Kapoor also told the Gulf News on Saturday that India was trying to protect the health of its overseas citizens and their families by not evacuating them during the lockdown. "At this stage, we feel that it is best for them (Indians wishing to return home) to stay where they are (since) there is a complete lockdown in India," he told the newspaper in an exclusive interview over phone. "It is totally wrong to say that we are abandoning our citizens. Once the lockdown in India is lifted, we will certainly help them get back to their home towns and their families," he said. The envoy said the Indian missions in the UAE were awaiting instructions from their government on when the travel restrictions can be lifted. "Once we open it (passenger flight service), it (repatriation) has to be done in a phased manner. At this stage we can't even think of opening it," he told Gulf News. Kapoor also confirmed that there has been not a single case of COVID-19 detected among Indian workers living in labour accommodation complexes so far. "We have checked in different camps and we have not been told of any case in labour camps so far," he said. Photo credit: Spencer Platt - Getty Images From ELLE On April 5, the Wildlife Conservation Societys Bronx Zoo said in a statement that Nadia, a four-year-old Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, tested positive for COVID-19. The test was confirmed by USDAs National Veterinary Services Laboratory, based in Ames, Iowa. Animal Planet provided People with an update that appears on the episode of The Zoo on Saturday night. In it, the Bronx Zoo's chief veterinarian, Paul Calle, gives a 10-minute update on how Nadia and the other tigers at the zoo with coughs are doing. "None of them were seriously ill and all of them are showing daily, progressive signs of improvement," Calle says in the special. "We expect full recoveries for all of them." Calle adds in the special that the professionals working with the cats are learning as they go: "This wasnt supposed to happen to lions, and tigers, and other big cats, so now we are writing the book about what happens when a lion or tiger gets infected by COVID, and we have shared the information so everyone can benefit." The veterinarian said the zoo "is sure it is a person" who gave coronavirus, which causes the deadly illness COVID-19, to the tiger. The Bronx zoo is increasing its "preventative protocols" for the cats and has been practicing social distancing protocols for the zoo's smaller cats, too. The United States Department of Agriculture released a statement about Nadia's positive test result. "At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets or livestock, can spread COVID-19 infection to people," the statement said. It continued: "This is an evolving situation, however, routine testing of zoo or personal animals is not recommended at this time. Public and animal health officials may decide to test certain animals that are showing signs of illness and that are known to have been exposed to the virus." You Might Also Like Shaza Morani, the daughter of producer Karim Morani and sister of actor Zoa Morani, has shared a heartfelt note of thanks that she wrote during her time at Nanavati Hospital. Shaza, who tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month, has now returned home after two consecutive tests showed a negative result. The note, shared on Shazas Instagram account, started with her thanking the human side of humans. She wrote, I get so greatly affected by the erroneous ways of our human race, but ever so often I come across people who restore my faith. Its 3am on Day 20 of me putting myself in quarantine (day 4 of complete isolation in Nanavati hospital). My lights are off and lm all tucked in but cant sleep. Weirdly its not of stress or depression. I have a smile on my face and felt inspired to write this. Shaza thanked her parents - Karim and Zara Morani - for constantly worrying about her well-being even when they have so much else to worry about. She also thanked her elder sister Zoa, who had been quarantined with her in the same room after they developed symptoms for the coronavirus. Half my life Ive only fought with her and cant take her crazy self for more than a couple of hours. In my days of complete isolation, I miss her terribly, she wrote. Shaza said that she was overwhelmed by the love of her family and that she enjoyed their 200 instructions of what I should do to take care of myself. She thanked her boyfriend for being her breath of ocean fresh air at all times and her best friends for cheering her up with non-stop Facetime dates and group chats. She also gave a shout-out to her work associates who have been concerned about her health. Finally the biggest thank you... to the doctors, nurses, cleaners, pantry workers who have not seen their families for over a month, and are putting themselves at risk every day for me. Hope you get back to your families safely. I can only imagine the joy you will feel when you finally meet them. I wish that joy for you, she wrote. Also see: Farah Khans daughter Anya raises Rs 70,000 to feed strays and needy by making sketches, watch video Shaza hoped for the world to heal during this time and people to be filled with kindness and love. She signed off as a Covid-19 positive but also a faith positive patient. While Shaza has now returned home after recovering from the coronavirus, her father Karim and sister Zoa, who also tested positive for the virus, are still in the hospital. During an Instagram live on Saturday, Zoa said that she was feeling much better and hoped to be discharged in a day or two. Follow @htshowbiz for more Vedanta is targeting to indigenously manufacture about 50,000 personal protective equipment every day amid talks of PPE shortage in the country following coronavirus outbreak. The company will start manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) by the first week of next month,Ritu Jhingon, CEO of Nand Ghar project,Vedanta Ltd told PTI. Vedanta has tied up with the Ministry of Textiles to import 23 machines from China for PPE manufacturing within the country. "These machines will have the capacity of giving up to about 50,000 PPE per day. The production of PPE will start in the first week of May. "These machines specifically make PPE required for doctors and medicos," she said. In its fight against the pandemic, she said, the company has also procured two lakh N-95 masks. "Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Health have reached out to corporates, and corporates like us have responded ....We have also got request for N-95 mask from Ministry of Health. We have now procured 2 lakh of these masks," she stressed. The company has also procured 50,000 PPE, which will be delivered to theMinistry of Health in the next two weeks. Diversified natural resources firm Vedanta had earlier announced that it has doubled its contribution to Rs 201 crore to fight the coronavirus pandemic. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, BSP chief Mayawati has appealed to party workers to follow lockdown restrictions and pay tributes to him in their homes in view of the spread of coronavirus. B R Ambekdar was born on April 14, 1891. In a series of tweets in Hindi, Mayawati said, "A symbol of humanistic thought and sacrifice, Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar is a source of motivation for his followers especially BSP workers. But in the current Corona pandemic scenario, it is an appeal to all to follow restrictions imposed by the government, and celebrate the anniversary in their homes and pay tributes." In another tweet, she asked party workers to seriously deliberate upon the poor condition and harassment of Ambedkar's followers during the pandemic. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As several Britons continue to ignore social distancing rules amid coronavirus pandemic, the United Kingdom government has set out police and military boats to patrol beaches over the bank holiday weekend. According to an international media outlet, forces around the country have put out warnings after several people continued to flout the rules on Good Friday. The UK government is grappling to contain the spread of the deadly virus as the country has more than 78,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and the deadly has already claimed nearly 10,000 lives. The deputy chief constable of Devon and Cornwall, Paul Netherton, reportedly confirmed that the officers would be keeping an eye on coastlines around the area. Netherton further said that the forces will also be armed with public address systems to make sure that the rules put in place to stop the spread are adhere to. While speaking to an international media outlet, he said that the marine fleets from bases in Portsmouth and Plymouth will be operating along the Dorset, Devon and Cornwall coastlines ensuring people do not gather unnecessarily on beaches. READ: Amid Lockdown, UK Churches To Livestream Easter Services Online The UK is experiencing its warmest days of the year and the weather is tempting people out over the bank holiday. A spokesperson for Northumbria Police reportedly said that the authorities are encouraging the public to comply with the guidelines and the forces will enforce regulations where appropriate. Britons have been repeatedly asked to stay indoors to contain the spread of the deadly virus. READ: COVID-19: UK Nationals Stranded In Gujarat To Be Evacuated April 13 Onwards Amid Lockdown Too early to end lockdown UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, while addressing the daily coronavirus briefing, also urged citizens to stay at home and resist the desire to go outside during the Easter weekend. He 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. Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, also said its too early to think about ending the lockdown. The initial lockdown of UK ends on April 13, however, with nearly 10,000 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. (Image source: northumbriapol/Twitter) READ: UK Govt Faces Questions On PPE Supply READ: UK Group Concerned By NHS Worker Deaths A Michigan couple whose wedding date fell in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic used cardboard cutouts as guests as social distancing orders are continued. Amy Simonson and Dan Stuglik initially planned to celebrate their wedding on April 4 with 150 guests, but the state's ban on large gatherings during the outbreak dwindled their list down to 12 people. 'The switch from 50 to 12 was the hardest,' Simonson told The Herald-Palladium. 'If my uncle that I havent seen in six years isnt there, thats fine, but my grandma isnt coming, and part of my bridesmaids. My best friends wont be there.' Dan Stuglik (left) and Amy Simonson (right) were forced to whittle their wedding guest list from 150 guests to just 12 people amid the COVID-19 lockdown Over the last three weeks, the couple have discussed and planned four different versions of their special day. The only thing that wasn't swapped out or downsized was the wedding's venue at Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon, where Stuglik is part of the board of directors. Stuglik, a police officer in Coloma Township, didn't want his wife walking down the aisle of an empty church on their wedding day, so he hatched a plan. He said: 'I was seeing creative ways to fill churches, like pastors that were preaching to pictures of their parishioners, and so I wanted to do something so she wouldnt walk down the aisle to an empty church. Menasha Packaging Co. in Coloma had just the answer. Menasha Packaging Co. donated more than 100 cardboard cutouts to be makeshift wedding guests just days before the couple's special day Trump's message comes as the death tolls surpassed 20,000 as of Sunday morning and social distancing guidelines remain in place to stop people spreading or contracting the highly-contagious respiratory disease Stuglik visited the Menasha Packaging Co. factory one day to ask about buying any extra cardboard. He told staffers he wanted to use cardboard cutouts as makeshift guests in his wedding. 'When I explained why, it was neat to see their response,' Stuglik said. 'They got a little emotional about what we were doing. They immediately got excited about going above and beyond what we expected.' Ted Harris, customer service and design manager, and Luke Arendash, director of sales and operations, were more than happy to help. 'Its been a long time since I got married, but cutting corrugated cardboard the weekend before my wedding wasnt high on my list,' said Arendash. Stuglik (left): 'That was a painful part, that [Simonson's] wedding was being stripped away from her, but Menasha helped bring a little back' The Stugliks (pictured) were married on Arpril 4 at the Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon in front of small group of family and friends The two employees decided to go above and beyond for the Stuglik's wedding by adding small details to the cardboard cutouts. '(Stuglik) was just looking for a general person shape, but I was able to make it a little bit more realistic audience for them,' said Harris. Menasha Packaging Co. fashioned more than 100 cutouts that were donated to the couple. 'Its funny to think about a factory producing our wedding guests. This is such a kind thing for them to do,' Stuglik said. Although their guest list is small and their honeymoon - originally planned for Rhode Island - was cancelled, the newlywed couple is thrilled. 'I think we both have peace now, because its stripped down to what it should be, which is us and God, getting married,' said Stuglik. The Stuglik's honeymoon will now be in Union Pier and the wedding reception has been moved to October. Stuglik in particular is thankful that the cutouts from Menasha Packaging Co. helped make Simonson's day a little brighter. 'That was a painful part, that her wedding was being stripped away from her, but Menasha helped bring a little back.' As of Sunday, Michigan has around 23,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 1,400 deaths. On Thursday, state officials announced that a travel ban 'between residences' will take effect. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the order to extend stay-at-home orders until May 1. 'All public and private gatherings of any size are prohibited,' Whitmer said in a press conference. She added that Michigan had the third highest number of COVID-19 cases in the United States and that the infections were still growing. 'We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families,' she said. The United States has 534,242 confirmed cases and 20,637 deaths. A Morgan County church received some roof damage Sunday afternoon after it was struck by lightning, Morgan County Emergency Management Agency Eddie Hicks said. No one was injured when Shoal Creek Baptist Church, located in Priceville, was struck by lightning around 12:45 p.m. Firefighters from Priceville and Somerville were able to put out the flames. Hicks said the church was not destroyed, but it did damage the churchs steeple and roof. Al.com is providing live updates about Sundays severe weather threat. If you see any serious damage, please send information to Jonece Starr Dunigan jdunigan@al.com or Jeremy Gray at jgray@al.com There have been several instances of traders dumping fruits and vegetables outside mandis. Or of farmers dumping produce outside their villages or feeding them to their animals. Somesh Jha, Rajesh Bhayani and Sanjeeb Mukherjee report. IMAGE: People buy vegetables hours before the national lockdown on the midnight of March 24-25, 2020, in New Delhi. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters Ram Bhool grows spinach on his farm in Bakhtawarpur outside Delhi. Every day he reaches Azadpur Mandi, Asia's largest vegetable and fruit market, at 6 am, making the 12-km journey in a Tempo. On ordinary days, he sells 10-odd quintals of spinach in two hours and then goes home. But these aren't ordinary days. Now, he sells barely 4 quintals and waits till evening for buyers. And then he makes the journey home, on foot. "In a week, I have been forced to reduce the price from Rs 20 a kg to Rs 6," he says. On Monday, he didn't come to the mandi; he fed the produce to his cows. Tejpal (he, like several others spoken to for this article, gives only his first name) is a potato farmer from Islampur village near Agra. In the last few days, he has thrice tried to transport his produce to mandis in Delhi and Mumbai, but truckers have been reluctant. Those who were willing demanded twice the usual fare. Tejpal has now packed his potatoes in gunny bags and stored them under a tree. "Cold storages aren't running on full strength, so they aren't accepting potatoes," he says. IMAGE: A driver cooks food inside his parked supply truck at a yard on the outskirts of Kolkata. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters Mausam, a truck driver, reached Azadpur Mandi at 3 am with 16 tonnes of green chillies from Kolkata. He made the journey in 29 hours, missing by an hour the deadline his employer had set for him to earn a reward of Rs 8,000. Lighting up a beedi, the 22 year old from Mewat in Rajasthan says the police stopped him at least 25 times on the way. "At each stop, I had to shell out Rs 200 to Rs 500," he says. Food en route also cost much more, he adds. This was his first trip since the nationwide lockdown was announced on March 23. "Throughout the journey, I saw poor people walking on the highway -- men, women, children. They pleaded with me for a lift, but I was helpless because of the surveillance," he says. Not far from where Mausam sits near his truck, Dilip Prasad, a mathadi (porter), is desperately looking for work. It is 9 am and he has been in the mandi since 6. "I would carry vegetables and fruits for wholesalers and retailers up till the mandi gate, and earn Rs 300 by this time. Now, I barely earn Rs 30," says Prasad, a native of Nawada, Bihar. IMAGE: People buy vegetables in a market in the old quarters of Delhi. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters A highly contagious virus is in the air. But at this wholesale market, as in most others of the country, physical distance is hardly priority. Farmers, truckers, labourers, arthiyas (commission agents) go about their jobs, brushing against each other, some with cloth wrapped around their faces. It's a struggle for survival, with little support from the State. From the farmer to the local fruit and vegetable vendor, who pushes his cart to our neighbourhoods after having picked up the day's supply from the mandi while we sleep, these are the people who are ensuring that food reaches our tables. Most middle-class Indian homes have not seen a particular paucity of fruits and vegetables, so it is difficult to visualise the struggle it takes to bring them to us. Or the misery of those who make up this supply chain. Potatoes and cucumbers are major produce for farmers at Islampur. They had barely recovered from the unseasonal rains of mid-January when the lockdown dealt them another blow. It also coincides with a time that the rabi crop was to be harvested. "Though the government has announced several relaxations, it will not be possible to make up for the losses due to delayed harvesting because of the sudden labour scarcity," says a farmer. Wheat, chickpea and mustard are the main crops harvested at this time in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. "In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where the bulk of chickpea and wheat was harvested before the lockdown, farmers are not getting plastic sheets and bags to store them. God forbid that the weather turns bad," Bhagwan Meena, a young farmer leader from Madhya Pradesh, says over the phone from Budni. While most state governments have deferred procurement, the Central government has advised growers to delay harvesting as the weather is still cool in parts of North India. The impact of these decisions, both on the producers and consumers, will be felt in the months to come. IMAGE: A labourer carries a crate of vegetables at a market in the old quarters of Delhi. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters Mumbai declared a shutdown before the rest of India did. The Agriculture Produce Market Committees, or wholesale mandis, that feed Mumbai and Thane issued permits to traders specifying the quantities of vegetables they could bring in for sale. (The APMC market has been ordered shut since Friday, April 10.) With hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries closed, the demand for vegetables has fallen drastically. Traders who would ordinarily buy from farmers and sell to nearby mandis are having to go to distant mandis. Without any guarantee of finding buyers. IMAGE: Anil Salunkhe, a farmer, feeds strawberries to his cow at Darewadi village in Satara district, Maharashtra. Photograph: Rajendra Jadhav/Reuters There have been several instances of traders simply dumping fruits and vegetables outside mandis. Or of farmers dumping produce outside their villages, or, like Ram Bhool, feeding them to their animals. At Igatpuri, on the way from Mumbai to Nashik, dozens of farmers recently threw away bottle gourd, cabbage and whatever else they had grown but couldn't sell. In Nashik, India's grape capital, which produces 12.5 lakh tonnes of grapes (40 per cent of the country's total) every year, the migrant labour force has left for home. "So acute is the shortage that we will have to either delay harvesting or make raisins from fresh grapes," says Kiran Chumbhle, a farm owner and grape exporter. "Barely 30 per cent of the labour, largely locals, remains and they are charging a lot more." IMAGE: A farmer feeds iceberg lettuce to his buffalo at Bhuinj village in Satara district, Maharashtra. Photograph: Rajendra Jadhav/Reuters Chumbhle is aware of new farming techniques that can help grapes stay fresh and sweet longer; most farmers are not. Nor do they have the expertise, ingredients or solvents to make raisins, adds Vasudev Kathe, coordinator, Dabholkar Prayog Parivar, a Nashik-based body of 5,000 farmers working on crop improvement experiences. The supplies, he adds, aren't coming from Mumbai due to the lockdown. "I haven't seen such a deep crisis in my 35 years of grape farming." The Union horticulture department estimates that India's grape production could fall by 29 per cent, to 2.15 million tonnes. Maharashtra also accounts for 37.2 per cent of India's onion produce, some of which is grown in Nashik. But India's largest onion mandi, Lasalgaon, 60 km from Nashik, is closed since someone in a nearby area tested positive for COVID-19. Farmers are now selling whatever little they can to smaller mandis like in Chandvad near Lasalgaon. The worry is that onion prices could rise as farmers find it difficult to sell their produce in peak harvesting season. Head over to Mumbai's Vashi Mandi, which sells a couple of million tonnes of grains and pulses every year. It offers a lesson in how things can be managed in a pandemic. "We have initiated a system to control crowding and at the same time ensure that the supply line from farmers and traders remains open for Mumbai city and Thane," says Nilesh Veera, director, Vashi APMC. The committee had put a 16-point programme in place (before the APMC was ordered shut). IMAGE: Men sleep in a supply truck loaded with sacks of cauliflower at a vegetable wholesale market in Mumbai. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Supply trucks entering the mandi and those heading out to Mumbai city were unloaded and loaded on alternate days. Only I-card holders were permitted entry into the market yard. Individual buyers, brokers and others were banned. All entry and exit points were manned. A committee of commissioners of all municipal corporations up to Konkan district oversaw the functioning. And a local Vashi market committee managed internal operations. Permits for quantities that could be brought into the mandi were issued for the vegetable market at Vashi, which supplies Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mumbai, Palghar as well as the Vasai-Virar region. Here, too, individual customer entry was banned and the mandi was regularly cleaned. In Mumbai's suburbs, retailers are charging more for vegetables even though farmers are selling them cheap. They say that transport is expensive. And though household buys have doubled, it cannot make up for the loss of business from restaurants and hotels. IMAGE: A man passes through a disinfection tunnel installed at the APMC Market in Navi Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo Back at Azadpur Mandi, Arjun, a vegetable hawker, regrets his decision to stay on in the city rather than go to his family in Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh. "I thought I would be able to earn a living since what I sell is an 'essential item'," says the 48 year old, a towel wrapped around his mouth and nose. But with individual buyers staying away from the mandi, earnings have reduced to a trickle. "Once this lockdown lifts, I will go to my village... to my children." The narrow lanes by the mandi where hawkers sold vegetables have also been cleared. "But the nature of the market is such that maintaining safe physical distance is difficult," says Manish Singh, a 22-year-old commission agent who buys vegetables from the mandi and sells them to wholesalers and retailers. It is a risk to personal safety that they are willing to take. "Or else," says Prasad, the porter, "I will die of hunger." Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 14:06:14|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has evacuated 282 citizens from Russia over the COVID-19 pandemic, an official said Sunday. "Yesterday, our country evacuated a total of 282 citizens, mostly students from Russia on buses via Altanbulag border point. Among them, 20 suspected cases of COVID-19 have been isolated in the National Center for Communicable Disease (NCCD), waiting for confirmation," Dulmaa Nyamkhuu, head of the NCCD, said at a press conference. In addition, 108 suspected cases tested negative in Mongolia on Saturday, said Nyamkhuu. No new cases were reported in the country on Saturday, with the total remaining at 16. RELIGIOUS leaders have called for behavioral change among believers in the world by participating in prayers and keeping track of teachings through visual platforms instead of flocking to churches, temples and mosques as part of the measures to tame the spread of coronavirus. They said given the current situation when the world is facing the pandemic, clerics all over the world have the duty to take all the necessary precautionary measures to save their congregations from contracting the deadly virus. The leaders from Tanzania, India and South Africa who held a seminar over the internet (Webinar) yesterday under the facilitation of Global Interfaith Wash Alliance in partnership with UNICEF, said religious leaders are duty bound to advise their congregations to make more use of visual platforms such as radio, television and social media for fellowship and sermons. They urged religious leaders across the continent to remind their congregations on the importance observing social distancing and adhering to directives and other guidelines issued by health and government officials. Secretary-General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Rev Dr Charles Kitima, said: Failure to make physical appearance in church or other places of worship is not an offence, especially during this time when religious leaders are looking for ways to stay connected to their congregations away from prayer houses, he said as he requested people to voluntarily do so. Dr Kitima elaborated that the church doors were not closed currently in the country, and the Catholic Church was adhering to all preventive measures, including increasing number of services to reduce the number of people per mass. He stressed that religious leaders, among other duties, were obliged to speak on social issues, adding that during this time, they had the responsibility to educate and create awareness to the congregations on the seriousness of the pandemic and how to avoid it. The community has confidence in messages given by religious leaders as they are not politically affiliated, thus we play a crucial role in this war and be guided by facts, he said. The Secretary-General, Christian Council of Tanzania, Rev Canon Moses Matonya, emphasized that there is a need for religious leaders to remind people on the importance of social distancing and observing all protective measures, especially in worship houses. On the 16 April 2020, as a way of sending the message to people on the magnitude of the problem and seeking everyones devotion wherever they are and regardless of the religion, will be a day of prayer against the novel virus, he said. He further encouraged parents to keep children safe at home, and not permit them to play with other children outside. Meanwhile, the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Archbishop Dr Frederick Shoo, remarked that it is now an opportunity for families to stay together and churches to provide social circle support. It is a chance to reconnect with families and be counseled on how to stay together as a family; and for parents to pay special attention to their children and avoid gender violence and child abuse practices, he further said. When it is said that do not be afraid it does not mean we should ignore instructions given by the government and health experts on preventive measures, he pointed out. COVID-19 knows no gender, religious differences, age and does not carry a passport. It will affect everyone, asserted South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Dr Thabo Makgoba. Spreading the message of hope, founder and chair of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati said that, even at the time of lockdown as it is in India, people should remain strong and not be stressed. We can stay locked and never fill down. Our energy, humility should always stay strong. What is important is to remind our congregation that we should take the precautions but not panic; and tell people to be more prayerful, stay positive, and maintain our spirituality as they are immunity boosters. The UAE has offered to fly stranded Indians and citizens of other countries, who wish to be repatriated, if they test negative for COVID-19, the country's envoy to India told a Gulf daily. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) had sent out a note verbale in this regard to all the embassies in the UAE, including the Indian mission, during the past couple of weeks, the country's Ambassador to India Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Banna told Gulf over phone on Saturday. We have sent the note verbale and all the embassies have been informed including the Indian embassy in the UAE and even the Ministry of External Affairs in India, Al Banna was quoted as saying by the daily. He said the UAE has offered to test those who want to be evacuated. We are assuring everybody that we have the best of the facilities, the best of the testing centres and we have tested more than 500,000 people, he said. We are assuring them also of our cooperation to fly those who got stranded in the UAE for some reasons. Some got stuck because of the lockdown and closure of airports in India. Some were visiting the UAE. We are offering our system and making sure that they are good (to fly) by doing all the tests and transport them according to the request of their own government, he said. The envoy said those who test positive for COVID-19 will remain in the UAE. They will be treated in our home facilities, he added. 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 the coronavirus outbreak in the gulf nation. Considering the plea by Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) in Dubai, the court 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. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, businesses have been upended, and employees and business owners are facing unprecedented challenges. Matthew Ferraro and Don McCoy are presidents of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, respectively. As chamber presidents, they have a birds-eye-view of the struggles in Katy businesses right now, and they have innovative advice for navigating these difficult times. Ferraro: Its important to have a dedicated daily schedule that includes setting real work hours with certain blocks of time for work, meetings and breaks to limit unnecessary interruptions. Have a dedicated workspace that keeps you focused. Write down both personal and professional daily objectives and weekly goals for what needs to get done. Also, now that we are saving some time with our commutes, take a walk around the block on one of your scheduled breaks to clear your head and get some exercise. McCoy: I would recommend getting up, giving thanks and getting ready for your day just like you would if you are going to the office. This will ready your mind, your body and your spirit for what the day holds. What advice do you have for people who are having difficulty transitioning from working in an office to working from home? McCoy: Try to limit distractions. Set time and space for work, and then set time for a break. Dont forget to eat lunch- and take an hour to do so. I have caught myself working into the afternoon and realizing I had not eaten lunch. Also, embrace the change. I recommend a great book and a quick read Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson. Ferraro: We are all used to being distracted during the day by typical office distractions as they come up. Now we are trying to do that, but from a different environment that includes our pets, spouses and children. Prepare as if youre going into the office every day. As I mentioned earlier, have a plan of action to get work done and limit interruptions. Make sure communication with team members is clear, and all expectations are known. Dont forget to self-reflect to find efficiency, and work when youre the most productive. A lot of businesses are struggling right now. What advice do you have for businesses that have taken a major financial hit from the pandemic? Ferraro: We need to do our best to stay positive and continue to support each other. I dont think anyone budgeted for a global pandemic this year. As small businesses are being forced to quickly pivot to find new revenue streams, we have to be resilient and need to become innovative. We are in unprecedented times, and we dont know what the future holds. Dont be afraid to ask for help, as we have to support each other. Rely on your local chambers and business associations for resources to help you through this time. Become educated with the CARES Act and the two loans that come with it, the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan through the US Small Business Administration (SBA). McCoy: Be resilient and innovative. Stay the course and stay active in the marketplace. Take this time to sharpen your skills and work on your business. Take advantage of your competitions silence. Remember, we usually do our best work under pressure. Stay connected. Also, dont be afraid to ask for help and seek financial assistance from the SBA and our government. For businesses that are thriving, what advice do you have for maintaining that momentum once the crisis is over? McCoy: Keep leading, and stay active in the marketplace. Also, help others who are struggling, and lift them up either by purchasing their products or lending a hand. Even just a kind word of encouragement can go a very long way. Ferraro: For those that are thriving, dont forget to support your local community. There are a lot of nonprofits and small businesses that can really use some help. If you have the opportunity to donate meals to health care providers or manufacture supplies that can be used in preventative measures, please do so. Continue to patronize each others business. Buy Local. Use social media as a way of encouragement to fellow Katy businesses. Speaking of technology, interestingly, telecommuting may become more common now. It can actually create efficiencies and cut out some of the bureaucracy. By imposing strict scheduling and discipline like I mentioned, productivity, health and wellbeing can improve. Forbes magazine has an excellent article about business life post-pandemic titled, The Big Reset: Making Sense of the Coronavirus Crisis. Have you noticed that this crisis has impacted Katy differently than other areas? If so, how? Ferraro: Katy is unique in that its the touchpoint of three counties. We are monitoring Harris and Waller Counties very closely and are on weekly conference calls with Fort Bend County. Our community is abiding by the stay-at-home orders, and residents are keeping close to home as well, which is important for our health and safety, but is certainly taking a toll on commerce in our region. Katy is a tight-knit community; our residents are there for each other. While business has certainly softened, all you have to do is search local social media and see that folks in the Katy area are doing what they can to support our local businesses, mostly by patronizing our retailers digitally and by telecommunicating. A great example of the Katy spirit weve heard about is restaurants that provided free meals to some of the local hospitals. Were talking 500-700 boxed meals. Its instances like that that make you proud to live and serve in the Katy community. McCoy: I think this crisis from a broad view has impacted every city the same way. Every city is learning everyday, and the script changes everyday. I think Katy has great leadership and citizens who care for each other. Just know that behind the curtain of government, hospitals and first responders there are heroes going above and beyond daily. In addition to your chamber website, what are some online resources you recommend for businesses? McCoy: Economic Injury Disaster Loan Guide: www.uschamber.com/report/guide-sbas-economic-injury-disaster-loans Employee Retention Tax Credit Guide: www.uschamber.com/report/guide-the-employee-retention-tax-credit Small Business Emergency Loan Guide, Treasury Guidance, Loan App: www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf Treasury Guidance: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses Loan Application: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Application-3-30-2020-v3.pdf Ferraro: Although we have links to these resources on our website, I tend to recommend the U.S. SBA and the Texas Association of Business (The Texas State Chamber). The SBA has a number of resources regarding financial support about the CARES Act. The Texas Association of Business has put together a great COVID-19 Business Resource Tool Kit that covers additional financial resources, communication tools, health and safety procedures and updates on legislative actions for the support of businesses. The US Chamber of Commerce, Department of Labor, Texas Health and Human Services and Center for Disease Control are great as well. I also recommend following the City of Katy and our surrounding counties for local information regarding COVID-19. What are your thoughts on advertising right now? Ferraro: Advertising is very important and should be considered if your business has the resources to do so. Once weve gotten past the pandemic, those that have continued to advertise will have a larger market share than those that didnt. However, I think you need to be mindful of your target audience and make sure your messaging is appropriate, because COVID-19 is affecting people in a number of different ways. Look into advertising through your local chambers, newspapers and magazines as theyre ingrained into the community. For those looking to use a more cost effective way to advertise, you may want to consider the various social media platforms available. McCoy: I know advertising is probably the first thing on the chopping block. My advice- dont do it. There are many ways to advertise, and many of them are inexpensive. Your chamber can help in this area. However, like I said, you have to stay active in the marketplace. At the end of this crisis, the ones who will win the market are the ones people recognize. I like to say, If you are out of sight, you are out of mind. If you are out of mind, you are out of business. Dont be out of your customers mind. When the time comes, you want them to remember you. What are SBA loans? How can a business owner decide if an SBA loan is right for them? McCoy: SBA loans are loans made by a private lender and guaranteed up to 80 percent by the SBA, which helps reduce the lenders risk and helps the lender provide financing thats otherwise unavailable at reasonable terms. Is an SBA Loan right for you? I recommend this as a guide: https://s3.amazonaws.com/mentoring.redesign/s3fs-public/SCORE-Nav-SBA-Loan-Quick-Guide.pdf Ferraro: The SBA works with lenders to set guidelines to provide loans to small businesses. There are a variety of different loans that you can apply for through the SBA. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program seem to be the most popular at the moment via the CARES Act. Business owners should consider talking with their respective lenders and financial consultants to see if an SBA loan is the right move for them. Since person-to-person networking is no longer an option, are there any ways that business owners can continue to network remotely? Ferraro: Social distancing has seemingly created a variety of virtual networking opportunities. Whether it be in the form of Facebook groups, Facetime calls or Zoom Conference meetings, business owners are wanting to continue to network- and they should. There are a number of opportunities through your local chamber, Facebook groups and business associations that are starting weekly virtual networking opportunities. Some have gone as far as creating virtual trivia or bingo to keep everyone engaged. Its pretty unique how the business community is settling into the new normal during this pandemic. Were just happy to be able to provide those opportunities for our community. McCoy: Absolutely. Many networking organizations are turning to online networking and even happy hours via platforms such as ZOOM and GoToMeeting. Our chamber has had a membership meeting using ZOOM. It is a great way to see friends and share solutions. That is why a chamber is a solutions provider. On a personal level, what has been your biggest struggle as a chamber president? McCoy: The biggest struggle I have had as a chamber president facing a lot of issues is sometimes staying positive. To paraphrase Lolly Daskal, the founder of Lead from Within, being a leader, or in my case a chamber president, is all about balance. You have to be mindful and quick, slow and steady, take risks, have vision, listen but speak, know but question and do it all with grace and humility. How can I stay positive? Be with and meet with positive people. Brainstorm and seek and find solutions that benefit everyone. Encourage daily businesses that they can get through the tough stuff, and we can do it together. My dad always said, Dont sweat the small stuff. So lets stay positive and pray daily. Thats all you need to do. Ferraro: Its been a tough decision to request renewals and recruit new members as were trying to be very mindful of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the business community. The chamber is a small business itself, and we rely on the support of our members and their investment in us. However, we understand that our business community is struggling, so we have extended renewal dues through the end of the year. I dont want our members to feel pressured, as they have enough stress of their own. The chamber is happy to support our business community while we wait for this pandemic to pass. For more information on the Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.fulshearkaty.com. For more information on the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.katychamber.com. claire.goodman@chron.com New York (United Nations), 12 April 2020 (SPS) Russia reaffirmed, in the Security Council meeting, that any solution to the conflict in Western Sahara must respect the Sahrawi peoples right to self-determination and the UN Charter. The Russian mission to the UN stressed, in a tweet on its official account after the Thursday meeting of the UN Security Council on Western Sahara, that any solution to this conflict must respect the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and the United Nations Charter. The final solution to the conflict in Western Sahara "should envisage the self-determination of its people on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions in the framework of procedures which must respect the goals and principles of the UN Charter," said the mission in the tweet. The UN Security Council held a videoconference meeting on Western Sahara on Thursday, under the chairmanship of the Dominican Republic. The Polisario Front regretted that the Security Council had not sent a clear signal regarding its support to the UN-brokered peace process in Western Sahara, and reaffirmed that the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and to independence is inalienable and non-negotiable. (SPS) 062/SPS/APS Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a paramilitary team in Pakistan's northwest restive tribal district near to its border with Afghanistan, killing a soldier. The gunmen fired at the vehicle of Frontier Corps troops patrolling party on Bannu-Miran Shah road in North Waziristan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Lance Naik Iqbal killed in the firing during while Sepoy Naeem was injured. The security forces immediately conducted a search operation. However no arrest was made. One story from the China Global Television Network cited a quote from an Italian doctor who told NPR that the virus might have been circulating in some elderly Italians as far back as November, before news of an outbreak in China. The China Global Television Network then used that statement to argue that the virus could have come from China, U.S., Italy or anywhere else. 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. A masked thief ransacked an NHS office and stole personal protective equipment (PPE) in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The vital items were stolen by the balaclava-clad thief during a raid on an office in Salford, Greater Manchester. Alongside protective equipment, which is in short supply in medical facilities across the country as doctors and nurses battle the coronavirus pandemic, the masked raider stole laptops and some petty cash. In a post on Facebook, one NHS worker described the theft of the protective gear as a 'massive sucker punch' and said they felt 'gutted, angry and in shock'. Great Manchester Police have launched an investigation into the theft, which took place at an office building in Windsor Street, Salford. Alongside person protective equipment (PPE), laptops and some petty cash were stolen. Pictured: A nurse wearing PPE washes her hands (stock image) The items were stolen during a raid on an office in Windsor Street, Salford. The office is used by Salford Care Homes Practice, a GP surgery that looks after people in the city's care homes Staff working for Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust arrived at the office on Sunday morning to find it had been ransacked. The office is used by Salford Care Homes Practice, a GP surgery that looks after people in the city's care homes. A spokesperson for Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust said: 'We are shocked and saddened that one of our community bases has been burgled and belongings stolen, including some items of PPE equipment. 'Our priority has been supporting staff based at this unit and ensuring they have access to the equipment that they need to carry out their roles. It's a testament to staff that service delivery has not been significantly impacted today following this incident. 'We will support Greater Manchester Police in their ongoing inquiries.' A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police added: 'Police were called shortly before 7.50am on Sunday 12 April 2020 to reports of a burglary at an NHS building on Windsor Street in Salford. 'Initial enquiries have established that an offender - wearing gloves and a balaclava - made off with a number of laptops and a quantity of petty cash from offices inside the building. The office is a run by Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, who run Salford Royal Hospital (pictured) 'It is believed that the offender also caused criminal damage to another building nearby.' Police say no arrests have been made and anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 2836 quoting incident number 680 of 12/04/2020. The spokesperson added: 'Details can also be anonymously passed to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.' The theft comes as Matt Hancock today vowed 'we will not' rest until NHS staff were provided with protective equipment. The statement came as the country's main nursing union told its members they could refuse to treat coronavirus patients if they felt unsafe. The Health Secretary came under mounting pressure at the daily news conference this afternoon as he revealed that under-pressure units face on average a two-and-a-half-day wait to be restocked with personal protective equipment (PPE). Health Secretary Matt Hancock (pictured) today vowed 'we will not' rest until NHS staff were provided with protective equipment He spoke after the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) advised its members to refuse to treat coronavirus patients as 'a last resort' amid claims vital items like masks, goggles and gowns are still not reaching the frontlines. A spokesman for the union admitted that with-holding treatment would 'go against every instinct', but added that 'their safety must not be compromised'. When asked about the supply of PPE and if the government could commit to a date to deliver more PPE, Mr Hancock said: 'It's impossible because the quest is to get the right PPE to the right people on the front line at the right time across many millions of people across the NHS and social care. 'I'm glad to say that effort is moving in the right direction, we now have record amounts of PPE that's been put out into the system but until everyone gets the PPE they need then we won't rest.' Earlier this month, Mr Hancock confirmed 19 NHS workers had now lost their lives after contracting Covid-19. Across the UK there have been 84,279 cases of coronavirus so far, while 10,612 people have died after contracting the virus. The Delhi government has suggested the nationwide lockdown in force since March 25 may continue in the national capital till the end of April, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said on Saturday hours after chief minister Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a video conference along with chief ministers of all other states. Kejriwal conveyed this opinion to the PM, who is scheduled to make an announcement over the issue within a few days. In a tweet later, Kejriwal said the PM was open to extending the shutdown for the 15-day period after April 14, when the curb is scheduled to end. Delhis tally of coronavirus cases crossed the 1,000 mark on Saturday. The national Capital had registered a total of 1,069 positive cases, including 19 deaths and 26 recoveries. During the meeting, Kejriwal also urged the PM to allocate funds for Delhi to fight Covid-19. The chief minister requested that Delhi be given funds like other states are being given by the Centre. He reasoned that Delhi is under dual pressure as it not only has to take care of its own 2 crore people, but also lakhs of other people who do not reside in the Capital but are (taking shelter) in the city due to the lockdown, said a senior official in the chief ministers office. On April 4, Sisodia had written to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressing disappointment for not giving a single penny to the national Capital from the 17,000 crore-worth emergency assistance given to different state governments. NO INDIVIDUAL CALL YET Minutes after the PMs meeting got over Kejriwal took to Twitter where he said the Central government has decided to extend national lockdown by two more weeks. 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, Kejriwal tweeted in support of the lockdown. This came at a time when high-Covid spread states of Odisha, Maharasthra and Punjab, among others, have already extended the lockdown in their respective states. Delhis deputy chief minister later told HT that seeing the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the national Capital, lifting the lockdown now would be like setting off a ticking time bomb. When asked if the Delhi government will issue an order on its own on extending the lockdown, like some states did, Sisodia said such a need would not arise. We have requested the PM that the extension has to be a nation-wide lockdown. We do not see any possibility of the lockdown being lifted. The PM also agreed on continuing with the lockdown, said Sisodia. While the PM announced the nation-wide shut down on March 24, Delhi chief minister Kejriwal had imposed the pan-city lockdown a day in advance. MANDIS TO ENSURE SOCIAL DISTANCING To ensure strict implementation of social distancing and mask-wearing in places which have a tendency to be crowded, Delhi chief secretary Vijay Dev on Saturday directed district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police to launch a crackdown at all the mandis (big markets) of the Capital. The chief secretary warned that responsibility will be fixed in case of non-compliance of the order. He also directed officials that the upcoming festivals, celebrations are closely regulated. Social distancing and protocols of coronavirus prevention must be strictly observed, a senior government official said. Soon after Devs directive, Najafgarh sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Saumya Sharma ordered shifting the Najafgarh wholesale vegetable market to Haibatpura village to prevent crowding. Meanwhile, two station house officers of Amar Colony and Bara Hindi Rao police stations were transferred to the district lines for failing to ensure social distancing. COMPENSATION FOR PSV DRIVERS The Delhi Cabinet on Saturday approved the transport departments proposal to give one time financial help of 5,000 to drivers of autos, taxis, e-rickshaws and other para- transit vehicles. The application process for this will start Monday and public service vehicle (PSV) providers will need to fill a simple online form on the transport departments website. The drivers will have to type their vehicle number and the PSV badge number in the form to apply. Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot said the financial help will be given through direct benefit transfer in the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of the eligible drivers. The benefit will be given to all such 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, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON MIAMI, April 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Pastors, we need to take the health of our community seriously, particularly our most vulnerable to this virus, says Reverend Tracy Mooney, Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church and Afresh @ Asbury. Do you believe churchgoers are using common knowledge or blind faith congregating in the church today amidst this COVID-19 death trap?, asked Robert Alexander President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) of South Florida. While Christians believe that worshipping together is a necessary part of our spiritual growth, to physically come together at this time would be disastrous, especially for those of our congregation who are most likely to be adversely affected, said Reverend Tracy Mooney who is also Co-Chair of the Evangelism and Outreach Committee of the Peninsula - Delaware Conference. It is imperative that churches create new opportunities for worship and reaching out to all those who are searching for a spiritual connection. We need to live what we preach, which is, the church is not a building but a group of people who believe in the power of God to transform lives, said Reverend Tracy Mooney. If you value your loved ones, please take it seriously was the headline from Pastor Tyrran A. Smith (Pastor of Arise at Peninsula McCabe United Methodist Church in Wilmington), as he describes the shock of losing his mother Denise Bradshaw on Thursday, just as she was on the tail end of a battle with the novel coronavirus. That's why Pastor Smith and his sister Ta'Tra are speaking out about their experience watching their mother fight COVID-19, because they couldn't do it in person. Ta'Tra said, When you are admitted to the hospital for COVID-19, you're admitted alone. "My mom lived with me, and it was tough to not be able to see her here physically in the home, and then I couldn't go be with her. I can't touch her or see her. Thank goodness she had her cell phone so we could FaceTime with her day-by-day. That's the hardest part, you're helpless. Your loved one is going through so much, and they need your touch, and your encouragement, and your love, and we could only provide that through a screen." -- As reported by Sean Greene of WDEL When I, Robert Alexander, President of the South Florida Southern Christian Leadership Conference, SCLC, contacted the Rev. Joseph Archie III and asked if the church would survive this coronavirus, I pointed out that Pope Francis would be making history today when he delivers his 2020 Easter blessings inside the cavernous St. Peters Basilica standing alone at the altar, and when it comes to social distancing I reference to Pope Francis in an interview last week with The Tablet, an online Catholic weekly. The Pope was quoted saying, We are sticking to the measures ordered by the health authorities Everyone works in his office or from his room, using technology... So my question to the Rev. Joseph Archie III was, What exactly is the current state of church as we know it here in the USA? The Church has endured through 2000 plus years of persecution, strife, plagues, and other disasters, both natural and human-caused, said Rev. Joseph Archie III, who is the current Wilmington District Superintendent Peninsula-Delaware Conference of The United Methodist Church. In this time of COVID-19, we must care for one another by being physically distant, while still using every means available to reach and show love and care, especially to the most vulnerable among us. We are praying for perseverance, courage, patience, and wisdom as we live through these difficult times together. We trust that our loving God will bring healing to us as communities, nations and the beloved world community. As we celebrate the Lord Jesus' resurrection this weekend, we take heart in knowing that we serve a God who has overcome death, hell, and the grave. Christ is risen indeed! Stay safe, keep others safe, and keep hope alive for a future together that will be better than our present. We have lots of decisions to be made in this new world, the flood has come and we are now one global community, like it or not, said Robert Alexander President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference ( SCLC ) of South Florida. While speaking with my elder, the Great Reverend Lester Justice, he is quick to point out that, it seems like that good ole boy named 'systemic racism,' continues to raise its ugly head due to lack of health care, economics, and limited employment opportunities. We must not omit the fact that pre-existing health conditions are major factors among the African American communities. Some of those conditions include but are not limited to high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease to name a few. Often times some have to decide whether to pay the rent or purchase their medication, said Reverend Lester justice, the president and director of strengthening the black church in the Congress of the United Methodist Church. Rev Tyrran A Smith Pastor Arise @ Peninsula McCabe Co-Director of Russell Delegation Email pastortyrran@icloud.com Rev Tracy Mooney Lead Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church Afresh @ Asbury and eChurch Co-Chair of the eTeam - Evangelism and Outreach Team Peninsula Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church Email pastortracy@asburynewcastle.net Rev Joseph Archie III Wilmington District Superintendent Peninsula Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church Executive Director Methodist Action Program (MAP) Email: Dsjarchie@gmail.com Rev Lester Justice Director of Strengthening the Black Church Peninsula Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church Ljustice@pen-del.org SCLC HISTORY The very beginnings of the SCLC can be traced back to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The Montgomery Bus Boycott began on December 5, 1955, after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on the bus. The boycott lasted for 381 days and ended on December 21, 1956, with the desegregation of the Montgomery bus system. The boycott was carried out by the newly established Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA). Martin Luther King, Jr. served as President and Ralph David Abernathy served as Program Director. It was one of history's most dramatic and massive nonviolent protests, stunning the nation and the world. The boycott was also a signal to Black America to begin a new phase of the long struggle, a phase that came to be known as the modern civil rights movement. They issued a document declaring that civil rights are essential to democracy, that segregation must end, and that all Black people should reject segregation absolutely and nonviolently. Further organizing was done at a meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 14, 1957. The organization shortened its name to Southern Leadership Conference, established an Executive Board of Directors, and elected officers, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as President, Dr. Ralph David Abernathy as Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Rev. C. K. Steele of Tallahassee, Florida as Vice President, Rev. T. J. Jemison of Baton Rouge, Louisiana as Secretary, and Attorney I. M. Augustine of New Orleans, Louisiana as General Counsel. At its first convention in Montgomery in August 1957, the Southern Leadership Conference adopted the current name, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Basic decisions made by the founders at these early meeting included the adoption of nonviolent mass action as the cornerstone of strategy, the affiliation of local community organizations with SCLC across the South, and a determination to make the SCLC movement open to all, worldwide regardless of race, religion, or background. For more information contact : Public Relations Department Tasha Alexander 1-844-360-WISE (9473) 360WiSE MEDiA https://360WiseMedia.com South Florida Miami Southern Christian Leadership (SCLC) https://MiamiSCLC.org 1-888-618-SCLC (7252) The Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) A federal judge ruled Saturday that immigration enforcement officials must allow confidential telephone calls between detainees at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center and their attorneys in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The 15-page ruling by U.S. District Judge Jesus G. Bernal found that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must reverse a policy that critics said made it virtually impossible for detainees and their attorneys to confer in private at the facility, about 80 miles east of Los Angeles in San Bernardino County. Bernal wrote that the agency must provide "free, reasonably private legal calls on unrecorded and unmonitored telephone lines, and must devise a reliable procedure for attorneys as well as detainees to schedule those calls within 24 hours of a request." The decision came after the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California and others sought a temporary restraining order late last month, noting the risks posed by in-person visitation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorneys for the detainees, which included the Immigrants Rights Clinic at Stanford Law School and the law firm Sidley Austin, hailed the ruling for opening other methods for them to communicate with the outside world during the pandemic. "This order will protect detained immigrants' constitutional right to speak with their lawyers enabling them to fight deportation and regain their freedom," Eva Bitran, staff attorney with the ACLU, said in a statement. The civil liberties group said telephone access had been severely restricted in Adelanto, one of the countrys largest detention centers, which holds nearly 2,000 people. The attorneys argued that conversations were not only nonconfidential but also prohibitively expensive and that the phone system didn't allow detainees to leave messages if they didn't receive an answer. Bernal ruled that the calls must be free and offer the detainees the ability to leave messages. The judge also said ICE must help detainees and their attorneys exchange private legal documents. Story continues ICE couldn't immediately be reached for comment. The agency could ask a federal appeals court to stay the order. Another hearing is scheduled for later this month. The ruling is the latest twist a long-running legal fight between immigration advocates, the agency and its facility contractor, GEO Group Inc., and the emergency situation caused by the virus prompted the judge to act. It is the latest legal intervention at the facility since the coronavirus outbreak began complicating detention there in recent weeks. As an increasing number of ICE detainees across the country test positive for COVID-19, California lawyers are working to free as many clients as they can by invoking constitutional rights and arguing on humanitarian grounds. In the last week, U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter Jr. has ordered at least 10 people released from Adelanto. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Star/Asia News Network) Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Sun, April 12, 2020 13:56 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd159e02 2 News tony-fernandes,AirAsia,travel,Airlines,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free AirAsia customers are urged to accept store credit for replacement flights instead of claiming refunds for flights affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, says Tan Sri Tony Fernandes. The AirAsia Group chief executive officer also said the airline is among the few in the world that had chosen to retain its staff in this challenging time. "Like all airlines, AirAsia had no choice but to cancel a large number of flights due to government restrictions in an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19. I know many of you have expressed frustration with not receiving a refund for your flights but I encourage you to accept credit as a good alternative, he said in a post on his Instagram account Sunday. "More than 80 percent of you have accepted our credit offer and we truly appreciate this. Please know that our policy is in line with many operators in the travel industry and reflects our focus on coming out the other side of this difficult period and flying with you again as soon as possible," he said. Fernandes admitted that this was possibly "the biggest challenge" the company had faced, as "we have no revenue coming in, 96 percent of our fleet is grounded and we still have significant ongoing financial commitments such as fuel suppliers and leasing agents, he said He added that the airline is doing everything possible to reduce costs to enable it to come back fighting as soon as possible. Kamarudin and I will not be taking a salary during this period and Allstars from across the business have accepted temporary pay reductions of anywhere between 15-75 percent depending on seniority, to share the impact this is having on our business. Read also: AirAsia Indonesia suspends all flights starting April 1 "I thank them for their sacrifice and in keeping the big picture in mind as we navigate this together, he said, referring to co-founder and AirAsia Group executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun. While we strongly encourage you to accept the credit which is instant and comes with a 365-day validity and allows you to change your flight date an unlimited number of times, we do accept requests for refunds on a case-by-case basis. "However, due to the overwhelming number of requests that we have received, it may take a long process of between 12 to 16 weeks, he said. Fernandes pointed that AirAsia is currently handling 10 times the normal volume of queries from customers or about 500,000 guests on a daily basis, adding that improvements are being made to the companys virtual Allstar AVA, or its chatbot system, daily. We are working tirelessly around the clock to provide assistance to each and every one of you, he said, saying that the company has pulled in 1,800 staff from other functions who are volunteering to assist customers around the clock through its social media platforms on LiveChat, Facebook Messenger, Twitter and WeChat. Topics : This article appeared on The Star newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post The UK Opposition parties and some ruling Conservative Party MPs have called on the government to resume Parliament after its Easter recess period on April 21 in a virtual form, given the social distancing measures in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer, leading the calls for Parliament's return, has sought a meeting with the House of Commons Speaker and also written to the Leader of the Commons, Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, seeking a confirmation of a virtual Commons sitting. "Parliament has a responsibility to put questions to ministers at this time of national crisis," he writes. "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," he said. All parliamentary business was suspended on March 25, as the UK went into its semi-lockdown after a speedy passage of the emergency Coronavirus Bill. The Commons website notes that MPs are set for their official return after what is the usual Easter recess on April 21, but there have been doubts about the possibility of physical sessions resuming amid the continued lockdown as the death toll from the deadly virus in the country edged close to 10,000. "My view is that whatever we come up with needs to be comprehensive and temporary," said Rees-Mogg. According to The Sunday Times newspaper, Britain's spy chiefs have been brought in to advise the government on how a virtual Parliament could function. The National Cyber-Security Centre (NCSC), a branch of the UK's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), is reportedly assisting with details on how to make a video-conferencing app such as Zoom secure so it can be used in Parliament. Details were discussed at a virtual meeting of the House of Commons Commission last week where Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and others agreed in principle that Parliament should resume virtually. Details of how the virtual Parliament will work will be finalised at another meeting next Thursday, the report said. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel was asked about Parliament's resumption during the daily Downing Street briefing on Saturday, when she said that discussions were taking place over the issue but insisted that all focus was currently on dealing with the pandemic. "I think at this particular time, we have to focus the resources of government, all our energies, every single sinew of government, focusing on saving lives and dealing with this awful disease," she said. Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, said the lack of parliamentary scrutiny at this time wa "intolerable" and could not be allowed to continue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Przepraszamy! Ogoszenie na stanowisku: AML & Sanctions Processing Officer / Junior Process Officer wygaso z dniem 2020-05-11 Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Nordea Bank Abp SA Oddzia w Polsce Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to: oferta zamieszczona przez pracodawce zostaa wycofana z serwisu praca.egospodarka.pl zleceniodawca zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc CV zleceniodawca zmodyfikowa tresc zlecenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem WWW dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych nieprawidowy adres WWW ogoszenia Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Bankowosc / Leasing, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Bankowosc / Leasing Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku AML & Sanctions Processing Officer / Junior Process Officer, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca AML & Sanctions Processing Officer / Junior Process Officer Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: odz, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca odz Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj. Inne ogoszenia, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan: Boston Police Captain John Greland still has trouble breathing and it will be a couple of more weeks until his lungs recover after he tested positive for COVID-19. But the police captain assigned to the Boston Police Departments Jamaica Plain station believes the South Shore Hospital staff saved his life after the positive diagnosis. As I type this, I still have a little trouble with breathing, Greland wrote on Twitter over the weekend. The doctor told me it will require 1-2 more weeks for my lungs to recover. I had pneumonia in both lungs plus the coronavirus. In his tweets, the veteran police captain thanked the staff and nurses at South Shore Hospital. They truly are remarkable people, he wrote. In an interview with CBS Boston, Greland said he was on the job at the end of March when he caught coronavirus. He was rushed to Shore Shore Hospital earlier this month thinking he was going to die, CBS Boston reports. The police captain struggled to breathe. For more than a week, Greland was hooked up to a ventilator, according to the television station. He is now recovering. On Twitter, Greland said he was given antimalarial drugs and azithromycin, an antibiotic as a Z-pack, and was also on oxygen. Greland told CBS Boston he plans to retire in August. I want to thank the staff at South Shore Hospital from the bottom of my heart for saving my life, the captain wrote on Twitter. Related Content: In late July of 2015, Vice President Joe Biden 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 Cuomo aboard Air Force Two, Biden broached a delicate subject: his own interest in the presidency. Like most Democratic Party leaders, Cuomo was supporting Hillary Clinton, who had a wide lead in the polls. But unlike other top Democrats including former President Barack Obama Cuomo did not attempt to dissuade Biden from running. Instead, the governor offered a sympathetic ear to an indecisive elder statesman. Biden later recounted in a memoir that 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. "You'll live with it the rest of your life," Biden recalled the younger Cuomo saying. Cuomo's warm posture toward Biden raised eyebrows in Clinton's camp: Her aides wondered if the governor was currying favor with the Obama administration. But Cuomo told allies he believed Biden would ultimately choose not to run but insisting that the vice president deserved the space to make a decision on his own terms. The episode earned Biden's lasting appreciation, and helped cement a personal friendship that has grown into a crucial political alliance. Five years later, the two men have arrived together at an extraordinary moment: Biden, 77, and Cuomo, 62, have emerged as unlikely twin pillars of their party in a national crisis, Biden as its presumptive presidential nominee and Cuomo as its most forceful spokesman in a public-health emergency. They have turned to each other as allies during taxing moments in the past: Much as Biden consulted with Cuomo in 2015, the governor appealed to Biden for help three years later when he faced a primary challenge from the left. But now they are facing the greatest public trial of their lives and counting on the resiliency of their relationship to help them navigate it. At times, the current circumstances might have threatened to push them into competition. In recent weeks Biden has struggled to make himself heard in the din of a national crisis while Cuomo, whose daily virus updates have drawn widespread praise, has stirred Democratic fantasies of a commanding and articulate governor somehow emerging as a white-knight challenger to President Donald Trump. There have been moments of political friction over the last year, brief sparks between their camps if not between them. Cuomo complained privately for much of 2019 that Biden's campaign was not responsive to governors like himself, and questioned whether the campaign was adequately prepared to contest New York's primary. Advisers to Biden were frustrated when Cuomo, who expressed early enthusiasm for Biden's campaign, specifically noted last summer that he had not yet issued a formal endorsement. On a personal level, their allies say, Biden and Cuomo enjoy an easy rapport that has matured into a deeper friendship. For Cuomo, viewed in New York as adhering to the maxim that politicians should have fewer permanent friends than permanent interests, his attitude of deference toward Biden marks a rare exception. "He just sees Joe Biden as a morally decent guy, the same way I know he saw his own father, in that sense," said Jay Jacobs, a close ally of Cuomo who is chairman of the New York Democratic Party. Cuomo has never lunged at presidential races the way Biden has done repeatedly; even this time, when the Democratic field was wide open, Cuomo did little to advance the presidential ambitions that are quietly recognized among his allies. The current election season is not the first time Biden has been upstaged during a presidential race by a governor in Albany named Cuomo. Biden's first such encounter was inauspicious. Seeking the Democratic nomination for president in 1987, Biden, then 44, made a dismissive remark in Iowa suggesting governors were "uniquely unequipped to understand a broad range of issues that a senator has to deal with." The comments drew a stern reaction from Mario Cuomo, who was then exciting liberals and overshadowing much of his party's presidential field by publicly mulling a campaign of his own. He called Biden's comment "one of the dumbest statements" of the election, prompting an apologetic phone call from Biden. But Mario Cuomo never became a candidate that year, and Biden's campaign soon disintegrated amid a plagiarism scandal. Yet a tone of greater respect crept into their public comments. Mario Cuomo expressed open admiration for Biden's conduct during the confirmation hearings of Robert H. Bork, and suggested Biden could make a good choice for the keynote speaker at the 1988 Democratic convention. The slot went instead to a 41-year-old governor of Arkansas, Bill Clinton, whose rapid rise would soon put the presidency off limits to both Biden and Cuomo. Biden and Cuomo crossed paths in Washington in the 1990s, when Cuomo was housing secretary. But it was a few years into the new century that the families developed a tighter bond, when Cuomo and Beau Biden were elected the attorneys general of New York and Delaware in 2006. In 2017, the former vice president wrote in his memoir that Cuomo "told me he and Beau used to commiserate about being aspiring politicians who were also the sons of well-known officeholders." As vice president, Biden appeared beside Cuomo in several crucial moments, including during New York's recovery from Hurricane Sandy. Facing resistance from progressives who viewed him as an iron-fisted centrist, Cuomo's team asked Biden to appear with him at the New York Democratic Party's convention. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said Biden's intervention in the 2018 race had helped Cuomo secure a third term. She called Biden's speech at the state convention an important moment of validation for the governor. "Biden is a politician from a different age, when a sense of having somebody's back, based upon the values you carry and the work you've done together, means something," she said, adding, "That's something that Cuomo and Biden share very, very deeply." See for yourself how and where vaccinations are ramping up, plus how COVID-19 infections and deaths still persist in most states. John Legend is one of Hollywoods most talented musicians. Aside from his impressive talents and charming personality, he was also recently voted Sexiest Man Alive by People. Legends wife, Chrissy Teigen, is just as well-liked and popular as her husband. Teigens career began in modeling, but over the years she has proved that she is extremely versatile and extremely funny. Teigens Twitter followers love seeing her wit and intriguing updates. Recently Teigen has been focusing a lot of time in the kitchen and on her recipes. Legend and Teigen are both admired in the publics eyes, and it only makes sense that so much of the world is obsessed with their relationship. John Legend | Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images How did John Legend and Chrissy Teigen first meet? Legend and Teigen are one of societys most beloved Hollywood couples, but how did they come to be? It was love at first sight for this happy pair. Legend and Teigen officially met for the first time on the set of one of Legends music videos. While shooting the video for Stereo Teigen was cast as Legends love interest. However, it doesnt seem like Teigen had to do too much acting. After the shoot wrapped up the two of them secretly went back to Legends hotel room where they ate burgers and things got physical. John Legend & Chrissy Teigens love story Teigen admits to playing it cool after their music video rendezvous, but it was obvious there was something between the two of them. Legend was getting ready to leave for his tour, and Teigen didnt want to overwhelm him or try to immediately tie him down in a committed relationship. A few months later Legend and Teigen officially got together. The couple very briefly broke up, but luckily it didnt last. Not to mention Legend and Teigen later revealed it was a result of Legend being under intense stress and not because their relationship wasnt working out. Naturally, Teigen still likes to tease Legend about his short lapse in judgment. The happy couple went on to get married in 2013. What is John Legends marriage advice? Legend recently spoke out to E! News about his marriage with Teigen. Legend claims romance time is one of the key elements to his successful relationship. Legend stresses the importance of taking the time and putting in the effort. Legend shared examples from his own life and highlighted a recent trip the couple took to celebrate his wifes birthday. Legend reinforced the importance of couples making the time to do things together. Whatever Legend and Teigen are doing, the public and fans hope they keep it up. Social media sources love sharing what the cute couple has been up to. What are some relationship enhancement strategies? In 2017 the University of Illinois shared a study that focused on the science behind maintaining romantic relationships. Family studies researchers analyzed the maintenance and motives behind romantic couples abilities to stay together. The evidence and data indicated there are some fundamental relationship enhancement strategies that couples can practice in hopes of creating a more sound, secure, and rewarding relationship. Over time, working through conflict will become an enhancement technique for couples. This study also sheds light on the importance of discerning individual issues from couple-based issues. It is not always easy to internally reflect, but by doing that individuals will be able to hopefully better understand the dynamic at hand. These are just a few of the data-driven suggestions that the scientific study promotes. Love is at the heart of every relationship, but work plays a vital role in relationships as well. Legend and Teigens relationship is a perfect example of a loving and working relationship. Bhopal, April 13 : Two NSA detainees shifted from Indore Central jail to Satna were found to be infected with coronavirus. They brought Satna on the state COVID-19 map. Satna Collector Ajay Katesaria said the duo was moved to the town three days ago and would now be referred to Rewa medical college. They were detained in Indore for attacking the healthcare staff last week. Katesaria said all persons who were in contact with these prisoners while reaching Satna have been segregated. The district administration was seized of the matter. 40 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Indore, Bhopal, Hoshangabad and Satna districts taking the overall tally to 572 In Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. Two deaths were reported from Bhopal and Indore on Sunday taking the toll to 44 in the state. Indore reported 25, Bhopal eight, Hoshangabad five and Satna reported two cases till Sunday night. Indore's tally stood at 306 while the total in the state capital touched 139. Hoshangabad has so far reported 15 cases overall. Officials said 16 coronavirus cases were there in Ujjain, 14 each in Morena, Khargone and Barwani, 13 in Vidisha, nine in Jabalpur, six each in Gwalior and Khandwa, four in Dewas. There are two each in Chhindwara, Sheopur and Shivpuri and one each in Betul, Raisen, Dhar, Sagar, Shajapur, Mandsaur and Ratlam. The dead include 32 from Indore, five from Ujjain, three Bhopal, two Khargone and one each in Dewas and Chhindwara. With the death of 44 and recovery of 41 patients, 488 active infected patients are left in the state, out of which 474 patients are stable, while 14 were critical. Prabhu Chawla By Dear Bharat Naresh Narendrabhai, I have in the past addressed you as the Monarch of the Masses. I named you Gujarat Naresh when you helmed your state for 12 years. My justifications are my own. As prime minister, you are the Republics sanguine supremo who promotes Big Ideas over the narrow niceties of partisan confrontation. The time for the Next Big Idea has come. Create the manual to outsmart the virus and lift the masses out of fear and economic despondency. It was the torque of your personality and imagery, which attracted ballots from every caste, community, gender and religion in Gujarat and India. You successfully faced blowback from the worst communal riots ever, which left over 1,000 dead. For twelve years you were a social pariah. Those who adore you today abhorred you yesterday. You overcame social and political ignominy because you believed in yourself. Since 2014, you have been riding an unprecedented popularity wave because India believes that Modi hai to Mumkin hai. You have demonstrated your skill to convert adversity into opportunity. You announced demonetization without blinking an eyelid. Even after people died and suffered in queues, voters brought you back to Lok Kalyan Marg with a bigger majority and chose BJP governments in over a dozen states because of their belief in you. You defused the prejudiced praxis of poll promises of your foes to abolish Article 370 within 70 days of your second term. Your party colleagues, chief ministers and Union ministers hail you as the panacea for all illsof not just the nation but also of the world even as your political enemies baselessly blame you as the despot of divisiveness. India needs your capacity for concord. As the Great Unifier, COVID-19 is your new big test. Your diplomatic and humanitarian decision to send medicines to superpowers for saving their citizens was a sign of exemplary global leadership. Your loyalists painted it as a saintly act, while your oppugnant opponents went on a ritual criticism spree. You rightly scolded sycophants who started a campaign to honour you with a five-minute ovation. You interacted with leaders and opinion makers across ideological barriers to examine solutions. You took the initiative to bring together heads of states to evolve a mechanism to fight the pandemic. The hour has arrived to take the next step. You are fighting an invisible enemy, which doesnt discriminate on the basis of caste, colour, or creed. Fortunately, in a country of 1.35 billion we are yet to cross the five figure mark of positive cases. The worst is yet to come. You have been slammed for taking unilateral decisions like the Janata Curfew and the three-week lockdown without anticipating the fallout and implications. Millions of daily wagers and disadvantaged citizens were stranded for days, unable to find a packet of food. Testing capacity is low since we lack enough kits. Contingency funds to deal with the worst scenario are insufficient. Still people feel that you are on the right track to rescue them. This faith is why almost the entire nation clapped when you asked Indians to honour its Corona warriors. Later, they lit diyas at your request to symbolically dispel the darkness of fear. Modi, a proven manufacturing hub of ideas, must now launch a magical mantra to turn the tide. A section of opinion makers find the Modi Miracle Move missing. Both you and BJP President J P Nadda have been engaging with CMs, party leaders and workers and social influencers through video conferencing the communication tool of corona times for detailed briefings about the grassroots situation. Yet a focused approach to contain the virus is unfortunately missing. Orders are restricted to taking care of both victims and warriors, and not to locate viral trouble spots and bring them to the notice of authorities. The Centre has appointed numerous expert groups, GoMs and monitoring agencies for finding ways and means to flatten the contagion curve. But even after four weeks, only over 1,75,000 persons have been tested. Barring a few exceptions, your ministers and babus have stuck to social media and cameras. None of your prominent leaders are seen on the ground except to celebrate birthday parties and attend weddings. Your organisation has a well-oiled and cogently structured setup, which should be used to educate the masses. Vistarks, Pracharkas and Sudharaks must be deployed not just to distribute food packets but conduct house-to-house searches for all Corona suspects because they have gained expertise in handling national disasters since the Partition in 1947. Since our medics-to-population ratio is among the lowest, only a committed army of individuals can rise to the occasion. Information from far-flung areas, where an apathetic bureaucracy is both mentally and physically on leave, is paltry. The BJP is the worlds largest political party with over 160 million members. Even if half of them are activated with one person per ten citizens in their own localities for 800 million Indians, every sixth man out of ten would have been personally approached by now. Both states and the Centre would have garnered primary data, rather than depending on government agencies and their overstressed staff. Moreover, it is an opportunity to bring India together. Tablighi Jamaat is indeed responsible for adding almost 20 per cent of the total cases. Since COVID-19 is non-communal, the BJP should aggressively persuade its supporters to desist from a communal blame game and manoeuvre your charm and persuasive powers to advise the media to highlight the pathogen-fighting methods of Islamic and Western countries. Mosques have been banned from holding namaz. Churches are being converted into hospitals. Dissipate negativity with positivity. Jihadis and their promoters wouldnt accept you anyway. Moreover, you have a genuine chance to create the Grand Vista of unanimous political action in your favour. Both the Congress and regional outfits operate massive grassroots organisations. By corralling them, you will be leveraging them to join a larger national effort led by you. Cauterising Corona from the national bloodstream is the new Mahabharat. Indians expect you to be Arjuna, focused on a fixed target without deviations and diversions. You have triumphed in many battles. Now, you have to win your war against an invisible and lethal foe. Prescribe Modi Medicine to win the day. Let Bharat emerge as a healthier, happier and wealthier nation out of this trauma. PRABHU CHAWLA prabhuchawla@newindianexpress.com Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla When The Town Pump Charitable Foundation announced it was sending $1 million directly to 100 Montana food banks, food pantries and shelters impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, it was an enormous blessing but not surprising. This is Montanans helping Montanans, said Bill McGladdery, foundation director. And that's the foundation's philosophy all the time, not just in this great crisis. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has given $450,000 for organizations, including food banks and others, that provide basic needs support to Montana communities, and matching grants that could increase the safety-net funds to $600,000. "The Foundation wants to help alleviate the strain on these organizations by giving them a cash infusion now, while at the same time helping them generate additional resources by leveraging our donation," said Mike Halligan, the foundation's executive director. Indeed, we are used to the Washington Foundation's life-changing giving here in Butte. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana has donated $1 million to support Montana community action and health care access. The Community Collaborative Grant Fund is aiding organizations providing social services, access to care, food security and child and senior care. We are all in this together and we are proud to stand with Montanans in this fight against COVID-19, said Collette Hanson, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana. NorthWestern Energy announced $300,000 for small-business energy bill credits, direct donations to United Way agencies across the state, and matching donations employees make to organizations that provide emergency assistance for those having trouble paying their residential energy bills. "NorthWestern Energy is here to help our communities, our neighbors, during this extremely difficult time," said Bob Rowe, NorthWestern Energy's president and CEO. Notice a theme here? We do. These community leaders' immediate, no-strings-attached generosity deserves our praise and gratitude. We recognize that many Montanans are making sacrifices and selfless donations, large and small. Too many to call out individually. But this kind of leadership, from many of the major institutions that have such a great day-to-day impact on our lives, is remarkable, and it's one more reason why we are lucky to live in this great state. With so many Montanans helping Montanans, we'll get through this. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 RTHK: US now has the largest Covid-19 death toll The US death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed Italy's for the highest in the world on 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. 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, meanwhile, countries used roadblocks, drones, helicopters, mounted patrols and the threat of fines to keep people from travelling 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 centre 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 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 US, 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 US are in the New York metropolitan area, where hospitalisations 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. Governor Andrew Cuomo said the daily number of deaths is stabilising but stabilising 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 on 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 on Saturday between Democratic governor Laura Kelly and Republican lawmakers who overturned her executive order banning religious services and funerals with more than 10 people. 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. (AP) ______________________________ Last updated: 2020-04-12 HKT 05:16 This story has been published on: 2020-04-12. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. In times of social-distancing and lockdown, a visit to dark cinema halls for two hours or more feels like an apocalyptic nightmare. Or, perhaps, a distant dream. Sitting at home theres not much to do except, it seems, build your abs and put that daily video on Instagram to irritate those of us who listlessly browse through one streaming site after another, only to realise that we have pretty much seen every serial dedicated to putting together the limbs and stories of dismembered bodies. Luckily, there are enough desi and angrezi OTT (over-the-top, so named as they literally go over the cable box) platforms, and they do have some movies and shows worth watching. But given the number of mini and seasonal series dedicated to serial killers, serial rapists and the noble pursuit of them by men, and a few women, who are dogged, quite dashing but also dysfunctional solitary reapers, it would seem that overzealous detectives hovering over dead bodies is a common human obsession. I am not a big fan, though. The sanctimony of these truth chasers frosts my TV screen. Take Luther (Prime Video), for example. I tried watching it and while the first two seasons were interesting, mostly because of the mummy-daddy killer Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson) who stalks him, Luther got boring and repetitive pretty soon, especially after a tragedy makes a personal visit. This despite the fact that I can watch Idris Elba all day, on a loop. Hes primordial, key to the circle of life. The Australian TV series Rake (Netflix), on the other hand, is light and fun. Rake a man habituated to immoral conduct is Cleaver Greene (played by Richard Roxburgh), a Sydney-based defence lawyer who is an addict, doesnt have an office and is mostly broke. - Rake He has a very-centred yogini ex-wife who lives with their son in a sun-licked bungalow, and he has a resourceful secretary who draws whatever-I-feel-like salary from his account. Cleaver lives alone in a shabby apartment and on some evenings visits a sex den where he likes to play some board game with a rather bright sex worker. This love story takes off briefly, before settling into a strangely functional friendship. Cleaver is funny, resourceful, cuts corners, lies and doesnt mind sleeping with his best friends wife. Obviously, I recommend it. The other day I rented the movie Bombshell on Apple TV, and quite enjoyed it. Starring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie and John Lithgow, its based on the real-life story of Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, and the women he sexually abused. Unlike the series, The Loudest Voice (Amazon Prime) - Bombshell Bombshell is not powered by the showy histrionics of one actor (Russell Crowe, who plays Roger Ailes in Loudest Voice). It just tells the story without much fuss, but with lots of prosthetics and botox. But, Apple TV. Hmmm. It made a grand entry and then went phusss. Though I am not a huge fan of their first big, starry series, The Morning Show, which is inspired by a book Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV, it is a worthy attempt. Set in the very competitive world of network news, The Morning Show is a very interesting take on workplace sexual abuse and MeToo. I didnt enjoy it because the two women Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon holding the show are strangely incompetent despite being marquee names. - The Morning Show While Jennifer Aniston plays an interesting character Alex Levy, an entitled TV diva who is devoted only to her divadom, Reeses character, Bradley Jackson, with her 'I want to change the world one angry story at a time', bored me to death. The problem is that though the show is devoted to righting the wrongs done to women, men inhabit better written, sharply-conceived characters and are assigned to stronger actors. Mitch Kessler, played by Steve Carell, is excellent, and so is Billy Crudup whose Cory Ellison is a sexually ambiguous capitalist wet-dream. But there is one series on Apple TV that I found riveting Servant, a psychological horror show directed by M. Night Shyamalan and Daniel Sackheim. - Servant - Servant Its a broody, moody, creepy show set in a Brownstone in Philadelphia where a couple, Dorothy and Sean, live. Dorothy is a mother stunned into catatonic depression by a tragedy, and Sean, the husband, reluctantly but lovingly plays along so as to not prick the make-believe world she has concocted and inhabits. Dorothy is a day-time TV anchor and Sean is a chef who works from home. They hire a nanny to take care of Baby Jericho. There is some creepy supernatural mumbo jumbo that is very worrying and makes for compulsive watching, but Servant stands out because of its high production value, excellent cinematography and incredibly intelligent sound design that plays with silence. I can still hear some scenes. The other reason why the show is quite fabulous is the side-track of food Sean only makes exotic dishes, and the process is sometimes teasing and seductive, but also, at times, violent. Food and fear make for very scary twins. Giri/Haji (Netflix) 8-part series Cast: Takehiro Hira, Kelly Macdonald, Yusuke Kubozuka, Will Sharpe, Charlie Creed-Miles Created & written by Joe Barton Direction: Julian Farino, Ben Chessell Rating: **** - Giri Haji I suspect that like me many Indians have a mild crush on England and a huge crush on Japan. Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame), co-produced by BBC and Netflix, is set in London and Tokyo, and while its Japanese bit is all about yakuza, rogue assassins, loyalty and a lonesome, fatigued cop (a la Beat Takeshi, but not a patch on him), in England there is an earnest detective fighting snakes in her letter box, a flamboyant rent boy, and a club owner who seems to have walked over from the set of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. There is also a family of three women in Tokyo trying to rescue another woman and child, and a romance in London thats all too predictable and filmy the sort that always happens on screen but never, ever in real life. The eight-part series drags in the beginning and gets a bit boring, but then it picks up. Giri/Haji is lifted from its droopy, elongated-shadows pace by the witty and emotionally raw Rodney Yamaguchi (Will Sharpe), a half-Japanese, half-British sex worker and drug addict who is stalked by guilt and chases a mother who just wont see what he is going through. Gullak (SonyLiv) Cast: Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Harsh Mayar, Shivankit Singh Parihar Direction: Amrit Raj Gupta Rating: **** - Gullak Gullak is a 2019 series that didnt get the love it deserved. Set in a small town in North India, its a family drama about the Mishras a lower middle class family of mother, father and two sons and their roz marrah ki problems. If there is a plot, its about meagre means and small dreams. In the Mishra parivaar theres daily bickering over the same dish mummyji, Shanti, makes over and over (aloo-daal waale peele chawal), and the eldest sons continuous pestering for a scooty. He gets the same response everytime he brings it up Pehle try and clear your SSC... Gullak is about being frustrated with power-cut and resolving to buy an inverter for the house, but realising the next instant that you need to build a proper house first. Its about a water pump that keeps collapsing, and neighbours whose children are doing better than your own. In the Mishra house, many afternoons and evenings are spent planning what will be built where, and these sessions often end with a special treat of ice-cream. If there is an antithesis to Made in Heaven (Amazon Prime), the expensive, good-looking, amir logon ki problems wala serial, then its Gullak and its love for the ordinariness of life, its daily joys and frustrations. If you are of my vintage and go all nostalgic at the mention of Pakistani serials like Tanhaiyaan, Dhoop Kinare, you will love the Mishras. For starters, the series has one of Indias most talented and unrecognised actresses, Geetanjali Kulkarni. The Valhalla Murders (Netflix) 8-part series Cast: Nina Dogg Filippusdottir, Bjorn Thors Creator: Thordur Palsson Rating: ***1/2 Its Nordic, its set in Iceland, and its about chilling murders and deteremined detectives. - The Valhalla Murders The Valhalla Murders, an eight-part series, is inspired by a real life incident in the 1940s and opens with some dead-end murders where the killer slashes the eyes of the victims. As the body count mounts, Kata, the officer investigating the murders, is overlooked for a promotion and then told that she has to work with Arnar, an officer being called from Oslo to take charge of the investigation. The Valhalla Murders doesnt compare with Trapped (Netflix), but its engaging because of the setting, aerial shots of long, grey roads cutting through snow, and because all these roads lead, yet again, to sexual perversion and childhood scars that wont heal. Bacurau (Mubi) Feature film Cast: Alli Willow, Antonio Saboia, Barbara Colen, Brian Townes, Carlos Francisco, Chris Doubek, Jonny Mars, Udo Kier, Julia Marie Peterson, Karine Teles, Luciana Souza, Rubens Santos, Silvero Pereira, Sonia Braga Direction: Kleber Mendonca Filho & Juliano Dornelles Rating: ***1/2 - Bacurau Brazilian auteur director Kleber Mendonca Filho and his co-director Juliano Dornelles Bacurau (Nighthawk) opens with a truck load of coffins spilling on to a road en route to a small Brazilian town which, soon after, disappears from the map, quite literally, after its matriarch Carmelita dies. Local mayor elections are underway and when the villagers dont pay much attention to the candidates spiel and promises, a group of sharp shooters arrive to take out the villagers. With militia-on-hire on the prowl, drones in the sky and orders over walkie-talkies, Bacurau tells the bizarre, bloody story of a village rising to protect itself in the style of a modern western. The film has a lot of blood and gore that doesnt make much sense because the dots of the plot exist as islands in themselves and its for us to join them, or not. Bacurau is an allegorical satire on far-right President Jair Bolsonaros Brazil. And while the story may or may not come together for you, what will stay with you is the wacky whimsy of the director as well as his astute take on life under a despotic, megalomaniacal head of state. Bacurau was selected to compete for the Palme dOr at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and it won the jury prize. Asur: Welcome To your Dark Side (Voot) 8-part series Cast: Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Anupriya Goenka, Riddhi Dogra, Sharib Hashmi, Amey Wagh Direction: Oni Sen Rating: ***1/2 - Asur Its been a while since I saw Arshad Warsi and I was really looking forward to spending some time with him. But the joy of Asur doesnt lie in his company. It lies in a plot that is smarter than us and keeps coiling around its main characters. Asur is a serial about serial murders and a team of CBI officers who are focused on cracking it. Dhananjay Rajpoot (Arshad Warsi) is a forensics guy who has a bit of troubled history with another forensics guy, Nikhil Nair (Barun Sobti). They were once partners but now Nikhil lives in the US and works for the FBI. But a murderer in India keeps sending Nikhil locations of his murders, and soon Nikhil is requested to rejoin CBI. He returns, despite his sexy but perpetually sulking wifes objections. And then, nothing goes as per plan. One investigating officer gets framed in a murder and is sent to jail, while another is kidnapped by the killer and made to choose between plotting murders or watching his own family die. Dhananjay Rajpoots story and character carries more than a whiff of Idris Elbas Luther, but Warsi gives it lots of gloom without the swag. Barun Sobti is good but his Nikhil needed a bath and a nicotine patch. The series is riveting not because of the investigation or the police procedural, but because of the killers back story. Set in Varanasi and drenched in creepy mythology about Kali and Kalki (the 10th and final avatar of Vishnu), this flashback, which the series keeps going back to, is haunting and very nicely done. It also has the best actors in the series. Especially Vishesh Bansal, who plays young Shubh. His dead gaze still stalks me. Yeh Ballet (Netflix) Feature film: English/Hindi Cast: Achintya Bose, Manish Chauhan, Julian Sands, Danish Hussain, Heeba Shah, Vijay Mauryaould no Direction: Sooni Taraporevala Rating: ***1/2 - Yeh Ballet Yeh Ballet, set in Mumbai, is a foot-tapping, shoulder-popping prance to tapori land. Based on a true story, it is directed by Sooni Taraporevala, an accomplished photographer and writer, and tells the story of two boys, Asif and Nishu, excellent street dancers who seek a life out of their suffocating, meagre existence. In Saul Iron (Julian Sands), an Israeli-American ballet teacher, they find a mentor and some hope. Though both the boys skip in and out of maze-like narrow lanes to settle into homes where intimacy is involuntary, they could not be more different, and yet similar. Asif, a blustering boy with his curly hair on fire, is into some doggy courier business and is always itching for a fight. Nishu, on the other hand, is a seedha-sadha, serious boy who is proud of winning a special prize on a TV talent show. Both of them forget their claustrophobic lives when they dance on concrete patches by the beach before women carrying fish to dry shoo them away. Nishu and Asif join the Mumbai Dance Academy despite the lack of money and opposition from their homes. Their capricious lives and tempestuous attitude leads to tension and suspense, as well as some poignant moments. Shot on location, Yeh Ballet brings to life that sliver of Mumbai which sits by the sea and is repeatedly stroked by gusts of fresh air. The film is at its best when the kids are dancing, outside challenging and taunting each other with their intimidating and free-association moves. The ballet sessions at the academy, where young boys and girls tip-toe in butt shorts, were dull because the ballet wasnt as great as we are constantly told it is. Yeh Ballet is uplifting in the way all stories about young prodigies chasing a dream are. But its the boys relationship with their perpetually angry teacher, their funny cross talk which gives the film a heart. There is also a subtle but powerful comment on Indians attitude to gods that makes Yeh Ballet and the lanes of Mumbai glow and pulse. NYPD officers stand outside a temporary hospital in New York City on April 10, 2020. (Johannes Eisele /AFP via Getty Images) Nurses, Lauded for Virus Efforts, Find Their Tires Slashed CORTLANDT, N.Y.Some nurses at a New York hospital who had just been lauded for their work during the CCP virus pandemic ended their stress-filled overnight shifts to find their tires had been slashed while they worked. New York state police reported that the tires of 22 vehicles were found slashed on the morning of April 10 outside New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt. Daniel R. Hall, 29, was arrested on charges including criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance. Police said he had a small amount of PCP when he was arrested. Hall is due in court May 18. Its not clear whether he has an attorney who can speak for him. Hospital officials said they would pay for the damage. A nurse walks outside of Wyckoff Hospital in the Borough of Brooklyn in New York on April 6, 2020. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images) We were shocked to hear of this incident, especially at this time when our employees are working tirelessly and courageously through the pandemic caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, the officials said in a statement to the Journal News. Before the tires were slashed, dozens of police officers and firefighters had gathered outside the hospital Thursday night to applaud the health care workers, who like their colleagues across New York state have been treating patients stricken by the CCP virus, the newspaper reported. What our hospital is focusing on today is the beautiful tribute given by our first responders last night, the hospital statement said. Epoch times staff contributed to this report Iraqs intelligence chief Mustafa al-Kadhimi has been appointed to form a new cabinet but faces a number of obstacles. After two previous candidates failed to form a government, hopes are high among Iraqs political elite that head of intelligence Mustafa al-Kadhimi will be able to complete the task. Al-Kadhimis nomination was announced by President Barham Salih on Thursday at a ceremony at al-Salam presidential palace in Baghdad as representatives from the majority of Iraqs political blocs watched on. Moments earlier, al-Kadhimis predecessor, a former Najaf governor and leader of the Nasr parliamentary bloc, Adnan al-Zurfi, announced the withdrawal of his candidacy. This came weeks after former communications minister Mohammed Allawi also stepped aside in the face of strong rejection from influential political groups and an anti-government protest movement, which had forced then-Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to step down in December after only a year in office. The successive failures have left Iraq without a fully-functioning government for more than three months, during which time the country has faced a coronavirus outbreak as well as the fallout from the United Statess assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3. Although the coronavirus outbreak has quelled the protest movement, which had been marked by massive rallies in the capital Baghdad and across much of the largely Shia south, its members have rejected al-Kadhimis nomination. However, some analysts say the new candidate has enough support across Iraqs political spectrum, and from Iran and the US Iraqs most influential foreign allies to form a government before the 30-day deadline expires. Al-Zurfis withdrawal While Allawi failed to have his cabinet approved by Sunni, Kurdish and some Shia parties, al-Zurfi, who was tasked with forming a government on March 17, did not reach the stage of forming a cabinet. Zurfi withdrew without even presenting his cabinet to Parliament, as he was faced with unified opposition from all leaders of the Shia, Sunni and Kurdish factions, independent Iraq researcher Zeidon Alkinani, told Al Jazeera. On the eve of al-Zurfis withdrawal, the Alliance of Iraqi Forces, the largest Sunni bloc in Parliament, released a statement announcing its rejection of al-Zurfi and its support for al-Kadhimi instead. The move was reciprocated by the president of the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, reflecting a similar sentiment among the Kurds. Meanwhile, Shia blocs close to Iran had strongly rejected al-Zurfi from the moment he was announced as prime minister-designate. They perceived al-Zurfi, who was endorsed by the US secretary of state for near east affairs, David Schenker, as too close to the US. Zurfi had opposition that saw him as too closely aligned with the US and faced a veto of sorts from Iran who did not want to see a PM approved without their blessing, said Sajad Jiyad, an independent Iraqi analyst. Renad Mansour, head of the Iraq initiative at Chatham House agreed: Iran made it its goal, and as a marker of its success in Iraq post Qassem Soleimani, to bring down Zurfi. Playing by the rules But unlike his predecessors, al-Kadhimi, who appears to be playing by the rules, according to Mansour, enjoys support from across Iraqs political spectrum. Thursdays ceremony was aimed at showing political unity around Kadhimi and that this nominee would pass, said Jiyad, referring to the representation of most parties at al-Kadhimis nomination. This differs from the previous two nominees who did not have as much consensus around them at the start. This is probably the factor that will most help Kadhimi become PM if it is maintained, he added. 191225124512897 A key factor behind the support for al-Kadhimi appears to be his inclination towards maintaining the political system in Iraq, introduced after the US invasion in 2003. Under the system, power is apportioned along ethnic and sectarian lines. Kadhimis cabinet will follow the rules of the ethnic-sectarian quota, Alkinani told Al Jazeera. Iraqis who took part in the months-long protest movement also see al-Kadhimi as the embodiment of this system, which they campaigned to overhaul, citing corruption, favouritism and its failure to provide job opportunities and basic services to citizens. Weve rejected Kadhimi all along. He represents the system we want gone, said Ali Khraybit, a 27-year old filmmaker who has taken part in Baghdads protests since October. Foreign relations Another important factor that could boost the new PM-designates chances of success is his seeming ability to balance Iraqs relations with the US and Iran. Al-Kadhimi, who was born as Mustafa al-Ghareebawi, fled Iraq in 1985 while still a law student, eventually settling in the United Kingdom and gaining British citizenship. 200107184608000 After working as a journalist in the 1990s and 2000s, he completed a law degree in 2012 and was then appointed as head of Iraqs national intelligence service in 2016. Al-Kadhimi appears to have nurtured his relations with the US throughout his career, making a potential US endorsement of his candidacy possible, according to analysts. Kadhimi spent a lot of time in the US. He is a secular Iraqi nationalist who supported the US invasion and has had long relations with the media and Washington, said Mansour. According to Jiyad, al-Kadhimi maintains close contact with DC and is politically close to Abadi, he told Al Jazeera, referring to former Prime Minister Hadi al-Abadi, known for his balancing act between the US and Iran. Iranian support Analysts believe that al-Kadhimis appointment also reflects Irans backing for him and signals Tehrans continuing influence over Iraq in the wake of the killing of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the former deputy leader of the Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces or PMF), who was killed alongside Soleimani. Most of the blocs and parties across the political spectrum, including Fateh [which has strong links with Iran-backed PMF groups], have come out in support of Kadhimis nomination, said Jiyad. For now, it looks like he has broad political consensus behind him. This scenario (Zurfis withdrawal and Khadimis nomination) shows that Iran is still able to bounce back when looking like on the verge of defeat, added Mansour. Recent reports pointed towards Irans shrinking influence over an increasingly fractured Hashd, which includes several armed groups that are seen by critics as Iranian proxies in Iraq. Iran wanted Zurfi to go, said Mansour, referring to his strongly antagonistic stance towards Iran and Iran-backed groups. In a Twitter post last month, al-Zurfi had said the PMFs loyalty will be to Iraq, and Iraqis. Challenges ahead In order to form a new government, which al-Kadhimi said he hopes to achieve by April 25 two weeks ahead of the deadline he still needs to complete the difficult task of securing and maintaining support among Iraqs various political groups and appeasing the protesters who want an overhaul of the political system. Cabinet formation will be the real test, said Jiyad. Can he give enough to the parties to get their votes and still present a capable government able to deal with the challenges and maintain some credibility with protesters and the domestic audience, he asked. While Mansour believes that al-Kadhimi will succeed, he says the challenges remain significant. There is deep fragmentation among the large political groups, he said. Kadhimi will have to please everyone while at the same time look like hes in line with protesters demands of fighting corruption and the old system. Some cracks have already appeared, reflecting that al-Kadhimis journey so far has not been smooth. A day after his appointment, Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah (KH) an armed group which the US has blamed for rocket attacks on airbases used by its troops in Iraq rejected al-Kadhimis appointment, which it likened to an act of treason. Observers noted that al-Kadhimi has faced significant opposition since his name was first linked to the job after Abdul Mahdi stepped down, with anti-government protesters as well as Shia political blocs and armed groups also opposed to his nomination. The opposition [to al-Kadhimi] came from Fateh and several groups such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, KH and al-Nujaba Brigades, which openly accused Kadhimi of being a US agent and complicit in the assassination of Soleimani and Muhandis, said Jiyad. But according to Mansour, some of these groups have since changed their position, allowing for al-Kadhimis appointment. Political opponents realised that Iraq might become insolvent and is on the brink of a massive crisis so they had to come together, he explained. While the majority of Shia groups have either endorsed or remained silent on al-Kadhimi, analysts say the former spy chief still needed to work to expand his support base. The biggest obstacle for Kadhimi in forming a new government will come from some of the Hashd groups because of his role as the head of intelligence, said Mansour. They know he is against the proliferation of militias in Iraq and believes in integrating all of the groups into the system. According to Jiyad, these challenges could continue after a government is formed. It is likely that the opposition to Kadhimi will appear after he is confirmed, where his government will be challenged in parliament and some sorely needed reforms might not get through, he said. This is an opinion column. Back when it was new, Birmingham, Ala., almost died in the cradle. Birmingham was just two years old in 1873, but bursting with opportunity in the days after the Civil War. It was rich with all the ingredients to make steel, but it almost vanished. Cholera swept through, as it had done elsewhere. It was first identified in a transplant from Huntsville, which had seen its own epidemic, and killed 128 people that year. Birmingham was small then -- it would count 3,000 residents in 1880, its first census -- and was ill-equipped to deal with the spread. Cholera killed quickly, and brutally. Public service announcements warned people to avoid drinking cold water, to stay away from spirits, raw vegetables and unripe fruit. Doctors urged caution. Our little city was terribly scourged for long weeks, Dr. M.H. Jordan wrote in his report for the U.S. Surgeon General. Cholera was declared an epidemic in Birmingham on July 1, 1873, but of course -- then as now -- many ignored the dangers. For on July 4, on the nations centennial, just eight years after the Union was restored, about 200 Birminghamians traveled 30-odd miles by rail to Blount Springs for celebration. They spent the day in eating, drinking, dancing, etc,, and returned to Birmingham about 8 oclock in the evening, Jordan wrote. Before daylight the next day seven of their number had died of cholera. Seven dead. In a flash. The seriousness of the matter was clear, as Jordan wrote in his report: Our citizens became panic-stricken; many left, almost depopulating the town, and leaving the sick and indigent principally in the care of clergymen and physicians. The latter class, however, did not escape the disease What happened after that has become myth and fable and parable in Birmingham. The decent folk left town to protect themselves. A local madam -- Lou Wooster -- stayed behind to tend the sick, feed the hungry, do what others would not. Wooster was barely mentioned in official documents of the time. When at all she was described as a fallen woman. But when she died later -- in the city that still lived because of her -- the rich and proper men of Birmingham sent empty carriages to her funeral. It was intended as a show of honor. But still they wanted to keep their distance. Lou Wooster, in Birmingham, is revered as the madam who saved the city. You might ask, who is our Lou Wooster today, but you dont really have to. Lou Woosters are everywhere. Those who risk their own health to sell us groceries and food, and to deliver it to our doors. Those who treat the sick and feed the hungry and research a coronavirus cure. Those who keep us going. Those, like Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson, who led the way in warning of danger and encouraging social distancing, which appears to be having an effect. Those who abide by the rules, who respect the health of others. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to ask who are the 21st century equivalent of those men who fled, those men who held on to everything they had, who dared give weak-kneed support for the heroes with nothing but an empty carriage. History will judge them, I think. For they are around us, too. They are every executive who puts company profits over employee safety, every pastor who defies medical advice and holds services anyway, every hospital that lays off nurses in a crisis to protect a bottom line, while at the same time passing the buck of coronavirus testing -- particularly at the start -- to churches and volunteers. History will identify those men in their empty carriages. I cant help but think of the men and women who work at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Alabama, and have been through a turbulent week. They were initially told by voicemail to return to work tomorrow, Monday, to work in cramped quarters building vehicles even though demand for them is down. Last week they were told in another voicemail they should try to make their own cloth masks so the company could donate its disposable masks to hospitals. After being questioned about the wisdom, and hearing the concern of some employees who worried about their families, MBUSI decided to delay the restart by a week, to April 20. It will re-evaluate as that date nears. We all have to re-evaluate these days. What we will do. Who we will be. How we will be remembered. Will we be Lou Wooster? Or just send empty carriages? John Archibald, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is a columnist for AL.com. His column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register, Birmingham Magazine and AL.com. Write him at jarchibald@al.com. The Easter midnight prayers were held at 'Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church' in Panaji without an assembled congregation keeping with the restrictions in place due to the nationwide lockdown. Speaking to ANI, Father Walter de Sa, Parish Priest said that although Easter was a joyous occasion, celebrating it without the congregation was a painful experience. "Celebrating the Holy Week without a congregation of the faithful is painful. The COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown has forced us to celebrate it within the church. But we are hopeful that the resurrection of Jesus Christ will give us the hope that we will overcome this situation and we will get the remedy for it soon," Father Walter told ANI here. The priest added that special prayers were also held for the safety of the frontline workers and those infected by the disease. "We prayed at night for the safety of our doctors, nurses, support staff, and all others who are working round the clock and for those who are infected by the disease," he said. He further said that although no mass will be held on Sunday, prayer services will be telecast at 12 pm. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion on Good Friday. It also marks the culmination of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The General Assembly is scheduled to return to Richmond on April 22 to take up all of Northams amendments. But lawmakers will have another chance to reconsider what they can afford at a special budget session Northam plans to call in the summer or fall. But for the time being, with the state under a stay-at-home order meant to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, it is too soon to come up with a new forecast for revenue, Mercer said. All five main banks, as well as vulture funds, are set to extend so-called payment breaks for mortgage customers from the current three-month period to six months, as the main banking industry group revealed that a significant number have already applied for a payments deferral. Brian Hayes, chief executive of the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, said that a minimum of 45,000 mortgage borrowers, accounting for 5% or 6% of all home-loan borrowers, had already applied and that he expected more to apply for the payment breaks. The former Fine Gael MEP and ex-junior finance minister, who has led the banking industry group since last year, told the Irish Examiner the main five banks he represents were in talks with the regulator about extending the break period for a further three months. He expected the likely agreement to also include mortgage servicing firms and the non-bank entities which have bought non-performing mortgage loans from the main banks in the last 18 months. Asked if the number applying for a break would rise significantly, Mr Hayes said the 45,000 number was a minimal figure because it didnt include owners of mortgages outside of the five mortgage lenders. However, he would not comment on how many applications the banks have factored in, in terms of projecting the peak number and their costs in handling the fallout of the Covid-19 crisis. A lot of this will be predicated on where the economy will be in in a few months time. If you took your break out in April, May [or] June then you have got a decision on whether to extend this, or whether or not you have a job to go back to, Mr Hayes said. We have to see whether an extension is agreed with the regulator and we are in discussions on that right now about a second payment break. But as of now, the figures do suggest a significant cohort of people have sought support on this and it is impossible to know the total and final number. On SMEs, Mr Hayes said banks had given around 14,000 payment breaks and 3,200 applications for working capital loans. He rejected the idea that banks should forgive debt in the crisis. Yale economist praises Korea for leading way in sharing best practices This is the eighth in a series of interviews with global economic experts analyzing the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and possible countermeasures against a global recession. ED. By Kim Bo-eun Stephen Roach Army cutworms are in some area alfalfa and wheat fields. That means three things: Farmers should scout their fields, residents may have pesky moths to look forward to, and grizzly bears in Colorado may be in for a feast this summer. Entomologist Julie Peterson said there have not been this many army cutworms in western Nebraska since 2015. She is stationed at the University of Nebraska-Lincolns West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte. I have been getting reports from McCook, Hershey, Ogallala, Grant, and some fields have already been sprayed for the pest, she said. Groups of birds in alfalfa and wheat fields may be a ready tip-off, a sign to check whether it is the striped, greenish-black to brown larvae that they are feeding on. On Friday, Wallace Aviation Inc. was gearing up to spray fields that meet the Universitys treatment guidelines: four army cutworm larvae per square foot, or half that number on new alfalfa or thin stands of wheat. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Stuart and Lea VanBoening own the flying business in Wallace, about 40 miles southwest of North Platte. Stuart said the pilots will spray in the early morning or evening hours when they are likely to achieve the best results against the night-feeding pests. The blood of cured coronavirus patients can be used to treat COVID-19 patients, says Delhi AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria. "Conversion plasma is a therapy that is being looked at as an option to treat the patients of COVID-19. If a coronavirus positive patient recovers, then he recovers by his body fighting the infection. To fight the infection, the body produces antibodies that stay in the blood," Dr Guleria told ANI on Sunday. He said this is the reason the doctors can ask the cured COVID-19 patients to donate their blood to another virus-infected patient to boost his immune system. "If these antibodies are found to be in high amount in a person who has recovered from the coronavirus, we can ask him to donate his blood. From that blood, we take plasma which has a high concentration of anti-bodies. These antibodies can be transfused to another COVID-19 person, which boost the immune system of sick persons and fight the virus in a better manner," added Dr Guleria. The plasma therapy was used to deal with viruses like Ebola. It is now being tried in various institutes in India. "If data suggests it is useful, we will use it in the near future," said Dr Guleria. The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) on Saturday gave approval to Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) to treat COVID-19 patients with 'convalescent-plasma therapy,' which uses immune power gained by a recovered person to treat a sick person.SCTIMST comes under the Department of Science and Technology."Technically called convalescent-plasma therapy, the treatment aims at using immune power gained by a recovered person to treat a sick person. The Indian Council for Medical Research has given approval to SCTIMST for carrying out the novel treatment," said the Ministry of Science and Technology. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that authorities should not hinder movement of trucks, as well as workers engaged in production off essential items and sectors exempted from nationwide coronavirus lockdown. In a letter to chief secretaries of states and administrators of union territories, the ministry pointed out that some its guidelines regarding the aforementioned matters are not being followed in certain parts of the country. Home Ministry stated that trucks carrying essential and non-essential goods were being detained, workers needed for manufacturing essential goods and other exempted categories are not getting passes. The ministry also mentioned states and union territories not honouring authorisation granted to truck drivers and workers by other states or union territories, and warehouses and cold storages not being allowed to operate. The aforesaid restrictions, with regard to activities specifically permitted by MHA, have the potential of creating shortages of essential commodities, the ministry warned. Further in the letter, Union Home Ministry directed that authorities shall allow trucks, authorised workers, select MSMEs, warehouses should be allowed be operate freely, presenting various clarifications in this regard. ALSO READ: Coronavirus in India Highlights: Allow key sectors to resume 'with reasonable safeguards', DPIIT urges MHA Regarding trucks and other goods carriers, Home Ministry clarified that all such vehicles, carrying essential as well as non-essential cargo, with one driver and a helper shall be allowed to within and between states. Even empty trucks shall be allowed to operate while on way to pick up goods or returning from a delivery. The only requirement is that the driver shall carry a valid driver's licence and road permit; no further permit would be required, MHA clarified. The ministry also directed authorities to "actively facilitate the movement of truck drivers and cleaners from their place of residence to location of their trucks". Union Home Ministry further directed authorities to ensure easy movement of workers engaged in authorised industrial or commercial activities. "Railways, airports, seaports, and customs authorities have already been authorised to issue passes for their staff and contractual labour. This may be ensured," the ministry directed. "Regarding issuance of passes to workers engaged in the manufacturing of permitted categories, the state/UT governments are advised to expeditiously issue passes on the basis of authorisations issued by companies/organisations. The state/UT governments shall ensure that these passes are honoured both for movement within their state/UT and in bordering areas of other states/UTs," it further added. ALSO READ: Escaping coronavirus, not absconding; Wadhawans clarify on breaking lockdown The Home Ministry also directed authorities to allow MSMEs engaged in manufacturing of essential items as well as all warehouses and cold storages to function freely. "These stipulations will apply to all areas other than the areas requiring containment, quarantine and surveillance measures (hotspots) as per the guidelines of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare... where state governments/ local authorities have imposed restrictions for preventing the spread of COVID-19," Home Ministry stated. The Ministry further clarified that all movement of persons and vehicles shall happen within the norms of hygiene and social distancing. ALSO READ: Coronavirus lockdown: Areas may be divided into red, orange, green zones; here's how they will differ 1. Introduce a short code for informal sector workers to register their mobile money numbers as informal workers accounts. Verification could be done using the information on occupation provided on their ID cards used in registering their mobile money accounts. Applicants must be more than 18 years old and not be engaged in any kind of farming. We believe that farmers should be excluded from a lockdown as their activity is usually not in crowded situations and the production of food is important for the survival of Ghanaians. This will also reduce the burden of supporting the informal sector during the lockdown. 2. During the lock down, government must provide an allowance to informal sector workers through these accounts to support them and their families. The resources needed for this can be drawn from allocated funds that are not being applied now such as those for the School Feeding Programme and Free SHS funds, to mention a few. We are certain that there are other resources and major expenditure items that can be shelved this year in the face of a major crisis such as COVID-19. Of course, government must still provide food and sanitary materials for the most deprived of the society through NADMO. Government should also use the period to clean the cities and implement planning regulations that have been flouted for decades. 3. Upon completion of the Lock Down period and the eventual passing of the threat of COVID-19, informal sector workers should only be allowed to return to their shops and businesses if they register their businesses under a special business registrations programme and receive a sticker to put up on their shops and stalls. They must be returning to well-planned locations and demarcated markets. They must also be brought under a programme of business support that seeks to provide them with skills training and loans to make their businesses better. Signed Dr Prince Abbey Ghana Must Work Coalition The rate of digital disruption is accelerating in every industry. All CIOs today are familiar with the concept of adapt or die, and companies worldwide are using technology to offer services that deliver a competitive advantage. Pressure to complete IT projects in a timely manner is getting more intense. To achieve success in their transformation journey, many enterprises turn to consulting companies. Many senior executives feel their organizations are not capable of driving the transformational changes necessary to create higher-performing organizations, according to KPMG research on business transformation. The global consulting company has a presence in more than 150 countries and a worldwide workforce exceeding 200,000 employees; its one of the Big Four accounting companies. Among its services, KPMG aims to help clients improve their results through business transformation, a process that includes strategic definition, operational improvement, redefinition of processes, and digital transformation an overhaul of IT platforms to support the business-process changes. Consultants do digital transformation, too But consulting companies, including KPMG, go through their own digital transformation journeys, a process where the CIO plays a huge role. Abdulrahman Al-Yahya, CIO at KPMG Saudi Arabia, says the company faced multiple challenges in its own digital transformation journey, part of which included a recent big investment in its Saudi Arabia facilities. He highlights an aspect of transformational change that some IT leaders, in their focus on technology itself, may neglect: the people within an enterpise who make a big impact on and will be impacted by digital transformation. You need to focus the organization on the common goals set by the leaders and prepare people to use the latest technologies that the firms invest in. If the why and when are not clear for the employees, you are set to fail, Al-Yahya says. When organizations fail to achieve their IT project goals, often it is because they have neglected to thoroughly involve all business units, giving them the support needed to make an IT project successful, says Al-Yahya. Enabling and upskilling employees is important and helps ensure that the organization consumes and leverages on the investments in digital transformation. There needs to be a clear vision for IT projects that is well-communicated to all stakeholders. Once C-level executives are on board with the strategy, then companies can foster internal dialog and drive innovation that is needed to keep digital transformation going and making it successful. IT governance resiliency allows for shadow IT Innovation, though, is a continuous process. This is where the company needs to embrace a level of shadow IT, having either point of contacts, champions or even sometimes small IT functions that have dotted lines to the corporate IT to link the organization together and expedite the adoption of digital transformation plans, Al-Yahya says. KPMG believes that is necessary to have a governance structure that is clear, but also flexible and resilient, in order encourage the innovation process. This will make sure that IT is a partner in success rather than an obstacle for the business, while keeping track of all aspects of information security and regulatory compliance two other key aspects of major business-process change. It is also key to keep your IT department updated with the skills [needed] to sustain and manage the transformation plan, either directly or through partnerships, adds Al-Yahya. They need to be enabled and upskilled according to the latest market trends and technologies. While strategic goals should be made clear, a resilient governance structure also empowers individual staff. You need to make sure you foster an environment of can rather than cant, encourage failures in the same way you encourage successes. This will always ensure that IT is thinking dynamically and out of the box rather than traditionally, Al-Yahya says. IT budgets are growing The KPMG CIO Survey is one of the largest IT leadership surveys in the world, with more thanr 3,600 responses from CIOs and technology executives across 108 countries in 2019. The poll showed that CIOs gloablly are benefiting from bigger budgets and headcount growth. The 2019 survey saw the largest proportion yet of organizations increasing their investment in technology. KPMG itself has made a huge commitment to investing in tech. Within our global KPMG practice, it is clear that IT is considered as a differentiator in our field, underlined recently by the commitment to invest US$5 billion in technology globally over the coming five years. A large part of these global investments is directed at the local market by the means of a new platform for the audit, tax, and advisory solutions, says Al-Yahya. In Saudi Arabia, we have invested over US$8 million in the past two years in new technologies, solutions and upskilling our employees to support our digital transformation journey. Insights Center in Riyadh KPMG Saudi Arabia launched its first regional Insights Center in Riyadh in February. The opening of the new center is the culmination of an MoU (memorandum of understanding) agreement first inked with Saudi Arabias Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in 2018. Our Insights Center is the center point of our new building in Riyadh, representing only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to KPMG data-driven technology, says Al-Yahya. The KPMG Lighthouse, our center of excellence for data-driven technology, is the engine powering our Insights Center, providing the data management framework, the AI platform Ignite and the Signals Repository that can harvest data from public and private sources and visualize them to enable data-driven decision making. The Ignite AI platform incorporates open source tools, KPMG-developed IP, various AI frameworks, and technologies from KPMG partnerships. The Insights Center was designed to showcase interactive technologies and provide the opportunity to build real-life business scenarios. The center in Riyadh is connected to 19 other centers around the globe, leveraging the capabilities of the global KPMG network. Al-Yahya explains that the Insights Center is also our way to support [the Saudi governments] Vision 2030, directly in areas that will contribute to many of the visions programs in partnership with the ministry of communications & IT and other public sector entities; and our private sector partners, too. Plans to eventually build 24 luxury homes in the hills across a huge swath of pristine land southwest of Julian were unanimously approved Wednesday by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Although some neighbors and environmentalist complained, the supervisors said the Hoskings Ranch project which would keep 85 percent of the 1,416-acre site as permanent open space was about as good a use for the property as could be imagined, shy of the government buying it for a park or preserve. The owner of the land, Genessee Properties Inc., has agreed not to start construction for at least 10 years. The average lot size will be about 60 acres, with the smallest being at least 40 acres. The homes will be built south of state Routes 78 and 79 and west of Pine Hills Road, a little more than a mile southwest of downtown Julian. Advertisement The supervisors approval mirrored the projects unanimous approval by the county Planning Commission in February. Something is going to happen to this property, lets be realistic about it Supervisor Dianne Jacob said. I see this today as an agricultural subdivision. The land is under a Williamson Act contract, in which landowners promise to voluntarily restrict their land to agricultural and compatible open space uses and, in exchange, the county levies property taxes at a rate consistent with the lands actual use, rather than its potential market value. The Williamson Act contract on the Julian property will expire in 10 years. When that happens, houses can be built as long as the residences are considered incidental to the primary agricultural use of the land. Representatives of the developer said the homeowners for each estate could become gentleman farmers, planting apple orchards or vineyards on their lots. Meanwhile, cattle will also graze on the land even after the unfenced houses are built. Jacob said the plans fit right with this boards philosophy and is something I think is a very positive use of the land. Several people spoke against the project saying the county was misreading the rules that govern Williamson Act contracts, but county counsel assured the supervisors that all was being done legally. Opponents also worried about traffic and groundwater impacts. Jacob pointed out that there is nothing keeping the property owners today from farming the land, which would use far more water than 24 houses ever would. Obviously the people who dont want this to happen are not the property owners, Supervisor Bill Horn said. The landowners have every right to develop their own property, he said. Twenty-four lots, I think, is insignificant on 1,400 acres. Added Chairman Ron Roberts: We sit through a lot of these hearings folks...its hard to visualize something turning out better than this in terms of what our goals are. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones OPINION: "This should be a no-brainer, so whats the problem? Some members of the RTA board are hesitant to change the scope of the First Avenue project. They appear to want Tucson to build a six-lane roadway because it was the project scope promised in the 2006 plan and the RTA must do what was promised no matter the need or the cost. Decisions by the RTA Board should be made based on facts and data, not out of fear of public perceptions and long ago promises," write Tucsonans Ruth Reiman and Jane Evans. News conference on the ongoing situation with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Dublin DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland will not need to extend a temporary residential rent freeze beyond the coronavirus crisis, Acting Prime Minister Leo Varadkar was quoted as saying on Sunday, amid calls from some parties for more permanent rent caps. Even before the crisis, the issue of rent control was already a major focus of attempts to form a government after an inconclusive election in February. Varadkar's Fine Gael party is in negotiations with its historic rival, Fianna Fail, to try to form a coalition. Varadkar's caretaker government has banned increases in residential rents for an initial three months during the coronavirus emergency, and a number of lawmakers have said the measure should be extended. The nationalist Sinn Fein party, which won the most votes in the election, campaigned on a promise to impose a two-year rent freeze. Neither Fine Gael or Fianna Fail committed to such a measure but were under pressure to do so before restrictions to slow the spread of the virus hammered the economy. Rents have soared in recent years in Dublin, and are now 40% above the levels seen before Ireland suffered a crash in property prices a decade ago. Varadkar said extending the rent freeze would be unnecessary because he anticipates rents are going to fall. "At least initially, we are looking at higher unemployment and reduced incomes this year. Probably reduced inward migration as well," Varadkar told the Sunday Independent newspaper in an interview. "In that environment, it's hard to see any landlord increasing rents. They may be glad to have a reliable paying tenant. Rents will probably fall. I don't think this is a bad thing, especially in Dublin." Varadkar also said the government is likely to gradually unwind an emergency three-month welfare payment for those who have been laid off or had hours cut as a result of the virus, rather than allow the extra payments to expire abruptly. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Peter Graff) At Crown Heights Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Brooklyn, workers said they had to convert a room into a makeshift morgue after more than 15 residents died of the coronavirus, and funeral homes could not handle all the bodies. At Elizabeth Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Jersey, 19 deaths have been linked to the virus; of the 54 residents who remain, 44 are sick. After 13 people died in an outbreak at the New Jersey Veterans Home in Paramus, the governor called in 40 combat medics from the National Guard. In Manhattan, two women who met during visits to the Upper East Side Rehabilitation and Nursing Center felt helpless while their mothers died of the virus within minutes of each other. Both had been unable to see them for weeks. "The last day I went there, I told a supervisor, 'I'm thinking of taking my mother out before something terrible happens,' " said one of the women, Lynda Walsh-Clifford. "He said, 'Don't worry, everything will be fine.' " In New York, the U.S. epicenter of the outbreak, the virus has snatched lives in every part of society, the daily death toll near 800 for a third straight day Friday in what officials hoped would be a peak. Overall, 8,627 deaths in New York had been attributed to COVID-19 by Saturday, and the total for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut was more than 10,000. The virus has perhaps been cruelest at nursing homes and other facilities for older people, where a combination of factors an aging or frail population, chronic understaffing, shortages of protective gear and constant physical contact between workers and residents has hastened its spread. In all, nearly 2,000 residents of nursing homes have died in the outbreak in the region, and thousands of other residents are sick. As of Friday, more than half of New York's 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 state's 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 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 there's 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 aren't they being treated with the same respect and the same resources that everyone else out there is? It's ridiculous." Advocates for nursing home residents in the New York region lashed out at the homes' owners, saying they were negligent and had hastened the crisis by cutting staff to a minimum. "The residents are sitting ducks," said Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said last month that the pandemic was difficult to stop. "Coronavirus in a nursing home can be like fire through dry grass," he said. New York state health officials defended their oversight of nursing homes, saying they had adopted a raft of regulations in recent weeks to protect residents. New Jersey's health commissioner said the state had moved quickly to house sick people in separate hallways or wings, and to address outbreaks by enforcing strict protocols. Late last month, an entire nursing home was evacuated and 94 residents were relocated to a facility a half-hour away after dozens of residents and staff members tested positive for the virus. New Jersey officials are planning to move more residents out of some facilities and into new ones to create a firewall between those who are infected and those who are not. "Situations like this show pretty clearly the vulnerability of our systems of care," Dawn Thomas, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Health Department, said Friday. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. The response from nursing homes and government agencies has been a patchwork, with some homes barring visitors before states acted. In New York, relatives were prohibited from visiting homes beginning March 13. Similar restrictions took effect in New Jersey on March 14. As a result, families were unable to get information about how residents were faring. "No one knows anything," said Paul Bunten, who had two close friends die in nursing homes in Manhattan and the Bronx. "They don't tell us anything. My head is sort of spinning." Nursing homes were already understaffed. Now workers were calling in sick or were themselves quarantined all as the workload was increasing, with more sick patients, more need for sanitizing, more individual delivery of meals and medications. "We're all infected already," Margaret Boyce, a certified nursing assistant at JFK Hartwyck at Edison Estates in New Jersey, remembered a supervisor telling her. Staff members at Alaris Health at Hamilton Park, a 260-bed home in Jersey City, said they were instructed to tell family members that while a patient there had tested positive for COVID-19, there was no cause for alarm. "Everything is fine," the script read, according to a handout obtained by The New York Times. "We are closely monitoring all residents and staff of any signs of illness...." But inside the home, it was chaos. Robert Chinery Jr. said he was horrified when he was FaceTiming with his father, Robert Chinery Sr., 80, last week and saw the caregiver holding the phone was only protected by a paper mask. "You're bringing it from one patient to the next," Chinery said. "They basically exposed him." Chinery said his father developed a fever and was taken to the hospital. But a doctor discharged him, saying he would be safer in the nursing home. There he began to have trouble breathing and then deteriorated rapidly. On April 7, Chinery got a call telling him his father had died. Fifteen minutes later, a staff member called back, asking what to do with the body. "He should not be dead," Chinery said. "It was preventable." The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference (GCBC) has urged Christians to remain steadfast in God, even during the unusual times when the church is celebrating Easter under dire circumstances. They said the presence of evil and suffering in the world did not in any way detract the goodness and omnipotence of God who continued to care for the wellbeing of all people. The GCBC Easter Message read on Sunday by the Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, during an online Eucharistic Celebration assured all and sundry that God would see mankind through the tempestuous storm, adding that for with God, Nothing is impossible He said in the light of the faith, people should not doubt the power of God to overcome the current COVID-19 pandemic. The current COVID-19 pandemic should not rob us of our faith in God. Instead, we should continue to keep our trust and hope in God the Father who did not spare His only Son, but offered him for the salvation of the world, he said. He said the COVID-19 Pandemic had provoked a new lease of life and creativity. Archbishop Kwofie noted that the directives from the President were helping to re-learn some of the basic things to do to stay healthy. We are re-discovering the importance of caring for each other in the family, of reading the Word of God and praying together as a family, he said. In the light of Christs victory over sin and death, let us use these renewed skills to love God and the neighbour more intensely so that these God-given skills help us to renew and re-build the Family of God. We should work together as one common humanity and pray to God to help us to stem the tide and eventually uproot this virus from our midst even as we continue to take all necessary health precautions that will help halt the spread of the disease. He on behalf of the GCBC expressed sympathy to the affected families and prayed for all frontline workers. He urged the public to observe the restrictions imposed by the President and also follow the precautionary measures laid down by the Ghana Health Service and the GCBC. If Christ died for us, we too should be willing to do what we can to protect ourselves, family members and every Ghanaian. If there is anything that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, it is a reminder of our common humanity where there is no distinction between race, religion, gender or status, he said. 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 As a nation, I believe we are missing the obvious. Recent events may appear innocuous, but reviewed in a historical context, there may be cause to reassess them. In recent years, Target, AT&T, eBay, UPS, Home Depot, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, and other major corporations were hit with cyberattacks where personal information including Social Security, credit/debit card numbers were stolen. Many affected Americans were not told until long after the breaches occurred and, in most cases, those responsible were never clearly identified. Last month, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, hackers tried to break into the accounts of World Health Organization staffers whose job is to lead in global health responses. Some reports linked these would-be hackers to the Iranian government. It is a matter of record that China developed its own similar plane after a Chinese citizen hacked technical data for Lockheed Martins F-22 Raptor, Americas advanced fighter jet. Cyber-crimes often represent the highest levels of global espionage. It is reasonable to theorize that, at times, our nation has been both culprit and target. Do not forget that in this COVID-19 era, U.S. troops are still in Afghanistan fighting more than 20 different ethnic groups that reportedly receive their weaponry from Russia, as Ukraine, armed with weapons from the United States, tries to hold off a Russian invasion. Recently, Saudi Arabia flooded the market with crude oil, lowering fuel prices worldwide. Great for the consumer, but bad for U.S. oil producers whose sales and stock prices dropped. This caused a second hit to our overall economy, at a time when COVID-19 related unemployment is soaring and small businesses are folding weekly. After officials ignored repeated warnings about a pandemic, our nation is overwhelmed and society has ground to a halt. New Jersey has been hit hard from Sussex to Cape May county, approaching 2,000 deaths and 55,000 infections. As of Friday, there were 447 confirmed cases in Gloucester County, 138 in Cumberland County and 46 in Salem County. I suspect the number of deaths is actually higher because some victims who die from pneumonia or other complications may not be included in the tally. Is it coincidence that this nation is subjected to regular cyber-espionage attacks on military secrets, and personal and financial information? Or, that after many years of relative calm regarding newvirus outbreaks, the world has come face to face in the past two decades, one after another, with SARS, Ebola, Zika and COVID-19? Much of this chaos arrived around the same time that Russian interference was cited as influencing the 2016 presidential election. Our intelligence community states that Russia is positioned to do the same thing this year. Last week, I realized the threat to our entire military when Navy Captain Brett Crozier was removed from command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, after writing a memo calling for immediate action to protect 155 sailors diagnosed with COVID-19, and his remaining crew. The captain, later diagnosed with the virus, was accused of going outside the chain of command with his memo. The importance of chain of command certainly is known to an officer who rose to command one of our most powerful aircraft carriers, so it is reasonable to conclude he took the action he felt was necessary despite the risk to his career. It is also a reasonable belief that other naval vessels and military installations all over the world will be impacted by this virus. But, dont expect to this to be reported accurately to the public. Call me a conspiracy theorist if you want, but there is too much converging at once for me to think this its all coincidental: States such as ours overwhelmed with citizens ill and dying; health professionals and first responders lacking necessary equipment not only to treat patients, but to protect themselves from virus exposure; the national economy disintegrating so rapidly that Congress quickly passed a $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package. The stimulus, by the way, threw crumbs to the middle class, while those who need the least got the most. Hidden on page 203 out of 880 of the law is a provision expected to save President Donald Trump, his son-in-law Jarred Kushner, and other wealthy real estate developers an estimated $170 billion in federal taxes over the next 10 years. Its likely that this stimulus will do more to save the jobs of those up for election this year than it will do to save the economy. Perhaps it must be considered that conflict between nations has expanded from bullets, bombs, missiles and invasion forces, to cyberattacks and biohazards with the potential to initiate a global pandemic. Look around. Its actually happening, and it is difficult for me to believe it is all coincidental. Milton W. Hinton Jr. is retired as director of equal opportunity for the Gloucester County government, and is past president of the Gloucester County Branch NAACP. Email: miltonw@imap.cc. Twitter: MiltonHintonJr@WritestheNation. Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. 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. In 2000, the measles virus was declared eliminated from the United States. Despite cases coming in from outside the country, there were few outbreaks because most people were vaccinated against measles. And then 2019 happened. The U.S. saw 1,282 confirmed cases in 31 states - the greatest number reported since 1992, with nearly three-fourths linked to recent outbreaks in New York, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most cases were among people who were not vaccinated against measles. After events like this, many people express confusion about others' hesitancy or unwillingness to get vaccinated or to vaccinate their children, a concept called vaccine skepticism. As vaccine skepticism has become increasingly widespread, two researchers in the Texas Tech University Department of Psychological Sciences have suggested a possible explanation. In an article published recently in the journal Vaccine, Mark LaCour and 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. Here we saw an overestimation of rare events for things that don't have anything to do with vaccination. This suggests that there are basic cognitive or affective variables that influence vaccine skepticism." Tyler Davis, associate professor of experimental psychology and director of the Caprock FMRI Laboratory In their first experiment, 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. LaCour and Davis 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. LaCour and Davis found 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/positive events. "My takeaway is that vaccine skeptics probably don't have the best understanding of how likely or probable different events are," said LaCour, a doctoral student in psychological sciences. "They might be more easily swayed by anecdotal horror stories. For example, your child can have a seizure from getting vaccinated. It's 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 didn't find an association between a person's 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 doesn't 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." As LaCour noted, these results leave open many new avenues for further research. "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? "I'm excited that we're finding basic, cognitive factors that are linked with vaccine skepticism: It could end up being a way of reaching this diverse group." By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: The total number of COVID-19 positive cases touched 417, an addition of eight more cases over Saturday, in Andhra Pradesh. Twelve more samples tested positive for the virus since Saturday night. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting with Chief Secretary Neelam Sawhney, Director General of Police Gautam Sawang and other senior officials to take stock of the situation arising out of the spread of coronavirus in the state. The COVID-19 positive cases crossing the 400-mark on Saturday. Officials informed the Chief Minister that the total number of positive cases (by 9 am on Sunday) stood at 417. Of these, 13 are foreign returnees (who have a history of foreign travel) and 12 are the contactees of the foreign returnees. FOLLOW COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES HERE Officials said that 199 affectees are Delhi Returnees (those who attended Nizamuddin Markaz) and 161 COVID-19 affectees are the contactees of the Delhi returnees. "The remaining 32 positive patients have either returned from other States, their contactees and those who contracted the virus by other ways," according to an official release. Meanwhile, Reddy has asked the officials to take up a massive drive to distribute masks to each and every individual in the State. "Distribute three masks to each and every person of the 5.3 crore population in the state," he instructed the officials and added that wearing masks will protect people from contracting the virus to some extent. The government would be distributing 16 crore masks in the state as per the instructions of the Chief Minister. Health department officials said that they are gearing up to conduct 45,000 sample tests in the zones where COVID-19 cases recorded in large numbers to assess the intensity of the spread of the virus. CHICAGO A reputed gang member was viciously beaten to death just half an hour after he was placed into a two-man cell in Cook County Jail with an inmate who belongs to a rival gang, Cook County prosecutors said Thursday. A security video partially captured Christian Gonzalez, 24, beating Pedro Ruiz with a sock filled with bars of soap for 10 continuous minutes, prosecutors said. He also violently dragged Ruiz by his shag hairstyle, according to prosecutors. Investigators recovered a bloody, ripped sock in the cell and what appeared to be a bloody undershirt and boxers from Gonzalez that he was wearing under a clean set of jail scrubs, prosecutors said. Gonzalez, a reputed member of the rival Satan Disciples street gang, later told a correctional officer that he beat Ruiz, 19, because he was a rival gang member, according to prosecutors. At a recorded interview later, though, Gonzalez said Ruiz was experiencing breathing problems and that guards took too long to respond, prosecutors said. Ruiz belonged to the Almighty Saints, a street gang that has long feuded with the Satan Disciples. Calling Gonzalez a danger to everybody, Judge Arthur Wesley Willis ordered him held in the jail without bond at the Thursday hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Prosecutors laid out a timeline of the early-morning killing, but little remains known about why rival gang members were housed together, why standard security checks failed to register such a lengthy and brutal attack or why supervisors took more than 20 minutes to respond to the cell after a guard reported Gonzalez said his cellmate was acting strange. Adding to the questions was the disclosure by the Chicago Tribune earlier in the week that Gonzalez was among five detainees who attacked a lone inmate Nov. 19 in a day room of Division 9, a maximum-security wing of the jail. In a clip of surveillance video, five men are seen attacking a fellow inmate in November in a day room of Cook County Jail. (Cook County Sheriffs Office) Surveillance video obtained by the Tribune shows Gonzalez punched and kicked the 41-year-old victim before the other detainees stabbed him with a shank, beat him and stomped on his head. A few moments after leaving the victim lying in a pool of blood, Gonzalez and another inmate dropped a joker playing card on his body, Murphy said in court. About seven minutes passed after the attack before correctional officers came to the aid of the victim in the day room, the video showed. Gonzalez and the other four inmates were each charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and mob action, court records show. Last Friday, Ruiz was assigned to Tier 2C of Division 9 shortly after coming through court on an attempted murder charge, Assistant States Attorney James Murphy said in court. It wasnt until 12:30 a.m. Saturday that he was put in the cell with Gonzalez. While surveillance cameras didnt capture the inside of the cell, footage from a camera on the tier if zoomed through a window of the cell showed an inmate inside raising his arm up and down repeatedly as if beating another detainee beginning at about 1:05 a.m. when a light turned on in the cell, Murphy said. The inmate is also seen grabbing the other man by his long hair and dragging him violently, he said. At one point during the 10-minute attack, Gonzalez slowed down as if he was growing tired, Murphy said. Ruiz had been ordered held without bond Friday after his arrest for the shooting of a 21-year-old man on the night of Jan. 28 in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Chicagos South Side. Gonzalez had been jailed since last June on charges in the 2017 shooting of a man whom multiple police sources have identified as a leader in the Saints. That shooting left the Saints leader in critical condition and a 3-year-old boy with minor injuries. Asked why Ruiz was placed in the same cell with a rival gang member less than three months after he was alleged to viciously beat the other inmate, sheriffs spokesman Joseph Ryan declined to comment other than to say that the department was reviewing every facet of the weekend killing. The sheriffs office was still conducting its own internal review of the November beating when Ruiz was found beaten to death in his cell early Saturday, authorities said. Now the office has launched a separate internal review of the killing to determine if corrections officers followed proper protocol, Ryan said. According to prosecutors, a guard performing a security check stopped by the cell door just before 1:30 p.m. Gonzalez said something was wrong with his cellmate, but the guard did not respond and left the tier. A few minutes later, the guard radioed his sergeant that Gonzalez said his cellmate was acting strange, Murphy said. Supervisors did not arrive at the cell for more than 20 minutes. As officers tried unsuccessfully to revive Ruiz, Gonzalez was taken to a separate cell, where surveillance video showed him speaking to a correctional officer. Though the video has no audio, prosecutors said Gonzalez confessed to the guard that he beat Ruiz with a sock full of bar soap because he was a rival gang member. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 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 Jamia Coordination Committee (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. A senior police official said, "Safoora has been accused for protesting and obstructing the road near Jaffrabad and only after this protest allegedly clashes broke out in the area. 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. Ramping up efforts to "stamp out" coronavirus cases in the state, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac has said that not only lockdown but intense testing of people and tracing of their contacts are also equally important in the fight against the outbreak. Kerala, which was the first state in the country to report a coronavirus infection in late January, has also prepared a time table for coming out of the lockdown and there would be district-specific strategies to tackle the situation while the number of cases are on the decline. In efforts to curb spreading of coronavirus infections, the country is under a 21-day lockdown till April 14 and many states have sought an extension amid rising number of cases. Kerala has proposed extending the lockdown and gradual phasing out after proper assessment. "Lockdown should go on till we stamp out entire infections. Now, it is not enough to have lockdown. Equally important is that we should have intense testing, tracing and isolating (of people with coronavirus infections)," he told PTI in a telephonic interview. The government is closely monitoring the situation and there would be region-specific or district-specific strategies in place to tackle the outbreak, he said. Against the backdrop of the lockdown that has also disrupted economic activities, Isaac said an exit strategy is being prepared and restrictions are being relaxed in certain segments, including agriculture. "The number of patients is coming down (in the state). We hope that in the coming days, the decline will be much more faster," he said during the interview late Friday. On Saturday, the Kerala government said there were a total of 373 confirmed cases of coronavirus infections and 228 patients were under treatment in various hospitals in the state. Keeping the trend in the last few days, the number of people under observation has come down to 1,23,490. So far, 14,613 samples from people with symptoms were sent for testing and the results of 12,818 samples have come negative, the government said in a statement on Saturday. Indicating that there would be a calibrated exit from the lockdown, Isaac said the withdrawal would depend on three main factors, including the count of cases and the percentage of people who are under observation. While emphasising that people must also be fed during the lockdown period, Isaac also said a time table is being prepared by the state to come out of the lockdown. Even as strict measures are being implemented to deal with the current situation, the state is also preparing for a possible third wave of coronavirus cases. Three students, who had returned from the Chinese city of Wuhan, were tested positive. They were also the first such cases, to be reported in January-February period, and have recovered. Wuhan was the epicentre of coronavirus infections before it spread to other countries. Later, there was a second wave of infections in Kerala. According to the minister, the possibility of a third wave has also been considered for the exit strategy. "A lot of Malayalees are expected to come back from outside the state. We will welcome them... before that, we want to stamp out all Covid cases in Kerala. Flatten the curve completely so that when these people from outside, they will be quarantined, they will be tested and only then they will be able to integrate with the rest of the community," he said. The Kerala government's measures, including extensive testing and efforts to trace people who came in contact with coronavirus-infected persons, have helped in curbing spreading of infections. The state's public healthcare system has also been appreciated in various quarters. "People are health conscious. There is a demand for quality healthcare services and the response to this demand has been strengthening of the public healthcare system. We have a robust public healthcare system," the minister emphasised. On April 9, Isaac tweeted about low level of coronavirus spreading in the state. "International norm for Covid spread is 2.6 per 1 Covid patient. Total number of primary Covid infected who arrived in Kerala from abroad is 254. The secondary spread has been limited to 91. The international mortality rate is 5.75. With just 2 deaths, rate in Kerala is 0.58," he had tweeted. Death toll due to the coronavirus increased to 273 and the number of cases to 8,356 in the country on Sunday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Public health experts continue to warn Americans not to leave the house unnecessarily, and certainly not to pack into a polling place with many other people. Tuesdays disastrous election in Wisconsin provides a peek at what happens when Republicans fight very hard against mail-in balloting, the way Mr. Trump suggested. Wisconsinites who could not get absentee ballots had to decide whether to venture out to vote in person or listen to the doctors and epidemiologists counseling them to do no such thing. Election workers failed to show up, leading to mass polling-location closures. People who decided to risk their health had to wait in lines for hours. Many others were deterred. Milwaukee was particularly hard-hit, no doubt to the satisfaction of the Republicans who engineered the fiasco: state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald. The likely upshot was to depress Democratic turnout in a state Supreme Court election. A total of 18 prisoners with Co Kildare addresses have been temporarily released from prisons in recent weeks and some of these releases are due to Covid-19, the Irish Prison Service said. Those who have been granted temporary release are non-violent criminals nearing the end of sentences or those who were in prison to serve short sentences. A spokesperson told the Leader: The figure for prisoners with Co Kildare addresses who were released temporarily recently is 18. This figure will include scheduled temporary releases as well as those associated with reducing the prison population due to Covid-19 measures. An overall total of 300 prisoners from across the country were temporarily released in the most recent batch. All prisoners will have a specific date by which they will have to return to their prisons. Prison visits have also been cancelled in a bid to stop the spread of the virus. Facilities are also being put in place to screen staff coming into prisons. Construction on the buildings front entrance, on Elizabeth Street, restarted on Monday. BOPRC corporate general manager Mat Taylor says regional council remains fully operational, as they continue to directly deliver and co-ordinate essential services including flood protection, public transport and testing drinking water. If we need to rapidly upscale our essential service delivery, or if our remote technology and communications systems are compromised, its likely that a large number of our staff would need to relocate to Regional House, says Mat. The limited construction work being completed is necessary to allow for safe entry, exit and physical distancing if large numbers of staff need to deliver essential services from the building. In normal operational circumstances, up to 200 staff would be located there. Mat says the current alternative entry points are not designed to be used for an extended period, and dont allow for 2m social distancing. The front entrance is not being completed to enable public access, so any visual and aesthetic features that are not required by the building code will be left unfinished until after the national restrictions are lifted. One resident says visual aesthetic work is already happening. Putting up cedar cladding just to doll the thing up is not essential. Their work has included laying cobble stones, erecting cedar cladding and commissioning the front entrance door under the guise its needed for emergency response teams, when in fact, the inhabitants of the half vacant building have been using alternative entrances for months. Another resident, whose apartment has full view of Regional House, says there have been up to nine contract businesses onsite every day since Monday. I continually see contractors break the 2m distance rule, and I never see them wear masks. It makes me so upset to think of them returning home to their bubbles, when any of them could be carriers. They are making a mockery of everything Jacinda Ardern is trying to achieve to keep us safe. Mat says on-site contractors are being monitored. While the lockdown brings quiet to many public spaces, Elizabeth Street residents are woken by construction workers before 7am. Photo, supplied. This happens on an on-going basis and theyre regularly assessed to ensure safe working procedures are followed. Multiple residents reported council to 105. Following multiple complaints, a sign stating the construction is essential was put up, allegedly after police suggestion. While residents understand that the council arent breaking the rules on paper, they say they are arrogantly dismissing what the lockdown is trying to achieve. Every day I see almost ten people taking photos of what they are doing in disgust, says a resident. The council should be setting an example, but instead they are sending the exact opposite message to the general public. This is wrong. For more information on essential services in the construction sector, visit: https://www.building.govt.nz/covid-19/ A Cape Coast High Court has dismissed an application by Mr Henry Tackie, Group Managing Director of Barony Construction and Tacoa Construction Limited, citing Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and two others for contempt. The other two officials are Mr Philip Owusu, Director of Physical Planning and Estate Management, UCC and Mr Solomon Faakye, Head of Legal, UCC. The court acquainted and discharged them for lack of evidence and slashed a cost of GH 15,000 against Mr Tackie. Mr Tackie filed an application through his Counsel, Mr Charles William Zwennes alleging that the three officers of the University had seized his property while a matter concerning that property was pending before the Court. The two companies were awarded four separate contracts by UCC with a total contract sum of GH 40 million in 2014 and 2015. The University, subsequently discovered that the companies through their Managing Director, Mr Tackie presented a fake bank guarantees to secure the contracts. The University rescinded the contracts and brought a legal action against the two companies for recovery of advance payment and fraudulent misrepresentation. Mr Tackie initiated the contempt application, which has been dismissed. 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 The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 110,000 with almost 1.8 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 Russia on April 12 reported the largest daily increase of coronavirus cases since the start of the outbreak, as the authorities announced restrictions on Easter church services in and around Moscow to contain the spread of the disease. The Russian Orthodox Church, which will observe Easter this year on April 19, ordered churches to close their doors to large groups during the holy week leading up to the holiday. Meanwhile, Russias coronavirus crisis task force reported 2,186 new coronavirus cases in the country, raising the total number to 15,770. The number of coronavirus-related deaths rose by 24 to 130, it said. The official tally has been doubted by critics in Russia and abroad, who suspect the number is being undercounted by health authorities. Moscow and many other regions have been in lockdown for nearly two weeks, but Russian officials on April 11 warned of a "huge influx" of new coronavirus infections and said that hospitals in the Moscow area were quickly nearing capacity. "We are seeing hospitals in Moscow working extremely intensely, in heroic, emergency mode," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during a television interview. Peskov described the situation in both Moscow and St. Petersburg as "quite tense because the number of sick people is growing." Bulgaria Authorities and doctors in Bulgaria are urging citizens to stay home and pray in their homes for traditional Palm Sunday and Easter services. Churches have remained open in Bulgaria despite the coronavirus outbreak. Services at major churches are due to be broadcast live for worshippers. RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region. Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said on April 11 that churches will remain open, saying many people were desperate and in low spirits. He, however, urged Bulgarians to stay home. "A difficult decision but I am ready to bear the reproaches," Borisov told reporters. "The bishops told me that there are many people who are in low spirits, desperate. So I just cannot issue such an order [to close churches], he added. Thousands attend Easter church services in the Balkan country. Bulgaria has been in a state of emergency since March 13. Schools and most shops are closed and there are restrictions on intercity travel and access to parks. All domestic and foreign vacation trips are banned. The country has so far reported 669 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 28 deaths. Iran Iran's death toll from COVID-19 has risen by 117 in the past day to 4,474, Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said on April 12. The country has recorded 71,686 cases of the coronavirus that causes the disease, Jahanpur added. Some 1,657 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the past 24 hours, he said. Iran has been the country hardest hit by the pandemic in the Middle East. Many Iranian and international experts think Irans government, which has been criticized for a slow initial response, is intentionally reducing its tally of the pandemic. Ten thousand graves have been dug in a new section of the Behesht Zahra cemetery south of the Iranian capital to deal with coronavirus deaths, an official with Tehrans municipality was quoted as saying by the official government news agency IRNA on April 12. Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rohani said that restrictions on travel between cities within each province in the country have been lifted. He said restrictions on travel between provinces will be lifted on April 20. In the past days, Tehran has reopened some low-risk businesses in most parts of the country with the exception of the capital, Tehran, where they will reopen from April 18, official media have reported. Iranian authorities have called on citizens to respect health protocols and social-distancing measures as the country struggles to curb the deadly outbreak. The government is concerned that measures to shut down businesses and halt economic activities to contain the outbreak could wreck an already sanctions-battered economy. The United States has offered humanitarian aid to Iran, but the countrys leaders have rejected it and demanded that sanctions be lifted. Pakistan Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has appealed to international stakeholders for urgent debt relief for Pakistan and other developing countries to help them deal more effectively with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. In a video message released by the Foreign Ministry on April 12, Khan said that "highly indebted countries" lack fiscal space" to spend both on the fight against the virus and on health and social support. He said he appealed to world leaders, the heads of financial institutions, and the secretary-general of the United Nations to get together to announce a debt relief initiative for developing countries. Pakistan has recorded 5,232 coronavirus cases, with 91 deaths. The South Asian nations already struggling economy has been hit hard by nationwide lockdowns that have brought economic activity to a halt. Pakistan is more than $100 billion in debt to foreign lenders and spends the largest chunk of its budget on servicing its debt. Armenia In his Easter sermon, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Garegin II, urged Armenians to display national unity in the face of the coronavirus crisis. Leading the Mass at an empty St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan on April 12, Garegin called on the sons and daughters of our nation in the homeland and in the diaspora to give a helping hand to our government authorities in their efforts to overcome the difficult situation created by the pandemic. He also called for global solidarity to contain the spread of the virus and what he described as even greater evils, including materialism, poverty, and armed conflicts. The Mass, broadcast live on national television, was attended by only two dozen clergymen and a smaller-than-usual choir. After the service, Garegin blessed a small group of believers who had gathered outside Armenias largest cathedral. Sunday services in all churches across Armenia have been held behind closed doors since the government on March 16 declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak, which has officially infected 1,013 people in the South Caucasus country and killed 13. The Armenian Apostolic Church has restricted church attendance on weekdays and instructed parish churches to live-stream liturgies online, when possible. With reporting by Reuters, Dawn, IRNA, Interfax, and RFE/RLs Bulgarian and Armenian services and Radio Farda Migrant workers sit in the shade outside a slum area in Mumbai, India, on April 11, 2020. Social distancing has become the law in India, but in poor countries, observing social distancing is an option for only the better off. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade) COVID-19 and the Giant Petri Dish Commentary As we stumble through the Great Pandemic of 2020 it has become clear that every citizen on this planet is an unwilling participant in what is surely the biggest experiment in human history. Simply put, roughly half of us are social distancing with our economies in lockdown, and half of us are not. In some cases this is because of official government policy. In the half of the world that is not doing so it is because social distancing and economy lockdown are luxuries that they cannot afford. The social distancing and lockdown model is based on the theory that slowing the transmission of the virus is essential to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by a sudden surge in admissions, so-called flattening the curve. The model does not take issue with the accepted wisdom that this brand new virus will, until a vaccine is found, eventually have to pass through the entire population. The estimates are that 40-80 percent of any population will probably become infected during this current wave of the pandemic. Examples of social distancing lockdown nations are most of Europe and North America, where economies have been virtually shut down and people told to stay at home and social distance while governments send them checks. The governments doing so will basically be printing money to keep those checks coming if the lockdowns last longer than a few weeks. But even in United States, some states are taking the social distancing requirements more seriously than other states. And in Europe, one country is bucking this trend altogether. Sweden is the most notable odd man out where the economy is still going strong and distancing requirements are largely voluntary. The idea there is that Swedes must develop herd immunity by letting the virus progress through the population before life can return completely to normal. (Holland and Britain started down that road but lost their nerve and reversed course when infection numbers began to rise.) Meanwhile, some eastern nations such as Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore appear to have found ways of practising social distancing while keeping their economies going. Strict quarantining of infected people, stringent screening at airports, and enforcing the wearing of face masks all seem to be components of their successful strategies. (All of those countries also have uniformly cooperative populations that are simply not found in the more individualistic West). Taiwans success in battling the disease is due in large part to the fact that the virus arrived early in their island nationand they simply didnt trust the information put out by the Chinese Communist Party, which for at least five weeks after the outbreak in Wuhan insisted that the problem was minimal. So Taiwan sent health officials to Wuhan to do their own research. They quickly realized that the threat was very real and immediately took appropriate steps to prevent the virus from infecting their nation on a large scale. Be that as it may, the point is that the worlds wealthier nations can choose whether to use the social distance lockdown model, or simply sit back and let herd mentality occur naturally. But for at least half of the worlds population there is no choice. In those poor countries, social distancing is an option for only the better off. In India, for instance, social distancing has become the law, but millions of poor people cannot possibly practice it. Advice to stay home simply doesnt work for those who survive each day by the sweat of their brow and might not even have a home to go to. The poor who do have homes live in crowded quarters with family members who also have no choice but to leave their homes each day to earn their daily bread. They cant depend upon relief cheques from the government, because those options are only available in wealthy countries. India, Africa, and much of Asia simply cant afford to pay people to stay at home. Or try telling people huddled in a refugee campor in Idlib trying to survive as Russian bombs fall around themthat they should stay six feet apart from one another. It is perfectly useless advice. So probably half of the worlds population couldnt practice social distancing and staying at home even if they wanted to. And flattening the curve does not mean much when health care systems are primitive and health care itself wretched even in the best of times. Simply put, for half the worlds population social distancing and staying at home are unaffordable luxuries. They are stuck with herd mentality. The result of all of this is that we will soon know whether the social distance lockdown approach currently being practised by most of the western democracies is the right approach. We already know that it is an incredibly expensive approach. Western governments are racking up huge deficits to pay for all the relief programs that they are implementing by the day. At a certain point they will all just be printing moneyan unsustainable policy. We dont even know what the final economic and social tally will be when we emerge from lockdown. It will be ugly. But all of those giveaway programs are based on the idea that spending all that borrowed money will flatten the curvethat is, it will stop our hospitals from being overwhelmed by a huge surge of patients arriving all at once. To achieve that flattening, it is argued, we must not only stay six feet apart from one another, but shut down all non-essential services, empty out our schools, and pay people for staying home. And indeed, if the hospitals in countries like Sweden, Brazil, and the half of the worlds population unable able to follow the curve flattening advice are overwhelmed, it will be strong proof that the radical steps we have taken were the right ones. After all, the advice the wealthy social distancing countries acted upon predicts death on a huge scale if the lockdown strategy is not accepted. If that advice turns out to be sound there will be death on a horrific scale in the countries that didntor couldntaccept the advice. So we are all unwilling participants in this ghastly experiment. Every one of us is a specimen in the giant Petri dish that is now the world. And we will soon see the results. If the death numbers are as bad as the lockdown advocates fear, we have made a wise choice by shutting down our economies despite the incredibly high monetary and social price succeeding generations will have to pay for that decision. If, on the other hand, the nations like Sweden that chose not to shut down their economiesor the poor half that couldntcome through the other side with death rates similar to ours, we have made a mistake of epic proportions. And we will ask questions, such as: In a world where millions die each year, have we massively overreacted to the relatively tiny number of dead, most of whom were already at the last stage of their lives? Or the question asked by a doctor, who wished to remain anonymous: Have we mortgaged our childrens future for some false promise of immortality? We might soon be asking those questions, but right now we are forced to be guinea pigs in an epic experiment. Soon we will have the results. But if we did massively overreact we will want to examine the thinking that lead to the lockdown strategy, and especially the thinking of those who were adamant that restrictions not be lifted even after the numbers began clearly going down. Did people with an agenda take advantage of the situation? The infamous quote by Rahm Emanuel when he was Barack Obamas chief of staff comes to mind: Never allow a good crisis go to waste. That is, implement your agenda when you get the chance. Could such a strategy at least partly explain the dirigiste approach that may have appealed to Europes leaders, but did not come naturally to a doubtful President Trump? And does it also explain the strange insistence of many politicians, academics, and othersall of whom are paid as they sit at homethat these draconian policies stay in place indefinitely, as small businesses go under and working people worry about their next rent-due date? Could some of these advocates of continuing the lockdown indefinitely be the same people who use the crisis to try to regulate the oil and gas industry out of existence, and implement other planks of their progressive agenda? We shall soon find out. Or, put another way, we will find out if the cure has indeed been worse than the disease. Brian Giesbrecht is a retired judge and a senior fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Noted freedom fighter Sachchidanand Painuli passed away at his Ganganagar residence here on Sunday. The 92-year-old's last rites were performed by his son on Poornanand ghat in Muni ki Reti areahere with full state honours in the presence of his kin andsenior administrative officials. Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Premchand Aggarwal was at the ghat to pay his last respects to the departed leader and placed a wreath on his body. Painuli is remembered for his role in the freedom movement and the Tehri Jankranti. He was also well known for his oratorical skills. In his twilight years, he had written a book titled "Vriddhawastha". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The project was created late last month by Matthew Chavez, an artist; Thomas Reintjes, an audio producer; and Dean Haddock, a creative technologist and Knight Nieman Visiting Fellow. Its interesting for people to describe whatever fishbowl theyre trapped in, Mr. Chavez said in a Zoom interview from his apartment in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. What a wonderful, weird time it was to notice things. To participate, people can call a telephone number (951-963-3643) and they can either record a short message for other people to hear, or listen to what others have said. Callers are asked to leave a reflection, thought or story. Callers are asked to keep themselves, as well as those they mention in their recordings, anonymous. Its creators want the project to do more than distract and entertain. They hope to partner with an organization to preserve the recordings, as a time capsule, they said. Mr. Haddock who was stuck in California after an ill-timed trip from his home in Green Point said if the material collected by the project is used to justify improvements in our health care or our way of life that ultimately remind us that we dont want to go through this again, than it will have served some purpose. Are you a health care worker in the New York area? Tell us what youre seeing. As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers anyone who can share whats happening in the regions hospitals and other health care centers. Even if you havent seen anything yet, we want to connect now so we can stay in touch in the future. A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent. DECATUR Macon County officials on Saturday announced the largest single-day spike in cases of COVID-19 and said they expect more in the coming days. Fifteen total cases, including one death, have been associated with the same Decatur facility, Fair Havens Senior Living, 1790 S. Fairview Ave. Ten residents and five staff members have tested positive, Public Health Administrator Brandi Binkley said during a news conference at the Macon County Office Building on Saturday afternoon. The county total is now at 25 cases, up eight from the previous day. There have been 152 tests. The number of tests will go up Sunday, Binkley said, and more positive tests are also expected. "We did have many more cases at the one facility and the expectation is from a realistic standpoint, there will probably be a spike tomorrow," Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said. "We wanted everybody to have an understanding of why that is." Elderly people and those with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for suffering severe complications from the virus, according to medical experts. Nursing homes and senior facilities across Illinois began last month to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease, including a ban on visitors. Binkley stressed that once the disease is detected in a long-term care facility or other group living situation, it is common for an increase in cases to follow. She said the health department typically would not reveal the name of an affected long-term care facility, citing state guidance, but is doing so in this case because Fair Havens officials asked for help spreading the word. A man in his 80s who lived at Fair Havens died from the virus last week; he was the first person from Macon County to do so. Officials last week said four people associated with the facility had tested positive. No one from Fair Havens was present at the news conference, at which attendance was limited to 10 people. Administrator Mark Matthews said last week that the facility had already implemented measures aimed to preventing the spread of disease, including regular screenings and masks for staff, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures and cancellation of all communal activities. Once each case is confirmed, the health department works to track potential contacts of the patient and notify them. The first positive cases in the county were confirmed March 27. Authorities do not release detailed information about patients, such as their workplaces or cities of residence, because of privacy laws. The age range of confirmed cases is as follows: One case in 20s Five cases in 30s Two cases in 40s Four cases in 50s Three cases in 60s Three cases in 70s Four cases in 80s Three cases in 90s Binkley said the state testing criteria has changed again. There is no longer an authorization required through the Illinois Department of Public Health before tests can be submitted. She added the county is working toward being able to present more information about those who have tested positive, including racial demographics and the number of people who are no longer in isolation. Moore Wolfe and Binkley stressed that residents should continue to obey stay-at-home orders, even on the Easter holiday that many are used to spending with family. Warm spring weather also could provide a temptation one that must be avoided, they said. "If people make choices to get out and to be together right now, it sets the entire state back," Binkley said. "Everything that you all have done so selflessly to stay home and stay away from the people you love, we don't want to back track on that." "You just can't do it," Moore Wolfe added. "We are still in a crisis situation and that's going to continue for some time, unfortunately." Moore Wolfe said the Crisis Communication Team, which is made up of government and health care officials, would continue to put out information as they receive it. "We are doing our very best as a team to get you the most accurate, up-to-date information as possible," Moore Wolfe said. "We are going to make mistakes along the way and when there are missteps, that is on the chairman and me. The buck stops with us." The mayor thanked the health department for its work to protect and inform the public, and said she was grateful to the community as well. "I want to thank the community for everything youre giving up," she said, "because in the long run, its going to be better for all of us and were going to get through it faster." SATURDAY UPDATE: Coronavirus and Central Illinois Contact Analisa Trofimuk at (217) 421-7985. Follow her on Twitter: @AnalisaTro A healthcare worker has become the latest NHS staff member to die after contracting coronavirus. Donna Campbell, who worked at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, passed away at the University Hospital Wales after testing positive for Covid-19, health officials said. Steve Ham, chief executive of Velindre University NHS Trust, said: We are devastated to have lost a member of the Velindre family. We will always remember her as a dedicated, hard-working member of our nursing team who was proud to work for the NHS. First and foremost, we want to extend our deepest condolences to Donnas family and friends. More than 30 NHS workers are believed to have died after contracting Covid-19 / PA It comes amid an escalating row between the NHS and ministers over shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals. The Royal College of Nursing has told members they have the right to refuse patients treatment if they do not have adequate PPE. More than 30 NHS workers are now believed to have died after contracting the virus, after three more were confirmed to have fallen this weekend. On Sunday morning Business Secretary Alok Sharma admitted the Government needs to be doing even more to provide masks, visors and gloves to front line staff, but refused to apologise for ministers handling of the crisis. He said there is huge global demand for the supplies but that there was a united effort in Whitehall to deliver them. It follows Health Secretary Matt Hancock triggering a backlash by saying PPE should not be overused, forcing Home Secretary Priti Patel to concede she was sorry if people feel there have been failings. Global Shutdown and Gold Have you read Ayn Rands novel Atlas Shrugged? The main theme of the book is that overwhelmed by growing statism entrepreneurs at one point say finally basta! and announce a strike. 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 only difference is that Atlas has not shrugged but got infected. But the result is the same. The economy freezes. We invite you thus to read our todays article and find out what does the global shutdown implies for the global economy and the gold market! Have you read Ayn Rands novel Atlas Shrugged? The main theme of the book is that overwhelmed by growing statism entrepreneurs at one point say finally basta! and announce a strike. 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. 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. Thank you. If you enjoyed the above analysis and would you like to know more about the link between the U.S. economy and the gold market, we invite you to read the August Market Overview report. If you're interested in the detailed price analysis and price projections with targets, we invite you to sign up for our Gold & Silver Trading Alerts . If you're not ready to subscribe at this time, we invite you to sign up for our gold newsletter and stay up-to-date with our latest free articles. It's free and you can unsubscribe anytime. Arkadiusz Sieron Sunshine Profits Market Overview Editor Disclaimer All essays, research and information found above represent analyses and opinions of Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and Sunshine Profits' associates only. As such, it may prove wrong and be a subject to change without notice. Opinions and analyses were based on data available to authors of respective essays at the time of writing. Although the information provided above is based on careful research and sources that are believed to be accurate, Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and his associates do not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the data or information reported. The opinions published above are neither an offer nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. Mr. Radomski is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading Przemyslaw Radomski's, CFA reports you fully agree that he will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make regarding any information provided in these reports. Investing, trading and speculation in any financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA, Sunshine Profits' employees and affiliates as well as members of their families may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in any of the reports or essays, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice. Arkadiusz Sieron Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media On April 1, Mike Cotela stepped down as the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford concluding what has been a complete transformation of the Stamford club. Under his leadership the Stamford club has experienced tremendous growth and recognized nationally as an award-winning program. At the 2019 National Conference Boys & Girls Club of America awarded the Stamford club three National Awards and honored staff member Barry Woods for his program at the Yerwood Center. The Board of Directors in 2009 wanted to revitalize the Stamford club and was seeking a Boys & Girls Club professional with the experience and passion to deliver a growth agenda. They turned to Cotela a PhD and 28-year veteran of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club, considered a leading club in Connecticut. Mike quickly began to create lasting relationships in the Stamford Community and delivered on results for some of the most needy children of the city. The community of Stamford embraced Mikes vision and made it a reality. 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. If the robot is put into operation in a large scale, it will undertake a lot of work which is being done by medical workers VIBOT-1a, the medical robotic assistant, which the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) requested the Military Technical Academy (MTA) to manufacture in accordance with the US Aethons TUG model, will assist the transportation of medicine, food and necessities, and help carry waste in hospitals and isolation areas. On April 7, VIBOT-1a was put into trial operation. It carried food, medicine and took away waste from rooms at the Bac Thang Long Hospital, which has been reserved specifically for the isolation and treatment of Covid-19 patients. If the robot is put into operation in a large scale, it will undertake a lot of work which is being done by medical workers in Covid-19 treatment areas, especially in isolation areas, thus helping medical workers restrict contact with people and mitigating the infection risk, said Trinh Dac Hoa from Bac Thang Long Hospital. It is estimated that each robot can undertake the work of 3-5 medical workers. VIBOT-1a, the medical robotic assistant, which the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) requested the Military Technical Academy (MTA) to manufacture in accordance with the US Aethons TUG model, will assist the transportation of medicine, food and necessities, and help carry waste in hospitals and isolation areas. According to Colonel Tang Quoc Nam from MTA, VIBOT is designed as a multi-functional robotic assistant, flexible enough to satisfy specific requirements for each isolation area. It can carry many kinds of goods with the weight of up to 100 kilograms. All the activities of the robotic system are monitored and regulated from a distance, which facilitates the expansion of the operation scale of robots, and adds more robots to the robot system, if necessary. VIBOT-1a version uses magnetic stripe navigation and identification card positioning technology, which is simple yet highly reliable, allowing the robot to move in the quarantine area to perform tasks. VIBOT-1a is capable of detecting and avoiding collisions thanks to sensors installed in the front and rear. With a large capacity battery pack and automatic charging station, VIBOT-1a can work continuously for 12 hours and automatically returns to the station to charge when running out of power. Dr Nguyen Van Kinh, former director of the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, who proposed the manufacture of robots to serve people in quarantine at z meeting with MST two weeks ago, also praised the applicability of VIBOT-1a. It is a great achievement to manufacture the robot just within two weeks, Kinh said, adding that the robot needs to be put into operation to ease pressure on transportation and mitigate the possibility of medical workers getting infected with virus. The numbers of infected medical workers in China and Italy are very high. This is the initial product that mainly meets transport needs, so it just needs a 'moderate' technology level, according to Dao Van Hiep, head of the consultancy board of the project. In the future, the research team will need to create smarter robots. Chi Mai Robots deployed in high-risk infection areas to combat COVID-19 The Ministry of Science and Technologys Military Medical Academy has successfully manufactured a robot that can support healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. Tech companies are developing an NHS app for mobile phones that will warn people if they have been in close proximity to someone suspected to have the coronavirus, the government has announced. One expert said the app could be used as an early route out of lockdown, allowing users in the clear to have fewer restrictions. Revealing that the app was being tested, health secretary Matt Hancock said: If you become unwell with the symptoms of coronavirus, you can securely tell this new NHS app, and the app will then send an alert anonymously to other app users that youve been in significant contact with [them] over the past few days, even before you have symptoms so that they know and can act accordingly. Mr Hancock said the government was working with the worlds leading tech companies and experts in clinical safety and digital ethics so that we can get this right. The more people who get involved, then the better informed our response to coronavirus will be, and the better we can protect the NHS, he said. All data will be handled according to the highest ethical and security standards and would only be used for NHS care and research and we wont hold it any longer than its needed. The idea is that people who have self-diagnosed as having coronavirus will be able to declare their status in the app, which sends an alert to people they have been close to. If a test confirms the user is infected, a stronger warning will be sent instead, signalling that the other users should go into quarantine. Recommended How technology and apps could allow the UK to leave lockdown Many people are calling for the government to have a clear exit strategy from the lockdown for everyday life to resume. The health services digital innovation unit will test a pre-release version of the software with families at a secure location in the north of England next week, the BBC reported. Keith Neal, emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said: From what I know from other countries, the app uses Bluetooth to identify other phones with the app when the two phones have been close to each other in the last 14 days. Each app user has a unique identifier. If someone tests positive, they use their app to inform the system of having tested positive. The system then alerts all the phone users who have been in close contact with the unique identifier of the case to self-isolate and get tested. Data should be deleted after a set period, he said. Even with only testing clinical cases in hospital, it will still identify some of those at risk. With widespread testing it will work much better. The more users of the app, the better. An option is having the app as an early route out of lockdown, allowing app users less restrictions. This has the potential to radically help contact tracing and allow containment to be used as the strategy again. Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, said technology had to be part of that strategy to suppress the virus, but added: It is also vital to have the proper safeguards and transparency when it comes to capturing or mapping peoples data. Acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: Any proposal on the use of mobile phone data or other technology to track people must also be scrutinised properly by MPs before a final decision is made, further strengthening our argument that parliament should be recalled urgently. France reports fewer deaths in coronavirus fight The total number of patients in intensive care is 6,883, or 121 fewer than on Friday. In a welcome development in efforts against coronavirus, French officials Saturday reported fewer deaths in the last 24 hours than the previous day, as well as fewer people in intensive care. A total of 353 deaths were reported in hospital and 290 in nursing homes from Friday to Saturday, Jerome Salomon, France's director general of health, told a daily press briefing. 13,832 PEOPLE DIED SINCE THE OUTBREAK STARTS This made for a total of 8,943 deaths in hospital and 4,889 in nursing homes. Overall, 13,832 lives have been lost since the outbreak began. Hospitals can count 67,312 patients in total still in treatment. Taking questions from reporters, Salomon urged the French to remain vigilant about their behavior to stem the virus spread, including practicing social distancing, washing hands thoroughly, and staying at home. "The time is not for de-confinement, but to have strict respect for confinement, barrier measures, and gestures of physical and social distancing," he said. So far a full 26,391 people have returned home after recovering from the virus. President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation on Monday evening to discuss the confinement and the economic situation. Despite recent progress against the virus, he is expected to extend the current confinement set to end April 15 through the end of the month, or perhaps lift it locally based on the region. Worldwide, there are now a reported 1.75 million cases of coronavirus with over 107,000 reported deaths. Nearly 396,000 people have recovered from the coronavirus since the start of record-keeping, according to data compiled by the US Johns Hopkins University. Siberia Snapshot: Krasnoyarsk's Most Vulnerable Families Anxious As COVID-19 Crisis Deepens By Svetlana Khustik, Igor Chigarskikh, Robert Coalson April 11, 2020 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. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/covid-19-- rusia-belarus--iran-digital-permits-who- businesses-reopen/30547557.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It was a day of tragic records for the US on Saturday, as the coronavirus pandemic continued to torment the country, forcing authorities to start digging up trenches for mass graves. With at least 19,833 deaths reported from the Covid-19 outbreak, the US has now become the most affected country in terms of fatalities - overtaking Italy, which has reported 19,468 deaths. America is already the worst-hit nation in terms of cases. It is the only country to have reported more than 500,000 infections. New York is the most affected American state, having recorded nearly 9,000 deaths and over 172,000 infections. Earlier in the day, the US also became the first country to report more than 2,000 fatalities from the coronavirus disease in a single day. By Saturday, the global death toll had gone past 106,000, while the number of cases worldwide stood at 1.73 million. Amid the deepening crisis in the country, US President Donald Trump said that he will appoint a special task force next week that will decide on when to reopen the country. Despite the rising number of cases and fatalities, US officials insist there are signs of an improvement in the situation, especially in the areas with a high incidence of cases. New York state has seen a drop in instances of hospitalisation. New Jersey and Connecticut have somewhat stabilised and although cities such as Boston and Chicago continue to report cases, the rate of increase has stabilised. But the crisis has not yet reached the peak, health officials said. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House task force for the coronavirus outbreak, said, As encouraging as they are, we have not reached the peak. April 16 is widely believed to be the projected peak day in the US. Trump is admittedly in a hurry to reopen the country as the economy continues to take a hammering due to shutdowns . Asked if he is determined to remove the restrictions by May 1 as he had vowed earlier, he said, I would love to open it. Im not determined (on) anything. The facts are going to determine what I do. Virus found in air up to 13 ft from patients A study examining air samples from hospital wards with Covid-19 patients has found the virus can travel up to 13 feet, twice the distance current guidelines say people should leave between themselves in public. The preliminary results of the investigation by Chinese researchers were published on Friday in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a journal of the US CDC. They add to a debate on how the disease is transmitted, with the scientists cautioning that the small quantities of virus they found at this distance are not necessarily infectious. The researchers were led by a team at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences in Beijing. China-Russia border city seeks help as imported cases of COVID-19 surge Global Times Source:Global Times Published: 2020/4/11 15:16:32 The city on the border of China and Russia, Suifenhe, located in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has been accepting donations from the public as an increasing number of imported coronavirus cases mount huge pressure on the small city. The city is now accepting donations of protective clothing, masks, medical alcohol, temperature detectors, disinfectants and other medial materials, according to a document released on Saturday. From March 27 until Thursday, a total of 151 imported confirmed cases and 148 asymptomatic infections were reported in Suifenhe. In addition, 2,497 people have entered China from the Suifenhe border crossing as of Friday since March 21, according to data released by the Health Commission of Heilongjiang Province. Suifenhe, a prefecture-level city, has an area of 460 square kilometers and a population of less than 70,000, seeing a lack of medical staff. Heilongjiang Province has dispatched medical teams of 222 staff since March 31 to Suifenhe and its jurisdiction city Mudanjiang, with a preparation team of 1,000 medical support personnel stationed in other prefecture-level and provincial-level medical institutions. A cabin hospital in Suifenhe, providing more than 600 patient beds, is to be put into operation on Saturday, with around 400 medical staff expected to work in the hospital, the city's publicity department said. A resident surnamed Liu from the Xinxing community told the Global Times on Saturday that all estates in Suifenhe have been locked down and only one person from a household will be allowed to go out to buy necessities every three days. Liu is a primary school teacher. All teachers and students have been teaching and learning at home since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia began. Several residents said prices of daily necessities have remained stable during the past few weeks, after the city accepted imported cases of COVID-19. The local government has provided protective clothing, masks, and other preventative supplies to all frontline workers, a medic surnamed Wang, who works at a frontline hospital in Suifenhe, told the Global Times on Saturday. According to the latest policy, ports in Heilongjiang Province have implemented isolation measures and closed-loop controls, including complete quarantine for inbound transportation, temperature monitoring for entry personnel, implementation of nucleic acid sample testing and complete isolation. All front-line staff who have had contact with imported cases will be picked up from home and taken to work via specially designated vehicles to curb contact with other people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hyderabad, April 12 : As many as 165 more US nationals stranded in Hyderabad were airlifted by two flights of Air India from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on Sunday. With this, a total of 432 US nationals were airlifted from Hyderabad by five flights since April 7. The national carrier operated two flights to Mumbai on Sunday to evacuate the US-bound passengers. According to GMR-led Airport, an Airbus A 320 aircraft landed at 2.13 p.m. and took off with 82 US-bound passengers (81 adults and one infant) at 3.15 p.m. The second special flight landed at 2.54 p.m. and departed with 83 US-bound passengers (82 adults and 1 infant) at 3.51 p.m. Both the flights operated as domestic. Passengers were serviced from the main Passenger Terminal Building. 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 government, the passengers reached Hyderabad Airport from various parts of Hyderabad. All these passengers were serviced through the fully-sanitized main passenger terminal building, which has been kept ready for evacuation operations. On April 10, Hyderabad Airport handled 168 US nationals, who were evacuated by two special relief charter aircraft operated by Air India, while on April 7, a group of 99 US bound passengers were handled. All the passengers were taken to Mumbai from where they boarded Delta Airlines flights to their respective destinations in the US. Earlier, on March 31, a group of 38 German nationals flew from Hyderabad by a special flight of Air India which ferried the passengers from Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai to Frankfurt. The Hyderabad Airport also 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. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Sun, April 12, 2020 10:09 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd14944f 1 National Jambi,wildlife,BKSDA,crocodile,death,human-animal-conflict,IUCN,Environment-and-Forestry-Ministry,protected-animals,protected-species Free The Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Jambi) has launched an investigation into the death of a 4-meter-long saltwater crocodile in Teluk Dewan village, East Tanjungjabung regency, Jambi. The crocodile was found dead on Thursday when local residents were cleaning an artificial canal using an excavator, BKSDA Jambi head Rahmat Saleh said on Friday. The residents, he added, claimed the machines operator had hit something upon cleaning the canal. When he raised the excavators arm, he found a saltwater crocodile in it. A team from the agency has moved the animal and questioned the operator regarding the incident. We didnt apprehend him, Rahmat said. Read also: Missing boy found dead inside a crocodile in Maluku Anwandi, a local resident who had witnessed the incident, said residents had told the operator to remove the crocodile from the canal. Maybe something happened when we placed the animal on land, causing its death, Anwandi said. The saltwater crocodile is included in a list of protected animals detailed in a 2018 environment and forestry ministerial regulation. A 1990 law on natural resources conservation prohibits the killing of protected species, except in emergency situations that threaten human life. Anyone convicted of deliberately violating the law faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as a fine of Rp 100 million (US$6,328). Another resident, Iswanto, said saltwater crocodiles were common in the area and often preyed on residents livestock. Read also: See you soon, mate: Australian presenter Matt Wright returns home despite failing to rescue Palu crocodile According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the saltwater crocodile is commonly found in the inland waters of northern Australia, eastern India and Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia. Were afraid of the animal. Sometimes, we dont know whether our activities would provoke a crocodile to attack us, Iswanto said. Jambi saw several crocodile attacks on humans last year. Environmentalists believed such incidents were caused by habitat destruction, such as converting peatlands into oil palm plantations and illegal mining in rivers. (nal) A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of striking a balance between lives and the world, the government intensified its effort to find the policy mix to implement this framework. This included the process of finalising guidelines to demarcate zones with different levels of restrictions, and restarting certain economic activities once the three-week lockdown ends on April 14. Two Union ministers, a chief minister, two Niti Aayog officials, and two government bureaucrats who are a part of empowered committees dealing with various elements of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) said that the lockdown after Wednesday will be more calibrated than in the first phase. The commerce ministry has also offered a specific road map, in a note to the home ministry, on sectors that can be opened up now and relaxations that should be introduced once a decision on the lockdown is taken. The letter was seen and reviewed by HT. It also mentioned that there have been a lot of problems in the movement of people and vehicles in sectors allowed by the government; this was followed up by a home ministry note to state governments, reiterating the need to enable movement which has been permitted. The letter also proposed restarting big companies such as textiles, automobiles and electronic manufacturing with proper sanitation and distancing norms in place in sectors. It suggested restricting their capacities to 20-25% in a single shift to start with. It proposed allowing companies and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with export commitments to operate with minimal manpower and necessary movement of material; resumption of housing construction activities provided labour stayed at the site; and listed out a range of industries such as heavy electrical items, fertiliser plants, all types of food and beverages plants, among others, which should be allowed to function on a single-shift basis. To be sure, this detailed note is just a proposal and is at the level of an intra-government communication so far. No decision has been taken or announced on it. Indias case tally stood at 9,191 on Sunday, including 326 deaths -- a rise of 811 positive cases since Saturday night. A Union minister familiar with the decision-making process in government said that a decision on the lockdown, however, is likely to be announced only on April 14, after a high-level meeting. Summarising the governments broad approach, Vinod Paul, member of Niti Aayog and co-chair of the empowered committee for Covid-19 response in India, said that there were three things to keep in mind when the lockdown eventually ends. The first, he said, was the realisation for each citizen that life was going to be different till a drug or a vaccine was found. So we would have to continue with a new norm of social distancing in every phase of our life. The second factor was that the government would have to ensure that its hospitals and testing facilities were geared up to be more efficient. And the third factor was balancing how much economic activity and vocational activity should be opened up without compromising the spread of the disease. One element of this balance appears to be the proposal to demarcate the country into three zones red, orange and green, depending on the incidence of coronavirus cases in the specific geography. A bureaucrat, who is a member of an empowered committee, explained that red zones will define areas which have a high number of cases they will include affected districts and containment zones, and the lockdown here will remain in place and enforced strictly. Orange zones will be buffer areas which will see some relaxation but will be closely monitored; and green zones will include areas which have seen no incidence of the disease and where restrictions may be lifted substantially. In a separate interview, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar confirmed that this option is close to being implemented. As the Prime Minister has indicated, we will have to move towards economic activity also, while taking utmost care of lockdown and social distancing. Giving the example of his state, Khattar said this meant that four districts Palwal, Nuh, Gurugram, Faridabad will be categorised as Covid hot spots or red zones. He underlined: Lockdown will be enforced in red zone. In the green zone, small and medium industry will be allowed to start operations, provided the entrepreneur gives us an undertaking to fulfil the guidelines in letter and spirit. We want small industries to start their operations at a somewhat lower capacity first. We will issue directions in this connection very shortly. This push for resumption of partial economic activity was also reflected in a letter to the home ministry by the secretary of department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) in the commerce ministry, Guruprasad Mohapatra, on Saturday. It proposed opening certain activities with reasonable safeguards once a final decision regarding extension and nature of lockdown is taken by the Union government. According to the proposal, the industries that would be allowed to operate must ensure a single entry points for workers, sufficient space for ensuring social distancing, use of separate transport for ferrying workers or stay arrangements in factory premises and high quality regular sanitisation of the premises. The local authorities must ensure strict observance of these conditions, it said. It also asked the home ministry to reiterate and allow the free movement of individuals and material for sectors that have already been permitted to operate, claiming that a lot of problems were being faced in this regard. Late in the evening on Saturday, the home secretary wrote to all chief secretaries reiterating the need to ensure intra and interstate transport of vehicles carrying cargo, movement of workers in essential services, functioning of cold storages and warehouses, among other measures. Its not about how theyll 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. Among the more concerning broader societal consequences of the coronavirus economic collapse, fear-mongering, widespread distrust is a stunningly rapid deterioration of democracy. To exploit popular anxiety as a pretense to seize power is a tactic as old as plague itself. When William Cecil, chief minister to Queen Elizabeth I, was battling the Black Death, he won the ability to shut the sick inside their homes for up to six weeks (likely reasonable enough) but then went on to pass the Plague Act of 1604, which banned any criticism of this unprecedented power. Dealing effectively with pandemics can reasonably support the suspension of some norms and freedoms, but a careful balance must be struck. We have already seen the virus extinguish popular protest movements from Iran to Hong Kong. Now, in some places, we are seeing how it threatens democracy itself. To be clear, this is not about the lockdowns, quarantines, and mandatory physical distancing measures imposed by almost every responsible government in response to COVID-19. But even these sensible rules, in most cases guided by the advice of public health authorities, have resulted in penalties that can be unduly heavy-handed. Steep fines, such as the $300,000 one levelled against a Brampton-area man who hosted a backyard party for 20 friends, are an example. Surely there are reasonable limits to such sanctions. What does concern me are the ominous cases of democratic rollbacks, like the ones we are now witnessing in Hungary. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Viktor Orban pushed through a draconian law that allows the prime minister to rule by decree, suspend Parliament and repeal any existing law and do so indefinitely. The state will now impose years-long jail terms for sharing nebulously defined fake news, or acting to impede the response to the virus, giving the authorities wide latitude to imprison political dissidents. While these measures firmly tip the EU member state from democracy to dictatorship, the rest of the Union, mired as they are in their own COVID-19 response problems, hardly seem to have noticed. Hungary is not walking this dangerous path alone. In Thailand, the prime minister has used his new powers to impose harsh curfews and expand censorship of the news media. In Chile, the military patrol the streets and public squares, having conveniently crushed protestors who had disrupted the country for months before the virus arrived. And the list goes on. Amid the panic of the pandemic, it can be difficult to detect where, exactly, the line falls between justified response and anti-democratic exploitation. Some of the countries that have been most successful at flattening the curve have deployed aggressive contact tracing techniques that, on their face, would violate civil rights. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the use of invasive cellphone location tracking, intended for counterterrorism, to track those who test positive for the virus and monitor others with whom they may have come into contact. The South Korean governments policy of releasing detailed information including the names and movements of newly diagnosed cases has inadvertently revealed sexual affairs and other embarrassing personal information. Whats more, even well-established democracies are flirting with injustice. Despite pleas from the Democratic governor of Wisconsin, the Republican-dominated legislature, abetted by the state Supreme Court, has used the crisis to play partisan politics. In recent voting, it refused to extend the window for mail-in ballots and reduced the number of polling stations in the state from 180 to five, all of which were conveniently located in areas that lean Republican. As the curve is flattened and the threat of the virus recedes, it remains to be seen how many of these unjust measures will be repealed. The last time Orban awarded himself extraordinary powers under the guise of an emergency powers he has yet to relinquish it was the 2011 migrant crisis. What every strongman has understood, from Cecil to Orban, is that a frightened public is also a compliant public. For the sake of our democracy, our leaders must understand that while we are willing to be compliant, to do our duty, to surrender some of our individual rights and liberties for the collective good, we are not frightened. Not in the least. Staff of C4 faculty of the National Heart Institute at the Bach Mai Hospital chat with each other while waiting for the clock to strike midnight. The faculty has 14 patients and 34 staff members. After the lockdown is removed, all 14 patients will be discharged and return home. "My family has been worried because I was being treated here. They feel much better that the hospital can function normally," said one patient who did not want to be named. Enviromental engineering and hydrogeology firm HRP Associates Inc. has added Sean Keefe as a consultant in the Farmington-based firms new Derby office, according to a release. Keefe earned him bachelors and masters degrees in environmental science from the University of New Haven, the release said. HRP is pleased to welcome Sean to our collaborative team of professionals based from our brand-new Derby office, Brian Lowry, project manager, said in the release. We are excited about the skills, talentand positive attitude he brings to our team and look forward to continued success for our clients with his support on complex investigation and remediation projects. Keefes focus will include project support in environmental investigation, remediation, health and safety, according to the release. I am glad to be a part of HRP and have already been exposed to a wide variety of projects and challenges through the opportunities HRP provides, Keefe said in the release. Virtual statewide breakfast meeting The Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will hold a virtual statewide breakfast meeting from 8-9:30 a.m. April 23. Guest will be Mental Health Connecticut officials Jacquilyn Davis, Agustin Remi Kyek and Luis Perez, to discuss self-care and coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Those wanting to participate can use the Zoom meeting link https://us04web.zoom.us/j/8289436490. Pearce Real Estate wins awards Pearce Real Estate received two Member Achievement Awards from the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, according to an announcement from Barbara L. Pearce, chairwoman and CEO. The company won the 2019 Million Dollar Club award, recognizing members sending two or more outgoing closed referrals with an actual sales price of at least $1 million, the release said. Pearce also won the Momentum Club award, which acknowledges members that have improved their companys outgoing referral performance from 2018 to 2019 based on a certain increase in closed transactions resulting from client introductions made to other affiliates throughout the network, according to the release. LeadingRE is a worldwide network of market-leading independent residential brokerages, the release said. The awards were given during the groups annual conference, which took place in March in Las Vegas. Celebrating the achievements of our top-performing members is a highlight of our conference, Paul Boomsma, LeadingRE president and CEO, said in the release. Our award winners represent the best of the best in the real estate industry, and we commend them for their commitment to excellence in meeting the needs of the home buyers and sellers they serve. For information, visit www.hpearce.com. Have you been outdoors on a moonless night when the twinkling stars and the Milky Way appeared so brilliant, you were taken aback by just how vibrant a dark sky can appear? If you have not experienced an inky black night sky, you are not alone. While the pollution of land, air and water garners daily attention, light pollution of the night sky has not received as much publicity. Yet, it is estimated that 80% of the worlds population lives under skyglow, the excess light generated by mankind, which obliterates a dark sky. In the United States and Europe, 99% of the population has their view of the night sky diminished. When Vincent Van Gogh painted his famous The Starry Night in Saint Remy, France, in 1889, it was the night sky that led him to state: For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. Today, the Milky Way can no longer be seen from Saint Remy. In the midst of fear and isolation, the world has come to learn that positive change can happen among death and destruction. by Victor Cherubim Like religious observances of many faiths, Easter too means different things to different people. If you are a Christian, of any denomination, it is definitely not just about chocolate and Easter eggs or bunnies. It has a deeper significance. It is the feast of the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. It is the conquering of death and the rebirth of a new life. Easter for Christians is the most important celebration. It is because it is the remembrance of the resurrection. If Christ had not risen from the dead, the Christian faith, would have no foundation. It is described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day after His burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c 30 AD. It is the culmination of a 40 day period of fasting, prayer and penance in preparation. As a result of Easter, Christians and some others believe, there is life after death. They rest in the knowledge that as per the scripture all who died in Christ too will be raised again and that death will not hold them back. The New World Order Was it a strange coincidence or is it conjecture, that the height of the Coronavirus pandemic had to happen during the winter of the Northern Hemisphere and it had to move from East to West? With half or more of the worlds population under some form of lockdown, many millions are also trying to understand, to make sense how to celebrate Easter, Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Passover, Vaisakhi and other religious festivals perhaps, in quarantine. In the midst of fear and isolation, the world has come to learn that positive change can happen among death and destruction. Allow me to relate some of the things that have happened during this pandemic since December 2019, within a matter of four months. Our economics, our priorities, our perceptions are not what they were at the beginning of the infection. Life are changed beyond recognition. We cannot imagine for a moment how bustling streets, crowded underground trains and buses have become quiet and empty and desolate. People are living in their homes with pervading loneliness, yet almost on top of each other; how isolation has turned to rage and anger inside homes. What we called normal before the virus is now abnormal. Our focus, our values of life and death have shifted. What is rich is now poor. What is weak has become strong, what is strong has turned weak. It seems like a seismic shift. What was hidden is emerging. Most important is that we see the preciousness of life and our empathy in death. We are now in search of what is self, what is social? In a crisis the powerful are bent on seizing more power, but their power is slipping. The rich seek more riches to maintain their mountains of wealth, but wealth has lost its value and has succumbed to good health. This is the new reality of life. What has changed is our space? There is a hidden meaning in life after death. As we spend more time at home and more time alone, the metaphysical is become the norm. We now consider that there is meaning as well as pain in sadness. If we feel sad and frightened, it is a sign that we care. If we care we once again become human. If we are human, we become enlightened to death. It is only hope that can save us from dying. It is in this state that we understand eternal life. As cases in Latin America are getting worse with each passing day, Columbia, which is the fifth most affected country, reported the death of the first two doctors on April 11. According to the countrys Minister of Health Dr Fernando Ruiz, the two doctors treating COVID-19 patients died in the capital city of Bogota. Till now, Colombia has reported 2,709 positive cases of COVID-19 whereas over a hundred people have died due to the infection. According to media reports, the two medics have been identified as 33-year-old Dr Carlos Fabian Nieto and 59-year-old Dr William Gutierrez, both of whom were working in two of the most reputable medical institutions. Ruiz while talking to international media said that the two doctors who died received the best care and had the best protection. However, he added that they were facing a phenomenon that in the world takes the lives of many people and among them, unfortunately, are health workers." Read: South American Footballers Seek Full Pay Amid Coronavirus COVID-19 in South America It has been nearly a month since South America reported its first case of Coronavirus and since then the deadly pandemic has spread to all the 14 nations of the region. As of April 12, Latin American has reported over 48,103 cases of the virus with 1,952 deaths and 5,246 recoveries. Brazil which reported the first case of the virus on February 26 remains the worst-hit nation in the region. Read: South America Reports First Death From Coronavirus As Global Death Toll Crosses 3,600 Brazil, where the COVID-19 infection has now spread to indigenous tribes including the Yanomami has raised an alarm for the government. Brazil has till now reported 20,964 positive cases and 1,141 deaths. Meanwhile, Ecuador, which has reported over 315 deaths has now launched an investigation into the management of bodies of people who died from coronavirus infection, especially in Guayaquil. Meanwhile, the third-worst affected country Chile, which has reported 6,927 cases till now has been effectively treating COVID-19 patients. (Image credit: AP) Read: Colombian Police Hold Zumba Classes In Residential Locality Amid COVID-19 Lockdown Read: COVID-19 Pandemic Continues To Spread In South America As Total Cases Reach 48,103 Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmygal addressed the Western Rite Christians and congratulated them on Easter. The congratulation of the government is published on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers. I sincerely congratulate all Western Christians on Easter. The Feast of the Resurrection of Christ fills our hearts with an unshakable faith in true goodness, true love, and unlimited joy. It symbolizes the transition from death to life and gives us hope for mental and physical rebirth, Shmygal wrote. He also added that the world has changed and today people should think most of all about their near and dear ones. Shmygal stated that people should abandon valuable traditions for all in order to protect the lives of loved ones. I wish that everyones home reigned in coziness, peace, and prosperity. We can overcome everything with unshakable faith and good deeds. Good health to you. Christ is Risen! - prime minister summed up. Recall that Christians of the Western rite around the world, including in Ukraine, this Sunday, April 12, celebrate the main Christian holiday of the Resurrection of Christ (Easter). As we reported before, the authorities of Lviv city decided to close all the churches for worshippers during the Easter holidays to prevent the threat of the further spread of the coronavirus. New Delhi: Actor Kartik Aaryan has been earning praises for his efforts to spread awareness about the deadly coronavirus since its outbreak in India and on Saturday, he once again won the internet for his one-of-a-kind gesture. Kartik has started a series of his own titled 'Koki Poochega', in which he will interact with the COVID-19 survivors and warriors. The first guest of his show was Sumiti Singh, one of Indias first coronavirus survivors from Gujarat. During the interaction, Sumiti revealed that she had returned to India after visiting the Northern Lights, but then the outbreak had barely begun in India. She was taking all the precautionary measures, was under self-isolation for 14 days and still, she got infected. Fews days later, she developed a fever and was tested positive for the virus. Sumiti went on to elaborate that she drove herself to the hospital as she didnt want any member of her family to come in contact with her. Shes glad that none of her family members got infected. Days later, when she returned home after treatment, she was given a heroic welcome in the society. Watch the entire session here: The comments on Kartiks post is filled with praises for the actor. Actress Janhvi Kapoor also left a comment which said, Too good, Kokii ji, much needed. This is not the first time Kartik has tried something quirky to spread awareness for COVID-19. Recently, Kartik turned rapper with a new song he has made on the outbreak of COVID-19. He uploaded a video that shows him rapping. In the clip, he shares the do's and don'ts during the pandemic. Last month, Kartik, who shot to fame with the famous monologue in his 2011 debut film Pyaar Ka Punchnama, came up with a new monologue in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. He has contributed Rs 1 crore to Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s PM-Cares fund in support of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. On the film front, Kartik will be next seen in Dostana 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. . A rguably, public figures in the present Indian context seem to be using symbolic artefacts such as lamps and metal plates as the means to effectively communicate the complex idea of unity or solidarity in a simple fashion. The symbols when used for mass mobilisation have always acquired a political character. Thus, the symbolic use of artefacts, such as khadi or salt by M K Gandhi and symbols of lamps in Buddhism by B R Ambedkar, was aimed at energising the mass struggle for political freedom in the first case and social one in the second. Different modes of symbolism used by both the thinkers, however, projected a unified meaning: freedom. Thus, the symbols in a historical sense had acquired a multivocal character as a successful mode of communication of complex meanings. Univocal symbolism, on the other hand, involves at least two dimensions. First, in such symbolism, the leaders of the people as well as the state are privileged to frame, for example, the COVID-19 crisis in preferred ways of selecting the symbols (lamps and metal plates) and its timing (at 9 pm for 9 minutes). Second, symbols, in an univocal framework, carry with them a single meaning to be accepted by every member of the community or citizenry. Thus, symbolism, which involved the act of clapping or banging plates adopted by the Prime Minister, was intended to carry the meaning of solidarity with those medical personnel who are actually fighting COVID-19 in the field. The president, Nana Akufo-Addo has extended the initial one-month ban on public gatherings including religious activities and funerals by an additional two weeks. The extension comes into full force after he signed the Executive Instrument to give effect to the new measure. The Director of Communications at the presidency, Eugene Arhin said the extension takes effect from Monday, 13th April, 2020. President Akufo-Addo has signed the Executive Instrument (EI) extending the duration of the restrictions imposed under EI 64 and EI 65. The restrictions imposed on public gatherings, under EI 64, have been extended for a further period of two (2) weeks, with effect from Monday 13th April, 2020, Eugene Arhin said in a Facebook post. President Akufo-Addo on March 15, 2020 in a television broadcast declared the ban on all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country. At the time, Ghana had recorded six cases of COVID-19. The president in that broadcast gave a caveat that private burials were permitted however mourners present must not exceed 25. Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance, President Akufo-Addo said. Already, schools have been shut down across the country. Most market places are open however under strict social-distancing protocols and the presence of handwashing facilities. Some local assemblies have moved in to close markets where traders flout the social distancing directives. Other directives Eugene Arhin reiterated the Presidents directive for the restricted movement of persons within Accra, Tema and Kumasi to be extended by an additional week. As announced already, the restrictions imposed on the movement of persons in Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Kasoa, under EI 65, have been extended for a further period of one week with effect from Monday.All other provisions, including all exemptions in EI 64, and EI 65, are still in full force and effect, he said. Details of the presidents other directives as outlined in his March 2020 broadcast are as follows: The Government of Ghanas Travel Advisory issued earlier today should be observed as announced; Businesses and other workplaces can continue to operate, but should observe prescribed social distancing between patrons and staff; Establishments, such as supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, night clubs, hotels and drinking spots, should observe enhanced hygiene procedures by providing, amongst others, hand sanitizers, running water and soap for washing of hands; The Ministry of Transport should work with the transport unions and private and public transport operators to ensure enhanced hygienic conditions in all vehicles and terminals, by providing, amongst others, hand sanitizers, running water and soap for washing of hands; and The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should co-ordinate, with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, measures to enhance conditions of hygiene in markets across the country. 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 Ever since mid March, the coronavirus lockdown has become a part of everyday life for all 1.3 billion Indians - including a vast variety of addicts in all forms, shapes and sizes. Amidst the lockdown, several incidents have surfaced across the country regarding alcoholics jumping off balconies and breaking into liquor stores - but this one simply takes the cake for how outlandish it is - and the nature of the contraband involved. #Breaking | Gujarat: 2 people have been detained for home delivery of paan masala. Details by Aruneel. pic.twitter.com/OwW7DgtHfF TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) April 12, 2020 On a clip that quickly went viral on social media platform TikTok, two smugglers decided to get past the lockdown restrictions by using remote-controlled drones to airlift a package of paan masala in Gujarats Morbi district. Twitter reacted with shock and surprise, as expected. This is so stupid!! Lockdown great for the vegetarians! The non vegetarian, smoker, drinker needs to pay 4 times the MRP to survive!! Wish they had banned the veg stuff instead Rajesh (@Rajeshdixit) April 12, 2020 Home Delivery of Paan Masala? We are innovating beyond the limits of innovation now! PotliBaba (@PotliBaba1) April 12, 2020 Gujarat model LockedDown (@AtHome2606) April 12, 2020 A few also highlighted how the drones could be used to help save lives during the pandemic: @SSanyal in my interview with your channel a few weeks back this is what I had pointed out... Why not use #Drones to deliver some essential commodities - medicines, testing kits, basic food items, general surveillance. Can we use #Robots to do primary screening or D2D survey? KPax (@kaushikuhart) April 12, 2020 Drones have been regulated in India under strict rules. While they were banned in 2014 after a Mumbai-based pizzeria attempted to air-drop pizzas to customers, their potential was too important to ignore and in 2018, the ban was lifted and replaced with a structured system of regulations. While 2019 figures suggest that India currently has over 40,000 drones owned by the general public, operating and using these devices requires certain hurdles to be crossed, such as obtaining an Unmanned Aerial Operator Permit (UAOP) which costs Rs 25,000 - along with seperate zonal restrictions that need prior approval. After the video went viral, police action was initiated and two people were detained. Kwon Deok-cheol, director of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the KHIDI's office in Seoul, Feb. 4. /Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk "Big data, global expansion will gear up health industry" By Bahk Eun-ji, Kim Eil-chul Kwon Deok-cheol, director of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), who led the government's Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Virus (MERS) response headquarters in 2015, has been the most sought-after expert as Korea battles the coronavirus pandemic. He is one of the key officials who established the medical protocol for infectious diseases. After dealing with the MERS outbreak at that time, he strengthened the infection control system significantly, which is believed to have played a key role in the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The government made missteps that cost them precious time and many lives in the fight against MERS because hospitals and officials were unprepared. But the lesson the administration learned from MERS helped them to strike while the iron was hot in the COVID-19 outbreak. An infectious disease management network between central and local governments, and medical institutions was established during the outbreak, as well as an access control system and negative pressure isolation rooms in hospitals. "It seems that history develops through many trials and errors. Unlike the MERS outbreak in 2015, the initial response and the active measures by the government have greatly improved," Kwon said. Although he has moved from the position at the health ministry, he has kept his eye on the COVID-19 outbreak. Kwon was named head of the KHIDI in September 2019, from the position of vice minister at the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In a first, he set aside 12.6 billion won ($10.32 million) for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in the institute's budget for this year. "The outbreak of new types of infectious diseases will continue to occur in the future. The system to respond to such infectious disease is one of the basic roles of the KHIDI; to solve health problems," Kwon said. The KHIDI is a government-affiliated institution that specializes in supporting and nurturing health industries and improving health services. In charge of promoting the nation's health and medical industries, he set this year's goal as "quality and quantitative growth of the industry." In particular, he said he would focus on building relevant big data and promoting startups related to the health industry during his three-year tenure. "There are challenges to be addressed such as personal information protection, but the institution will establish the national bio-big data with 1 million people to overcome various diseases and create a foundation for the development of the medical industry," he said. His ambition came after the Moon Jae-in administration designated bio health as one of the growth sectors the government will support. Moon has mentioned that the pharmaceutical and life engineering industries will lead the nation's economy. "In this regard, the government will collect medical and genetic information of 1 million people, including 400,000 cancer and rare disease patients and 600,000 non-patients by 2029 to build a "bio database" and to boost research and find the cause of rare incurable diseases," Kwon said. He also expressed ambitions to pursue efforts to have the country's health industry play a key role in innovative growth. The KHIDI has played a pivotal role in the overseas expansion of Korean medical institutions over the past decade. In the past decade, the institute has provided support such as professional consulting for such a global expansion. The KHIDI's efforts have led many hospitals to advance into other countries such as Russia, Mongol and Uzbekistan. To lead in the health and medical sectors, Kwon emphasized that Korea needs a more sustainable business model, and global leadership. "The KHIDI will continuously support the medical community's expansion overseas," he said. Kwon was born in Namwon, North Jeolla Province. He graduated from Sungkyunkwan University and got master's and doctoral degrees at Speyer University in Germany. He has worked as a director-general in various ministerial bureaus, including those dealing with childcare, welfare and healthcare policies. He was seconded by Cheong Wa Dae during the Kim Dae-jung administration in October 2002, and took part in state affairs under the Roh Moo-hyun government. From 2017 to 2019, he served as vice minister of the health ministry. Working at various departments of the health ministry, Kwon has a profound understanding of pending medical issues and maintains a good relationship with the medical community. A former military captain who was charged with involvement in the 1975 Bangladesh coup and assassination of founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was executed in Dhaka nearly 45 years later. Reuters Abdul Majed's execution comes after being tried for the the massacre in which the founding father and other family members of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were killed on August 15, 1975. He was given the death sentence in absentia with many other army officers for the assassinations in 1988. Bangladesh's Supreme Court upheld the verdict in 2009 months later, five of those accused were executed. Reuters An elite unit of Dhaka police from the counter-terrorism unit arrested Majed in Dhaka. It is believed that Majed fled to India in 1996 and had returned to Bangladesh only in March this year. The massacre occurred four years after Rahman got Bangladesh to free itself from Pakistan. BBC Majed was hanged at 12.01 AM (local time), as per the countrys Law Minister Anisul Huq. A doctor declared Majed dead at 12.15 am, said an official of the Dhaka Central Jail at Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka. Bodies have piled up in the hallway of a morgue facility in one of the Philippine's major hospitals that is involved in the fight against the coronavirus. This happened due the increase of COVID-19 deaths. Dr. Dennis Ordona, East Avenue Medical Center's spokesperson, said that the piling up of the bodies is due to the hospital not having sufficient equipment such as freezers to store additional human remains. According to Ordona, the hospital morgue is built for only 5 patients. The highest number that they've recorded so far is 20 remains which have not yet been picked up. There are bodies that have started to smell and they admit that the stench reaches other areas of the hospital. Bodies pile up in PH hospital The hospital made the confirmation after Filipino news anchor Arnold Clavio posted on his Instagram account about what was allegedly going on inside the hospital in Metro Manila. Clavio claimed that someone he knows from the frontline told him that dead bodies are littered along the hallway of the hospital. In one ward, there are 15 to 20 patients who tested positive for COVID-19. The three other wards are full of PUIs. Ordona confirmed to CNN Philippines that Clavio was referring to the East Avenue Medical Center in his post. But he refuted the claim made by Clavio's frontline source, as he stated that the bodies were not located in the hospital's hallway but in the morgue hallway, which was a separate facility. Also Read: Sweden Refuses to Go on Lockdown, Draws Criticisms Ordona also added that none of the bodies have tested positive for coronavirus so far, they will wait for test results to know if they have the virus, and for now, they are considered as persons under investigation or PUIs. The spokesperson said that the remains of a dead person only stay in the morgue for a short while, then they are collected from the hospital after six hours for cremation or for temporary storage in a freezer. He added that the process is mandatory, whether or not the bill of the deceased patient has been settled. As of 4 p.m on April 11, Ordona says 6 bodies are still in the morgue and they are waiting for it to be collected. The spokesperson said that the hospital is open for donations of body bags, personal protective equipment, and freezers to store human remains. He added that the hospital will not cease operations. Deaths counts are not ordered to stop The director of EAMC Dr. Alfonso Nunez said that they did not get any order from the Quezon City local government and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to stop counting the deaths related to COVID-19. Nunez added that they are continuously recording and reporting COVID-19 related deaths and sending them to the Health Department's Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. The hospital made the statement after Clavio also posted on his Instagram account that they were ordered not to report the real number of deaths. Because of Clavio's controversial post, the Health Department stated that all hospitals and health centers are mandated to report on consultations and admissions and the status of the patients. Related Article: Viral Video Shows Dead Bodies Disposed from Wuhan Hospital Late At Night, After Reporting Zero Cases @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. SHELTON Two more coronavirus-related deaths bring the citys total to 39, as Mayor Mark Lauretti urges residents to remain home as much as possible and continue to practice social distancing. Overall, there are 224 positive cases in the city, by far the most in the Valley, according to Naugatuck Valley Health District (NVHD) data released Saturday. In all, there are 41 Valley deaths from complications related to COVID-19, and 38 of those deaths, including the two most recent ones in Shelton, were residents of nursing homes or assisted living facilities. As we continue to assist in slowing the spread of the virus, Lauretti said, please remember to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, stay home unless leaving home is necessary, use hand sanitizer and wear face coverings or masks as advised. Lauretti updated city residents Saturday with a Code Red message, detailing the city closures and stating that trails, parks, playgrounds and the high school track remain open to the public. Stay safe and enjoy the Easter holiday as best we can, the mayor said. For public health surveillance, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated deaths are defined as patients who tested positive for COVID-19 around the time of death, said City Public Safety Director Michael Maglione, adding that this is not a determination of the cause of death. Maglione said last week that several positive cases are in the citys nursing home community, but the virus is also among the general population. There are five nursing home facilities in Shelton, according to Maglione, housing some 450 residents altogether. The Valley now has 483 positive cases, with 40 more recorded Saturday. NVHD Director Jessica Stelmaszek said the increase in local cases is largely related to catch up of data entry by the state Department of Public Health into the shared secure online disease surveillance system as well as the recent implementation of a new method for reporting cases to the DPH by the labs and providers. Stelmaszek said the health district is continuing to urge residents to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet between you and others if you must go out. It is evident that we remain in the acceleration phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning we are consistently receiving an increasing number of cases, Stelmaszek said. With an increasing number of cases, we can expect that we will continue to see an increased number of COVID-19-related deaths. We expect the Valley cases to continue to rise over the next few days. To minimize the amount of people who can potentially be exposed, Stelmaszek said families should designate one person per household to do grocery shopping or other necessary errands. Those going out in public should wear a cloth face covering, she added. Of the Valley deaths, 32 were people 80 and older, eight were between 70 and 79, and one was between 60 and 69 years of age. Besides Sheltons 224 positive cases, there are 74 positives in Naugatuck, 67 in Ansonia, 63 in Seymour including two deaths, 39 in Derby and 16 in Beacon Falls. Data show that 150, or 31 percent, of the 483 confirmed cases among Valley residents are individuals who currently reside in a nursing home, assisted living facility, group home or similar setting. Overall, 109 of Sheltons 224 confirmed COVID-19 cases are residents of nursing or assisting living facilities. Positive cases cover a wide range of ages, with Valley data showing that 111 people are 80 and older; 54 are between 70 and 79; 73 are between 60 and 69; 68 are between 50 and 59; 75 are between 40 and 49; 65 are between 30 and 39; and 36 are between 20 and 29. Gov. Ned Lamonts executive orders have shuttered all schools until at least May 20 and directed employees at nonessential businesses to stay home until further notice. Gatherings of more than five people are prohibited. The governor has stated that schools may remain closed until the fall. Residents should continue to heed the advice of their chief elected officials and stay home as much as possible and continue to practice social distancing to avoid exposure and further spread of the virus, Stelmaszek said. For more information about making or using cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html. The state Department of Public Health now publishes a report at ct.gov/coronavirus that breaks down positive COVID-19 cases by town. brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com As people across the world adopt physical distancing measures to slow down the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have assessed the consequences that self-isolation will have for mental health and well-being in both the short and long term. According to an analysis, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, these consequences are so important that immediate direct intervention efforts are needed to address the impact of the outbreak on individual and population level mental health. Scientists, including those from Boston University School of Public Health in the US, said large-scale disasters, whether traumatic such as mass shootings, natural phenomena like hurricanes, or environmental disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, are almost always accompanied by increases in depression. They said cases of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, other mental and behavioural disorders, domestic violence, and child abuse may also increase following such episodes. For such events, the researchers said, the impact on mental health can occur in the immediate aftermath and then persist over long time periods. With the COVID-19 pandemic, they said there may be substantial increases in anxiety and depression, substance use, loneliness, and domestic violence. As schools remain closed, there may also be an epidemic of child abuse, the report cautioned. According to the scientists three steps, taken now, can help governments across the globe proactively prepare for an increase in mental health conditions triggered by the pandemic. First, they said, it is necessary to plan for the inevitability of loneliness and its sequelae as populations physically and socially isolate and to develop ways to intervene. Using digital technologies, social distance can be bridged even while physical distancing measures are in place, the research noted. Normal places of congregation, such as gyms, and yoga studios, can conduct online activities on a schedule similar to the ones in place before social distancing, the scientists said. "Some workplaces are creating virtual workspace where people can work and connect over video connections, so they are not virtually alone," they noted in their analysis. The researchers said employers should ensure that each employee receives daily outreach during the work week, through a supervisor or buddy system, just to maintain social contact. Efforts should be made to ensure connections with people who are typically marginalised and isolated, including the elderly, undocumented immigrants, homeless persons, and those with mental illness, the scientists said. Using social media, they said, groups could be connected, while also directing individuals to trusted resources for mental health support. For children who are out of school, ensuring that they have access to regular programmed work is important, according to the scientists. While online substitutes for daily routines, as mentioned above, can be extremely helpful, not all children have access to technologies that enable remote connectivity, they cautioned. Efforts to bridge this gap are essential, the report said. Mechanisms for surveillance, reporting, and intervention, particularly, when it comes to domestic violence and child abuse are critical, it added. "Individuals at risk for abuse may have limited opportunities to report or seek help when shelter-in-place requirements demand prolonged cohabitation at home and limit travel outside of the home," the researchers explained in the report. Systems for social distancing with the availability of safe places for people at risk, and social services systems will need to be creative in their approaches to following up on reports of problems, the scientists said. While providing counselling, and related consultations, the study said, the practice of delivering the most effective, least resource-heavy treatment to patients in need, and then stepping up to more resource-heavy treatment based on patients' needs, is a useful approach. "Scaling up treatment in the midst of crisis will take creative thinking. Communities and organizations could consider training nontraditional groups to provide psychological first aid, helping teach the lay public to check in with one another and provide support," the report noted. According to the scientists, telemedicine mental health visits, group visits, and delivery of care via technology platforms will be important components of stepped care for both acute crisis management and routine communication. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Action Democratic Party (ADP), has called on all Nigerians to be hopeful, that there is light at the end of every dark tunnel, urging them to use this year's Easter celebration to seek the face of God Almighty in prayers against Corona Virus. The party said, despite the pandemic, which is now a major source of concern globally, Nigerians must stand stronger together in love and unity, as this time will surely be over soon, stressing that, rather than panic and fear, citizens should be hopeful, as no pandemic can outlast the human race. This was contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Adelaja Adeoye on Sunday, he noted that, this is the time, all Nigerians must eschew every forms of rancor and stand together in Unity, as the only way the Nation can move forward, is when both the government and citizens comes together, and stand in Unity and love, by praying that, all the trouble in the land, as a result of the Corona Virus outbreak become a thing of the past. The pandemic is a major obstacle to the growth of the Nation's socio-political and economic fortune, as we all know, no country can stand on its feat if a pandemic stays for too long. There will be an adverse effect, and this is the main reason every citizens must turn to God in prayers at this Easter and beyond. We need to reclaim our lives, economy and continue from a point of strength again. The party greets all its members across the world, urges them to be good ambassadors whereever they find themselves. Adelaja said, " We greet all Nigerians during this Easter celebration, it is our prayer that, God almighty will restore peace, unity and progress to our Nation again, and help us end the ravaging and increasing rate of Corona Virus in the land". "May the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brings us eternal peace". The party, however, urges the Federal and State governments, to provide an adequate palliative for vulnerable Nigerians, and work more on how the economy can kick start in the shortest time, arguing that, the prolonged shutdown will have adverse effects on the livelihood of citizens and various public and private business interests. ADP advises all Nigerians that, while they celebrate this year's Easter, they should minimize their movement, avoid large gatherings, and also adhere to all the precautionary measures issued by National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), such as washing their hands regularly with soap, alcoholic based hand sanitizer, maintaining social distancing, praying that God will protect and preserve them. SIGNED: Prince Adelaja Adeoye National Publicity Secretary ADP Nigeria Im seeing a lot of threads online around managing home-schooling while working from home and other topics on the same general theme, so I wanted to just given a schools perspective on it all and answer some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). A lot of parents are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and under pressure by the work being sent home for kids. I hope this can help with that somewhat. A few points to note first 1) This is not home-schooling. This is an unprecedented emergency situation impacting the whole world. Lets keep perspective. Home-schooling is a choice, where you considered, planned for it and you are your childs school teacher in whatever form you choose. This current situation is, at best, distance learning. In reality, its everyone trying to separate their bums from their elbows because none of us know what were doing and whats right and wrong here. 2) You are, and always have been, your childs primary educator. If you decide that your child isnt going to engage with anything sent home and is going to spend the entire period playing in the dirt, or baking, or watching TV, that is your choice. That is your right. There is nothing to stress or feel guilty about. 3) Schools dont know what theyre doing either. We got no notice and no prep time. We were advised to continue to plan lessons as normal and just send them home as if that is in any way possible. If it were, wed all be out of a job very quickly! 4) It is absolutely not possible to facilitate distance learning with a primary aged child and work from home at the same time. The very idea is nonsense. If youre trying to do that, stop now. You can certainly have activities where your child learns, but your focus is your job, and survival. Again, unprecedented. Stop trying to be superheroes. So, a few FAQs: My school has sent home lots of physical work. Pages and pages, hours and hours. How am I supposed to get through it all?! Youre not, dont try. Your childs teacher spent a couple of hours in utter panic gathering things to send home so they could say they did their best and there werent a lot if complaints that enough didnt go home. Its not a competition, or a race, its unlikely the teacher will even manage to look at it all. My school keeps sending home links and emails with more work. How do I make it stop? See above. These are suggestions and ideas because the school is worried itll be said theyre not offering enough. Use them if they suit you, dont if they dont. If youre getting stressed, stop opening the emails. No one will know! X in my childs class has everything done and weve barely started. Will they fall behind? Even if everything were equal in terms of support and time and number of kids etc (which its not) kids learn at different rates. In the class theres a wide range of levels in all subjects, theres different paces and there are many kids working on differentiated levels of work. Its almost impossible for teachers to differentiate at the moment, so you have to do it. Your child will not fall behind. This is all revision and reminder work. If kids could learn new concepts without specific teaching, we wouldnt need teachers. They will cover all of this again, multiple times. Im not doing any work with my kids. All their doing is Lego, cooking and playing outside. All of this is learning. Very valuable learning. Give yourself and them a break. How can I get three different lots of work done with three different kids of different ages? You cant, stop trying. If theyre old enough, try to get them to do little bits independently. Otherwise try to do something they can all engage with, reading a story together, some free writing, baking etc. So whats the bare minimum youd expect? For me, survival mode. I wont pretend that may be true of all teachers, but you know what, if they cant have perspective in a time like this then I wouldnt overly worry. My ideal for my kids in our school? A bit of reading every day (independent, reading to them, or via audiobook etc). Some free writing now and then. If theyll keep a diary or something, great. If not, would they draw a comic? Practical hands on maths. Be that via cooking, cleaning, outside, or some maths games physical or digital. Some fine motor work. Lego, cutting, playdough, tidying up small toys. Physical exercise everyday Some art/music where possible through the week. Doesnt need to be guided. Stretch goal, if old enough getting them to independently work on a project is great for keeping brains ticking over. Get them researching in a book or online and putting together something to present to you or family. If younger, lots of imaginative free play, the more independent the better. You are doing enough. You are loving your kids and supporting them through a difficult time. Look after yourself. Minimising stress is absolutely vital in a time like this for mental health. Dont let this be something that stresses you. Only you can control that by accepting it is in your circle of control, you are the primary educator and this is all your call. Caitriona Golden is Principal of Ennis Education Together Primary School. This article is republished with Caitrionas permission on behalf of Parenting Limerick, a network of parenting and family support organisations. For more information on this and other topics go to www.loveparenting.ie. For up to date and accurate information and advice on COVID-19 go to www.hse.ie/coronavirus. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend Some 117 people have died from the coronavirus (COVID 19) over the past day in Iran, said Kiyanush Jahanpur, spokesman for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Trend reports citing the ministry. According to Jahanpur, as many as 1,657 people have infected with the coronavirus in the past 24 hours. Jahanpur added that the condition of 3,930 people is serious and critical. So far, more than 263,000 tests have been conducted in Iran for the diagnosis of coronavirus. Iran is one of the countries heavily affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 71,600 people have been infected, 4,474 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 43,800 have reportedly recovered from the disease. The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease. The Islamic Republic announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19. By PTI KOLKATA: West Bengal reported two more COVID-19 deaths on Sunday, pushing the death toll due to the disease to seven in the state, even as the TMC government made wearing masks mandatory for people visiting public places. However, no fresh COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Sunday. The total number of coronavirus cases stood at 122 in the state, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government said, even though the Union health ministry put the figure at 134. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES According to a health bulletin released by the state government, the total number of active cases in West Bengal is now 95. The TMC government, however, did not divulge the details of the deceased persons. Meanwhile, late in the evening, the state government issued an order, making wearing of masks mandatory for people visiting public places. The order was issued by Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha. "Mouth and nose should be covered by facial masks or any other available piece of cloth which may even include a properly folded or rolled dupatta, gamcha, handkerchief or any such material that acts as a protective cover," the order said. "It is hereby directed that it shall be mandatory to use this cover always, especially when in public places," it added. Meanwhile, at least 22 health workers of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital were placed under quarantine after two patients admitted to the hospital tested positive for COVID-19, a health department official said. A two-day drive to disinfect Nabanna, the state secretariat in adjoining Howrah district, began on Sunday, government sources said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 15:41:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A team of 15 medical experts on Sunday departed from Beijing for the city of Suifenhe, at the China-Russia border in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, to aid the city's fight against imported COVID-19 cases, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The experts, specializing in laboratory testing from the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention under the CDC, will bring the total number of CDC experts sent to the city to 22. The team will set up a mobile negative pressure lab upon their arrival, which will facilitate them in conducting nucleic acid tests and scientific research. Many of Ireland's biggest and best-known companies need immediate help from the Government, similar to what has been announced for SMEs, according to a senior corporate debt expert. Some of the largest companies in the country are already under huge stress and need Government backing to secure loans of up to 25m, said David Martin, head of debt advisory at EY. "That's what my clients are saying to me is needed," he told the Sunday Independent, adding that major clients were "now coming under serious pressure". "And if this keeps on going, if there's a prolonged disruption, say to the end of August, I mean, you're going to see GDP going down by 13pc and you could have up to 675,000 people lose their jobs," said Martin. EY was seeing issues across every sector, not just hospitality and retail, he said. "No one has really avoided the disruption. Our analysis of profit warnings across the FTSE index suggests that 36 of the 42 sectors are impacted and we are seeing a domino impact across the economy. "Initially, larger clients were drawing down any cash facilities they had with their lenders, so they built up cash reserves on their balance sheets. But there's only some people that can do that." EY welcomed support already put in place by the Government for SMEs, but said a package of support aimed at larger businesses with a turnover greater than 50m, similar to the one introduced last week in the UK, is badly needed. This could provide a model for similar supports for big Irish firms to include short-term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance. The Government should provide a guarantee to lenders of this type of finance of up to 80pc of loans to the value of as much as 25m, similar to the UK, he said. "Within that, it's really important to say that the borrower needs to demonstrate that if it were not for coronavirus, they wouldn't be seeking this funding and the loan is due to a funding ask caused by Covid-19," he said. About four weeks into lockdowns and public restrictions for most Texas cities and counties, the owners and staff of Southeast Texas establishments still operating as essential businesses are trying to maintain normality with different degrees of success. For Dennis Williams, an owner of the Longhorn Liquor chain, keeping business as usual has been relatively easy, he said. Our foot traffic is still pretty normal in most stores these days and we still get our usual orders, he said. The people that are case-buyers year around are still case-buyers now. The one noticeable change, he said, is the empty spot on the shelves where the high-alcohol content grain liquor brands such as Everclear usually sit. Early on in preparations for the outbreak, pharmacies and everyday customers cleared out the supply at the Beaumont location on Dowlen Road to make hand sanitizer. Because of how the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission structures distributorships in the state, Williams said, there is typically only one supply for most specialty products. For Everclear, thats Southern Glazers Texas branch headquartered in Houston. While other businesses have been forced to consider layoffs or furloughs, Williams said, Longhorn Liquor has largely been insulated from that fear because of its location planning. Were so geographically diverse, we go from Mont Belvieu to Sam Rayburn, he said. We never gave that a thought. Despite the economic slowdown affecting other industries, Longhorn Liquor is still in expansion mode. The Mont Belvieu store opened about four weeks ago, and a Katy location is still under construction. Williams said there may even be a chance of a second Beaumont location sometime in the near future. Beaumont and Jefferson Countys designations for essential businesses and meetings both were ordered in the last full week of March, providing guidance for everything from grocery stores to church services. The initial order for Beaumont barred more than 10 people from the same group entering some stores and placed restrictions on how many people could be inside certain establishments at a time, but most of those orders have since been revised to be more strict. The countys current order specifies that only one person from a household should enter a grocery store at one time. While some people are worried about social distancing or food and household goods, others have different concerns. JJs Pawn Shop in Beaumont qualified to stay open because it is a financial institution, but it has seen a rush of demand for a variety of ammo from its gun section.. Khea Phillips, a manager at the shop, said JJs is still sold out of most of the essential stuff that is popular with hunters and target shooters, but one particular caliber is asked for the most. 9 mm is one of the most popular calibers of ammo right now, she said. Everyone has different motivations, so it is difficult to guess what they are thinking, but I think thats probably a sign that most people are thinking about defense. As manufacturers deal with a slog of large orders while struggling with whether to keep factories open, Phillips said deliveries have been severely delayed. She said purchases of actual firearms havent changed much, but there was initial concerns about background checks as government offices shifted to deal with other pandemic-related business. Since municipal orders began, JJs has remained open and ready for business as usual except for a shift in schedules to have more staff on hand during the week when the store sees the most customers. Phillips said the newest rush for ammo was similar to scares that happen after a school shooting or proposed change in gun laws, but this was the first time shes personally experienced a buying spree related to a disaster. In a hurricane or a flood, you usually get an expectation that things will come back quickly, that this is a boom town by nature, she said. With this situation, this is not something weve experienced. Businesses such as restaurants and bars have taken a big hit, with the former left to adjust to a new business model while the latter stays shuttered. Popular date night and bar scene spots like J. Wilsons in Beaumont have had to make a cultural adjustment, shifting toward meals and specials for the whole family now that their regulars are stuck at home. Owner John Wilson said business has probably been reduced by about 60% while patrons are barred from dining in. He said state provisions allowing the sale of alcohol with pickup orders has had virtually no positive impact on sales. But the time freed up from the daily preparation for multiple meal rushes has been put to use creating new specials each day, which seems to be playing well with J. Wilsons fan base. The regulars and the people that built us up, they dont want us to go anywhere and thats a good feeling, he said. Theyll make sure you stick around. Wilson said he has mostly been able to maintain his staff through the shutdown and customers have been understanding of the situation, showing their generosity to servers who are experiencing diminished tips. As the restaurant moves to adapt under the circumstances, Wilson is juggling the opening of a new restaurant at the former Green Light Americana location on Phelan Boulevard. He said one of the biggest reliefs of the whole situation is that he didnt open the new venture before the pandemic took hold in Southeast Texas. Now, he has some wiggle room to plan the best way to move forward, but he said hes locked in to making the new restaurant concept boom for his community. I think the excitement could be even a little better once we get out of this, he said. There will be restaurants that wont come out of this and I think people will be happy to see something open if this ends. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jdickjournalism Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' So it might be obvious that you need to consider debt, when you think about how risky any given stock is, because too much debt can sink a company. As with many other companies Sinotruk (Hong Kong) Limited (HKG:3808) makes use of debt. But the more important question is: how much risk is that debt creating? Why Does Debt Bring Risk? Generally speaking, debt only becomes a real problem when a company can't easily pay it off, either by raising capital or with its own cash flow. If things get really bad, the lenders can take control of the business. While that is not too common, we often do see indebted companies permanently diluting shareholders because lenders force them to raise capital at a distressed price. Of course, debt can be an important tool in businesses, particularly capital heavy businesses. The first step when considering a company's debt levels is to consider its cash and debt together. Check out our latest analysis for Sinotruk (Hong Kong) What Is Sinotruk (Hong Kong)'s Debt? The image below, which you can click on for greater detail, shows that Sinotruk (Hong Kong) had debt of CN1.00b at the end of December 2019, a reduction from CN3.04b over a year. But on the other hand it also has CN19.9b in cash, leading to a CN18.9b net cash position. SEHK:3808 Historical Debt April 12th 2020 A Look At Sinotruk (Hong Kong)'s Liabilities The latest balance sheet data shows that Sinotruk (Hong Kong) had liabilities of CN35.2b due within a year, and liabilities of CN347.5m falling due after that. Offsetting this, it had CN19.9b in cash and CN17.6b in receivables that were due within 12 months. So it can boast CN1.97b more liquid assets than total liabilities. This short term liquidity is a sign that Sinotruk (Hong Kong) could probably pay off its debt with ease, as its balance sheet is far from stretched. Simply put, the fact that Sinotruk (Hong Kong) has more cash than debt is arguably a good indication that it can manage its debt safely. Story continues But the other side of the story is that Sinotruk (Hong Kong) saw its EBIT decline by 5.8% over the last year. If earnings continue to decline at that rate the company may have increasing difficulty managing its debt load. When analysing debt levels, the balance sheet is the obvious place to start. But it is future earnings, more than anything, that will determine Sinotruk (Hong Kong)'s ability to maintain a healthy balance sheet going forward. So if you're focused on the future you can check out this free report showing analyst profit forecasts. Finally, a business needs free cash flow to pay off debt; accounting profits just don't cut it. Sinotruk (Hong Kong) may have net cash on the balance sheet, but it is still interesting to look at how well the business converts its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to free cash flow, because that will influence both its need for, and its capacity to manage debt. In the last three years, Sinotruk (Hong Kong)'s free cash flow amounted to 47% of its EBIT, less than we'd expect. That weak cash conversion makes it more difficult to handle indebtedness. Summing up While we empathize with investors who find debt concerning, you should keep in mind that Sinotruk (Hong Kong) has net cash of CN18.9b, as well as more liquid assets than liabilities. So we are not troubled with Sinotruk (Hong Kong)'s debt use. When analysing debt levels, the balance sheet is the obvious place to start. However, not all investment risk resides within the balance sheet - far from it. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Sinotruk (Hong Kong) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Of course, if you're the type of investor who prefers buying stocks without the burden of debt, then don't hesitate to discover our exclusive list of net cash growth stocks, today. 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. At 92, Rose Frenkel, an avid quilter, shows no sign of slowing down and definitely doesnt like staying at home. Her normal week consists of shopping, going to the casino, hanging out with family and sewing. So when COVID-19 crossed the New Mexico border, the elderly woman found herself with little to do. Thats when the call came. Her family and friends around the country are still having to go to work, many without masks. Frenkel lives with her daughter Jacqueline Tarrichone, who recently moved back to New Mexico. Her children and grandchildren are working at Costco in Seattle. They were calling to say it was so crazy and how people were fighting (at Costco), Tarrichone said. They were there working with no masks. They were requesting masks. Both women are active quilters and already had a lot of material on-hand. They immediately got to work. Tarrichone does the cutting and assembling and Frenkel does all the sewing. They shipped out their first batch of about 70 masks to family members in both Washington state and California. The requests kept coming. To date, the women have made about 300 masks. They start their mask-making sessions every day about 8 a.m. and go well into the evening. Frenkel, whose son-in-law has been hospitalized with COVID-19 in Nevada, said its become a great distraction. We started with family but now all our friends want them, Frenkel said. One night we even went until 10 p.m. Im glad we have this. Its keeping us busy and we enjoy it. All over Albuquerque, individual sewists are stepping up to make masks for loved ones, friends, healthcare workers and other first responders due to a nationwide shortage. Last week, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recommended that everybody wear masks while in public to prevent the spread of the virus. The majority of homemade masks will not protect wearers from contracting the virus, but they will help prevent an infected person, especially one who is asymptomatic, from passing it along to others. This is a call to help that us ordinary citizens can answer, said organizer Rebecca Snyder. Its something we can do because we feel so helpless. Snyder, who works with the Quelab makerspace, was asked to help the citys Emergency Operation Center, coordinate local mask-making efforts along with Hip Stitch, a local fabric store. Albuquerque Fire and Rescue Lt. Brian Fox is in charge of logistics for the center and put a call out on Facebook for local sewists and other volunteers. Fox said the masks will be distributed to firefighters and other essential workers who still have to interact with each other and the public. They are not medically sterile masks and cant be used for patient care, he said. This is a proactive approach. it will prevent spreading especially if someone is a carrier and you are working in tight spaces. Hip Stitch is providing the fabric for the masks and a no-touch drop-off location for anyone who is making masks. He said the masks will be sterilized, individually bagged and dispersed where they are needed most. He said the city hopes to collect between 4,500 and 5,500 masks. Those people with the talent, we are asking them to chip in and help, Fox said. The city of Albuquerque thanks you. Sewists needing fabric can contact Fox at 244-8604. Drop-offs are Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hip Stitch, 2320 Wisconsin Street NE. Volunteers can also visit quelab.net and click on #nmMakesMasks link at the top of the page to get a pattern for the masks. Hip Stitch owners Steve Hamlin and Suzanne Kelly said they are selling their fabric at cost to those making masks. In addition to their efforts with the city, they are also donating masks to hospitals within the Navajo Nation, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. New Mexico, Arizona and Utah are all home to the Nation. Tribal leaders have enacted an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew but continue to see a rise in cases. Sandra Eichenberg, a seamstress who owns Quilts Ole in Corrales, began her own mask-making efforts about three weeks ago after she had to lay off her 10 employees and temporarily shutter her business following a state directive that all non-essential businesses close their doors. She said the quilting community has really responded to the need. Lots and lots of my customers are making masks out of fabrics they have at home, she said. On Wednesdays, I go to the shop, hang a bag outside and they drop them off. Theres lots and lots of people behind this. It really touched my heart. Eichenberg said she has donated the masks to home healthcare agencies, nursing homes and clinics. The Rio Rancho fire department requested 200 masks, she said. Seamstress Rachel Veronica owns Superior Tailoring & Alterations on Coors and also had to close her business but she found a demand for her skills when people she knew started asking her to make masks. Ann Silvas Sewing Center recently donated fabric to her efforts. Shes making about 200 masks she will donate to health-care workers and selling individual masks for $15 each. Theres such a huge need, she said. Right now Im trying to keep it local and not sending any out of state. Visit superioralterationsnm.com to purchase a mask. Veronica is taking orders by phone, email and on Etsy. As for Frenkel, shes keeping herself isolated and will march onward, making masks until no more are needed or until they run out of material. We will continue, she said. We have a lot to make. We are not stopping. Bored of the same room? Bored of the same view outside your window and the same face staring at you from the mirror? Fret not, a new Instagram challenge is here to make your blues go away. We are here to show you how you can just pick up your phone, switch on the camera and start recreating your favourite travel pic in a rather quirky way. This fun challenge called Quarantine Traveller Challenge is doing the rounds on Instagram and is something many are enjoying. The challenge requires a person to recreate their favourite photo from a vacation at home. And the results are quite hilarious. Check out these Instagram users who decided to make their home vacation-worthy. This woman probably took this one-of-a-kind snap with an animal. Now see how she managed to take the same photo in the same pose with a different kind of animal. What can be better than just floating in the calm blue sea? Let this woman show you how to do that at home: One of the best things during a vacation is the gorgeous interiors and decorations of a room. This man found a hilarious way to recreate a towel decoration he had seen in a hotel. How do you recreate an image taken in front of a blue sea with quaint white houses in the background? Some iconic monuments always hold a special place in our hearts, just like the famous lion of Singapore, oh wait! What is that? Here are some other hilarious picks Which travel photo would you recreate? SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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 to 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). Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed sparked controversy on social media and among politicians and analysts after visiting Italy to provide medical aid to the European country amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. Zayed arrived in Italy April 5 following instructions by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, "offering solidarity and support to Italy during this ordeal, according to a statement released by the Health Ministry. She and a delegation of the Egyptian armed forces brought two military aircraft carrying medical supplies such as protective gloves and disinfection materials. The shipments bear the image of the Egyptian and Italian flags with "From the Egyptian people to the Italian people" written in Arabic and Italian. Zayed's visit was criticized and ridiculed in Egypt and raised questions among political analysts. Social media users criticized the minister for appearing without a face mask, unlike the Italian Foreign Minister Luigi de Maio, who received her wearing one. Many Egyptians were surprised that Zayed did not wear a mask in violation of the daily instructions from the Egyptian government on social distancing, wearing protective gear and hand-washing. Social media users slammed the ministers actions as "irresponsible." They also criticized Egypts donation of medical supplies to other countries while they are sold in the Egyptian market at high prices if they are available at all. In implementation of Sisi's instructions, the Egyptian Minister of Health is without a face mask in Italy accompanied by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs de Maio to provide medical assistance. Doctors of Egypt are performing their jobs without masks and everyone complains about the lack of equipment in the face of coronavirus, tweeted TV presenter and journalist Osama Gaweesh. The world is on alert and Egypt is looking for a show, he added. Others linked the visit to strained ties between Italy and Egypt since the killing of Italian student Giulio Regeni, suspecting an attempt to improve relations. Ikram Badr el-Din, a professor of political science at Cairo University, said that Zayeds visit to Italy is a show of solidarity and standing with the Italian government and people. Egyptian-Italian relations have been harmed over the past few years following the killing of Regeni and Egypt is trying to show its support and solidarity with the Italian people relations that extend back decades, he told Al-Monitor. Badr al-Din added that Italy is one of the eastern Mediterranean countries that share important economic, commercial, tourist and cultural ties with Egypt. He stressed that sending two military planes loaded with medical supplies to Italy reflects the depth of relations between the two countries and Egypt's supportive role in this crisis. Al-Din added that there is cooperation between the two countries to explore for gas in the eastern Mediterranean Sea as well. Parliamentarians have lauded the ministers visit to Italy, saying that it not only reflects Egypts solidarity with other countries but also shows that Egypt is keen to enhance its relations with its trade and economic partners. Parliamentarian Mohamed Abu Hamed said that Italy is one of the European Union countries that support Egypt and Middle East issues and one of the most important trade partners for Egypt, as the two countries have cooperated in oil and gas discoveries. With the help of Italy, Egypt has become a regional center of energy in the eastern Mediterranean. It is also contributing to Egyptian development projects, he told Al-Monitor. Egypt's health minister also recently visited China, where the pandemic first broke out. The first COVID-19 positive patient of Manipur, who was undergoing treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), here was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, doctors said. Director of JNIMS Prof Thongam Bhimo said the woman was discharged as she had recovered completely from COVID-19 after successful treatment. The 23-year-old woman, a resident of Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai area in Imphal West district, had returned from the UK. After reaching Imphal she visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) here on March 23, complaining of nasopharyngeal problems. Test reports of her swab and blood samples confirmed that she was infected with coronavirus. She was admitted to the isolation ward of the JNIMS and was undergoing treatment. 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 Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on April 9 said that the state government has decided to give Rs 35 lakh to the medical team and officials of JNIMS who treated the state's first COVID-19 patient. Manipur so far has reported only one case of COVID-19. Meanwhile, the 19 people of Moreh town in Tengnoupal district quarantined at the quarantine centre of RIMS have tested negative for COVID-19, said Prof Ahanthem Santa Singh, Director of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal on Sunday. The RIMS director said that the 19 people were quarantined as they were close associates and relatives of a 66-year-old COVID-19 positive patient, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bengaluru. Dedicated staff at a South African animal shelter have gone into lockdown with dozens of dogs, cats and horses to make sure its four-legged residents are not left to fend for themselves during the coronavirus crisis. Despite the outbreak, it's business as usual for the team at the WetNose Animal shelter outside the capital Pretoria where they continue to walk, exercise, feed and care for its unwanted pets and farm animals. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa imposed a nationwide lockdown late last month in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus. But under the new measures workers feared they would not be permitted to travel to the site. So five of them decided to move into the shelter to prevent the animals being abandoned. "It's been hard for the staff because they have been on lockdown on this property," said shelter manager Veronica van Greunen, stroking a ginger cat. "Not visiting their families, not allowed to go see them, not allowed to go out of this property. So they've basically been in quarantine... with all the animals." South Africa is the worst-affected country on the continent by the virus, with more than 2,000 confirmed cases of the disease and 24 recorded deaths so far. People are only allowed to leave their homes to shop for groceries or seek medical attention. Van Greunen said having workers on site was key, as animals were still being taken in by the shelter despite being closed for adoptions until the end of the lockdown -- which was extended to April 30 this week. Worker Josef Mashaba said he was undeterred by the prospect of not seeing his family for weeks, adding that he was driven by his "love for animals". "That's why we are here and dedicated our time to do this," he said, dogs wagging their tails excitedly in the background. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: In this handout photo provided by Save The Children, American actress Pauley Perrette, better known as forensic expert Abby Sciuto in the TV show NCIS. (Photo by Luis Ascui/Save The Children via Getty Images) Free Kindy for 22,000 Queensland Children More than 20,000 children will have free access to community kindergartens across Queensland until June. The Queensland government will spend $17 million on the program to keep 465 centres across the state open for term 2, 2020. This is great news for the 22,000 children that attend community kindergarten, Education Minister Grace Grace told media on April 12. What this announcement means is that parents can now maintain and continue their enrolment in community kindergarten, because it will be free for term two, she said. She said it means roughly 2700 workers who are employed in community kindergarten centres will have work. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says a statement about schooling for term 2 would be made on Tuesday. Queensland recorded an additional 12 confirmed cases of CCP (Chinese Communist Party ) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus overnight, bringing the states revised total to 983 confirmed cases. About 72,000 tests have been conducted and 12 people remain in intensive care in Queensland hospitals. More than a third of Queenslanders who tested positive to COVID-19 have recovered and the rate of infection is dropping. Health Minister Steven Miles raised hopes on Saturday that restrictions to stymie the spread of the virus could end. Miles says the recovery rate may be even higher as there was a lag in collecting data for those who had tested positive and were isolating at home. The total of new cases for the past week is just 89. When I spoke to you last Saturday, it was 274 (for the week), the Saturday before that it had peaked at 380, Miles said. We have seen, in just two weeks, a very dramatic decline in the weekly average. Miles said social distancing and non-essential travel restrictions had saved lives, heavily reduced the number of new infections and reduced the pressure on hospitals. The Queensland government is likely to review the measures by the end of the month, including those relating to non-attendance at schools, he said. We did 2149 tests overnight, considering that the number positive is just nine, that is a positive testing rate of just 0.42 over the last 24 hours, incredibly low by global standards, he said. That is because of our social distancing efforts, they are working. We need to keep them up. We said we would review the restrictions on leaving ones home after a month and they will probably be the first to be considered as well as the restrictions on schools which, the intention is as I understand, is to make an announcement later this week, he said. Despite restrictions on non-essential travel, police have issued 462 fines (of $1334 each) that have raised $616,308 in revenue for the state government. By Nicholas McElroy A key central department has recommended that certain identified industries and services should be allowed to resume limited activity with reasonable safeguards, as the Centre mulls easing some restrictions during the likely extended coronavirus lockdown beyond April 14. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in a series of of recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) said these new activities in wide ranging spheres are essential in any lockdown exit plan to improve the country's economic activity and provide liquidity in the hands of the people. These new activities are essential to improve the economic activity and provide liquidity in the hands of the people, the DPIIT said in its letter to Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, "It is felt that certain more activities with reasonable safeguards should be allowed once a final decision regarding extension and nature of lockdown is taken by the central government," the letter said, making a strong push for these activities in addition to those already allowed under various notifications of the MHA. The exit plan from the lockdown is recommended after getting suggestions from a detailed interaction with various states and industry bodies, the letter said. The plan also emphasises on social distancing, sanitisation and spacing. There was no reaction from the home ministry on Sunday to DPIIT's letter. The letter also noted that other ministries like the Agriculture ministry may be approaching the MHA separately for allowing activities like harvesting etc. that they considered crucial. Further, it has stated that housing and construction sectors need to be allowed if the labourers stay at the sites with all facilities and safeguards. Contractors shall ensure safety, sanitation and distancing norms. It suggested that all transport vehicles of all sizes, whether inter-State, intra-State or intra-city, need to be allowed, whether empty or full, by all enforcement agencies without asking any question. It has also asked for certain repairing units like those individuals or small agencies involved in providing repair services in mobile, refrigerator, air conditioner, television, plumbing, cobblers, ironing (dhobi), electrician, automobile mechanics, cycle to be allowed. The department has stated that all street vendors like fruit and vegetable sellers should be allowed by the states in order to improve doorstep delivery and also to provide much needed liquidity to this population. The 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in place from March 25 in a bid to halt the spread of COVID-19 and is scheduled to end on Tuesday. Four states - Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab and Odisha - have already extended the coronavirus lockdown in their respective territories till April 30. A broad consensus has emerged that the national lockdown should be extended by at least two weeks after a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and state chief ministers on Saturday. Several chief ministers at the same time have pushed for resumption of some economic activities like in the farming sector in regions with no COVID-19 cases. The Centre in consultation with states is moving to restart economic activities in a graded manner in what is seen as a nuanced change in strategy from saving lives a month ago to saving lives as well as livelihoods now in the fight against the pandemic. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases crossed 9,000 on Sunday with nearly 1,000 infections reported in the last 24 hours. On Saturday, there was a record increase of over 1,000 cases. The deaths also crossed 300, according to a latest PTI tally from the states. The Centre has also sought inputs related to production, labour and logistics from clusters in five key sectors to ascertain expected output if required, official sources said. The five sectors are textiles, chemicals, electronics, steel and pharmaceutical, the sources said. In its letter with an annexure, the DPIIT has suggested that industries which can be allowed to operate must ensure single entry points for workers, sufficient space for ensuring social distancing, use of separate transport for ferrying workers or make stay arrangements in factory premises, high quality regular sanitization of the premises. The state and district authorities, while allowing these new activities, should ensure strict observance of these conditions, it said. It has also recommended free movement of vehicles and manpower in certain sectors. Big companies with proper sanitation and distancing norms in place in sectors such as textiles, automobiles and electronic manufacturing - 20 per cent to 25 per cent capacity in single shift may be considered to start with, according to the letter. Besides those firms or MSMEs with export commitments need to be allowed to operate with minimal manpower and necessary movement of material as a new entity. Certain industries which can be permitted to start with minimum manpower and proper sanitation and distancing norms/safeguards on a single shift basis include telecom equipment and components including Optic Fibre Cable; compressor and condenser units; steel and ferrous Alloy mills; spinning and ginning mills, power looms; defence; cement plants; pulp and paper units; fertilizer plants; paints; plastic; automotive units; gems and jewellery; and all units in SEZs and EOUs. For the rubber sector, it has suggested that certain rubber items may be given priority for starting manufacturing, while keeping in mind the safety, sanitation and distancing norms. It can include pressure cooker gaskets, LPG hoses, adhesives, hospital rubber sheets, medical - silicon, pharma stoppers, boots, catheters, anesthesia bags, valves, and dental supplies. Lastly, the department has recommended that timber, plywood and wood based industry provides packaging material to pharma companies, FMCG and other companies producing essential commodities should also be allowed by the state authorities. States, meanwhile, are likely to designate districts, towns and cities as red, orange and green zones depending upon the number of COVID-19 case as part of efforts to allow differentiated restoration of normalcy with conditions like uses of masks and social distancing in public. Union minister Nitin Gadkari said talks are underway with state governments to re-start highway construction projects where migrant labourers can be gainfully employed, In a video-conference with PTI, the road transport, highways and MSME minister said efforts are on for facilitating a safe return of migrant labourers, an estimated 20 lakh of whom are in shelters pan-India. "I had a meeting with road sector officials. Work can be re-started at projects with condition that adequate measures are taken for safeguard against coronavirus. We have to follow guidelines. At some places collectors have given permission, some not. We are doing a follow up along with the chief secretaries of the states," the minister said. The Karnataka government said it is studying in-depth the consequences of possible relaxation of lockdown norms after April 14 and plans to come out with a clear roadmap in a day or two, according to Medical Education Minister Sudhakar K. Kerala, which was the first state in the country to report a coronavirus infection in late January, has prepared a time table for coming out of the lockdown and there would be district-specific strategies to tackle the situation while the number of cases are on the decline. Ramping up efforts to "stamp out" coronavirus cases in the state, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac told PTI that an exit strategy is being prepared and restrictions are being relaxed in certain segments, including agriculture. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said the State government does not support the lifting of lockdown on April 14. "We also do not support the lifting of lockdown on April 14. It is true that the economy is affected, but the lives of people are more important," Chief Minister Chouhan said here while addressing journalists through video conferencing. This comes a day after the video conference meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with all Chief Ministers wherein they discussed the coronavirus and lockdown situation in the country. In the meeting, which took place on Saturday, Prime Minister Modi had said that there seems to be a consensus among the States on the extension of lockdown by another two weeks. Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Telangana have already announced the extension of lockdown in their respective States amid surging COVID-19 cases in the country. 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. With a total of 532 positive COVID-19 cases reported from Madhya Pradesh till now, the tally of the country's novel coronavirus cases increased to 8356 on Sunday, 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.) A 107-year-old woman is believed to be the oldest person in the world to survive the coronavirus. Dutch pensioner Cornelia Ras fell ill the day after her birthday after attending a church service with other residents of her nursing home. She and 40 others at the service were diagnosed as carrying the virus after the trip on Goeree-Overflakkee, an island in the southwest of the Netherlands. At least 12 of the group have since been killed by Covid-19. But astonishingly Ms Ras born in 1912 has now been told by her doctors that she has successfully overcome the virus. The Netherlands like many other nations in Europe has been hit hard by the coronavirus. More than 2,300 people have been killed by the bug, while almost 22,000 people have been infected. The numbers are also still continuing to climb, with April 7 being the nations deadliest day with 234 deaths. Ms Rass incredible story however gives hope as the world continues to try and overcome the virus with more than 1.5million people infected and almost 89,000 dead. She takes over the title as the oldest coronavirus survivor from a 104-year-old American man who previously survived the Spanish Flu pandemic back in 1918. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Despite bleak summer job prospects for law students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadia Nadeem received great news last week. The University of Windsor law student is one of 41 students so far to snag an internship with the 100 Interns Project. "It was just a huge relief," Nadeem told CBC News. "I'm going to be making a step in a positive direction at a time where everything feels so overwhelmingly negative." The project was launched by criminal defence lawyer and University of Alberta law professor Peter Sankoff. By June, he aims to place 100 Canadian interns with lawyers and academics working in constitutional, criminal or animal law. Sankoff didn't set out to create an internship program he planned to hire two summer students. But after courts largely shut down due to COVID-19, opportunities evaporated and hundreds of applications poured in. It was like a nuclear Armageddon. There were no jobs left to be found. Everything disappeared at once. - Peter Sankoff "There was this flood of people who were not only losing jobs but losing opportunity and really losing hope," Sankoff said in an interview on Wednesday. "Many of them have been told already that the jobs they had been sweating over and working to get have disappeared. And for the students who didn't have jobs yet, it was like a nuclear Armageddon. There were no jobs left to be found. Everything disappeared at once. "Once I saw that, I didn't feel like I could just stop at hiring two people, so all of a sudden it just exploded." Submitted by Nadia Nadeem Successful candidates will work part-time for three weeks at 20 dollars an hour with notable lawyers and academics across Canada. Among the 17 mentors to come on board are criminal defence lawyers Daniel Brown and Jill Presser in Toronto as well as Deborah Hatch and Darin Sprake in Edmonton. Nadeem, who wants to to learn how to help marginalized members of society obtain justice, will work remotely for litigator Arden Beddoes who is based in Vancouver. Story continues "He does some really great work just like every other mentor in the program," she said. "I don't know where Peter found these fantastic people but every single mentor is just so cool and to be matched with any of them would be great." Not only is it a good match for Nadeem because of Beddoes' expertise in the area of criminal and constitutional law, but she will work on a case currently before the court. "So I'm going to be researching a file that is live and that is just a fantastic opportunity," Nadeem said. "We can't thank professor Sankoff enough for creating this opportunity for students out of thin air, out of his own passion and dedication." We can't thank professor Sankoff enough for creating this opportunity for students out of thin air, out of his own passion and dedication. - Nadia Nadeem Students' salaries are being paid for directly by some firms while others are funded by donations from the legal community and the public. Sankoff has raised about 40 per cent of the overall $50,000 required to date, by offering low-cost legal seminars on Zoom attended by up to 70 people. A key condition of the internship is that no lawyer can benefit from donations. Unless they're funded directly by the firm, interns can only work on pro bono and legal aid cases or perform academic research. Students have been hired from at least 10 law universities across the country including McGill University, University of Toronto, University of Calgary, University of Alberta and Thompson Rivers University. Roughly a third of the hires are racialized students. "They're under represented traditionally at the defence bar," Sankoff said. "So we were looking for students who are part of communities that have traditionally struggled to advance in the defence bar." The most rewarding part for Sankoff is calling the successful candidates to deliver the good news. "Students are just so grateful and happy. It's such a sign of optimism." Published on 2020/04/12 | Source Mom-and-pop businesses are closing down left, right and center as the coronavirus epidemic keeps customers away. Advertisement A survey by the Korea Development Institute of 24 industry cooperatives including furniture, realtors and hospitality shows their average monthly revenues have fallen 42.8 percent since January and their average net profit 44.8 percent. The biggest sales decline was in apparel shops (-85 percent), furniture stores (-80 percent) and jewelry shops (-70 percent). Seoul's biggest electronics market in Yongsan took a huge hit in February and March due to the delayed opening of schools followed by a lackluster spring wedding season. Spring is usually busy for retailers there due to the rush of students buying computers or other electronics devices as well as newly-weds buying new home appliances. Kim Young-san, the head of the market cooperative, said, "IT parts and computer products are heavily reliant on imports from China and Japan, so the situation is literally hopeless. We have no products to sell and there are no customers either". Economic slumps in the past were followed by expectations of resumed consumption of clothes and home appliances, but the protracted epidemic has dashed any hopes of a swift recovery. Mom-and-pop stores are having a tough time paying the rent. Some 93.3 percent of small store owners said the decline in customers was the main reason for the sharp drop in sales, while 50 percent blamed rising wages due to the minimum wage hike. In the KDI survey, 83.9 percent said the minimum wage should either be kept frozen or slashed next year. One owner of an indoor playground for kids in northeastern Seoul said, "I yearn for the days when all I had to worry about was the increased minimum wage. If the current situation persists, I will not only have no more staff left but my whole store will be gone". Some 64.3 percent of store owners said they will be unable to last six more months in current circumstances. Mainland China reported 99 new cases of confirmed infections of the new Coronavirus on April 11, more than doubling from the previous day to reach a one-month high as imported infections jumped to a single-day record, the National Health Commission (NHC) said. Meanwhile, newly reported asymptomatic coronavirus cases nearly doubled to 63 on April 11, from 34 the previous day, it added. A total of 1,086 asymptomatic cases (including 332 imported cases) were still under medical observation on April 11. The NHC has so far received 82,052 reports of confirmed cases and 3,339 deaths in 31 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and in all 77,575 patients had been cured and discharged from hospital. There still remained 1,138 confirmed cases (including 139 in serious condition) and 82 suspected cases. So far, 718,881 people have been identified as having had close contact with infected patients. A total of 9,722 are now under medical observation. Hubei province reported no new cases of confirmed infections, no new cases of suspected infections, and no deaths. 17 patients (all in Wuhan) were released from hospital after being cured. Hubei has so far reported 67,803 cases of confirmed infections (including 50,008 in Wuhan) and 3,219 deaths (including 2,577 in Wuhan). In all, 64,281 patients had been cured and discharged from hospital, including 47,129 in Wuhan. There still remained 303 confirmed cases (including 302 in Wuhan), with 93 in serious condition (including 92 in Wuhan). There were no suspected cases. On April 11, 31 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps reported 63 new asymptomatic cases (including 12 imported cases). 55 asymptomatic cases were freed from medical observation (including 4 imported cases) and 14 became confirmed cases (all are imported cases). TradeArabia News Service Authorities say they are doing what they can to contain infections but some municipalities are critical of the governments measures to prevent outbreak. Libya is waging two battles the civil war which has split the country and the fight against the coronavirus. But some communities are complaining about the lack of help from the internationally-recognised government to contain the virus. They are forced to rely on donations, volunteers or any other help they can get. Al Jazeeras Libya correspondent Mahmoud Abdelwahed reports. Cherry Springs Village cited for deficiencies before Covid outbreak Four North Carolina long-term care facilities with substantial outbreaks of the new coronavirus have a recent history of deficiencies in inspections, according to state records, Carolina Public Press reports. State health officials on Wednesday reported outbreaks of two or more cases in at least 20 long-term care facilities. Carolina Public Press asked the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday for a list of the names of facilities with outbreaks and the number of cases, but as of Thursday morning, DHHS has neither acknowledged nor complied with this request. However, CPP has gathered information about four of the larger outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, at long-term care facilities and in each case reviewed their recent reports. Cherry Springs Village, an adult care home in Henderson County, has at least 23 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection, a spokesperson for the residence has acknowledged. Cherry Springs Village also received citations for multiple problems, including one in November 2019 for failure to control vermin, in this case bedbugs. Pine Forest Rest Home, an adult care home in Northampton County, has at least 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19, a spokesperson for the Northampton County Health Department told CPP on Tuesday. Last year North Carolina inspectors cited the facility for multiple problems, including failure to follow CDC guidelines to prevent infection. Pinehurst Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home in Moore County, has at least 30 confirmed cases, the county Health Department said Wednesday. Federal inspections over the last year show the facility has been cited for multiple problems with tracking patient care and handling CPAP breathing devices for patients with severe respiratory problems. PruittHealth-Carolina Point, a nursing home in Orange County, has more than 60 confirmed cases of coronavirus in staff and residents, county Health Department officials confirmed Wednesday. Recent inspection records describe a series of problems at the facility, including failure to report a sexual abuse allegation to law enforcement. On Sunday, April 5, the Henderson County Health Department reported that there were 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 identified in residents and staff at Cherry Springs Village on Clear Creek Road. Those individuals are being treated in isolation by health professionals, and the community is under quarantine until further notice, James Harvey, a spokesperson for Cherry Springs Village, said in a statement. Harvey emphasized the facilitys adherence to strict health guidelines from the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent infections. Asked by CPP about the facilitys recent history of deficient inspections, Harvey responded in an email, We immediately corrected these deficiencies. He added that those points were irrelevant to the new infection control measure the facility put in place in February. Cherry Springs Village continues to follow strict infection control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment when providing care, wearing masks at all times and changing clothes and following decontamination procedures each time they enter or exit the building. The facility issued a press release with a posed image of staff members, announcing them as heroes, on Wednesday. Asked by CPP whether this might be perceived as a cynical marketing move during the crisis, Harvey responded that the company wasnt doing any marketing currently. Right now, we have genuinely heroic staff in our communities all over the state of North Carolina trying to prevent COVID-19 from spreading, he said. They are saving peoples lives at the risk of their own. An inspection at Cherry Springs Village in November 2019 came in response to a complaint about bedbugs. The surveyor who completed the inspection wrote that the facility was out of compliance with sanitation rules requiring effective measures to keep out vermin. Interview with the administrator revealed a current bedbug problem has been ongoing since October of 2018, the surveyor wrote on Nov. 22. Records indicated multiple rooms had been treated on at least two occasions for bedbugs, but the surveyor observed live bedbugs. The facility agreed to pest control treatment in additional rooms, plus ongoing treatment. The report also found that the facility was not effectively cleaning rooms, which was interfering with resolving the infestation. The surveyors described the observation of 15 dead bedbugs that had not been cleaned up in one room. An annual inspection in September cited the facility for multiple issues with cleanliness and food storage and labeling. Among other issues, an ice machine that had built up a black residue wasnt being cleaned because different staff members thought it was someone elses responsibility. North Carolina rates Cherry Springs Village with 3 out of 4 stars, which has been consistent since 2016 despite the deficiencies cited in inspection reports. Cherry Springs Village is owned by Hickory-based Affinity Living Group, a for-profit operator of long-term care facilities in eight states. Blood drives have been organized in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as blood shortage has become more serious in the country amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic. The Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Blood Transfusion and Hematology (BTH) has coordinated one such blood drive with the citys Red Cross Society and blood donation center. Donors were required to make an appointment via the hotline 0919660010 in order to prevent the gathering of too many people at the same time. A blood drive at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Blood Transfusion and Hematology BTH director Phu Chi Dung has previously warned that the hospitals blood bank would soon dry up. The daily amount of blood the hospital received through donations between March 23 and 28 was only 50 percent of the volume it had distributed to other hospitals. Donors have their body temperature measured and are asked to sanitize their hands before entering the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in Hanoi. Photo: Viet Dung / Tuoi Tre The percentage has dropped to ten percent from March 29 until now, he said. The shortfall resulted from the cancelation of most mobile blood drives in April in response to the governments social distancing advisory and ban on public gatherings of more than two people, Dung explained. Stools are spaced to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at a blood drive in Hanoi. Photo: Viet Dung / Tuoi Tre Bach Quoc Khanh, head of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) in Hanoi, stated that the institute receives only up to 100 units of blood every day, while hospitals need about 700 units of blood per day to treat patients. A unit is equal to 250 milliliters of blood in Vietnam. About 70 blood drives have been canceled since the Lunar New Year holiday that ended in early February on account of the COVID-19 epidemic, Khanh elaborated. Health workers are pictured at a blood drive at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in Hanoi. Photo: Viet Dung / Tuoi Tre Following the organization of a recent blood donation campaign, about 350-400 people donate their blood at the NIHBT every day. Safety measures have been taken to prevent COVID-19 transmission during these events. A blood drive at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Blood Transfusion and Hematology. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre A donor has her blood pressure measured at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Blood Transfusion and Hematology. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre Donated blood is collected at the blood drive. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre A woman waits for her turn to donate blood at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Blood Transfusion and Hematology. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre A health worker prepares a donor for his blood donation. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre Employees pull blood transport boxes at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Blood Transfusion and Hematology. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Photograph: Ethan Miller/Getty Images I would say without question its the biggest decision Ive ever had to make, Donald Trump said on Friday, contemplating when and how he will relax physical distancing guidelines and reopen the American economy. In one ear, he has medical experts pleading caution. In the other, Fox News urges the opposite. The conservative TV network has been widely condemned for downplaying the threat of Covid-19 even as it took measures to protect its own staff. And with the projected death toll poised to avoid the worst-case scenario, some hosts are resuming their gung-ho attitude. At some point, the president is going to have to look at Drs Fauci and Birx and say, were opening on May 1, Laura Ingraham tweeted this week. Give me your best guidance on protocols, but we cannot deny our people their basic freedoms any longer. Tomi Lahren, a host on Fox Nation, added bluntly: Its time to start the reopen of America. The symbiotic relationship between the Trump administration and Fox News has long been chronicled. Ideas and personnel move back and forth. The president is a regular interviewee and the host Sean Hannity once spoke at a Trump rally. Related: Sean Hannity defends Fox News against claims of coronavirus misinformation: 'I never called it a hoax Indeed, on some occasions Fox News echoes, amplifies and refines Trumps message, while on others the president takes his cue from its programming. Sean Spicer, a host on the conservative Newsmax channel and former Trump White House press secretary, said: Theres no question about it that he watches a lot of Fox and you can tell by the tweets and the comments and his actions. Hell tweet out, I just saw on Fox & Friends or Hannity segment tonight. I dont think thats a debatable point. I dont think the White House would debate that. I hope not. But when the coronavirus outbreak began, the stakes rose. While Fox News reporters did cover it, some opinion hosts rhymed with Trump in comparing it to flu and accusing liberals of whipping up hysteria. On 3 March, Jesse Watters, a co-host of The Five, boasted: You want to know how I really feel about the coronavirus, Juan? If I get it, Ill beat it Im not afraid of the coronavirus and no one else should be that afraid either. Story continues Laura Ingraham of Fox claimed Trump would eventually have to look at Drs Fauci and Birx and say, were opening on May 1. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images Watters later admitted he was wrong, but this and remarks from Hannity, Jeanine Pirro and other Fox News and conservative media stars will live in infamy in a video compilation produced by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, under the title: Saluting the Heroes of the Coronavirus Pandumbic. What effect did these comments have? Four in five Fox News viewers surveyed by Pew Research said they believed the media had exaggerated the risks of the virus. An open letter to Fox Corporations chairman, Rupert Murdoch, and chief executive, Lachlan Murdoch, signed by 74 journalism professors and leading journalists, described Fox News misinformation as a danger to public health. It argued: As the virus spread across the world, Fox News hosts and guests minimized the dangers, accusing Democrats and the media of inflating the dangers (in Sean Hannitys words) to bludgeon Trump with this new hoax. Such commentary encouraged Donald Trump to trivialize the threat and helped obstruct national, state and local efforts to limit the coronavirus. Hannity was unrepentant. He told Newsweek: Go to my website and youll see irrefutable evidence that I have taken this seriously way before most in the media did. I warned in January that it was dangerous because it was highly contagious, but some people were asymptomatic, so it would spread quickly. Some of the Trump old guard, such as Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson, were quicker to recognise the virus could not be wished away. On 7 March Carlson delivered a warning in person to Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. On 9 March he told Fox News viewers: People you trust, people you probably voted for, have spent weeks minimising what is clearly a very serious problem. Its just partisan politics, they say: Calm down. In the end, this is just like the flu and people die from that every year. Coronavirus will pass, and when it does, we will feel foolish for worrying about it. Thats their position. But theyre wrong. On 13 March Trump declared a national emergency, and soon after called himself a wartime president. Hannity and others fell into line, denying they had ever sought to downplay the virus. Major responsibility Dan Cassino, a political scientist at Fairleigh Dickinson University and author of Fox News and American Politics: How One Channel Shapes American Politics and Society, said: Some of the primetime shows have been better at shaping [Trump] than others. Hannity is all about repeating what the president says. Hannity isnt leading him except sometimes on rhetoric: hes very good at taking what Trump is saying and making it fit the mould of conservatism. Tucker Carlson has been more effective on pushing him into certain positions. We saw it on the air and, according to reports, in a personal capacity. It did not take long for conservative media to backslide. Predictive models now suggest the final US death toll could be around 60,000, staggering by any measure, but significantly lower than a projection on 31 March of between 100,000 and 240,000 deaths. Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity of Fox News. Photograph: AP Several hosts on Fox News and elsewhere have floated the conspiracy theory that the numbers might be exaggerated, using unrelated medical conditions in an effort to paint Trump in a negative light in an election year. Even Carlson said: There may be reasons people seek an inaccurate death count. When journalists work with numbers, there sometimes is an agenda. Carlson has also suggested the crisis may have passed, even as America approaches half a million cases amid hellish scenes of crowded hospitals and island burials in New York. The right has also attacked Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, fitting a longstanding narrative that derides experts and the so-called deep state. And there has been cheerleading for Trumps promotion of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug that is unproven for treating coronavirus. Related: Rupert Murdoch, Fox News Covid-19 misinformation is a danger to public health | Todd Gitlin and others Federal guidelines on physical distancing expire on 30 April. Trump is hurtling towards a life-and-death decision on whether to extend them or, with millions of jobs already lost, at least partly restart the economy. He promised on Friday: I will look at both sides of the argument. But could Fox News tilt the balance again? Sidney Blumenthal, a former adviser to President Bill Clinton, said: Fox News bears major responsibility for the vulnerability of the public to coronavirus and the fatalities, just as Trump does. Trump has said that hes not responsible. He is, and so is Fox News. They are linked together in responsibility for the consequences of coronavirus. Theres a moral dimension that flows from irresponsibility on which you have put hundreds of millions of people at risk for their lives, not only heedless but knowingly. But the idea that Rupert Murdoch, any more than Donald Trump, could be shamed by their moral culpability is dealing in the fantastic. By Stephen Kalin and Alexander Cornwell RIYADH/DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia indefinitely extended a curfew due to the coronavirus on Sunday amid a surge of new infections, and the United Arab Emirates warned of possible action against countries refusing to allow migrant workers to be repatriated. Since placing the capital Riyadh and other big cities under 24-hour curfew on Monday, Saudi Arabia has reported more than 300 new cases per day. The nationwide curfew, initially set for three weeks, runs from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m everywhere else. For both this and the 24-hour curfew, residents may go out only for essential needs. The interior ministry announced new permits for vital personnel to move around. Violators face fines and jail time. Saudi Arabia has recorded 4,462 infections with 59 deaths, the highest among the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, where the total neared 14,100 with 96 deaths. It expects it could reach 200,000 cases in coming weeks. It has halted international passenger flights, suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage, and closed most public places. Other Gulf Arab states have taken similar precautions and have seen the virus spread among low-wage foreign workers, many living in overcrowded accommodation. Millions of migrant labourers, mainly from Asian countries, including Nepal, India and the Philippines, are among the regions large expatriate population. Bahrain said 45 of 47 new cases reported on Sunday were foreign workers. The United Arab Emirates, the region's tourism and business hub, has the second highest regional load at 3,736 cases and 20 deaths. FOREIGN WORKERS The UAE warned it would review labour ties with countries refusing to take back citizens, including those who lost their jobs or were put on leave, and said it was considering strict quotas for work visas issued to nationals of those states. "Several countries have not been responsive about allowing back their citizens who have applied to return home under the current circumstances," the Human Resources and Emiratisation Ministry said, without specifying which countries. Story continues India's ambassador to the UAE said on Saturday the country cannot repatriate large numbers of nationals while trying to combat the virus at home. "Once the lockdown in India is lifted, we will certainly help them get back to their hometowns and their families," Pavan Kapoor told the Gulf News daily. Pakistan's ambassador said the embassy was waiting for permission from Islamabad for repatriation flights and was hoping for "positive news soon". "We are very keen to bring Pakistanis back but we need to finalise our treatment and quarantine facilities," Ghulam Dastgir told Reuters. Aiming to contain the spread among foreign workers, Qatar has locked down a large section of an industrial area, Dubai sealed off two commercial districts and Oman closed off its Muscat governorate, which includes the capital. Kuwait said late on Saturday airlines could operate outbound flights to repatriate foreigners. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority approved conducting internationally refereed clinical trials at five hospitals to determine the effectiveness of treating the coronavirus with antivirals including those used for malaria and HIV. (Reporting by Nayera Abdallah, Alexander Cornwell, Alaa Swilam and Stephen Kalin; Writing by Ghaida Ghantous; Editing by Jason Neely, Giles Elgood and Frances Kerry) Pakistan Says 7 Militants, 2 Soldiers Killed Near Afghan Border By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal April 11, 2020 Pakistan's 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 Pakistan's 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 army's 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 additional reporting by AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pkistan-north- waziristan-raid/30547287.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address She first came to the United States as a refugee when she was just 9 months old. The country turned her away along with hundreds of other Jews fleeing Hitler in 1939 who came here aboard the St. Louis, in a story later immortalized as The Voyage of the Dammed. Refused permission to disembark first in Cuba, and then Miami and Canada, the St. Louis finally returned to Europe, where many of its passengers would ultimately be murdered at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust. Ruth B. Mandel survived. Her parents, Mechel and Lea Blumenstock, a middle-class Jewish couple from Vienna, found safe haven in England and finally stepped onto U.S. soil after the war in 1947. She went to Brooklyn College, earned her doctorate from the University of Connecticut, taught, and ultimately came to Rutgers University. On Saturday, Mandel, a national voice on womens changing roles in politics and one of the founders of the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics, died at her home in Princeton after a battle with ovarian cancer. A long-time director of Eagleton, Mandel was 81. Ruth embodied the Institute she led for almost a quarter century: warm, open, welcoming, inclusive, said John J. Farmer, Jr., the current director of Eagleton. She rarely sought attention for herself. What mattered was the work of promoting democratic values and constructive engagement in politics. He described Mandel as a despairing idealist where politics was concerned, keenly aware of corruption and human weakness, but a believer to the end in public service as a calling, in the progress of women in seeking and winning elective office, and in the eventual election of a woman president. State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg remembered Mandel as a terrific resource for women in public service at every level. But more than that, the Bergen County Democratic legislator called Mandel a friend, a cheerleader, a conscience, and a source of encouragement. She knew the pitfalls and she gave many of us the tools to avoid them, Weinberg said. On a wall in her Rutgers office, Mandel displayed hundreds of political buttons with the names and faces of women running in campaigns across the country. For state office. For the U.S. Senate. For governor. And for president. She talked about Shirley Chisholm, who in 1972 became the first African-American woman to seek a major partys nomination for president. She said she knew she wasnt going to win, recalled Mandel, who had interviewed her. She was making a statement. When Mandel herself was in college, she said there were just a few token women in Congress. There were no women in leadership positions on the political landscape, she observed. But students today, she noted, were seeing more women slowly move into positions as decision makers, policymakers and leadership at a very different level. By the time of the 2018 midterm elections, the country would see a record number of 117 woman sent to Congress. Still, despite the entry of six woman running as top-tier candidates for the Democratic nomination this year, 2020 again will not see a woman elected as president. Mandel had no memory of her parents desperate flight from the coming horrors of the Nazi regime, or of the voyage of the St. Louis, which set sail from Hamburg to Cuba on May 13, 1939, carrying more than 900 people most of them Jewish refugees. She has a photo of herself as a little girl in a deck chair on the ill-fated ocean liner. Ruth B. Mandel aboard the St. Louis as a child with Jewish refugees sailing from Europe to Cuba in 1939, in a photo from U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum When the ship arrived in Havana, it was turned away, so the captain tried to head to Florida. U.S. authorities refused permission for passengers to disembark. The St. Louis then headed north to Canada, where the ship was once rejected again. With no other place to go, the ship returned to Europe. Passengers found themselves in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and in England, where Mandel and her parents were able to find sanctuary. But hundreds of those left stranded in occupied countries later perished in the Nazi death camps. In a 1999 speech, Mandel would recall a moment decades later while reviewing materials for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum the finding of a note, signed by all the passengers of the St. Louis, expressing gratitude to a diplomat who had helped them. There was my mother's unmistakable handwriting, Mandel said of one signature. It was as familiar as her voice or her smile. And she would reflect on those childhood events of her past, in talking about todays refugee crisis, and the searing photos of so many trying to escape from new murderous threats across the globe. I think many Americans are frightened when they see the young men who look like the image of a terrorist," she told a reporter five years ago. "Im not immune to that, God knows. But I see the children. They are in their mothers arms, or their fathers arms. To me, its an image of families in desperation. In a 2014 interview at Eagleton, she remarked: My interest in politics didnt come out of a political party. It came much more out of a family background of escaping from the Holocaust and thinking that unless we had good government and good democracy and the world got to be a better place none of us would make it through. Long a resource for reporters, Mandel was always relevant to New Jersey and national politics. After arriving at Rutgers in 1971, she joined the Center for American Women in Politics at its founding, heading up what became a leading source of research and data about American womens political participation. Among her publications included In the Running: The New Woman Candidate, about womens experiences as candidates for political office. From 1991 to 2006, Mandel also held a presidential appointment on the governing Council of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. In 1995, she was named head of the Eagleton Institute the Rutgers nonpartisan research center named for suffragist Florence Peshine Eagleton, who fought for the right of women to vote in the United States. Stepping down last August, Mandel continued to hold a position as professor of politics at Rutgers, and was also a senior scholar at the Center for American Women and Politics. Eagleton itself came into national prominence initially under leadership of the late Alan Rosenthal, a political scientist who helped to build state Legislatures including New Jerseys into more powerful branches of government, and led the Institute for over twenty years. During his tenure, the Eagleton Poll gained national renown as the first academic poll in the country. When Mandel came to Rutgers to help found the Center for American Women and Politics, she brought a new dimension to Eagleton, amid the growing womens movement, offering a unique look at the role, and the absence, of woman in politics. Debbie Walsh, who now serves as director of the Center for American Women and Politics, said when Mandel arrived at Rutgers, the response to the creation of the center was that there was no subject there to study. But in large part due to Mandels perseverance and the work she did over two decades, Walsh said she built a national community of elected women officials. She put a spotlight on the work they were doing, Walsh said. It really in many ways came out of a deep devotion she had in making our democracy better, which came out of her Holocaust experience. She wanted to make sure our democracy was strong, it was inclusive, and that it looked at whether womens voices were well-represented. A sadness for Walsh is that Mandel had wondered long before her health deteriorated whether a woman would be elected president in her lifetime, and that she will never see that moment. In class, Mandel would urge students to explore the gender issues that still plays a role in politics to this day, telling them that gender issues were more complex than racial ones. Racism is stark and simple and ugly, Mandel explained to a reporter during Hillary Clintons first bid for president in 2008. The strands of the gender fabric are woven together in ways that are much more challenging to unravel. I tell my students, `How many of these threads can you pull out of the fabric? She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Maud Mandel, president of Williams College, two grandchildren, her husband, Jeff Lucker, a history teacher at Princeton High School, and her ex-husband Barrett Mandel of New York, with whom she shared a long friendship. Farmer said Eagleton wants nothing more at this moment than to gather to celebrate her life and to mourn. In a statement to the community, he said while the current public health emergency prevents from meeting in person, I assure you that we will offer opportunities for virtual gathering, and will come together in person on a brighter day to celebrate Ruths presence in all of our lives. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has not fired Health Minister David Clark for breaking coronavirus lockdown restrictions, but has said there are "no excuses" for his actions (AFP Photo/Marty MELVILLE) German magazine giant Bauer Media Group closed its New Zealand titles Thursday due to the coronavirus, sparking criticism from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after the government offered the company financial help. The move will cost 237 jobs and spell the end of prestigious current affairs titles such as the New Zealand Listener and North & South, as well as best-sellers including Women's Day. While Bauer cited the "severe economic impact" of the pandemic as the reason for the closures, Ardern suggested the publisher was intent on closing anyway in a media market that was already struggling before the virus. "In my view this appears to have been a decision that has been made at the same time as COVID-19, but not because of it," Ardern told reporters. She said the government had pleaded with Bauer to take advantage of a government wage subsidy to tide the business over during the crisis, which has hit media advertising revenues, but the publisher refused. "I'm extraordinarily disappointed and frankly gutted to see what has been a part of New Zealand history close its doors fairly abruptly today," she said. Another major publisher NZME this week closed its Radio Sport station and rumours abound that cuts are imminent among other major media players in the South Pacific nation. It is an issue being felt across the region, with Australia's national newswire AAP due to close later this year and Rupert Murdoch's New Corp halting printing of around 60 regional newspapers. Finance Minister Grant Robinson said the government was considering a support package for New Zealand's ailing media sector, but had not yet finalised details. "Quite clearly, we don't want the government owning all media," he said. "What we have to do is ensure that as part of our recovery packages there's something that supports different voices in the media." Moscow: Russia's identified coronavirus caseload has jumped by a domestic record of more than 2500 cases, a 16 per cent increase from the previous day, to reach a total of more than 18,300. Almost two-thirds of those cases, about 11,500, have been in the capital and largest city, Moscow, which this week tightened lockdown measures with mandatory passes for travelling around the city. Another more than 140,000 people throughout the country were under medical observation on Monday morning on suspicion that they could have contracted the novel coronavirus, a federal monitoring service reported. Russia's identified caseload has sharply risen over the past two weeks, increasing more than 560 per cent from April 1, with federal officials expecting a further rise for the rest of this month. Russia has recorded almost 150 deaths associated with the virus, relatively low for a large European country amid the pandemic, as officials impose restrictions to contain the spread of the virus. Most regions throughout Russia have followed Moscow's lead in imposing lockdown quarantine measures, with residents advised to leave their homes only when absolutely necessary. Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that there is "no other choice" than self-isolation to prevent the spread of the disease. The president has been working remotely, his spokesman announced earlier this month, after a doctor with whom Putin had recently shaken hands tested positive for the virus. PA Sometimes great ideas are born in moments of crisis. Such was the case for one Great Depression heroine, born 140 years ago, whose life's work is still benefiting millions of jobless Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. Meet Frances Perkins: the first female member of a presidential cabinet, and the chief architect behind many New Deal programs that live on 85 years later. A trained social worker, master negotiator and advocate of workers' rights, she witnessed hardships faced by workers both before and during the Great Depression and as Secretary of Labor, she crafted policies hoping to alleviate societal ills like unemployment and poverty. Perkins' legacy includes Social Security to support workers with disabilities and in old age, the 40-hour work week, the minimum wage and the end of child labor. And if that wasn't enough, she also built the nation's unemployment benefits system. That system is currently pumping billions of dollars into workers' pockets, so they can continue to pay their bills and feed their families during the coronavirus pandemic. "She was a moving force. Without her, Social Security doesn't exist, and without her, the nationwide unemployment insurance program doesn't exist," said Kirstin Downey, who spent a decade studying Perkins' life and documented it in the book "The Woman Behind the New Deal." "There's a whole lot of people whose financial salvation is going to come because Frances Perkins existed." In the last three weeks, 16.8 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, as businesses have closed in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus. Economists estimate job losses will continue over the next couple months, possibly leading to levels of unemployment not seen since the 1930s. To aid workers during this time, Congress and the Federal Reserve have created trillions of dollars in stimulus programs, which include small business loans, paid sick leave and checks to households. The quickest financial aid, however, will come in the form of unemployment benefits, which Congress has expanded to include an extra $600 a week for up to four months, in addition to their state benefits. Perkins created the national unemployment insurance system in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act. The unemployment rate, at that point, was estimated to have remained above 20% for four years in a row, and few workers had other means for recouping their lost wages. At that point, the workforce was predominantly male, and when breadwinning men lost their jobs, entire families often went hungry. Perkins was the right person, in the right place and time, to come to the rescue. The right woman at the right time Before she became Labor Secretary in her early fifties, Perkins had already spent decades advocating for worker's rights. Early in her life she had studied economics and sociology at Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University. She had visited factories and documented horrible working conditions there, and volunteered at social service agencies and settlement houses. In her early thirties, Perkins witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which killed 146 garment workers mostly women and girls. It was a moment that galvanized her dedication to helping workers. She later became secretary for New York City's Committee on Safety, and in that role helped develop laws that mandated fire drills, sprinkler systems in tall buildings and fire escapes. Later, she worked as industrial commissioner for New York State and became an expert on labor statistics, too. By the time President Franklin D. Roosevelt nominated Perkins to serve as Secretary of Labor, her credentials for that role were impeccable, but critics still doubted if she could do the job because of her gender. As Downey documents in her book, some Labor Department staffers even threatened to resign rather than report to a woman. But Perkins had learned to press on in spite of sexism. Even as a much younger woman, she had adopted a matronly wardrobe and worn tricorn hats, thinking that if she reminded men of their mothers, they would take her more seriously. Perkins told FDR she would take the job only if he would commit to pursuing seven key policies: a 40-hour work week, a minimum wage, unemployment compensation, worker's compensation, abolition of child labor, direct federal aid to the states for unemployment relief, Social Security, a revitalized federal employment service and universal health insurance. Perkins became the longest-serving labor secretary in history, holding the role from 1933 to 1945. During that time, she accomplished all but one of her original goals: universal health care. Speaking in a radio address in 1935, Perkins explained "It has taken the rapid industrialization of the last few decades, with its mass-production methods, to teach us that a man might become a victim of circumstances far beyond his control." "Finally it took a depression to dramatize for us the appalling insecurity of the great mass of the population, and to stimulate interest in social insurance in the United States," she added. Written out of the history books Perkins died in 1965, and now few Americans know her name even as they rely on her programs. "She was hugely well known in her lifetime and when FDR was alive," Downey said. "But very quickly after her death, male historians started to write her out of the story. It's really extraordinary." Suzi Levine is trying to channel Frances Perkins lately. As head of Washington State's Employment Security Department, she and her staff are grappling with skyrocketing claims for unemployment benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. They're hiring hundreds more employees to help process claims, push out technology updates and keep the department running all while also working under crisis conditions, many from home. "It's going to take a collective effort the likes of which we have not seen before, and I feel humbled to be a part of the team that will get us there," Levine said. "When you roll back the clock a hundred years, I suspect Frances Perkins and her colleagues felt similarly as they looked at the devastation, the Depression and the oncoming World War II. I think there's a lot that we can learn from then and apply now, but with a modern context and with our modern tools." What words would Perkins have for Americans grappling with the economic crisis today? Sarah Peskin, board chair at the Frances Perkins Center, points to one poignant quote that feels just as relevant now as it was 85 years ago. "The process of recovery is not a simple one," Perkins said in a 1935 radio address." We cannot be satisfied merely with makeshift arrangements which will tide us over the present emergencies. We must devise plans that will not merely alleviate the ills of today, but will prevent, as far as it is humanly possible to do so, their recurrence in the future." The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. The martyrdom of five jawans of the Indian Army during an encounter with Pakistan-based terrorists in Kapwara in Noth Kashmir on March 5 should not go unnoticed during our fight against the coronavirus pandemic. As a nation, we have to grapple with more than one challenge simultaneously. On April 5, five of our jawans located and eliminated the treaty of an attack on our forces stationed in the valley of Kashmir. However, in the process of neutralising the enemy, our jawans lost their lives as well. The uncompromising resilience with which our soldiers chased and hunted down the Pakistani infiltrators is a symbol of patriotism, commitment, chivalry and sacrifice that must be celebrated all over Hindustan. At the moment, our people seem committed to set a great example of trust and unity in their fight against coronavirus pandemic by making it a common national goal to defeat this public health menace. Unless the whole country stands up in a similar way to address the nuisance of Pakistani sponsored jihadist terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the war on terror in Hindustan cannot be won. The question is, how can we achieve a similar level of nationwide trust and unity against terrorism in the Himalayan union territory? In order to achieve this lofty goal, one must look at the obstacles one comes across. The first and foremost obstacle we face in achieving perpetual peace in the Valley is the so called Muslim leadership there. For decades, successive governments in Jammu and Kashmir have failed to chalk out a comprehensive counter terrorist insurgency strategy. Hence, they have lost all credibility in the eyes of the Kashmiri and Jamwal population. This incompetence of governance has also created a psychological state of helplessness among the Kashmiri population. Secondly, the so called liberal intelligentsia that fails to see the role of Pak-China involvement in the terrorist insurgency in Kashmir is another obstacle in the endeavor to create a national consensus for uprooting and pushing terrorism back into its janam bhoomi, that is, Pakistan. Thirdly, the network of mosques, a majority of which spew out hate speeches during Friday prayers across the country, creates an obstacle I call religious counter narrative. A weekly call for jihad against infidels and calls to participate in global jihad keep our Muslim community in confusion and suspicion. While they have become confused between a Muslim identity that drives from the concept of Umma and that of being a Hindustani nationalist, the country remains seriously divided. Fourthly, the so called democratic political parties, including the Congress and the CPIM, continue to play the vote bank card and, in the name of supporting an imaginary movement for Kashmiri self determination, continue to play at the hands of anti-Pakistani propaganda. Finally, the Pakistan sponsored international news analysts and media outlets, which act as informal diplomats and whose primary job is to give Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Kashmir legitimacy by addressing it as a movement of national liberation against Indian occupation. Let us now examine the above facts in reverse order. The BBC has been at the forefront of a malicious campaign against Indian attempts to defeat Pakistani sponsored terrorism in Kashmir. News footage of Kashmiri jihadists waving guns and Pakistani flags during protests in Srinagar have been broadcasted without exploratory news analysis of the involvement of the Pakistan Army and the Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence, commonly referred to as ISI. India is portrayed as the aggressor. The fact is that it was Pakistan which had attacked the sovereign state of Jammu and Kashmir on October 22, 1947. It was Pakistan army and the tribal people who inflicted destruction on the lives and properties of innocent law abiding subjects of Maharaja Harri Singh. And it was the United Nations that called Pakistan an aggressor and asked her to pull out all of its troops and non state subjects from Pakistani occupied territories. Did Pakistan comply? No. But more dangerous are those international media personalities who wear the mask of humanity to disguise their prejudice against India. Christina Lamb, an Oxford graduate and close friend of late Pakistani politician Benazir Bhutto, fits comfortably into this category. In her tweet on April 6, when our jawans had laid down their lives for the country, Lamb talked about the lockdown in Kashmir that was, for a very brief period of time, imposed after the abrogation of article 370. Thus, she acts on behalf of the sponsors of terrorism by reinforcing a false cultural narrative which is propagated by Islamist groups which support terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. Lamb never talks about the subjugation of the people by Pakistan who in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) live under the total control of Pakistan military and the mullahs who preach hate against Hindu Bhaarat. She completely ignores the denial of civil rights in Gilgit Baltistan and the people who have been gunned down by unknown assailants in the so called Azad Kashmir. Ironically, the international anti-Bharat media and its team of freelance protege are on very good terms with Congress and parties whose political narratives promote a negative image of the country. When Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Srinagar airport in August 2019 to inspect' the situation on ground, Indian authorities rightly denied him entry into the union territory since it was no more than a photo and publicity stunt. Where was the Congress on January 19, 1990 when every mosque in Kashmir shouted death to Kashmiri pundits? Where was the CPIM when close to 6,000 Kashmiri pundits were uprooted and made internally displaced people? Political parties that bear the clout of Congress and CPIM are a shameful obstruction in establishment of a national patriotic cultural narrative that can unite Hindustan as one body. A network of mosques in India is busy propagating the idea of pan-Islamic religious cultural hegemony by converting non-Muslims to Islam or by calling for jihad against non-believers. Their immediate concern is not Hindustans national or economic security. The most recent example to come to surface is their stubborn refusal to maintain social distancing during religious congregations in the mosque on Friday during the coronavirus fight back. These mosques as well as Islamic religious seminaries have become vocalists for Pakistani proxies in Kashmir. Dr Zakir Naik is one such example. Hence, a major portion among the Muslims, under the influence of their crooked religious indoctrination, and who constitute an integral part of our national population is by default unpatriotic. This small but hyperactive portion among our Muslim community acts like a fifth columnist. The democratic and Hindustani nationalist Muslim population must form a united front with the Hindu patriotic nationalist to counter this false and self-defeating cultural narrative which is a reminiscent of Arab imperialist expansionism. India faces a challenge from the so called left-liberal as well those who have always promoted antagonism between the state and the wider masses, leading to distrust not only between the two but also among different ethnic and religious minority groups. Arundahti Roy is one such name that springs to mind in the above context. Writing in New York Time on August 15 last year this is how she concludes her analysis of the post August 5 scenario: If Kashmir is occupied by security forces, India is occupied by the mob. Arundati Roy skips the role of Pakistan military in sponsoring jihadist terrorism in the Valley and while mourning about the ragged conditions of the refugee camps in Jammu she conveniently forgets to mention the role of Srinagar mosques and Pakistan sponsored jihadis who massacred innocent Kashmiri pundits in front of their loved ones. Hence, in the final analysis, they betray history by selective treatment of actuality. Indian intelligentsia comfortably ignores the role of China which is the main economic ally and strategic partner in its One Road, One Belt imperialist expansionism that cuts right across the heart of Gilgit Baltistan, which is an Indian territory occupied by Pakistan. And finally, the role of the Muslim political leadership in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be exposed. Right from Sheikh Abdullah to Mehbooba Mufti, there has not been a single chief minister in J&K who ever tried to mobilise the population against the militancy. They have all been demanding withdrawal of Indian Army from the Valley without launching a campaign against Pakistani occupation of PoK or Pakistans continuous violation of the LoC which, after the abrogation of Article 370, is now the official ceasefire line. They have been supportive of the so called Joint Resistance Leadership and Jihad Council. Despite the anti-India rhetoric and pro-Pakistan slogan mongering, the people of this country have been tolerating their unpatriotic political and divisive social role in Kashmiri society. As the snow begins to melt on the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, terrorist infiltration from the rogue state of Pakistan will resume. They are also looking for excuses to deploy heavy contingents of military in Gilgit Baltistan. The fragile peace that we are witnessing in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 now seriously hangs in the balance. To restore a representative system of government under the circumstances is a risk India cannot afford to take for the time being. Democratic system of governance can only prevail and bring development and prosperity in times of peace and with the help of nationalist and patriotic leadership. At the moment we have neither. The recent incident that claimed the lives of five patriotic jawans and the hippocratic anti-India political narrative adopted by the opportunist Muslim leadership in Kashmir are the biggest hindrance in return of democracy to Jammu and Kashmir. Until the whole of Hindustan is mobilised into one united body which stands firm in support of a nationalist and patriotic government to combat terrorism in Kashmir, and which demonstrates to have a similar resolve that is being witnessed today in our fight against coronavirus, and until a new nationalist and patriotic Muslim leadership emerges in J&K that decisively cuts its political umbilical cord with the Islamic jihadist religious cultural narrative of separatism democracy, peace and development will never be accomplished there. The US State Department and the US Embassy in Ukraine have organized a special charter flight for American citizens to return home, as Voice of America writes. The departure of the special board is scheduled for April 15 from the Boryspil airport. It is a full flight. The State Department noted that all those who did not have time and still want to leave Ukraine should write them an e-mail. Citizens would be listed for a potential next flight or provided with special instructions for action. It is also reported that passengers do not yet need to pay for the flight, but upon returning to the United States, everyone who was on the flight later still must reimburse the state for the flight. As we reported before, 19,882 people died from coronavirus in the United States, thereby making this country the leader in death rates. It is also reported that the United States is in first place in terms of the number of Covid-19 infections. So, in this country 514 415 cases of coronavirus have already been registered, and 19 882 people have died. 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. Donald J. Trump has perpetuated a fraud on the American people. It was assumed that he was competent. At his inauguration he stated: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. This president has never respected that oath for what it means to us as Americans. Abraham Lincoln said it best in his Gettysburg Address that this is a government of the people, by the people, [and] for the people. Paying no attention to law or American traditions, Donald Trump governs as though the United States of America is a government of Donald Trump, by Donald Trump and for Donald Trump. Welcome to Donald Trumps fascist America! Democracy has been lost in America. This president, Donald J. Trump, and this White Nationalist Republican Tea Party have stolen our democracy. The evidence brought by the Democrats in their articles of Impeachment were overwhelming. While Trump claims the phone call with Ukranian President Volodymymr Zelensky was perfect, Purple Heart recipient Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindmans testimony makes clear that call was anything but perfect. In that call, the President sought a quid pro quo relative to providing military assistance in exchange for dirt that would hurt Joe Biden. The actual transcript of that call, not the White House prepared summary, would show Trump broke the law. He was involving a foreign government on our election. That act required Congressional oversight, which the President sought to obstruct. Yet, when the Democratic Party majority, a diverse panel, tried to hold this president accountable, they were undermined by a blind loyalty to Donald Trump and the (white) Republican Party. For the Republican Senate Majority to have not convicted him and removed him was certainly partisan. On a partisan basis, he was acquitted. It was partisan corruption. Partisan corruption undermines democracy. Partisan corruption enables fascism. The case against the President was clear. What we have here is racist rule. What we have here is a white nationalist Republican Party denying constitutional rule to that very diverse Democratic Party. Mitch McConnell is playing the role of stealth Grand Wizard. For democracy to work, it must be based upon integrity not lies. The Republicans in both the House and the Senate lied when it came to Donald Trumps guilt. That is rule by thuggery not reason. In 2016, Donald Trump was rejected by the majority of American voters. He lost by 3 million votes. That is not unimportant because we need to understand how Donald Trump won and what is the significance of that victory? He won for two reasons: 1) he was a birther and 2) the electoral college. Many people think Donald Trump won in spite of bring a birther. No, he won a majority of the white vote because he was one of them. He talks like they talk. Like him, many of that majority believes in conspiracy theories. We do know this that majority who are Trump supporters are not offended by his racism. Many of them are low information voters, just like some would say he is a low information president. (He did not know the significance of Pearl Harbor.) Trumps base are Fox News fans. Recall that Fox News is the No. 1 cable channel. It is the No. 1 cable channel because it gives them what they want, rather than provide more accurate information. Recall the older Fox News viewer in Grand Rapids who attended Congressman Justin Amashs town hall. She learned for the first time that the president had done something wrong. While that white majority votes for Trump, a more educated minority of whites, generally, vote for Democrats. It is this more educated white minority, along with people of color who are the future of the country. This is the Obama coalition. Older generations of whites represent fewer and fewer voters. They are not Americas future. The bad news is that a rejected candidate might get elected again. The majority rejected Donald Trumps racism. His sexism, his misogyny, his vulgar undignified behavior has been an embarrassment overseas. The electoral college was there to protect the former slave states. It needs to go. Otherwise, another rejected candidate will become president. In conclusion two things stand out: Being a birther Donald Trump was in way above his head. A pandemic and an economic collapse will take more than a cheerleader and wishful thinker. Even as a performer, Donald Trump was not good at acting the part. As a con man he has no idea what to do. If the loser becomes winner the election, he has less legitimacy. A majority of the American voters had determined Donald Trump to be unfit. So, what did we get from this rejected president? Someone more concerned about improving his bottom lines than saving lives, coronavirus be damned. Robert Newby is professor emeritus of the department of sociology, anthropology and social at Central Michigan University While a formal announcement was awaited, official sources said the second phase of the is likely to be less comprehensive than the first, and that agriculture, construction, and limited industrial activity would be permitted. Interacting with chief ministers via videoconferencing in his third such meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at the need to strike a balance between saving lives and reviving economic activity. According to a government statement, the PM underlined that the motto of the government earlier was jaan hai to jahaan hai or the world exists if there is life. But it now is jaan bhi jahaan bhi, he 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 will be important for Indias prosperous and healthy future, the PM said. Maharashtra CM pointed out the challenges migrant workers were facing as industries did not have the money to provide for their wages and shelter interminably. He sought the Centres assistance to facilitate the harvest of crops and grain procurement, relaxing of the FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) Act cap of 3 per cent fiscal deficit to 4-5 per cent, release of MNREGA funds to pay wages to workers, and also their share of GST compensation. The construction of may be also exempted from the total shutdown. Senior officials said some districts have asked the Centre that areas which are away from the urban centres and where there have been minimal to zero Covid-19 cases may be exempted from the and construction activity of roads should be allowed as it essential for any economy. It is believed that the Maharashtra government allowed the construction of its marquee project -- Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, an expressway connecting Mumbai and Nagpur. The expressway once constructed would be 701 kilometres long and will include wight lanes four on each side. The Ministry of Road Transport and and the Authority of India (NHAI) are also in discussions with various states to evaluate the situation on the ground. According to an official, some states and districts had sought permission to start work where the density of population is low. They had also said the guidelines of social distancing would be followed to commence the projects. It is also learnt that districts and states will not be in a position to sustain the expenditure on the stay of migrant labour so they could instead be used for construction activity. There were also indications that the could be extended beyond April 30 as well. The PM said at the meeting, The next 3-4 weeks are critical to determine impact of steps taken till now to curb the spread of the virus. The (WHO) has warned countries against hastily lifting Covid-related restrictions, and cautioned such a move could lead to a deadly resurgence". The PM suggested specific measures for agriculture and allied sector, including the modification of APMC laws to facilitate sale of farm produce. He said India had adequate supplies of essential medicines. He said the crisis was an opportunity to become self-reliant and turn the nation into an economic powerhouse. 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. 5:28 p.m. The CEO of Liberty-Dayton Medical Center, Matthew Thornton, is asking the public for help to acquire personal protective equipment to replace supplies he needs to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Liberty County has 100,000 residents with fewer than 100 hospital beds. Thornton said that it has become difficult to procure PPE for his staff and other agencies on the frontline. We have supplies on hand, but we have the potential to run out before were able to get some more in, Thornton said. 3:15 p.m. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Sunday that he has extended his Disaster Declaration for all Texas counties in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The order was originally issued on March 13 which provided the state with resources to serve Texans in need during this pandemic. "By extending my Disaster Declaration, we are ensuring the state of Texas continues to have adequate resources and capabilities to support our communities and protect public health," said Abbott. "I urge all Texans to continue practicing social distancing and abide by the guidelines laid out by the CDC and my Executive Orders to slow the spread of COVID-19." 1:54 p.m. Brazos County health officials have confirmed that an 11th person has died of COVID-19. Officials say that another 6 people have been diagnosed with the virus, which brings the total cases up to 140 in Brazos County. 11:00 a.m. Easter 2020 took a virtual turn for Houston churches. Lakewood Church livestreamed their 8:30 and 11 a.m. Easter services, featuring celebrity guests Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry. Houston's Mayor Turner, Police Chief Acevedo and Fire Chief Pena also joined Joel Osteen for the Sunday Easter service. Carey gave a special performance for the first responders. "This is a time I think we all get better together," Osteen added. "I think it makes us realize that we're now all in control. We need faith, we need to turn to something bigger." For the livestream of the 11 a.m. Lakewood special service, read this report. Other Houston churches including Hope City, Houston's First Baptist also livestreamed their Easter services. To view the livestream of the Easter services, check out this report. 9:18 a.m. A breakdown of COVID-19 cases in Harris County reveal that the novel coronavirus cases are in three zip codes: 77088, 77084 and 77449. There are currently 3,561 cases in Houston and Harris County. Read more about the cases from Houston Chronicle's Samantha Ketterer's report here. 8:50 a.m. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was discharged from a London hospital where he was treated in intensive care for the coronavirus ahead of government figures Sunday in which the U.K. is expected to surpass 10,000 virus-related deaths. Johnson had been in the hospital for a week and spent three nights in the intensive care unit. I cant thank them enough," Johnson said in his first public statement since he was moved out of intensive care Thursday night. "I owe them my life. 7:30 a.m. Pope Francis called for solidarity all over the world to confront the challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic. At the Vatican, Francis celebrated Mass in a largely empty St. Peter's Basilica, with a handful of faithful sitting one per pew. After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again, thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past, Francis said. This is not a time for self-centeredness because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons. A 4.6-magnitude earthquake jolted Qotur district in West Azarbaijan province, Iran on Sunday morning with no damage or casualties, Trend reports citing IRNA. The earthquake occurred at 6:53 local time 6 km below the earth's surface, according to the Seismological Center of the Geophysics Institute of Tehran University. The epicenter of the quake was located at 52.17 degrees longitude and 29.62 degrees latitude, 115 km west of Oroumiyeh. Director-general of West Azarbaijan's Crisis Management Agency told IRNA that no casualties or damages followed the quake. Two relatively strong quakes rocked Khoy county in west Azarbaijan, wounding 104 people and damaging 4,500 settlements in late February. Khoy county is located in north of West Azarbaijan province and Qotur district is located on the border between Iran and Turkey. Iran sits on major fault lines and is prone to near-daily earthquakes. Elize Chong makes a delivery to seniors in Brick. Elize Chong loves her job and working with people but these days her daily routine at work as a bus driver for Brick Township Senior Shuttle is very different. Three weeks ago she was driving seniors to grocery stores to do their own shopping or to local areas of interest for a day of fun. The coronavirus pandemic has brought that to a halt. Now she drives throughout the township wearing a protective mask and latex gloves, delivering food to the seniors. Normally the shuttle service provides free transportation to and from the Senior Center and also transportation to shopping areas, pharmacies, and doctor's offices. Zulma Soto, the townships director of Senior Outreach Services, said because the coronavirus was moving so quickly they decided to have food delivered to the seniors for their safety rather than take them to the stores. Soto reached out to local food banks for help. Peoples Pantry in Brick was very responsive and more than willing to provide us with meals on a daily basis, Soto said. Each morning Chong pulls the shuttle bus directly in front of the Peoples Pantry and loads the vehicle with a variety of food including meat, vegetables, fruit, even cookies. Then she heads out driving along streets dotted with colorful spring-blooming trees. She typically has about 10-12 deliveries per day. Chong knows doing deliveries puts her at risk of becoming infected but she feels good about the fact she is helping so many elderly people. The seniors are so appreciative to have the food delivered, Chong said. One of them was blowing me kisses as I walked up the driveway with his food, she laughed. Don't Edit Elize Chong, left, says hello to a senior as he waits behind the door to get his food delivery. Don't Edit Zulma Soto, the township director of Brick's Senior Outreach Services, helps load a shuttle bus with food from the People's Pantry a local food bank. Don't Edit Elize Chong calls the office to confirm the apartment number of a food delivery. Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Don't Edit Don't Edit Zulma Soto, township director of Brick's Senior Outreach Services, left, and Elize Chong, load the bus with food from Peoples Pantry. Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Don't Edit Elize Chong puts on a pair of latex gloves before she delivers a basket to a senior. Don't Edit A senior is all smiles as he picks up his food delivery from the Senior Outreach Services and Peoples Pantry. Don't Edit Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Elize Chong, a bus shuttle driver for the Senior Outreach Services in Brick picks up food at People's Pantry a food bank in the township. The food and delivery service are offered free of charge to help keep seniors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Friday, Apr. 3, 2020. Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Don't Edit Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Don't Edit Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Don't Edit Patti Sapone may be reached at psapone@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @psapone. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Subscribe to the #TogetherNJ newsletter to get a weekly dose of these uplifting stories right to your inbox. Have you seen an inspiring story in your community during this troubling time? Tell us about it. See more uplifting stories in #TogetherNJ. See more of our ongoing coverage of the American Dream mall here. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com's newsletters. Donate convalescent plasma This is the most important thing recovered patients can do to help. Once a person recovers from Covid-19, his or her blood contains antibodies in its plasma that can fight the virus. Those antibodies can be extracted from a donors blood and given to a severely ill patient via transfusion, with the hope that the donors antibodies will help the patient recover. The use of convalescent plasma plasma from people convalescing, or recovering to treat illnesses has been around for a century, as doctors used the process to treat patients as far back as the Spanish flu in 1918. More recently, the treatment has been used on patients with polio, measles, SARS and other illnesses, and there is anecdotal evidence and new data that show it could be effective in treating patients with severe cases of Covid-19, according to Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the American Red Cross. We certainly are getting anecdotal reports in, Dr. Young said, that seem to be very positive, adding that some people who have received convalescent plasma are stabilizing and requiring less oxygen. Still, there is not yet conclusive evidence the procedure will be effective in treating Covid-19, and the process is very early on. A spokeswoman for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York said that about 30 patients had received the treatment so far, with a few hundred more expected in the coming weeks. Dr. Young said the Red Cross collected only one donation of convalescent plasma the week of March 30 with several more expected last week, and that it could be as long as half a year until it is definitively known whether it works. Still, with a small, but growing, body of research that is indicating positive results, we can be somewhat optimistic about convalescent plasma as being an effective therapy, Dr. Young said. To qualify, donors must pass normal blood-donation requirements and be symptom-free of Covid-19 for at least 14 days, and, in most cases, must have positive results from a test. (Other restrictions may apply, depending on the organization.) Recovered patients can donate once every 28 days, and the process to donate can take 90 minutes to two and a half hours. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mark Hosenball (Reuters) New York, United States Sun, April 12, 2020 10:40 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd14f4dc 2 World trump,Michael-Cohen,jail,COVID-19 Free Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, has been removed from solitary confinement in a federal prison where he is serving time for violating campaign finance laws, his attorney told Reuters on Saturday. Cohen was transferred on Wednesday to a Special Housing Unit at the Otisville Federal Correctional Institution in New York state, a disciplinary section of the prison, Reuters reported this week. Cohen's attorney, Roger Adler, did not explain why Cohen had been moved out of solitary confinement. The facility did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prior to the transfer, Cohen had been housed in a minimum-security camp at the facility, which is about 70 miles (110 km) northwest of New York City. Cohen, who once said he would "take a bullet" for Trump, was sentenced to three years in prison in 2018 for directing hush payments to pornographic film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed they had affairs with Trump. Trump has denied having the encounters. In March, Cohen pressed to be released early due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has hammered New York state and surfaced in prisons around the country. The US Bureau of Prisons said that as of Friday, 318 federal inmates and 163 staffers had tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. Five inmates and four staffers at Otisville have tested positive, according to the bureau. Adler said he is concerned that inmates and corrections officers are not routinely tested for the virus and said the bureau "may well be underreporting the incidence of the pandemic." Cohen was placed in solitary after another inmate complained about his internet use, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters this week. He is eligible for release in November 2021. A Houston Police Department sergeant was captured on video helping chicks find their mother on Saturday. Houston Police Sgt. Engelhart gathered the birds for a search mission down a sidewalk in Memorial park, which was closed due to coronavirus. Priscillia Thompson took a break from her regular job covering the presidential election for Decision 2020 for NBC News to capture the footage of cuteness. The little chicks were scrambled on a sidewalk in a Houston park, looking for their mother Houston Police Sgt. Engelhart organized the little chicks into a straight line in the park Once the little chicks all lined up straight, Sgt. Engelhart began marching the birdies down the sidewalk to look for their mother In her tweet she said the sergeant also helped her after she locked her keys in her car. 'A big thank you to Sgt. Engelhart who not only helped me after I locked my keys in the car this morning, but also helped these little chicks find their way back to mom all while making sure that folks know all parks are closed due to #COVID19.' Houston Police Asst. Chief Larry Satterwhite caught up with the same family of little chicks in search of their mother. He manages to escort them safely down the sidewalk. Another Houston officer, Asst. Chief Larry Satterwhite, also tried to help the same family of little lost chicks find their mother in another part of Memorial Park The obedient little chicks are very responsive to Asst. Chief Satterwhite's leadership Parliament will reopen digitally in little over a week's time to allow ministers to face scrutiny over their much-criticised handling of the coronavirus pandemic, it was confirmed today. The House of Commons will sit on April 21, the scheduled end of its Easter recess, despite the UK continuing to be under a stringent lockdown. Ministers, Commons' authorities and opposition leaders will sit down this week to discuss how technology can be used to avoid the need for MPs to return to Westminster from their constituencies across the country. Although MPs are classed as key workers and are able to travel, such movement and the resulting close proximity of politicians in the Palace of Westminster would risk jarring the public mood while millions of people are stuck at home. Parliamentary committees have continued remotely during the recess using video-teleconferencing technology and the talks will look at ways this can be used for the wider chamber. The move came after new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wrote to Commons' Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg, demanding 'urgent talks' about reopening Parliament. A spokeswoman Mr Rees-Mogg this morning said: 'Parliament will return on April 21 to fulfil its essential constitutional functions of conducting scrutiny, authorising spending and making laws. 'In these unprecedented times, technological solutions have already been implemented for select committee and options are being prepared for the Speaker, the government and other parties to consider next week. 'It is important that we have a comprehensive solution that does not inadvertently exclude any members. The Leader of the House of Commons will respond to the Leader of the Opposition's letter in the usual way.' The move came after new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (pictured today) wrote to Commons' Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg, demanding 'urgent talks' about reopening Parliament A spokeswoman Mr Rees-Mogg this morning said: 'Parliament will return on April 21 to fulfil its essential constitutional functions of conducting scrutiny, authorising spending and making laws' Sir Keir, who replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader last week, said the Commons must open for business after Easter, even if it means MPs asking questions over webcams. His calls have been backed by the Liberal Democrats and SNP as Ed Davey and Ian Blackford blasted the lack of parliamentary scrutiny as the death toll nears 10,000. In his letter to Mr 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.' Work has already been commissioned by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to ensure a 'virtual' chamber can be up and running after the Easter recess so MPs can return to duty. MPs and peers are required to be physically present to walk through voting lobbies when passing legislation, with proxy voting allowed in some circumstances, but the Speaker has indicated exceptions could be made to ensure Parliament can function during the pandemic. Before the recess, opposition parties and the Government sought to reach compromises to avoid votes although concerns about emergency legislation connected to coronavirus were left unresolved. MPs also aimed to sit two metres apart, in line with social distancing guidelines, limiting the number of those in the chamber. Sir Keir (right), who replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader last week, said the Commons must open for business after Easter, even if it means MPs asking questions over webcams. His calls have been backed by the Liberal Democrats and SNP as Ed Davey (left) and Ian Blackford blasted the lack of parliamentary scrutiny as the death toll nears 10,000 This morning he told Sky's Ridge on Sunday the Government must outline its exit strategy for the next 12 months and insisted Parliament must be recalled 'as soon as possible'. Sir Keir said there is a 'mismatch' in what Health Secretary Matt Hancock and frontline NHS staff are saying about the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). He said: 'This is a difficult exercise, I understand the Government is trying to rise to the challenge here but there's a mismatch and that's the sort of thing that Parliament needs to pursue through individual MPs putting the points to ministers.' Sir Keir, asked if nurses should follow Royal College of Nursing guidance and effectively refuse to treat coronavirus patients if they do not have the right protective equipment and clothing, replied: 'They're in a position to give guidance to those in their association and they should give that guidance.' In a letter to Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sir Keir (pictured with his wife Vic on Thursday) wrote: 'Parliament has a responsibility to put questions to ministers at this time of national crisis' 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'. 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. His letter comes after Home Secretary Priti Patel told reporters during a Downing Street briefing she did 'not know yet' whether the Commons would meet as planned in little over a week's time. Home Secretary Priti Patel told reporters during a Downing Street briefing she did 'not know yet' whether the Commons would meet as planned in little over a week's time 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.' 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. Shocking videos and pictures of long lines of ambulances outside Moscow hospitals have emerged as top officials told of an alarming coronavirus crisis in the Russian capital. Snaking queues of dozens of medical vehicles all with patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 were seen outside city clinics. There were at least 45 ambulances queuing to deliver patients for treatment in one video as the Kremlin declared a state of emergency in Moscow's hospitals. One long line was outside a hospital in Khimki suburb, close to Moscow's main Sheremetyevo airport. Another was seen at Hospital No.3 for war veterans in Losinoostrovskoy district. Patients were waiting as much as 15 hours before they could be seen by doctors. At least 45 ambulances were seen queuing to deliver patients for treatment in one video as the Kremlin said Moscow's hospitals were in 'emergency mode' Snaking queues of dozens of emergency vehicles with patients showing symptoms of coronavirus were seen outside several city clinics in Moscow In a video filmed by a resident from his window opposite the Khimki hospital, the man says: 'All these [ambulances] are driving coronavirus [patients]. 'That's the hospital opposite my window. And this is the line of ambulances. 'Just think about it, every patient needs to be admitted. That takes about 20 minutes per patient. So many ambulances...this is the end...' The Kremlin said on Saturday that a 'huge influx' of coronavirus patients was beginning to put a strain on hospitals in Moscow as Russia's death toll rose to 130. Moscow and many other regions have been in lockdown for nearly two weeks to stem the contagion, but hospitals in the capital are still being pushed to their limit, officials said. On Saturday, a tailback of dozens of ambulances was seen queuing outside a hospital handling coronavirus cases in the region immediately outside Moscow, waiting to drop off patients. One ambulance driver (not pictured) said he had been waiting 15 hours outside the hospital to drop off a patient suspected of having the virus Russia's coronavirus crisis response centre said hospitals were taking all possible measures to ensure rapid admissions. Pictured are ambulances queuing outside a hospital in Moscow One ambulance driver said he had been waiting 15 hours outside the hospital to drop off a patient suspected of having the virus. 'The situation in both Moscow and St. Petersburg, but mostly in Moscow, is quite tense because the number of sick people is growing,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview on state television, Russian news agencies reported. 'There is a huge influx of patients. We are seeing hospitals in Moscow working extremely intensely, in heroic, emergency mode.' Russia's coronavirus crisis response centre said hospitals were taking all possible measures to ensure rapid admissions and that cases of ambulances needing to wait hours to drop off patients was not a systemic issue. One Telegram channel Mosnow, said the hospitals 'cannot handle' the flow of ambulances. 'Ambulances are spending hours driving between hospitals. It looks like there are no places already.' The 'majority' of patients have symptoms matching coronavirus. A Telegram channel Mosnow, said the hospitals 'cannot handle' the flow of ambulances Vladimir Putin's spokesman conceded that the capital's hospital's faced an 'extremely' difficult situation with the pandemic Vehicles spraying disinfectant while sanitising a road to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in Moscow today The figure of confirmed cases in Moscow soared over the weekend by 2,336 cases and has two-thirds of all registered infections in the country. Russia has more than 15,770 COVID-19 confirmed cases, with 130 deaths, but the figures are starting to rise steeply. Vladimir Putin's spokesman conceded that the capital's hospital's faced an 'extremely' difficult situation with the pandemic. 'Moscow's hospitals are in emergency mode,' he said, adding that St Petersburg was also hit by a rise in cases. The spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin's health was 'excellent' despite meeting a senior doctor who had contracted coronavirus. Deputy Moscow mayor Anastasia Rakova said: 'Along with the growing numbers of people who are seriously ill, pressure has grown sharply on the capital's health service. Alarming videos and pictures of long lines of ambulances outside Moscow hospitals have emerged after warnings from officials of a worsening coronavirus crisis in the Russian capital A road police officer at an entrance to Moscow in Leninsky Prospekt Street today. Police are not letting cars registered in other regions, except for the Moscow Region, to enter the city as part of the measures to counter the spread of coronavirus 'Our inpatient facilities and ambulance service are now working at their limits.' Russia has reported 13,584 cases of the virus, and the authorities said on Saturday that 12 new coronavirus-related deaths in the last day had pushed the death toll to 106. Peskov added that it would become clearer only in the next few weeks whether the country was nearing the worst point in its outbreak. Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, said on Friday that the city was far from reaching the peak of the outbreak, saying it was merely in its 'foothills'. On Saturday he said Moscow would introduce digital permits next week to control movement around the city to help enforce the lockdown. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said worse was to come, adding: 'I can tell you for sure, there hasn't been any peak yet. We are more in the foothills of this peak, not even in the middle.' Rector Pyotr Glybochko (left) and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin last week visiting a building re-purposed by Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University as a hospital with a bed capacity of 210, to admit patients suspected of, or diagnosed with coronavirus He urged hospitals: 'We have a time lag so we can prepare better for the blow that is coming our way.' Peskov said Russia's aim was the emulate Germany rather than other European countries. Russia is preparing to open a brand new emergency coronavirus hospital within days, built from scratch on a greenfield site in less than one month. The new 92 million clinic in Moscow has been built by 10,000-plus construction workers deployed round the clock. It is the largest of some 18 new-build hospitals now being erected across Russia to deal with the Covid-19 crisis, and the only one not constructed by the army. Almost half the beds in the new Moscow clinic will be in intensive care units and 40 more clinics are being reconstructed to take coronavirus patients. The city's existing Kommunarka infectious diseases hospital is reported to be packed with 'elite' patients suffering from coronavirus or its symptoms. One patient in Kommunarka is the hospital's head Dr Denis Protsenko who caused a health scare after meeting and shaking hands with Putin and subsequently being diagnosed to COVID-19. Analysis: Pakistan In Delicate Balance With Coronavirus Lockdown Amid Fears Of Mass Resistance By Daud Khattak April 11, 2020 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. Whatever the scope and nature of the lockdown, the government has proven unable to provide financial relief to idled day laborers and the self-employed class. It has likewise been unable to fully stop the devout from worshipping or prevent social gatherings like funerals and weddings from being held. If the recent easing of restrictions continues, Khan may prevent social backlash from occurring but risks allowing the coronavirus to ravage Pakistan as it has neighboring Iran. The government must strike a delicate balance of how much "cure" to apply to the COVID-19 problem in a country known for its volatility and strife among its incredibly diverse political, religious, and social factions. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/coronavirus-pakistan -delicate-balance-lockdown-economy -resistance/30547870.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Isabelle Mengesha had 30 minutes to say goodbye to her family. They werent blood relatives, but the 1,000 or so residents of the rural coffee farming village of Guabal, in the province of Veraguas in Panama, had become Mengeshas family. The 23-year-old Racine native and St. Catherines High School graduate had spent the last 18 months helping small-scale coffee farmers make their business more sustainable in the face of competition from international coffee corporations. She was stationed in Guabal with the Peace Corps, which she joined soon after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in spring 2018, with majors in business and environment studies. While in Panama, Mengesha had learned how to take care of the coffee plants that cover mountainsides throughout the Central American nation nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. She had helped them receive a grant to buy an industrial coffee roaster. Mengesha helped farmers find fair prices for their product and package their coffee so it was easier to sell. She had made friends that felt like family. It rained all the time, Mengesha said of the mountain village, so remote it doesnt even have Street View on Google Maps. She said she had built-in friends the day I moved in since her house, provided by the Peace Crops, was right next to two other homes filled with big families with a lot of kids. Her first friend was Raul, a smiley 6-year-old who helped her immediately feel integrated in the community. And then she was told to pack her bags. Sudden homecoming While stationed in Guabal with the Peace Corps, Mengesha didnt check her emails often. She had sketchy service as is, and no one else in the village had internet access. Only a couple people had cars or radios. The first she heard about coronavirus was in December or January, when the Peace Corps sent all of its volunteers an update about the outbreaks beginnings in China. But being in such a rural spot, Mengesha said she wasnt in the loop and didnt have much reason to pay attention to world news. On March 12, an order from the Peace Corps went out, telling all volunteers not to leave their homes. I was concerned, Mengesha said, but it wasnt much of an issue for her, since she liked spending time around her home. March 19 felt like a normal day. She stopped at a friends house in the village, the home of the woman who had first hosted Mengesha when she arrived in Panama. And then a government vehicle pulled up. What Mengesha didnt know was that a couple days before the Peace Corps had ordered all of its volunteers worldwide to evacuate. She had not been checking her email and missed the order. The government employees told her politely but urgently to pack her bags. You have 30 minutes. She ran home, locked the door, and sobbed. It was incredibly numbing, she said. They were asking me, in half an hour, to pack up my whole life. She stuffed a bunch of dirty laundry in her backpack, locked piles of books, cooking supplies and a mattress inside the house, said goodbye to two friends who happened to be nearby at the time, and left. Because Panama was locking down its borders, the Peace Corps had to charter its own flight to get all of its approximately 200 volunteers in Panama evacuated. That delay allowed Mengesha to get out on time. Upon returning home on March 19, to her parents place in Milwaukee, Mengesha self-quarantined for two weeks. She said she felt oddly well-prepared for the isolation, despite having been ripped out of her home just days before. Day-to-day life is such a funny concept, she said, while speaking on the phone last week from her parents home. In Panama, she rarely knew what she would be working on each day. Wed been waking up every day without any kind of plan. In a letter to volunteers and staff, Peace Corps Director Dr. Jody Olsen wrote: Fortunately, we were able to safely evacuate each of our posts, avoiding a situation where volunteers would have been stranded overseas as borders and air space were shutting down to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This was a tremendous undertaking, and it represents the very best of public service in a time of crisis. Mengesha in Panama Isabelle Mengesha, third from the right, smiles in a photo with other Peace Corps volunteers in Panama. Mengesha is a Racine native who spent Corps looks ahead Most Peace Corps volunteers sign up for two years of service. Like most other volunteers already in their second year, Mengesha isnt expecting to be sent back to Panama. The hardest part is no one really knows, she said. For most volunteers, I hope they get invited back. In her letter, Olsen explained: Volunteers who seek to return to their host countries or seek a new assignment will be given expedited consideration over the next year. To be clear, the Peace Corps is not closing posts, and volunteers will be able to return to normal activities as soon as conditions permit. We are already planning for that day. Mengesha plans to go return on her own with a tourist visa, once the pandemic dwindles. Even though the farmers had already bought the coffee roaster, it hadnt been delivered yet. She has unfinished business. Theyre my family. Its my home, she said. I need a little better closure, to say proper goodbyes. She never got to say goodbye to Raul. What Isabelle Mengesha didnt know was that a couple days before the Peace Corps had ordered all of its volunteers worldwide to evacuate. She had not been checking her email and missed the order. The government employees told her politely but urgently to pack her bags. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Students sit in a classroom as grade three students in middle school and high school return after the term opening was delayed due to the CCP virus outbreak in Huaian, Jiangsu province, China on March 30, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Schools Across China to Reopen, Drawing Concern About Virus Spread After Chinas capital Beijing announced plans to reopen classes for some school grades, cities and provinces across the countryexcept Hubei, the epicenter of the CCP virus outbreakfollowed with their own schedules for restarting the school semester. Local governments in all of Chinas provinces and directly-administered cities, except Hubei, announced plans by April 12, despite some areas, such as Heilongjiang province in the north, reporting a surge in new imported cases of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Zhou Na, a resident in Qingdao city of eastern Chinas Shandong province, has a son in grade three, the final year, of high school. If he goes back to school, we worry about his safety because there are new asymptomatic carriers almost every day. But if he stays at home and others go to school, we worry that his scores [on tests] then wont be good enough to enter a good university. Beijing In China, one school class typically has around 50 students. To prevent close contact, most provincial governments requested that schools divide one class into two, with about 30 students in one classroom. Beijings Municipal Commission of Education is the government agency that manages all schools in the capital. On April 12, its spokesman Li Yi said at a press conference: Students in the third grade of high schools can return to school on April 17. Seniors in middle school can prepare to go back to school on May 11. Li said the other grades in middle school and high school, as well as primary schools, nurseries, and universities, would reopen at a later time, to be announced in the future. Liu Xiaofeng, deputy director of Beijings Center for Disease Prevention and Control, explained that all students returning to school would need to pass a body temperature screening upon entering the school premises. All teachers and students would be required to wear a mask at all times. Schools would also need to check students temperatures again in the afternoon. Liu added that teachers and students should bring their own tableware during lunch, and should keep at least 1 meter (3.28 feet) from each other when eating meals. For students at boarding schools, Liu said the dorms must be disinfected every day. Other Cities Shanghai announced on April 9 that it would reopen classes for seniors in high school and middle school, as well as for universities and technical schools, on April 27. They are preparing for the annual gaokao, a nationwide college entrance exam, which has been postponed due to the epidemic to July 7 and 8, according to Chinas education ministry. For middle school seniors, they are preparing for a high school entrance exam, different in each province, that will be held in July. Other grades would be prepared to reopen on May 6. Tianjin and Chongqing both announced on April 7 that all seniors in middle schools and high schools will go back to school on April 20. In Tianjin, students at other grade levels in middle schools and high schools, as well as universities, technical schools, and grade four to six in primary schools may return to school in early or middle of May. Grades one to three in primary school and nurseries wont reopen until the epidemic subsides, according to the notice. The Shapingba district police bureau in Chongqing announced that it would assign one police officer to be the contact person for each school. This police officer would take action if the school has a suspected CCP virus patient. In Guangzhou and Heilongjiang, the most hard-hit provinces outside of Hubei, authorities also announced plans to reopen schools for high school seniors. Outbreaks Authorities made plans despite a surge in imported cases in Suifenhe and Harbin, two cities in Heilongjiang province, which borders Russia. The two cities will require all arrivals from abroad to undergo 28 days of quarantine, as well as nucleic acid and antibody tests. Harbin added that it would lock down residential units where confirmed and asymptomatic coronavirus cases are found for 14 days. Suifenhe is currently building a 600-bed makeshift hospital dedicated to asymptomatic patients, while its 70,000 residents are now under lockdown. Only one person per family could leave once every three days to buy necessities, and must return on the same day. Suifenhe said on Sunday that it had banned all types of gatherings, while listed businesses must suspend operations. It also extended the April 9 closure of its border with Russia, which had been due to end next week. U.S.-based China affairs commentator and former medical doctor Tang Jingyuan said the school reopenings could be a high risk for the virus further spreading. Students are crowded in a tight space for the whole day. If one of them is infected, he or she will transmit the virus to others, Tang said. How can schools ensure that there are no asymptomatic students? Reuters contributed to this report. The coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on peoples mental health, say city-based experts. Those with a history of mental illness are finding it especially hard to deal with the stress and anxiety brought on by the Covid-19 outbreak. Experts say many patients are overwhelmed with sadness, anger, helplessness and distress. For some their anxiety has taken physical manifestations in form of an upset stomach, insomnia, panic attacks or loss in appetite. Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) consultant psychiatrist Dr Pallavi Abhilasha says, At least 11 of my patients with anxiety disorders, who had been managing their condition without medication for several months, have relapsed since India went into lockdown. There has also been a spurt in cases of depression. While there has been a 25%-30% increase in anxiety disorders, depression cases have increased by 15%-20% this month, she said. Abhilasha says constant exposure to alarming news on different platforms, isolation, boredom and uncertainty was causing mental health problems among people. Most patients are wondering when the situation will normalise and they will get to meet their loved ones? They are also worried about what will happen in case they get infected? All of this is causing heightened anxiety and leaving them restless all the time, says Abhilasha . MEN AT GREATER RISK Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) department of psychiatry professor and former president of Punjab and Chandigarh branch of Indian Psychiatrists Society Dr Rupesh Chaudhary said men, especially the bread winners, are experiencing stress, anxiety and depression as the lockdown has put financial strain on many. The male to female ratio of patients we attend to these days is 2:1, he said, adding, In order to help those experiencing anxiety and depression, the Indian Association of Private Psychiatry and Indian Psychiatric Society, in a joint initiative have launched an emotional helpline in Punjab and Chandigarh, which remains active from 8am and 8pm. Under the initiative, experts from across the state provide free consultation for an hour and also prescribe medicines. The experts are addressing anxiety and trepidation regarding Covid, obsessions and compulsions, irrelevant thoughts, drug and substances abuse, acute suspiciousness, hopelessness and sadness. We receive 15 to 20 calls every day and take care to prescribe medication that is available at their nearest chemist. Due to lockdown, many medicines are unavailable and we suggest alternatives. People with OCD fixated on coronavirus Ludhiana Civil Hospital psychologist Dr Davinder Sharma says he has been telephonically counseling people for free. The situation has triggered obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) among people already suffering from mental illnesses. Many are compulsively cleaning. Even those who stay home all day have been extensively sanitising their mobile phones, vehicles, gates, clothes and hands. We warn such people against watching news on the television all day since it worsens their compulsions and ask them to continue with medication. Phuket pulls together to provide free food for those in need PHUKET: People, businesses and communities across Phuket have stepped up to provide food for people in need as many find themselves suffering from job losses and other loss of any income. CoronavirusCOVID-19economicscharity By The Phuket News Sunday 12 April 2020, 03:32PM Revolution gym in Bang Tao have also joined a community drive to help provide food to people in need. Photo: Tim Fisher / Facebook Revolution gym in Bang Tao have also joined a community drive to help provide food to people in need. Photo: Tim Fisher / Facebook Revolution gym in Bang Tao have also joined a community drive to help provide food to people in need. Photo: Tim Fisher / Facebook Revolution gym in Bang Tao have also joined a community drive to help provide food to people in need. Photo: Tim Fisher / Facebook Blue Tree Phuket has been handing out 150 pre-packed mealks a day since last eek. Photo: Blue Tree Phuket Blue Tree Phuket has been handing out 150 pre-packed mealks a day since last eek. Photo: Blue Tree Phuket Blue Tree Phuket has been handing out 150 pre-packed mealks a day since last eek. Photo: Blue Tree Phuket Blue Tree Phuket has been handing out 150 pre-packed mealks a day since last eek. Photo: Blue Tree Phuket Orient Restaurant in Patong is among those stepping up. Photo: Nawar Pinky / Facebook Orient Restaurant in Patong is among those stepping up. Photo: Nawar Pinky / Facebook Blue Tree Phuket have been providing 150 meals a day since they began their campaign on Apr 4. The meals were initially all delivered to Patong, where they were handed over to Patong Municipality to hand out through their public campaign, then the Blue Tree campaign shifted focus to wherever is needed most. On Wednesday, the team packed and delivered 150 lunch boxes to Bangkok Phuket Hospital and Thalang Hospital (see here). The recent notice issued by the Healthy Ministry to Phuket officials is urging Patong residents to stay home and not venture out of doors, this impacts the daily lives of local residents who need to go out to get supplies of essential daily needs and food items. Blue Trees support program will help ease this situation and in turn may potentially reduce the risk of people coming into contact with and or spreading the virus. We are humbled to be able to offer our helping hand to the Phuket community during this time of need. We are grateful to our staff for their support and assistance in offering a helping hand to the Phuket community during this time of need. Many, along with their families, have personally contributed time and resources. Stay positive and stay safe everyone together we can beat this! the team said in their posts on Facebook. Regarding the Tambon Lockdown in effect for 14 days from tomorrow (Apr 13, see story here). a member of the Blue Tree team explained today, We will see what we can do from tomorrow, probably just deliver food to our area. People interested in lending a hand can contact Markerng Manager Christine Lew at christinel@bluetree.fun of Khun Kittikhun at kittikhuns@bluetree.fun Meanwhile, many other businesses have joined the efforts to support those in need, including Madras Cafe, which has been handing out scores of prepacked ready-to-eat meals each day. Of note, the cafe is not posting its efforts on its official Facebook page (see here). As noted by A R Divan Mydeen on Facebook, We are doing this for Humanity not for publicity. Thank you Members of Phuket Indians & Thai Indians contributors, supporters, Volunteers Thank you Embassy of India BKK for your appreciation, lets STAY SAFE be safe Thank you Mama Malika Chergui for your kind help and support, Volunteering and your donation to our FREE FOOD community service in Patong, he added today. Lofty Villas on Friday (Apr 10) handed out 250kg of rice, 3,000 eggs and 300 cans of ready-to-eat fish to 50 people in Patong. Each person received five kilos of rice, 60 eggs and six cans of ready-to eat-fish, said Wahid Bhat of Lofty Villas Co Ltd. We foreigners are trying to help community in time of need, my company (Lofty Villas Co, Ltd) organized this donation and we will continue to do so every month until we overcome these difficult times together, he added. Also joining the efforts are the staff and management at Orient Restaurant in Patong, who have been handing out scores of pre-packed meals each day. Again, the efforts have not been posted on the restaurants main Facebook page (see here), instead choosing to not use the efforts as a platform for publicity. Nawar Pinky, who has been involved in the efforts explained simply, I just want people that are in need to come and pick up the food. The efforts are not just based in Patong, as many others realise that affected people are stuck in many other areas of the island Revolution gym in Bang Tao have also stepped up, becoming a focal point for members of their local community to help provide food to people in need in their area. Difficult times for many people around the world. Today it was great to be part of a new initiative to feed the local people of Kamala that are suffering from loss of income due to the Covid-19, wrote friend Tim Fisher on his Facebook page. Thanks to all of my fighters from Revolution gym and also to Rnut Sariya for inviting us. Great leaders unite people and help ease suffering and this is an inspirational initiative, he wrote. Great initiative to feed the people of Kamala. No one is fighting over toilet rolls here. Business owners, expats, villagers and community leaders are helping ease the burden of the economic situation caused by Covid-19, he wrote today. The Phuket News understands there are many other groups of people across the island stepping up to help people in need of food and other support and we commend them all for their efforts to help their neighbours in this time of need. Well done to all involved. Democratic Republic of Congo recorded a second Ebola death in days following more than seven weeks without a new case, the World Health Organization said on Sunday. Congo had been due on Sunday to mark an end to the second-deadliest outbreak of the virus on record until a case was confirmed on Friday in the eastern city of Beni. The outbreak has killed more than 2,200 people since August 2018 in an area of the country where militia violence hobbled efforts to contain it. The latest victim was an 11-month-old girl, who was treated at the same health centre as the previous case, a 26-year-old electrician, said Boubacar Diallo, deputy incident manager for the WHOs Ebola response. It is not yet clear how the electrician contracted Ebola. He had no known contacts with other Ebola patients and was not a survivor of the virus who could have relapsed, the government said on Friday. Flare-ups or one-off transmissions are common towards the end of Ebola outbreaks, and a new case does not necessarily mean that the virus will spread out of control again. The WHO has identified 215 people who came into contact with the electrician, including 53 health workers at three facilities the man visited before he died, Diallo said. 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. Expand Close Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem And Madness (Netflix/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem And Madness (Netflix/PA) 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. Expand Close Carole Baskin (Netflix/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Carole Baskin (Netflix/PA) 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. Yes, the Philippine Army is looking for qualified automotive service technicians, and they need them immediately. Last week, the Philippine Army (Filipino: Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas) was looking for licensed bus and truck drivers in a special program. A qualified individual would have been enlisted as a Private in the army and would have earned PhP 37,838.00 gross per month. The qualifications are more or less the same as the requirements for the driver recruitment program last week: you should be 22-35 years of age, be a high school or K-12 graduate, have 5 years of experience, have an NBI clearance certificate, be living in Luzon, and is able to immediately resign from any current employment without any issues. In the previous recruitment, the land warfare branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines required applicants to already possess a Driving NC III certificate from TESDA. For auto mechanics, what the Philippine Army is requiring is an Automotive Servicing NC II certificate from TESDA. Interestingly enough, in the enlistment program for drivers, the Army specified that recruits should be at least 5'4 tall. In this new notice, they didn't specify a minimum height. The Philippine Army did not specify which vehicles the recruits would servicing, but the motor pool includes a lot of common trucks and other vehicles normally found on our roads like pick-up trucks from Mitsubishi and Toyota, Kia KM military vehicles, Isuzu Elf trucks, and bigger vehicles like the M35 (AKA the Deuce and a Half) from the US. They also have a variety of other military transport vehicles like Humvees and the like. Just like the recruitment notice for drivers, qualified individuals will be recruited and immediately enlisted as Privates. The gross salary per month will also be PhP 37,838.00. If you're interested (and fit all the requirements) you can apply by sending a text message to the Philippine Army at +639563049391. The message should contain your full name, birth date, age, marital status, complete address, and current job description. The deadline for applicants is at 5:00 PM (1700hrs) tomorrow, April 13, 2020. The Army says they will not entertain any messages on their Facebook page; the only channel of communication is via the number they gave. Now if we get inundated with messages asking how to apply when the instructions were already laid out above, then maybe joining an organization that depends on obeying orders would be... problematic. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday issued an Easter message from Windsor Castle to say that the festival marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ is needed as much as ever to remind the world that we will not be overcome by the coronavirus pandemic. In the first such message of its kind, the 93-year-old monarch and head of the Church of England, said the occasion marks new hope and fresh purpose, with the forces of light and life overcoming those of darkness and death. 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, said the Queen. 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, she said. Amid the ongoing semi-lockdown and social distancing measures imposed to try and curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Queen stressed that it did not have to mean that the occasion is not properly marked. 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, she said. In reference to other religious faiths which also have references of the triumph of light over darkness, she added: 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. It's a way of showing how the good of Christ's resurrection has been passed on from the first Easter by every generation until now. The Easter message follows the Queen's address to the nation recently in which she spoke of the strength of the British and those around the Commonwealth as she urged them to remember: We will meet again. The Buckingham Palace said her special Easter message was intended for those who are celebrating Easter privately". The Queen's son and heir, Prince Charles, has recorded an Easter reading for Westminster Abbey's podcast and her grandson and second in line to the British throne, Prince William, sent an Easter message to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in his role as Lord High Commissioner. In a letter, the Duke of Cambridge said it was heartening to see how the Church of Scotland was reinventing itself to serve congregations from afar. "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, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Despite many difficulties and challenges, this is an opportunity for Vietnamese universities to test methods and new subjects for training, optimise resources and improve their capacity and quality to accelerate their integration with the worlds higher education systems. Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc granted an interview with Nhan Dan Online Newspaper to talk about distance and e-learning in universities during this time. Q: Could you tell us how Vietnamese higher education institutions are operating amidst the Covid-19 outbreak? A: In order to avoid the interruption of training and education amidst Covid-19 outbreak, many higher education institutions have proactively instigated e-learning. Accordingly, they have invested in online training systems; purchased or transfered the LMS (Learning Management System) and learning content management system (LCMS); trained lecturers; and digitalised learning materials. Several institutions have witnessed a high consensus of lecturers for the e-learning method, including Hanoi Open University, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, the University of Science under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Duy Tan University, FPT University and Hanoi National University of Education The higher education institutions have outlined that this is an opportunity for them to boost the digitalisation of learning materials so that all lecturers, students and management officials can take advantage of positive factors in the application of information and technology in management, teaching and learning activities, making the time and space for teaching and learning more flexible. Q: E-learning is still a method to cope with the epidemic and it is relatively new to the majority of higher education institutions. So, how can we visualise the overall picture of e-learning in the universities? A: According to a quick report on e-learning, by early April, there are in total 98 higher education institutions deploying online teaching. The overall picture of e-learning in Vietnamese institutions can be divided into three groups: The first includes universities that have much experience in distance and e-learning as they focused on this training method early. They developed the LMS and LCMS as well as provided full learning content, managed the learning and the progress of learners, and instigated methods to accurately and objectively examine and evaluate learning results thanks to IT advances. However, there are only a few institutions in this group, such as Hanoi Open University and Ho Chi Minh City Open University. The second group consists of universities which have not yet had LMS but began to apply software to support online teaching and learning in real time. For example, where lecturers teach via many applications such as Zoom, Google Hangouts Meet, Webex and Microsoft Teams. Meanwhile, the last group contains institutions who have not conducted e-learning for regular students. They have only provided their students with documents for self-study. It can be seen that e-learning is not unheard of in Vietnam. In fact, many higher education institutions have paid much attention to developing infrastructure and software, training human resources, preparing electronic textbooks and learning materials. Some realised that investment in IT infrastructure system, the LMS, and the LCMS and the digitalisation of learning materials, which aim to support traditional way of training, would only diversify training methods and subjects and eliminate geographical distance and optimise resources, improve tuniversities capacity and quality, and accelerate their integration into the worlds higher education systems. Q: In your opinion, what difficulties do universities face when they organise e-learning activities? A: The common difficulty that the higher education institutions are facing is that the infrastructure and equipment are not complete and synchronous. They lack appropriate learning materials as well as management experience and appropriate management processes for online training. Meanwhile, students and instructors need to have more time to adapt to technology and new methods. The students ability to learn, read documents and acquire knowledge by themselves via the internet is limited. In addition, the effectiveness of the e-learning method is not very high for content that requires interaction between teachers and learners. It is also difficult for teachers to conduct examinations. Q: How will the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) support higher education institutions remove difficulties? A: In order to support and create conditions for higher education institutions to overcome difficulties in deploying e-learning, the MoET and the Ministry of Information and Communication (MoIC) have coordinated with each other to seek solutions. Accordingly, the MoET has signed agreements to receive support from four major telecommunications enterprises. Specifically, Viettel and VNPT will provide institutions with free infrastructure and technologies, including servers with enough bandwidth to ensure smooth teaching and learning activities. Viettel, VNPT, Vietnamobile and Mobifone will provide free mobile data for students, teachers and parents when using e-learning methods announced by the MoIC and MoET during the epidemics outbreak. All universities in need of being provided with infrastructure and solutions for e-learning can contact directly the above businesses. With the participation of the major telecommunications corporations, I hope that higher education will make positive changes in the near future. Accordingly, many institutions will rapidly deploy e-learning methods or combine both traditional and online ways of training. Vietnams higher education will have the opportunity to boost digitalisation, towards keeping pace with world training trends. Q: How will the quality of e-learning be evaluated and controlled? A: E-learning can be considered as a temporary measure at this time to prevent the spread of the epidemic. At the moment, we do not set strict standards. However, universities should be responsible for providing explanations about their conditions to ensure quality of training and the output quality of the online modules. The MoET also issued Official Letter No.795/BGDDT-GDDH, instructing institutions to select appropriate modules for online training. Q: How does the MoET orient distance and e-learning? A: I believe that with the guidance of the Party and Government leaders, the Covid-19 epidemic will be soon controlled. After the epidemic is controlled, universities will pay more attention to the application of advanced technologies in the management and organisation of training activities, contributing to boosting the building of a learning society. The MoET will continue to build a legal framework to enhance e-learning and the development of open learning materials. The Ministry will continue to advise the Prime Minister on promoting IT applications in teaching and learning, developing distance learning and building a learning society. A Georgia man could face up to 20 years behind bars for attempting to sell nonexistent personal protective equipment (PPE) worth $750million to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Christopher Parris, 39, was arrested on Friday after he allegedly made a series of fraudulent misrepresentations to secure orders from Veterans Affairs for 125 million face masks and other PPE, according to a statement from Attorney General William Barr. A complaint alleges that Parris promised that he could obtain millions of genuine 3M masks from domestic factories 'when he knew that fulfilling the orders would not be possible'. Christopher Parris, 39, was arrested on Friday after he allegedly made a series of fraudulent misrepresentations to secure orders from the Department of Veterans Affairs for 125 million face masks, according to a statement from Attorney General William Barr (pictured) Parris also made similar false representations to other entities in an effort to enter into other fraudulent agreements to sell PPE to state governments, authorities said. 'We will vigorously pursue fraudsters who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to make money,' Barr said. '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 nation's treasures our veterans,' Barr added. PPE like face masks, gloves and gowns have been hard to come by in the US where there are more than 561,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and more than 22,000 deaths. After his arrest on Friday, Parris appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Alan J. Baverman in the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, where he was ordered detained. PPE equipment, which includes face masks, gloves and gowns, have been extremely limited as health care workers(file image) are on the front lines aiding COVID-19 patients There are more than 561,000 confirmed cases in the US with more than 22,000 deaths Authorities said Parris will be extradited to Washington,DC, but it's unclear when that will occur. 'During this time of crisis, fraud or attempted fraud impacting services for veterans, who have selflessly served this country, is unconscionable,' said US Attorney Timothy Shea for the District of Columbia. 'My office will devote whatever resources are necessary to stop scams aimed at exploiting Americans during this unprecedented pandemic.' Parris has been charged with wire fraud. The maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The right to vote is so fundamental to our basic freedoms that is it essential for all New Mexicans to understand why efforts, either intentionally or unintentionally, that undermine the integrity of the voting process must always be vigorously opposed. Contrary to what some Democratic Party activists claim, fighting to preserve the validity and honesty of every voters ballot is not part of some new, grand conspiracy to deny certain people from voting. Rather, it is an attempt to ensure that everyone is following the rules of the election process and that no one candidate or political party achieves an unfair advantage. Ensuring our electoral process is fair and honest should be a priority for all candidates and political parties. The fact that there have been efforts in our nations history, by all sides of the political spectrum, to deny some people the right to vote or to stuff the ballot box to help achieve political power should be reason enough to reinforce the notion that free and open elections are an essential ingredient to our self-governing system. In other words, supporting efforts to preserve and/or expand voting integrity should never be viewed as a partisan issue. Unfortunately, this idealistic vision of both major political parties working together to maintain the sanctity of the voting booth quickly evaporates as the next election quickly approaches. In fact, there is currently an effort underway in our state to re-shape our voting system so special-interest groups can usurp the rights of voters in order to expand their own political power. Under the guise of the current public health emergency, there is a coordinated attempt to create an all-mail-in ballot system for future elections. No one should confuse a mail-in ballot with an absentee ballot; there are substantial differences. Under absentee voting, registered voters must request a ballot with proof of voter eligibility, and then return that ballot to the county clerk to be counted. However, in a mail-in election, country clerks would simply send ballots to every registered voter based on where their address is listed, even if they did not request a ballot. Anyone who understands the inaccuracy of New Mexicos voter registration rolls will tell you the addresses associated with a countys set of registered voters are a mess at best. Tens of thousands of ballots will be sent to addresses where the voter no longer resides, which could result in thousands of registered voters never receiving a proper ballot, or equally troubling, people could vote under another persons name. This proposed system of mail-in ballots does nothing to strengthen our voting rights or improve the integrity of the voting process. However, it does jeopardize the peoples belief that the election is being conducted in a fair and honest fashion with no one being able to game the final outcome. The ongoing spread of COVID-19 deserves our constant attention to protect ourselves, our families, our neighbors and others within our community especially older New Mexicans who are particularly vulnerable to its potentially devastating effects. These extremely challenging times should not be hijacked by one political party in order to gain an electoral advantage to quench their thirst for political power. Its time for the governor, the secretary of state, and legislative leaders to assure all New Mexicans that they will not allow this travesty to move forward. Instead, lets have a bipartisan effort to conduct our June 2 primary with an all-absentee-ballot process that will protect voters rights, the overall integrity of the ballot box and voters from health risks at the same time. A woman in the Netherlands who is 107 years old is reported to have recovered after acquiring the novel coronavirus, according to accounts in various news organizations and tabloids in the US and Europe. She is not the only centenarian to have acquired the potentially fatal disease caused by the virus, then recovered and survived. Cornelia Ras began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms on March 17, the day after her 107th birthday. Prior to her, the oldest coronavirus survivor whose case has been confirmed and widely documented Bill Lapschies, 104, of the U.S. From the Daily Beast: She and others who attended a church service in the Southwestern region of the Netherlands tested positive for COVID-19, and a dozen people have died since the gathering. Services across the world, one of the most common ways people gather, have been linked to the spread of coronavirus and become a contested topic as Easter approaches. And from Metro UK: The Institute of Environmental Technology and Climate Change is pioneering in producing the COVID-19 protective suits In the morning of April 9, on Twitter, US President Donald Trump thanked the two American companies of Dupont and Fedex, along with friends in Vietnam, for sending 450,000 protective suits to Dallas, Texas. The suits have been helping the country address the urgent need for protective equipment for frontline providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. According to the Institute of Environmental Technology and Climate Change (IETCC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST),the suits are produced in accordance with nearly a dozen strict standards, including the European standard for penetration resistance of protective clothing materials against infectious agents, and national standards for protective equipment. Decision No.1616of the Ministry of Health, signed on April 8, 2020, provides guidance on the techniques, classification, and standards of the COVID-19 protective suits. Accordingly, these suits includes a hat, a shirt, jumpers, and accessories including shoe covers, protective glasses, face shields, masks, and medical gloves, said a representative of the IETCC. The suits protect users entire body from the risk of infection when they come in contact with blood, secretions, and respiratory droplets carrying infectious pathogens of patients or people with disease germs. Level 3 certification from the MoH for the COVID-19 protective suits of the IETCC The Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MoH) has categorised protective suits into four levels based on their performance. Through continuous efforts, the IETCC has produced protective suits of level one, two, and three. We have worked with Dupont about the specifications of units producing level three and four protective suits for partners from Europe and the United States, the representative said. With the ambition of creating products meeting international standards, we have sent our N95 masks to Nelson Lab in the United States for testing while sending our protective suits to laboratories in the United States and Europe for the US Food and Drug Administration certification and European Conformity one. According to the representative, currently, the IETCC are providing high-quality and environmentally friendly products like N97 medical masks (under national technical standards), antibacterial and anti-droplet masks (meeting the technical specifications under Decision No.870/QD-BYT), dry handwashing gel and Nano Silver antibacterial spray (99 per cent antibacterial standard). All these products are used by many state agencies in Vietnam. As a leading contributor to the government's battle against COVID-19, in February, the IETCC presented thousands of protective masks and thousands of bottles of handwashing gel to Hanoi city, the National Assembly Office, and the Government Office. While the pandemic is still spreading, the IETCC wishes to support and co-operate more with partners to fight against the coronavirus. For information regarding technical standards, support, and orders, please contact 0829160214 and 0919768189. As many as 17 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Karnataka on Sunday with the total number of infected touching 232, the health department said. This includes six deaths and 54 discharges. According to the bulletin of the health department, six cases were reported from Vijayapura, four cases in Belagavi, three each in Bengaluru city and Kalaburagi and one in Mysuru. Among the 17, four people are suffering from Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) -- two of whom are in Bengaluru and one each in Vijayapura and Kalaburagi, the department said. Following the spurt in cases in Vijayapura, the department has initiated contact tracing in the district. After COVID-19 cases were reported in Vijayapura, the total number of districts with the deadly virus has reached 19 out of 30. Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19, Bengaluru continued to top the list with 76 cases, followed by Mysuru with 48 cases, Belagavi with 14 cases, Kalaburagi with 13 cases and Dakshina Kannada with 12 cases. Two days after revamping the cabinet by reallocating the district level responsibilities to the ministers, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who had retained Bengaluru with him, went for rounds in the city to inspect the implementation of the lockdown on Sunday evening. According to the close sources of the chief minister, there was no pre-decided schedule for the city rounds but all of a sudden, he made the plan. Meanwhile, the Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar told PTI that the Karnataka government was studying in-depth consequences of possible relaxation of lockdown norms after April 14 and plans to come out with a clear roadmap in a day or two. You will have clarity in a day or two. For everything (government decisions) we will give reasons for the action we would like to take; with the reasoning we will give decision, the Minister added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The pharma industry in India is pulling out all the stops to ensure that the production of medicines, essential in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, does not suffer. In an unprecedented move, all major companies have come together to help one another with knowledge and sharing resources. Capacity utilisation at an all-India level, relating to both small and big manufacturers, is 60-70 per cent, which is higher than in most other industries. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), the lobby group that represents Indias top 25 giants, has said the biggest companies are able ... Midland County added one more positive case of coronavirus Sunday, bringing its total to 31 cases and one death, according to the afternoon state report on Sunday. Both Bay and Isabella counties recorded an additional case each, bringing totals to 54 and 39, respectively. Bay County is now reporting two deaths and Isabella County three. Gladwin remains at four positive cases. Saginaw County added 20 cases, bringing its total to 274 cases and nine deaths. The state on Sunday recorded 645 new cases -- half of the total recorded Saturday -- and 95 deaths, bringing Michigan's total to 24,638 cases and 1,487 deaths. The state is reporting that 433 people have recovered from the virus. "Although a reduced number of COVID-19 cases are being reported Sunday, 645 cases compared to 1,210 reported on April 11, and deaths, 95 compared to 111 on April 11, we cannot say if this represents a true decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths in our state," said a statement on the state page. "Reported case counts may reflect a reduction in the amount of laboratory testing performed over the weekend and holiday. Single day fluctuations in the number of confirmed cases may not be significant, as a number of external factors can affect data reporting. "Although there is a limited amount of data to compare, previous testing reports have illustrated consistent Sunday decreases with some being as high as a 25 percent reduction over the previous day. Sunday, March 22 had a 25 percent drop in reported tests. Sunday, March 29 saw a 3 percent drop in reported tests. Sunday, April 5 saw a 25 percent drop in reported tests, the statement continued. According to state data on Saturday, people aged 50 to 59 make up 20% of the confirmed cases, followed by people aged 60 to 69 at 18% and 40 to 49 at 16%. Among those who have died from the virus in Michigan, 36% were 80 or older; 28% were 70 to 79; and 19% were 60 to 69 years old. The average age of people who have died is 73.1 and the entire age range of those who have died is 20-107. In addition, more confirmed cases are among people who are black or African American (33%) or Caucasian (27%), with 31% unknown. Midland County Department of Public Health continues to encourage residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19: Continue to practice social distancing as recommended by federal, state and local officials Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash Disinfect commonly touched surfaces Stay home when you are sick Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. We cannot stress enough how important it is for our community to be diligent in their community mitigation efforts," Yanoski said. "We know that COVID-19 is in our community, and our residents can make a huge impact on slowing the spread of disease by following the recommended precautions." If you think you've been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice. If he/she isn't available call MidMichigan Urgent Care in Midland at 989- 633-1350 or MidMichigan Medical Center's Emergency Department in Midland at 989-839-3100. MidMichigan Health has a COVID-19 informational hotline with a reminder of CDC guidelines and recommendations. The hotline can be reached toll-free at 800-445-7356 or 989-794-7600. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also has a hotline number for Michigan residents for questions about COVID-19. The number is 1-888-535-6136 and is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also send an e-mail to: COVID19@michigan.gov. E-mails will be answered seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you are feeling anxious, stressed, depressed and feel you need to talk to someone, reach out to Community Mental Health for Central Michigan by calling 800-317-0708. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, April 12, 2020 11:50 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd15360e 1 Science & Tech Instagram,direct-message,social-network Free Those preferring to access Instagram from their desktop or laptop may rejoice, as Instagram has now made receiving and sending direct messages (DMs) possible through an internet browser. "Now you can get and send Instagram direct messages on desktop, no matter where you are in the world," announced the company on Twitter on Friday. *Sliding into your DMs* Now you can get and send Instagram Direct messages on desktop, no matter where you are in the world pic.twitter.com/CT2SwuxHTv Instagram (@instagram) April 10, 2020 Read also: Seven feel-good artists and illustrators to follow on Instagram According to The Verge, Instagram had been testing the new feature since January, and now has finally decided to release it globally, including for Indonesian users. Web DMs will especially benefit popular users who probably have to monitor and respond to hundreds of messages on a daily basis, and chatting away using a laptop keyboard instead of the one on your phone screen is definitely more convenient as well. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, which owns Instagram, has previously mentioned his vision to enable users of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram to send message to each other regardless their platform. (kes) The pan-tourism industry group that represents employers and government agencies responsible for tens of thousands people north and south working in tourism has called for it to have a voice in helping shape the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael-led prospective programme for government. The Tourism Industry Confederation, or ITIC, said that tourism is one of the industries most affected by the mass layoffs across the economy during the Covid-19 crisis and shouldnt be forgotten when politicians frame policies for any future government. It believes the best way to secure its aims is for the appointment of a senior dedicated tourism minister sitting at the cabinet table. Most experts say that the Irish tourism industry can all but wipe off the 2020 season -- even in the unlikely event that the lock down was fully lifted at the end of the 12 weeks. Hoteliers and tourism businesses depending on overseas visitors from the US, Britain, and the continent know that tourists will be unwilling to travel in great numbers for some time even after the global pandemic comes to an end, economists say, while ITIC estimates 50,000 jobs in Cork and Kerry alone depend on tourism. Covid-19 is a public health issue first and foremost but it has also had shattering economic consequences and the tourism industry has been hit quickest and hardest and the incoming Government must support the sector straight away, said ITIC chairperson Ruth Andrews. The group wants more liquidity measures and the tourism Vat rate to be slashed to zero, during the crisis. Chief executive Eoghan OMara Walsh said any programme for government needs to take account of the fact that tourism spreads prosperity across the rural regions. Last year the Government took an extra 466m from the tourism industry as a result of the Vat hike so it is now time for that funding to be returned to an industry that has been decimated by this crisis, he said. The Vat rate cut to zero should then be permanently left at 9% once the recovery has taken hold, Mr OMara Walsh said. By Trend Branch of Romanias IT GRUP company in Azerbaijan has rendered assistance to low-income families as part of social solidarity, CEO of the company Kamran Allahverdiyev told Trend. In general, food assistance has been provided to more than one hundred low-income families in Baku city, including citizens over 65 who cannot leave their homes due to quarantine, said CEO. Allahverdiyev added that there have been close cooperation relations between Romania and Azerbaijan for more than 28 years, and IT GRUP Azerbaijan, represented by a branch of a Romanian IT company in the country, keeps the existing relations of cooperation and friendship and acts to transfer European experience and innovative IT solutions to Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Near empty parking lot at The Summit. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com). Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com Much lighter than normal traffic on 1st Ave. N. In Birmingham. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com). Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com default Places that are busy are WalMart Target and grocery stores. This is the WalMart in Springville. A look at places that are usually full of people that are now vacant. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com). Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com Big Springs Park in downtown Huntsville. A look at places that are usually full of people that are now vacant. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com). Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com A leading state lawmaker said Alabama needs to abandon its meat cleaver approach to closing non-essential businesses, while the mayors of the states largest cities are talking about how to reopen the economy. One of the questions were starting to get and were definitely all talking about it is how do we reopen, Madison Mayor Paul Finley said. How do we bring back what weve constricted down back open again? Healthcare experts urge caution in easing off mitigation steps implemented by Gov. Kay Ivey in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. But how, and when, should Alabama reopen? Its a debate without a simple answer. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, one of the states most influential lawmakers and chair of the Senate education funding committee, told AL.com on Saturday that he has communicated his views to Ivey and Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer. What I encouraged them to do is to not sit and wait until the end of the month to take the next step, but to evaluate and see if we cant start a step-down process, Orr said. By that, I mean Im troubled at the meat cleaver we used with closing businesses rather than a scalpel. Orr spoke on the one-week anniversary of Iveys shelter-at-home order a last resort to isolate Alabamians as much as possible to deliver a knock-out punch to the coronavirus. Restaurants are closed except for take-out meals and groups of no more than 10 are permitted to gather anywhere. On this Easter Sunday, the state health order says church doors will stay closed to large congregations. Businesses have received labels as either essential or non-essential and the latter designation forces those businesses to close at least until the order expires April 30. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, chairman of the Senate's education budget committee, talks about the $7.1 billion Education Trust Fund spending plan that passed on Thursday. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) Thats the meat cleaver that Orr said he sees. By that, people want to buy a pack of undershirts, they cant go to Kohls to buy it, but they can go to Walmart, Orr said. If I want to buy a floor lamp for my house, I dont go to the furniture store that sells lamps. I go to Lowes. The government has created an uneven playing field. The rationale Orr has pushed toward Ivey and Harris is not a full-blown return to pre-coronavirus life. It's a nuanced approach with the objective of salvaging businesses and jobs without jeopardizing Alabama's fight against the virus. The senator also pointed to the projection models that have tilted from predicting Alabama could see 10,000 deaths by the middle of May a forecast that came as Ivey issued the stay-at-home order that has since been revised to speculating fewer than 400 people could die if current mitigation remains in place. So far, 60 coronavirus-related deaths have been confirmed by the Alabama Department of Public Health while 93 deaths remain under investigation as likely coronavirus cases. Somber as those numbers are, Orr said they are far lower than expected. The numbers have not come as projected so lets reconsider that original decision, Orr said. "And we dont need to wait until the end of the month to do it. Im not saying back to business as usual come Monday morning. Im not saying we need to have Hangout Fests. Im not saying we need to have large events with multiple people all around. "But, heck, I get calls from people who can't even attend a funeral with more than 10 people. By the time you put the aunts and the uncles and the cousins in, they can't even attend." The pain is real, whether its in the heartbreak of not being able to say goodbye to a loved one at a funeral to mere inconvenience at what officials have termed a new normal. But a relaxing of the social distancing standards from standing at least 6 feet away from the next person to shuttering in-house dining at restaurants is not yet appropriate, according to ADPH. "Given the incubation period of COVID-19 which is generally between 5 and 7 days for a person to become ill but can be as long as 11 to 14 days we really cannot say, 'OK, we've done' this and take a victory lap," Dr. Karen Landers of the health department said. "What's going to happen is this virus is not going to go away." Or as Huntsville Hospital CEO David Spillers said, "I'd rather see us do it two weeks too late than two weeks too early." Nevertheless, just as the coronavirus has proven to be a national security threat the U.S. topped 20,000 reported deaths Saturday since the first just five weeks ago the restlessness to restart the economy in Alabama is just as real. Finley, Madison's mayor, said that the mayors of Alabama's 10 largest cities meet frequently via teleconference. Madison Mayor Paul Finley, left, commended the working relationship he shares with Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, right, and Madison County Commission Chair Dale Strong in facing issues related to the coronavirus. "You can hear people in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and Mobile, there's different perspectives in different areas," Finley said. Asked if he could characterize the different perspectives, Finley declined. I cant talk about anybody else and I wont. But he said he is working in lockstep with Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison County Commission Chair Dale Strong. "There are different perspectives from different areas," Finley said. "There are different legislative thoughts. But in our case, it's the balance of health and economics. And right now, the health side is higher than the economics and that will eventually change and we'll work together to bring it back." But how and when? Those are always the questions with elusive answers. Landers said maintaining the course whatever that course may look like over the summer and into the fall is the best offense to conquering COVID-19. It also buys time for researchers to identify more effective treatment methods for the disease. "The state health department is not going to back off until we are certain we are seeing meaningful progress toward our goal," she said. "And that is reducing the spread of this virus and saving people's lives." Another issue raised by Orr is the elimination of elective surgeries by Alabama hospitals, as all resources were shifted to brace for a surge of coronavirus patients who needed hospitalization. Awaiting a surge that may not come, though, is crippling the healthcare industry cutting off valuable revenue streams at a time when costs are soaring. Orr also pointed to job cuts at Huntsville Hospital, where Spillers said about 2,000 of the hospitals 15,000 employees have been impacted to some degree. "Therefore, it's time, in my opinion, to reconsider and allow the hospitals and the doctors to begin elective surgeries," Orr said. "Things that don't get looked at, biopsies we put off for weeks or months, that could mean somebody's life on the other end. A colonoscopy that could find polyps and cancer, none of those are getting done." Spillers said hospitals could immediately turn the lights back on in their operating rooms. But not without lingering uncertainty of a future coexisting with the coronavirus. Were perfectly capable of taking care of those patients today and keeping them separate from COVID patients and treating them and not having to worry about infection-control issues, Spillers said. "The problem from the healthcare perspective is supplies. You dont want to use supplies on elective patients if there are still hot spots around the state that might need our PPE, sedation drugs and those types of things. "I think we need to be real thoughtful about when we start doing that, when we start opening up the economy." So if the virus has been slowed in Alabama, is it a product of the life-changing steps that have been put in place or is it a signal to awaken the economy? I dont have a crystal ball, Orr said. "Im not saying we open it up and go back to business as usual. But the things Ive thrown out, I think we can be careful and cautious and still open businesses back up, open medical practices back up, not putting the hospitals in peril if they do have a spike so they can accommodate patients. The public is very aware and cognizant of the risks. If you are in a high-risk group, Id be very cautious about my activities and continue to be. By Michelle Conlin NEW YORK (Reuters) - St. By Michelle Conlin NEW YORK (Reuters) - St. Anselm Roman Catholic Church in New York's Brooklyn borough is used to limping along, month after month, at a budget deficit of several thousand dollars a week. But the church that sits in the city that is the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus pandemic could always count on Easter. Last year, its Easter pew collection brought in $11,651. That was more than twice an average Sunday and, coupled with the church's online Easter donations of $2,500, enough to cover its weekly operating expenses of $13,000, according to church records. Like most churches around the United States, St. Anselm's will be closed on Sunday, its members unable to gather and its priests unable to meet with them as the nation endures its worst public-health crisis in a century. But just as American churches have been unable to meet their members' spiritual needs -- perhaps most painfully represented in the absence of public funerals for the thousands who have died -- they also have faced their own unmet needs in the form of untouched collection baskets. "We are in uncharted waters, financially," said John Quaglione, a St. Anselm's parishioner who is also a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. "There will be some serious conversations and some strong conversations with the parishes and the economic folks to help get us through this." Easter Sunday is one of the biggest donation days of the year for U.S. churches, due largely to the spikes in attendance they typically see, according to church officials and nonprofit groups. Even before health guidance shuttered most U.S. churches, many were struggling financially. Just half of Americans reported belonging to a church, synagogue or mosque in 2018, according to Gallup polling, down from 70% two decades earlier. Those who attend services go more erratically, according to the Pew Research Center, leaving fewer people to fill collection baskets. The high cost of maintaining older church buildings and -- particularly for the Catholic church, legal costs related to the clergy sex abuse scandal -- have also taken a toll on churches in the United States and around the world. "This is the first time where we have this almost national shutdown of churches," said John Berardino, president of Fredericksburg, Virginia-based Griffin Capital Funding, which specializes in church real estate loans. He said he believed the extended shutdowns would take a heavy financial toll on about half of U.S. churches. Scott McConnell, executive director of Nashville, Tennessee-based LifeWay Research, which conducts surveys and research for Christian ministries, sounded a similar note. "It would not surprise me at all if 5% of churches close over the next year," McConnell said. That is five times the typical annual closure rate estimated by The Christian Century, a U.S. mainline Protestant magazine. Most American churches do not have sizeable endowments. According to LifeWay, 26% of churches have seven weeks or less of operating income. An additional quarter only have enough to last eight to 15 weeks. "Churches at the end of their life cycle are going to be at the brink" during the coronavirus crisis, said McConnell. The pain of the closures is not just fiscal. After announcing a sweeping list of cancellations, Bishop Charles Blake of the Church of God in Christ, the largest U.S. Pentecostal denomination, expressed regret at their necessity. "While the fellowship with one another is priceless, your safety is most important to us," Blake said, adding, "stay at home." FIRST BANKRUPTCY, THEN THE VIRUS Three years ago, the Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church in Youngstown, Ohio, which had been a pillar of its community since its founding in 1918, the year of the Spanish Flu, faced the "perfect storm," said the church's bankruptcy attorney, Andrew Suhar. "Shrinking population, shrinking congregation and shrinking donations," Suhar said. The Church filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and began to work with its major lender, the Christian Community Credit Union, to reorganize. In 2018, the church emerged successfully from bankruptcy with a new solvency plan, which was on the way to putting the church's balance sheet back in order until COVID-19 emerged. "They had worked so hard and done such a good job," said the church's legal counsel, Matthew Blair. "Now, with COVID-19, there is no church attendance ... Revenue is nonexistent." Mount Calvary's pastor declined to be interviewed. Many churches are turning to their online donation portals for help, but those typically lag what funnels into church coffers from passed donation plates during Sunday services. "Many churches are still run by older people ... they may not be as technically savvy," said Berardino, of Griffin. He noted that religious organizations and lenders had successfully lobbied lawmakers to include church personnel in the list of American workers offered support by the $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by Congress last month. Churches will also be eligible for the administration's stimulus package small business loans. (Reporting by Michelle Conlin in New York; Editing by Scott Malone and Daniel Wallis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, April 12, 2020 14:04 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd15aa67 1 City COVID-19,coronavirus,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,PSBB,Greater-Jakarta,West-Java,social-restriction,Bekasi,Depok,Bogor-regency,ridwan-kamil Free West Java's cities and regencies in Greater Jakarta, namely Bogor municipality and regency, Depok as well as Bekasi municipality and regency, are preparing to impose their own large-scale social restriction (PSBB) policies, as the Health Ministry has approved their requests for such restrictions. A ministerial decree issued on Saturday a copy of which was obtained by The Jakarta Post shows the ministrys approval of the requests due to significant escalation of COVID-19 cases in five cities and regions surrounding the capital city. The decision was made based on results of epidemiology study as well as the regions preparedness on social-economy aspect. It is necessary for the aforementioned cities and regencies to implement PSBB to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the region, as written in the ministerial decree. Jakarta on Friday became the first region to impose stricter restrictions on peoples movement, in accordance with the PSBB status, in an effort to prevent further spread of COVID-19. As of Sunday noon, the capital had seen 1,948 confirmed cases, which represented 50 percent of cases nationwide. Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan had previously suggested that the PSBB policy be applied to Jakarta's satellite cities, as the outbreak had affected the entire region. Read also: COVID-19: Satellite cities to follow Jakarta's lead on PSBB West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil submitted to the Health Ministry on Wednesday a proposal to implement PSBB status in five cities and regencies surrounding the capital . A 2020 government regulation on PSBB requires regional administrations to obtain a permit issued by the Health Ministry prior to imposing the social restrictions in their region. The ministrys disease control and prevention director general Achmad Yurianto said the technical guidelines on restrictions would be prepared by the respective regional administration. They must issue a regional regulation on when and how to implement such restrictions, said Yurianto, who is also the governments spokesperson for COVID-19, as quoted by Antara news agency. West Javas Ridwan said he would coordinate with mayors and regents as well as the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) to discuss the preparation for PSBB implementation. Read also: COVID-19: Vacant roads, little activity mark first day of PSBB implementation in Jakarta Bogor and Depok suggested to the provincial administration that the social restrictions be imposed on Wednesday or Thursday. Bogor Deputy Mayor Dedie A. Rachim said the city administration had been coordinating with the Forkopimda to carry out a simulation prior to the policy implementation. Meanwhile, Depok Mayor Muhammad Idris said he was drafting a mayoral decree, which would be issued after the West Java provincial administration issued a regional decree as a legal basis for the PSBB in the area. Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi said the municipality was ready to follow the restriction protocols. The Bekasi administration had previously imposed a stricter policy, including ordering all minimarkets to close by 8 p.m. Greater Jakarta includes South Tangerang, Tangerang municipality and Tangerang regency in Banten, as well as Depok, Bekasi municipality, Bekasi regency, Bogor municipality and Bogor regency in West Java. It covers an area occupied by around 30 million residents, many of whom, under normal circumstances, commute to the capital for work. (trn) Arya Dipa contributed reporting from Bandung, West Java. John Keegan, a 79-year-old man from Cloghan, is believed to have been the first county Offaly victim of the coronavirus. His death was confirmed along with nine others on March 24 but his family want him to be more than just another statistic in a news broadcast. As well as being a victim of this worldwide pandemic, John Keegan was also "a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather." That's according to one of his granddaughters, Sinead Keegan, who spoke to our sister website, Offaly Express, this week. "He adored his family and enjoyed nothing more than being surrounded by them all," she said. "He loved life, he lived it to the fullest. Attending dances all over the county when he was in good health and boy could he dance," Sinead added. In recent years, John's health began to deteriorate with hospital visits becoming more and more frequent. He had been to hospital almost 20 visits in the last 12 months. His final stay in hospital lasted several weeks. Explaining her beloved grandfather's final week, Sinead said: "A member of my family received a call to say my grandfather was being put into isolation as they believed he had come into contact with a patient who had tested positive for Covid-19. "He was tested for the coronavirus and we believed that in, at most maybe a few days, we would have the results, but no. All the while grandad was going downhill fast with family in England contacted and told to make arrangements to get home. "My grandfather's doctor at Tullamore Hospital made the decision to allow my family in to see grandad while the hospital was on lockdown, and even though he knew my grandad could possibly have Covid-19, my family were not given the adequate PPE," she added. For a short time on March 24, doctors believed John Keegan didn't, in fact, have the coronavirus, a glimmer of hope his family were "ecstatic" about. From then on, things developed and deteriorated very quickly. "An aunt of mine was in with grandad when a nurse called her out to tell her the results were back and that they were positive and my grandfather had Covid-19. Minutes later, grandad passed away. It was only then, that two of my aunts were given the proper PPE to go in and say their goodbyes," Sinead explained. Due to restrictions, John's family couldn't give him the send-off they wanted too. Instead, Sinead described the funeral process as "strange, surreal and heartbreaking." "We couldn't wake him, after the funeral, we couldn't all come together and share stories of the past, and smile, laugh and reminisce. Instead, we all stood in the graveyard all spaced apart, gloved, and masked. We couldn't stand together united as a family. We couldn't console one another. It's something I'll never forget; I don't think any of us will ever forget it." "Due to some of my family being in with my grandad, infection control got in contact with them and they had to self isolate for 14 days just in case they picked up the virus from him. Thankfully none did," Sinead told us. After her sad and distressing experience with Covid-19, Sinead is making a heartfelt appeal to the public. "I am urging the public to adhere to the restrictions put in place by the Irish government. This virus does not discriminate. You may think you are safe, but we thought our grandad was safe, in a hospital of all places. Think of your loved ones. Please." Sinead also said the death of her grandfather brought out some of the best of her community and thanked a number of people for their help, prayers and compassion. "I would like to thank St. Rynaghs GAA Club for their very thoughtful gesture of the flags either side of the pillars going into the graveyard. Thank you to Grennan's funeral directors in Ferbane for all their help. To my uncle Vincent and his boys, for all their hard work, Michael Tierney for helping them. Evelyn Jordan for being grandad's carer and doing a fantastic job. "We are all so thankful and lastly to each and everyone who has sent messages and condolences to myself and my family. It means so much to us all," she concluded. Pohela Boishakh or Bengali New Year marks the first day of the initial month of Baishakh of the Bengali solar calendar. Bengalis all over the world celebrate New Year on this day which falls on the 14 April this year. In other regions of India, people celebrate the solar New Year, while the Sikh and Hindu communities celebrate the festival of Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi. To celebrate this festival, Bengalis greet each other by saying Shubho Nobobarsho which translates to prosperous New Year. A number of fairs are organised across West Bengal and Tripura to celebrate this joyous occasion. The Bengali calendar is attributed to the 7th-century king, Shashanka. It was later modified by Mughal emperor Akbar for the purpose of tax collection. According to historians, the lunar Islamic Hijri calendar followed by Akbar never coincided with the solar agricultural cycles. A harvest calendar called Fasholi Shan was then created and some people believe that this was the advent of the Bengali calendar. Pohela Boishakh is celebrated by spending time with family, visiting fairs, cleaning ones houses and adorning new clothes. As the year ends, the Bengali community buys the Panjika, a book containing all important dates for the upcoming New Year. All the auspicious events including housewarming and weddings are then planned according to Panjika. Houses are decorated with traditional designs called alpana on the floor. A number of delicacies including ilish maach, dhokar dalna, rice, and chanar dal are prepared to welcome the New Year. Here are a few wishes you can send to your near and dear ones on this joyous occasion: Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter If the employers cannot quickly access government loans and grants, they will be forced into mass layoffs now that the majority of the economy has been shuttered or at least greatly curtailed due to the governors stay-at-home order, Madjd-Sadjadi said. On April 14, a group of 22 state attorneys general, including John Stein from North Carolina, urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide families "with the information they need to navigate their health care options and get coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic." "It is a matter of life and death for too many, and I will continue to fight to protect health care for the people of North Carolina," Stein said. A study by Health Management Associates estimates that up to 35 million who are covered through their employer could be laid off as a result of the pandemic, and another 58 million individuals who have employer-sponsored coverage "could be disproportionately impacted by changes in the labor market." First options African officials confronted 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. As China prepares for a second wave of COVID-19 cases to hit their cities, Africans living in the commercial hub 'Little Africa' - found in the Yuexiu district - said they've been discriminated against and faced racism. 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".' Some Africans have even described being suddenly evicted from their homes. China was blasted by several African nations after Africans living in Guangzhou describe being shunned, targeted for additional COVID-19 screenings and evicted from their homes '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,' Tony Mathias, an exchange student from Uganda, told France 24. Mathias was evicted from his apartment on Monday. He said: 'We're like beggars on the street. Africans in Guangzhou also claimed they haves shunned by others in public and targeted for additional COVID-19 tests without ever seeing the results. There is an escalating scrutiny of foreign nationals, but they are targeting the Africans and the African American community. Since last Thursday we saw 114 new cases reported in Guangzhou of coronavirus infections and 16 of those were Africans, said journalist Sarah Clarke for Al Jazeera. We've seen a number of reports from social media from members of the African community in Guangzhou making complaints of mistreatment, arrests, eviction and being denied access to restaurants and hotels, and some students are even claiming to be living on the streets and being denied food, she added. Fears over a second wave of the novel coronavirus has been cited as a reason for xenophobia and racial discrimination against Africans and African-Americans in Guangzhou Pictured: Employees wearing full protective gears sort protective face masks at Zonsen Medical factory in China That's 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. In the Guangdong Province, officials have recorded 1,532 cases and eight deaths. This number is dwarfed compared to the reported 67,803 infections and some 3,000 deaths reported in the Hubei Province, where the novel coronavirus originated. Africans and African-Americans said that some businesses have discriminated against them and hotels have refused service. Pictured: African people wearing masks walk on the street in African Village in Guangzhou 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 rumors that '300,000 black people in Guangzhou were setting off a second epidemic,' which 'caused panic.' Officials said the rumor was false. 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 Leone's embassy in Beijing said in a statement Friday. Public health officials in China dispelled a rumor that '300,000 black people in Guangzhou were setting off a second epidemic' They added 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 China's 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. 'It's almost undiplomatic the way I'm talking, but it's because I'm upset about what's going on,' Femi Gbajabiamila says. Nigeria's House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila (right) spoke with Ambassador Zhou Pingjian (left) last week to discuss his concerns over racism 'We take it very seriously,' Ambassador Zhou Pingjian replies. Gbajabiamila continued to address the apparent xenophobia on Twitter, where he called for an official response from Chinese officials about the mistreatment of Nigerians. 'As a government, we will not allow Chinese or other nationals to be maltreated just as we will not allow Nigerians to be maltreated in other countries,' he wrote. 'The way you treat your citizens, we expect that's how you'll treat others. We will not tolerate our citizens breaking your laws, but the crime of one citizen cannot be used to stigmatize the whole country.' Gbajabiamila has been vocal about addressing the xenophobia in Guangzhou with Chinese officials and on social media Ambassador Zhou Pingjian (pictured): 'We treat everyone equally, but during the implementation of the #COVID-19 measures in China, it is possible for some incidents...' Pingjian admitted that it's possible 'some incidents' occurred during implementing COVID-19 measures in China, but assured that it was not a 'policy issue.' 'We treat everyone equally, but during the implementation of the #COVID-19 measures in China, it is possible for some incidents; all I do is to take it back home, today I will,' Pingjian told Gbajabiamila. 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 China's development model or assertive investment in the continent in recent years made it clear that racist treatment of their citizens wouldn't be tolerated. Ghana summoned the Chinese ambassador as Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey condemned the 'inhumane' treatment, a statement said. 'I have been briefed on the inhumane treatment being meted out to Ghanaians and other African nationals in the Peoples Republic of China with regards to COVID-19 outbreak,' she said. 'I regret and highly condemn this act of ill treatment and racial discrimination. Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor: 'I regret and highly condemn this act of ill treatment and racial discrimination' 'I have, therefore, summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Shi Ting Wang, to register my disappointment and call for his Government to immediately address the situation and bring their officials to order.' 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 Kenya's 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 China's 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. This comes after Africa's officials condemned some French doctors for racism after they said COVID-19 vaccines should be trialled there. Speaking on French TV, Jean-Paul Mira, head of intensive care at Cochin hospital in Paris, and Camille Locht, head of research at the Inserm health research group, suggested testing out covid-19 vaccines in African countries. The men said that as Africa has 'no masks, no treatments and no resuscitation' for people suffering from the virus that meant 'people were highly exposed and that they do not protect themselves'. Dr Mira said on TV channel LCI: 'If I can be provocative, shouldn't we be doing this study in Africa, where there are no masks, no treatments, no resuscitation? 'A bit like as it is done elsewhere for some studies on Aids. In prostitutes, we try things because we know that they are highly exposed and that they do not protect themselves.' Dr Locht agreed 'you are right' and added that a study in Africa was already being considered. He said: 'We are in the process of thinking about a study in parallel in Africa.' WHO consequentially blasted the doctors and lambasted their 'colonial mentality.' WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: 'Africa cannot and will not be a testing ground for any vaccine. 'It was a disgrace, appalling, to hear during the 21st century, to hear from scientists, that kind of remark. We condemn this in the strongest terms possible, and we assure you that this will not happen.' 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. Citing a severe slump in business due to lockdown necessitated by spread of COVID-19, Employers' Federation of Southern India, representing the MSME sector and traders in Tamil Nadu, has urged the state government to come out with a special relief package to revive the industry. The association, representing over 750 companies having presence in textile, sugar, cement, plantation and leather, said several companies have halted production and were facing issues like piling of huge inventories, inreasing raw material cost and loss of revenue. The coronavirus pandemic has so far claimed 11 lives in Tamil Nadu. The government has announced a lock down till April 15, 6am. "There has been a severe slump in business, resulting in some industries facing heavy losses and paying employees full salaries even though the factories were not operated for many days", EFSI President R Srikanth said in a letter to the State government, a copy of which was shared with PTI. With no idea of whether the lockdown would be lifted after April 15, the future for the industries is "unpredictable and uncertain", EFSI said. The Association, which is in its centenary year, suggested that the government announce relief measures to tide over the situation so that all stakeholders resume normal operations over a period of time. Some of the suggestions include extension of time limit for renewal of licenses, submission of returns under various labour enactment and extension of inspection related approvals upto June 30, 2020. The traders' body also sought permission to operate 12 hours shift for six months to reset production lines to a higher capacity and exemption to work compensatory days for the lock-down days. EFSI also suggested payment of 50 per cent of wages in respect of workers earning more than Rs 24,000. Srikanth suggested that the revision of Dearness Allowance with effect from April 1, 2020 be deferred by six months "We request the government to consider our recommendations as such relief is crucial for the growth of industry in the state and to provide employment to millions of citizens," he said. He suggested that the government consider an interactive session with senior industrialists through video conferencing to seek their views in order to revive economic activity in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A police officer's hand was chopped off with a sword in a brutal attack on Sunday by a group of Nihang Sikhs in Punjab on a team enforcing the 21-day coronavirus lockdown even as the Centre focused on plans to ease some restrictions during the likely extension of the unprecedented measure beyond April 14. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases inched closer to 9,000 with a total of 918 infections reported in the last 24 hours, On Sunday, there was a record increase of over 1,000 cases. Amid demands for ramping up health surveillance, the Centre said it is expanding the COVID-19 testing capacity in state-run as well as private medical colleges. The Punjab attack shortly after dawn in which three other men of the state police and a civilian were also injured happened when the Nihangs were asked to show curfew passes at a vegetable market in Sanaur town in Patiala district, police said. Eleven persons including five attackers were arrested hours later after an exchange of fire at Nihang Dera complex which also houses Gurdwara Khichdi Sahib at Balbera village, about 25 km from Patiala city, after the group fled from the scene of crime, police said.The incident happened around 6.15 am. A video clip on social media appears to show Assistant Sub Inspector(ASI) Harjeet Singh seeking help after his left hand was severed in the attack. A man picks up the portion of the hand that was ripped off and gives it to the officer who keeps it with him. He is then taken away from the scene on a two-wheeler. The ASI was rushed to a nearby local hospital and then referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh where he was undergoing surgery, police said. With a lockdown in place to contain the spread of COVID-19, barricades were put up outside the wholesale market and entry restricted to those with curfew passes. The Nihangs -- members of a Sikh sect whose adherents carry traditional arms and wear blue robes -- arrived in an SUV and were told to stop by mandi' officials, police said "They were asked to show passes. But they rammed the vehicle against the gate and the barricades," said Patiala's Senior Superintendent of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu. The group then attacked the police personnel and fled to the Gurdwara managed by them. The 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in place from March 25 in a bid to halt the spread of COVID-19 and is scheduled to end on Tuesday. Four states - Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab and Odisha - have already extended the coronavirus lockdown in their respective territories till April 30. The PTI tally of numbers reported by various states at 6.30 pm showed at least 8,933 positive coronavirus cases and 296 deaths. A total of 981 people have been cured and discharged so far. According to the latest Union Health Ministry update, as many as 918 COVID-19 cases and 34 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of such cases to 8,447 and the fatalities to 273. It said 765 people have so far recovered from the infection. The number of cases crossed 1,000 in Tamil Nadu which now joins Maharashtra and Delhi to have a maximum number of positive COVID-19 infections. The ministry also asserted that the government is "extra prepared" if there is an exponential rise in the number of coronavirus patients. Addressing a press briefing, Health Ministry's Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said the government is expanding the COVID-19 testing capacity in state-run as well as private medical colleges. "We are working on an urgent basis to expand the capacity for COVID-19 testing in government and private medical colleges across the country. Fourteen mentor institutes, including the AIIMS and NIMHANS, have been identified to mentor the medical colleges and expand the coronavirus testing capacity," he added. According to ICMR officials, a total of 1,86,906 samples have so far been tested across the country, of which 7,953 have been found positive for COVID-19. "In the last five days, on an average, 15,747 samples were tested per day and 584 of those were found to be positive per day," an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) official said at the press briefing A broad consensus has emerged that the national lockdown should be extended by at least two weeks after a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and state chief ministers on Saturday. Several chief ministers at the same time have pushed for resumption of some economic activities like in the farming sector in regions with no COVID-19 cases. The Centre in consultation with states is moving to restart economic activities in a graded manner in what is seen as a nuanced change in strategy from saving lives a month ago to saving lives as well as livelihoods now in the fight against the pandemic. It has sought inputs related to production, labour and logistics from clusters in five key sectors to ascertain expected output if they are made operational within a fortnight and procedural support required, official sources said. The five sectors are textiles, chemicals, electronics, steel and pharmaceutical, the sources said. States are likely to designate districts, towns and cities as red, orange and green zones depending upon the number of COVID-19 case as part of efforts to allow differentiated restoration of normalcy with conditions like uses of masks and social distancing in public. Union minister Nitin Gadkari said talks are underway with state governments to re-start highway construction projects where migrant labourers can be gainfully employed, In a video-conference with PTI, the road transport, highways and MSME minister said efforts are on for facilitating safe return of migrant labourers, an estimated 20 lakh of whom are in shelters pan-India. "I had a meeting with road sector officials. Work can be re-started at projects with condition that adequate measures are taken for safeguard against coronavirus. We have to follow guidelines. At some places collectors have given permission, some not. We are doing a follow up along with the chief secretaries of the states," the minister said. Gadkari's comments come against the backdrop of a report by the World Bank that migrants face a stark choice between potentially starving in urban centres without work or long and potentially fatal journeys over hundreds of miles to their home districts. In the report titled South Asia Economic Update: Impact of COVID-19, the report at the same time said migrant workers returning home could become vectors carrying the coronavirus to unaffected states and villages and that preliminary findings indicated in India many out-migration areas are likely to have COVID-19 cases. The Centre has asked the state and union territories to take welfare measures for the migrant labourers living in camps in different parts of the country that include food, shelter, medicine, mobile and video call facilities. The Bihar government also reached out and provided relief to over 5 lakh distressed residents of the state stranded in Delhi and other parts of the country, a senior official said in Patna. The Karnataka government said it is studying in-depth the consequences of possible relaxation of lockdown norms after April 14 and plans to come out with a clear roadmap in a day or two, according to Medical Education Minister Sudhakar K. Kerala, which was the first state in the country to report a coronavirus infection in late January, has prepared a time table for coming out of the lockdown and there would be district-specific strategies to tackle the situation while the number of cases are on the decline. Ramping up efforts to "stamp out" coronavirus cases in the state, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac told PTI that an exit strategy is being prepared and restrictions are being relaxed in certain segments, including agriculture. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A three-year-old kid suffering from flu and cough died in Jehanabad district allegedly after hospital authorities denied ambulance to shift him to Patna for treatment, officials said. The state health department swung in to action and asked for a detailed report from the district authorities after a video clip of the mother carrying his son in bewilderment on road was widely shared on social media. Taking note of the video clip, Jehanabad district magistrate Navin Kumar ordered an inquiry by an additional district magistrate rank officer and ordered suspension of the health manage of the Sadar hospital. We have recommended for penal action against two doctors and four nurses posted there on the charges of dereliction of their duties and callous approach towards the victims, said the DM. Rishus father, Girijesh said his son was down with cough and fever for the past few weeks and was admitted in Kurtha PHC. He took Rishu to Jehanabad Sadar Hospital after Rishus condition deteriorated on Thursday. Sadar hospital doctors asked us to rush Rishu to Patna Medical College and Hospital. They advised to shift the boy on oxygen in an ambulance. But, hospital refused to let us use ambulance... and the boy died,said Girijesh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Subhash Pathak Subhash Pathak is special correspondent of Hindustan Times with over 15 years of experience in journalism, covering issues related to governance, legislature, police, Maoism, urban and road infrastructure of Bihar and Jharkhand. ...view detail 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. For latest updates on coronavirus outbreak, click here 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 a 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. Amid the lockdown that started on March 25, theres something a lot of us might not have given much thought to - how the differently-abled community is coping with it. How are they getting through the day given the new reality of a lockdown? What about the institutional obstruction the lockdown is causing them? And is the government taken enough steps to resolve their issues? Lets face it, in a country where provisions for the disabled people are still rudimentary, a lockdown-like the situation is only going to complicate their lives ten folds. The lockdown has led to a near non-availability of personal protection equipment, poor supplies of medicines and unavailability of support staff - all of these aspects have compounded the problem for disabled people. By now, its common knowledge that COVID-19 is extremely dangerous for people with underlying health conditions. The WHO, which is currently at the forefront of the COVID-19 response, spoke about how people with disability are the most vulnerable when it comes to contracting the virus, purely because of specific disabilities or chronic conditions they might already have. One of the most important aspects of the nation-wide lockdown is social distancingbut for people with disabilities, social distancing is simply not a viable option. For instance, if nursing care is required round the clock. the person with a disability would be at constant risk of a viral infection, assuming the caregiver would at some point also be required at the hospital for help. Its a vicious circle and something thats not been given too much attention. Disabled people speak up Reuters/Picture For Representation In the wake of the lockdown, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment directed the law enforcement authorities across the country to give people with disabilities priority in treatment; help their caregivers reach them without any problems, and help with their daily supplies in the midsts of the lockdown. Despite the supposed government provisions, the ground reality seems entirely different. People with disabilities have taken to social media to highlight the fact the required assistance is not being provided to them. Take for instance the tweet below by Virali Desai - a Mumbai-based motivational speaker who wrote, Im disabled and I live alone, I need my maid who cooks and does other physiological care for me. Due to the virus, she wont be able to come. What do we do about these situations?' Im disabled and I live alone, I need my maid who cooks and does other physiological care for me. Due to the virus, she wont be able to come. What do we do about these situations? @MumbaiPolice @MoHFW_INDIA #CoronavirusLockdown Virali Modi (@Virali01) March 24, 2020 Virali Modi, who is wheelchair-bound, started a petition on Change.org, addressed to home minister Amit Shah and Social Justice and Empowerment minister Thaawarchand Gehlot, saying there is need for the government to lay focus on issuing permits to caregivers helping the disabled across the country. 'During the three weeks of lockdown, persons with disabilities would require guidance to navigate to the hospital, medical stores or places to fetch essential commodities. The government needs to be mindful of our restrictions', her petition reads. After Viral Modis tweet went viral, the Mumbai Police responded and immediately resolved her problem. The issue is that there are many like Virali who perhaps, won't tweet or start a petition. That does not mean they shouldn't get the help and assistance they require. Social distancing poses challenges for people with disabilities as many are highly dependent on carers pic.twitter.com/ebWQ2WUnXX TRT World (@trtworld) March 23, 2020 As the lockdown continues, a volley of major problems have come to the fore - for instance, regular sanitising, getting food and other essential commodities, isnt an easy task for people with disabilities. Nipun Malhotra (with a rare congenital disability) posted a video on challenges during coronavirus outbreak. Somebody like me cannot practice social distancing because I am dependent on others for my basic physiological need, I cannot even wash my hands, because I am dependent on somebody else, who would wash my hands which itself is a physical touch, he said. A crisis thats been brewing for years According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Statistics, 2.2 per cent of Indias population is disabled. Social distancing by maintaining at least a metres distance from each other, has merely doubled the stigmatisation the disabled community faces on a daily basis. Take for instance this case of over 10 deaf and mute workers who were stranded in Gurgaon factories post the 22nd March Janta Curfew. They had no means to communicate and the helpline numbers provided by the government in this crisis were of no use to them. According to The New Indian Express report, a group of four Madhya Pradesh natives first made video calls to two of their acquaintances in Indore, who knew sign language, and explained their plight to them on phone in sign language. Speaking to the daily, sign language expert, Purohit, said there could be more such persons stuck in Gurgaon and elsewhere in the country and the district administration should pro-actively look for means to communicate with people who need a specific sort of assistance. The need of the hour From public footpaths, hospitals with no ramps, inaccessible public transport and lack of public restrooms for the disabled, pertinent issues that await a concrete solution in cities across the country. At this hour of crisis, the government must address these issues. Satendra Singha doctor at GTB Hospital in Delhi and disability rights activistsent a letter to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, on March 22, saying that a lot of the COVID-19 measures are not disabled-friendly. A Hindustan Times report quoted Dr Satendra Singh's letter, which stated many health-care professionals who have a disability are being forced to work. The letter read, Disabled doctors also face a lot of problems navigating, because they need to hold on to railings will walk which makes them susceptible to catching infections'. 'Professionals with disabilities may be exempted while performing Aerosol-Generating Procedures, work restriction and sick leave policies for them should be non-punitive, flexible, and consistent with disability accommodations as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016', the letter sent on March 22, read. There are organisations who are doing their bit to provide care for the disabled. The Blind People's Association has initiated a project named 'Helping Hands', under which they provide grocery kits to poor disabled people affected by the lockdown. A Facebook post read, 'The kit comprises 5 kg rice, 1kg tuver daal, 1 kg Mung daal, 3 kg Wheat flour, and 1 ltr oil. It cost 400 rs per kit. I request you to extend your support to this cause. You can donate online through'. In an interview with Indiatimes, Baikunth Roy, an Assistant Professor of Economics at Pataliputra University said, "All of us at some point get disabled, take for instance people at their old age. For people like these the government should have taken more pro-active steps in prioritising and safeguarding their interests. Roy added, "Theres a very little perspective on the ways COVID-19 could affect the lives of the disabled community. Something as simple as hand-washing or basic precautions can be a task for people with disability. They cannot move about and understand the situation the way normal people would." The government should have taken steps early on, for instance, under the Jan-Dhan Yojana, they could have increased the allowance for the disabled community, Public distribution system could have take steps to increase the special allowance for the disabled, Roy told Indiatimes. Roy, who is also pursuing a PhD on the economics of disability in JNU, emphasised that the problem lies with the implementation of policies. He said, The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued the first advisory as late as March 5, 2020, and the document did have comprehensive disability-inclusive guidelines but the loophole lie in the implementation. "The government must aim at launching an accessible web portal for the disabled to disseminate information related to the coronavirus crisis in regional languages," said Roy. Over and above the measures suggested above, Roy hopes for an efficient door-step delivery at affordable rates for the disabled, separate rehabilitation and quarantine centres and special training for health professionals to deal with disabled. At a personal level, this is the right time to show support for those who need help. If you ever see a disabled person trying to navigate his or her way to an ATM, market or even hospital, do everything to lend a helping hand, even the smallest gesture will aid in blurring the line of discrimination. Gov. Andy Beshear directed Kentucky State Police to record license plate numbers of people who showed up to church serves on Easter. AP Photo/Bruce Schreiner A church in Hillview, Kentucky held an in-person Easter Sunday service despite the state's Healthy at Home order that prohibits mass gatherings. About 50 people attended the service, according to the Courier-Journal. At the request of Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky state police recorded the license plate numbers of those who attended the church service and gave them notices that required them to quarantine for two weeks. Nails had been spread in the parking lot, according to the report. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories Kentucky State Police on Sunday recorded license plate numbers and placed notices on vehicles outside a church in the city of Hillview after it refused to cancel an in-person Easter celebration on Sunday and violated the state's "Healthy at Home" order, which banned mass gatherings. Approximately 50 people attended an in-person Easter Sunday service at the Maryville Baptist Church, according to a report from the Courier-Journal. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear had announced Friday he would direct state police to record the license plate numbers of people who violated the social distancing order on Easter. The notices police placed on vehicles said the state would pursue "further enforcement measures" against those who did not heed the warning to quarantine for two weeks. "This is the only way we can ensure that your decision doesn't kill someone else," Beshear said Friday. Beshear had warned anyone attending a gathering would face a misdemeanor charge of violating the state's emergency order, though it's not clear if police planned to charge those who were at the service. The governor had said previously he wasn't interested in putting a "padlock" on church doors or arresting church pastors, according to the Courier-Journal. Kentucky State Police did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. Story continues Churches around the country threatened to violate state-ordered social distancing orders to gather for service on Easter Sunday. Still, according to the Courier-Journal, "several" of the people who received the notices from police said they did not plan to partake in the governor's mandated 14-day period of quarantine for people who violated social distancing. "Everybody has to do what they feel comfortable with," Jack Roberts, the church's pastor, said in the parking lot hours before service started. According to the Courier-Journal, Roberts covered his license plate number, though police still placed the quarantine notice on his car. The pastor did not tell his congregation whether they follow or defy the orders the 14-day quarantine order, the report said. Someone had placed piles of nails in the entrances to the church's parking lot on Sunday, though Roberts had cleaned them up before the people who attended the Sunday service arrived, according to the report. Sgt. Josh Lawson of the Kentucky State Police told the Kentucky newspaper he could not say what police would do with the license plate numbers it collected, though he confirmed he was doing so at Beshear's direction. Other than the incident at Maryville Baptist Church, Lawson told the Courier-Journal state police had responded to between "two and five complaints" about church services throughout the state. None of the other calls had resulted in violations, he said. Most calls involved outdoor services in parking lots, which were permitted by the governor. Read the original article on Insider A 25-year-old man, who in a TikTok video ridiculed the use of masks for protection against COVID-19, has tested positive for the disease in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, an official said on Sunday. Authorities at the hospital where he is admitted had to seize his mobile phone as he kept posting more videos from the isolation facility even after testing positive. His condition is stable, Sagar's Government Bundelkhand Medical College Dean Dr G S Patel told PTI. In one of the videos, apparently shot after the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, the man was purportedly seen sitting on a bike and when someone asked him to wear a mask, he dismissed it saying, Is kapde ke tukde par kya bharosa rakhna, rakhna hai to us upar wale par rakho (why to trust a piece of cloth, keep faith in God). In later part of the video, he was seen throwing a piece of cloth in the air while the song 'Faya Kun, Faya Kun', from the movie "Rockstar" played in the background. Patel said the man came to the government hospital with complaints of cough and fever and tested positive for coronavirus on Friday. This is the first COVID-19 case reported from Sagar district, the official said, adding that the man does not have any travel history. Even after testing positive for the disease, he posted a video on TikTok from the isolation facility of the hospital where he is admitted. In this video, he was seen sporting a mask and asking people to pray for him. "Following complaint that the coronavirus patient shot the video from the quarantine centre and uploaded it through internet, we took his mobile phone in our custody," Patel said. After the man uploaded these videos on TikTok, several people mocked him for making fun of the mask. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When the victim left her friends to catch a train to her home in Nunawading, he approached her and agreed to drive her home. She told police she believes they drove for about an hour, before the man got petrol, and then continued driving for another 20 minutes. Suddenly, the man stopped the car on a deserted dirt road. The teen was blindfolded and gagged, and driven further away. The man raped the teenage girl, then threatened to kill her. She was left on the dirt road and the man fled in his car. The teen was able to reach a nearby road where a car with a couple inside stopped to help her. They drove her back to the Melbourne CBD and the teenager got medical help at the Queen Victoria Hospital, which no longer exists. Loading She then reported the incident to police. Even so, despite an investigation at the time, no-one has ever been arrested or charged over the rape. There is no DNA evidence relating to the offender, so police must now try other lines of inquiry. Key to the investigation is the couple who picked up the teenager after the brutal attack. When we are talking about 38 years ago, we are relying on witness testimony and accounts. We dont have the CCTV, we dont have the modern-day luxuries we have now. Thats why its so important to find these people, Detective Inspector Goldrick says. This is something that would stand out in someones memory. Theres a good chance that theyll remember this. And it might just be that final piece of the puzzle that will help us solve this matter. Police have little description of the couple, only that they were older than the victim but not elderly. If you saw someone on the side of the road, youre never going to forget that. Youre never going to forget driving a traumatised woman to the CBD, Detective Inspector Goldrick says. They are probably curious all these years later about what actually happened. While there have been persons of interest over the years, she says there isnt enough information to point to a firm suspect. The case is one of about 40 currently being looked at by the cold case unit within the sexual crimes squad of Victoria Police. The team, made up of eight detectives, was started in 2012. It is focused on finding closure for victims, even if the offence occurred decades ago. They are working on many crimes reported over the 1980s and 1990s. Sexual Crimes Squad Cold Case Unit Currently working on 40 unsolved matters Range in date from 1980 until recently Eight detectives If something is unsolved, we will never put it to the side. We will always keep it there and reinvestigate at every opportunity ... nothing is ever closed unless it is actually solved, Detective Inspector Goldrick says. It is important to bring someone to justice no matter how long its between the crime. And sometimes when we connect someone to one crime we will connect them to other crimes. Just this week, a 58-year-old man was arrested in Mill Park, in Melbournes north, and charged with the rape and kidnap of two teenage girls in St Kilda in 1987. We need to make sure that we bring these people to justice so the community is safe. We dont want them living in the community without knowing who they are. Changes to DNA legislation last year in Victoria allowed police to take swabs from those suspected of a serious crime without a court order. This is leading to a greater database of profiles against which old cases can be tested. Weve had some really good solves out of that unit, Detective Inspector McGoldrick says. With the DNA legislation, we can take DNA off a lot more people than we could before for a variety of reasons. So that means obviously were getting more samples and starting to capture a lot more DNA, and with that comes a lot more solvability. Theres so much change, it would be difficult to establish exactly how much change has occurred in 38 years of policing. The opportunities to solve things are so much better. The 1982 rape is one of the older cases currently being looked at by the unit. Detective Inspector Goldrick says it has had a lifelong impact on the woman, who has since moved interstate. It was very traumatic. She has suffered greatly as a result of this matter. I think if we managed to solve this it would give her a feeling of safety and closure that she doesnt currently have, she says. In a short statement provided to The Age, the victim said: This incident has had a huge impact on my life. Im really pleased that Victoria Police is still looking at this after all these years. As the world grapples with shortages of key supplies needed in the fight against COVID-19, Manitoba is looking within its own borders to start pumping out a new kind of reusable N95 mask, designed here in the province. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/4/2020 (639 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. As the world grapples with shortages of key supplies needed in the fight against COVID-19, Manitoba is looking within its own borders to start pumping out a new kind of reusable N95 mask, designed here in the province. On Saturday, the province put out a request for proposals looking for businesses interested in producing the new masks, which were designed by a team of researchers at the Health Sciences Centre. The masks feature a 3D-printed silicone base, which can be fitted with filter discs that are rated N95 or better. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES "As much as possible, we want made-in-Manitoba solutions," Manitoba's chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa said. The filter material by itself is easier to acquire than traditional N95 masks, Manitoba chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa said on Saturday. N95 masks recently became a political flashpoint after U.S. President Donald Trump moved to bar manufacturer 3M from exporting them to buyers in Canada and other regions. The disruption left Canadian jurisdictions scrambling to find other sources. "Last week was particularly challenging and a bit of a wake-up call that we cannot rely on our typical processes," Siragusa said. "Like other jurisdictions, Manitobas supply stockpile has been significantly impacted by global pressures, and requires a co-ordinated effort." The province doesnt yet have a target number for how many of the new, locally-made masks theyd like to acquire, Siragusa said. That will depend on how many businesses express interest, she said, and what their capabilities are. "We would like to say lots, " she said. "We really dont want to rely on outside sources. As much as possible, we want made-in-Manitoba solutions. I just think thats our best bet for getting through the weeks and months ahead." For interested businesses, the request for proposals can be found at manitoba.ca/covid19/business. The new plea is the latest in a series of efforts to stockpile key pandemic supplies. Currently, the province is working with more than 600 vendors to obtain what it needs from the market, Siragusa said. These include Canada Goose, which has adapted its Winnipeg apparel factories to make hospital gowns. Those efforts come against a backdrop of ongoing concern from front-line workers, including nurses and home care staff, about the availablity of personal protective equipment. Acknowledging those concerns, Siragusa emphasized that pandemic response leaders are committed to getting workers what they need to operate safely. 'The generosity of Manitobans is unequalled. I know that every member of our health-care workers, our teams, joins me in saying 'thank you' Chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa "I dont doubt theres challenges," Siragusa said. "When those challenges arise, we need you to make sure that your voices are heard, and to know your concerns are important. We want to hear if there are challenges. We want you to talk to your managers. We want you to be part of the solution." Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Since calling on the community to donate supplies, the province has received a great deal of donations from private businesses and even schools, Siragusa said. Those supplies included gloves, hand sanitizer and other key needs. "The generosity of Manitobans is unequalled," Siragusa said. "I know that every member of our health-care workers, our teams, joins me in saying thank you." There are other ways the public can help Manitobas pandemic response. The province will soon look to expand the number of qualified volunteers deployed to support regional operations, Siragusa said. Currently, volunteers are helping out at testing sites, call centres and other programs. In the coming weeks, the province will be expanding those opportunities to include administrative work and even some duties requiring face-to-face interaction with patients. Volunteers will be screened for COVID-19, as well as other potential illness. Those living in Winnipeg who are interested in volunteering can learn more here. Folks living outside the city can contact their regional health authority. melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca The coronavirus is not just a threat. Its an opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic offers every smoker and vaper with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to quit: a wake-up call. The novel virus causes a respiratory disease thats worse with lungs that are already vulnerable, whether because of age or disease. Lungs are also made vulnerable by smoking and vaping. Recent wake-up calls began on Feb. 28 when a Chinese Medical Journal article reported that smoking increased the risk of becoming sicker by 14 times. On March 11, a Lancet article reported that more men in China were infected by the virus than women, while reminding us that Chinese men smoke at a much higher rate than women according to the World Bank, 48 per cent of Chinese men smoke while only 1.9 per cent of women do. A 2003 study of the SARS coronavirus and a 2016 study of the MERS coronavirus found that smoking was associated with the illnesses caused by the viruses. That smoking and vaping would be a problem for COVID-19 patients isnt surprising. Smoking and vaping bring hot chemical-filled vapour into the lungs, inflaming the cells. The hot vapour harms the hairlike cleaners in the lungs, preventing them from efficiently moving mucus and other debris out. Smoking and vaping also impede the lungs defence system, operated by white blood cells and lymphocytes. The addictive property in the chemical soup, nicotine, also harms lung cells. Vaping products usually contain nicotine and sometimes vitamin E acetate, which has been associated with severe lung injury. Most vapers surveyed by Statistics Canada considered vaping less harmful than cigarette smoking. But like smoking, vaping makes the lungs more vulnerable to COVID-19. Young vapers often share a vaping device. Because the virus can be transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces, shared vapes will facilitate transmission. Both smoking and vaping involving repetitive movement from hand to mouth, creating a transmission route for the virus. Many physicians want tobacco and vape sales banned, including a U.S. association of family doctors who seek to lessen the impact and progression of this serious virus on those who contract it. Perhaps feeling the threat, the Canadian Vaping Association is claiming that selling vaping products is an essential service during the pandemic. Whereas physicians and scientists are science-based, merchants arent. As a tobacco researcher says about reducing COVID-19 risk, Its very sensible to stop insulting your lungs. Now is the time to quit. The benefits arrive almost immediately. So how can a person addicted to nicotine through smoking or vaping seize the opportunity to quit that COVID-19 presents? Your pharmacist will help combat nicotine addiction in a manner that doesnt require inhaling heated liquids. Strategies include chewing gum, patches, a nicotine spray or an inhaler and gradually reduced doses of nicotine. Other health-care professionals are ready to provide advice and support. A Government of Canada website links to provincial and territorial help. For teens and young people, now is a great opportunity to quit vaping because the required physical distancing reduces the peer pressure that might have initiated vaping. Now is the time to stop smoking and vaping. Health-care professionals are eager to help. Contact them. She's been spending lockdown with her boyfriend Max Fredrik Darnton and her daughter India, three. And while Binky Felstead might have been missing her family during the coronavirus pandemic, she was determined to make the best of things. The 29-year-old Made In Chelsea star shared a sweet snap of herself cosying up to her partner as they enjoyed a film night on Saturday. Quiet Easter: Binky shared a sweet snap of herself cosying up to her boyfriend Max Fredrik Darnton as they enjoyed a film night on Saturday Raising a glass of bubbly together, the duo looked loved up as they settled in for a quiet evening. Binky also posted some pictures of herself enjoying the sunshine at her idyllic home. Modelling a black crop top and matching leggings, the TV personality showed off her toned figure as she made the most of the sunshine. She later posed next to her beautiful Easter wreath, having changed into a skirt and bandeau top. Radiant: Binky also posted some pictures of herself enjoying the sunshine at her home Idyllic: She later posed next to her beautiful Easter wreath, having changed into a skirt and bandeau top Cute: Binky has been enjoying spending quality time with her daughter India, two, in lockdown 'Happy Easter Weekend all!! Time for some choccy & chilling #easterwreath #easter', she wrote. Last week, Binky shared a sweet video of India and Max doing yoga together on Instagram on Friday. She couldn't contain her delight as she filmed the pair bonding, with the youngster attempting to mimic the downward facing dog pose. Cute: Last week, Binky shared a sweet video of India and Max doing yoga together on Instagram on Friday An amused Binky said: 'She was supposed to be going to bed with me' as she watched the pair go through their yoga routine while Max laughed. India looked adorable in a pastel pink shirt and rainbow tulle skirt as she got into the workout. Earlier in the day Binky showed off her gym-honed frame in a tiny patterned crop-top as she prepared to lead a live workout for fans. Toned: Binky also showed off her gym-honed frame in a tiny patterned crop-top as she prepared to lead a live workout for fans Binky and Max, who is managing director at a global executive search and consulting firm, have been in a relationship since last January after meeting at countryside private members' club Soho Farmhouse. In November, the couple took the next step by buying a home together in Barnes, west London, where they live with Binky's daughter, who she raises alongside her Made In Chelsea co-star ex-boyfriend Josh 'JP' Patterson, 30. The reality star recently admitted the relationship is so serious that she and Max have already discussed having children in the not too distant future. She told MailOnline in an interview last November: 'I think you always want what you are one of. I am one of three, so I've always had three in my head girl, boy, girl.' Cute: The Made In Chelsea star, 29, couldn't contain her delight as she filmed India and Max bonding, with the youngster attempting to mimic the downward facing dog pose Family: An amused Binky said: 'She was supposed to be going to bed with me' as she watched the pair go through their yoga routine while Max laughed Asked whether she could see this happening with Max, Binky replied: 'I wouldnt be mentioning it [my relationship with Max] if I didn't think it had any legs. He is really great. I am very happy.' Binky appeared on Made In Chelsea from its first episode in 2010 through to 2017, during which time she met fellow star JP. She and ex JP dated on and off from the summer of 2015, when they got together during the Made In Chelsea spin-off season in Los Angeles, to September 2018 when they confirmed their split. But the reality star admitted it is refreshing to be in a relationship with someone who isn't in the public eye. Romance: Binky and Max, who is managing director at a global executive search and consulting firm, have been in a relationship since last January after meeting at countryside private members' club Soho Farmhouse She told MailOnline: 'He [Max] is just amazing. The first thing I told him was that I'm a mum when he asked me what I did. 'He is a businessman, he isn't really into being in the public eye, he just likes to get on with his own stuff. 'He has a firm he runs in Asia. He is very different. He has a different thing to what I have going on which is nice. 'He's very supportive, he gets me, he makes me laugh, we have a giggle and we take the mick out of each other.' Happier times: Binky shares India with ex boyfriend Joshua Patterson, who she split from in September 2018 (pictured May 2018) Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has provided more information on the first case of coronavirus in Kano State. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Saturday night that Kano recorded its first case of the deadly disease. The NCDC does not, however, provide details of infected persons. However before the NCDC announced the Kano case, Mr Ganduje addressed journalists where he provided information on the patient. A 75-year-old retiree and a former ambassador who travelled to Kaduna, Abuja and Lagos and came back to Kano on 25th March. He was not feeling fine for the last few days and voluntarily invited our medical team, who took 10 samples. After the sample was returned, it (was) found out that he is positive while the other nine (samples) were negative. It is confirmed today that we have a positive case of COVID-19 in Kano. He has no history of travelling abroad in the last six weeks. Also, his medical report shows that he has a heart problem which aggravated his case, he said. Mr Ganduje said the patient is currently at Kwanar Dawaki isolation centre receiving medical attention. What we are doing now is tracing all his contacts. Samples were also taken from some of those who had contacts with him, he said. READ ALSO: The samples taken, according to the governor, were taken to the just commissioned Kano testing centre, at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Mr Ganduje ordered the immediate closure of the private hospital where the patient first visited when he was ill. Not business as usual The Kano governor also told residents to be prepared to make sacrifices to ensure the virus does not spread. Members of the public should know that, business is not as usual. Movement must be restricted. Tricycle operators must take only one passenger, Mr Ganduje said. Kano is one of the states in Nigeria that has not enforced movement restrictions or limited public gatherings. On Friday, congregational Jumat prayers held in most mosques while markets are still open as usual. Mr Ganduje, however, said his administration was consulting on its next steps. Meetings with Islamic scholars and market leaders are holding soonest, before any decisions are reached, he said. We must take measures that are absolutely necessary, however, hard they appeared to be, he added. It is better to bear with hard measures than to just go and die. It is, therefore, necessary for all to know that, social distancing and all other medical advice are absolutely necessary. We have all the protective items for our frontline health workers. We are also looking at some special packages for our frontline health workers: doctors, nurses and lab technicians among others. Kanos index case was one of the 13 new coronavirus cases the NCDC announced on Saturday. Nigeria now has 318 confirmed cases including 10 deaths and 70 recoveries. President Volodymyr Zelensky inherited the poorest country in Europe, torn apart by an ethnic conflict fueled by a plethora of incompatibilities. The war completely destroyed its economic base in the east and the annexation of Crimea deprived Ukraine of income from natural gas, tourism, and wine production. The defining characteristics of that time were chaos, uncertainty, instability, and theft of the state treasury and natural resources. The whole country was rotten with incompetence and endemic corruption. In the exultant atmosphere of the presidential elections, the country was looking to overcome its past and was energized by confidence in its future. Zelenskys ambition of turning his dysfunctional country into the envy of Western Europe was to be fostered by American economic assistance and foreign investments. For a fleeting moment, after very successful interactions with President Donald Trump, it seemed like he was succeeding. Yet just eight months after the inauguration, the exuberant optimism faded away and exhilaration turned into paralysis. No American economic aid has been coming and optimism about foreign investment has not materialized. So, what went wrong? Widespread corruption is the major impediment to economic assistance and foreign investment. Since 2014 some $22.4 billion was provided by the EU, and loans and grants from Washington, for an annual average of nearly $4.5 billion -- comparable to the U.S. annual aid to Israel, and theres little to show for it. Though Zelensky deserves high marks for building the anti-corruption political consensus, replacement of a corrupt bureaucracy and enacting the anti-corruption legislation, there was a failure to understand the nature and scope of the challenges arrayed against him. As French economist and author Frederic Bastiat warned ominously, When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men in a society, over the course of time they create for themselves a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it. Indeed, corruption isnt people -- corruption is a system. It should be noted that this is a state system. Governments by their very nature are institutions of corruption, and nowhere is it more true than in Ukraine. The modern state system of Ukraine is inherited from the Soviet Union and its economy largely controlled by the state bureaucracy, which is always and everywhere subordinates to one single goal -- its own enrichment. The previous administration made extensive use of this and elevated corruption and personal enrichment to an end in itself in power. This era of crime in law left a heavily embedded smell in society. Thus the replacement of staff and the declarations of intent would not alleviate Trumps concern that American assistance could be squandered or wasted. The eradication of corruption, however, requires the reorganization of the existing system of state administration of the economy, reducing the influence of the bureaucracy, the destruction of clan oligarchic structures, upholding the laws and strengthening the moral principles of society. This monumental task would take time and serious investment. In short, without reorganization, there is no money, and without money, there is no reorganization. Within this context, the emphasis should temporarily shift from suppressing corruption nationwide to implementing an anti-corruption system for individual projects. The strategy is to limit the governments involvement to the selection of strategic projects and, at the same time, to cut the government agencies off from contract awards and management of cash flow and bleed corruption over time. Indeed, wrapping American economic assistance in an anti-corruption shell can be done quickly and efficiently. Therefore: The government bureaucracy must be prevented from the administration of foreign aid. The administration of foreign aid and investment portfolios shall be turned to a reputable American management company with experience in the region and a track record of fighting corruption. The very fact that the assets are managed by an American entity subjected to an audit by the American tax and law enforcement agencies will ensure the transparency of the project(s) execution and convince the U.S. Congress and the business world that Ukraine has established an effective mechanism that alleviates any notion of improprieties. Ultimately, success in such an effort will depend on the ability of the Ukrainian government to manage Ukrainian-American relations in the near term. Since the U.S. aid and project financings are key components of American foreign policy, politics and financial aid are merged into a single construct that is in constant flux. Given this reality, the relationship must be cultivated, particularly in dealing with Donald Trump. A sense of common mission, unity of objectives and intangible psychological momentum of personal relations play an important role. In the face of a direct threat from Russia, economic assistance needs to be requested not primarily on the ground of potential financial breakdown, as it stands now, but as a sensible method of locking democratic gains. The stakes are high and the future of Ukraine as a unitary state is in the balance. Alexander G. Markovsky is a senior fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, a conservative think tank that examines national security, energy, risk-analysis and other public policy issues. He is the author of Anatomy of a Bolshevik and Liberal Bolshevism: America Did Not Defeat Communism, She Adopted It. Mr. Markovsky is the owner and CEO of Litwin Management Services, LLC. He can be reached at info@litwinms.com We're definitely into long term investing, but some companies are simply bad investments over any time frame. It hits us in the gut when we see fellow investors suffer a loss. For example, we sympathize with anyone who was caught holding Sitoy Group Holdings Limited (HKG:1023) during the five years that saw its share price drop a whopping 91%. We also note that the stock has performed poorly over the last year, with the share price down 75%. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 58% in the last 90 days. This could be related to the recent financial results - you can catch up on the most recent data by reading our company report. We really feel for shareholders in this scenario. It's a good reminder of the importance of diversification, and it's worth keeping in mind there's more to life than money, anyway. Check out our latest analysis for Sitoy Group Holdings There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS). During the five years over which the share price declined, Sitoy Group Holdings's earnings per share (EPS) dropped by 34% each year. This change in EPS is reasonably close to the 38% average annual decrease in the share price. This implies that the market has had a fairly steady view of the stock. So it's fair to say the share price has been responding to changes in EPS. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). SEHK:1023 Past and Future Earnings April 12th 2020 Dive deeper into Sitoy Group Holdings's key metrics by checking this interactive graph of Sitoy Group Holdings'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 is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, Sitoy Group Holdings's TSR for the last 5 years was -87%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! Story continues A Different Perspective We regret to report that Sitoy Group Holdings shareholders are down 74% for the year (even including dividends) . Unfortunately, that's worse than the broader market decline of 16%. However, it could simply be that the share price has been impacted by broader market jitters. It might be worth keeping an eye on the fundamentals, in case there's a good opportunity. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 33% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. 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. Case in point: We've spotted 5 warning signs for Sitoy Group Holdings you should be aware of, and 1 of them is concerning. We will like Sitoy Group Holdings 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 HK exchanges. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. China refutes U.S. comments on WHO, Taiwan as "fact-distorting" People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:16, April 11, 2020 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Billions around the world celebrated Easter Sunday from lockdown at home as the pope urged solidarity to fight the coronavirus pandemic and the European death toll from the virus topped 75,000. Unprecedented scenes of empty churches emerged from Italy to Panama and the Philippines, as religious leaders found creative ways to address parishioners marking the holiday weekend from the confines of their homes. More than half the world -- over four billion people -- are in lockdown worldwide as governments scramble to halt the pandemic's deadly march across the globe. The death toll from the virus soared past 109,000 this weekend, with more than 1.7 million reported infections globally. Europe is by far the hardest-hit continent and on Sunday marked a grave milestone with more than 75,000 dead, according to an AFP tally. The United States was quickly emerging as a hotspot as well, and on Saturday marked its own grim landmark: more than 20,000 dead, out of around half a million infected. The US now has the highest death toll and the most cases out of any country in the world. Speaking from a near-empty Saint Paul's Cathedral, Pope Francis' Easter Sunday message was largely focused on the pandemic, offering prayers for the ill and urging a united European front to fight the pandemic. "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 livestreamed message beamed around the world. He called for European "solidarity" in the face of the virus, adding: "After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again." The pope had earlier urged creativity to mark the holy weekend -- a call that appears to have been met by some of the world's two billion-plus Christians. In Panama an archbishop blessed his nation from a helicopter, while worshippers in Spain blasted music from their balconies and US President Donald Trump said he would be among those following Easter services online. In a church north of the Philippines capital Manila, hundreds of pictures of parishioners were taped to pews as a priest held a Sunday service to a near-empty room. "Those photos are the representations of the people who are watching and attending mass through livestreaming, so 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." As virus-tinged Easter celebrations were held worldwide, leaders in some hard-hit countries expressed cautious optimism the number of deaths and infections could be starting to peak. Spain saw its daily death toll drop for three days straight -- but on Sunday reported a slight spike again with 619 fresh fatalities. And though Italy was nearing the 20,000 dead mark, its daily death toll and rate of new infections has started to level off. In France, newly reported coronavirus deaths fell by one-third from Friday to 635 on Saturday. "A very high plateau for the epidemic appears to have been reached, but the epidemic remains very active," said French health official Jerome Salomon, urging people to remain vigilant. In the United States, New Orleans and hardest hit New York saw a slowdown in the number of new infections, deaths and hospitalisations, offer a shred of hope. Trump said this past week that the disease was near its peak in the US and he was considering ways to re-open the world's biggest economy as soon as possible. "We look like we'll be coming in on the very, very low side, below the lowest side of the curve of death," Trump said in an interview with Fox In Britain, the death toll continued to mount and fatalities are likely to soon top 10,000. Virus-stricken Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from hospital Sunday after he was admitted for coronavirus last Sunday, and spent three days in intensive care. He praised his medical team Sunday before he left hospital. "I can't thank them enough. I owe them my life," said 55-year-old Johnson. There were worrying signs the virus could be taking hold in new -- and vulnerable -- parts of the world, from the crowded slums of Mexico City, Nairobi and Mumbai to conflict hotspots in the Middle East. Conflict-wracked Yemen reported its first case last week, sparking dire warnings from aid workers about the burden an outbreak could have on an already ravaged healthcare system. And 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 were confirmed. All shops, except pharmacies, were closed near so-called "containment zones" to limit the number of people in public spaces. "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 just because they don't display symptoms," a local official spokesman Khabale-Patil said. Many experts and the World Health Organization are cautioning countries against lifting lockdown measures too quickly to avoid a second wave of infections. China, where the virus first emerged at the end of last year in the central city of Wuhan, has seen in increase in imported infections as it starts to ease strict lockdown measures. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) What will the impact of mental health be during the COVID-19 pandemic? I implore Medicare and all major health carriers to consider offering copay-free and fully covered mental health sessions with qualified psychologists and therapists. As the scientific world rightfully triages the lungs, the heart, the brain and other vital organ systems, it is easy to forget the perpetual impact this pandemic may have on the mental health of all Americans. The constant bombardment of pandemic news on mainstream media, social media, and the need of social distancing can feel like a cloud of anxiety reminiscent to the fog that often covers San Francisco. This cloud can weigh even heavier to those who are directly impacted financially, in health, and in relationships due to the pandemic. Joseph Hong, Oakland Sense of community Regarding Bay Area life will never be the same after this (Page One, April 5): The article encouraged me to uplift some community love. Its not an ideal time to be a senior at UC Berkeley: entering the workforce in a major recession, worriedly pressing family members for health updates, and losing my two part-time jobs as a lab assistant and bartender. The future seems bleak, and the article reminded me that the precious life as we knew it wont be quick to return. At the same time, Im surprisingly OK. I owe it to my six housemates in our four-bedroom home. One of them experienced the closure of his neuroscience lab during the critical data gathering stage. Two years of meticulous work gone to waste as well as his sense of contribution to the world. Weeks later, he remarked that he is finding purpose again, but not in the numbers or data. Its in the community around him: from caretaking and cooking to neighborhood walks and sharing employment options. I tend to agree. Perhaps, loving the ones we are with (given reasonable financial security and safe relationships) will be our saving grace. Emma Strand, Berkeley Proud of state, Newsom I have never been so proud of California and Gov. Gavin Newsom than I am today. California is doing the hard and correct work to shelter in place. Newsom is obtaining the critical supplies we need and also sharing them with our sister states. I hope the partnerships he is forging today with other governors will not only defeat this invisible enemy, but that these partnerships with states will also be used in the future to defeat another even more deadly invisible enemy: climate change. Imagine what we could do if we had a partner in White House. Steven Goldberg, Santa Rosa Disheartening response As the daughter of a career naval seaman who survived the bombing at Pearl Harbor, I was appalled at the dismissal of Capt. Brett Crozier following his attempt to protect his crew from COVID-19. Crozier, like my dads commander, was working to ensure the health and safety of his officers and crew from a stealthy and deadly enemy so that they could continue their mission. For the Navy to construe that he failed to follow proper chain of command in that effort is disheartening. Current and future servicemen and servicewomen will wonder if their superiors really do have their back. Jan Bonfilio, San Rafael Violated code of conduct It would appear that many of those who have criticized the Navy for dismissing Capt. Brett Crozier from his command have never served in the military. I admire Crozier for his compassion for his crew. Clearly, he is a splendid individual. But the military has its culture and strict code of conduct, which Crozier violated with his letter. Communications such as his are not tolerated in the military. The comments of former Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly to the crew of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt fanned the flames of the controversy, and were totally counterproductive. Jon Price, San Rafael Reach out to pet sitters In regard to Some startups could be ineligible for stimulus loans (Business, April 7): I suppose it is inevitable that with such a large relief bill passed so quickly, there are bound to be some small businesses facing a fate of falling into bureaucratic cracks. For instance, many people who care for our pets when we travel seem not to qualify for government assistance because they are independent business owners with no employees. I urge anyone who occasionally hires a pet sitter to give them a call, see how they are doing, and if possible, give them a bonus for all those years of dedicated service. The draft decision is slated to be submitted to the prime minister this month. Previously, Directive No.11/CT-TTg dated March 4, 2020 on further actions to fight against COVID-19 also implied that mobile money should be put into practice as soon as possible. Mobile money will be piloted for small payments across Vietnam Following a well-conceived cashless payment trajectory and ensuring its effective implementation is crucial in reaching the Vietnamese governments target of building a cashless economy. Mobile money has transformed the landscape of financial inclusion in developing and emerging market economies, leapfrogging the provision of formal banking services. The size of the global mobile money market is expected to grow from $3.4 billion in 2019 to $12 billion by 2024, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.7 per cent during the forecast period, cited from a MarketsandMarkets report. The global mobile money market is expected to grow from $3.4 billion in 2019 to $12 billion by 2024. Source: MarketsandMarkets Experts also state that mobile money could facilitate transactions, enable savings, credit products, and even simplify taxation for governments all at scale and much faster than brick-and-mortar financial networks. The adoption of mobile money and an adequate regulatory framework in Vietnam is getting extra support from the Vietnamese government. Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung has also encouraged financial inclusion, saying that the application of mobile money could generate economic growth of up to 0.5 per cent for countries. The ins and outs of mobile money as of December 2019. Source: GSMA According to the 2019 State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), digital transactions represented the majority of mobile money flows. Heres a particularly interesting statistic from the GSMA report: for every 100,000 adults in todays world, there are 11 banks, 33 ATMs, and 228 mobile money agents. With 290 live services across 95 countries and 372 million active accounts, mobile money is entering the mainstream in most markets where access to financial services is low. Also, 77 deployments worldwide have over a million active accounts (90-day) compared to 27 in 2014. According to the report, mobile money services are especially available in 96 per cent of countries where less than a third of the population has an account at a formal financial institution. Alameda County on Saturday reactivated a disaster relief fund to help individuals, community-based organizations, first responders and health care workers in need of various things thanks to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. To replenish this fund, the county is reaching out to our philanthropic, business, private, public nonprofits and other partners for donations. "Looking ahead, we are just beginning to understand and address the impact of the pandemic," said County Administrator Susan S. Muranishi. "What we do know, without doubt, is that many will certainly face financial struggles and unforeseen challenges in the days, weeks and months ahead." The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved reactivation of the disaster relief fund at its March 31 meeting. The fund was first created in response to Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. It has been reactivated several times, including during the response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, to the Northern Japan Earthquake/Tsunami in 2011, to the fatal Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland in 2016 and, in 2018, to the California wildfires. Due to the enormous and varied needs facing the community and the health care systems at facing the response to the coronavirus, Alameda County has established two separate funds. One, the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, will provide needed services to those directly affected by the pandemic. This includes emergency childcare, shelter and food aid, personal protective equipment (PPE), continuation of client benefits, emergency relief for community-based partners and other services directly related to combating the pandemic. The other is the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Recovery Fund, its financial contributions going to PPE and other supplies to assist first responders, emergency workers and health care providers. Donations will be accepted from individuals, philanthropy and businesses, and should be designated to either the emergency or recovery fund. Cash donations may be contributed by sending a personal check payable to the Alameda County Disaster Relief Fund c/o the Auditor-Controller Agency, 1221 Oak Street, Room 238, Oakland, CA 94612 (Tax ID # 94-6000501). Credit card donations can be made through the Disaster Relief Fund website (http://www.acgov.org/government/news/disaster.htm); specify either the emergency fund or the recovery fund. In addition to those two funds, Alameda County is also organizing donations of much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE). We can only accept new items in original packaging. Needed PPE include N95 or P100 respirator masks, surgical masks, protective gowns, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and goggles and other eye protection. To donate, go to https://acgovcares.org/#ppedonations. 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. Inspector general of police (Indore zone) Vivek Sharma has a message for the police personnel on duty in the Madhya Pradesh city, which has emerged as the Covid-19 hotspot in the state. Vivek Sharmas message came on a day when officials said two more people tested positive for the coronavirus infection in Indore after their death, taking the toll to 32 in the city. Follow latest updates on coronavirus here Sharma sang a line from Hum Honge Kaamyaab to encourage the police personnel. Friends there is a big message hidden in this song that if we walk together hand in hand, we will win this war. We wont be scared, he said. Next was a slogan. Corona se daro na (Dont be scared of corona) and we will win again. Some of us will definitely fall during this battle but we wont let others fall. If we keep walking like this, peace will definitely be there, Sharma said. #WATCH Madhya Pradesh: Inspector-General of Police Vivek Sharma sings "Hum honge kaamyaab" & gives a message to encourage the Police personnel who are carrying out their duties in Indore, amid #CoronavirusPandemic. Total positive cases in Indore has risen to 298, death toll 32. pic.twitter.com/wBGVIiWASZ ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2020 Please take this opportunity as a challenge, which has come as an unprecedented way to connect with people. Please keep a positive mindset and keep each others spirit up I salute your spirit once again, he added. Praveen Jadiya, Indores chief medical and health officer, said on Sunday that the test reports of the two patients, aged 75 and 65 years, came positive for coronavirus, Jadiya, however, did not immediately disclose when did the two patients die. Officials have said that in the last 48 hours, 49 new cases of coronavirus have been found in the city, including a doctor from a private hospital and a nurse. With this, the number of Covid-19 patients in Indore, the states industrial hub, has gone up to 298. Click here for complete coronavirus coverage Of these, 32 people, or 10.74% of the patients in Indore, have succumbed to the viral disease. The death rate of Covid-19 patients in the city has remained higher than that at the national level for the last several days. The city administration has imposed curfew in the urban limits of Indore since March 25. Madhya Pradesh has conducted only 70 Covid-19 tests, per million population, as per the analysis of data provided by the state government. (With agency inputs) Also read| Covid-19 lockdown was delayed because...: Kamal Nath jabs Centre Here are todays leading news stories: Society -- A 47-year-old woman in Hanoi was confirmed to have been infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Saturday evening, raising the total number of patients in Vietnam to 258, according to the Ministry of Health. -- The lockdown of Bach Mai Hospital, the largest COVID-19 cluster in Hanoi, was lifted on Sunday following a 14-day period. The infirmary is expected to resume its operation in early May. -- A rice ATM was put into operation in Hanoi on Saturday to provide support for people affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. A similar one was previously set up in Ho Chi Minh City to help local residents amid the epidemic. -- The price of Ivermectin 6mg, used to treat parasitic infections of the intestinal tract, skin, and eyes, has recently surged in Vietnam due to rumors it can be used to treat COVID-19. -- An owner of a coffee shop in the south-central province of Binh Dinh has been arrested for using a machete to threaten members of a local COVID-19 prevention unit after they told him to shut down his venue, as it was serving many customers, going against nationwide social distancing rules. -- Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have begun screening workers at local industrial parks and export processing zones for COVID-19 to prevent the spread of the disease. Business -- Vietnams tea exports in the first quarter of 2020 declined by 2.5 percent in volume and 19 percent in value year-on-year due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. -- The Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has made a list of 5,000 exporters that need help in finding markets amid the COVID-19 outbreak. World News -- The novel coronavirus has infected over 1.77 million people and killed more than 108,700 others around the world, according to statistics. More than 402,000 patients have recovered worldwide. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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 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 have 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. The source who found the cached versions of the websites said they were concerned at what appeared to be a governmental coverup. Advertisement 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. SARS, another kind of coronavirus, killed 775 people and infected more than 8,000 globally in an epidemic. Bats have been linked with seven major epidemics over the past three decades 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. 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 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. China muzzled its Bat Woman: Beijing authorities hushed up the findings of a scientist who unlocked the genetic make-up of the coronavirus within days of the outbreak which is vital for tests and vaccines A Chinese scientist who is the one of the world's leading experts on coronaviruses was 'muzzled' after unraveling 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.' 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. 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 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. 12.04.2020 LISTEN The founder and presiding bishop of the Lighthouse Group of Churches, Dag Heward-Mills, has said before COVID-19 entered Ghana, he and the Ghana Charismatic Bishops' Conference had prophesied it and he, in particular, warned that the countrys borders be closed a week before that was done. Ghana has, so far, recorded 408 cases of COVID-19 with 8 deaths. Apart from the countrys borders having been closed indefinitely, the government has also extended the lockdown restrictions on Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Kasoa for another week to contain the spread of the virus. In his Good Friday sermon online on Friday, 10 April 2020, Bishop Heward-Mills said: When wisdom is presented on that particular topic if they were to listen, to have listened to what I said; everything we have prophesied the Ghana Charismatic Bishops' Conference has prophesied everything has happened. He continued: When even this pandemic started, I said: Close the border now! Dont just close churches! Close everything now!. They didnt do it. All the cases we have and all the deaths, he said: Have come from that one week that they left the border open. Bishop Heward-Mills revealed: And then I said at another meeting: Close the border to Accra because theres nothing outside Accra. They did not do it and now its in Tamale, its in Obuasi, its in Cape Coast. I just heard someone in Cape Coast. I mean everywhere. When wisdom is being given, you have ignoramuses who speak about things they dont understand. Its a pity, he said. ---classfmonline Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and intense shelling with mortars in areas along LoC in Balakote and Mendhar sectors of Poonch district on Sunday. The ceasefire took place at about 6.45 p.m. The Indian Army is retaliating and further details are awaited. Earlier today, three civilians were killed in shelling by Pakistan in Rangwar area of Kupwara district. Pakistani army again resorted to unprovoked cross LoC shelling in Rangwar and areas of Kupwara district today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) France on Sunday began an unprecedented operation to isolate 1,900 sailors after 50 naval personnel tested positive for COVID-19 aboard its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle. The flagship of the French navy docked in the southern port of Toulon, after cutting short its current mission in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic by 10 days because of the outbreak. Local authorities said a painstaking operation was now underway by land and sea to evacuate 1,900 sailors to ensure there was no risk of any further infection. Three sailors had already been evacuated to hospital Toulon as a "precaution" before the ship docked. All the personnel will be tested and they will then be put into isolation for two weeks, with no physical contact allowed with their families, said the spokeswoman for the regional authorities, Christine Ribbe. "Our aim is to protect all our sailors and also their families with an unprecedented deployment," she added. Only once the isolation period is over will the sailors be allowed home. From Tuesday, the ship itself will also be the subject of a major disinfection operation. Search Keywords: Short link: Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here. Photo: The Canadian Press A woman pauses at a makeshift memorial prior to a ceremony in Montreal, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, to remember those who lost their lives in Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 which was shot down shortly after takeoff in Iran on January 8, 2020. The investigation into Iran's downing of a commercial jetliner that killed dozens of Canadians in January has hit a snag due to COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes Canadian authorities are blaming travel restrictions related to COVID-19 for a request that Iran hold off on downloading the flight recorders from a commercial jetliner shot down in January. The Iranian military shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 on Jan. 8. All 176 people on board were killed, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents. Canada and other countries who lost citizens in the incident, including Britain, Sweden, Ukraine and Afghanistan, had been pressuring Iran for months to hand over the flight recorders from the doomed flight so their data could be downloaded and analyzed. It is hoped the information from the so-called black boxes will provide a clearer picture of what actually happened and help ensure those Iranian officials responsible are held to account. Yet while Iran's civil aviation organization reached out to affected countries last week to assess when they could send representatives to participate in the process, the head of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada says it simply isn't possible now because of COVID-19. "Everyone is anxious for the download and analysis of the recorders to proceed; this should have happened without delay, shortly after the accident," TSB chair Kathy Fox said in a statement. "However, with COVID-19 and the multiple travel restrictions, travelling to attend the download of the flight recorders is currently not possible and this, for all countries concerned." As a result, she said, Canada and the other countries have asked Iran to postpone downloading and analyzing the flight-recorder data until the restrictions are lifted. "We still expect Iran will carry through with its commitment to have the recorders downloaded and, once conditions improve, we will send our experts to attend the download, wherever this takes place," Fox said. The black boxes have become pivotal to the Iranian-led flight-safety investigation and Ukrainian-led criminal investigation into the downing of Flight 752, which was shot down shortly after takeoff from Tehran on the same night Iran fired a series of missiles at neighbouring Iraq. Iran promised in early March to surrender the flight recorders within two weeks, but missed that deadline. While acknowledging the difficulties posed by COVID-19, Toronto dentist Hamed Esmaeilion, whose wife Parisa and nine-year-old daughter Reera were on the flight, said the international community needs to keep the pressure on Iran to hand over the flight recorders. "The best thing to do is to take the black boxes out of Iran to a third country like France," he told The Canadian Press. "We don't want to risk anybody's life right now and Canada can send the experts after they are sure nobody is at risk. This is a game Iran plays and I'm sure they are trying to put the ball in other countries' court to buy some time." The federal government's new adviser on Flight 752, former Liberal cabinet minister Ralph Goodale, said last month that Iran could not use COVID-19 as an "excuse" for not handing over the black boxes a position echoed by Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne. Champagne's spokesman Adam Austen on Sunday did not respond directly to questions about the request that Iran postpone downloading the flight recorders and instead indicated the government's past statements that they should be processed immediately. "We continue to call on Iran to allow for the black boxes to be downloaded and analyzed in a facility with the capability to do so without delay," Austen said in an email. "Canada will continue to work with the other members of the international coordination group to ensure Iran lives up to its international obligations as we pursue justice for the victims of this horrific tragedy." ATLANTA President Trump has been open about his eagerness to see the economy and some semblance of business as usual spring back to life as soon as possible. His surgeon general, Jerome Adams, in a television interview on Friday noted the potential for reopening the country place by place, bit by bit, beginning as early as next month. But on Sunday, officials still in the thick of the grim reality caused by the coronavirus pandemic urged caution, fearing that relaxing protective measures too early could cause the virus to surge once again. In interviews on Sunday morning talk shows, governors and mayors acknowledged the delicate balance between aggressively combating the virus and limiting the economic pain, but they said that public health concerns were their priority. We could be pouring gas on the fire, even inadvertently, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey, a Democrat, said in an interview with CNN on Sunday. He said that returning to a semblance of life before the outbreak was crucial but, Its not Job No. 1, because right now, the house is on fire and Job No. 1 is to put the fire out. Rajasthans deputy chief minister and state Congress chief Sachin Pilot spoke to Aurangzeb Naqshbandi about the Bhilwara containment model, the national lockdown, raising awareness among people, and getting back to business in the time of Covidd-19. Edited excerpts: People are talking about the Bhilwara model of containment of coronavirus but there are also several other hot spots in Rajasthan, such as Ramganj in Jaipur city. How are you dealing with the situation in those areas? Every city has a different composition. In Bhilwara, all the Covid-19 positive cases have now turned negative. We were able to achieve this because the curfew and lockdown were very strictly adhered to. The local administration imposed a super curfew with no vehicle and person allowed to move out. But it is true that the number of cases is rising in Rajasthan, as it is in other parts of the country. We really need to take our curfews and lockdowns seriously. No lockdown can be successful without the full participation and cooperation of the people. You talked about spike in positive cases? Is it because that we have now started testing more? Certainly, the testing has been slow and we need to test more. We are now going to start doing random sampling in Rajasthan. Were acquiring adequate number of testing kits to do that. The number of tests conducted all over India is still quite limited. We have to scale up our testing and that is the only way to get a true picture The spike is also attributed to Delhis Tablighi Jamaat congregation. Now some people are saying there is an attempt to give a communal colour to the crisis. First - authorities should explain how they allowed such a large congregation despite prohibitory orders. There should be an inquiry to fix the responsibility. Second, action should be taken against those who held that meeting and violated restrictions that were in place. This virus has shown around the world that it does not differentiate between religion, colour, race, language, ethnicity, rich and poor. Whether it is Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti or Shab-e-Baraat, all these should have been postponed. This is the time for all of us to come together to fight this crisis as one country, one nation, and one people. Is it important for people to know they need to come forward and get tested. How do you spread that awareness? We have to work hard in the rural areas not only in Rajasthan but across the country. Even though there is technology and mobile phones, the resistance to change is far more in rural areas as compared to urban centres. We were lucky to start as early as mid-March in rural parts of Rajasthan through the rural development, panchayati raj and activating sarpanch-level platforms. We started general awareness programmes and used the Swachh Bharat platforms to sensitise people. You said lockdown is the only way out but it has also stalled economic activity? My heart goes out to the people, especially to those who are at the bottom of the pyramid. I know the hardships and it is very important to ensure essential supplies are maintained. But one cannot prematurely lift the lockdown and allow the infection to spread rapidly in a big country like India. We dont have the capacity to deal with a large number of infected people. There has to be a middle ground. We have to start economic activities in a gradual staggered manner and at the same time maintain all precautions. But do you have a lockdown exit strategy in place in Rajasthan? Lockdown and restrictions have to be uniform in India. There is no point in three states having the lockdown and two states not having it. What we saw in the beginning of the lockdown, lakhs of people were stranded at different state borders. We cant have a repeat of that. In Rajasthan, we have to gradually start crucial sectors of our economy. The harvest season is on. Im hopeful that the Centre will procure the harvest at the minimum support price (MSP). Once reserves dry up, we will need to procure foodgrains and give money in the hands of farmers and weaker sections. What are your views on the issues of CSR funding and suspending of MPLADS? I am of the opinion that if the money is given for the same cause whether to the PM Relief Fund or the CM Relief Fund, it should be treated at par. There should be parity and same exemptions and same benefits must be extended to both. About MPLADS, my view is that while the central government needs resources, it should consult the MPs on how best to use it. As Rajasthan Congress president, what role is the organisation playing in the fight against Covid-19 and do you face any coordination issues with the government? We are political workers and our job is not limited to only campaigning and contesting elections. Our primary job is to do social service that is what we are doing today. Irrespective of parties and ideologies, we have to come forward and together fight this pandemic. The Congress party has set up control centre in Jaipur and 33 district headquarters. We, as a party, are a bridge between the administration and the people. Are you satisfied with the state governments efforts in dealing with the crisis? I think everyone is putting the best effort given the resources and conditions. We are doing the best we can. Obviously, more support from the central government would be welcomed and we will be able to do more. All hands are on deck. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The current situation across the globe due to COVID-19 pandemic reminds firebrand writer Taslima Nasreen of her days as a doctor treating patients during the cholera outbreak in Bangladesh in the early 90s. "I was practising at that time and did not use gloves and masks while giving saline doses to hundreds of patients everyday as I found it uncomfortable wearing them. Fortunately I didn't get any infection. However, this COVID-19 is very contagious and it's a pandemic. All precautions are a must," says the Bangladeshi-Swedish writer of "Lajja" fame who has been living in exile since 1994. "The current situation reminds me of the time when I too worked to save people from cholera epidemic in the early 90s. I worked in an infectious disease hospital in Mymensingh where thousands of patients used to come every day and I treated them," she told PTI in an interview. The cholera epidemic in Bangladesh in 1991 affected around 2,25,000 people and claimed over 8,000 lives. "I feel very proud of the medical fraternity across the world working tirelessly. They are risking their lives to save humanity. Some of my acquaintances also died in New York fighting coronavirus," Nasreen says. She studied medicine at Mymensingh Medical College and graduated in 1984. Daughter of a physician father, she worked at Dhaka Medical College hospital but had to quit due to her feminist writing. "I was working with Dhaka Medical College but I was forced to leave my medical profession in 1993. The Bangladesh government confiscated my passport as I was going to Kolkata to receive a literature award. The government told me that I have to show my writings before publishing, so I quit my job in protest," says the 58-year-old writer. When asked if she feels the urge to resume practice in the present circumstances, she says there has been a huge gap now and she feels outdated. "Not now, in the beginning of my exile life if it was possible, I would have done that. I am detached from medical sciences for long. I am a full time writer and Europe embraced me as a rebel writer so I didn't think of going back to medical profession," she says. Her two most awaited books were supposed to hit stores this month but now only Kindle versions remain a possibility. "My Girlhood" was published in March and "Shameless", a sequel to "Lajja", was to be launched on April 14. "They have to publish Kindle version now. 'My Girlhood' was given to book shops but the next day, the lockdown was announced. However, the lockdown is much more important. Post lockdown also, I am afraid people won't get time for reading," Nasreen says. She also demanded a ban on Tablighi Jamaat which have come into the spotlight after an event they held in here has spawned a number of COVID-19 clusters across the country. "They should be banned because they are pulling Muslim society backwards while it needs to be educated, modern and progressive. They have millions of members all over the world and they are just spreading darkness and preaching ignorance," she claims. "I don't understand that why India gave entry to those present at a Tablighi Jamaat meeting in Malaysia. It was known by that time about coronavirus spread in Malaysia by some of those who attended this congregation," Nasreen says. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, (IIT-D) said it is considering restarting the current academic session from the first week of July, and concluding by the end of the month. The institute is also mooting reopening hostel facilities around the same time, officials privy to the matter said. The 2019-20 academic session was suspended on March 12 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The suggestions were made by IIT-D officials during an online interactive session with students on Saturday, chaired by the institutes director V Ramgopal Rao. The considerations will be sent to the senate the highest decision making body of the institute for approval. We have discussed the possible steps that can be taken to complete the session with our students. We will send these considerations to the senate for the final decision. We intend to complete the session by July 31, Rao said. Meanwhile, the institute will continue holding online classes and uploading course material online. Online content will be shared for all the courses. We are considering holding classes for two weeks in July to catch up the uploaded material before taking exams, officials said during the interaction. The institute has also asked all course coordinators for a plan on conducting examinations. We are examining the possibility of conducting exams by the end of July. The course coordinators have been asked to decide on their major and minor exams. If the need arises, they can either take the minor exams on an internal level, or merge it with the major exams, they said. IIT-D is planning to reopen the hostel facility from July 6 only. As a precautionary measure, we are thinking of reopening hostel facilities only a month after the lockdown is withdrawn. We are also planning to screen all students before they rejoin the hostel, the official said. The nationwide lockdown is so far scheduled to end from April 15 onwards. However, some states like Punjab, Maharashtra and Karnataka have extended the curbs till April 30. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday also held a video meeting with all chief ministers, most of whom were in favour of extending the lockdown beyond Tuesday. The institute had vacated all hostels last month, due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease. During the interaction, officials also said the institution is planning to hold a special placement drive for those the final-year students who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic either in June or July. The institute, meanwhile, said that it might allow PhD and MTech students to return to the campus immediately after the lockdown. If the senate approves, they might be allowed to attend the labs and complete their projects immediately after the lockdown, officials said. IIT-D has also promised MTech and PhD students it will continue issuing their research stipends during the lockdown. Besides, the students who have job commitments in May have been asked to contact their departmental heads and deans. Officials said they will be issued provisional certificates to facilitate their joining the respective firms. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fareeha Iftikhar Fareeha Iftikhar is a principal correspondent with the national political bureau of the Hindustan Times. She tracks the education ministry, and covers the beat at the national level for the newspaper. She also writes on issues related to gender, human rights and different policy matters. ...view detail On the sixth Sunday of Great Lent, Eastern Christianity celebrates Palm Sunday. This year it is April 12. This is the last day before Holy Week - the period of the strict fasting. According to the legends, on this day, Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, where the locals greeted him like a messiah and covered the path of the Savior with the palm branches. The reason for this was the resurrection of deceased Lazarus, the news about this miracle quickly spread among the people. Palm Sunday symbolizes the beginning of the suffering of Jesus, as a result of which mankind received the hope of eternal life. The Christian church began to celebrate the holiday from the middle of the IX century. Initially, the celebrations were rather modest, but over time, Palm Sunday became one of the 12 most important church holidays. In some countries, residents still go to the street with palm branches on this day. But in Ukraine, they were replaced by willow twigs. Hence the name of the holiday in Ukraine could be translated as Willow Sunday. In Ukraine, on this day, the willow is blessed in churches. After that people can eat willow buds, as it is believed that it expels all the bad and adds health to the body. It is also customary to bathe children in a bath with willow buds. Willow broth could be given to cattle, it can be used to sprinkle houses and on. In November he welcomed his second child with girlfriend Kelly Simpkin , 37, a girl named CeCee. And Nicky Clarke, 61, spoke candidly about becoming a father again in later life and called it a 'challenging' endeavour in an interview with The Express on Saturday. The celebrity hairstylist also shares son Nico, 2, with Kelly, and admitted his son Harrison, 31, and daughter Tellisa, 28, from his marriage to Lesley Clarke were 'surprised' that he chose to have kids once again. Candid: Nicky Clarke, 61, admitted on Saturday that he finds it 'challenging' being an older dad after welcoming second child with partner Kelly Simpkin, 37, in November Of how life has changed, Nicky said: 'Being a dad again is challenging. I should be driving Ferrari's, not changing nappies and getting up at six in the morning. 'My older children were slightly surprised when I had children.' Nicky and Kelly are set to appear in Channel 5's new show Millionaire Age Gap Love, and in the documentary Kelly joked about their 24-year age gap. Making light of the age difference, she claimed: 'He owns an item of clothing older than me.' Adjustment: Of how life has changed, Nicky said: 'Being a dad again is challenging. I should be driving Ferrari's, not changing nappies and getting up at six in the morning' The couple met 11 years ago when Kelly was a stylist in Nicky's salon and they have been together ever since. Last year, Nicky told OK! Magazine: 'We feel really fortunate that were having another child. Ive got a second chance at this. I have fantastic memories of being a new dad first time around. 'So in some respects it's not much different. But I like to think I have more patience now. The truth of it is I'm probably around a lot more.' Speaking about their age difference, Kelly insisted her maturity paired with his youthful personality makes them a good match. Light-hearted: Nicky and Kelly are set to appear in Channel 5's Millionaire Age Gap Love, and in it Kelly joked about their 24-year age gap as she said he has clothes 'older than [she] is' Doting dad: Nicky shares son Nico, 2, and daughter Cecee, five months, with Kelly, but said his son Harrison, 31, and daughter Tellisa, 28, were 'surprised' he had kids once again She said: 'I'm quite old for my years and Nicky is quite young so we meet in the middle. Were a good balance.' Harrison became a father to son Casper in 2017, five months before Nico's birth. Nicky told Hello Magazine: 'I'm getting used to seeing myself as a grandad, although I still feel young at heart. It helps that I'm in baby mode one way or another.' Some of Nicky's well-known past clients include Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge. A South Australian man has died from COVID-19 after contracting the virus on the Ruby Princess cruise ship. The 74-year-old man succumbed to the infection in the Royal Adelaide Hospital overnight, SA Health confirmed on Sunday. It is the state's fourth coronavirus death, with the national toll now standing at 57. 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man,' SA Health said. More than a dozen Ruby Princess passengers have died from the virus, and more than 500 people have been infected, either onboard or from contact with people who were. The Ruby Princess cruise ship - which is now docked at Port Kembla, south of Sydney - is under investigation by police NSW Police raided the ill-fated Ruby Princess on April 8, questioning its captain and searching for evidence Ruby Princess has become the largest source of coronavirus infection in Australia after more than 2,600 passengers were allowed to disembark in Sydney on Match 19 without undergoing adequate health checks. Of those passengers, 16 have died across Australia. About 200 crew have shown symptoms of Covid-19, while 18 have tested positive for the virus that causes it. The workers remaining on the ship are from 50 countries. The cruise ship - 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. The investigation will cover the actions of the port authority, ambulance, police, the NSW Health department and Carnival Australia. '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. On April 8, NSW Police raided the vessel, questioning its captain and searching for evidence in a rapid escalation of the criminal investigation. The first briefing into the investigation was held last Wednesday morning, before officers dressed in gas masks, goggles and white hazmat suits boarded the vessel at Port Kembla, south of Wollongong, at 7pm that day. The 74-year-old man succumbed to the infection in the Royal Adelaide Hospital overnight, SA Health confirmed on Sunday More than 2,600 passengers were allowed to disembark in Sydney on Match 19 without undergoing adequate health checks Photographs showed several detectives boarding the ship while uniformed officers spoke with men in suits on the dock. The South Australian man's death comes after a 91-year-old woman with a pre-existing medical condition died of coronavirus in NSW. The woman died on Friday night, while her source of infection remains unknown. 'It is always tough when a family member passes away and this is the toughest of times,' NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard told reporters on Saturday. Some 30 people in NSW are currently in intensive care. Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Saturday thanked the community for doing the right thing over the Easter period and not flocking to NSW holiday hotspots. 'I know for many families across NSW this is the time when they may have gone to a place of worship at church or gathered together in family homes. Unfortunately this is not allowed tomorrow,' Ms Berejiklian told reporters. 'We don't want anybody unintentionally getting sick on Easter Sunday.' The Evangel Church in Scotch Plains has expanded its mission to provide aid to individuals and families impacted by the coronavirus. The church received 10,000 hygiene kits, filled with shampoo, soap, washcloths, toothpaste and toothbrushes, which it started distributing to the homeless in Newark, Paterson and New York City. Along with aiding those vulnerable groups, Pastor Chris Morante wanted to use the kits to assist healthcare workers on the front lines fighting the coronavirus. With the help of a member of the community, Evangel Church began supplying the kits to Clara Maass Medical Center, so doctors and nurses could use them. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage Theyre working long shifts, and theyve opened up showers now in the hospital for them to be able to wash up between shifts or when they end shift before they go home, so theres not as much fear of potentially bringing that home with them, Morante said. But they didnt have access to any product to clean themselves. So we started to deploy, and we got 500 hygiene kits into one of our New Jersey hospitals. The churchs initiative to aid in the fight against the coronavirus started with boxes of hope care packages filled with essential items which were distributed to families impacted by the coronavirus has spread to more than 50 churches in more than 20 states. The Scotch Plains church has sent out more than 700 boxes so far. Along with providing the hygiene kits and boxes of hope, Morante said the church is still working on other ideas to help in the continued battle against the coronavirus. Were going to be doing a couple other things post-Easter. Were trying to figure out a lot of people are doing this trying to sponsor meals to them, and were even creating a prayer hotline just for emotional support for doctors and nurses, that they will be able to call at anytime and talk with someone and pray with someone before they begin their shift just to get some encouragement for what theyre doing. 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. An ex-serviceman tested positive for COVID-19 here on Sunday taking the total number of cases in Muzaffarnagar district to six. Sub Divisional Magistrate Inderkant Dwivedi told PTI here that the retired Army jawan is a resident of Wajidpur village under Khatauli police station area of the district and works as a security guard in a nursing home in Delhi. His samples were sent to Delhi but he has been residing in his native home in the village since the lockdown. The patient was shifted to Muzaffarnagar Medical College, Berajpur while his wife and son were home quarantined at Wajidpur village. The entirevillage has been sealed and no one is allowed to enter or leave the place. A total of 480 people have tested positive for the virus in the state so far, according to officials. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rishikesh, one of the famous tourist destinations in India, witnessed a strange incident on Sunday (April 12, 2020) where around ten foreigners were made to write "I'm so sorry" over 500 times by the Uttrakhand police. The foreigners belonging from different nationalities were held roaming around in the city amid the coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown in the country. The tourists mostly from Australia, Israel, Mexico, and Austria were made to write "I did not follow the rules of lockdown so I am so sorry" 500 times, as told by the police officer, Vinod Sharma. Sharma said, "the unusual punishment was handed out to teach them a lesson." Police said they would instruct the hotel owners to allow foreigner occupants to step out only if accompanied by local helpers. Owners not following the orders could face legal action, Sharma added. A total of 93 cases were registered on Sunday for violating the lockdown in the state while 274 people have been arrested, police said. Till now, a total of 1,401 cases have been registered and 5,539 people have been arrested in the state for not following the lockdown orders. According to Uttarakhand Police, a total of 15,541 motor vehicles have been challaned and 4,030 vehicles have been seized till now under the MV Act, said the Media Cell of the Uttarakhand Police. Fine of Rs 73.22 lakh has been recovered from the offenders, police said. A 21-day long nationwide lockdown was announced by PM Modi on March 24 to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The Uttarakhand Health Department on Sunday said that no new confirmed coronavirus case in the state was reported for the fourth consecutive day. The total number of positive cases in the state stayed at 35 with zero death. According to the MoFHW as on Sunday 5 PM IST, India has reported around 8,447 positive coronavirus cases and over 273 people have succumbed to the fatal virus that initiated from China in late December 2019, MANADO, Indonesia (AP) 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. Korea can take lead in finding COVID-19 cures South Korea has joined the global race to develop medicine and vaccines for the new coronavirus. President Moon Jae-in, while meeting bio firm executives and researchers at Institut Pasteur Korea in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday, announced a set of government support plans for the development of the COVID-19 cures. Most notably, Moon said the government will inject 210 billion won ($172 million) to support vaccine development projects undertaken by private companies and set up an institute that will study various novel viruses. It is good to see the government moving fast to support the development of COVID-19 treatments. Even though developing vaccines and medicines for a new disease takes years in normal circumstances, expanding financial support for the pharmaceutical industry will help shorten the period of clinical trials for potential treatments. What is more essential is to suspend regulations for the development of new vaccines so that companies can complete testing of experimental treatments in humans as quickly as possible and mass-produce the final product. As South Korea's testing kits have become a global model, the country can take the lead in developing the cures for COVID-19. In this regard, the fact that U.S. billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates has approached South Korea for cooperation on the development of treatments for the new coronavirus has a very symbolic meaning. Cheong Wa Dae said Friday Moon had a 25-minute telephone conversation with Gates at the latter's request, in which they agreed to strengthen cooperation to develop treatments for COVID-19. The Microsoft co-founder, who is leading the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has called for global cooperation to overcome the pandemic from the early stages of the outbreak. The foundation has provided support to the Seoul-based International Vaccine Institute (IVI), an international agency dedicated to vaccine research and development, and co-invested in Right Fund, a nongovernmental agency that was set up in 2018, together with the South Korean health ministry and five Korean biopharmaceutical firms, to help developing countries resolve public health problems. Gates lauded South Korea for its quarantine initiative which has become a global model and for supplying virus testing kits to developing countries. In response, Moon said he expects more cooperation with the foundation in terms of humanitarian assistance to countries vulnerable to infectious diseases, according to the presidential office. South Korea, despite lingering concerns about a possible new wave of infections, has been relatively successful in containing the virus largely thanks to the effective government measures and the people's compliance with aggressive social distancing guidelines. As a result, new virus cases in the country have dropped significantly for the past week. The country reported 32 new COVID-19 cases, Sunday the number of new infections is less than 60 for the seventh consecutive day compared to the Feb. 29 peak of 909 new cases. South Korea has provided testing kits to numerous countries battling the spread of the coronavirus. President Moon has vowed to share the country's experience from its response to the outbreak and related technologies with the rest of the world to overcome the pandemic early. If the country develops vaccines or at least helps the world find a cure for COVID-19, it will surely be an achievement that makes the country more proud. Jack London saw this coming. Why didnt we? In 1910, the California author, already famous for The Call of the Wild and White Fang, wrote a short, postapocalyptic novel about a 21st century pandemic in his home state. To revisit the Scarlet Plague during the COVID-19 crisis is to marvel at how much London understood a century ago about the challenges we face now. London imagined a global epidemic in the year 2013 that killed almost everybody in California and, presumably, on Earth. This scarlet plague victims turn red before dying is recalled 60 years later, in 2073, by its only living survivor: a former UC Berkeley literature professor. London died in 1916. Having lived through a turn-of-the-century bubonic plague outbreak in San Francisco, he was more familiar with epidemics than we are. The Scarlet Plague explains aspects of human behavior in times of plague that have become all too familiar recently from the enormous value of isolating yourself to the mass madness at grocery stores. But Londons larger message was even more prescient: In pandemics, dont be distracted by saving buildings or jobs. Prioritize saving as many humans as possible. London, from the Bay Area, set his novel in Northern California, where the professor, now a grandfather, recalls the 2013 pandemic for his illiterate grandchildren, who, like other humans in 2073, are hunter-gatherers. Londons vision of early 21st century life wasnt far off. He foresaw wireless communications, the growth and wealth of the Bay Area and the fact that America would be run by billionaires. But in 2013, the scarlet plague hits. For all the 21st centurys medical advances, Londons imaginary scientists cant divine the germ or microorganism causing the plague fast enough. There is too much confidence in the ability of modern society to find a cure. It looked serious, but we in California, like everywhere else, were not alarmed, London wrote. We were sure that the bacteriologists would find a way to overcome this new germ, just as they had overcome other germs in the past. Once deaths begin, normal life comes to a screeching halt. Everything had stopped, the professor recalls. It was like the end of the world to me my world. ... It was like seeing the sacred flame die down on some thrice-sacred altar. I was shocked, unutterably shocked. When hordes begin stealing from a local store, the owner, unable to stop them, starts shooting customers. Civilization was crumbling, and it was each for himself, the professor recounts. With the fever spreading in the densely populated Bay Area, those with means try to escape the region. But all they do is merely spread the plague to rural areas. The professor struggles to remain composed as he sees people behave generously and heroically, but then die, while the selfish live. His lofty ideas about the world are challenged and then crushed as people turn on each other. He was a violent, unjust man, says the professor of one man who is spared. Why the plague germs spared him I can never understand. It would seem, in spite of our old metaphysical notions about absolute justice, that there is no justice in the universe. The professor isnt sure why he survived. Perhaps he is immune. But he also takes his brothers advice to isolate himself. To all of this I agreed, the professor recalls, staying in my house and for the first time in my life attempting to cook. And the plague did not come out on me. With nearly everyone dead, the professor ends up in Hayward, where he finds a pony and makes his way east, eating fruit still hanging unpicked on trees and dodging packs of dogs that survive by devouring corpses. He crosses the Livermore Valley, and then forages through the San Joaquin, where he finds a horse that he rides up into Yosemite Valley. For three years, he makes the great hotel there his home, until the loneliness gets to him. Like the dog, I was a social animal and I needed my kind, he says. So he rides back to the Bay Area, where he discovers a few other survivors, who are living in different camps. The professor ultimately joins one such camp in Sonoma. Society is not reconstituted. Sixty years after the Scarlet Plague, California is a lightly populated place of tiny tribes. There are the Sacramentos, the Palo-Altos, the Carmelitos, and the professors own Santa Rosans, who are based in Glen Ellen (where Jack London had a ranch). The professor also hears stories about Los Angelitos. They have a good country down there, but it is too warm, he says. The professor never reconciles himself to the post-pandemic reality. The great world which I knew in my boyhood and early manhood is gone. It has ceased to be, he says. We, who mastered the planet its earth, and sea, and sky and who were as very gods, now live in primitive savagery along the water courses of this California country. The novel concludes with the professor telling his grandchildren that he has stored all the books he can find in a cave on Telegraph Hill, hoping that the knowledge will survive him. He predicts that a new civilization will eventually rise but it, too, will fail, because nature in the end will win. All things pass, the professor says. London was famous for his faith in animals, and his skepticism of people and the societies they construct. By my lights, the book underestimates the resilience of 21st century institutions, and the goodness and determination of our fellow humans. But this old little novel retains considerable power as a warning about the vulnerability of our state and civilization. Writing from the past, London reminds us that todays horrors were not really unthinkable, and that, as we seek shelter now, we must not lose sight of the future. Joe Mathews writes the Connecting California column for Zocalo Public Square. Biblically, it is a curse upon any nation or any king that molests its poor. God in most of the gospels warns against any attitude by kings or leaders of nations maltreating their poor through denying them justice. In a country where people are denied justice, disrespected and molested because of their poor status, that nation does not prosper as it should. A vivid example is Ghana where it has been proven time and again that justice is sold to the highest bidder. These highest bidders are oftentimes the guilty parties if pronouncements of judgments were to be sincerely based on facts and available credible evidence submitted to the courts. Subsequently, some people entrusted with power and are in higher positions, are often found to embezzle public funds and state assets with impunity. This denies the state of the needed public money to fund essential developments of collective interest to the entire citizenry. Again, diehard criminals are further emboldened to commit their crimes without the least fear of apprehension knowing they can bribe their way out of arrest. When such crimes thrive as a result of those in charge of ensuring the prevalence of justice in the nation failing to do their job properly because they are themselves corrupt and pursuing their selfish parochial interests and insatiable greed, the end result is a breakdown in law and the wrath of God coming upon the nation. God is today saying to the judges of our courts, the political leaders, and the traditional overlords in Ghana what He sent his prophet to go and declare to the King of Judah as in Jeremiah 22:1-5. For easy accessibility of the bible quotation by those who may otherwise not have a bible handy or may feel too lazy to stretch their arm to fetch their bible to search for the verse as quoted, I shall reproduce the content below. 1 Thus says the Lord: "Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and there speak this word, 2 and say, 'Hear the word of the Lord, O king of Judah, you who sit on the throne of David, you and your servants and your people who enter these gates! 3 Thus says the Lord: "Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you indeed do this thing, then shall enter the gates of this house, riding on horses and in chariots, accompanied by servants and people, kings who sit on the throne of David. 5 But if you will not hear these words, I swear by Myself," says the Lord, "that this house shall become a desolation." ' " I must be honest with myself and Ghana judges, political leaders and traditional overlords, you have all fallen short of this directive by God hence Ghana always going to foreign lands with one palm in another begging for alms to supplement our annual national budgets. Tell me, which country in the world where the laws work fairly well for all does go to other countries soliciting foreign donations to supplement their national annual budgets year on year, except Ghana and other third world countries where corruption is rife because of the state institutions being so weak to punish only the poor people while leaving the rich, the hardened criminals, and the most powerful persons to plunder the nation and to plunder the poor? The bible passage quoted above is self-explanatory that it needs not much expatiation so I shall end here while wishing that our judges, traditional overlords and politicians will abide by what God told the King of Judah, for Ghana to prosper. May I then seize this opportunity to remind any judge handling the ongoing Kumawu chieftaincy dispute to be fair and not to twist justice to deny the innocent, but poor party in the case the favourable verdict due him or her or them. For if they fail to abide by God's wish to deliver the plundered from the oppressor, God's generational curse and punishment await them and their offspring. Whoever comes across this publication please forward it to any leader, politician or judge that you know. Rockson Adofo Sunday, 12 April 2020 Bollywood producer Karim Morani's daughters Shaza and Zoa have been discharged from the hospital after testing negative for coronavirus. While Shaza had returned from Sri Lanka in the first week of March, Zoa had come back from Rajasthan around mid-March. Both were quarantined and kept under medication in separate hospitals from April 7. Zoa said she tested negative twice and is happy to be back home. "I am extremely grateful to the doctors, nurses and hospital staff who took care of my health and my spirits everyday. You will be in my prayers forever. No words can describe how does it feel to be home. I'm so grateful, God is great," Zoa told PTI The actor thanked the government for doing a "commendable job" and keeping a track of everyone's health and safety. "Thank you to the media for being so sensitive and warm and also for all the wishes and prayers we received through social media. Truly felt like we were in this together. Please stay safe and follow all the rules as a lot of people out there are putting their life at risk to protect us! Lets help them," she added. Both the sisters will be under home quarantine as a precautionary measure. Their father Karim, who had also tested positive for COVID-19, is currently under medical care. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has further tightened its border controls with Russia and is building another backup hospital to counter Covid-19 infections imported from its northern neighbour. China reported 97 new cases of imported infections on Saturday, the highest single day total, bringing the total number of cases brought into China from abroad to 1,280. The National Health Commission on Sunday asked the local governments to prepare for countering imported infection over the long run. Suifenhe, a city in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, said on Sunday it would intensify border patrols and implement strict quarantine measures and health checks on all people coming from Russia. The local authorities also announced a lockdown last week in the city of just 70,000 people In tightened measures announced on Sunday, all gatherings were banned and train services cut between Suifenhe and Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province. It converted a 13-storey office building on Sunday into a makeshift hospital with 600 beds for symptom-free patients. Heilongjiang plans to dispatch 300 medical workers to the makeshift hospital in Suifenhe. The first batch of 24 doctors and nurses, who had helped fight the outbreak in Wuhan, arrived on Sunday from Mudanjiang, another city in the province. Russia and China share a 4,300km (2,670-mile) border, with checkpoints in Heilongjiang, Jilin and Inner Mongolia. The spike of infection cases in Russia and the number of travellers crossing the border is putting the quarantine and testing capacity of the border cities under pressure. Manzhouli, the largest check point in Inner Mongolia, reported 34 new confirmed cases on Sunday, all imported from Russia. Inner Mongolia has a total of 114 imported cases. Manzhoulis has four hospitals with a capacity of around 160 beds to treat Covid-19 patients and is converting another to provide a backup facility with almost five times as many beds. Story continues It is hoped it will be ready by Tuesday and will start operations once the other two hospitals capacity in admitting patients reaches 80 per cent. Last Wednesday China closed all land border checkpoints for travellers and has not said when they will reopen. A statement released by the Heilongjiang provincial government on Sunday dismissed rumours there were plans to reopen the Suifenhe crossing, which is about 200km (120 miles) from Vladivostok, and confirmed that it would stay closed. Suifenhe has reported a total 194 imported infection from Russia, all Chinese nationals who had flown from Moscow to Vladivostok and then travelled across the border. The statement warned that similar journeys still provided an enormous risk of infection. In Russia, the number of cases has passed 15,700, including 130 deaths. A team of 10 Chinese medical experts arrived in Moscow on Saturday afternoon to help Russia fight the Covid-19 outbreak. Sign up now and get a 10% discount (original price US$400) off the China AI Report 2020 by SCMP Research. Learn about the AI ambitions of Alibaba, Baidu & JD.com through our in-depth case studies, and explore new applications of AI across industries. The report also includes exclusive access to webinars to interact with C-level executives from leading China AI companies (via live Q&A sessions). Offer valid until 31 May 2020. More from South China Morning Post: This article China tightens controls on Russia border as number of imported coronavirus cases continues to rise first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday the state government has set up some committees which will work on different schemes after April 15 and contribute towards successfully fighting the novel coronavirus. "The state government will fully follow the guidelines of the Government of India. We have formed a committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya that will work on the scheme of construction works while following lockdown and social distancing so that labourers can get some work," he said in a statement. In a video message, Adityanath said, "The UP government will contribute towards successfully carrying out the fight against the novel coronavirus under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In order to avert any crisis situation in the state, the state government has set up some committees which will work on different schemes after April 15." He said that under the chairmanship of state Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, a committee will work on how to increase the flow of revenue. Along with industrial development, a panel has also been formed to prepare a report on what steps should be taken in micro, small and medium enterprises sector. A panel formed under the chairmanship of the state agriculture minister will look into the problems of farmers. In view of a number of religious events lined up in the coming days, Adityanath appealed to the religious leaders to ensured that no congregation is organised amid apprehension that such events can increase the number of people infected with the novel coronavirus. On the occasion of the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, which falls on April 14, all ministers and officials have been told to individually pay floral tributes in their office, according to the statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Racism against Africans has been reported in the Guangzhou city of China amid the Coronavirus Pandemic. The allegations surfaced after a recent spark in the number of Wuhan Coronavirus cases in the country which were allegedly imported by Nigerians. Following the incident, Africans have alleged that they have become targets of suspicion and subjected to arbitrary quarantines. China claims that it had largely curbed the spread of the virus but a cluster of cases linked to the Nigerian community in southern Chinas largest city sparked the alleged discrimination by locals and virus prevention officials. Guangzhou had confirmed 114 imported coronavirus cases as of Thursday, 16 of which were Africans. This has led to Africans becoming targets of racism in China. Several Africans also claimed that they have 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. Were like beggars on the street, the 24-year-old said. Mathias also said that the Police had not given him any information on testing or quarantine but told him to go to another city. A Nigerian businessman said that he was evicted from his apartment earlier in the week. Everywhere the police see us, they will come and pursue us and tell us to go home. But where can we go? he said. Many Africans have also been allegedly put under arbitrary quarantines. Even if we have a negative test result, police dont let us stay (in our accommodation) and they dont give a reason why, said Denny, a Nigerian trader, who was evicted from his flat on Tuesday. Another individual, a citizen of Canada, said, Theres just this crazy fear that anybody whos African might have been in contact with somebody who was sick. The Communist government of China, however, insists that it treats everyone equally although its foreign ministry acknowledged some misunderstanding with the African community living in the country. 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. He added, 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. When China engages Africa its the central government that does that, but when it comes to immigration enforcement that happens at the local level, said Eric Olander, managing editor of the China Africa Project. That explains why theres an inconsistency in the more upbeat messaging we hear about Chinese diplomacy on the continent and the increasingly difficult realities that African traders, students and other expatriates face in their day-to-day lives in China. Meanwhile, the recent spate against Africans in Guangzhou has led to a new war of words between the United States and China. The US Embassy in China on Saturday issued a security alert for African Americans living and working in Guangzhou. The US Embassy 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. It added, African-Americans have also reported that some businesses and hotels refuse to do business with them. Meanwhile, African countries have also protested against the mistreatment of their citizens in China with Nigeria leading the way. My Office invited the Chinese Ambassador to the AU, Mr Liu Yuxi, to express our extreme concern at allegations of maltreatment of Africans in Guangzhou plus called for immediate remedial measures in line with our excellent relations. The African group in Beijing is also engaging with the govt, African Union Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said. Nigerian govt also summoned the Chine ambassador to Nigeria and confronted him with videos showing racist attack on Nigerians in China. Today I met with the Chinese?? Ambassador to Nigeria on the disturbing allegation of ill treatment of Nigerian citizens in China. I showed him the video clip that had made the rounds. He promised to look into it and get back to my office on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/9SUxH0rI7X Femi Gbajabiamila (@femigbaja) April 10, 2020 Nigerias consul general officials also publicly confronted Chinese officials over the mistreatment of Nigerians by Chinese authorities. NIgerias Consul-General in China confronts Chinese officials over the racist maltreatment of Nigerians in China, who were forced out of their apartments and hotels they paid for over coronavirus rhetorics in China. pic.twitter.com/gHu3dDNzJ5 Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) April 9, 2020 While China engages in racist conduct against Africans within their territory, they have simultaneously launched a targeted campaign accusing those who use the term Wuhan Coronavirus or Chinese Virus for COVID-19 of racism. While the Communist government claims that it treats all its citizens equally, its treatment of Uyghur Muslims demonstrates that it is definitely not the case. Its conduct ever since the pandemic began has also been extremely questionable with the USA accusing the Chinese government of not informing the world of the seriousness of the threat posed by the virus. The USA has also called for an analysis of the origins of the Wuhan Coronavirus and accused the WHO of unfairly siding with China on the matter. 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. Rapper Badshah was caught off guard with the plagiarism accusations against him over his new single Genda Phool, with regard to Ratan Kahars Bengali folk song Boroloker Biti Lo. The rapper wants to set things right by doing a song with the veteran folk artiste to "do justice to it". He also plans to get him registered on the copyright bodies and register all his work, so that he can get royalties. Living far away from spotlight in poverty-stricken condition in Birbhum district's Siuri town with his family, Kahar found himself in the limelight because of his all-time Bengali folk pop hit Boroloker Biti Lo, which he created in 1972 -- all thanks to Badshah and the virtual world. Badshah used portions of the song in his new single, Genda Phool. Soon after the song was released, netizens pointed out portions of the song have been lifted from the popular Bangla folk hit of the seventies. Acting swiftly, the rapper reached out to Kahar and deposited Rs 5 lakh to the veteran folk artiste's bank account. Asked if the controversy caught him off guard, Badshah told IANS: "Yes, of course, it did. But my team and I had done our complete research on the sample before using the sound, done our due diligence and everywhere it was mentioned as a traditional folk song." "There was no existing record on any of the past releases of shri Kahar as the lyricist and which is why we went ahead and used the sound in the first place. However, in a couple of days, we started getting tagged in a lot of articles and posts that suggested otherwise according to just popular belief and still with no documented proof. But when I saw and heard his story, irrespective of the credits, I think he is one of the gems that should have been preserved and taken care of. My team reached out to him through some of the people who had run his story, as I definitely wanted to get him the recognition that he deserves," he added. Badshah continued: "A lot of work has obviously been difficult because of the current lockdown, but as soon as things are back on track, I intend to visit him and request him to do a song with us that Sony Music India will release and do whatever I can do being from the same fraternity, financially or otherwise. But I really wish and hope that he had been taken care of, being the traditional legacy that he is. I come from Punjab and we really nurture and celebrate our legends here and it was sad to see shri Kahar in a situation that he is right now. Hopefully, this will change things." Due to the lockdown, Badshah spoke to him on a video call. "He is like any of our elders -- lovable and extremely affectionate. He sang a few of his songs for me, blessed me and I have promised him I am going to be seeing him and do whatever I can in my strength to celebrate and take care of his legacy Make a new song with him and do justice to it. If required, get him registered on the copyright bodies and register his works and whatever else is required for him to receive his royalties. It was sad to see that an artist of his stature has been in such a situation." As a "basic gesture", Badshah deposited Rs 5 lakh in his account, and wants to do more. "Once I visit him after the lockdown, I will try and understand exactly where his difficulties are, in health or his children's education, and take necessary measures to help him further. That is the least and a matter of honour and pride, I can do is, from the new generation of musicians for one of our traditional legends of music," said the rap star. Though he started his career in 2006 alongside Yo Yo Honey Singh with band Mafia Mundeer, Badshah has paved a way for himself in the industry by giving chart toppers and party numbers. When it comes to Bollywood, there's Saturday Saturday, Kala Chashma, The Humma Song, Kar Gayi Chull, Tareefan and Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai. In the section of non-film chartbusters, there are Proper Patola, DJ Waley Babu, Mercy and She Move It Like. As Badshah 2.0, he released Genda Phool, the video of which features actress Jacqueline Fernandez. The song, which comes with a Bengali touch, is themed around Durga Pujo, and is directed by Sneha Shetty Kohli. It has got over 150 million views on YouTube. Follow @News18Movies for more As Americans marked Easter Sunday amid the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, the South faced a new menace. A dangerous storm system that produced at least 13 radar-confirmed tornadoes battered Mississippi and Louisiana on Sunday night, killing at least seven people, damaging homes and other buildings and leaving more than 60,000 customers without power across the two states. The fatalities were reported across four counties in Mississippi, according to local authorities. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency. "This is not how anyone wants to celebrate Easter Sunday," Reeves said on Twitter. "As we reflect on the death and resurrection on this Easter Sunday, we have faith that we will all rise together." Tonight, I declared a state of emergency to protect the health and safety of Mississippians in response to the severe tornadoes and storms hitting across the state. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/sp81yoUhqt Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) April 13, 2020 As the storms began to move out of Mississippi, some residents may need to prepare for flooding after some areas received up to seven inches of rain on Sunday, said Eric Carpenter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson. While the storm system will start to weaken on Sunday night, AccuWeather meteorologist Alan Reppert told USA TODAY that parts of Arkansas and Tennessee should prepare for especially strong winds. More than 120,000 customers were already without power in Arkansas late Sunday, according to poweroutages.us. Photos of damage began circulating on social media, from down trees and power lines to damaged barns and flattened homes. At one point during a Facebook Livestream, a NWS meteorologist used the phrase "deadly tornado" five times in less than 30 seconds. They repeatedly begged people to take cover, warning the coming tornadoes were "violent" and "catastrophic." Story continues The National Weather Service reported tornadoes over the northwest and north-central parts of Louisiana. The city of Monroe said the storm damaged commercial buildings and homes in multiple neighborhoods. Nearly 39,000 customers were without power in Louisiana, as well as more than 22,000 in Mississippi, according to poweroutage.us. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards also declared a state of emergency. The storms were expected to move through the Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Northeast and the Eastern Seaboard into Monday, Accuweather said. Adding to the unprecedented nature of the day: the question of whether or not to open community storm shelters. The decision is usually made at the county or local level. But because federal and state public health officials are mandating people stay at home and avoid gathering in groups larger than 10, the equation is complicated. In a video message posted on the Alexander City, Alabama, Facebook page, Mayor Thomas Spraggins said Saturday that people needed to find a safe place on their own since public buildings wouldnt be open as shelters because of the pandemic. Ill be praying for everyone to have a safe and happy Easter, he said. Tornado shelters in a pandemic: Social distancing or tornado shelter... Which takes precedence? But a statement from the citys police department said shelters would be opened after all. Temperature checks would be performed and gloves and masks were being provided to anyone entering. The initial decision against opening shelters was at odds with a message from Gov. Kay Ivey. Both the National Weather Service and the State Public Health Department remind Alabamians that the use of shelters and other resources take precedent, should the need arise, Ivey said in a statement Saturday. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said in a tweet Saturday that shelters would be open and encouraged residents to wear masks, use hand sanitizer and stay 6 feet apart. If tornado shelters aren't open, experts advise residents to take cover in their houses as best they can. 'Easter of solitude': Christians across the world mark Easter Sunday amid the coronavirus Residents should seek protection in bathrooms with no exterior walls, stairwells or a basement, AccuWeather meteorologist and emergency preparedness specialist Becky DePodwin said. The "main point is to put as many walls between you and the exterior walls, she said. Contributing: Steve Kiggins, Doug Stanglin and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY; Sarah Fowler and Wilton Jackson, The Clarion Ledger (Jackson, Miss.); The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Severe weather, tornadoes: At least 7 dead in Mississippi WHO says three vaccine candidates are in clinical testing phase, while 67 potentials are in preclinical phase. Scientists around the world are racing against time to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus that has killed more than 100,000 people and infected more than 1.7 million worldwide. In some of the worst affected countries such as China and Italy, the infections and deaths have levelled off in recent days, but experts warn the risk of a new wave of outbreaks is imminent without a vaccine. But the expedited development of a vaccine remains a lengthy process, often taking years, with many scientific hurdles despite serious and coordinated international efforts by laboratories, private companies and governments. Experts say a vaccine for the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, could take at least a year to a year and a half to be proven safe, effective and made widely available. To date, the World Health Organization (WHO), says three vaccine candidates are in the clinical testing phase, meaning they are able to be tested on humans, while 67 potential vaccines are in preclinical phase. This is where the world stands on a vaccine for the new coronavirus: The science A vaccine works by presenting certain molecules, also known as antigens of the pathogen (the virus), to the human bodys immune system, Dr Sara Kayat explained in an Al Jazeera Doctors Note. These antigens are traditionally in a weakened or inactive form, so they cannot actually cause the illness. However, our immune system is able to recognise the antigen as an unwanted foreign invader, and thus forms antibodies that reject the pathogen if it tries to infect you in the future. Many potential vaccines being developed, including one of the three which the WHO says is in the clinical testing phase, use this more traditional approach. Newer science is also being employed to create vaccines from a copied genetic code from the virus, which is made in a laboratory. At least two potential vaccines made this way are currently being tested on humans. However, no vaccine that has been made in this novel fashion has been approved to date for any sickness. Timeline Scientists have a bit of a head start in creating a vaccine for the virus that causes COVID-19, according to Dr Kayat. Because of genome sequencing of the new coronavirus provided by scientists in China, scientists know it shares 79 percent of the same genetic material as SARS, and 50 percent of the same material as MERS. This allows developers to use groundwork already created in research for vaccines for those viruses. Vaccine testing typically begins with animal testing, although at least one coronavirus vaccine developer has skipped this step and moved straight to human testing, and others have done parallel human and animal testing. The human testing is usually composed of three phases. Phase one trials are small-scale, usually involving about 100 participants, to assess whether the vaccine is safe for humans. Phase two trials often involve several hundred subjects, and mainly evaluate the efficacy of the vaccine against the disease. This phase can last from several months to several years. The final phase is on an even larger scale of thousands of people, often across several medical facilities, to further assesses the efficacy of the vaccine over a defined period of time. This phase can last several years. Last month, Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said a vaccine for coronavirus is at least a year away. However, Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at Oxford University who is heading a UK team developing a vaccine, told the Times on Saturday that she was 80 percent confident their vaccine could be effective and ready by September cutting the estimated time down to six months. Gilbert told the newspaper that human trials for her teams vaccine were set to begin in about two weeks. She added she was working with the UK government to create a possible plan to start production before the vaccine is finalised, which could allow the public to access the vaccine as soon as it is proven effective. Human testing In Australia, the national science agency announced in early April they had begun testing the Oxford University vaccine on ferrets. It is a vector-based vaccine that uses a defective strain of the virus. Human trials have started for at least two potential vaccines. Jennifer Haller, 43, was plunged with a needle on March 16 in Seattle, Washington state, becoming the first human in the world to be administered a potential vaccine for the new coronavirus. That vaccine, code-named mRNA-1273, was developed by the US National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Massachusetts-based biotechnology company Moderna Inc. A pharmacist gives Jennifer Haller the first shot in the first-stage safety study clinical trial of a potential vaccine for the new coronavirus [Ted S Warren/The Associated Press] In early April, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, another US-based company, began testing a similar vaccine, code-named INO-4800, on human participants in Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri. The Pennsylvania-based company is also working with Chinese researchers to begin a similar study in that country soon. In China, a potential vaccine created by CanSino Biological Inc along with the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology is also in the clinical testing phase, according to the WHO DRAFT landscape of COVID-19 candidate vaccines. This potential vaccine is a non-replicating vector vaccine, which can be developed either by using a virus that is killed or a part of the virus that will trigger the immune system to create antibodies, which will fight the disease if it is contracted in the future. For Ms. Choma, those remaining flights provided a financial cushion. After the pandemic halted the photography business she has nurtured on the side, she took on flights from colleagues who couldnt, or wouldnt, staff them. Some airline employees have continued to show up reluctantly, either because they need the money or fear losing their jobs once the crisis has ebbed. Others who had once relied on extra income from loaded-up schedules now have to make do with what few flights are available. Tens of thousands more have taken unpaid leave, staying home out of necessity or concern or to free up slots for colleagues who may need the income more. Already, hundreds of flight attendants and pilots have fallen ill and at least five have died from the coronavirus, according to the labor unions that represent them. And even though the industry secured $25 billion from the federal government to pay employees through September, the future remains bleak. Many airlines are likely to emerge from the crisis with fewer employees, and a full recovery isnt expected any time soon. It took several years for passenger volume to rebound after the terrorist attacks in 2001, a shock less severe than the current crisis, which is seen by many as the worst in the history of aviation. The devastation arrived abruptly in late February as new bookings started to plummet and cancellations began to surge. Less than two months later, air travel has fallen to new lows. On Tuesday, for the first time since the Transportation Security Administration was formed after the Sept. 11 attacks, the agency screened fewer than 100,000 travelers, pilots, flight attendants and airport and airline workers at its checkpoints. On the same day last year, it screened more than two million people. First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill during their daily media broadcast in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Credit: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye Arlene Foster last night hit out after deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill criticised Health Minister Robin Swann for seeking the Army's help to combat the Covid-19 emergency. Mr Swann revealed he had 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 Army's 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". But Michelle O'Neill said the Executive should have been informed of his decision before any such request was made. She said she has requested a meeting with Mr Swann over his "failure to consult ministerial colleagues" about his decision. But DUP leader and First Minister Arlene Foster backed Robin Swann, tweeting: "When your loved one is lying in hospital, who built the ward will be the last thought on their mind. "Let's build the capacity we need. We fully support the army being used to build necessary beds." Ms O'Neill said while her party 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. The Sinn Fein deputy leader added: "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 Fein's position that any proposed new Nightingale hospital should remain under the care and control of the HSC." Sinn Fein Finance Minister Conor Murphy had previously indicated that the republican party would consider a request for military help if required. Chandigarh: The Congress on Sunday hit out at the BJP-JJP coalition government in Haryana, saying it was in a hurry to get distilleries reopen when it should have focussed on containing coronavirus and arming those at the forefront of this battle. "The Khattar-Chautala government, whose aim should be welfare of 2.5 crore people of Haryana, is in a hurry to get liquor factories running, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala told reporters during a video-conference. Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala, whose nephew and Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala holds the charge of the excise department, was also critical of the state government, saying its priorities were misplaced. Chautala said rather than solving the problems of farmers related to procurement, the government is more worried about those into liquor trade. Citing a circular dated April 11, Surjewala said, The circular from the excise and taxation commissioner (addressed to deputy excise and taxation commissioners) says they are directed to ensure operations of distilleries, bottling plants -- Indian Made Foreign Liquor, breweries, wineries situated in their districts are resumed with immediate effect. (For wholesale and retail operation), the order then says this may be treated as a step in the direction of full scale operations of wholesale and retail licenses after the lockdown period is over, the Congress leader said quoting the order. Surjewala, a former Haryana minister, said the priority of the government during the lockdown should be fighting the coronavirus, arming our doctors, nurses,paramedical staff, police personnel, safai karamcharis and essential services employees with personal protection equipment, N-95 masks andother gear and not bothering to start distilleries with immediate effect. Is the government working for welfare of the people of Haryana or are they working for profiteering of liquor distillery owners and wholesale and retail liquor operators. That's aquestion they need to answer, he said. Surjewala said earlier too the state government had shut liquor vends from March 27after heavy criticism for keeping the outlets open despite a nationwide lockdown. He said it was surprising that when the entire nation's focus was on curbing the spread of the virus,Haryana government was allowing distilleries to restart. Abhay Chautala said the government decision was surprising. During an all-party meeting, he added, he had advised the government against opening liquor factories and vends. But it seems the chief minister is under pressure of his ally JJP and the order...has been given even without a Cabinet approval, Chautala said in a statement. Claiming that bootlegging was going on despite the lockdown, Surjewala added it indicates to the failure of the ruling dispensation. Haryana police last week said it had cracked down on bootleggers and arrested 449 people. Over1 lakh bottles of illicit liquor have been seized during lockdown, police said. An elite group of medical and disease experts had been sounding alarm bells about coronavirus since January, as they discussed the virus' threat to America in an email chain called Red Dawn, a bombshell report revealed. Dozens of experts from government agencies, health organizations and top universities began the chain - named for the 1984 movie starring Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen who tried to protect their country from a foreign invasion - to discuss the rapidly spreading coronavirus, which hadn't yet overtaken the United States. By late January, Dr Carter E. Mecher, a top medical adviser at the Veterans Affairs Department, wrote: 'I'm certainly no public health expert...but no matter how I look at this, it looks [to] be bad,' reported the New York Times after obtaining 80 pages of the email chain. A few hours later, infectious disease expert Dr. James Lawler, who worked under President Obama and George W. Bush, quipped 'great understatements in history: Wuhan... "Just a bad flu season,' lumping it in with Napoleon's retreat from Russia as 'a little stroll gone bad' and Hiroshima being 'a bad summer heat wave.' The NYT included the two emails as part of eight key messages in the chain that showed how the experts were aware of Covid-19's ever growing threat and their frustration with slow responses from both the White House and CDC. An elite group of medical and disease experts had been sounding alarm bells about coronavirus since January, as they discussed the virus' threat to America in an email chain called Red Dawn, a bombshell report revealed Infectious disease expert Dr. James Lawler, who worked under President Obama and the younger Bush, quipped 'great understatements in history: Wuhan... "Just a bad flu season,' lumping it with Napoleon's retreat from Russia as 'a little stroll gone bad' and Hiroshima being 'a bad summer heat wave' The chain was started by Dr. Duane C. Caneva, the chief medical officer at the Department of Homeland Security. He told the NYT the email chain was meant to 'provide thoughts, concerns, raise issues, share information across various colleagues responding to Covid-19.' The chain's members included people from 'the Health and Human Services Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Homeland Security Department, the Veterans Affairs Department, the Pentagon and other federal agencies tracking the historic health emergency.' On January 28, Dr. Mecher summed up the situation as 'bad'. He noted the CDC and WHO appeared to 'behind the curve' and questioned why both institutions seemed to be downplaying the threat. He wrote: 'Any way you cut it, this is going to be bad. The projected size of the outbreak already seems hard to believe.' Dr. Mecher was already pushing for schools to close, adding: 'Now Im screaming, close the colleges and universities.' On February 17, Dr. Mecher was again pushing for businesses and schools to close in order to stop the spread of the virus, citing it as being 'central' in the response to curb the outbreak. He predicted there would be push back against the drastic move, but argued for the government to take the lead and issue the mandate. On January 28, Dr. Mecher (pictured) summed up the situation as bad Dr. Mecher noted the CDC and WHO appeared to 'behind the curve' and questioned why both institutions seemed to be downplaying the threat On February 17, Dr. Mecher was again pushing for businesses and schools to close in order to stop the spread of the virus, citing it as being 'central' in the response to curb the outbreak. He predicted there would be push back against the drastic move, but argued for the government to take the lead and issue the mandate (pictured) The chain's members included people from 'the Health and Human Services Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Homeland Security Department, the Veterans Affairs Department, the Pentagon and other federal agencies tracking the historic health emergency' That same day, Dr. Eva Lee, a researcher at Georgia Institute of Technology who helped the group create disease projection models, cited concern about the rapid spread of the virus on the Princess Diamond cruise ship. She compared the infection rate from the ship to schools, malls and work places where people are confined in a restricted area for hours at a time, citing it as the worst form of social gathering. By the third week of February, the experts collectively agreed the virus was already in the United States, and social distancing needed to be implemented quickly to prevent it from spreading further. Dr. Robert Kadlec, the head of the virus response at the Department of Health and Human Services and a top White House adviser, shared a report that showed an asymptotic person could spread the virus to others, without testing positive for the virus. Although the officials decided to have a meeting to recommend to President Trump that social distancing, and the closure of schools and some businesses needed to be enacted to help stop the spread, the meeting was cancelled after an expert sent the stock market into a free fall with a doomsday warning. When Trump finally addressed coronavirus concerns three weeks later with his Europe travel restrictions, the group wondered what good would it do because the virus was already in the US - also citing fears for medical workers. Dr Lawler wrote: 'This is the absolute wrong move.' Another said: 'No justification that I can see, unless we want to put up similar geographic cordons in the US- there is plenty of disease already in the US to cause spread domestically.' When Trump finally addressed coronavirus concerns three weeks later by announcing travel restrictions on Europe, the group wondered what good would it do because the virus was already in the US - also citing fears for medical workers. Dr Lawler (left) wrote: 'This is the absolute wrong move.' Dr. Eva Lee (right), a researcher at Georgia Institute of Technology and helped the group create disease projection models, cited concern about the rapid spread of the virus on the Princess Diamond cruise ship Dr Lawler added: 'We are making every misstep leaders initially made in table -tops at the outset of pandemic planning in 2006. We had systematically addressed all of these and had a plan that would work - and has worked in Hong Kong/Singapore' Dr Lee wrote: 'I was hoping he would mention about schools, government and private sector tele-work, community gatherings, things that really need everyone to actively engage in And also extra resources for healthcare providers. 'We really need to protect providers who care for covid- 19 patients. We must protect them because they are invaluable resources and we don't have enough. 'They are not like equipment that the President could ask a manufacturer to produce more.' Dr Lawler added: 'We are making every misstep leaders initially made in table -tops at the outset of pandemic planning in 2006. We had systematically addressed all of these and had a plan that would work - and has worked in Hong Kong/Singapore. 'We have thrown 15 years of institutional learning out the window and are making decisions based on intuition. Pilots can tell you what happens when a crew makes decisions based on intuition rather than what their instruments are telling them. 'And we continue to push the stick forward...' The last straw came when the CDC questioned in mid March the necessity of closing down schools, with Dr. Lawler writing: 'CDC is really missing the mark here. By the time you have substantial community transmission it is too late. 'It's like ignoring the smoke detector and waiting until your entire house is on fire to call the fire dept.' Donald Trump ignored the warnings from the NSC, and instead waited until March to implement such measures, the report reveals The Red Dawn emails were included in a New York Times report about how Trump ignored advice by the National Security Council back in January to consider shutting down cities and keep Americans home from work. 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. 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 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. President Trump tweeted his outrage at the New York Times' findings Saturday afternoon 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.' 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 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 20:26:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HOHHOT, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The China-Russia border city of Manzhouli in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region reported 34 new confirmed COVID-19 cases from overseas from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, local health commission said. All the patients were from Russia via Manzhouli, the largest land port on the China-Russia border, according to the commission. At present, a total of 114 confirmed imported cases have been reported in Inner Mongolia, including 70 cases imported via Manzhouli port. Manzhouli is rebuilding some hospitals into designated hospitals to meet the requirement of receiving more patients. Four medical teams totaling 115 people from the city of Hulun Buir in the region have been sent to Manzhouli, and the guidance teams from the region and Hulun Buir have also arrived in the city, said the commission. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has urged PM Narendra Modi to introduce new schemes such as food for work, announce a big package for industries and relaxation in central GST amid the coronavirus crisis. On the ongoing lockdown, Gehlot emphasised on taking a collective decision by looking at the situation of the individual states and taking the respective states in confidence. Gehlot urged to immediately plan to launch a scheme on the lines of Food for Work to provide relief to the ragpickers, pushcart or rickshaw-pullers, nomad and other helpless people whose livelihoods are under threat due to the Covid-19 lockdown. He said the scheme was initiated during the regime of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2001-02 and gained much popularity as a measure of fighting drought. The Chief Minister added that the state government compensated such vulnerable population by providing a cash amount of Rs 2,500 each to more than 31 lakh families who were not covered under any other social security scheme. The centre should also bring some scheme of compensation for such people so that they could get at least some minimum economic support, he said. The Government of India has sufficient quantities of grains for such a scheme, said Gehlot, attending the PMs video conference which was participated by the CMs of other states on Saturday. For deciding the financial package to the states, a delegation of top officers could be sent for a discussion with the Union Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Gehlot said. Suggesting an incentive package for the Industries, he said former Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had announced a big stimulus package during the 2008 economic slump. Such a package should be announced for the industries during the current crisis so that their financial situation could be strengthened. The state government has provided relief to the hotel and tourism industry affected by the lockdown. We have decided to reimburse the state GST to the hospitality businesses for the next three months. To arrest the deteriorating situation of this industry during this challenging time, the GoI should consider giving concessions in the central GST, Gehlot stated. He suggested that there will be a recovery at the global economic scenario after the lockdown ends and in such a situation, looking at the possibilities of new export opportunities for India, from now onwards giving interest subsidy through EXIM Bank and other incentives should be considered to encourage exports. The CM reiterated his demand to provide a grant of Rs one lakh crore to the state governments to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. The payment of the first instalment of the grant should be made, based on the population and later as per the prescribed formula of the GST Council or the Inter-state Council, he added. He further asked for an increase in the borrowing limit for a state and the treasury deficit limit mentioned in the FRBM Act to 5% of the GDP. Gehlot demanded that recently the RBI increased the Wage and Means Advance limit by 30%, but looking at the current crisis, the facility of this advance payment to the state governments should be provided free of interest so that the Covid-19 pandemic could be effectively dealt with. Gehlot demanded for grant of a moratorium of 6 months to the states by reassessing the payment of forthcoming instalments of outstanding loans due to the RBI and other financial institutions under the Government of India. Gehlot said that the crops of Rabi season were ready to be sold in the market. Under the Prime Minister Asha Scheme, 25% of the total yields of crops are procured at the MSP, which is inadequate. Farmers should be provided relief in such a tough time by increasing the purchase limit on MSP to 50%. The FCI and NAFED etc should urgently start the MSP procurement of crops in a phased manner, the chief minister suggested. ROCHESTER, N.Y. There are no wakes to mourn loved ones together, no funerals to join hands and celebrate the lives lost. Jim Corbett doesn't personally know any victims of the coronavirus in Monroe County, New York, but he's honoring them one by one until they can have a proper burial. Corbett is assembling crosses and staking them in his front yard. Each cross represents a person from the county who died from the virus. There were 49 crosses on Sunday morning. "I was just thinking about the amount of lives lost," said Corbett, an Air Force veteran. "Its a cumulative total of more than 3,000 years of lives and memories that have passed. It's all being put on hold." Jim Corbett placed wooden crosses in front of his Chili, New York, house for each person Monroe County who has died of COVID-19. He adds crosses daily as new numbers are released. Corbett aptly began the project on Good Friday, the day Christians mourn the death of Jesus on the cross, but show gratitude for his love and sacrifice. Corbett sang with his church group over Zoom and went into his garage to make 40 crosses. Corbett, a general contractor, used lath left over from renovations at his 1906 farmhouse. A larger cross is made of two-by-four lumber from the home. The supplies date back to before any of the victims were born and Corbett has repurposed the materials to preserve their memories. "I was watching stories of people making masks and joining together to do something positive for the community," said Corbett, 38. "This is my own thing and a way to pay tribute." The idea for the crosses was spurred by a recent visit to his wife's 93-year-old grandfather. The man who survived the Great Depression and World War II had lost his best friend of 75 years but could not attend any of the services. "It puts a huge hindrance on little things that we take for granted," Corbett said. "Its something that has crippled lives so much and so quickly." 'An Easter of solitude': Christians across the world mark Easter Sunday amid the coronavirus Easter Sunday: How are Donald Trump and Mike Pence observing Easter amid coronavirus pandemic? Story continues 'Deployment at home' It's the not first time Corbett has used his construction skills to edify his community. While serving two deployments in Kuwait, he crafted an American flag and the message "One team, one fight" out of bricks and debris to dress up his base in the desert. "In a way, this feels like a deployment at home," Corbett said. "Youre sacrificing your things and normalcies but you still have the same comfort of family and friends at home. "In the military when they're playing taps, even if you don't know anyone who passed away, you associate it with lives that are lost." Jim Corbett decorated his base using bricks and scrap materials while in the Air Force in Kuwait. Corbett was cast in a local production of Broadway's "Man of La Mancha" last month. The performances wrapped up just before the county declared a state of emergency. "The Impossible Dream," the lead song in the musical adapted from the novel "Don Quixote," is about fighting against inconceivable odds. "Its very powerful. It's a message about hope and kindness," Corbett said. "Don Quixote hopes to add some measure of grace to the world." Corbett is living out those values. He'll have dinner with his family on Easter Sunday. Then, if the county Department of Health announces a new death due to the virus, he'll build a cross for a stranger. It's a reminder that every life matters and no life is forgotten. Looking for gifts? 12 thoughtful Easter gifts that don't require shipping States are restricting Easter gatherings amid COVID-19: Churches and lawmakers are pushing back This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York man builds cross in yard for every COVID-19 death in county 4 lakh rapid test kits bound for Tamil Nadu diverted to USA Staf cheer as a formerly COVID-19 positive patient is discharged after being quarantined at the Kilpauk Medical College Hospital in Chennai on Saturday, April 11, 2020. (PTI) Chennai: A Chinese consignment of 4 lakh rapid test kits (RTKs) was to arrive in Tamil Nadu on Saturday to help the state's coronanvirus testing process. But that shipment was diverted to the United States. Tamil Nadu has witnessed a huge spurt in coronavirus cases in the past week, and the need to ramp up testing is desperate. So as a strategic measure, the Tamil Nadu health authorities have decided to go straight to the confirmatory PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests rather than wait for the four lakh rapid test kits (RTKs) which it had hoped to get from China. Disclosing this at a press conference Saturday, chief secretary K Shanmugam said Tamil Nadu has 15,000 PCR kits on hand. However, the central government is promising to dispatch to Tamil Nadu 50,000 RTKs whenever the next consignment from China arrives. Plus another 50,000 RTKs may be available. But Tamil Nadu is not waiting. The RTK's advantage is that it allows the authorities to cover a large number of people in 30 minutes. But the results need validation by a PCR test. Dr Shanmugam said the RTKs are meant for primary mass screening in Covid-19 hot-spots and areas under the Containment Plan (CP), in which blood samples of everyone in a target group are taken. People detected as having Covid-19 symptoms by these RTK tests will have to be further subjected to a PCR test to confirm the presence of the new coronavirus. The overall situation in Tamil Nadu is not good. Dr Shanmugam said the total number of positive cases shot up to 969 by Saturday evening with 58 new positive cases reported during the day. More alarmingly, only four of the new cases had a history of inter-state travel ; other 54 were contact infections. Eight doctors have been affected so far. Dr Shanmugam said one death, of a 65-year-old man, was confirmed at the Erode government hospital. The man from Perundurai had a contact history. This death takes the toll due to Covid-19 infections in Tamil Nadu to ten. The Tamil Nadu cabinet met Saturday evening after chief minister had participated in the chief ministers' videocon with prime minister Modi earlier in the afternoon. Palaniswami said he informed the PM about Tamil Nadu's need to implement is containment plan (CP) with greater rigour. Tamil Nadu is colour-coding the affected districts in order of severity: red, orange and yellow. Palaniswami was among the many chief ministers who supported an extension to the lockdown by another two weeks. As the coronavirus quarantine continues, television shows are slowly returning to the air in whatever formats producers and performers can cobble together using the equipment at their houses. Late night shows are already back, and this weekend, Saturday Night Live joined them, with an episode of SNL shot from the cast members living rooms and basements. The show kicked off with a new opening montage showing the cast struggling through quarantine, then host (and recent COVID-19 patient) Tom Hanks delivered the monologue. It is a strange time to try to be funny, but trying to be funny is SNLs whole thing, so we thought, What the heck, lets give it a shot! Hanks said, from his kitchen, before performing both sides of one of the shows trademark Q&A monologues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it was fascinating to see Saturday Night Live try to approximate its usual structure under quarantine conditions, it was even more fascinating to get a glimpse of Tom Hanks and the SNL cast at home, particularly in this shocking and revealing shot of Hanks disguised as a Frenchman: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats right: Tom Hanks Oxford English Dictionary ends at volume XVIII (Thro Unelucidated), which means he may not yet be aware of the twists and turns in Volume XIX (Unemancipated Wau-wau) or Volume XX (Wave Zyxt). Dont spoil it for himhes Tom Hanks! The rest of the show mostly consisted of sketches presented in amateur video formats the cast could easily duplicate at home. Heidi Gardners teen movie critic recorded a YouTube video, Mikey Day went with Twitch, and Kate McKinnon recorded a home workout video in character as Ruth Bader Ginsberg. The funniest use of an amateur format was probably Ego Nwodims vertically-filmed quarantine makeup tutorial: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not quite as great as Megan Amrams legendary Glee audition, but then Amram wasnt dealing with a pandemic. Kyle Mooney and Beck Bennett chose FaceTime for their sketch, a bizarre bit of musique concrete with a surprise appearance from Fred Armisen: Advertisement Advertisement And of course, there was a Zoom sketch, about the difficulties inherent in using Zoom: Advertisement Advertisement None of those sketches would have looked all that different if theyd been made during a normal week at SNL, because low-quality sound and video is baked into their premises. The same could not be said for Weekend Update, which this week featured Michael Che and Colin Jost via split-screen, a Zoom audience of four or five people chuckling awkwardly at the jokes, Alec Baldwins Donald Trump on the telephone, and a whole lot of echoes. It was pretty weird! Advertisement Che and Jost in their living rooms was a lot more unsettling than Tom Hanks in his kitchen, normalcy-wise, partly because Tom Hanks is the least unsettling man in America, and partly because the gap between Weekend Update on any given pre-quarantine week and Weekend Update this week was so vast. But despite all the coronavirus jokes and sweded production values, the full impact of the pandemic didnt come through until SNLs final segment, a tribute to Hal Willner, the shows longtime music coordinator, who died Tuesday with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Saturday Night Live hasnt always had a great track record when it comes to avoiding the maudlin, particularly when theres a singalong involved, but they got this exactly right, bringing back former cast members from Adam Sandler to Molly Shannon to talk about what Willners life and work meant to them. By focusing on a single loss, they came closer than most to portraying the scale of this ongoing disaster: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youd have to shoot more than 2,000 videos just like that one simply to cover the Americans who died from COVID-19 on Friday, never mind the rest of the world or the rest of the week, and watching all the hastily cobbled together iPhone and webcam footage of comedy luminaries mourning their friend really brought home how drastically things have changed in such a short time. Then I noticed that Kyle Mooney had somehow managed to get one of his sketches cut for time even though the show wasnt live: Advertisement Even in an apocalypse, some things about American life remain constant. By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 12, 2020 | 11:51 AM | MAYFIELD A report of a fight led to a Mayfield man's arrest on a long list of charges. The Mayfield Police Department says officers responded on Friday to a hotel on East Broadway for a report of a fight in progress in the parking lot. When police arrived, they saw 34-year-old William McCampbell of Mayfield in a vehicle attempting to leave the scene. The officer ordered McCampbell out of the vehicle, and a brief foot pursuit ensued. McCampbell was apprehended after attempting to jump a fence. He was reportedly found in possession of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. McCampbell is charged with fleeing or evading police, tampering with physical evidence, trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in marijuana, resisting arrest, assault (police officer) and disorderly conduct. He was lodged in the Graves County Jail. Archbishop of Boston Cardinal Sean P. OMalley spread a message of hope in his Easter homily on Sunday. The message came as people celebrated Easter amid the coronavirus pandemic that has forced people to stay apart and has taken the lives of 686 people in Massachusetts. Today in Massachusetts, all the Christian churches are ringing their bells as a sign of the hope and joy that Easter brings to us, OMalley said. Today, as we listen to the Easter bells, realize that its a call to solidarity to all the members of our community so that in the face of this pandemic we might respond to the witness with the power of the Resurrection, the power of love thats stronger than death, and faith in a provident God who always brings good out of evil. In his homily, OMalley discussed the story of when Mary Magdalene went to visit Jesuss tomb. She found the tomb empty. Upon hearing this, Peter and John rushed to see. OMalley said he didnt know if the disciples would have gone to the tomb if Mary Magdalene had not shamed them into it. Peter and John were too busy practicing social distancing and were so frightening of being discovered they would have gladly worn the face masks many of us are now wearing today, OMalley said. The Mass was broadcast live on WLVI-TV to conform with social distancing measures as the country is gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Easter means that life and love are forever, OMalley said. Nothing else matters. On Twitter, Gov. Charlie Baker said, The celebrations may look different this year, but they are still an opportunity for us to reflect on faith and family, which are more important now than ever. Related Content: Netherlands Confirms 1,316 New Coronavirus Cases in 24 Hours Bringing Total to 24,413 Sputnik News 12:02 GMT 11.04.2020(updated 12:30 GMT 11.04.2020) The country's death toll from coronavirus is 2,643, the Netherlands' National Institute for Health (RIVM) reported. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Netherlands rose by 1,316 on Saturday, bringing the total to 24,413, with 132 new fatalities, the country's health authorities said. The country's death toll from coronavirus is 2,643, the Netherlands' National Institute for Health (RIVM) said. According to Dutch News.nl, the coronavirus infection has been spreading quickly in the country's nursing homes. COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in at least 900 of the Netherlands' 2,500 nursing homes, RIVM infectious diseases chief Jaap van Dissel said, as quoted by the media outlet. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In a move to reduce the inconvenience of students due to the lockdown, the Mizoram government has decided to introduce virtual classes on television from Monday. The school department has decided to give lessons to students via television, an official release said here on Saturday. The lessons will be telecast daily from Monday to Saturday on Doordarshan Kendra Aizawl, the release said. The first daily half-hour lessons will begin from Monday at 3.05 pm for class 10 students on science and mathematics subjects, it said. Televised classes will be held for students of other standards also, it said. Notably, the state government had on March 17 closed all educational institutions as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state. Meanwhile, the school department has asked the students concerned to attend the televised classes from their homes along with notebooks and pens. The department also urged the students to give priority to the televised classes as the lockdown may be extended due to the spike in novel coronavirus case in the country. As per the school calendar, the new academic session for 2020-21 began on April 1. minister Lalchhandam had earlier said that though the government could not specify the actual date, the schools would be reopened once the situation becomes normal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday evening announced that the state was looking for a partial resumption of construction, agriculture, drinking water consolidation, revenue, MSME, industrial and education activities from April 15 onwards following Prime Minister Narendra Modis stress on jaan bhi, jahan bhi (both life and livelihood). The chief minister, however, made it quite clear that educational institutions will not reopen anytime soon. The prime minister had announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown, which began on March 25 and would end on April 14, unless it is extended. The chief minister also announced several committees under ministers that will think and draw a roadmap for resumption of activities. The ministers will start sitting in their respective offices and all officers from the level of special secretary will resume going to their offices from April 15, Adityanath said. They will also decide categories of other staff who need to begin attending office. From April 14, we will start sending home people who are in shelter homes completing the 14-day isolation. They will be medically checked for symptoms once again and if cleared medically, we will send them home with an advisory of another 14-day isolation at their homes. Considering that these people should not face any problem for food for their 14-day home quarantine, we will give them food packets of grains, the chief minister said. After the lockdown, this was the first time that the cabinet ministers, in such large number, had a meeting where they were physically present. Nineteen cabinet-level ministers met. Others could not come because of the lockdown as they are in their home districts, he said. At this evenings meeting, we discussed the lockdown and what all could be after the lockdown, the chief minister said. We will have to continue working with the same alertness as we did till now. And we had a consensus on following PM Modis idea of Jaan bhi, Jahan bhi (Life and livelihood--both). We not only have to contain coronavirus and save lives, but also have to return to normalcy. We have to take steps to return to normal activities so that we dont face problems. We have constituted a committee each under over different ministers. The committees will find ways for resumption of activities, he said. The committee chaired by deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maruya will explore to what extent resumption of activities can be allowed in construction, especially roads, expressways, and big ticket project by maintaining social distancing and safety. The committee under deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma will decide on online syllabus of various courses form school to higher education level so that education does not suffer. For maintaining social distancing, it is important not to reopen schools and colleges, he said. The committee headed by finance minister Suresh Khanna will think about ways to start revenue generation, MSME sector, and industrial activities. Agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahis committee will work on the problems and issues related to farmers. We would like to explore maximise procurement from farms or through farmers and, at the same time, ensure minimum support price for farmers, Yogi said. The committee headed by health minister Jai Pratap Singh would decide how to resume critical care and emergency services like dialysis, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, cardiac-care, neuro-related ailments. It will also work on the safety of doctors, health workers engaged in Covid-19 treatment. Jal shakti minister Mahendra Singhs committee will work on how water supply is to be maintained to people--all the more when the temperature has begun rising, especially in the water-scarce areas like Vindhyachal or Bundelkhand. The committee chaired by labour minister Swami Prasad Maurya will look into labour welfare issues and the one under social welfare minister Ramapati Shastri will work on scholarships and pensions under his department. Similarly, the committee under the rural development minister Moti Singh will work on rural sanitation, while urban development minister Ashutosh Tandons committee will oversea urban sanitation. NO PUBLIC EVENTS LUCKNOW Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said though there were many festivities lined up this month, it was important not to have public functions. Some of the events and observances scheduled this month are Khalsa Panth foundation related to the Sikh community on April 13-14, or Baisakhi, Ambedkar Jayanti (April 14) and the beginning of Ramzan (April 23). Any public event might spread infection, he cautioned. The district administration would seek help of religious leaders, he said. On Ambedkar Jayanti, people will pay tribute to the late leader by garlanding his portrait in offices or homes, the chief minister advised. Manitobas municipal leaders in the Red River basin share a cautious optimism that the flood risk remains low, but refuse to lower their guard. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/4/2020 (639 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitobas municipal leaders in the Red River basin share a cautious optimism that the flood risk remains low, but refuse to lower their guard. And they watch with great interest at whats happening south of the border. High water is pushing its way from North Dakota, which has flood warnings in effect in several areas. Flooding has forced the closure of a 40-kilometre stretch of Interstate 29 in both directions from the Manvel to Grafton exits. Several bridges around Grand Forks are inaccessible, and the water is high enough to cut off the Minnesota hamlet of Oslo, which is old news for the 300 residents protected annually by a ring dike. Indeed, its a scene thats played out many times before, and isnt causing Emerson-Franklin Reeve David Carlson any sleepless nights quite yet. "At this point it looks like its definitely something we can handle. Weve done our preliminary dike closures in Emerson in a couple of spots, which is pretty standard," Carlson said Saturday. "The big concern will be some road washouts, flooding into the farmland and debris thats left behind, which really delays harvest. The debris is a real pain in the neck. Farmers have to clean out fields and we have to clear out ditches and its a real inconvenience. "But if things stay as they are right now, were pretty confident things should be fine." In St. Norbert, nothing will be left to chance. Of the 57 properties identified as high-risk to flooding this spring, 31 are in that ward. St. Norbert councillor and deputy mayor Markus Chambers, who joined a large, enthusiastic crew of volunteer sandbaggers Thursday at properties on St. Pierre Street, said the mood was entirely upbeat. "People were so positive, really excited to help out. Its the typical Winnipeg story, people wanting to offer support," said Chambers. "I also think people are tired of being cooped up" during the COVID-19 pandemic. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Volunteers sandbag Thursday at a residence on Rue St. Pierre in St. Norbert. Sandbagging operations will go on during the pandemic. Chambers said about 4,700 bags were placed in four hours to protect one home. Volunteers stood one to two metres apart, using a zig-zag pattern on the assembly line. About half of participants wore masks. Earlier this month, Manitobas Emergency Measures Office released a guide to sandbagging during the pandemic. Among other options, it suggested using two-person teams to build small dikes, with workers alternating trips to the sandbag stockpile. For large efforts, it proposed using a "carousel" of workers staggered 10 feet apart, to circle between the stockpile and the dike. At a news briefing Saturday, the provinces chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, said hand sanitizer should be available on-site for sandbag workers. In areas which make physical distancing difficult, workers could also wear non-medical masks to reduce the risk they might unknowingly spread the virus to others, he added. "Like other critical-type services, they have to go on," he said. "Ive reviewed some plans and theyre actually quite good and they do allow for physical distancing. Our messaging is, again, stay home if youre ill, even mild symptoms. Theyre going to have hand sanitizer around to ensure good hand hygiene." While the province is moving to enforce health orders relating to physical distancing with warnings and fines, Roussin noted that government operations are excluded from those orders. Sandbagging would fall into that category, he said. The spring flood is turning out to be far less than the disaster some had feared by some in North Dakota. Below-freezing temperatures for the upcoming week will slow any remaining snowmelt into the river system, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. Indeed, that weather forecast is a blessing for communities this side of the border, said Chambers. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Sandbagging efforts were primarily for precautionary reasons, however, the possibility of flooding downstream, as far south as St. Norbert, due to ice jams between Lockport and Selkirk remains a concern. "It just backs everything up, and its my understanding that it does it quite quickly," Chambers said. "One of our home owners on St. Pierre said if theres an ice jam and it backs up, it could go up three feet in a couple of hours, and thats where youre, "OK, that could be some major flooding." Provincial officials activated the floodway on Good Friday. With it operational, a channel just south of the city takes part of the Red Rivers flow around Winnipeg, Manitoba and discharges it back into the Red River just below the dam at Lockport. With the aid of the floodway, the Red River level at the James Avenue gauge is expected to crest at a manageable 19.5 feet, likely on April 17. jason.bell@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @WFPJasonBell (Newser) On Jan. 30, 2003, 20-year-old Rosa Jimenez was watching 21-month-old Bryan Gutierrez, as she did a few times a week, at her Texas apartment when things went horribly wrong. Jimenez stepped away from Bryan and her own daughter so that she could make lunch as the little ones played and watched TV. The toddlers had been playfully ripping up paper towels, and somehow, Bryan choked on some of them. Jimenez frantically tried to clear his airway and couldn't; ultimately, one of the responding paramedics had to use forceps to remove an egg-sized mass of bloody paper towels from his throat. The boy did not survive. Jimenez, who said she loved Bryan as if he were her own son, was found guilty of his murder. But in an extensive look at the case for Texas Monthly, Michael Hall explains that there are quite a fewincluding five judgeswho believe she was wrongly convicted. story continues below While prosecutors argued there was no way a child so young could have stuffed five paper towels down his own throat, a civil lawyer ultimately found a renowned surgeon who said it was "absolutely possible" the incident had been an accidental choking. Three other pediatric specialists agreed. The civil lawyer argued Jimenez's lawyer failed her in various ways, including by using an ineffective expert witness, and an appellate judge ordered a new trial. But in a series of twists and turns, judges, state representatives, the president of Mexico, and others continued to back Jimenezeven the judge from her original trialyet the woman described as "peaceful" and "loving" on the stand remains behind bars, suffering from a chronic kidney condition that could kill her. The full piece delves into much more, including a documentary filmmaker who has followed the case and highlighted the lack of physical evidence in a film about Jimenez. (Read more Longform stories.) Soon, Americans may be able to drive into a pharmacy parking lot and, without a doctors order or delay, get swabbed for the novel coronavirus and receive their diagnosis within minutes. If they test positive, theyll self-quarantine immediately, as will the circle of friends and family they recently came into contact with. Many Americans at first, perhaps just health care workers and first responders may be able to walk into a pharmacy or hospital and get an antibody test, a pinprick blood test that will tell them if theyve had the coronavirus and may have some immunity. If the test shows high enough levels of antibodies proteins produced by the immune system to fight infection they may get a certificate that allows them to go back to work. When infectious disease experts talk about how widespread testing will need to be in place before public health officials consider reopening workplaces, schools and public spaces, this is part of the picture they paint. It is a far cry from todays reality in the United States. Many technological, manufacturing and scientific obstacles would have to be cleared. But steps are being taken to build up to this potential snapshot of our future. The expansion of diagnostic tests and antibody tests, also known as serologic or serology tests, will play a critical role in getting there. This (serology test) is ultimately a test youre going to want to give to a lot of people, said Dr. Robert Siegel, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford. Say you have a situation where youre going to be in school, you might want to know what everyone in school, what their status is. Serology tests are blood tests that detect whether a persons immune system has produced antibodies, which circulate in the blood, in response to infection. The presence of antibodies doesnt necessarily mean someone is immune. But high levels of antibodies likely indicate some immunity, even if just temporarily. What is not yet clear, however, is what level of antibodies someone must have in order to be immune to the coronavirus or how long immunity may last. Studies that try to answer these questions are either too small to draw broader conclusions or have yet to be completed, infectious disease experts say. Steve Fisch/Stanford Medicine Some health care workers are already taking serology tests, but not yet for the purpose of getting cleared to go back to work. At Stanford Medicine, which developed its own serology test, some health care workers who had COVID-19 have taken a serology test to confirm whether they have antibodies in their blood and can volunteer to donate their plasma to help treat sick patients. But to go back to work, they must take a diagnostic test, and test negative twice in a row, said Stanfords Dr. James Zehnder, whos been developing both types of tests. The goal is to make diagnostic and serology tests widely available enough to administer to patients and the community at drive-through testing sites. Debates are gaining steam around the world about how to use the results of antibody tests to put people back to work. Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, said Friday its possible the United States could issue certificates of immunity an idea that is being researched in Germany and considered in Italy and the United Kingdom. This is something thats being discussed, Fauci told CNN. I think it might actually have some merit, under certain circumstances. Large swaths of the population should get serology tests to help researchers determine what proportion of people has been infected but not everyone needs to be tested, said Dr. Charles Chiu, a professor of laboratory medicine and infectious diseases at UCSF. Local and national efforts to do so are already under way. Stanford Medicine, which the Stanford Daily reported administered serology tests in early April to 3,200 people in Santa Clara County, will use the results to try to learn what proportion of the population has been infected. And on Friday, the NIH announced it will collect blood samples from 10,000 healthy volunteers to study the presence of antibodies and better understand the extent to which the virus has spread. Experts say serology tests alone cannot defeat the pandemic. Diagnostic testing must also ramp up significantly because if and when public institutions start reopening, the coronavirus will almost certainly start spreading again. Rapid diagnostic testing and contact tracing will be needed to identify and contain those flareups. California is trying to test 25,000 people a day, but so far has fallen short testing about 9,500 people a day, on average, according to testing figures released by the state Department of Public Health. Theres a lot of hype about serology. I see that the use of serology in the short term is going to be relatively limited and relatively specialized, said Dr. George Rutherford, a professor of epidemiology at UCSF. If were interested in what happened three weeks ago, serology is important. If youre interested in whats happening today, you have to go back to (diagnostic) nasal swabs. Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle Because the FDA is authorizing antibody tests quickly, its likely that the large number of companies making or trying to make antibody tests will by culled after a stricter review of test quality, experts 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. We cant assume for this test all of a sudden everything is going to be fixed, said Dr. Cyrus Shahpar, a Bay Area epidemiologist who previously led global rapid response at the CDC. There are some concerns because the FDA is letting everything go through without the normal review process, that the quality of the tests may vary. Widespread serology testing may not be needed if the U.S. can effectively identify small outbreaks, test and isolate those people quickly, and then identify and isolate their immediate contacts, said Dr. Lee Riley, a professor of infectious disease at UC Berkeleys School of Public Health. I dont think we necessarily need to go that route, he said of testing broad populations of people with serology tests and issuing certificates to return to work. If you can identify who the risk groups are now, especially when youre past the peak, thats when you have a chance to really study whos still infected. You target those populations. Then it really wouldnt matter what serology tests show. Widespread serology testing for humans was not deployed after the SARS and MERS outbreaks, Riley said, and is not always needed to contain infectious disease outbreaks. He pointed to public health officials ability to eradicate smallpox between the 1950s and 1970s, without widespread testing, by identifying small outbreaks and vaccinating people closest to the sick individual a method known as ring vaccination, which prevents the spread from going beyond the immediate circle. That concept can be applied to COVID-19, even without a vaccine, by having people isolate themselves. Here we dont have a vaccine, so what we can do is isolate, he said. That works. Its a tried-and-true public health method. Tests are icing on the cake. But serology testing can be used to learn more about a disease. Decades ago, serology tests were given to people in Sierra Leone after a major outbreak of Lassa fever, Siegel said. The testing revealed that there were many more survivors of Lassa fever than researchers expected showing that the disease was a lot less deadly than they thought it was. Catherine Ho and Mallory Moench are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com, mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho, @mallorymoench T he UK could end up with the highest coronavirus death toll in Europe, an expert has warned. Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of the SAGE committee which advises the Government on Covid-19, said he was "hopeful" the UK was approaching a downturn in recorded infections, but that the overall picture could be worse than in Italy or Spain. He also said that he believed that treatment and vaccines "are our only true exit strategy" from the outbreak. He told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "I do hope that we are coming close to the number of new infections reducing and, in a week or two, the number of people needing hospital reducing, and the number of deaths starting to come down. "But numbers in the UK have continued to go up. And yes, the UK is likely to be certainly one of the worst, if not the worst affected, country in Europe. 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 He said continuing testing in the community would buy you time to deal with the crisis, giving an additional six to eight weeks to ensure health systems were up to capacity. Undoubtedly there are lessons to learn from that, Sir Jeremy said. The recorded death toll among Covid-19 hospital patients reached just shy of 10,000 on Saturday, with another 917 deaths taking the total to 9,875, according to Government figures. Italy is currently the worst-hit country in Europe, with 19,468 deaths recorded so far. Spain recorded its lowest daily rise in Covid-19 deaths for 19 days on Saturday, with a further 510 deaths. Sir Jeremy also said it was probably inevitable that there would be future waves of coronavirus across Britain without a vaccine in place. It is my view that treatment and vaccines are our only true exit strategy from this, he told the BBC. We are determined that we dont go through this ever again and I think the chances of second and third waves of this epidemic are probably inevitable. 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 And therefore having the right treatments to save lives and also having a vaccine in the future is going to be absolutely critical to prevent those second and third waves. On the prospect of a vaccine, he added: The vaccine I think will be available during the autumn of this year but that will not be at the scale required to vaccinate maybe billions of people around the world. He told the BBC: There is some evidence growing both in the United States and here in Europe that people from BAME backgrounds are more at risk. What is critical to work out is whether that is something specific to that background or is it related to other risk factors we know about age, other illness people have: diabetes, people who are obese have been more affected, people with high blood pressure, people with heart disease, lung disease. The medical expert said there had also been almost 100 reports of cases in South Korea where people had seemingly re-contracted coronavirus, casting fresh doubt over how long post-infection immunity was thought to last. It is critical to understand whether that is one viral infection that has persisted in an individual for a considerable time and has now reactivated or whether they have been infected with a second virus, said Sir Jeremy. Danish schools will reopen soon, but curbs will only be lifted gradually. A supermarket in Funen has dividers and floor markings to separate shoppers Denmark is about to make its first move to relax restrictions imposed to fight coronavirus. From Wednesday, children aged 11 and younger return to schools and nurseries, after a month of closures. It's among the first European countries aiming to put the lockdown into gradual reverse, just as it was one of the first to impose restrictions. "It's important we don't keep Denmark closed for longer than we need to," said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, as she announced the move last week. The spread of coronavirus appears to be under control and the government wants to get the economy going again. But Denmark's moves will be slow and cautious. Ms Frederiksen likened them to walking a tightrope. "If we open Denmark too quickly again, we risk infections rising too sharply and then we'll have to close down again," she said. Denmark's borders will remain shut. Who else is easing the lockdown? Norway and Austria are also scaling back restrictions slowly. In Austria some shops reopen this Tuesday, followed by other stores, restaurants and hotels in May. Children go back to Norway's kindergartens on 20 April and junior schools a week later. In Bulgaria farmers' markets are reopening. In the Czech Republic, shops selling building materials and bikes are back in business and rules have been relaxed for open-air recreation areas. Spain, which along with Italy has been hardest hit by Covid-19, aims to allow non-essential workers back to work from Monday and will hand out protective masks at stations. But for many countries the easing of restrictions still lies ahead. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said it's too early to consider an exit strategy. And the head of the World Health Organization has warned against lifting stay-at-home measures too fast. So why is Denmark ready to move? Compared with other European countries, Denmark was an early mover. A raft of restrictions was announced on 11 March, 12 days before measures were introduced in the UK. Gatherings have been limited to 10 people, the workforce told to stay home, and the borders shut. It's in stark contrast to neighbouring Sweden, which continued pretty much business as usual, and only recently curbed group sizes from 500 to 50 people. However, Denmark's lockdown has been far less restrictive than those in France or the UK. There is no stay-at-home order. Although bars, gyms and hairdressers are closed, many shops remain open. Health data suggests Denmark's efforts are paying off. "I think we are ready for a controlled reopening," says Hans Joern Kolmos, a professor in clinical microbiology at the University of Southern Denmark. Has Denmark seen the back of the outbreak? Some 6,000 cases and 260 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded up to 11 April. Crucially, total numbers of hospital admissions and patients in intensive care have fallen since the beginning of the month. "We still have plenty of capacity, both in terms of ordinary beds, ICU [intensive care] beds and ventilators," says Prof Kolmos. However, the country needs to be ready for potential "flare-ups" of the virus. "This means that we have to build up testing capacity," he adds. What will change? Opening up may prove trickier than closing down. School guidelines are still being ironed out. There needs to be more distance between children, stricter cleaning regimes and more outdoor classes. "This is not going to be a normal school day, from day one," says Dorte Lange, Vice President of the Danish Teachers' Union. "Our members are filled with questions on how should we manage to do this in a safe way," says Ms Lange. "There are not two schools that are alike." It is very likely that some schools will not be ready to open. There has been a mixed reaction among parents. One Facebook group, called "My kid should not be a Guinea Pig for Covid-19", quickly racked up over 35,000 members. However, Prof Kolmos says opening schools first makes sense. "Children seem not to be affected to any large extent, and this is the only way to get their parents back to work." "I'm quite comfortable about sending them to school," says Anne Eskerod Borgstroem, a market research director and mother of three. "And I think also it's easier for me to do my job at home." She feels the government's communications on the issue have been clear and that gives her confidence. The handling of the crisis has seen widespread public support. According to one poll, 86% of Danes approve. Why Denmark is not over this yet The lockdown has taken a toll on livelihoods and most restrictions remain at least until 10 May, when the government considers its next steps. It is still not clear when some businesses such as restaurants can reopen their doors. "The restaurant industry is suffering as a whole. We've lost maybe 60% of our revenue," says Kasper Bundgaard Christensen, who runs two seafood restaurants in Copenhagen, called Hooked. A ban on festivals and large events until September has also wiped out plans for their food truck. "Pretty much everything in our calendar was just cancelled. So it is a big knock." They are focusing on takeaway sales, and hope business gets back to normal by summer. Twenty staff have been sent home but remain on the payroll, thanks largely to a compensation scheme designed to avert layoffs. "We pay 10% of their wage, and the government pays the rest." "When this is over, we can look them in the eye and they can come to work for us again," says Mr Christensen. Hundreds of billions of Danish krone - equivalent to tens of billions of pounds or euros - have been spent on rescue packages. Lars Sandahl Soerensen, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Danish Industry, says more is needed. "With the very gradual opening we are facing, many workplaces and businesses need assistance if they are to survive." Opening up will clearly take time, and there will be lots of new rules. "I don't think the normal life we had before coronavirus will come back," the prime minister told Danish public broadcaster DR. BBC (Photo : www) Zoom has another lousy thing going for them now amidst all the chaos within their systems and their 90-day plan. Currently, Singapore has barred Zoom from being used by their teachers due to the "Zoom bombings." Read More: Zoom Invites Facebook Head of Security Among Others To Compensate Lack of Security Zoom Banned From Singapore Singapore has temporarily banned Zoom after learning that students became a target by troll attacks during online classes. On Friday, Apr. 10, The country's Ministry of Education announced that it would be launching inquiries into several "very serious incidents" wherein some students were reportedly exposed to lewd images and comments during live-streamed sessions of classes -- something called "Zoom bombing" that's been a nuisance ever since people are now forced to stay in their homes and conduct their businesses or classes to make up for the social distancing. Aaron Loh of the department's educational technology division said, "MOE (Ministry of Education) is currently investigating both breaches and will lodge a police report if warranted," as stated by Reuters. No specifics about the kinds of incidents really, but they were reports that several strange men were crashing to a virtual geography lesson only to show obscene images and making lude comments towards teenage students, reported local media. Loh also said that Singapore's teachers are now banned from using Zoom "until these security issues are ironed out." Zoom spokesperson reached out regarding the concern via email and had this to say, "We have been deeply upset by increasing reports of harassment on our platform and strongly condemn such behavior. We are listening to our community of users to help us evolve our approach and help our users guard against these attacks." Read More: Ransomware Attack: Travelex Pays Hackers $2.3M Ransom; Here's What Happened The statement highlights some of the standard security precautions Zoom has been implementing over the past few weeks. Features like making digital waiting rooms, and of course, password-requirements for virtual conference enabled rooms now by default, which is added in the "Security" menu. They soon removed Zoom ID, a tag that's commonly used to spread among the trolls as part of their coordinated attacks from the toolbar itself. Singapore's Actions Singapore has not banned Zoom for the meantime, but that's not all, they also are doing restrictions as well as precautions from lawmakers worldwide to take action against the video conferencing company. On Monday, New York City has issued a similar ban among their digital classrooms, citing still the widespread cybersecurity issues that Zoom's shareholders have since been sued over. Zoom has been lacking necessary end-to-end encryption despite what they previously published that they do. Officials from Taiwan and Germany are also now restricting government employees to use Zoom, and even Google, the tech giant, has barred the desktop version for their company's use until further notice. Things are going from bad to worse, and we have already talked about this on a previous article, which you should check out after reading this to know why it's so crucial that Zoom needs to get back on track. Read More: Zoom Banned by Google Due To Security Issues: Why Is It Not Safe To Use? 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. EDWARDSVILLE The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursings mission is to educate and develop care providers and leaders who will meet the health challenges of a diverse and complex world mission accomplished. That mission rings abundantly true as nurses and other healthcare professionals bravely work on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic offering skilled, compassionate care for patients in critical need. SIUEs School of Nursing graduate and registered nurse, Brooke Buffington, of Staunton, is one such professional. Currently, Buffington is earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) at SIUE School of Nursing. In 2017, she earned a bachelors in nursing; she began the DNP/FNP program in 2018. Buffington is slated to graduate May 2021. She has worked in healthcare for five years, first as a student-nurse technician in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit and as a registered nurse in a cardiovascular ICU. Buffington has selflessly agreed to travel to New York City to bring help and relief to patients, and to medical colleagues who are overworked and emotionally stressed. She flew out of St. Louis on Friday, April 10, through NuWest Group, which provides accelerated staffing for crisis travel when registered nurses are needed nationally. 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+Hospitals in North Central Bronx, she explained. My contract is at least four weeks long. I will be working a rotation of seven days on, with two-day breaks in between. Her decision to aid in New York will leave her juggling healthcare work and studies. When lecturer Greg Jennings, School of Nursing, learned of Buffingtons plans, his first reaction was one of admiration, he recalled. Jennings and program director Valerie Griffin, for Doctor of Nursing Practice, designed a way to allow Buffington to take the contract and pause completion of studies, until the assignment concludes. She will complete the program as scheduled. What Brooke is doing is truly amazing, 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. 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 noted. 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 in the School of Nursing support and respect that. When students apply to our FNP, DNP program, they participate in an interview session, Griffin added. At this session, even before being accepted into the program, applicants are told that SIUE faculty will work with them in various manners to help them be successful in this program. If that means a student needs time off to care for a sick family member or whatever the reason, our goal is to see those students cross that stage with their degree in the future. Brookes request to serve patients and other healthcare providers in New York is an example of compassion and love, the core of why nurses are so proud of this amazing profession. 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. While doing her part, Buffington said she hopes the public will stay home and practice 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, Buffington said. My hope is that everyone will do the best that they can to stay safe during this very difficult time. The Police Command in Delta has arrested three clerics for allegedly violating government lockdown order by conducting Church services on Easter Sunday. The states Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed this while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Warri. He listed the churches to include: Saint James Anglican Church, All Saints Anglican Church and Christ for the World Mission all in Warri. The DPOs A and B Divisions apprehended one each while the Area Commander in Warri arrested one; all totally three, Mr Onovwakpoyeya said. The clerics are David Nnamani, Vicar, All Saint Anglican Church; Dan Obong, General Overseer, Christ for the World Mission and one other. Also speaking, Warri Area Commander, Mohammed Garba, said that the clerics were detained alongside about 20 of their followers. They had almost 100 worshippers in one of the Churches, you can imagine. We are going to charge them to court on Tuesday, Mr Garba said. Two of the pastors said they were holding fellowship not full-scale services before they were arrested. It was just a fellowship with neighbours and not a full-scale church service, one said. (NAN) MOSTAR, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- When doctors learned last month that a woman admitted for childbirth to this city's largest hospital was infected with COVID-19, they acted quickly. The expectant mother, who had been in contact with the city's first coronavirus patient, was moved from western Mostar's University Clinical Hospital (SKB) to its Cantonal Hospital on the eastern side of the city. In fact, the labor ward's entire operations and all its patients were moved there, too, for two days as the University Clinical Hospital was sanitized. It's normal to have met our colleagues needs. We took over their pregnancies and labor patients for a few days, until their labor ward was disinfected and their OB-GYN clinic's work was restored," Zlatko Guzin, general manager of the Cantonal Hospital, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. "It's completely normal, and I think our colleagues are very much aware of that." Their colleagues at the University Clinical Hospital would have done the same, he added. The disruption followed the confirmation of the city's first coronavirus infection earlier in the week and the cooperation between the hospitals could have occurred in almost any city in the current pandemic. But this is Mostar, a city divided by war in the early 1990s in nearly every respect between mostly Catholic Bosnian Croats in its west and mainly Muslim Bosniaks in its east. Twin facilities have mostly served their respective ethnically homogeneous communities on both sides ever since, although the doctors cooperate through a joint medical chamber. Bosnia had nearly 950 confirmed COVID-19 cases by April 12, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center. Thirty-seven of them have died. The first case in Mostar, a city of around 115,000, was announced on March 17. Health officials here say the divided city has adopted a "new dimension" of cooperation ever since. When it comes to working closely together and joining forces in the current pandemic, they say patients are the priority, not politics. We're really showing that, in the current situation, everything must be done for the patients, irrespective of whose hospital it is," said Ante Kvesic, general manager of the University Clinical Hospital. "We're doing everything we can." RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region. His hospital's infectious-diseases wing has been transformed into a COVID-19 facility staffed by doctors and other experts from both hospitals in the city, Bosnia's fifth-largest. Two out of three of the Cantonal Hospital's infectious-diseases doctors are now working jointly there with their colleagues from the University Clinical Hospital to treat seriously ill COVID-19 patients. In fighting this pandemic, we've joined our forces, our doctors, in the sense of joint, day-to-day work to give each other a hand wherever possible, wherever needed," said Guzin, "because I think this is a situation in which we can only fight this huge and dangerous challenge if we join our forces." Before the 1992-95 war, a Regional Health Center named after a Bosniak communist partisan during World War II provided health care to the entire Herzegovina region of what's now southern Bosnia. That regional facility was broken up after the conflict, with its work restored in former Yugoslav Army barracks on the eastern side of the city and later renamed the Cantonal Hospital. The move made the University Clinical Hospital the city's biggest. Guzin said the staff of both hospitals collaborated before the coronavirus pandemic through a shared doctors' union and another professional association. The reason we're talking about it now is because the world outside of our hospitals is seeing [the cooperation] for the first time," Kvesic said. Asked about ongoing increased cooperation after the current pandemic, Kvesic suggested that things would likely go back to the way they were. That's not a question for us health workers. We're not the ones making decisions," he said. A Covid-19 patient has died in a hospital in Jharkhands Ranchi taking the death toll in the state to two, news agency ANI reported on Sunday. Dr Vijay Bihari, Ranchis civil surgeon, was cited by the news agency as saying that the man was among the eight people brought to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) from Hindpiri area of the state capital. Click here for full Covid-19 coverage The death is yet to be confirmed by the Union ministry of health and family welfare. The district administration has completely sealed Hindpiri and declared it a containment zone after eight cases of the coronavirus disease were found in the area, including the states first infected person. On Saturday, three more Covid-19 cases were reported in Jharkhand, taking the total number of people who have contracted the dreaded disease to 17 in the state, health department officials said. Also read: Screening team for Covid-19 face resistance over NPR rumour in Ranchi Bokaro district has reported six positive cases, Ranchi eight, Hazaribagh two and Koderma one. A 72-year-old man from Gomias Sadam village in Bokaro district had died of coronavirus on April 9. Jharkhand had registered its first confirmed case on March 31, when a 22-year-old Malaysian woman tested positive for the virus. She was the part of a 22-people group, including 17 foreign nationals, who were recovered from two mosques in Ranchi. The group had come to Ranchi last month after attending Tablighi Jamaat congregation in New Delhi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON I believe the last option is our best option. Heres what that will require from us: Do the detective work The C.D.C. leads the world in the classic disease detective work that is needed to understand and contain Covid-19. Yes, the agencys initial test kits failed. But for nearly two months C.D.C. has provided working tests to public health laboratories throughout the country; this doesnt meet the need for testing in local communities, doctors offices or hospitals. The White House, many parts of the federal government, and commercial labs and hospitals need to make testing much more widely available. In a structured response, one knowledgeable and trusted spokesperson would regularly provide systematic information not only on the number of tests but the actual turnaround time from test to results. Its now unacceptably slow in many areas. In hospitals and communities, we are weeks if not months away from having sufficient test capacity. Testing for antibodies may help, particularly if people who recover from Covid-19 are immune from repeat infection and can safely work and travel. The C.D.C.s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, which Dr. Messonnier leads, has the laboratories, epidemiologists and experience to help determine the accuracy, role and implications of antibody testing. Health care workers are the front line of our response, and theyre being sickened in droves. C.D.C.s division of health care quality promotion has the worlds leading experts in health care safety. They can figure out how disease is spreading to these workers and collaborate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and hospitals on how to stop it. They can also guide efforts to secure safe and attractive spaces to isolate infected people and others they may have infected if they dont require hospitalization and cannot be safely cared for at home. The C.D.C. should also guide what must become a giant public health effort to trace and track contacts of Covid-19 patients. In Wuhan, China, there were 1,800 contact tracing teams of five people, each led by an epidemiologist. The U.S. equivalent would number 300,000, working in the communities they live in and led by public health specialists. Recruits could include Peace Corps volunteers who were brought home when the pandemic spread, furloughed public employees, phone bank staff (since so much tracing work is done by phone), workers from health organizations, social service and nonprofit agencies, and recent graduates. Community and religious organizations, Meals-on-Wheels programs, businesses and others are well placed to provide services for cases and contacts who must remain in isolation or quarantine. If this sounds like assembling an army, it is. Dr. Robert Redfield, the C.D.C.s director, notes that the agency has begun this work, an encouraging sign. But the agency will need to accelerate its effort to establish the protocols, structure and supervision of this army and begin training the recruits now. Guide with data Disease surveillance is wartime intelligence, and C.D.C. conducts surveillance better than any other agency in the world. Its relevant centers, working with its Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, began releasing more of this information recently, including emergency department visits, test results, hospitalizations and deaths. The C.D.C. needs to continuously improve the quality, geographic precision and timeliness of this information, including by publicly sharing data on emergency room visits an early indicator of changing disease rates. Google Street View Contra Costa Sheriff's deputies arrested a man Saturday night they said terrorized workers and customers at two restaurants in the unincorporated community of Pacheco, leaving two people with minor stab wounds. Sheriff's Lt. Andrew Jensen said 35-year-old Alonso Villagarcia of Pittsburg was arrested shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday about 90 minutes after he entered Los Panchos Mexican restaurant and stabbed an employee there with scissors. An employee of Mingle's Pizza, a few doors down in a small strip mall at the corner of Pacheco Boulevard and Center Avenue, was also stabbed with the scissors. Houston is one of the most important industrial centers in the world, with global access to markets, thanks to its central location within the U.S. and the Americas. There are more than 6,400 manufacturers in the region producing more than $80 billion of products annually, according to the Greater Houston Partnership. Lone Star College offers a wide variety of welding and pipefitting programs that are designed to meet the growing demand for companies looking to hire skilled employees, said Linda Leto Head, LSC senior associate vice chancellor, external and employer relations. Lone Star College students are trained with the latest equipment in our state-of-the-art Workforce Centers of Excellence to ensure they are ready to find an exciting career once they complete their studies. These centers were designed with input from industry partners. Head said that Lone Star College has FastTrack programs that can be completed in as little as six weeks in an all-day format, eight-week programs and Associate of Applied Science degrees that take two years to complete. As the saying goes, the more your learn, the more you earn. For more information, visit www.lonestar.edu. San Jacinto offerings There is an extreme demand in Houston for welders and pipefitters and even more so for people who learn and can do both. San Jacinto College is able to train the next generation of workforce to help meet these industry demands, said Amber Tyler, program director, welding technology, San Jacinto College. The length of the degree/certificate process depends on when a student starts, what part of term they are taking, day or night classes, and if they are able to go full time. If a student comes for the combination certificate, they can complete the certificate in two or three semesters. If a student is full time and going for our degree plan that is usually two years. Students can reasonably expect to find jobs once they have successfully completed the program, not only in our region but also across the country, as there is a need for skilled welders, said Tiburcio Parras, program director, welding technology, San Jacinto College. According to Texas Wages and Employment Projections brought to you by the Labor Market and Career Information (LMCI), the Department of the Texas Workforce Commission reports the need for welders is expected to grow 22.2% from 2016 to 2026 in the Gulf Coast region. Parras said that students have the choice of pursuing one of the multiple certificate programs San Jacinto College offers, or the associate degree offered in welding. The certificate programs it offers are the Stick Pipe Welder Certificate, the Combination Pipe Welder Certificate, the Gas Shielded Welding Certificate, and the Industrial Welder Level II Certificate. The degree is an Associate of Applied Science in welding technology. They encourage all students to complete a certificate but to work through to an AAS in welding. We do have industry partnerships. We work together to meet requirements needed for industry standards. Much of the instruction we give our students is based on recommendations from an advisory committee, which is comprised of local industry partners, said Parras. For more information, visit www.sanjac.edu. (Newser) People in Guam are used to a military presence on the strategic Pacific island, but some are uneasy as sailors from a coronavirus-stricken Navy aircraft carrier flood hotels for quarantine. Officials insist they have enforced strict safety measures, the AP reports. An outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt began in late March and has thrust the Navy into a leadership crisis after the ship's commander urged faster action to protect his sailors. The carrier has been docked in the US territory for more than a week as the 4,865-person crew is tested for the virus and moved ashore. More than 400 sailors have been confirmed infected, and one was hospitalized Thursday in intensive care, officials said. More than 1,700 sailors who have tested negative are isolating in hotels, while the sick remain on base, Navy officials said. story continues below "Our people are getting slapped in the face," said Hope Cristobal, who lives near hotels in Tumon and worries officials are making promises about safety they wont keep. "We dont know exactly where they're being housed." Mary Rhodes, president of the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, wouldn't identify the hotels but said as many as 10 are set aside to house up to 4,000 sailors. Each is staying in a room stocked with two weeks' worth of linens, towels and water, she said. There is no contact with hotel workers, and only military police and medical teams can visit. The Navy has sent masks, gloves and other safety equipment to the hotels, where employees make food that military personnel deliver, Rhodes said. Not including the sailors, Guam had 133 confirmed coronavirus cases and five deaths as of Saturday. "I know there will be a small chorus of cynics who will oppose this decision, but now is not the time for 'us versus them," Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in announcing the plan April 1. "We can protect Guam while being humane to them." (Read more coronavirus stories.) I have seen the personal courage not just of the doctors and nurses but of everyone, the cleaners, the cooks, the health care workers of every description, physios, radiographers, pharmacists, who have kept coming to work, kept putting themselves in harms way, kept risking this deadly virus, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 16:14:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WUHAN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- China's Wuhan will strengthen medical treatment for severely ill and elderly COVID-19 patients, the latest signal from the city hard hit by the novel coronavirus but now in a steady recovery. Jiao Yahui, an official with the National Health Commission, said Saturday that patients at the Huoshenshan and Leishenshan hospitals, built from scratch to help the then-overloaded local hospitals treat severely ill COVID-19 patients, will be transferred to four large hospitals in Wuhan by April 15. "We hope to secure the patients the most effective treatment by placing them at the four hospitals with high-quality medical resources in the city," Jiao said, adding that the treatment of the severe and critical cases remained difficult. The official also said elderly patients, who made up the vast majority of the severe and critical cases, have been placed in "better hospitals," while demanding residential communities care for those who could not be attended to by their families after being discharged from hospital. "Those aged above 65 and usually with underlying diseases must be treated in hospitals with better resources," said Jiao. "It is more difficult to treat the elderly and it requires greater input of medical resources. However, all patients regardless of wealth and age are important to us." The announcement was made after Hubei Province, of which Wuhan is the capital, saw its number of COVID-19 patients in severe and critical condition, most of whom are located in Wuhan, drop to 93 on Saturday from a peak of more than 10,000 in February. The overall cure rate of COVID-19 in Wuhan has been improved to 94 percent, with that of patients aged above 80 nearing 70 percent. The cure rate of patients in severe condition exceeded 89 percent, according to the latest official figures. "This is a hard-won achievement," Jiao said, pointing to the fact that the total number of COVID-19 patients aged above 80 exceeded 3,000 in Wuhan, and around 40 percent of them had been in severe condition. It was announced Saturday that seven of the eight centenarian COVID-19 patients in Wuhan had been discharged from hospitals after recovery, with the oldest aged 108. Meanwhile, medical experts continued to stress the difficulty in the treatment of the severely ill and elderly COVID-19 patients. "Over 90 percent of the old-age patients have underlying diseases and some of those in severe condition had been hospitalized for 50 to 60 days," said Jiao. Du Bin, ICU director of Peking Union Medical College Hospital and member of a national medical team sent to Wuhan, said elderly COVID-19 patients generally have cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and lung diseases, as well as compromised organ functions, thus requiring organ support therapies. Yuan Yufeng, vice president of Wuhan Leishenshan Hospital, said most of the severe patients in Wuhan hospitals have turned negative in nucleic acid testing, which means the anti-virus treatment is no longer the focus. "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. Vice Premier Sun Chunlan previously demanded targeted treatment and better nursing for severe COVID-19 patients and the "utmost efforts" to improve their cure rate. She also ordered medical teams from other parts of China to retain high-level intensive care groups in Hubei. "Every life deserves respect," she said. Doctors and nurses who are putting themselves at risk every day during the Covid-19 pandemic are being offered free accommodation to allow them to self-isolate. Being a frontline worker brings with it countless worries among them the fear of contracting and then spreading the virus to others such as family, partners and housemates. To date, over 2,000 health workers have tested positive for the coronavirus. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and the HSE has asked staff not to share accommodation with others while they are working in a bid to limit the spread of the virus. This means that nurses, doctors and other frontline staff need to move out of the current homes. Daft.ie are working with property owners around the country to help frontline nurses and doctors to find alternative accommodation. The property website has launched Housing Heroes, an initiative to connect HSE staff with a free place to stay during the crisis. The website is partnering with large companies whose staff may have left their accommodation to return to their homes to identify suitable accommodation. The initiative is also open to other property owners around the country. At the moment, Housing Heroes applies to registered doctors and nurses but Daft say that they hope to extend it to all healthcare workers in other hospital roles soon. The scheme offers doctors and nurses free accommodation in convenient locations to limit the commute to and from work. The accommodation will be an entire house or an apartment to ensure that they can safely self-isolate. "Ireland's healthcare workers are doing an amazing job and we want to support them in any way we can," said Eamonn Fallon, CEO of Daft.ie. "Our team is working day and night sourcing rent-free apartments for our frontline healthcare workers. We hope to partner with as many companies as possible so that all doctors and nurses will have a safe space to stay in during this difficult time. On Sunday, there were 13 properties available to Healthcare Heroes in locations including Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kildare, Laois and Wexford. If you or someone you know has a property that you think would be suitable to house a nurse or doctor for the duration of the crisis, you can contact Daft.ie at housingheroes@daft.ie or visit housingheroes.daft.ie. WASHINGTON As the coronavirus emerged and headed toward the United States, an extraordinary conversation was hatched among an elite group of infectious disease doctors and medical experts in the federal government and academic institutions around the nation. Red Dawn a nod to the 1984 film with Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen was the nickname for the email chain they built. Different threads in the chain were named Red Dawn Breaking, Red Dawn Rising, Red Dawn Breaking Bad and, as the situation grew more dire, Red Dawn Raging. It was hosted by the chief medical officer at the Department of Homeland Security, Dr. Duane C. Caneva, starting in January with a small core of medical experts and friends that gradually grew to dozens. 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." Julian Assange could use human rights laws to fight his extradition to the US because he fathered two sons while holed up in a London embassy. The 48-year-old conceived Gabriel, two, and Max, one, with his lawyer Stella Morris. And his legal team could now use his right to family life with the 37-year-old Swedish national and their two British-born sons to bolster his case. Miss Morris sensationally revealed yesterday that she fell in love with the WikiLeaks founder five years ago while helping him to build his case. Fiancee: The Wikileaks founder with the mother of his children and his lawyer Stella Morris The couple became engaged in 2017, after Assange had been inside the Ecuadorian embassy for four years and while he was still wanted in Sweden over rape allegations that have now been dropped. Miss Morris told the Mail on Sunday that Assange watched both children being born in London hospitals via live video link and met Gabriel when he was smuggled into the embassy. She believes US agents tried to steal one of Gabriel's nappies for DNA tests after becoming suspicious Assange was the father. First sight: Assange with Gabriel after the baby was smuggled into the Ecuadorian embassy Miss Morris, who was born in South Africa, is seeking bail for Assange, arguing coronavirus is spreading through Belmarsh, the London jail where he has been held for a year. He had been dragged out of the embassy after 2,487 days in self-imposed incarceration. The couple's affair and subsequent children were a closely-guarded secret. But, now their existence is common knowledge, it is understood Assange's legal team will use his rights under Article 8 of the Human Rights act when his US extradition case resumes on May 18. But it is unlikely to sway the court by itself, according to leading human rights lawyer Karen Todner, who represented Lauri Love in his extradition case for allegedly hacking US military servers. Sons: Both Assanges children were conceived in the embassy She said: 'The court will have to take into account they have not actually ever lived as a family, and Mr Assange is not the only person who can look after the children. 'My impression is that this is being raised now because they are trying anything to get him out of Belmarsh, where conditions will be horrible right now. 'And though it should form part of his case because it's a factor that's in his favour, it is not going to make a massive difference to his situation because it needs to be balanced against so many other interests.' US authorities claim Assange endangered the lives of American agents and their sources working in the field by disseminating thousands of classified documents in 2010. His extradition hearing was told in February that some US government sources disappeared after they were identified in the papers leaked by former intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning and published by WikiLeaks. Classified data published by the site was found at a compound used by Osama Bin Laden, indicating it had been useful to Al Qaeda, lawyers for the US authorities said. The revelation that Assange was able to maintain an intimate relationship and father two children while in hiding from extradition charges has reopened the row over why the British taxpayer had to fund his protection. Joe Ventre, campaign manager at the Taxpayers' Alliance, said last night: 'Given Mr Assange's embassy exploits, taxpayers will question whether the round-the-clock guard he was afforded was really a good use of their money. 'It was utterly unfair for the Met to have to spend precious resources guarding Mr Assange when the cops could have been out on the beat fighting crime.' Gov. Andrew Cuomo today said he would sign a statewide order requiring employers to provide essential workers with cloth or surgical face masks when working with the public during the coronavirus pandemic. They should provide those masks cost-free, Cuomo said. (Heres the latest info from New York about who is an essential worker.) He also plans to sign another order expanding the facilities that can conduct antibody tests, which indicate whether a person had the virus. Scaling up testing is key to reopening businesses and schools, Cuomo said. We have to get that test to scale, he said. Cuomo said he knows the state and nation wants to reopen as soon as possible. People want to get on with their lives, he said. We need the economy working. People need a paycheck. But he continued to caution that no one knows exactly when it will be safe enough to start going back to work and school. The caveat is we need to be smart in the way that we open, he said. Cuomo said he plans to speak with the governors of Connecticut and New Jersey later today to talk about a regional approach to reopening businesses and schools. Any reopening plan would put public health first, he said. But it would also start to move us toward economic activation. New York is vital to this American economy, he said. You want New Yorks economy up and running, not just for the good of New York but for the good of the nation. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Social distancing is working. That means it wont end soon (Where we stand after 27 days) Coronavirus shutdown ending soon in NY? Cuomo pours cold water on speculation After a dream wedding, the coronavirus spreads pain and fear through a CNY family Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274. George Adolph passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2020, surrounded by his children after 90 years of blessed life. He will be laid to rest with his family in Selby, South Dakota. George is preceded in death by his wife Marcella June (Rogne), parents Fred and Elizabeth (Brockel), brothers Fred, Herb, Reiny, and Calvin, and sisters Ramona Cutler and Betty Bakun. He is survived by his 6 children, George, Robert, and Peggy Adolph, Janell Foley, Tammy Gunnells, and Allyson Johnson, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Dad was born and raised in Selby, excelled in sports, and graduated from Selby High in 47. He served in the Army and Navy and graduated with honors from USD earning a Masters degree in math. His affinity for math served him well during a 32-year career with IBM as a senior computer program analyst working on prominent national security and defense projects. Dad met Mom in a small cafe in North Dakota and they became partners for 57 years of married life enriched with love and family. They retired in Montana where Dad served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Helena. He enjoyed mastering the art of pitching a horseshoe and the competition of League play, becoming a fierce competitor in the pits. Dad was a great storyteller holding many ears captive for hours with tales of his Selby days, and he enjoyed a good laugh while reminiscing on good times. Dad was a quiet, intellectual man who loved his family and was duty bound to serve in life, challenging himself and others to strive for excellence in all things. He was a passionate believer who spread the message that "Jesus is coming, get ready, and start now!" Our father felt blessed by the Lord, a gracious and merciful God, Who guided him through life and in Whose arms he now rests. We love you and miss you Dad. 11.04.2020 LISTEN Some Ghanaians have expressed mixed reactions over government's decision to absorb electricity bills for the poor and slash 50percent same for others. The government says it will fully cover the bills of low-income consumers of electricity in the country for April, May and June 2020 as the country battles the novel coronavirus disease which has infected 408 people. The remaining consumers who fall outside of this category will enjoy a 50 percent reduction in the cost of electricity for the same period. Whereas some consumers believe that the move is a source of relief, others say it is unclear how it will be executed for prepaid users. I used to buy GHS20 worth of electricity every two weeks. So if the President has subsidized it by 50 percent, then it is good enough just that I dont know if it will be possible or not because sometimes they talk and it doesnt work, one said. Another indicated that, I spend GHS140 a month on electricity every month. If the government says it is has subsidized it, then I will thank him. They will say it is free, but when you go and buy it gets exhausted early. The credits are usually small in terms of consumption because you buy today and tomorrow it is gone. So for me, I dont think it is free, another retorted. Previous calls After President Akufo-Addo announced that government will take care of the water bills for all Ghanaians for April, May and June 2020 following an increase in the country's coronavirus cases amidst a partial lockdown of the epicentres of the disease many individuals and groups pressured him to do same with electricity tariffs. Apart from the Minority in Parliament, Former President John Dramani Mahama also asked for subsidization of electricity tariffs amid the Coronavirus outbreak in Ghana. Mr. Mahama in a statement suggested that a subsidy payment from the Stabilization Fund to the ECG and other generating companies can provide some temporary relief, however small, to consumers in this difficult period. The Progressive People's Party (PPP) had also asked the President to consider a waiver on electricity bills as part of social interventions put in place to cushion Ghanaians against the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. citinewsroom Every name on the BrandBucket marketplace is exclusively listed with BrandBucket. That means that all of our sellers are very responsive, making for quick domain transfers. A dedicated BrandBucket agent will manage your domain transfer from beginning to end, ensuring a secure and easy transaction. They will manage the receipt of the domain into one of BrandBuckets secure registrar accounts and then complete the transfer to you. 1. Verification and registrar choice After we receive the payment and verify it, we will reach out via email to confirm which registrar you want the domain transferred to. We also provide a link to our tracking system, where you can communicate with us, check on the status of your transfer, view your invoice, and download your logo files. In most cases, if a domain is moved between accounts at a single registrar, the transfer is quick and usually completes within 48 hours. If a domain changes registrars (in other words, you would like to move it away from where it is currently registered), the transfer is slower. The total transfer time can then be anywhere from 48 hours to 7 days. BrandBucket has vetted and supports the following registrars: GoDaddy Namesilo Uniregistry NameCheap Google Domains Network Solutions Name.com Dynadot Amazon Route 53 123 Reg Gandi 2. We request the name from the seller. Once we know where you would like the domain transferred, BrandBucket will request the domain from the seller. All of our sellers are very responsive, making for a quick process. 3. Transfer the name into your account As soon as we receive the name from the seller, we start the transfer into your account and guide you through the whole process. 4. Verify with the buyer that the transfer is complete Once we confirm that you have received the name, we consider the escrow process to be complete. Only then do we release payment to the domain seller. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 18:48:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai has urged a new and effective global governance system, closer Sino-U.S. cooperation to better combat the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that all countries should also reject any attempts to politicize the rapidly-spreading disease. A new and effective global governance system is yet to be built to cope with a crisis of the magnitude of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Cui said in an interview on April 3 with Ian Bremmer at weekly digital and broadcast show Gzero World, which was aired nationally on Saturday by American Public Television. "If we aim at a new system of international governance that is open, inclusive, that is based on mutual respect among all countries, on the full recognition of the diversity of culture, civilization, political system, economic system, if we can do this, then I think all the things are ready for us to build a new and effective international governance system. We have to make the right choice now," he noted. The world have had a number of crises in this 21st century, maybe starting with the 9/11 terror attack , then the financial crisis, and now this COVID-19 virus, i.e. the security challenges, the financial instability and now public health, according to the ambassador. "If we can still call this a wakeup call, I think we should have woken up long time ago, but still, if we have not started yet, we have to start real efforts to build a good international governance system for the 21st century, for the future," he said, adding big countries including the U.S. and China have great responsibilities in spearheading the efforts. The United States and China have to facilitate bilateral cooperation on combating COVID-19 to save the future of the global community, the ambassador noted. "Let's work together to respond to this global crisis, to save people's lives, to save the future of global economy, and to save the future of the global community. This is our paramount task," Cui said. "This is the time for solidarity and cooperation," said Cui. "Let's concentrate on the positive things. Let's focus on our common interests and mutual needs," he noted. The Chinese envoy listed three things to which the embassy gives priority "at this critical moment" as COVID-19 is ravaging the world. The first is to facilitate cooperation between the two countries to combat the virus, in particular medical supplies and technical cooperation between governmental and research institutions. Secondly, good efforts should be made to stabilize global market, boost global economic growth, and protect people's jobs and livelihood. The third is to ensure a supportive public opinion for cooperation between the two countries. On the economic front, there is "an even greater need for closer and more effective global cooperation" as COVID-19 has disrupted the global supply chain, Cui stressed. "This pandemic proves again this is a global challenge. The virus recognizes no national boundaries, no difference in political system, in culture, in religion whatsoever. It attacks all of us the same way. So there is an even greater need for closer and more effective global cooperation," said Cui, responding to a question concerning stability of the global supply chain under the threat of the virus. "The process of globalization was driven by economic efficiency and technology," he said. "If there is anything wrong with the past process of globalization, I think we have to make it more open, inclusive, with more equitable distribution of benefits for everybody." Cui noted that China has been doing its best to restore the supply chain and to resume production, especially medical supplies. "We are also working with other countries to make sure the global supply chain will function again," he said. " Moreover, the ambassador called on all countries to prioritize people's life and health, as well as reject any attempts to politicize the pandemic. "We really have to put people's lives and health first. This is the most important thing for us to do. And we should do it at any cost." "We really have to reject any attempt at taking political advantage of other people's sufferings," he said, adding "unfortunately, there are still elements here, maybe elsewhere in the world, who are making such an attempt." "I think people have to give serious thinking to what is a real threat for all of us. What is our real enemy? And where lies our common interest? How we should respond globally together to such global challenges?" Cui stressed. Noting "this is a huge crisis for all of us," the ambassador dismissed the allegations of some Western politicians that China got a political agenda in helping other countries fight the virus. "What is driving our action right now is our understanding that we're all part of the community," he said. "China cannot be safe from the virus if all the other countries are still struggling ... in a sense, we are also helping ourselves by helping others." Cui also refuted the accusations by some U.S. politicians and media outlets that China concealed the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak. "For the accusations that China is hiding the numbers, just think about it, we have such a huge population, such a big country, you cannot hide the cases of a very vicious virus, because if you have patients, they are just patients. If people are infected, they're just infected. How can you hide them?" Cui said. The fact is that China started daily briefing to the press "in the very early stage of this crisis," he said, adding that China even publicized all the possible treatments. "We keep updating it, from time to time, including how to use traditional Chinese medicine to treat the patients. We made it public, all this information, all our experience," he noted. The belief that things are not OK is reasonable; the belief that nothing will ever be OK again appears to indicate a clinical condition. A gradual adjustment to our changed circumstance is the appropriate trajectory; the feeling that every day this becomes increasingly unbearable is a pathological one. There is the thinnest of membranes between sensible and unreasonable, spiraling anxiety. I know I have both, but trying to separate them is like untangling the Gordian knot. We have two triggers for mental illness in the current crisis: sadness when we fear for our lives and stress when our emotional attachments decay as a result of social isolation. We as a country have not taken adequate steps to address either of these crises and fall particularly short on the second. The spread of the virus cannot be mitigated for now, but the anticipatory fear it instigates can be tempered through the time-honored techniques of augmented medication and increased contact with therapists. It is not a weakness or a failure to seek such supports. Do what it takes to head off a breakdown. It is a lot easier to prevent than it is to repair, and we have good tools for psychic overload. Isolation, too, has remedies. Zoom cocktails and FaceTime do not temper it adequately for many people, and it is to be determined on a case-by-case basis when the mental health benefits of seeing someone you love (even outside and six feet away) are greater than the physical health dangers of such encounters. Fear of contagion has pushed people into behavior that exacerbates depression and anxiety and so can lead to suicide raising the mortality of Covid-19 among people who dont even have it. Lonely people can succumb to touch deprivation and need to be embraced. Dr. Tiffany Field, the director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miamis Miller School of Medicine, has argued that touch deprivation exacerbates depression and weakens the immune system; positive touch stimulates the vagal nerve and reduces cortisol, a stress hormone that can impair immune response. We should be figuring out when and how people deprived of touch can get the physical contact they need as safely as possible. It wont be completely safe but neither is their sensual deprivation. If people are dying from going untouched, then touch, however regulated, becomes a necessary remedy. It is neither expensive nor complicated. These are the ways to transcend pathology. As someone who already had depression and anxiety, I didnt want a crash course in empathy, but Ive had one. I feel singularly well placed to comfort those who are taking their first deep plunge into depression, and I reach out daily to those who need contact, psychological or physical. It has become a calling for me. I can help them assess what is pathological and remediable. I know these unwelcome alleyways and the paths out of them like the back of my hand. Its not that an antidepressant will make people unafraid of this mysterious and awful virus, nor that a single hug will mitigate their profound aloneness, but they can help. Numbers of serious coronavirus cases in London are stabilising, a health chief has said. Prof Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, said hospital admissions for Covid-19 in the capital were reaching a plateau but they were still rising elsewhere in the UK. London has had the highest number of and steepest rise in infections in Britain since the pandemic began. Considered the epicentre of the virus in the country, the capital has a disproportionate number of deaths for its population 2,707. The death toll for the whole UK has risen above 10,000 after another 737 fatalities were recorded in just 24 hours. We can begin to see London stabilising, Prof Doyle said. But on the other hand, for Great Britain we start to see other areas increasing, particularly the northwest and Yorkshire, she added. Its very important that the message about staying home and social distancing is adhered to because we are certainly not past this crisis damage yet. Figures from NHS England show that as of 5pm on Friday, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust has had the most Covid-19-related deaths in the capital at 263, while Royal Free London Trust has had 251. Health secretary Matt Hancock described Easter Sunday as a sombre day after fatalities rose to more than 10,000, as one expert warned the UK could suffer the highest losses in Europe. A London bus driver who said she was frightened to die has written letters to relatives, including her parents in Jamaica, as she says she fears she would not have the chance to say goodbye if she contracted the virus. The woman said in a video posted online that she was not working in a safe environment. Day after after day people with nothing to do had got on her bus for no reason, putting her at risk, she said. A sign for the Department of Justice hangs in the press briefing room at the Justice Department in Washington on April 18, 2019. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo) When Grand Juries Are Not So Grand Commentary Once again, it was goosebumps for diehards when investigative reporter John Solomon told Fox News host Sean Hannity that U.S. Attorney John Durham was issuing subpoenas on behalf of a grand jury. Twitter pulses raced. Former CIA Director John Brennan was closer than ever to a rockpile in prison stripes, wasnt he? Comey, Ohr, Kramer, Simpson, Clinton were sweating bullets, right? I will be jubilant if Im wrong, but I continue to doubt it. I dont expect the anti-Trump conspirators to be indicted and tried for sedition or treason or any other serious crime by Attorney General William Barrs Department of Justice. Nothing we have seen to date points to that. What should also temper expectations, however, is a hard look at history. When it comes to the Swamps subversion of the Republic, issuing subpoenas to bring witnesses before a grand jury means nothing more than issuing subpoenas to bring witnesses before a grand jury. Indictments, trials, and convictions have always been exceedingly rare. Consider the grand jury convened in the spring of 1947 to hear sensational charges of subversion inside the federal government by Elizabeth Bentley, a key U.S. defector from Soviet intelligence. Ex-KGB courier Bentley would offer testimony against numerous federal government officials, bureaucrats, and others from those early days of the Swamp in connection with espionage rings run inside the U.S. government by Soviet intelligence. According to Stalins Secret Agents by M. Stanton Evans and Herbert Romerstein, the grand jury empaneled over Bentleys charges would hear from some 40 Bentley suspects. Then, as reportedly now, subpoenas must have been flying around Washington. Although the names were completely unknown to the public at the time, the Bentley grand jury witness roster was, as Evans and Romerstein write, a spectacular line-up, an all-star team of Soviet agents, Communists, and close-in fellow travelers. As the list demonstrates, this was indeed a Whos Who of traitors working for Stalin, for the KGB, for communism and globalism inside and around the federal government, including Soviet agents Alger Hiss and Harry Dexter White. These two top FDR administration officials were instrumental in the creation of the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund, helming them both, respectively, in the globalist institutions early days. The most stunning thing about the Bentley grand jury witness list, however, is that no one on it, not even the later-notorious Hiss or White, was indicted for anything. Why were there no indictments? The reason is quite simple. The government failed to call a witness who could corroborate any of Bentleys grave charges, even though such a witness was already well known to it. That witness was Whittaker Chambers. His testimony about Hiss and White alone would have been crucial to the federal case. Yet though the FBI was well aware of what Chambers knew and could have told the grand jury, the authors write, for over a year prosecutors refused to call him. Hence no second witness in the casehence no indictments. Why didnt prosecutors call Chambers? FBI records, Evans and Romerstein write, provide a suggestive picture of attitudes at the Justice Department that guided the grand jury process. For example, federal prosecutor Thomas Donegan was of the opinion Chambers testimony would not be helpful. Helpful to what? Given the FBIs interview with Chambers to date, it would have been clear that Chamberss testimony would have been exceedingly helpful in pursuit of indictments. Even after Chambers and Hiss sensationally battled in Congress in August 1948, however, prosecutors refused to call the former Soviet courier who would become the most famous witness in the Cold War. The record indicates that the Department of Justice did not want indictments. Evans and Romerstein write: A recurring theme in the FBI reports is the notion, adopted by Justice at the outset, that the grand jury wouldnt hand down indictments in the Bentley cases, but would, as in the Amerasia case [an earlier espionage-related grand jury travesty], no bill the suspects, letting them walk free from legal sanctions. Thus an FBI memo from early 1947 says Justice wanted the Bureau to interview various Bentley people but with a proviso: that subsequently consideration might be given to presenting the evidence to a grand jury with the idea of letting them no-bill the case. Further that in the event Congressman [J. Parnell] Thomas [R-N.J.] of the Un-American Committee should ever raise a question it would be possible to answer by saying that the grand jury had considered the evidence and it had not deemed it sufficient to justify criminal action. These thoughts about grand jury inaction, expressed before the jury was even empaneled, would be repeated when filing a presentment was considered. The Bureau entry on this says that Attorney General Tom Clark was opposed to returning any presentment. The AG indicated that in the event of subsequent news inquiry, that he, the Attorney General, can always say that the matter was referred to the Grand Jury, which took no action. In other words, the fix was in from Justice. Will it be different this time around? The hourglass is running out. Diana West is an award-winning journalist and author, whose latest book is The Red Thread: A Search for Ideological Drivers Inside the Anti-Trump Conspiracy. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Updates related to COVID-19 and its effects on Albuquerque and the rest of NM. PICTURES UPDATES 4:15 p.m. 6 more COVID-19 deaths in NM Easter Sunday took on a grim note in New Mexico, as state officials announced six additional COVID-19 deaths, the highest number in a single day. So far, the novel coronavirus has claimed 26 lives in the state. The state also announced 74 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing New Mexicos total to 1,245. Every New Mexican must work together to stem the spread of COVID-19, the Governors Office said in a news release. Stay home. Read more >> Martin Salazar 1:08 p.m. Emergency chicken run A lot of people are taking their work home right now as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses into embracing telecommuting. But for Bernalillo County Urban 4-H agent Brittany Sonntag, taking work home was much more involved than just setting up a computer on the kitchen table. When the state announced that public schools would shut down to help slow down the spread of the coronavirus, Sonntag and two co-workers had to evacuate about 60 incubating eggs and 15 chicks from more than a dozen classrooms across the county that 4-H was partnering with. They wouldve hatched while the schools were closed, Sonntag said of the eggs, which were donated by a local farmer. Some of the chicks ended up living in Sonntags bathroom since nonessential businesses including the 4-H office also closed. The chicks and eggs were in elementary classrooms as part of a program the local 4-H office runs each spring to teach kids about incubation and to aid in other core content lessons. Read more >> Shelby Perea 10:58 a.m. Health care workers brace for a surge Its the calm before the storm. As health care professionals nationwide reel from the COVID-19 pandemic amid dwindling supplies, surging casualties and overworked staff those in New Mexico anxiously wait their turn. And hope it doesnt come. Casey Vivian, a nurse at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, said there is an ominous atmosphere in the quiet hallways and empty hospital beds. Its kind of an eerie feeling, she said. Because youre thinking OK, when is the surge going to happen? When is it going to get to the point that we have no option but to fill these rooms?' The warning signs are there, Vivian said, with emails on updated policies and procedures flooding her inbox, the hospital designating a floor for COVID-19 patients and infection numbers soaring in surrounding Bernalillo County. She and her colleagues worry about getting infected with COVID-19 themselves and bringing it home to their families. Nursing in general, you go to work and you dont really know what youre going to get that day, but this is like a whole nother ball game, she said. Its just unreal and nothing weve dealt with before the whole state is shut down, the whole nation is going through it. So far, the state has seen 1,174 cases and 20 deaths. As of Saturday evening, there were 78 hospitalized and 235 deemed recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health. State officials have said their modeling projects 2,100 to 4,700 deaths over the next 12 months, although modeling done by the University of Washingtons Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation is estimating 192 deaths through June. Read more >> Ryan Boetel and Matthew Reisen 9:36 a.m. 17% jump brings Navajo cases to 698, 2 more deaths reported Two more people have died and another 101 have tested positive for COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation, a 17% jump that brings the total number of infections to 698 and the death toll to 24. The 101 new cases reported Saturday represent the largest daily increase since the outbreak began on the reservation on March 17. Since then, the virus has spread furiously, leaving the reservation with a per capita rate of cases nearly eight times that of New Mexicos. The death toll has also been significantly greater than New Mexicos. Twenty people have died in New Mexico from complications related to the virus, while the Navajo Nation is reporting 24 a per capita rate nearly 16 times higher. The situation has left tribal leaders scrambling for ways to slow the outbreak, and they announced Saturday evening that they hope to begin using tests with quicker turnaround time beginning next week. The current tests take 2-4 days for results, the new ones will take only minutes. Quicker test results will likely result in even higher numbers of positive cases, but it will help to identify those who have the virus and begin to mitigate the cases much quicker, President Jonathan Nez wrote in a release. Nez urged residents on the reservation, which extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, to stay home Easter Sunday and attend religious services virtually. There have been 481 cases reported on the Arizona side of the Navajo Nation, 206 in New Mexico, and 11 in Utah. Vice President Myron Lizer urged residents to stay hopeful, but also diligent, as officials work to manage the crisis. There is always a light of hope in every challenge that our Navajo people have ever faced and this is no different. Yes, the numbers are growing, but many people are also testing negative for the virus and many are recovering as well, he said. We will beat COVID-19 together, but we will beat it quicker if we stay home as much as possible. Heres how to help. Robert Browman 6:05 a.m. NM rural hospitals on life support As New Mexico readies its medical front line for a potential surge of COVID-19 cases, hospitals, particularly in smaller communities, are enduring painful consequences of the governors ban on nonessential procedures: A sudden financial drain is straining operations and has led to some furloughs already. Its painful it is very, very painful, said Tanya Carroccio, chief quality officer at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City. The bread and butter for rural hospitals is to be able to count on their outpatient procedures and surgeries and certainly those elective ones. It hurts. On Friday, one national chain with a southern New Mexico hospital filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing COVID-19 uncertainties. The state Human Services Department also announced $35 million in immediate financial help for hospitals. Read more >> Colleen Heild Frontline doctors have answered common questions on how coronavirus might affect pregnancy and birth in a bid to put expectant mothers' minds at ease. Dr Larisa Corda, a gynaecologist and obstetrician in London, and Dr Hannah Froud, who works at an Essex hospital, have revealed what women can expect from the experience. They have addressed a wide range of topics - from cancelled home births to procedures around hospital admissions in labour - in a Q&A for Femail... Will I be allowed a birthing partner when I go into labour? Pregnant women in the UK have been told to stay indoors for 12 weeks to protect themselves, but experts have assured FEMAIL it's just precautionary (file image) Women should prepare a back-up birthing partner who can help them through the intensity of labour if their first choice gets sick, according to Dr Corda. She said: 'Pregnant women are still allowed to have a single birth partner during the crisis, but the partner must be well and not show signs of coronavirus. 'If he or she does, they will sadly not be allowed on to labour ward because of the risk of transmitting infection to other labouring women and also staff.' And most trusts are only allowing partners into the ward during 'active labour' - from when the woman is 3-4cm dilated. 'The reason for this is that the first phase, called the latent phase, can sometimes last several hours or even days, and therefore to minimise risk of infection being transmitted around the ward, partners will not be allowed to accompany during this time,' she added. 'This sadly also includes inductions of labour, where the process of starting labour can take a long time in some cases. 'All maternity units recognise the absolute need for women to have birth partners with them during labour.' But some units have banned partners altogether if the mother is admitted antenatally, before birth, or postnatally, afterwards. Will I be tested for coronavirus on admission to hospital? Women should prepare a back-up birthing partner who can help them through the intensity of labour if their first choice gets sick, according to Dr Larisa Corda (file image) Pregnant women are not being routinely tested for coronavirus, Dr Froud revealed, but they 'will be tested on the same basis as anyone else'. Dr Corda confirmed this means if a pregnant woman has coronavirus symptoms they will be tested to ensure the safety of the midwife and others. She added that if the woman develops sepsis in labour they'll also be tested. 'The reason for this is that when someone is asymptomatic, there is very little benefit of testing them for the virus,' she said. Dr Froud suggested this policy could change as the situation develops. If I think I have coronavirus, what will happen if I go into labour with the symptoms? If a woman goes into labour with symptoms of coronavirus she will be tested and hospital staff will wear protective equipment around her. 'She will be offered a mask to wear and all necessary disinfecting procedures will be implemented,' said Dr Corda. The soon-to-be mother would be placed into an isolation room and looked after by a smaller team to minimise infection. Other than being in isolation and more closely monitored the birth will be much the same as normal, with gas, air and an epidural all still available. Tips for getting through pregnancy during the coronavirus pandemic It can be difficult to know how to keep calm during a pregnancy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. But Siobhan Miller, founder and CEO of the Positive Birth Company, is on hand to offer some nuggets of wisdom. From learning about the virus in a positive way, to joining online groups. Siobhan says the most important thing is learning how to relax. Replace real antenatal classes with virtual ones When women feel anxious because classes or time spent with family and friends is cancelled, the main source of anxiety is the unknown. I encourage women to take back control by educating themselves. There are so many resources online. Get informed and compensate for what they've been missing out on. Watch positive birth videos on YouTube to replace what you'd get from hanging out with friends and hearing their stories. Make informed decision on what to learn about. There's a lot of free content out there. Make friends with other expectant mothers online Join online groups with other women who are due at the same time or who have just had their babies. There are bump clubs on Facebook which have been really popular. It can be reassuring to share worries and hear from others who are feeling the same way. Switch off the news Use social media to connect to others but disconnect from everything else going on. Listening to the news and hearing about the number of deaths will only heighten anxiety. Be selective about sources of news. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists publish up to sate information for pregnant women. It's really reassuring. They say there's no evidence of newborns with coronavirus suffering adversely. Pregnant women's place in the at-risk category is purely precautionary and there's no evidence they'll suffer worse symptoms if they get the virus. Pick a trusted source rather than watching the scary stuff on TV. Distract yourself with films, music and reading Netflix is an obvious one. Get into a series on Netflix. If you've been listening to scary things on the news just watch a box set as a distraction. Read books or magazines, go for a walk or speak to friends and family over video messenger. Create positive affirmation cards for yourself. Write down empowering statements, make them look pretty and put them around your home. Make an MP3 with your partner if you're worried they won't be at the birth. If they have other children a partner would usually be at the birth because someone can look after the children. This is not possible anymore. Make a recording with your birth partner reading out a guided meditation so you can hear their voice as if they're there for the labour. Get into a positive mindset. One positive from the virus is everyone has been forced to slow down. Whatever it is you wanted to do but never had time for, this is the perfect time to do them. Learn to knit, or do an online course. Follow through with your business idea. Use this time to do projects, work on things you always put off or never got round to. There are so many online courses, learn a new language. Photos. We never get photographs developed. Make photo books. All those little things people always put off but never have time for. Baking, especially if you're pregnant this gives you the time to batch cook meals that you can eat after the birth. Usually you'd rely on someone else bringing you food. Do a batch cook, put it in the freezer and have it postpartum. Use the time, treat it as bonus time. Prepare for the birth There is a lot of uncertainty but you can still prepare your birth preferences. Note preferences rather than a birth plan if you don't know what's happening. If hoping for a home birth outline preferences for at home, in hospital and cesarean. By giving all the possibilities some thought and outlining what you'd like you get more control. You can give the midwife your plan where you've outlined how you want things to go. It will make sure at least some of your preferences are met. Breathing techniques before bed Anxiety is worse at night. If you don't have enough sleep anxiety will be higher. Get into bed, do some breathing, maybe a guided meditation. Listen to an app or have the meditation read to you. Do some relaxation before bed to help you manage better the next day. Freya app is our virtual birth partner. It's 2.99 and every time a woman has a contraction you press the button and it goes to breathing. Press to say when ends and it goes through guided meditation. It lets you know when to call the midwife. Now it's such a good little app because apart from being a birth partner you can use it in pregnancy for practice. Use the coached breathing. So many women have found it helpful as a distraction. You can use the skills you learn when in labour. Advertisement Dr Froud added that 'there is little evidence to suggest any harm will come to the baby' if the mother does test positive for coronavirus. Are newborns at risk of the virus and what are symptoms within babies? Babies who have tested positive for coronavirus in the past experience very mild or no symptoms at all. Dr Corda confirmed: 'Newborns are not particularly as risk of the virus, from what we can tell so far.' She thinks it seems like most babies become infected by the virus after birth or maybe during delivery. 'We don't yet understand why this is, but the evidence around this so far is reassuring and most babies will be asymptomatic or only have very mild symptoms,' she added. Dr Froud revealed latest evidence suggested a baby could get the virus within the womb, because of a single case of a baby born to an infected woman being found with antibodies at birth. Antibodies cannot travel through the placenta, meaning the baby had already started fighting the illness while inside the womb. She added that women with coronavirus could still breastfeed their baby because there is no evidence to suggest it can be transmitted that way. Will I be at risk when I go to a hospital to give birth? The risk of infection in hospital is being 'minimised', says Dr Corda, as staff who become ill go into self-isolation and partners are banned from wards. Dr Froud agreed hospital staff were washing their hands, deep cleaning wards and spacing beds further apart. But she added: 'By the sole fact a woman will be exposed to a new environment and healthcare professionals there is a risk of transmission.' Why has my home birth been cancelled and are there any circumstances where they can go ahead? While having a baby at home might be the most comfortable setting, if anything went wrong during the coronavirus pandemic an ambulance might not be available quickly enough. Staff shortages and the lockdown means midwives needed to be 'centralised' within hospitals so they can help more women quickly. Dr Corda said: 'Home births have sadly been stopped by the majority of trusts, and this is primarily in order to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. 'If there are any complications during a home birth, we cannot guarantee that an ambulance will be available to transport you to the hospital in time. 'In addition, with staff shortages affecting all maternity and hospital departments, we need to centralise staff to the hospital, to be able to provide a service that runs smoothly and minimises risk to staff of getting infection, if they are to travel to individual communities.' Dr Froud agreed, adding that home births use up 'extra resources' which need to be merged to cover staff shortages. Will I be visited by my midwife? Midwife visits are expected to go ahead but most have been moved to video consultations online or else over the phone. Dr Corda added: 'If you have suffered from any complications during the birth of have an existing medical condition, you will still be monitored appropriately.' If everyone in the household is well home visits will still happen, according to Dr Froud. She added: 'Maternity staff should be provided with appropriate PPE when entering homes of women with suspected symptoms, or when other household members have infection.' I have hospital appointments booked. Are they going ahead? Women need to continue their antenatal care, says Dr Corda, but there will be fewer hospital visits. She said: 'At some appointments it will be necessary to have face to face time, in particular if there are complications during your pregnancy or you have a medical condition that needs monitoring, but otherwise telephone consultations or video calls will be done instead.' Dr Froud said it was 'absolutely essential' women get at least six face to face antenatal consultations. She revealed multiple tests would be performed in one appointment to reduce the number of staff involved. If a pregnant women does have symptoms or must follow the 'stay at home' guidance either an urgent home antenatal appointment can be arranged or the appointment can be delayed for up to two weeks. What can I do to protect myself? Wash your hands, avoid touching your face and cough or sneeze into a tissue before binning it immediately to give yourself the best chance against the illness. Dr Corda added: 'You will be spending most of your time if not all of it at home, so its really important that you look after yourself and invest in your fitness, nutrition and managing stress, all of which will help to keep you and your baby healthy.' And if a member of your household has symptoms or tests positive it's important to isolate from the person affected by sleeping in a difference room, eating at different times, using different cooking utensils and maybe even living somewhere else. Dr Froud added: 'The most important thing is to follow the government guidelines which, includes: regular handwashing, avoid non-essential use of public transport, work from home where possible, use the telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services, and of course follow the guidance on social distancing. 'If you are in your 3rd trimester it is important to be particularly vigilant at avoiding social contact.' My partner has been banned from the delivery suite, what can they do to help? Relaxing music during labour can help by 'optimising their environment', otherwise women should exercise and perfect their birthing plan, says Dr Hannah Froud Dr Corda says communication is key. Even if a partner has been banned from the delivery suite, they can still be there through FaceTime. 'Its really important for you to have that connection with them, to help reduce any anxiety you may feel about being admitted on your own, though we will have midwives and doctors around to help support you as needed,' she said. Physical support is vital, added Dr Froud. She said: 'It is important to recognise that giving birth is a huge ordeal both mentally and physically. 'Therefore, it is important the birthing partner acknowledges this and provides emotional and physical support for the new mother.' What can I do to help myself through labour if I am alone? Relaxing music during labour can help by 'optimising their environment', otherwise women should exercise and perfect their birthing plan, says Dr Froud. She added: 'They may choose to have someone else accompany them if their original birthing partner cannot attend due to current covid19 infection. 'Optimise their environment by choosing music that they find relaxing, maintaining their health and fitness antenatally will help them cope with the physical and mental stress of labour, eating well and exercising. 'Ensure they have a birthing plan they are happy with that they have discussed with their midwive, taking into consideration the pain relief they may want in the absence of their birthing partner.' The Florida pastor who wound up in handcuffs after he defied a local stay-at-home coronavirus order by holding a church service for hundreds of worshippers will be celebrating Easter online with his flock this Sunday. Rodney Howard-Browne, who in previous statements railed at tyrannical government and threatened to sue Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister for arresting him, made the announcement on The River at Tampa Bay Churchs Facebook page. Join us ONLINE ONLY at 9:30 AM on Sunday, April 12th, for our Resurrection Sunday service as we celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, the announcement read. Rodney Howard-Browne, pastor of The River Church, in a March 30 booking photo. (Hernando County Jail via AP file) Mathew Staver of the Liberty Counsel, the activist law firm that has been defending the pastor, said Howard-Browne decided not to open the church for Palm Sunday or Easter because of the death threats he has received directly related to the lies of Sheriff Chad Chronister which he made during his press conference and media appearances. He wants to have some separation of time before he opens the church, Staver said. He will do the Easter service online. Next week he will make a decision about the upcoming Sunday services. Chronister did not address Stavers claims of having received death threat or allegations that he had lied. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office will continue to focus on the 3 Es to keep our community safe during this pandemic: encourage, educate and enforce, Chronister said. We are encouraging our citizens to follow CDC guidelines by maintaining social distancing and educating them on ways to keep themselves safe. With the exception of one arrest, HCSO has fortunately not had to result to enforcement. That one arrest was Howard-Browne. He was nabbed after a deputy reported March 29 that 500 people attending a Sunday service were unable to maintain the social distancing guidelines of keep six feet apart. Chronister said Howard-Browne could have livestreamed the service for his 4,000 or so followers. Instead, the pastor put hundreds of people in his congregation at risk, said the sheriff, who is a Republican. Story continues Howard-Browne also faces another potential hurdle when he tries to reopen his megachurch --- hes been dropped by his insurance company. While Howard-Brownes decision appeared to avert another possible church-versus-state duel in Hillsborough County, elsewhere in Florida local officials were trying to make sense of the conflicting signals coming from Gov. Ron DeSantis ahead of one of the holiest days in the Christian faith. DeSantis, a Republican and staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, issued a stay-at-home order last week after being criticized for failing to clear the beaches and shut down the state faster. But DeSantis' order declined to bar churches from holding in-person church services by deeming them essential. That opened the door for Howard-Browne to possibly reopen his church this Sunday because the governors order supercedes the stricter Hillsborough County order, under which the pastor was arrested for endangering the public. Politico reported earlier this week that the governors general counsel, Joe Jacquot, may have sown more confusion by informing two mayors in Broward County that, contrary to what DeSantis said earlier, they might be able to restrict church services. The Governors Order does not affect whether a local authority may close a business (or in other words, decide if a business is nonessential,) Jacquot wrote in an April 3 email to Mayor Michael Ryan of Sunrise and Mayor Daniel Stermer of Weston, both Democrats. Local authorities can do so both on individuals and on businesses/organizations. In the same email, however, Jacquot wrote the governors order only restricts individuals by limiting their movement, except when those individuals are participating in an essential service or activity. NBC News has reached out to the mayors to see if DeSantis has issued any clarification of this clarification. Stermer recently tested positive for the coronavirus and will remain in quarantine until April 14, The Miami Herald reported. Asked the same question, DeSantis' spokeswoman Helen Aguirre Ferre appeared to buttress both Jacquot and the Hillsborough County sheriff who arrested Howard-Browne. "Local governments have the authority to adopt requirements directly in relation to businesses, venues and the like that may be stricter the Governors Executive Order," Ferre wrote in an email. Meanwhile, as one of the holiest days in the Christian faith looms, lawmakers in other states were grappling over whether churches should remain open on Easter while the coronavirus continues to kill Americans. In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly has sued the Republican-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council which overturned her executive order which make it a crime to have more than 10 people at church services or funerals. "We felt very strongly that the LCC really is not authorized to act in that capacity, as the total legislature," Kelly, a Democrat, said Friday. "That any recovation of an executive order would have to take place by the entire legislature acting, not a seven-member panel." The Republicans on the council have insisted that while Kellys move may be good public policy its not constitutional, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported. In Louisiana, Tony Spell, pastor of the Life Tabernacle Church, has defied authorities repeatedly by holding services that draw hundreds of people. While there was no immediate response from Spell to a call from an NBC reporter to see if he will hold an Easter Service, the notice on the churchs Facebook page said, Opens tomorrow. The China/Democrat/Media Complex has come together in an effort to supplant America as the alpha country. Replacing the United States as leader of an extant world order with a global regime centered around China has been the CCPs (Chinese Communist Party) dream ever since we offered them a seat at the cool table decades ago. Democrats and media naively believe that they will assume integral positions in this brave new world as reward for being faithful partners in the CCPs tipping of the scales in favor of the rule of experts over the rule of people. After all, they are the experts. Just ask them. They, like children, seem oblivious to the ramifications of their actions. They expect to get the positions, money, and prestige due the ruling class. Yet they will no longer decide the narrative or even have their own voice. The day China attains primacy they will be forever party members and government mouthpieces -- at least they will if they want to keep the house, the car, and the titles; continue to be invited to the finest parties, and be honored and respected guests on all the best shows. They will have become, and will need to forever remain, nothing more than Chinese characteristics. The media and the Democrats hated Trumps America First aspirations. Wait until the CCPs China First, Last, and Always policy aspirates all over their hopes, dreams, and independence. Plus, if they thought COVID-19 was fun, wait till they see COVID-20. Pandemics can be a great way to control traffic in all things, whether it be media, politics, or the morning commute -- or those annoying people who will still think they can say what they please. In Wuhan, the CCP welded shut the front doors of sick people to protect the partys power, reputation, and privilege. And thats when they were trying to maintain a benevolent face to other countries. What will they do when they rule the world? Chinas World A world ruled by China will be a humanity under constant surveillance. Every person on earth, at least ones from areas China cares about, those with natural resources or people with money, will be monitored. With cameras everywhere, control of humanitys satellites, and computers tracking everything that is said, done, or posted, privacy will become extinct. Eventually, as they steal better technology, everyone will be required to have a chip inserted at birth to make escaping to dead spots impossible. It will also facilitate the payment of the donations every human will be required to give China for the human services provided. Commerce will continue, but just as media preferences the left, business under China will preference China and the Chinese. In fact, all financial transactions will preference a ruling China. Like a value-added tax, everything that involves an exchange of something tangible or intangible will require tribute to China. Countries will still nominally exist, if only for accounting purposes. How else will they track and adjust with nuance the tribute owed? Yet, there will be no war because there will be only one army. There will be no crime, no arrests, no prisons. Any trouble that might arise from foolish foreigners such as Americans will result in immediate disappearance and execution. News will seem less transparent, but it will truly be seamless and transparent because with full control, China will decide the meaning of transparent and either nothing will be heard, or only advantageous Chinese spin. You know, exactly what we hear today. Uprisings in Brooklyn will disappear down Chinas media hole. The disappearance of a million people from a religion not officially sanctioned (the fate of all religions -- the CCP is the only god) will never be mentioned and the world will never know it happened. This news silence will be true for the Chinese people as well as American foreign dogs. A lack of information breeds conformity and obeisance. Everyone will always have a smile on their faces because unhappiness will be frowned upon and since we will be tracked 24/7, sorrow will be forbidden. The CCP motto, Dont worry, be happy will be the most repeated words on the globes new social media, Chatter, OurTube, and ChinaBook. World organizations, such as the UN, WTO, and the WHO will still exist, but they will become arms of the CCP, and all announcements and policies will reflect that. So, nothing will change. Unions will still soldier on, but they will cease being representatives of the working man and become tools of the government, supporting of comity for the sake of business. Academia, at first, will flourish, as history is rewritten to explain how China defeated Hitlers fascism, Stalins calamitous bastardization of communism, and the United States attempt to unleash the American Viral plague upon an innocent and kindly China. Professors will prosper because they preach this stuff already, but eventually, they will find something with which they disagree. When you fantasize you are speaking truth to power while living in a free society, under communism, you will be doomed to disagree at some point with power, whether purposely or accidentally. As these academics slowly are erased (never underestimate the efficacy of a well-timed disappearance), they will be replaced with wise and worldly Chinese official professors. I could go onand on and on, and having already written this and this and this -- forget about my Twitter Feed, I am already on the Chinas first list of people who will no longer exist. So, I have nothing to lose. After my first article about China was published, I started getting Chinese voicemails, sometimes, as many as 5 a day. These continued up until the end of January, when they abruptly stopped. After the second article, I received one more in English stating it was from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention before leaving me a number and reverting to Chinese. I wonder what happened at the end of January. But I digress But if Americans need more to convince them China is an evil empire whose every action, while couched in benevolence, is riddled with cancerous malintent -- remember, China not only caused the COVID-19 plague, they didnt give away one mask to battle the China Virus. The 4 billion masks they sent to Europe, were sold, not donated. They will never let a good pandemic get in the way of a good business opportunity. The left is leading us down the path to our own destruction, those who cant see that, will be standing beside me as we disappear. Please follow the author on Twitter @williamlgensert How the economic downturn impacts life expectancy could boil down to the role you play in the global economy. Just how deadly could a coronavirus-induced recession be? One recent study suggests the current economic slowdown roiling the world may end up killing more people than the virus itself. But some economists say the downturn could actually boost overall life expectancy. In the end, how it affects you could boil down to the role you play in the global economy. United States President Donald Trump has seized on the likely lethality of a recession to argue that the US economy should be reopened as soon as possible. You have suicides over things like this when you have terrible economies, Trump said in a news conference on March 24. You have death. Probably and I mean definitely would be in far greater numbers than the numbers that were talking about with regard to the virus. COVID-19 has so far claimed more than 100 thousand lives around the world, according to Johns Hopkins University. Some economists believe that number could significantly increase if you factor in the financial fallout from virus containment measures that have shut down entire sectors of the economy and thrown millions of people out of work. According to Philip Thomas, a professor of risk management at Bristol University, the coronavirus pandemic will severely disrupt businesses for at least a year, leading to a drop in economic output of 6.4 percent per person in the United Kingdom. In such a scenario, fewer people in the UK would be employed, and workers would generally bring home smaller paychecks. His recently published research concluded (PDF) such a downturn will lead to more deaths than the pandemic itself. It so happens that the UK experienced a similar drop, of 6 percent in GDP per head, between 2007 and 2009 in the financial crash, Thomas told Al Jazeera. This led to a stalling in the growth of life expectancy, cutting at least the tipping point figure of three months off average life expectancy. In his paper, Thomas showed that in the UK life expectancy flat-lined, and in some cases decreased, a few years after the 2007-2009 Great Recession. He reasoned when a countrys wealth declines, citizens are exposed to greater health risks. People in richer nations tend to live longer than those in poorer nations because they can afford to devote more resources to health and safety measures, which will range from provision of clean water and sewerage, to paying for safer working practices in industry, to the provision of high-grade medical services, Thomas said. But Thomas has his critics. And while they may agree that economic downturns affect health outcomes, other researchers have disputed how many people will be affected by a coronavirus-induced recession. The study jumps from [people in richer countries living longer] to assuming that the fall in GDP resulting from measures to suppress the pandemic would translate directly into reduced life expectancy, said Jonathan Portes, professor of economics and public policy at Kings College London. That doesnt follow and in fact, we have plenty of evidence that short-term reductions in GDP dont result in falls in life expectancy, if anything, the opposite, Portes told Al Jazeera. Are recessions good for your health? Clemens Noelke is a research scientist at Brandeis University, whose work examines the relationship between recessions and mortality among older US adults. Its difficult to extrapolate based on past data. It looks like we are heading into a severe recession, after a decade-long economic expansion in the US, Noelke told Al Jazeera. However, we do not, to my knowledge, have evidence on the impact of recessions that are flanked by a global pandemic. Based on the research we have on past recessions, we should, in fact, expect mortality rates to decline because of the economic downturn. The argument that recessions can lead to people living longer might appear counterintuitive, but Noelke explained that economic downturns could sometimes have beneficial health effects. During recessions, economic activity contracts, pollution declines, work hours decline, people have more time for themselves and others, traffic deaths decline, and deaths from cardiovascular disease decline, Noelke said. So, paradoxically, perhaps, a sizeable portion of the population experiences health improvements. A lot of data supports those conclusions. Studies have shown that between 1960 and 2010, mortality rates in the US and UK declined by 0.5 percent for every 1 percent increase in unemployment. Who dies could depend on economic role That, however, is for the general population. For those who actually lose their jobs in a severe economic downturn, and for those who work in industries affected, deaths have been shown to go up. It is important to note that these impacts are very unequally distributed across the population, Noelke said. Many people lose their jobs, savings, and assets, and may not be able to recover from that. This is one factor contributing to a rise in suicide rates that occur during recessions, even as deaths from other causes decline. Governments in many countries, including the US and the UK, have moved to increase unemployment payments, and help companies pay employees, in an attempt to soften the blow of a virus-induced recession. Noelkes own research showed that older workers are more likely to die after losing their jobs, especially if they lose them during a recession. The loss of employment can lead to prolonged stress, which increases the risk of mental health issues and opioid abuse. While Noelke disagreed that economic downturns translate into negative health outcomes for the general population, Thomas still believed that the threat is more general than some of the academic data may show. He said that the discrepancy is because the effects of recessions appear far later than a recession itself, so the data may not immediately show a jump in deaths. If you look at the data for the UKs life expectancy, you will see that after the 2007-2009 crash there was a lag before the continuous growth in life expectancy that had been the norm for 30 years began to stall, Thomas said. If you had looked at life expectancy during the crash and, indeed, for the first couple of years afterward, you might have concluded that it was still rising But the negative effect of the reduction in GDP was real, it just came a bit later, and it has been long-lasting. Mask producers in China have adapted to an increase in orders from overseas and stricter quality inspections from Chinese regulators. Wuhan Zonsen, a producer of masks and disinfection wipes, told media on Saturday orders from European countries and the United States, have increased to "10 times" than before the epidemic. The order is worth 50 million USD, and has filled production until June. Cynthia Ye, global marketing manager of Zonsen, said the company plans to add another five production lines to increase their daily production from 200,000 to 700,000 masks. In the manufacturer's warehouse, workers wrapped up boxes full of KN95 masks to soon be shipped to the Netherlands. China's customs administration said on Friday ventilators, masks and other supplies being exported to fight the coronavirus will be subject to quality inspections following complaints of sub-standard goods being sold abroad. Regulators in Australia, the Netherlands and other countries have complained masks, virus test kits and other products were faulty or failed to meet quality standards. Ye denied there are any quality issues with the masks they had shipped to Netherlands. Wuhan on Wednesday ended its 76-day lockdown, allowing residents to again travel in and out of the city. Wuhan and China are expected to suffer severe economic costs and tens of millions of job losses from the city closure. Ye said the government of Xinzhou district, where Zonsen is located, offered aid to meet the company's labour demands. Now over 60 workers are back to work and living in a designated hotel to avoid infection and on an increased salary. Image Credits: AP Cases of endangered animals dying after feeding on a poisoned prey are not new, but inconsiderate people still do not understand the potential danger of this. While the environment suffers a huge blow, the perpetrators rarely surface. In a tragic incident, a male and a female tiger, both 10 years old died after feeding on the carcass of a poisoned wild boar at Pollachi in Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Twitter Forest officials found the carcasses of the two tigers and the half-eaten boar within a one-km radius along a jungle stream in the core zone of the ATR at a place called Uppumanthittu, TOI reports. The possibility of poaching was ruled out as the body parts of the tigers were intact. Postmortem and circumstantial evidence point out that the tigers ingested the poison laden carcass of a wild boar resulting in death. I suspect the wild boar was the target, but unfortunately we have lost two tigers. Nevertheless, we have taken this incident very seriously, TOI quoted Debasis Jana, additional principal conservator of forest and field director of ATR. Twitter This is the first such incident of poisoning at the reserve and is a huge loss to ATR which is among the youngest tiger reserves in the country. The two could be a mating pair. This is the first time we are coming across tigers being killed due to poisoning in ATR, TOI quoted Osai Kalidas, an environmentalist, as saying. Twitter When the culprit who poisoned the boar is found, due punishment should be meted out. Cardinal Pell Easter Message Talks of Suffering and Redemption In his Easter message, Cardinal George Pell chose to share his views on the hidden meaning that may manifest itself through suffering in the world. Cardinal Pell was recently found not guilty of sexually abusing two choirboys more than two decades ago. The cardinal was released from prison on April 7 after Australias High Court quashed five convictions for child sexual abuse over claims that he assaulted the two boys at a Melbourne Cathedral in the 1990s. Every person suffers. None escapes all the time, he wrote in the message published in The Australian newspaper titled, In the suffering, we find redemption. Everyone is confronted with a couple of questions. What should I do in this situation? Why is there so much evil and suffering? And why did this happen to me? Why the coronavirus pandemic? Easter provides the Christian answer to suffering and living, he wrote. Cardinal Pell went on, saying that the sexual abuse crisis has damaged thousands of victims. From many points of view the crisis is also bad for the Catholic Church, but we have painfully cut out a moral cancer and this is good. So too some would see COVID-19 as a bad time for those who claim to believe in a good and rational God, the Supreme Love and Intelligence, the Creator of the universe, he added, while recognizing the pandemic from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus as a unique moment for people of his generation and younger. While the virus could be compared to the Spanish flu pandemic of the Black Death, we have the capacity now to fight the infection intelligently and mitigate its spread, he said. The cardinal also wrote of his experience of more than 400 days behind bars. I have just spent 13 months in jail for a crime I didnt commit, one disappointment after another, he wrote. I knew God was with me, but I didnt know what He was up to, although I realised He has left all of us free. But with every blow it was a consolation to know I could offer it to God for some good purpose like turning the mass of suffering into spiritual energy. He ended his Easter message saying, Kiko Arguello, co-founder of the Neocatechumenal Way, claims that a fundamental difference between God-fearers and secularists today is found in the approach to suffering. Too often the irreligious want to eliminate the cause of the suffering, through abortion, euthanasia, or exclude it from sight, leaving our loved ones unvisited in nursing homes. Christians see Christ in everyone who suffersvictims, the sick, the elderlyand are obliged to help. That is part of the Easter message of the Risen Christ. By Karen Sweeney. The Epoch Times contributed to this article. April 12 : On April 13, 2020, the most awaited festival The Sikh New Year - Baisakhi 2020 will be celebrated with a lot of pomp, good Vaisakhi wishes and plenty of delicacies. As it is observed as the harvest festival of the Rabi crops, this is a time when families and their loved ones spend time with each other. The festival is celebrated in Punjab and a few other nearby states in North India. Along with the exchange of greetings and prayers to each of the family members, people also send beautiful Whatsapp status video to share on social media. You can freely download them and share them with your friends and loved ones. This year, make it a point to share these messages, Vaisakhi stickers and lovely images to people across the world. #1: Baisakhi special Whatsapp Status Video for free download #2: Happy Vaisakhi Whatsapp Status Video for free download #3: Vaisakhi Wishes & Whatsapp Status Video for free download Let your grief be wiped away forever May this Baisakhi welcome love, luck, and wealth Image Source: Prokerala.com Happy Vaisakhi posts to share on social media Image Source: Prokerala.com Vaisakhi greetings to share Wishing that you are blessed with good health, prosperity and happiness Happy Vaisakhi Image Source: Prokerala.com Images for Vaisakhi Spread Harmony & Love with your loved ones May you blessed with good thoughts always Have a lovely Baisakhi with our family Image Source: Prokerala.com Vaisakhi Twitter posts Praying that your New Year is abundantly blessed with joy and good health Wishing you this best in life this Baisakhi Image Source: Prokerala.com Vaisakhi Facebook images May your prayers be answered always >May your efforts be fruitful this year Happy Vaisakhi In his interaction with chief ministers on Saturday, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi reformulated a popular phrase which he used while declaring the national lockdown to outline a change in the nature of the national objectives. On March 24, while emphasising the need for social distancing and urging people to stay home, he said, Jaan hai toh jahan hai if one is alive, there is a world. This was meant to place the premium on health, unarguably the single-most-important priority at a time when the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has shaken the world. On Saturday, he said, Jaan bhi, Jahaan bhi lives also, the world also. This does not, in any way, undermine the emphasis on health, but along with saving lives, the PM seemed to hint that India also has to restore a degree of economic normalcy and allow everyday life to resume, where possible. This is a sound approach. It will, however, need the governments continued focus and calibrated policy vis-a-vis both elements. First, health. There is more known about Covid-19 than a month ago. Here is what India needs to do, beyond this phase of the lockdown to the next set of restrictions. Continue to ramp up testing to be able to identify positive cases to have the basis to intervene. Enhance quarantine facilities to ensure that those who are positive can be isolated. Expand the contact tracing apparatus, including through the use of technology, to be able to find people who may have come in contact with those tested positive. Add and remove containment zones, where a more strict form of a lockdown is in place, on an everyday basis depending on the evidence available. Source, from whatever mechanisms possible, more personal protective equipment for health workers who are risking their lives every day. Ensure there are enough hospital beds and ventilators in place to prepare for a surge in cases. And take special case of states where the health infrastructure is particularly weak but which have a high density of population such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. On the economy, this newspaper has argued for a comprehensive stimulus of Rs 10 lakh crore. But in the immediate context, it is important to smoothen the supply of essentials, allow some sectors and factories to open up on the condition of them meeting safety and social distancing norms, and providing relief to agriculture. Implementing partial restrictions will be a key challenge here, and security personnel will have to be carefully sensitised to what is allowed and what is not. It is time to move to the next phase of a, as a government official put it, smart lockdown. Under normal circumstances, this would be a time of celebration for Joe Biden's campaign. With seven months left before Election day, the former vice president is now the presumptive Democratic nominee, after his last remaining opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders, announced that he would suspend his campaign and called for his supporters to rally behind Biden. With the party united, Biden will be able to concentrate all of his attention on the general election. He can start raising money and developing a strategy to defeat President Donald Trump in 2020. Meanwhile, Trump continues to stumble in his efforts to govern a nation that has been locked down as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The economy is faltering, people are losing their lives and their jobs, and our general sense of well-being has undergone a stress test unlike any other in modern times. While we heard a great deal about malaise in the late-1970s, today the mood is one of despondency and hopelessness. As the crisis has mounted in the past three months, the President has been repeatedly slow to respond, ignoring clear warnings and spewing disinformation, instead of confronting the problem head on. His messages often directly contradict what his own top experts have to say. And despite being someone who loves power, the President has failed to fully invoke his executive authority to ensure the production of the materials we need to fight this disease. His initial bump in the polls is now starting to slip. With an incumbent like this, there is almost no excuse for Biden to lose. Yet Biden's obstacles to victory remain immense. Unless things miraculously return to normal in the near future, this election will be like no other in our lifetime. The coronavirus will force the Democratic Party to re-imagine what it means to run for the presidency. Without the possibility of running a ground game for at least several months, if not more, Biden and his campaign will face the real challenge of getting his message out to the public in the most surreal of times. Biden needs to demonstrate that he can do a better job using social media to build momentum in a time when most Americans are understandably focused on the pandemic. Most Americans are barely hearing from any major Democrat these days with the exception of a handful of Democratic governors, like New York's Andrew Cuomo and California's Gavin Newsom. The news is dominated by the latest updates about the spread of the disease, as well the president's daily press briefings, which suck all the oxygen from the room. The odds are there will be very little traditional campaigning, public appearances or televised town halls. Even the Democratic National Convention, a key event that serves to showcase the candidate, has already been postponed, with the possibility it might be held online. The good news for Biden is that the modern media ecosystem offers many more opportunities to get out the message; ideas can be tweeted, statements can be livestreamed, and images can go viral. Indeed, President Trump has already demonstrated just how powerful these mediums can be with his prolific use of Twitter. His campaign has also shown how micro-targeted ads can be enormously effective. President Trump will certainly continue with his aggressive, below-the-belt style of politics. With the power of the executive branch behind him, Trump could conduct investigations aimed at damaging his rival and continually blast out messages aimed at destroying Biden's character. President Trump's campaign, for example, recently released an attack ad claiming Biden is soft on China, and used an image of the VP with former Washington governor Gary Locke -- an Asian American born in Seattle -- that appears to suggest he is a Chinese official. The Biden team will also have to figure out ways to attract more interest from the television networks. Working within the limits of social distancing, Biden will also need to consider staging some events, including one in which he could name a running mate and potential cabinet appointments. He could hold regular press briefings, and make a few targeted on-site visits to factories that are shut down. This would create opportunities for Biden to explain to the public how he would build a team and do things differently than Trump. Democrats will also have to keep pushing to ensure that there is high turnout. Given that most Republicans are resisting the call to accelerate universal mail-in voting, absentee ballots and other measures to let people vote safely, Democrats will have to take the lead at the national and state level. President Trump and Republicans realize that low turnout will benefit the GOP. Finally, Democrats need to rethink their agenda. Biden's campaign was built around the idea that he is the anti-Trump candidate, best positioned to defeat the president -- but that may no longer be enough. The pandemic has reshaped the national agenda. The public health care system is under tremendous strain, and the economy is in tatters. Biden needs to adjust his platform and address these problems. He needs to present a plan that will give Americans access to the health insurance they will need to cover the costs born out of this virus. And with Americans suffering through a crisis echoing the magnitude of the Great Depression, voters will need to hear how he will get this country humming again. He would also do well to promote a plan to safeguard both the health care system and the economy, should another outbreak occur. President Trump failed to prepare for the coronavirus and waited until it was too late to respond to an epic challenge. Biden shouldn't make the same mistake when it comes to presenting his vision for a country now facing extraordinary circumstances. The consequences of this election will be enormous. Biden has done a good job so far of beating the odds and demonstrating that he knows how to win a campaign. But he now faces not only a president who seems willing to go to any length to win reelection, but also an election that has been completely transformed in just weeks due to a global pandemic. What comes next will be unlike anything he has faced before. Democrats are wondering, will Biden rise to the occasion? He surprised many with his speedy victory in a crowded primary, and now many in the party are hoping that he can do this again. Indicating that a prolonged lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19 may lead to job cuts in the Indian IT industry, Nasscom's former president R Chandrashekhar said that the work-from-home culture may become a positive development in the long run as it opens up newer avenues and saves investments by IT firms. The former bureaucrat also said startups which are surviving on funds infused by venture capitalists may face tougher ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor A vet has urged pet owners to take a 'common sense approach' with their four-legged friends during the coronavirus crisis. Two research projects are underway at the University of Adelaide to determine whether pets can experience a biological transmission of the virus after several dogs and cats outside of Australia tested positive to COVID-19. But pet owners have been reassured the virus is spread via human-to-human transmission, not through companion animals such as dogs or cats. Dr Anne Fawcett from the University of Sydney's School of Veterinary Science urged pet owners to treat their animals the same way they do other humans by practising good hand hygiene. Australians are urged to not pat anyone's animal unless they've washed their hands first and afterwards. Pictured are Sydneysiders and a a four legged-friend getting their daily dose of fresh air on Saturday 'You should wash your hands before and after touching any animal,' Dr Fawcett told Daily Mail Australia. 'We're not asking pet owners to do anything different, except to be vigilant.' 'My advice is to use common sense and remain calm. We need to remember that there are very few reports of the virus involving animals.' Dr Fawcett said it is safe to take a dog out for a walk in public, but recommended people to not pat anyone else's animal unless they washed their hands first and afterwards. 'Yes, it's still safe to take the dog for a walk but social distancing should be maintained,' she said. Pet owners to take a 'common sense approach' to their cats and dogs. Pictured is a cat at the RSPCA shelter in Sydney in need of a new home Pet owners are encouraged to treat their four-legged friends like a member of the family. 'We've all been told to isolate in a family bubble. My advice would be to consider your pets as part of that family bubble,' Dr Fawcett said. Close contact such as kissing or burying your face in your pets fur is not recommended. If you or another family member have been struck down by the virus, minimal contact with pets is encouraged whenever possible. 'Have someone look after the animal if you can, just as you would isolate from other family members,' Dr Fawcett said. She urged pet owners with concerns to contact to contact their vet, who have been declared an essential service so they can stay open during coronavirus lockdown. But vets have changed their way of doing business to avoid the risk of human-to-human transmission. 'My advice is to ring your vet ahead of time and wait outside while your pet is being examined by the vet,' she said. A GP has assured you won't get coronavirus from your pets. Pictured is a woman taking her dogs for a walk along the beach on the NSW-Queensland border this week Globally, there have been two cats and two dogs that have tested positive. 'The small number of animals that have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 are not involved in the spread of infection in humans,' Professor Jacqui Norris from University of Sydney's School of Veterinary Science told the Herald Sun. 'Globally, there have been two cats and two dogs that have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. These pets were living with infected human owners and the timing of the positive result demonstrates human-to-animal transfer. Virus culture on these pets was negative, meaning that an active virus was not present.' Sydney GP Dr Ginni Mansberg also addressed concerns when she appeared on Channel Seven's Sunrise on Wednesday for a Q&A session about the killer virus. 'We have got no cases anywhere of humans getting coronavirus from their pets. We have a couple of pets who got it from the owners, but not the other way around,' Dr Mansberg said. The RSPCA has reiterated claims that there was no evidence to suggest coronavirus in animals could be passed onto humans. 'There are many different types of coronavirus. Media articles reporting coronavirus being detected in dogs and cats have generally referred to distinctly different virus types to the one causing the human disease COVID-19,' its website states. Rexburg Police Department The Idaho Attorney Generals Office has taken over the investigation of doomsday couple Lori Vallow and Chad Daybelland a document in the case reveals potential charges include conspiracy and murder. The Fremont County prosecutor requested help from the AGs office in investigating the death of Daybells first wife, according to a letter obtained by East Idaho News. Under the heading of Defendant/Matter, the AG listed Chad Daybell, Lori Daybell/Conspiracy, Murder, Attempted Murder. Authorities have not publicly accused the newlywedswho are tied to two missing children, three mysterious deaths, and several bizarre incidentsof those crimes. Instead, in a separate case, Vallow is being held on charges of child abandonment and contempt of court for failing to produce her children. Daybell, the author of apocalyptic novels, has not been charged with anything. The pair have been under scrutiny since late November, when police went to their Rexburg home to conduct a welfare check on Vallows children from earlier marriages, 17-year-old Tylee and 7-year-old J.J. The kids were not there, and Vallow allegedly lied about their whereabouts. When police returned to ask more questions, she and Daybell were goneonly to surface in Hawaii in February. Vallow was extradited to Idaho after she ignored a court order to show up in court with Tylee and J.J. Rexburg police have said they believe the children are in danger. Vallow and Daybell have denied any wrongdoing but have also refused to cooperate with the search for the childrenwhich was recently expanded to include a FBI request for photos and videos from visitors to Yellowstone National Park that might show the family there. What started as a missing-persons case quickly mushroomed into a larger investigation that focused on the couples doomsday-centered religious beliefs and the deaths of their previous spouses. Vallows previous husband, Charles, was shot dead by her brother, Alex Cox, who has since died of unknown causes. Charles was estranged from Vallow at the time and had claimed in a divorce filing that she was obsessive about near-death experiences and had threatened to kill him. Story continues Months after Charles Vallows death, Daybells wife, Tammy, was also deadand authorities have since exhumed her body to conduct the autopsy that he refused. Weeks after Tammys death, Lori and Chad tied the knotwith Lori wearing a wedding ring that reportedly was purchased while Chad was still married. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 22:31:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GAZA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian officials on Sunday announced exceptional Palestinian-Egyptian arrangements to open the Rafah Border Crossing for the stranded travellers who need to return to the Gaza Strip. "Rafah crossing will be opened for stranded travellers who want to return to Gaza," Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt Diab al-Louh said in a statement sent to Xinhua. The opening will start from Monday and last four days, according to Diab. Meanwhile, the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior in the Gaza Strip said in a press statement that 300 passengers will be allowed to pass the border every day. "All stranded travellers who want to return to Gaza must register their date through the website of Interior Ministry," said a statement by the Gaza security chief Tawfiq Abu Naim. Hamas, ruler of Gaza, shut down the Rafah crossing weeks ago as part of the measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. The Gaza health ministry has imposed a 21-day quarantine on any returnee. Experts at the United Nations and the World Health Organization have warned of the possible spread of the COVID-19 in the Gaza Strip because of the large population density, high poverty rates and the lack of medical supplies and equipment in the enclave. Hamas has completed the construction of quarantine units capable of accommodating 1,000 people in the Gaza Strip, half of them in the southern town of Rafah and half in the northern part of Gaza city, according to a Hamas press statement. So far, the Gaza Strip has recorded 13 coronavirus cases, including nine recoveries. The Sir Francis Drake Hotel on March 29. A proposed measure would require San Francisco to procure and rent empty hotel rooms to house its entire homeless population during the COVID-19 public health emergency. If it passes, then homeless residents would have space to shelter in place alongside much of the rest of the city. San Francisco's travel and tourism industries have been slammed, and turning to the city's unoccupied hotel rooms has been in talks as a solution to housing the homeless community amid the outbreak. There were an estimated 30,000 empty hotel rooms in late March. A 2019 count placed the estimated number of people living homeless on the streets of San Francisco at 8,011. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. There are more empty hotel rooms in San Francisco than there are homeless people. That's a significant fact as the coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19, has gripped the tourist destination city and spread throughout the US. Much of the city has been directed to shelter in place in their homes and stay there as much as possible. By doing that, and only leaving for essential needs like for groceries, medicine, or for a quick break for fresh air the city's estimated 881,000 residents are helping in flattening the curve in the fight against the respiratory illness, or helping to slow its spread so that healthcare workers have time to prepare. But the city's and region's homeless population was exempt from the order, with those living on the streets instructed to sit tight until officials could come up with ways to house and protect them. That order was announced on March 16, and on the same day, a homeless person in Santa Clara County, in the heart of Silicon Valley, was reported to have died of the coronavirus disease. There were roughly 8,000 people living on the streets in San Francisco at the time of the last estimate in 2019. There are currently 30,000 empty hotel rooms in the city. Story continues Here's how the city wants to use those rooms. In the weeks following, San Francisco city officials have considered using shut-down schools, churches, the Moscone Center, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium to house its homeless community. The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on March 16. Some of those plans didn't involve housing those on the streets, such as for the city's mega-conference hall, Moscone Center. The purpose of using those facilities was to help space out shelter beds in existing shelters so that the homeless could have more room to social distance from one another. Source: Business Insider and The San Francisco Chronicle Another idea that has been percolating since the order went into effect was to turn the city's hotels into makeshift shelters. The Palace Hotel on March 24. Even before the order was announced, travel and tourism in San Francisco had dropped off considerably, with layoffs in the hotel industry ensuing and tens of thousands of hotel rooms sitting empty. According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, there were an estimated 30,600 empty hotel rooms in San Francisco as of March 23. A Curbed SF report places that number as high as 33,000. City leaders, as well as officials across the state of California, have been pushing forward with securing rooms to house those who are homeless as well as the estimated 19,000 living in congregate settings in San Francisco such as SRO hotels, where residents share bathrooms and other common spaces. In late March, City Hall began requesting proposals from hotels in the city to house SRO residents who need to quarantine. And the hotels, struggling from a lack of guests during the outbreak, jumped at the opportunity to house some residents. The Palace Hotel in 2011. There were initially 31 hotels offering up a collective 8,310 rooms for a discounted rate following the ask from City Hall, as the San Francisco Chronicle reports. These hotels, including some of the city's ritziest, such as The Palace Hotel, were interested in filling rooms with residents of SRO hotels and other such facilities. But some officials advocated filling those rooms with those living on the streets, an idea that still isn't in motion yet. san francisco homeless coronavirus shelter in place However, progress has been made to start identifying rooms for homeless people in San Francisco 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. 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. And so on Tuesday, an emergency ordinance was introduced by five members of the city's Board of Supervisors that would require San Francisco to procure and rent 7,000 hotel rooms, plus 1,250 for first responders and healthcare workers who need to self-isolate. An activist protests from her vehicle outside Moscone Center, asking Mayor London Breed to house homeless people using vacant hotels, Friday, April 3, 2020, in San Francisco The estimated cost of renting 7,000 hotel rooms for 90 days sits at $105 million. If this ordinance passes, those living on the streets would have space to shelter-in-place just as much of the rest of the city has been doing. The Sir Francis Drake Hotel on March 29. Housing members of the homeless community could also prevent an outbreak among its members. If the virus were to spread in the community, the healthcare system could be overwhelmed, hindering the city's long-time goal of "flattening the curve" amid the pandemic. The city, and the rest of the Bay Area that also took early social distancing measures, is being lauded across the US for its proactivity. Some health experts think the shelter-in-place order is already paying off, with case counts lower than elsewhere in the country. However, they're still rising, and officials stress the importance of continuing with taking social distancing precautions. Turning to the thousands of empty hotel rooms in the city to house the homeless community could contribute to social distancing efforts. And seeing as how nonessential travel is discouraged and that the city likely won't be welcoming its typical volume of visitors for a while, hotels could stay afloat by helping the city do so. Read the original article on Business Insider Amid the grim realities of COVID-19, let us take a moment to consider two Easter encounters described in John 20: And the angels said unto her: why do you weep? She said: Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had said thus, she turned herself back and saw Jesus standing there. To say that Mary Magdalene would have been startled at the sight of two angels guarding an empty tomb would be an understatement. To then turn around and see Jesus himself standing there would have been beyond comprehension. For Christians, there is no more spectacular affirmation of faith than the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are no comparisons that can be drawn from other mundane acts of inspiration. Still, when humanity is faced with the dire realities of a COVID- 19 pandemic and when politics has been twisted into a blood sport that eschews truth and cooperation, there are some encouraging signs that miracles can still happen. While deaths continue rise across the nation, there are glimmers of hope that the infamous curve has been flattening. That is, our social distancing has slowed the spread of the virus enough that we may be able to begin to handle patients within our existing health care system. This is not a final victory but a new normal that will require massive changes in our social and economic habits. Still, it is encouraging news. And while I dont consider them miracles, there are other developments that should be noted. First, the president and his opponent put aside politics for a few moments and discussed the pandemic. Both reported that they had a good conversation. They went over some ideas for what happens next, like leaders should. Biden said that the president was gracious, and Trump said the conversation was very friendly. Second, it may be a miracle that Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx are still standing. Americans owe a debt of gratitude to these two consummate professionals for keeping us updated with the unvarnished truth. They are both steeped in science and keep a tight rein on others who may be tempted to mischaracterize the situation and put even more lives in danger. The steadiness with which they have imposed guidelines and the knowledge that they share under duress - and near exhaustion - has become invaluable. Likewise, Gov. Wolf and Secretary of Health Rachel Levine dont seem to be getting much sleep either. Some have argued that statewide directives are impeding a return to commerce. In direct and jarring fashion, Levine told the press: We want to save our livelihoods; but we must save lives first. The governors recent directive to keep schools closed through June was jarring, historic, and necessary. We can find ways to accelerate learning and allow our students to catch up academically, but we need the strength to take whatever steps are necessary to keep our children safe. A final occurrence last week that many didnt think possible was the suspension of the Bernie Sanders campaign for president. It should be noted that this took an extraordinary amount of forbearance on Bernies part. Call him socialist if you like but he just helped guide a $2.2 trillion recovery package through Congress that will save countless lives and jobs. He could have insisted that his team continue to Feel the Bern right through the convention. Like many of the Democratic candidates before him, though, Sanders put aside his own ambition and resisted a strong, vocal network of supporters to do the right thing. The Biden camp and the Sanders camp were quick to issue statements of mutual respect and have begun to set the tone for a campaign that will be united in purpose and focus. While these examples may not shine as brightly as the sun on that first Easter Sunday, let us hope for a resurrection of sorts. Consider the Apostle Thomas, a realist, who, like Mary Magdalene, simply assumed that the Romans had taken the body from the sepulcher. He was skeptical enough to require that he touch the wounds of the risen Christ before he could believe. Even the doubts of Thomas were assuaged when he comprehended that extraordinary things happen when faith prevails. Let us hope that politics and humanity can change for the better. Let us hope that our leaders can inspire us again and that America can rise up from pandemics and politics that have affected our bodies and our souls. Mark S. Singel is a former Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He and Republican Charlie Gerow can be seen at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday on CBS21s Face the State. A 27-year-old Chicago woman was killed by a stray bullet while social distancing, a slaying that comes as the city's mayor has decried an outburst of violence which is taking resources away from fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Image: Alexa Baute (WMAQ) Alexa Baute was waiting in line outside a 7-Eleven convenience store in the Logan Square neighborhood, just blocks from her apartment, at about 8 p.m. Tuesday when she was killed, according to Chicago police spokeswoman Sally Bown. Baute sustained one gunshot wound to the chest. Witnesses told authorities they saw Baute collapse, Bown said. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead at 8:45 p.m. Baute's family is offering a $7,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the shooter. Her father, Jeffrey Baute, said his daughter was his entire life. "This is the worst pain imaginable for any parent or person to lose a child," Baute told NBC Chicago. "It's ripping your heart, my heart is broken and shattered. I'm never going to be the same person after this." Alexa's mother, Patricia Baute, told the outlet she rushed to the hospital where her daughter was taken. "They said she arrived at the ER with no pulse, and there was nothing they could do," Patricia Baute said. "We couldnt touch her because it was under investigation, which is probably the worst part, because I just wanted to touch her." Her killing comes as Mayor Lori Lightfoot expressed dismay at gun violence in the city. "Seven people were killed by gunfire in our city. Fourteen more were wounded, including a 5-year-old girl," Lightfoot said at a news conference Wednesday. "Unfortunately, the epidemic of gun violence continues to plague us, every day, every hour of the day." "Just taking yesterday as an example," she continued. "A warm day where people came outside. Individual trigger pullers slaughtered people in a totally heinous way. This level of violence is never acceptable. Never. Ever." Story continues Lightfoot said she directed the police department to spare no expense or resource to bring perpetrators to justice. "Coming as they do now, amidst our public health crisis, these actions place additional and unnecessary burdens on our hospitals and intensive care units," she said, adding that this violence is occurring at a time when the city's ability to treat all Chicagoans is being "stretched to the breaking point." "We cannot allow this to happen. We will not allow this to happen," Lightfoot said. Following the burst of violence on Tuesday, Lightfoot announced a citywide order prohibiting liquor sales after 9 p.m. The measure, which took effect Thursday, will "help prevent congregate activity that has been observed across the city near stores that sell alcohol, particularly during evening hours," the mayor said in a statement. Why did the Chinese military take over the lab in Wuhan in end January? Did something go wrong? Claude Arpi glances at the mystery surrounding the origin of the coronavirus. IMAGE: Medical workers attend to a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital, February 16, 2020. Photograph: China Daily/Reuters China started information warfare to prove to the world that COVID-19, which originated in China, does not have its origin in China. Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs in Beijing, tweeted that the US army had brought the dreaded virus to Wuhan. Wang Yi, China's state councilor and foreign minister, phoned his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar that the virus should not be called 'Chinese', as it would stigmatise the country and would be detrimental to 'international cooperation'. The stakes are high for Beijing: externally, it does not want to appear as the bad guy who spread the virus all over the planet with the drastic consequences seen today (more than 1.7 million affected, more than one lakh casualties, while three billion human beings live under confinement, all this with unpredictable and incalculable economic and social implications), but also internally, where General Secretary Xi Jinping's is more and more questioned within the Chinese Communist arty. The Real Issue IMAGE: Travellers at Hankou railway station after travel restrictions to leave Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, were lifted, April 8, 2020. Photograph: Reuters The objective of Beijing's information warfare exercise is to make the world forget to look for the real origin of the virus, something vital to avoid the recurrence. Interestingly, a group of Chinese scholars led by Botao Xiao of the South China University of Technology wrote a paper in February for the Natural Science Foundation of China; it dealt with 'The possible origins of 2019-nCoV coronavirus'. After searching around the seafood market in Wuhan, said to be the epicentre of the outbreak, they identified two laboratories conducting research on bat coronavirus. The first one, the Wuhan Centre for Disease Control & Prevention is located 280 meters from the market. The scientists found that 'urgery was performed on the caged animals and the tissue samples were collected for DNA and RNA extraction and sequencing. The tissue samples and contaminated trashes were a source of pathogens.' It is not proof, but a possibility to be studied fully. The second laboratory, the Wuhan Institute of Virology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is located 15 kilometres from the seafood market. It was recently in the news when Dr Chen Wei, a lieutenant general in the People's Liberation Army, took over the management. Xiao and his colleagues concluded: 'Somebody was entangled with the evolution of 2019-nCoV coronavirus. In addition to origins of natural recombination and intermediate host, the killer coronavirus probably originated from a laboratory in Wuhan. Safety level may need to be reinforced in high risk bio-hazardous laboratories.' 'Regulations may be taken to relocate these laboratories far away from the city centre and other densely populated places,' Xiao and his colleagues recommended. All this means that more serious and independent studies need to be undertaken to find out more about the origin of the 'international' virus. The French Connection IMAGE: Then French prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve visits a laboratory in Wuhan, February 23, 2017. Photograph: China Daily/Reuters On February 23, 2017, Bernard Cazeneuve, then the French prime minister, inaugurated the 'P4' laboratory in Wuhan; he declared: 'France is proud and happy to have contributed to the construction of the first high biological security 'P4' laboratory in China.' 'Designed by French experts and started in 2011, this cutting-edge tool is a central element in achieving the 2004 intergovernmental agreement on Franco-Chinese cooperation for the prevention and fight against emerging infectious diseases,' Cazeneuve declared. The tragedy is that this investment did not prevent or even foresee the coming disaster. Cazeneuve also said that French engineering companies and equipment manufacturers had 'perfectly mastered these laboratory technologies which are a major asset to guarantee the safety of populations, while developing a national capacity to manage biological risk.' 'Ladies and gentlemen,' Cazeneuve declared, 'this laboratory that we have built together will be a spearhead in our fight against emerging diseases. It will greatly increase China's ability to conduct cutting-edge research and responding effectively to the emergence of infectious diseases that threaten people across the globe.' As I write these lines, 1.2 lakh French people are affected by the virus and near 13,000 have lost their lives. The Chinese government should certainly be questioned: What happened with the French tax-payers' money? Has it been properly used? Close Foreign Collaboration IMAGE: A street in Wuhan, April 10, 2020. Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters A 'P4' Laboratory is accredited to work on 'class 4 pathogens'; it has the necessary security safety and the staff is trained to work with highly dangerous viral or bacterial agents, which could trigger high mortality rates, mostly without protective vaccine or effective treatment (as is the case of the COVID-19). One of the questions which needs an answer one day is why the Chinese scientists did see not the pandemic coming or did they see it and were not allowed to speak? The Wuhan P4 laboratory benefited from the support of the Jean-Merieux laboratory in Lyon, (working under the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research or INSERN), which is considered one of the best in the world. In 2017, its director, Herve Raoul explained to Science & Sante magazine, why France was involved in Wuhan; he asserted that the cooperation involved some fifty scientists, under the aegis and piloted by the INSERN; the Nipah virus was the main subject of their studies at that time. 'We have very little knowledge of this topic. The work will cover some fundamentals aspects (replication, dispersion in the organisation, dynamic targeting), but also other aspects, including preclinical testing and development of diagnostic tools, as there is no product on the market,' he said. Other projects are currently discussed, but are still at the preliminary stage, added Dr Raoul, who cited the Ebola virus 'which interests Chinese researchers'. To deal with the emergence of highly pathogenic microorganisms, a strategy needed to be worked out; it meant fast responses, with containment zones that would allow 'to drive safely diagnostic activities essential to patient management, but also research for development prevention and treatment tools.' 'The P4 laboratories are at the heart of these challenges... it calls for a reflection on the coordination of in situ responses in time of crisis,' noted Dr Raoul. All this sounds contemporary. The magazine then asked Dr Raoul: 'Will China become a great power in the overall response to the risk of infectious emergence or re-emergence?' To which the scientist answered: 'This is indeed one of China's ambitions. Further, our Chinese colleagues are interested in a collaboration with the European ERHINA project -- for European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents -- which will be headquartered in France.' After the present fiasco, this is probably compromised now. Concerns about Pathogens Escape IMAGE: A woman and a baby are seen at a window of a blocked residential community in Wuhan, April 1, 2020. Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters The day that Cazeneuve inaugurated the P4 lab, the serious review Nature, published an article on the Wuhan Virology Institute: 'Maximum-security bio-safety facility nears approval, sparking excitement and concern'. The author remarked: 'A laboratory in Wuhan is on the cusp of being cleared to work with the world's most dangerous pathogens. The move is part of a plan to build between five and seven biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) labs across the Chinese mainland by 2025, and has generated much excitement, as well as some concerns.' The scientific magazine explained: 'Some scientists outside China worry about pathogens escaping, and the addition of a biological dimension to geopolitical tensions between China and other nations. But Chinese microbiologists are celebrating their entrance to the elite cadre empowered to wrestle with the world's greatest biological threats.' George Gao, director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology in Beijing, told Nature: 'It will offer more opportunities for Chinese researchers, and our contribution on the BSL-4-level pathogens will benefit the world.' The National Bio-safety Laboratory in Wuhan was the first 'P4' on the Chinese soil; it had just been certified by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment in January 2017. CNAS said the examination of the lab's infrastructure, equipment and management, paved the way for the ministry of health to give its approval; according to Nature: 'The criteria for certification include filtering air and treating water and waste before they leave the laboratory, and stipulating that researchers change clothes and shower before and after using lab facilities.' But the magazine admitted that there were concerns as well as controversies surrounding some of these high tech labs, one in Japan in particular. The Army Takes Over IMAGE: A street market in Wuhan, April 6, 2020. Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters Surprisingly, a Chinese PLA general took over the institute in Wuhan at the end of January. Lieutenant General Chen Wei, a researcher at the Military Medical Research Institute of the Academy of Military Sciences, became responsible for the research; since then the lady general is said to have found the first vaccine on March 16. Was the possibility of a PLA takeover thought of at the time of Cazeneuve's visit to Wuhan? Probably not. Why this drastic move? Either an incident took place in the lab (and we will not know for years maybe) or the PLA did not trust the civilians to run the lab. A couple of weeks later, a high-level meeting chaired by Xi Jinping took place in Beijing; the next day, the Chinese ministry of science and technology released a new directive for the people working in the lab: "Instructions on strengthening bio-security management in microbiology labs that handle advanced viruses like the novel coronavirus." Was there a problem? Again no answer. All this raises many questions which nobody is even ready to discuss. IMAGE: A view of a street in Wuhan, March 28, 2020. Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters Many more stories could be added, like the case of Dr Shi Zhengli, who earned a PhD from Monpelleir University in France and was part of a team working on a coronavirus jointly with US doctors till 2014; the project was shut down by the US administration ... for being too risky. Later, Dr Shi continued her coronavirus research at the Institute of Virology in Wuhan. Beijing is strangely silent on all this. Incidentally, last week, a member of Cobra, the emergency committee led by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said while the latest intelligence in the UK did not dispute the virus was 'zoonotic' -- originating in animals -- it could not rule out that the virus first spread to humans after leaking from a Wuhan laboratory. Indeed, an affair to follow closely. Claude Arpi is a regular contributor to Rediff.com. SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Health Authority have pooled resources to assess and satisfy the needs of long-term care facilities experiencing an influx of COVID-19 cases. 32 Oregon long-term care facilities, including nursing, assisted living and residential care facilities, have reported that residents or staff have tested positive for coronavirus. Nine of these facilities have five or more confirmed cases, including the Oregon Veteran's home in Lebanon where 34 people have tested positive and 4 have died, as well as the Corvallis Manor where 7 cases have been identified and 1 person has died. The team will access resources to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to residents and staff. Resources may include technical assistance, referrals to specialists, help with staffing agencies, identifying personal protective equipment resources and developing plans to place residents in alternative locations. As part of this, the state is beginning to contract with facilities to develop additional capacity to safely treat COVID-19 patients. DHS and OHA entered a new data-sharing arrangement that will allow them to better monitor incidences of the virus at long-term care facilities statewide and share status updates with the public. Lists of care facilities reporting that residents or staff have COVID-19, along with those reporting residents and staff with tests pending, can be found here. There are more than 2,200 long-term care facilities in Oregon. VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis called for solidarity the world over to confront the "epochal challenge" posed by the coronavirus pandemic, as Christians celebrated a solitary Easter Sunday, blending the joyful feast day with sorrow over the toll the virus has already taken. Families who normally would attend morning Mass in their Easter best and later join friends for celebratory lunches hunkered down at home. Police checkpoints in Europe and closed churches around the globe forced the faithful to watch Easter services online or on TV. A few lucky Romans attended Mass from their balconies overlooking Santa Emerenziana church in the northern Trieste neighborhood, where a priest celebrated a rooftop open-air service. "We feel close to each other despite this distance," parishioner Luca Rosati said from his balcony. "We can experience from here what we normally would experience inside the church, as a community." At Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified and entombed, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa urged the faithful to not be discouraged. "The message of Easter is that life, despite all, will prevail," said Pizzaballa said during Mass attended by a few clerics, with the streets of the surrounding Old City devoid of pilgrims and vendors. At the Vatican, Francis celebrated Mass in a largely empty St. Peter's Basilica, with a handful of token faithful sitting one per pew and and the choir's "Kyrie" hymn echoing off the bare marble floors. Normally, St. Peter's Square would be awash in fresh flowers for Easter, with tulips and orchids decorating the piazza's promenade in a riot of color to underscore Easter's message of life and rebirth following Christ's crucifixion. This year, however, the cobblestoned piazza was bare. Police barricades ringed the square, blocking the tens of thousands who would normally flock to hear the pope's Mass and noontime "Urbi et Orbi" speech and blessing "to the city and the world." Francis instead stayed indoors, underscoring the solitude confronting all of humanity amid lockdown orders to prevent further contagion. In his Easter address, Francis urged political leaders to provide hope and opportunity to the millions of newly jobless and urged the European Union in particular to step up to the "epochal challenge" posed by COVID-19, which has ravaged Italy, Spain and other EU countries. "After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again, thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past," he said. "This is not a time for self-centeredness, because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons." He urged the faithful to pray for the sick, the dead, the elderly alone. And broadening his horizons, he called for sanctions relief, debt forgiveness and cease-fires to calm conflicts and financial crises around the globe. Francis' lonely Mass was a scene that was repeated around the world, with churches either closed or, for the few still open, forcing the faithful to practice social distancing. In South Korea, where one outbreak was tied to a church sect, services were largely held online. A small number of masked faithful attended service at Seoul's Yoido Full Gospel Church, one of the biggest churches in South Korea. They were seated notably apart from each other, and choir members sang hymns from behind masks. The Church of England shuttered its churches, prompting the Anglican archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to celebrate Easter Sunday service from his kitchen in London. The spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide, Welby delivered his sermon in full robes behind a makeshift altar on his dining room table. "Welcome to the kitchen of our home on Easter Day," he said. "Once this epidemic is conquered here and elsewhere, we cannot be content to go back to what was before as if all was normal." In Lebanon, home to the largest percentage of Christians in the Arab world, Cardinal Bechara Rai urged the faithful to abide by virus lockdown measures even as Lebanon endures its worst economic crisis in decades. "We are praying so that Lebanese officials work together in the spirit of collaboration to revive Lebanon economically, financially and socially," Rai said in an almost empty church in Bkerki, northeast of Beirut, the seat of the Maronite Church he heads. The church would normally be packed with people marking Easter, including the president, prime minister and parliament speaker. In New Zealand, Catholic bishops wrote a special pastoral letter to worshipers stuck at home, acknowledging the stresses and uncertainties of this Easter like no other but urging the faithful to take comfort in time with family. "This time has proved to be a reflective time enabling us to refocus or revision ourselves and how we live," the letter said. For Orthodox Christians, Sunday marked the start of Holy Week, with Palm Sunday services held in similarly barren churches. Pope Tawadros II, the spiritual leader of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Christians, celebrated in a largely empty Monastery of Saint Pishoy, in a desert valley west of the capital, Cairo. The church made the prayers available on its Facebook page. The Coptic Orthodox Church is one the world's oldest Christian communities. The Russian Orthodox Church said it would hold Easter services in Moscow next Sunday without the faithful present, citing an order from the city's chief epidemiologist prohibiting mass gatherings. By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro recently announced that the national 'state of alarm' due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic would be extended further for a period of 30 days. Speaking to the country's state-run media, Maduro said that on April 11, he signed the state of alarm for 30 more days for Venezuela. He then went on to say that although Venezuela has confined the contagion, still they couldn't "sing victory". The Latin American nation first announced a nationwide lockdown on March 13 following which quarantine was announced for all its citizens. According to reports, Venezuela's current state of lockdown was scheduled to end on April 13. However, the new announcement has dragged it till May 13. Venezuela has reported comparatively fewer cases as compared to other Latin American countries with 175 positive cases and nine deaths. Meanwhile, Brazil emerged as the worst affected nations with 20,964 cases and 1,141 deaths. Read: As Coronavirus Spreads, Some Venezuelans Opt To Return Home Read: COVID-19: Colombian President Calls For Solidarity With Venezuelan Migrants Venezuelans return home Earlier this week, nearly 600 Venezuelans migrant workers returned to their country through a humanitarian corridor as Columbia continued its lockdown. Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez during a Facebook live session on April 5 appealed to his fellow citizens for solidarity and support for more than a million Venezuelan migrants currently present in the country. Ever since the preventive lockdown has been imposed in Colombia, the Venezuelan migrants who had left their country to avoid economic crises have found themselves stuck in the midst of a health crisis without any proper source of income. Ivan Duque said that Colombia will help the Venezuelan migrants despite the difficulties caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Ivan said that the government will continue to support more than 1.7 million displaced Venezuelan migrants with food aid and protection programs. According to reports, more than 600 Venezuelan migrants arrived at the Colombian border on April 4, where they were received by the immigration officials. The migrant crisis in Colombia peaked when the Venezuelan government in July 2016 opened its border to allow migrants to cross the border due to shortages and other economical difficulties. Read: Sex. Drugs. Virus. Venezuela Elites Still Party In Pandemic Read: Some Venezuelans Return Home As Virus Spread (Image credit: AP) Thousands of people around Ireland joined together to Shine Your Light to remember those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 and to honour frontline staff and healthcare workers. People took part at 9pm on Saturday night by lighting candles, shining torches and decorating their homes with fairy lights. Irish President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina took part in the event from their home Aras an Uachtarain. Expand Close A large beam of light shines out of the new air traffic control tower at Dublin airport as part of the Shine Your Light campaign in tribute to front line health workers and those affected by the coronavirus outbreak. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A large beam of light shines out of the new air traffic control tower at Dublin airport as part of the Shine Your Light campaign in tribute to front line health workers and those affected by the coronavirus outbreak. As part of the campaign, Government buildings and other local public buildings shone their lights while Irish embassies around the world lit up to mark the occasion. President and Sabina Higgins joined the 'Shine Your Light' / 'Lanraigh Do Sholas' campaign, lighting lanterns as a symbol of hope and solidarity.https://t.co/PeqaS8DbqI #ShineYourLight pic.twitter.com/jdKChYe5CD President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 11, 2020 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar shone a light for the sick, the grieving, and everyone affected by Covid-19. Were inviting everyone to #ShineYourLight for our healthcare and essential workers at 9pm tonight. For the sick, the grieving, and everyone affected by #Covid19. Our public buildings, embassies and peacekeeping missions around the world are joining in. I hope you do too. pic.twitter.com/LEMllxC1He Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) April 11, 2020 Health Minister Simon Harris tweeted: Tonight as we #ShineALight, I want to say thank you to all the incredible people at the frontline in our hospitals & communities, in the Department of Health, the HSE, and to our brilliant Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan. I want to thank the Irish people your efforts are saving lives. Together, we will prevail. Health Service Executive Chief Paul Reid tweeted: Tonight Im bursting with pride to be Irish and to be leading the HSE. To all the families who have lost loved ones, people who are sick, all healthcare workers & those who are feeling isolated. Billions around the world celebrated Easter Sunday from lockdown at home as the pope urged solidarity to fight the coronavirus pandemic and the European death toll from the virus topped 75,000. Unprecedented scenes of empty churches emerged from Italy to Panama and the Philippines, as religious leaders found creative ways to address parishioners marking the holiday weekend from the confines of their homes. More than half the world -- over four billion people -- are in lockdown worldwide as governments scramble to halt the pandemic's deadly march across the globe. Hard-hit New York set up makeshift hospitals, even as officials said the peak of deaths and infections may be near. By Johannes EISELE (AFP) The death toll from the virus soared past 109,000 this weekend, with more than 1.7 million reported infections globally. Europe is by far the hardest-hit continent and on Sunday marked a grave milestone with more than 75,000 dead, according to an AFP tally. The United States was quickly emerging as a hotspot as well, and on Saturday marked its own grim landmark: more than 20,000 dead, out of around half a million infected. The US now has the highest death toll and the most cases out of any country in the world. Speaking from a near-empty Saint Paul's Cathedral, Pope Francis' Easter Sunday message was largely focused on the pandemic, offering prayers for the ill and urging a united European front to fight the pandemic. "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 livestreamed message beamed around the world. He called for European "solidarity" in the face of the virus, adding: "After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again." A church in the Philippines taped photos of parishioners to pews for their Sunday Easter service. By Ted ALJIBE (AFP) The pope had earlier urged creativity to mark the holy weekend -- a call that appears to have been met by some of the world's two billion-plus Christians. In Panama an archbishop blessed his nation from a helicopter, while worshippers in Spain blasted music from their balconies and US President Donald Trump said he would be among those following Easter services online. In a church north of the Philippines capital Manila, hundreds of pictures of parishioners were taped to pews as a priest held a Sunday service to a near-empty room. "Those photos are the representations of the people who are watching and attending mass through livestreaming, so 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." Plateau reached? As virus-tinged Easter celebrations were held worldwide, leaders in some hard-hit countries expressed cautious optimism the number of deaths and infections could be starting to peak. Spain saw its daily death toll drop for three days straight -- but on Sunday reported a slight spike again with 619 fresh fatalities. And though Italy was nearing the 20,000 dead mark, its daily death toll and rate of new infections has started to level off. France's lockdown continued over the Easter weekend, and the government said the virus's plateay may have been recahed. By Ludovic MARIN (AFP) In France, newly reported coronavirus deaths fell by one-third from Friday to 635 on Saturday. "A very high plateau for the epidemic appears to have been reached, but the epidemic remains very active," said French health official Jerome Salomon, urging people to remain vigilant. In the United States, New Orleans and hardest hit New York saw a slowdown in the number of new infections, deaths and hospitalisations, offer a shred of hope. Trump said this past week that the disease was near its peak in the US and he was considering ways to re-open the world's biggest economy as soon as possible. "We look like we'll be coming in on the very, very low side, below the lowest side of the curve of death," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. In Britain, the death toll continued to mount and fatalities are likely to soon top 10,000. Virus-stricken Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from hospital Sunday after he was admitted for coronavirus last Sunday, and spent three days in intensive care. He praised his medical team Sunday before he left hospital. "I can't thank them enough. I owe them my life," said 55-year-old Johnson. Mumbai slum fears There were worrying signs the virus could be taking hold in new -- and vulnerable -- parts of the world, from the crowded slums of Mexico City, Nairobi and Mumbai to conflict hotspots in the Middle East. India has imposed a nation-wide lockdown but dozens of cases were reported in a Mumbai slum, Asia's biggest. By Arun SANKAR (AFP) Conflict-wracked Yemen reported its first case last week, sparking dire warnings from aid workers about the burden an outbreak could have on an already ravaged healthcare system. And 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 were confirmed. All shops, except pharmacies, were closed near so-called "containment zones" to limit the number of people in public spaces. "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 just because they don't display symptoms," a local official spokesman Khabale-Patil said. Many experts and the World Health Organization are cautioning countries against lifting lockdown measures too quickly to avoid a second wave of infections. China, where the virus first emerged at the end of last year in the central city of Wuhan, has seen in increase in imported infections as it starts to ease strict lockdown measures. burs-jv/pma A policemans hand was chopped off and two other police officials were injured when a group of people allegedly attacked them in Punjabs Patiala district on Sunday, police said. A group of four-five Nihangs (Sikhs armed with traditional weapons and dressed in loose blue top) were travelling in a vehicle and they were asked to stop at a vegetable market at around 6.15 am by the Mandi board officials, they said. They were asked to show (curfew) passes. But they crashed the vehicle against the the gate and barricades put up there, Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala, Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. The group then attacked the police personnel on duty, he said. An ASIs (Assistant Sub Inspector) hand was chopped off by a sword. A Station House Officer of Sadar Patiala sustained an injury on his elbow and anther official suffered an injury on his arm in the attack, Sidhu said. The ASI was rushed to the Rajindra hospital where from he was referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh. The Nihangs fled the scene after the attack, the SSP said, adding efforts are on to arrest them. The incident took place when restrictions are in place in the state because of the coronavirus outbreak. After a warm weekend, temperatures across the UK are expected to take quite a dip but conditions will remain largely dry and sunny. Most of England and Wales will enjoy bright, sunny spells on Easter Sunday, while it is cloudier in the north with patches of rain in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, the afternoon may bring several thunderstorms, mainly over North Wales, the Midlands and parts of northern and eastern England, said the Met Office. Emma Salter, forecaster for the Met Office, told The Independent that there could be heavy downpours tonight across Wales and the Midlands. There are no weather warnings in place. As we head into Monday and Tuesday, the high temperatures of 24C will dwindle quickly and Britons might see themselves turning radiators on again as it hovers around 13C at best early in the week. Ms Salter said: There is quite a change in feel of the weather coming, its been very, very warm lately Saturday saw a high of 25.5C and we could reach that today. The warmest Easter Sunday we have on record was 25.3C, so wed need to beat that to make today make it the warmest. From Monday onwards, therell be a cooler area of high pressure, generally fine and dry but certainly much cooler than it has been with top temperatures on Monday for central London expected to reach just 13C. Residents in Greater London began hearing thunder rolling across the county around 3pm on Sunday afternoon, with some parts experiencing rain and hail, while others remained bright and sunny. One person joked on Twitter that the thunder was coming "because of yall sun bathers", in reference to people flouting lockdown rules to take advantage of the warm spring weather. Conditions will remain bright and dry for most areas on Monday, Easter bank holiday, with a light breeze coming from the north. Parts of southern UK may see a cloudy start to the day. The middle of the week is expected to dry and mainly sunny, but with cold mornings to contend with. The 15 best songs about the weather Show all 15 1 /15 The 15 best songs about the weather The 15 best songs about the weather 15. "Purple Rain" Prince Matt Sayles/Invision/AP The 15 best songs about the weather 14. "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!" Dean Martin Getty Images The 15 best songs about the weather 13. "Who'll Stop the Rain?" Credence Clearwater Revival EPA The 15 best songs about the weather 12. "Ill Wind" Frank Sinatra In 1958 Frank Sinatra described Holiday as the most important influence on American popular singing in the last 20 years Getty The 15 best songs about the weather 11. "It's Raining" Irma Thomas Getty The 15 best songs about the weather 10. "Here Comes the Rain Again" Eurythmics Annie Lennox Alamy Stock Photo The 15 best songs about the weather 9. "Sunny Afternoon" The Kinks Dave Davies: 'Me and Ray used to bump heads because we always had so many ideas in The Kinks' The 15 best songs about the weather 8. "Umbrella" Rihanna Getty Images The 15 best songs about the weather 7. "Ain't No Sunshine" Bill Withers Rex The 15 best songs about the weather 6. "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" Bob Dylan Getty The 15 best songs about the weather 5. "Stormy Weather" Billie Holiday In a jam : Billie Holiday during a studio session Getty The 15 best songs about the weather 4. "The Wind Cries Mary" Jimi Hendrix Hannu Lindroos / Lehtikuva The 15 best songs about the weather 3. "Here Comes the Sun" The Beatles Paul McCartney, left, with John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison, 1963 PA The 15 best songs about the weather 2. "Cloudbusting" Kate Bush Kate Bush at her family home in East Wickham in 1978 - the year she released 'Wuthering Heights' Getty The 15 best songs about the weather 1. "Singin' in the Rain" Gene Kelly Ms Salter said Tuesday and Wednesday will be very similar in terms of there being lots of blue skies and sunshine but temperatures will begin to nudge up the thermometers to the high teens on Wednesday. On Thursday, there will be a band of rain sweeping up, affecting southern parts of the UK. It will be warmer across the country, with temperatures back up to the low 20s. We expect Friday to be cloudy on the whole, with heavy showers across the south. The government urged people to avoid beaches and parks over the sunny Easter weekend, and to continue abiding by social distancing measures to help slow the spread of coronavirus. A large COVID-19 test centre is to be set up in Derry in the coming days. The Derry News has learned that final preparations are being made for the opening of the test centre. The Department of Health said it will be similar in operation to a testing facility which opened at the SSE Arena in Belfast earlier this month. While the department did not reveal where the local centre will be set up, the Derry News understands that City of Derry Rugby Club's ground at Judges Road is the preferred option at this stage. The number of people who have died in Northern Ireland of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has risen to 118. It is also understood that the new test centre in Derry will be for people working in all aspects of the healthcare sector and will operate on an appointment basis. When contacted by the Derry News, a spokesperson for the Department of Health confirmed that plans are being put in place for new test centres in other parts of Northern Ireland. It is intended to open companion sites to the SSE Arena testing facility, starting in the west of the province, the spokesperson said. Further details will be provided later this week. News about the local test centre came as a further 11 people died over the weekend from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. This brings to 118 the number of people who have died in Northern Ireland from the disease. Testing has confirmed a further 1,800 positive cases in Northern Ireland. The death toll across the UK has passed the 10,000 mark. In the Republic, there have been 334 coronavirus-related deaths. The number of positive cases in the Republic stands at 9.655. Many medical and disease control experts have said that testing is a key area in tackling the spread of COVID-19. Speaking earlier this month when the new test centre opened in the grounds of the SSE Arena in Belfast, the Health Minister Robin Swann acknowledged the importance of testing. Staff testing numbers are expanding and will continue to do so as rapidly as possible. I fully understand the frustration that we have not been able to scale up testing numbers more quickly. This is not down to a lack of will or action. There are significant challenges including laboratory and staffing capacity and the unprecedented levels of global demand for testing reagents and swabs. The Health Minister added: I am confident we will make significant progress on staff testing in the days ahead. But I want to be totally frank about the pressures that exist. If there were quick fixes available, I would certainly have used them. Former vice president Joe Biden won the Alaska Democratic primary, a contest shifted to mail-in ballot only to protect voters from risking exposure to the coronavirus. The state's primary results are the first since Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left the race Wednesday, making Biden the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, remained choices on Alaska Democrats' ballots even though they'd all ended their campaigns. Sanders encouraged his supporters to still vote for him because the more delegates he amasses the more influence he believes he yields over the party platform at the Democratic National Convention. The primary was originally scheduled for April 4. The state Democratic Party canceled its in-person voting due to concerns about the spreading pandemic and gave voters an extra week to mail their ballots. Like the rest of the country, Alaska is adhering to social distancing guidelines. The state has reported 257 confirmed cases and eight deaths linked to the coronavirus. Biden's win there earned him eight of the state's 15 pledged delegates, bringing the former vice president's total to 1,225. He needs 1,991 to formally clinch the nomination. The state Democratic Party saw greater participation in this year's primary than it did four years ago, when it held caucuses. The party received 19,813 ballots compared with the 10,610 Alaska Democrats who participated in the caucuses in 2016. Sanders overwhelmingly beat Hillary Clinton in the statewide caucuses, 81 percent to 19 percent. This was the state party's first primary, a change made to accommodate the Alaskans in remote areas who struggled to attend caucus events in previous years. "Our goal this year (which is our first-ever party-run primary) was to enfranchise as many voters as possible, particularly those in rural Alaska who have been underrepresented in the past," said Jeanne Devon, spokeswoman for the Alaska Democratic Party. "The number of ballots we received is almost double the number of caucus-goers in 2016, so we are very pleased about that." A great example of how relevant NEHII is during this crisis is their ability to gather all testing data for Nebraskans. While the state of Nebraska is able to share test results processed at the state laboratory, NEHII may also gather and access all lab results from private laboratories where tests may be sent due to capacity or overflow. NEHII is working to ensure that a provider can see the results of a COVID-19 test from wherever the results are processed. As a result, if a COVID-19-positive patient ends up in the emergency room, for example, that provider will now be able to see the results of all screenings and act accordingly because of the robust data connections of NEHII. The other very exciting data dashboard that NEHII is developing for the state of Nebraska is to monitor the number and types of hospital beds available in the state. Today, data regarding beds is processed manually. NEHII has the ability to provide real-time connections showing the admissions and discharges from a facility: NEHII can show bed availability the moment it occurs. This dashboard will also help the state monitor recoveries from COVID-19. NEW YORK A 33-year-old Bethlehem graduate and Albany native, Kyra M. Swartz, died in her apartment in New York City last week from COVID-19. Swartz, who died April 4, is one of the more than 6,300 New York City residents who have died during the coronavirus pandemic. The overall death toll in the state stood at 9,385 Sunday. Her young age is a reminder of the voraciousness of the virus. Less than three percent of victims in the state have been under the age of 40, according to data posted by the state Health Department. Most victims have been over age 70, and suffered from high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems or other pre-existing conditions. It's unclear if Swartz herself battled underlying health conditions. Swartz, who graduated from Bethlehem High School in 2005, studied at Boston University and has been working as a digital and marketing analyst for the past 10 years. She and her family are members of Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. "For so many in our community, its all of a sudden hit home because this is not just a statistic," said Rabbi Scott Shpeen. "Its someone here who was living in New York, grew up in our community, their family has been involved in our community for generations." Shpeen said Swartz had been sick at home for about 10 days, unable to travel to see her parents or vice versa, before she was found in her apartment. The severity of Swartzs COVID-19 symptoms are unclear. But in general, patients with mild symptoms are encouraged to ride out the illness at home - away from hospitals that are currently overrun with more critically-ill, older patients. The sudden death hit friends and family. "I cant believe youre gone. We lived together for two years. We shook Barack Obamas hand when he came to speak at BU. We drank cheap wine in our tiny apartment near Kenmore Square and dreamed about the future," a friend wrote on Facebook. "But this was never a future we could have imagined. My heart breaks today for you and your family. RIP Kyra. Ill never forget you." An avid animal and cat lover, Swartz volunteered for a number of pet rescue organizations in New York City and for the past seven years as an adoption facilitator, her obituary said. One of those organizations, Anjellicle Cats Rescue of NYC, described Swartz as sweet, kind and lovely in a Facebook post. "Kyra was a friendly and familiar face at our weekly adoption events and is prominently featured in our holiday video from a couple of years ago," they wrote. "We are heartbroken at this sudden and unexpected loss of our special friend." People who wrote on her tribute wall also remembered Swartz as a warm, loving and intelligent woman. Why have deaths in New York soared above other states? Cuomo makes brief stop at Niskayuna nursing home Sign up for our daily newsletter tracking COVID-19 More coronavirus coverage For others stories during the pandemic, join our Facebook group Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "She was so smart and funny, I felt like she pushed me to keep up on politics and current events so I could know what she was talking about!" wrote one woman who said she was close friends with Swartz throughout middle school, high school, summer camp and Hebrew school. "Kyra and I drifted apart over the past few years, but it meant the world to me when she traveled to Albany to attend my father's funeral last year, and then came out to Long Island to attend shiva at my house," she continued. "That just truly proved Kyra's kindness and selflessness." Swartz is survived by her parents, who still live in Bethlehem, her brother and his wife, and extended family members. When reached at home Sunday, her father, Andrew, said he could not talk about his daughter because it is too painful. Shpeen said limitations on gatherings due to coronavirus have made the grieving process much more difficult for the Swartz family, especially considering the Jewish faith and traditions of mourning. "When we have a loss, it's shared by the community, and many of the rituals of Judaism at the time of death is the support the community provides the family," Shpeen said, such as meals, funeral services and home visitation when sitting shiva. Instead, Shpeen officiated a funeral only attended by her parents, brother and sister-in-law last Wednesday hours before Passover started where they were all wearing masks and gloves, and couldn't even hug each other for comfort. And while community members have been leaving meals at the Swartz family's doorstep, it's not the same as having company, he said. "Here is a time of tremendous grief, and the family can't even draw comfort from the support of the community," Shpeen said. Her family is accepting memorial contributions to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society of Albany, Anjellicle Cats Rescue of NYC, World Wildlife Fund and Congregation Beth Emeth. Good Morning America With less than 10 months until the 2022 midterm elections, President Joe Biden heads to Georgia on Tuesday to make his biggest push yet for national voting rights bills and is expected to call for changes to the Senate's filibuster rules in order to get them passed. Echoing his impassioned address on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection when he blamed former President Donald Trump and his supporters for holding a "dagger at the throat of democracy," Biden's remarks in Atlanta are expected to be a "forceful" call to action to protect voting rights. "The president will forcefully advocate for protecting the most bedrock American rights: the right to vote and have your voice counted in a free, fair and secure election that is not tainted by partisan manipulation," White House press secretary Jen Psaki previewed in her press briefing Tuesday. Retail workers say they are feeling the pressure to work extra hours during the pandemic and have trouble getting childcare while they do it. Trade Union Mandate is polling members on working conditions and has already received over 1,000 responses. Gerry Light, assistant general secretary of Mandate, says they will be raising the question with employers and the government in the next week. Mr Light said that Mandate's members who are working to provide essential services are struggling to find childcare as schools and creches remain closed and where people may have relied on parents or other family members to look after children, they can no longer depend on that. He said that staff are feeling extra pressure now to work longer hours. "There are only so many hours any individual worker can make themselves available for." Meanwhile, Retail Ireland is calling on the Government to take steps to help retailers after the coronavirus pandemic. It says there is serious concern that after this crisis, many of the shops that are closed now will not be able to reopen. It says shop owners have made enormous efforts to ensure that stores are equipped to deal with new coronavirus restrictions. Stores have increased the frequency of cleaning of trolleys and baskets and chip and pin terminals and have installed perspex screens. Director of Retail Ireland, Arnold Dillon says that while the demand has increased in the grocery sector, the vast majority of retail outlets are closed. "There is really very serious concern that after this crisis many of those shops will not be in a financial position to reopen." Mr Dillon said that Covid-19 has been a devastating blow for shops which have been forced to close. "There's an urgent need now from central government to put in place the funding for local authorities so that we can have relief when it comes to commercial rates," said Mr Dillon. "But also the issue of rent is becoming a significant challenge and I think a binding mandatory arbitration process is now needed to be put in place to try and manage some of the disputes between tenants and landlords that are likely to emerge over the coming months." Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now. Though many public health officials warn against drive-in church gatherings, Easter Sunday services are still scheduled at a smattering of congregations around Southern California. In Santa Ana, parishioners plan to meet in the parking lot of an office complex for a service led by Rev. Robert A. Schuller, and listen to him -- with windows closed -- through an FM radio stream. "They can wave to each other, feel connected and not like they're all alone by themselves in their house," Schuller said. In San Bernardino County, Pastor Jerel Hagerman's church will hold drive-in services on Easter Sunday, as it has for the past several weeks. It's a loud affair at Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel in Yucca Valley, with Hagerman's sermon blasted through loudspeakers. "When I say 'amen' everybody's honking their horns," Hagerman said. "I have a joke for that: We call it a blast." icon DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Hagerman said he knows that at least two other churches in San Bernardino County are also holding drive-in Easter services. But they are in the clear minority. In recent weeks, many temples, mosques and churches have pivoted to virtual services, following orders that banned non-household gatherings and allowed outings only for the essentials such as groceries. The communal set-up in houses of worship made social distancing six feet apart almost impossible. But a few church leaders, even as they've relented on holding in-person events, insist in-car services fill an essential need for the faithful and are safe because people remain in their vehicles. "You go to Home Depot, Costco, Walmart," Hagerman said. "How many cars are in the parking lot parked right next to each other and people are getting out?" A drone shot of a drive-in service at Joshua Springs Calvary Church in Yucca Valley. (Anthony Burns) The debate played out in San Bernardino County this week, starting Tuesday when the public health officer there issued an order prohibiting drive-in church services. Religious leaders such as Hagerman complained to the county, and by Wednesday afternoon, the board of supervisors had overruled the health officer, saying that churches could hold in-car services for Easter, said county spokesman David Wert. Wert said officials concluded that they had not given churches enough notice to cancel drive-in services. They were also impressed, Wert said, to hear about the social distancing precautions some churches have taken, and may actually ease their restriction on in-car events as early as this week. But officials will have to balance that with their nervousness over large gatherings. "We really have cautioned the churches to try to make sure that people stay in their cars and don't pass candy or other gifts from car-to-car because they could spread the illness," Wert said. The Center for American Liberty, a religious rights advocacy group, sent a letter to San Bernardino County officials Wednesday evening threatening legal action, but Wert said that county supervisors had already removed the drive-in restriction hours earlier. Here is what other counties say about drive-in services: Los Angeles County: A county spokesman shared a statement from Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis, shared via e-mail: "We had heard that some faith-based groups were planning gatherings of people in their cars. We know that this is in an effort to safely be together, but we also asked that, for now, they please cancel any such gatherings -- whether in person or with everyone in their car. Right now, it is not safe to do so and this activity is prohibited in the Safer at Home Order." Jerel Hagerman, senior pastor at Joshua Springs Calvary Church in Yucca Valley, greets parishioners parked in cars. (Anthony Burns) Orange County: Spokeswoman Carrie Braun said in an e-mail: "We haven't put out any guidance specific to churches. At this time, Orange County is following guidance from the Governor regarding essential businesses and social distancing. If churches can comply with social distancing requirements, they can hold services. Our understanding is most have chosen to hold virtual services at this time." Ventura County: Spokeswoman Ashley Bautista told LAist: "If people are coming together and the windows are closed, and they're just listening to the [church service on the] radio, and it's a comfort to see the person in the car next to you, that's not banned. But the recommendation here is to stay home as much as possible. Or if you do go out to get fresh air, that you are just with members of your household." Riverside County: Spokesman John Welsh told LAist: "We know that some churches have been participating or holding these 'drive-through' services. Riverside County will permit drive up services for this weekend only. Having said that, though, the public health order does still remain, and we are prohibiting these activities for the remainder of the month." Julia Paskin contributed to this report. China's New Type 075 Amphibious Assault Ship Catches Fire Sputnik News 20:57 GMT 11.04.2020 The People's Liberation Army's second Navy Type 075 amphibious assault ship was wrapping up construction amid speculation that it could soon be launched. China's second amphibious assault ship caught fire on Saturday as it was undergoing construction in its drydeck at HudongZhonghua Shipbuilding, Shanghai. It is unclear how much damage the fire has done to the ship, nor is the reason known. According to the Drive, the fire might have started in its well deck, the space in assault ships where ship-to-shore transport boats and hovercraft are stored and launched, along with amphibious fighting vehicles. The assault ship has been under construction after the first such vessel was completed in September 2019, and Beijing has ordered at least three of the vessels. There were suggestions, according to Forbes, that it could be launched very soon. It's expected that, by 2030, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) will have at least six aircraft carriers in operation that are similar in design to the US Navy's America Class. A landing helicopter dock, or simply LHD, another form of amphibious assault ship, is a type of helicopter carrier that can also carry troops, tanks and other equipment for amphibious assaults. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tom Hanks reflected on his COVID-19 diagnosis and recovery in Australia last month during his opening monologue on Saturday Night Live over the weekend. After returning home to America in late March, the 63-year-old actor did his best Australian accent as he hosted the U.S. comedy show from his kitchen. 'Ever since being diagnosed I've been more like America's dad than ever before. No one wants to be around me very long and I make people uncomfortable,' he began. He's back! Tom Hanks reflected on his COVID-19 diagnosis and recovery in Australia last month during his opening monologue on Saturday Night Live over the weekend Tom continued: 'I was diagnosed back in March with the coronavirus. I was first diagnosed down in Australia. Now the folks in Australia are fantastic in every way, but they use celsius instead of fahrenheit when they take your temperature. 'So when they come in and they say, "You're 36!", which seemed very bad to me, but it turns out 36 is fine. Thirty-eight is bad. Basically, it's how Hollywood treats female actors.' He then imitated the accent of a Queenslander, repeating: 'You're 36!?' 'It turns out 36 is fine. Thirty-eight is bad': He praised the 'fantastic folk' in Queensland who had treated him and laughed about how Australian doctors use celsius instead of fahrenheit 'I've got a question for Tommy Tim Tam!' Tom attempted an Australian accent while discussing Vegemite, after sparking a national debate last month by sharing this photo to Instagram. At the time, many Australians pointed out that he had spread far too much Vegemite on his toast Tom later attempted another Australian accent while discussing Vegemite, a popular spread made from leftover brewers' yeast. He laughed: 'I've got a question for Tommy Tim Tam, what's the right proper way to get a daily dose of your Vegemite?' As he recovered from coronavirus on the Gold Coast in March, Tom sparked a national debate after sharing a photo to Instagram of his Vegemite on toast with far too much spread. Positive: Tom and his wife, Rita Wilson (left), announced on March 11 they had both tested positive for COVID-19 while in Australia Tom and his wife, Rita Wilson, announced on March 11 they had both tested positive for COVID-19. 'We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too,' Tom wrote in a social media post. They were diagnosed on Queensland's Gold Coast but were eventually given the all clear to fly home by doctors after being treated in hospital and told to self-isolate. South Africa's police service said it had arrested four of its members for allegedly taking part in illegal liquor trade, undermining a lockdown ban on the sale of alcohol and cigarettes. Several shuttered liquor outlets have been looted since President Cyril Ramaphosa imposed a nation-wide lockdown to halt the spread of coronavirus. Police minister Bheki Cele on Sunday said there had been at 16 reports of raids on liquor stores in South Africa's Western Cape province, home to the southern city of Cape Town, since the lockdown started on March 27. Cele also "noted with concern the alleged involvement of police members in some of the liquor related crimes". Two warrant officers were arrested on Thursday after police received a tip-off and "pounced on the suspects inside the store", Cele said in a statement. They were caught "buying liquor that was allegedly going to be resold illegally elsewhere," he added. Another two members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were arrested in northern Mpumalanga province on Friday for using state vehicles to escort three pick-up trucks loaded with alcohol. "The three vehicles allegedly belong to a tavern owner who was also arrested with two other drivers," the police said. Cele has called for an urgent meeting with liquor retailers to address the growing black market for alcohol. He has also urged local police to crack down on shop looters. To date South Africa has detected 2,028 cases of coronavirus, the highest in Africa. At least 25 people have died from the disease. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CHICAGO A reputed gang member was viciously beaten to death just half an hour after he was placed into a two-man cell in Cook County Jail with an inmate who belongs to a rival gang, Cook County prosecutors said Thursday. A security video partially captured Christian Gonzalez, 24, beating Pedro Ruiz with a sock filled with bars of soap for 10 continuous minutes, prosecutors said. He also violently dragged Ruiz by his shag hairstyle, according to prosecutors. Investigators recovered a bloody, ripped sock in the cell and what appeared to be a bloody undershirt and boxers from Gonzalez that he was wearing under a clean set of jail scrubs, prosecutors said. Gonzalez, a reputed member of the rival Satan Disciples street gang, later told a correctional officer that he beat Ruiz, 19, because he was a rival gang member, according to prosecutors. At a recorded interview later, though, Gonzalez said Ruiz was experiencing breathing problems and that guards took too long to respond, prosecutors said. Ruiz belonged to the Almighty Saints, a street gang that has long feuded with the Satan Disciples. Calling Gonzalez a danger to everybody, Judge Arthur Wesley Willis ordered him held in the jail without bond at the Thursday hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Prosecutors laid out a timeline of the early-morning killing, but little remains known about why rival gang members were housed together, why standard security checks failed to register such a lengthy and brutal attack or why supervisors took more than 20 minutes to respond to the cell after a guard reported Gonzalez said his cellmate was acting strange. Adding to the questions was the disclosure by the Chicago Tribune earlier in the week that Gonzalez was among five detainees who attacked a lone inmate Nov. 19 in a day room of Division 9, a maximum-security wing of the jail. In a clip of surveillance video, five men are seen attacking a fellow inmate in November in a day room of Cook County Jail. (Cook County Sheriffs Office) Surveillance video obtained by the Tribune shows Gonzalez punched and kicked the 41-year-old victim before the other detainees stabbed him with a shank, beat him and stomped on his head. A few moments after leaving the victim lying in a pool of blood, Gonzalez and another inmate dropped a joker playing card on his body, Murphy said in court. About seven minutes passed after the attack before correctional officers came to the aid of the victim in the day room, the video showed. Gonzalez and the other four inmates were each charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and mob action, court records show. Last Friday, Ruiz was assigned to Tier 2C of Division 9 shortly after coming through court on an attempted murder charge, Assistant States Attorney James Murphy said in court. It wasnt until 12:30 a.m. Saturday that he was put in the cell with Gonzalez. While surveillance cameras didnt capture the inside of the cell, footage from a camera on the tier if zoomed through a window of the cell showed an inmate inside raising his arm up and down repeatedly as if beating another detainee beginning at about 1:05 a.m. when a light turned on in the cell, Murphy said. The inmate is also seen grabbing the other man by his long hair and dragging him violently, he said. At one point during the 10-minute attack, Gonzalez slowed down as if he was growing tired, Murphy said. Ruiz had been ordered held without bond Friday after his arrest for the shooting of a 21-year-old man on the night of Jan. 28 in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Chicagos South Side. Gonzalez had been jailed since last June on charges in the 2017 shooting of a man whom multiple police sources have identified as a leader in the Saints. That shooting left the Saints leader in critical condition and a 3-year-old boy with minor injuries. Asked why Ruiz was placed in the same cell with a rival gang member less than three months after he was alleged to viciously beat the other inmate, sheriffs spokesman Joseph Ryan declined to comment other than to say that the department was reviewing every facet of the weekend killing. The sheriffs office was still conducting its own internal review of the November beating when Ruiz was found beaten to death in his cell early Saturday, authorities said. Now the office has launched a separate internal review of the killing to determine if corrections officers followed proper protocol, Ryan said. According to prosecutors, a guard performing a security check stopped by the cell door just before 1:30 p.m. Gonzalez said something was wrong with his cellmate, but the guard did not respond and left the tier. A few minutes later, the guard radioed his sergeant that Gonzalez said his cellmate was acting strange, Murphy said. Supervisors did not arrive at the cell for more than 20 minutes. As officers tried unsuccessfully to revive Ruiz, Gonzalez was taken to a separate cell, where surveillance video showed him speaking to a correctional officer. Though the video has no audio, prosecutors said Gonzalez confessed to the guard that he beat Ruiz with a sock full of bar soap because he was a rival gang member. Love 13 Funny 3 Wow 7 Sad 9 Angry 25 Spains overnight death toll from the coronavirus rose to 619 on Sunday from a nearly three-week low of 510 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said, breaking a three-day streak of daily declines. The countrys total death toll from the virus climbed to 16,972 from 16,353, the ministry said in a statement. Overall cases rose to 166,019 from 161,852. Italian Police officers control motorists at the A4 highway in Bergamo to ensure that they comply with the \'stay-at-home\' orders in a bid to slow down the spread of the coronavirus disease on Sunday. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 14:07:46|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds, soared across the Las Vegas skies on Saturday afternoon to honor the frontline coronavirus responders. Las Vegas residents watched the special flyover which lasted for 25 minutes beginning at 2:30 p.m. local time (2230 GMT) from their homes. Video clips showed that eight F-16 Fighting Falcons of the squadron from Nellis Air Force Base flied over landmarks building of the city and circled the valley. "We salute the healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront of our nation's fight against COVID-19. They are an inspiration for the entire country during these challenging times and it was an honor to fly for them today," the Thunderbirds tweeted after the show. "Residents show your support by wearing something blue, making special social media posts using the hashtag #VegasGoesBlue, creating a poster to hang on a door or in a window, and many other ways," said a message posted on the official website of Clark County where Las Vegas is located. Vegas Goes Blue is an initiative promoted by the Clark County to call on residents in Southern Nevada to show their support for healthcare workers, first responders and others on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus by going blue. 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. It is April 8, Wednesday morning, just hours before the Passover holiday begins. Under normal circumstances, thousands of people in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak and the ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods of Jerusalem would gather in local parks and nearby fields to burn whatever leavened products they have left. It is in keeping with ancient Jewish law, which prohibits the eating of any grain-based products in which the dough has had a chance to rise for the entire week of Passover. On this Passover eve, however, military vehicles patrol the city and ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods instead. They are there to collect the hametz (leavened products) left by the residents at the entrances to their building. All around them, local residents applaud and heap praises on the troops. These soldiers will be taking the leavened products to be burned, under the guidance of an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rabbi. In the years before the coronavirus pandemic, no one would have imagined scenes like this even in their wildest dreams. There is no way that Israels ultra-Orthodox community can go back to what it was before the coronavirus pandemic. Ive been hearing this bold assertion from ultra-Orthodox Jews of every type and stripe for the last few days. These include the most conservative groups, who prefer to isolate themselves from Israeli society, but also groups and individuals more involved in Israeli life. The most significant change revolves around their attitudes toward government institutions, with an emphasis on the IDF and its troops. This can be traced to the enormous sense of crisis, given the high percentage of ultra-Orthodox Jews infected with the virus compared with other sectors of Israeli society. The pandemic has challenged old attitudes and beliefs of this self-isolating society. Many of its rabbis are to blame for this, too. At the beginning of the crisis, they instructed their followers to ignore Health Ministry guidelines and continue to worship in large groups. The best known of these rulings came from Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, generally regarded as the greatest religious authority in the ultra-Orthodox world. He ruled that nothing should interfere with Torah study, even though this contradicted the explicit directives of the Ministry of Health, which ordered that all study in groups should be stopped, regardless of the forum. Under normal circumstances, internal criticism of the rabbinic leadership is hardly ever heard in ultra-Orthodox society. This time was different. Not only was it heard but it was leaked, mainly by ultra-Orthodox journalists. So, for example, journalist Yisrael Frey had sharp words to say about Kanievsky and his family about that controversial ruling, but also about the fact that they are selling indulgences. For the price of a financial contribution to the rabbis yeshiva, people were promised health and healing, and granted an assurance of protection from infection. It wasnt too long ago that such scathing attacks would have provoked an angry response from the ultra-Orthodox community. Today, the responses are largely supportive. Bnei Brak is the city most impacted by the virus, with about 1,800 cases to date (April 12 in the morning). What makes the situation in this city even more troubling is the problem of overcrowding. Ultra-Orthodox families are known for their many children, squeezed into relatively tiny apartments. The problem deteriorated so rapidly there that it was finally decided that the IDFs Homefront Command would take responsibility for the city. It was put under closure, and Maj. Gen. Roni Numa (res.) was appointed to prevent the spread of the virus alongside the citys mayor. Troops, many of them from combat units, are now helping give tests to local residents who show symptoms of the disease. When residents are diagnosed positive, those same troops will then transport those infected to a hospital. But more than anything, soldiers are delivering food, medicine and medical equipment to the residents. Some 125,000 parcels of food were distributed over the last few days alone. These soldiers were even armed with a Yiddish-Hebrew pocket phrasebook, since Yiddish is the first language for so many of the citys residents. At first, these interactions between soldiers and the ultra-Orthodox community raised many concerns. After all, military service is the core issue in the conflict between ultra-Orthodox society and Israel at large. Just over a year ago, the Enlistment Law advocated by the Ministry of Defense became grounds for an election. While Ultra-Orthodox society is not antagonistic toward the IDF per se, many subgroups regarded the very presence of a single soldier in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods as a clear and present danger, much like a scantily dressed young woman. Once the residents realized that the army was there to help, attitudes changed almost overnight. Eitan S., a soldier in an elite unit now stationed in Bnei Brak, told Al-Monitor (asking that his full name not be divulged) that he was assigned the task of delivering food and medications to elderly residents, who could not leave their homes. When I went to the first house, a little boy opened the door and immediately ran off, screaming. Then his mother came. When she saw the food that I had brought them and realized that it was for her family to celebrate the holiday, she mumbled a thank you and tears welled up in her eyes. In another apartment, the entire family, almost 10 people, stood by the door to serenade me with a prayer of gratitude. In yet another family, a boy of about 10 years old approached me, even though it is forbidden. He touched my units insignia and my beret, and asked me what they meant. Scenes of public gratitude such as this to soldiers helping out in Bnei Brak have been filmed and gone viral on social networks. The exchange of kind gestures is mutual, too. All throughout the day, residents bring soft drinks, baked goods, and sweets to soldiers and police stationed in the streets as a token of their gratitude. In an interview with Army Radio, the chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, said that the very presence of troops in ultra-Orthodox towns and neighborhood is tearing down walls and bringing people closer together. The people see soldiers acting on their behalf and know how to express their gratitude. And they realize that the IDF is truly the army of the people all the people. Attorney Yosef Weitzman, an ultra-Orthodox resident of Bnei Brak, straddles the line between the ultra-Orthodox community and the rest of Israel. He is, among other things, a representative of the ultra-Orthodox community to the Israeli Bar Association. He tells Al-Monitor that once people realized and saw that the troops are there to help, the residents embraced the soldiers (from a safe distance, of course), showered them with blessings and encouraged them. Police and soldiers were suddenly human beings, flesh and blood, just like the residents. The troops were no longer the Great Satan intent on convincing residents to abandon religion just so that they could be drafted into the military. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present the army and market it to the ultra-Orthodox community. I state unequivocally in the clearest possible way that this is a formative event, which will forever be remembered as the opening up of the ultra-Orthodox community to Israeli society at large. Will this involve their also serving in the security forces? I asked. Yes, absolutely, including civil service, including service in the police, the fire department, and the IDF. There is no doubt about it. On Monday, Weitzman approached the office of Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, asking that City Hall be lit up that night with words of support for Bnei Brak and its residents. That night, Huldai lit up City Hall with the words We Love Bnei Brak. Weitzman said he received hundreds of responses from the people of Bnei Brak thanking him for his initiative. Many were amazed that secular Tel Aviv, Sin City, as they would normally see it, would come to identify with Bnei Brak, its ultra-conservative, self-isolating neighbor. After all, the two cities are usually thought of as diametric opposites. Is Weitzmans optimism realistic? Perhaps. Much depends on what happens with the pandemic and the opposition of ultra-Orthodox politicians. At first, some of the most prominent political figures even opposed the decision to send troops to Bnei Brak. One thing that could expedite this process of integration is the anticipated economic crisis, which is likely to hit the ultra-Orthodox community especially hard. This means that large numbers of the ultra-Orthodox will be forced to go to work, while others will consider civilian or military service. The genie is out of the bottle, and it doesnt seem so terrible after all. It may even help deal with real problems faced by the community. At the very least, some formidable obstacles have been removed. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Benny Mawel (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura Sun, April 12, 2020 19:22 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd1646f0 1 National Papua,Papua-Police,military-officers,Military-police-politics,conflict,clash Free Three officers from the Mamberamo Raya Police force have died while two others sustained injuries following a reported clash with military personnel in Mamberamo Raya regency, Papua, on Sunday morning. Two police officers were killed in the clash. However, we have received a report that another officer succumbed to his injuries at the hospital this morning, Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Paulus told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. He added the incident was caused by a misunderstanding between the police officers and military personnel in the regency on Saturday. A family member of one of the deceased victims, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said the incident occurred when more than a dozen Memberamo Raya Police officers went to the Infantry Batallion (Yonif) 755 task force post in Kasonaweja at 7:15 a.m. on Sunday following an alleged beating of their colleague by military personnel. Two days earlier, a police officer identified as Chief Brig. Petrus Duow reportedly agreed to rent a motorbike from a local ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver for Rp 50,000 (US$3.49) per hour. However, the police officer only paid Rp 50,000 after borrowing the motorbike for three hours. Amid the heated argument between Petrus and the ojek driver, other ojek drivers called personnel of Yonif 755 task force to come. Ten military personnel arrived and allegedly beat Petrus. Read also: Human Rights Watch calls for independent investigation into Freeport shooting Memberamo Raya Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Alexander Louw had told his subordinates not to seek revenge for the incident, saying he and the local military commander would work to resolve the matter. However, around 20 police officers reportedly ignored the call and went to the military post in Kasonaweja on Sunday morning. A conflict ensued, with military personnel allegedly chasing after and shooting at the fleeing police officers. Paulus said he had ordered the local police chief to transport the deceased and injured victims out of the area and told other officers and their families not to leave the police headquarters. He added that he and Cenderawasih Military Command commander Maj. Gen. Herman Asaribab would go to Mamberamo Raya to resolve the conflict. Cenderawasih Military Command spokesperson Col. Eko Daryanto said the military command and the Papua Police had formed a joint team to investigate the incident, as quoted by kompas.com. (trn) As noted in this obituary published by his hometown newspaper, The Paducah Sun, Ernest Eugene Gene Pell, 83, died quietly on April 7, 2020, at his home near Syria, after a 3-year battle with cancer. Pell served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) from 1985-1993, leading the Radios during the peaceful revolutions that occurred in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union from 1989-1992. In Tribute to Gene Pell In 1989, we who were privileged to serve in the management of RFE/RL as Gene Pells colleagues watched the awesome professionalism of RFE/RLs broadcasters as peaceful revolution swept from the Baltics to the Balkans, and the Radios helped each country share with others the power even the slogans of peaceful protest, and the wisdom of restraint by police and armed forces. Romania was a tragic exception. Ceaucescus regime was doomed by RFEs broadcast of a recording of the shooting of civilians protesting in Timisoara. As Ceaucescu fled Bucharest, and violence by unknown combatants erupted, Gene ordered a million watts of shortwave power from our transmitter stations across Europe diverted to the Romanian service. Before long, Romanian army commanders seeking to restore calm established phone contact with the service in Munich. In the immediate aftermath of the liberation of Eastern Europe, and the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, Gene saw the need and found the resources to open bureaus across the region and begin on-the-ground reporting by talented local journalists and local rebroadcasting of RFE/RL programming. And he persuaded the U.S. government to allow RFE/RL for the first time to broadcast to the former Yugoslavia, during the Bosnian War, with a new, multi-ethnic service led by Nenad Pejic*. On Genes watch, Lennart Meri, Foreign Minister of a newly free Estonia, nominated RFE/RL for the Nobel Peace Prize. Genes leadership was crucial as another struggle soon ensued, this time in Washington, as efforts arose to save the federal government money by shrinking or closing the Radios, on the premise that if Europe was free, why did we need Radio Free Europe (and Liberty)? Support from new democratic leaders across the region, notably from Lech Walesa and Vaclav Havel, helped convince a Presidential Commission addressing this question that the Radios mission should not end but evolve, as it has. The views of these freedom leaders were decisive in keeping RFE/RL on the air and positioned to win the enormous multi-media audience it enjoys today. Gene Pells vision is alive for future generations. Two of my closest colleagues, Ross Johnson and Kevin Klose, join me, as I am sure many others would, in saluting Gene for his contribution to a freer world. -- Robert Gillette * Pejic served as Director of RFE/RL Balkan Service from 1995-2008, later serving as RFE/RL Editor-in-Chief from 2013-2019 and Interim Manager and Acting President from 2014-2016 and in 2018. --- Robert Gillette joined RFE/RL in 1989 as Deputy Director of Radio Free Europe (RFE) and later served as Director of RFE and Broadcast Director of RFE/RL in Munich and Prague until 1998. Ross Johnson was a senior executive of RFE/RL from 1988 to 2002, serving as Director of RFE, Director of the RFE/RL Research Institute, and Acting President and Counselor of RFE/RL. Kevin Klose served as Director of Radio Liberty (RL) from 1992-1994; Klose subsequently served as President of RFE/RL from 1994-1997 and 2013-2014. Fans and critics alike agree that Breaking Bad is one of the most exceptional television shows of all time. Over five seasons, we followed along as Walter White slowly descended into moral decay, going from a mild-mannered, nerdy high school chemistry teacher into a murderous drug kingpin hellbent on becoming the best in the business. His transformation was at once tragic and fascinating. All 62 episodes of Breaking Bad combine to create a truly incredible story, but certain individual episodes receive more love and more hate than others. For example, Fly is extremely polarizing among fans, with some calling it brilliant and others insisting its boring. But one truth almost everyone agrees on? Ozymandias is the best episode in the series and quite possibly the greatest in the history of dramatic television. Walter White | Ursula Coyote/AMC The episode is the beginning of the end for Walter White The title of the episode calls to mind to the sonnet by the same name which was written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1818. The poem describes a man collapsing under the weight of his own hubris, which is exactly what will happen to Walter White. Ozymandias is the third to last episode of Breaking Bad and premiered on Sept. 15, 2013. It was directed by Rian Johnson and written by Moira Walley-Beckett, who later won the Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series Emmy for her work. Bryan Cranston won the Emmy for Lead Actor and Anna Gunn also took home the top prize for Supporting Actress thanks to their work on the episode. Walt returns to Tohajilee in Ozymandias The episode flashes back to Walt and Jesse cooking meth in the RV for the first time at the Tohajiilee Indian Reservation. Walt calls his pregnant wife, Skyler, and lies about why hell be home late. The scene clearly illustrates how much more serious Walts lies have become. This scene contrasts with Walts current situation after the shootout with Uncle Jack in the same desert. Hank has a bullet in his leg and Gomez is dead while Uncle Jacks gang has the upper hand. Walt begs for Hanks life and even offers Jack his $80 million, after which Hank delivers his iconic line to Walt. You want me to beg? Youre the smartest guy I ever met, and youre too stupid to see he made up his mind 10 minutes ago, he says before being shot by Uncle Jack. Hank Schrader | Ursula Coyote/AMC After Hanks murder, Walt rats out Jesses hiding place to Uncle Jack and then spitefully admits to Jesse that he purposefully let Jane die. Jesse is taken prisoner by Jack and the white supremacist gang. Things go from bad to worse for Walt When Walt arrives back at his house, he starts packing and encourages Skyler and Walt Jr. to do the same. But they already know the depth of his secrets and refuse to go along with him. Skyler assumes Walt killed Hank and pulls a knife on him, cutting his hand. Walt Jr. calls the police and reports his father as an attacker against their family. Panicked, Walt grabs the baby Holly in her car seat and speeds off. Walt calls his home and carefully helps clear Skylers name with their conversation, making it clear that she had no idea what he was up to because he knows the phone line is tapped. He also relays that Hank is dead. After leaving the baby at a fire station, Walt disappears into the van that will transport him to his new life. Walt and Skyler | Ursula Coyote/AMC Ozymandias received critical acclaim Critics were impressed by the dramatic feats accomplished in a single hour of television. IGN reviewer Seth Amitin gave the episode 10 out of 10 points, calling it the most gut-wrenching, twisted, horrific, and well-planned episode and a capitalization on all of the built-up pieces that add up to a puzzle. TV.com called it, terrific and awful to watch; a powerful piece of television that transcended fiction. Reviewer Alan Sepinwall said, If you were to ask me what is the best hour of dramatic television ever, I would say Breaking Bads Ozymandias and not think twice about it. TV Guide chose Ozymandias as the best television episode of the 21st century in their 65th anniversary issue. The Chattanooga Area Leadership Prayer Breakfast is hosting two opportunities. "A Moment for Prayer for Our Community, Nation and World" will be a virtual gathering featuring several leaders, including Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, and a member of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee's staff. It will be held on Tuesday, May 5, from 7:30-8 a.m. The 42nd Annual Chattanooga Area Leadership Prayer Breakfast has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Doors open at 6:45 a.m. with a breakfast buffet and the prayer breakfast will be from 7-8:30 a.m. For more information visit www.chattanoogaprayerbreakfast.com. Politicians are "playing with people's lives" by arguing over enlisting the military to help deal with the Covid-19 emergency, a former senior Army officer has said. Tim Collins claimed lives, jobs and health play second fiddle to politics, and said the situation was "typical" of Northern Ireland. The ex-colonel and author, who fought in the Iraq War, was speaking after formal requests to the Army for assistance, made by Health Minister Robin Swann, sparked a political row. Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill criticised Mr Swann for making the decision "unilaterally". Mr Collins advised Mrs O'Neill to "get out of the way" if she was not helping. He described the row as "typical Northern Ireland", adding: "It is Northern Ireland politicians playing politics with people's lives." Read More Last week Mr Swann made formal requests for military aid to the civil authorities (MACA) to help distribute equipment and plan for a Nightingale hospital on the site of the former Maze prison. He earlier stated his intention to go to the Executive prior to making a decision. "I believe the Army's skills and logistical expertise could assist with the redistribution of essential life-saving equipment across Northern Ireland to ensure that all hospitals have the materials and resources required to fully enact their surge plans," Mr Swann said. Read More A spokesperson for the minister said: "The Health Minister publicly stated his intention to make a request for military assistance on Friday, April 3. That request was submitted and both the First and deputy First Ministers were informed of the decision." But Mrs O'Neill said the minister acted "unilaterally and without consultation with Executive colleagues" when he requested assistance from the Army. Mrs O'Neill - who wants to meet the Health Minister, Secretary of State Brandon Lewis, Tanaiste Simon Coveney and the PSNI to discuss the issue - added: "Sinn Fein has made it clear we will not rule out any measure necessary to save lives, protect the public and tackle the spread of coronavirus. "However, no proposal to use British military personnel in the north for roles normally performed by civilians has come before the Executive." Expand Close Michelle ONeill Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press E / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michelle ONeill Mrs O'Neill said the Department of Health had hired a local civilian contractor "to scope out building a HSC-led civilian field hospital". She added: "The Health Minister has a responsibility to exhaust all options, including the use of other blue light public services and civilian contractors, to ensure ventilators and life-saving equipment are moved swiftly to where they are needed most." On April 3, Mr Swann said: "I'll probably put forward a MACA request to the Executive office at the start of next week to make sure that process is in place, because I can't afford to do anything that puts anybody's life at risk." Mr Collins said: "Any army, not just the British Army... is likely to be trained in nuclear, biological and chemical (warfare), and the army of the land is. They have the logistics, the trucks, other equipment, and young fit men and women who can do the job. "Only in Northern Ireland, out of anywhere in the world, would you have anyone thinking twice. It is politics, people's lives, people's jobs, healthcare, everything takes second place to politics. Asked specifically about Sinn Fein's position, Mr Collins said: "We have a saying in the Army - if you are not helping, get out of the way." He added: "In any country in the world getting capable, effective and ready assistance by an organisation equipped and trained to deal with this crisis in order to save lives would be an absolute no brainer... except in Northern Ireland. Saving lives is of course second to sectarian point scoring. "When this is over people need to look back at their politicians and remember what their priorities were when lives were at risk - and it was not the lives and livelihood of the unfortunate folk of Northern Ireland." Finance Minister Conor Murphy on April 3 said Sinn Fein would consider a request for military assistance if it was put before the Executive. "We are about saving lives and that's the number one priority, we're not about politics in this game at this time - all rules are out the window," he said. "We are about saving lives and protecting the community so any assistance we can get from anywhere if that's what it lends itself towards then we will absolutely consider that, that's our priority." SDLP leader Colum Eastwood tweeted that "15 people died of coronavirus overnight in the North. I'll support anything that gets PPE and ventilators to where it needs to go. Let's stop playing politics and do whatever it takes to save lives." Justice Minister Naomi Long said Mr Swann has her full support, and the Alliance Party's, "for taking extraordinary measures to try to save people's lives". Former DUP Health Minister Edwin Poots said it is Mr Swann's job to keep the number of deaths as low as possible, and it is the role of the Executive ministers to assist him. Expand Close Edwin Poots Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press E / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Edwin Poots He added: "I don't care if the British Army bring their skills to creating an emergency hospital, every person whose life is saved in it ought to be glad of the help. "For example, whenever the order for PPE was made with the Irish Government, which didn't come to fruition, I had no issue with that because we needed it. "I have no issue with bringing in the British Army and I don't believe that anyone else should either." First Minister Arlene Foster said she fully supports the Army being used. Read More People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll does not support any proposals that give the Army "a coordinating or security role to deal with the Covid-19 crisis". He said: "Both the Tory Government and the Executive's approach to the Covid-19 pandemic has been shambolic from the beginning and this latest proposal to bring in the British Army is further evidence of this. "We are concerned about how this latest announcement may open the door to a security or military-led approach to deal with a health pandemic." AutismSHARE Walk goes virtual The Autism SHARE Walk goes virtual this year, according to a press release from the nonprofit. Instead of residents gathering at Grande Communications Stadium on Saturday, participants will register online and can walk in their neighborhoods if they choose. A virtual program and resource fair via Facebook Live and Zoom are planned for 11 a.m. April 18. Register online at AutismSHAREwalk.com to receive the full list of instructions and access to crafts, activities and contests. Participants will receive a packet in the mail and can walk on their own this week. All proceeds benefit SHARE and go to provide caregiver support for local families with special-needs kids. Event T-shirts and raffle tickets are available for purchase at AutismShareWalk.com. Prize drawings will be 10 a.m. Saturday. Salvation Army establishes hotline The Salvation Army has established a hotline for those affected by coronavirus to call for emotional and spiritual support. The Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline will be manned 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (CDT) daily by Salvation Army officers and trained employees. The number is (844) 458-HOPE (4673). The goal of the hotline is to offer assistance to people overcome with worry or undue stress caused by the pandemic, according to a press release from the nonprofit. Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Salvation Army may mail a check to the Midland Salvation Army, 600 E. Wall St., Midland, Texas 70701; go to salvationarmytexas.org or call 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) For more information, call 683-3614. PBAF accepts donations for emergency fund Permian Basin Area Foundation has opened its PBAF Emergency Relief Fund for donations in response to the coronavirus health crisis. Donations may be made online via the foundations website at www.pbaf.org/give or by mailing a check to the foundation with Emergency Fund in the memo line. Donations to this fund will be used to quickly deploy grants to nonprofit organizations addressing immediate needs of the COVID-19 crisis, according to a press release from PBAF. The PBAF Emergency Relief Fund was established in 2001 to provide a vehicle through which donors may contribute financial assets for making grants to organizations serving communities for disaster relief or emergency hardships, according to the release. Helping Hands seeks donations An anonymous donor is coming to the aid of Helping Hands a local nonprofit that provides financial assistance such as rent and utilities. The donor has offered to match all donations up to $100,000, according to Mary Hardin, executive director. Donations can be mailed to: Helping Hands of Midland, 1301 Brinson Lane, Midland, Texas 79703. Grocery store hours during coronavirus --Albertsons Market 7 a.m.-9 p.m. 1002 Andrews Highway For shoppers 60+ 7-9 a.m. Monday and Thursday 3317 N. Midland Drive For shoppers 60+ 7-9 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday --H-E-B 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Customers 60+ Orders can be called in 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 833-397-0080. Groceries will be delivered by Favor Delivery. For more information, go to newsroom.heb.com --Market Street: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. For shoppers 60+ 7-9 a.m. Monday and Thursday --Walmart: 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Canada's lower house of parliament passed a wage subsidy programme Saturday heralded as the largest economic measure in the country since World War II, to help businesses and their employees get through the coronavirus crisis. The House of Commons is suspended but held an exceptional session in the middle of Easter weekend to adopt the Can$73 billion (US$52 billion) programme, which aims to pay companies 75 percent of their employees' salaries to avoid massive layoffs. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the session. He had been in isolation in his home for a month after his wife contracted the virus. Apart from leaders of the main parties, only about 30 MPs out of 338 sat in order to comply with social distancing orders. The text still has to be passed by the Senate, in a vote expected later Saturday, to come into force. Trudeau, referring to Canada's sacrifices in both world wars, stressed that the fight against the virus "is not a war," but "that doesn't make this fight any less destructive." "The front line is everywhere, in our homes, in our hospitals and care centers, in our grocery stores and pharmacies, at our truck stops and gas stations. "And the people who work in these places are our modern day heroes," he said. This was the second financial assistance bill proposed by Trudeau's government since the beginning of the crisis. Its purpose is to "enable Canadians to keep their jobs and get a paycheck," the prime minister said, adding it is "the largest Canadian economic policy since World War II." The 75 percent wage subsidy, which is for three months and retroactive to March 15, is for businesses that have suffered or will suffer a 15 per cent drop in revenues in March or 30 percent in April and May, finance minister Bill Morneau said. The Canadian economy lost more than one million jobs last month. Canada had 23,197 cases of coronavirus and 678 deaths due to the disease as of Saturday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kalu, along with others, finished his brief stretching exercise, and sat on one of the benches placed in rows on the cement ground. Their physical instructor came down from the podium and a white screen and projector were placed for the next routine activity of watching a movie. In the meanwhile, a few of his fellow villagers from Odisha started reciting poems in their language through a microphone. His life has taken a different turn with industry came to a grinding halt with the pandemic-induced lockdown and he is left with no income to support even himself. Some migrant ... Like a bolt of lightning, the coronavirus has lit up the world in which we really live. The nation-state has proved to be the only institution with the power and authority to deal with the pandemic and shield its citizens from the dangers of an increasingly chaotic world. The ever-increasing international co-operation of which our liberal elites have talked for so long is nowhere to be seen. The European Union is closer to break-up than it has ever been, with Italy raging at being left in the lurch by Brussels and Berlin. Our utter folly of depending on China has been highlighted as millions of testing kits the UK Government ordered have turned out to be faulty on arrival. The World Health Organisation has been slow and faltering, giving Chinese statistics of the spread and containment of the virus a credibility that does not square with the censorship and cover-ups that Beijing has imposed. Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a news conference on the situation of the coronavirus Faced with an emergency the like of which has not been seen for generations, global organisations have proved to be unreliable. And the idea of globalisation peddled by elite opinion-formers and influencers has been exposed as unrealistic. A global free market was coming into being, they told us. National borders were fading away and, where they still existed, stood for nothing but racism. Nations themselves those of Western countries, at any rate were grubby relics of an imperial past. But it is international institutions that are now failing and nation-states that are responding effectively to the emergency. In the EU, national borders have been reinstated and free movement shut down. The chronically flawed single currency is coming under desperate strain. The inherent divisions are more exposed than ever. Rich northern European nations such as Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Finland have been resisting the large-scale financial aid southern Europe needs if it is to come out from the economic shutdown with its societies and political systems intact. And it was only when Italy was driven to threaten to leave the bloc that Brussels agreed a 470 billion bailout fund on Thursday. MEANWHILE, the northern nations are continuing to block the creation of corona bonds, a more permanent solution that would share the economic burden of the pandemic throughout the EU. Such a scheme, they pontificate, would pose moral hazard in other words, Italy would waste the money. In the lengthy history of EU inertia and conceit, this must be the most thoroughly stupid stance ever adopted by European leaders. Day after day, European institutions are showing themselves to be unequal to the challenge. After only three months as head of the European Research Council, Professor Mauro Ferrari the top European scientist and until now a fervent supporter of the EU has resigned in protest against the European Commissions wholly inadequate response to what he described as a tragedy of possibly unprecedented proportions. Any idea of European solidarity is dead, and with it the idea of supra-national government. In a major crisis such as this, the EU is simply not fit for purpose. Eurogroup President Mario Centeno giving a press briefing. Centeno in a video message appealed to EU finance ministers to agree to a financial plan to shield the EU economies in response to the threat of Corronavirus Meanwhile, authoritarian states have been using the pandemic to expand their influence. China and Russia have been sending Italy and other countries well-publicised consignments of medical equipment. The masks China has sent have been rejected by some countries as useless, but Chinas propaganda campaign rolls on anyway. Russian aid has been minuscule in size, but that, too, is working well in PR terms. The fact that Vladimir Putins Russia and Xi Jinpings China are acting decisively while Western countries dither and squabble is hugely symbolic. The virus is cruelly ending tens of thousands of lives in countries across the globe. At the same time, it is killing a view of the world that has ruled the minds of liberal elites for a generation. As it threw off Communism, Russia was expected to become a Western-style democracy. As it became richer, China was supposed to become more open and free. Both would become part of a liberal world order led by the West. The opposite has happened. Xi has made himself president for life, and Putin has done much the same by extending his presidency to 2036, when he would be 84. Authoritarian states are advancing, while Western democracies cling to utopian fantasies of unprecedented global cooperation. The countries of the EU are not immune from the worldwide shift to authoritarianism. Invoking the threat of the virus, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has used his large majority in parliament to impose emergency powers that allow him to rule by decree indefinitely. So far, Hungary is nothing like as repressive as Russia or China. But the fact remains that something not far from a dictatorial regime exists within the sacred precincts of the EU. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has issued a bland statement condemning authoritarianism in general terms, but without even mentioning Hungary by name. Here, too, the EU is practically powerless. With so much evidence that trans-national institutions are failing, you might think that our chattering classes would reconsider their faith in the liberal world order. Plainly, a situation in which we depend on any single country for essential medical supplies (such as pharmaceutical ingredients) is untenable. Allowing China a pivotal role in critical parts of our national infrastructure such as telecommunications is at best questionable. Putting so much trust in a state that has allowed the reopening of the barbaric wet markets where endangered wildlife is sold to be eaten, and which seem to have played a critical role in the spread of the virus is unwise, to put it mildly. Equally clearly, whatever missteps it may have made on early mass testing for the virus, for example the British response to the pandemic has been incomparably more co-ordinated and far-reaching than anything the EU has managed to achieve. Held together by the monarchy and a long, shared history, Britains four nations have been able to act together in this moment of trial and danger. The countries of the EU are not immune from the worldwide shift to authoritarianism Europes nation states, meanwhile, are going their separate ways. If the EU survives, it will be a shadowy entity without substance or power. Countries that have been betrayed and abandoned Italy, Spain and before them Greece will increasingly turn to China or Russia for support. Yet even now, it seems that some of our liberal opinion-formers have learnt nothing. Instead, there are increasing murmurs of the need for a government of national unity now that Boris Johnson is receiving hospital treatment. There can be no doubt that the sooner the Prime Minister is back in Downing Street, the better. But those who are whispering of a coalition are not interested in effective government. Clearly, their goal is to divert the Government from the course it has promised voters it will follow. The key supporter of Labours plan for a second EU referendum, Sir Keir Starmer, was as much the architect of his partys disastrous showing in the General Election as Jeremy Corbyn. A national unity Government would allow Starmer into Downing Street without the tiresome and uncertain inconvenience of another Election. The inevitable result would be unceasing pressure to draw Britain back into the floundering European institutions that have proved so feeble in dealing with the virus. As it forges a new future, Britain must be resolute and ruthlessly realistic. Nostalgia for an imaginary liberal order is pointless and dangerous. If the virus has done anything of value, it has shown us the true nature of the world in which Britain must find its way. Web Toolbar by Wibiya Today, Quebec police stepped up their illegal activities between Gatineau and Ottawa. At about 2 PM on Saturday, April 11th an unmarked Quebec police vehicle and police officers were seen on Alexandre-Tache Blvd about 70 metres before the Chaudiere Bridge blocking eastbound traffic turning right going into Ottawa. Another set of police with a marked Gatineau Police vehicle were correspondingly blocking traffic exiting Gatineau turning right onto the Alexandra Bridge into Ottawa. Shortly after witnessing this activity, one of our reporters called Gatineau Police. A police dispatcher whose name is Pierre confirmed that is was an 'official operation' taking place. He then asked us "why we would need to go into Ottawa" and that if we had any questions that we should "speak to the Sergeant." Last week it was reported in Global that not only was this activity not supported by the City of Ottawa and that the Gatineau Police would not be attempting to interfere with motorists going into Ottawa. Mayor Jim Watson has also reportedly said that the conduct of the Quebec Police has "gone too far." Ottawas police chief has confirmed that Quebec can only limit traffic going into that province and not traffic coming into Ontario and the national capital doesnt plan to set up similar spot checks, Watson said. But once again the Gatineau Police has shown itself to be a bunch of liars who have no respect for the constitutional rights of Canadians. These guys are simply using "COVID-19" as a cover for illegal police intimidation tactics. At 5 PM we saw that the Quebec Police presence had been reduced on Chaudiere and Alexandre-Tache with less traffic to one Gatineau police vehicle and one officer standing in the middle of the road intercepting both traffic going into and exiting Gatineau. This police officer was standing in the middle of the Eddy Street just before entrance on the Chaudiere Bridge instead of the Quebec police presence which had been earlier on Alexandre-Tache positioned to block right turning traffic into Ontario. The blocking of motorists seeking to leave Quebec can be compared to the actions of communist countries like Cuba that have sought to interfere with Cubans seeking to leave that country. Canada is not a Police State, and such interference by Quebec police backed by the equally corrupt mayor of Gatineau is completely illegal. What seems like many pandemic moons ago, my liberal son called me on the night of Super Tuesday to express his surprise. Somehow, he pondered, Joe Biden all but left for dead after the three initial Democrat primaries had miraculously been resurrected. Once again, the old veep was astride his party's donkey as its "presumptive" nominee. But Sleepy Joe was not among those registering surprise over his political comeback, except perhaps that he wasn't expecting it until Super Thursday. Indeed, he looked plenty smug as he mounted the victory dais and introduced his sister as his wife. The embarrassment of that "switcheroo" aside, Old Uncle Joe had good reason to feel elated. His political instincts had been right. His candidacy was inevitable, and so would be his path forward. As he often claimed, the stamp of approval could not have been indelibly inked on a more deserving or qualified person. All he had to do to land in the Oval Office was "beat Trump like a drum." In the midst of his self-absorbed euphoria, Biden barely acknowledged that had not the so-called moderate Democrat primary candidates dropped out and endorsed him after Super Tuesday, he would likely still be plodding through the primary season. More importantly and not by coincidence, his spurt of support had kicked in when American voters finally awoke to the frightening prospect of living under Bernie Sanders's brand of socialism. My son had never been enthusiastic about Biden. What's more, he hadn't expected him to be the nominee. But once Super Tuesday appeared to determine the direction of the race, he was quick to praise the other contenders for supporting the former vice president in a laudable show of unity. This reaffirmed to me how much the only real enthusiasm Democrats have at this point in history is their hatred for Trump and their eagerness to do what it takes to see him replaced by somebody indeed, anybody else! Not all that much time has passed since Super Tuesday. But in the midst of this tumultuous short period, the pendulum of Joe Biden's personal political strength has swung from inevitable to irrelevant. Demonstrating what Robert Gates branded as Sleepy Joe's consistent pattern of being on the wrong side of political decisions, the isolated presumptive Democrat candidate could do little but lash out at Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He began by calling Trump a "xenophobe" for banning flights from China to the U.S. He continued whenever possible to blame the president for being unprepared, uninformed, dictatorial, incompetent, unresponsive, overly optimistic, and dangerously political. Despite Biden's frontrunner status, none of his brief media appearances attracted wide viewership. I mean, who wants to watch a political figure fizzle and fail? In one unfortunate try to demonstrate his competence to manage the coronavirus pandemic, Biden was immediately stymied by an unresponsive teleprompter. And while his hand made urgent signals to the tech support team, his mouth was unable to utter a cogent word. Last week, however, Bernie Sanders was not at a loss for words as he suspended his latest presidential run. As a gesture of solidarity, the disappointed senator urged his supporters to vote for Biden. In the race to control the Democrat Party, it seems to be, as Yogi Berra redundantly put it, "deja vu all over again." Well, maybe not! With Biden all but eclipsed by coverage of COVID-19, there's an outside chance that something totally unexpected could rip open the coming election just as it has our apolitical life. Perhaps the term "presumptive candidate" now takes on a less certain meaning. Consider, for example, that a recent Rasmussen poll showed Andrew Cuomo and Joe Biden in a tie to challenge Trump in November. How can it be that a gruff-talking, thuggish-looking state governor burdened with more personal baggage than Team Clinton, and presiding over the state most unsettled by crisis can pop up on the charts as a likely candidate to oust Biden from the position he "presumes" to have won? The answer could be that Biden never really caught on with Democrat voters as a whole. And with Joe out of sight and out of mind his, as well Democrats have had time to think. They might, for example, consider that for all his half-century as a politician, Joe Biden had by no means overwhelmed his less experienced opponents. He was, in fact, a rather poor excuse for a candidate. Both Sanders and Trump inspire the kind of supporter loyalty Biden can't seem to deliver. Even with his added credentials as Obama's running mate, Uncle Joe turned out, once again, to be a lackluster campaigner. Only now there was the added worrisome level of his unpredictability and incoherence. Part of Joe's problem this time around could be due to poor timing. He's a tired old warhorse trying to run in the political middle of a party that increasingly advocates for drastic change. And though conventional wisdom holds it unwise to change horses midstream, his party's progressively turbulent currents are forcing him to slosh leftward or drown. As for the effect of the pandemic's "timing" on Biden's campaign, it remains to be seen. It has, in effect, kept him practically hidden from the electorate. It's like holding a coronation from which the crowned prince never goes forth to receive the roar of the crowd. The viral threat to our country virtually shut down Biden's face-to-face campaigning. Rather than hustling on the hustings, he's hunkered down at home. When he turns on his TV, he'll likely see Trump's daily COVID-19 briefings dominating the news, their popularity among Americans causing some media moguls to limit coverage. On the other hand, an excuse to keep Biden from making his trademark gaffes might work to his advantage, since the more Joe opens his mouth, the less viable he could become as an effective candidate. Perhaps handlers may find it to their guy's advantage that the economy has taken a terrible hit, leaving Trump vulnerable in an area once considered his greatest strength. Or the new normal could give Old Joe a platform to brag how he would have handled the pandemic and what he would do to ensure that it never happens again. It could also provide an opportunity for the Democrat ticket to pledge even more millions maybe trillions to stem the tide and buy the votes. When the infected air clears, Biden and his No Malarkey bus will be back on the campaign trail. How he fares in that window before the convention might determine the delegates' deliberations. In any event, he may find that coming back from enforced political obscurity is no small challenge. Facing the biggest battle of his long political career, Joe Biden can take heart in the bit of wisdom he often quotes from his blue-collar worker dad: "Champ, the measure of a man is not how often he is knocked down, but how quickly he gets up." I suspect that his Republican rival will find that advice equally sound. Image: Marc Nozell via Flickr. New Delhi [India], April 12 (ANI): Acting upon the call of Pitampura Blood Bank, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) organised a blood donation camp at its headquarter in New Delhi on April 11. Delhi has thousands of thalassemia patients and around 75,000 patients are also on dialysis and require regular blood transfusions. But due to the lockdown, the number of donors has nosedived, which has had a negative effect on the stocks of blood in several government and private hospitals, and in blood banks run by NGOs in the capital. IYC President BV Shrinivas told ANI, "We organised this blood donation camp while following social distancing and all other COVID-19 related guidelines to play our part in providing blood for thalassemia and dialysis patients. This initiative was first started by Kerala and Maharashtra units of IYC." "In this hour of emergency, IYC stands with the nation, in providing help and support to every individual, in every way possible," he added. Thanking IYC for acting upon their request, Anurag Anand, Administrative Head of Pitampura Blood Bank, told ANI that his organisation has also started door to door collection of blood from willing donors. "The supply of blood has been affected owing to the lockdown, but the demand for blood units for patients and for emergency surgeries still exists. Therefore, we contacted IYC and they arranged the camp," Anand told ANI here. "We request everyone, who is healthy and able, to donate blood. Taking note of the lockdown situation we have also started doorstep collection of blood. Therefore, any volunteer can call us directly and we will collect blood from their homes through proper procedure. 2.5 lakh units of blood are needed in Delhi on a monthly basis," he added. Earlier this week, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) had put in place a set of guidance norms to ensure adequacy and safety of blood, given the restrained gathering and social distancing norms in force currently. The development comes after the government had received several requests from various stakeholders regarding the concerns for maintaining safety and adequacy of blood during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NBTC has issued interim recommendations for blood transfusion services to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply amid the coronavirus crisis. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi, April 12 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has cautioned the government from "foreign interests" that due to economic slowdown foreign companies may try to take over Indian companies as they may be "attractive targets" and asked the government to protect the Indian companies. Rahul Gandhi tweeted "The massive economic slowdown has weakened many Indian corporates making them attractive targets for takeovers. The Govt must not allow foreign interests to take control of any Indian corporate at this time of national crisis." Amid lockdown all the industries have faced closure due to losses the Congress had earlier demanded financial package for the industries stating that no financial stimulus package has been announced to support industries during the lockdown. The Congress said as per the Assocham estimate the industry needed Rs 15-23 trillion support. The FICCI has put the figure at Rs 9-10 trillion. The government has given relief to certain industries to overcome the crisis. Ahead of two days of the lockdown to be ended, the government has permitted over 15 industries to start their work with minimum manpower and distancing norms on a single shift basis. The Labour Party will 'remain stuck at the bottom of a moral black hole' until Sir Keir Starmer apologises for his role in the scandal of men falsely accused of sexually abusing children, Paul Gambaccini said last night. In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, the veteran BBC broadcaster criticised policy changes authorised by new Labour leader Sir Keir during his former job as Director of Public Prosecutions. Gambaccini claimed these were 'the biggest single factor' in police investigations into celebrities who were publicly named but never charged with any crime, including himself, comedians Jimmy Tarbuck and Jim Davidson, and Sir Cliff Richard. All were cleared of any wrongdoing. Gambaccini, 71, said the changes effectively urged police to believe the accuser whenever there was an allegation of sexual abuse and led to the disastrous Operation Midland. The Scotland Yard inquiry into a fictitious VIP paedophile ring resulted in the man who made the allegations, Carl Beech, being jailed for 18 years for perverting the course of justice. Among those Beech falsely accused were retired Armed Forces chief Lord Bramall and former Home Secretary Lord Brittan. Paul Gambaccini (right) was one of several celebrities publicly named but never charged for alleged sexual abuse, including Cliff Richard (left) and Jimmy Tarbuck (centre, pictured 2019) A furious Gambaccini said that he and his fellow accused describe Sir Keir as the 'witch-finder general' because they trace the roots of their ordeals to his 2013 reforms. The changes came at the end of Sir Keir's five-year tenure as head of the Crown Prosecution Service. Gambaccini said: 'I applaud the fact that, as Labour's new leader, he wants to cut out the horror of antisemitism. But it's easy to criticise the actions of others. Now he needs to take responsibility for his own actions. 'I was brought up to believe that a real man apologises to people he had wronged. Keir Starmer has been responsible for the suffering of countless individuals, but he has never apologised, never admitted he was wrong. He is a coward.' Sir Keir has always said he is proud that his reforms, made in the aftermath of the Jimmy Savile scandal, marked a 'fundamental shift' in how child abuse victims were treated. He has claimed 'the idea that the guidelines simply said 'believe the victims' is mythical nonsense'. That said, the guidelines were dropped in 2018. However, Gambaccini thinks they have caused his own reputation huge damage. He spent a year on police bail over false allegations that he molested two young men in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After being cleared, he received a five-figure payout and an apology in an out-of-court settlement. He also is withering in his criticism of Labour's former deputy leader Tom Watson, who has just been appointed head of UK Music, the organisation that represents the industry. Mr Watson repeatedly raised Beech's lies in Parliament, and on his word, claimed that Lord Brittan was 'as close to evil as a human could get'. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) was formerly Director of Public Prosecutions Gambaccini said: 'I cannot believe how all the malefactors in this drama have been promoted.' Other leading music business figures have rounded on Mr Watson's appointment, with Mike Batt, a former deputy chairman of the British Phonographic Industry, saying he had received a barrage of emails from shocked artists. Gambaccini, a Labour member and donor for more than 25 years, rejected Sir Keir's 'mythical nonsense' claim. 'I will go head-to-head with him in any public forum over this, and I will dissect him like a frog,' he said. He also claimed that during a meeting in 2015 with Michael Gove, the then Justice Secretary said he had been told by police that false accusations against well-known men had 'started with Keir Starmer'. In 2014, Ed Miliband, the then Labour leader, released a statement, saying his 'thoughts were with the [abuse] victims'. Gambaccini said: 'It was at that moment that I believe the Labour Party chose to become the moral black hole of British politics, the party of injustice. If Starmer were to make a sincere, profound apology, then I'd say, 'OK, at least you've acknowledged it'. If he were to own up to this terrible mistake, it would show he is capable of honesty and integrity. Until then, my loss of faith is complete.' A spokesman for the Labour leader said: 'Keir Starmer was not DPP when Paul Gambaccini's case was considered. All decisions made by the CPS are made in accordance with strict legal tests, which can be challenged in court.' Struggle was not a very inspiring word for those who landed in Mumbai in thousands, year after year to try their luck in films. If you asked an aspirant what he was doing, the answer would be "trying in films". Nobody said, "I am a struggler". Here are some struggle stories of a few stars who were contemporaries in the same era. Struggle became a glorious word for the ones who attained stardom. One loved to thrive on talking about "those days". While some took pride in talking about it to the point of romanticising it, others thought it amounted to indulging in self-pity and never opened up. From Amitabh Bachchan to Dharmendra and Jeetendra to Sanjeev Kumar, every actor had struggled. Passed through various phases of making the rounds of film production offices to not reaching beyond the office boy. At best, they were asked to leave their pictures so the producer sahab could see them as and when. Some ended up being exploited by petty staff (depicted aptly in director Hrishiksh Mukerjee's film "Guddi" -- check the Asrani-versus-Keshto Mukherjee scenes). The ones who were emotional about their struggling days included Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar. If they could make it big, it was because of their determination and presence of mind. When a producer decided to give a break to a new actor, he made and exclusive contract with him/her for a certain number of films, to be made exclusively for his company. Dharmendra is said to have made the same exclusivity agreement with as many as three producers! Sanjeev Kumar started with Gujarati plays and what was called B-grade costume dramas, which involved sword fights, in those days. But, his talent came out in two films, "Pati Patni Aur Woh" and "Sunghursh". In "Sunghursh", he had a brief role but he stood his ground against no less a star than Dilip Kumar. Yet, big time was far away, when he realised that the South-based veteran producer LV Prasad was looking to cast for his film "Khilona" where the actor needed to play a mentally-disturbed person. Sanjeev grabbed the opportunity and arranged to show his Gujarati film, "Mare Javun Pele Paar", in which he had played a similar role, to Prasad. The film launched him as the best performing actor of his time. Rajesh Khanna and Jeetendra can be said to be lucky in their struggle. Not that things fell into their lap, they did the regular trying-for-work routine but were lucky because both at least had a home to go back to at the end of the day, since both hailed from Mumbai. In the case of Khanna, he won the United Producers-Filmfare talent search contest and got signed up for a few films. But the films failed one after the other. An actor's struggle continues till he gets his first hit. Khanna got a hint of success with his sixth film, "Bandhan", followed by his first superhit, "Aradhana". The success of "Aradhana" coincided with the end of his contract binding him to United Producers and he was free to do films of his choice with other makers. After the success of "Aradhana", Khanna's career was on a rollercoaster trail. One hit followed another. His hits meant a silver or golden jubilee. The line-up went like this: "Aradhana" (1969), "Ittefaq", "Do Raaste", "The Train", "Sachaa Jhutha", "Aan Milo Sajana", "Safar", "Khamoshi", "Kati Patang", "Anand Andaaz", "Haathi Mere Saathi", "Dushman", "Maryada", "Amar Prem", "Bawarchi", "Apna Desh", "Daag", "Namak Haraam", "Aap Ki Kasam", "Prem Nagar", "Aavishkar" and "Roti" (1974). He had about 22 hits back to back in five years with only a few hiccups. After this, the hits became intermittent. In "Namak Haraam", Rajesh Khanna starred with Amitabh Bachchan. Though the film was a hit, it was an indicator that Bachchan was set to take over the mantle from Khanna. Jeetendra had a kind of indirect connection with film industry in that his family dealt in imitation jewellery, and Jeetendra would visit producers to show them the jewellery, which they used in films. On one such visit to veteran producer V. Shantaram's studio, he got an assignment in the film "Navrang" and, later, a break as hero in same maker's "Geet Gaya Pattharonne", but no success yet. From "Navrang" in 1959 to, finally, "Farz" (1967), which became a blockbuster, if that was not struggle, nothing is. Jeetendra was a huge star but stardom often loses out to changing trends. His Jumping Jack romance era came to an abrupt halt when the Rajesh Khanna-type romantic era took over. Jeetendra's struggle began again as there was no films forthcoming. According to his own confession, the only time he put on makeup in over 18 months was when Manmohan Desai offered him a cameo in the Rajesh Khanna-starrer "Roti" (1974). Finally, he approached veteran South filmmaker, LV Prasad, for work. Prasad cast him in "Udhar Ka Sindoor" (1976). "Farz", a South film launched Jeetendra into stardom, while another film from South, "Udhar Ka Sindoor", gave him a new lease of life. It was makers from South who helped him retain his stardom over the years. Jeetendra was back to his dancing hero form along with typical South Indian family social themes that were almost always remakes of hits in South languages. So much so that he had to stay in South for days on end and even invested in a posh bungalow in Hyderabad to reduce his commuting. A line up of jubilee hits from the South followed in this phase with films like "Jyoti Bane Jwala", "Takkar", "Judaai", "Ek Hi Bhool", "Meri Aawaz Suno", "Himmatwala", "Justice Chaudhury", "Mawaali", "Sanjog", "Maqsad". As the change in trend brought to the fore Rajesh Khanna, come mid-1970s romance was not so much in air as was disenchantment and simmering anger. Another struggling actor, Amitabh Bachchan, and a film he was assigned, "Zanjeer", clicked. Bachchan had references from Delhi but that could only guarantee him a decent reception from filmmakers, not work. Bachchan's attempt to join All India Radio failed as his voice was found unsuitable for radio! What an irony, because his first connect with films was as a narrator in the much acclaimed "Bhuvan Shome". Soon the baritone was also used in the film "Bawarchi" and hundreds of films and other programmes since. It was about 15 films, except for an odd "Anand" and "Namak Haraam", that a line-up of failures continued. Finally, a role came to him that was rejected by many top heroes with "Zanjeer". There was no looking back for Bachchan, till the point of diminishing returns started with his kind of films. The superhit record was soon turning into mediocre fare and films just passing muster by the late 1970s. Films like "The Great Gambler", "Jurmana", "Kaala Paththar", "Manzil", "Immaan Dharam" did not meet with the expectations of Bachchan fans who lined up at 6am on the day of a new release. Just when his status was being relegated to being just another star, came the "Coolie" on-set accident, which broke the star-fan barrier and made Bachchan a legend. But, his struggle was to start again. Achieving stardom is tough enough but maintaining it is even tougher. More flops than mediocre films followed, with "Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswathi", "Toofan", "Jaadugar", "Main Azaad Hoon", "Agneepath", "Ajooba", "Indrajeet", "Akayla" -- and the list went on. The Bachchan draw was over. The misjudged decision to launch a company and encashing his brand equity backfired on Amitabh Bachchan. He was made to believe that he had a brand value that would be worth capitalising. A corporate entity, ABCL, was created that landed Bachchan at the doorsteps of bankruptcy. Facing a phase of no films in the offing, Bachchan sought work from Yash Raj Films, which brought back him into reckoning. A lot of mediocre films followed but then came "Kaun Banega Crorepati" along with a horde of brand endorsing assignments -- all making Amitabh Bachchan into a living legend. There are many stories of struggles that inspired many more to land in Mumbai to try their luck in the tinsel town. But, there have been many who could not make and had no stories to tell. There are many more struggle stories. How about the new generation of aspirants, do they have to go through the same struggle? It would be interesting to take a look. 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 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 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) Employees of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) were testes positive for coronavirus on Saturday. The IHCL runs the iconic Taj Hotel chain. The company has not confirmed how many of its employees are affected but it did confirm that that the ones infected have been hospitalised. According to reports, 500 employees of IHCL were tested for the coronavirus. Among these are at least six employees who were tested positive. These six employess had been working at the Taj Hotel Palace and Taj Towers Hotel in South Mumbai. "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) norms and guidelines issued by the local government authorities," IHCL spokesperson said. The Taj Palace and Towers are mostly empty with only minimal staff posted there. The IHCL has been helping the health authorities in their fight against coronavirus. The IHCL has provided early 4 lakh meals till date to healthcare workers and migrant workers. "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 front lines at these times," the spokesperson said to the daily. India has reported 8,356 active cases of coronavirus (as of 8 am, April 12), according to the health ministry. Total deaths stood at 273. As many as 715 patients have been cured or discharged. Also Read: Coronavirus crisis: LIC provides 30 days extension for premiums due in March, April Also Read: India asks US to extend Indians H-1B visa amid coronavirus pandemic Also Read: Coronavirus India Lockdown live updates: Lockdown extension certain; country's COVID-19 active tally at 6,634 Hong Kong: Back-to-work training boosts skills The recent economic downturn has dealt a severe blow to many employees. However, for Shiu Yin-ming and Poon Man-kit, the crisis has brought them skill-upgrading opportunities. Miss Shiu has over 30 years experience in the retail industry. Her last job was a salesperson at a lighting store. Struck by the competition with online stores and a series of protests, the shop closed in October last year and left her unemployed. I have got no choice. Many people in Hong Kong have mortgage burdens. It is the most worrying part. And it is frightening to see my account balance drop, she said. Miss Shiu spent several months trying to get a job but failed. Of course I was frustrated. Perhaps the employers think that young people are more hard-working. It is difficult for middle-aged people like me to get a job. It hurt my confidence and I hesitated to keep going." Seeing the demand in the healthcare industry, Miss Shiu decided to swap careers. She joined the Love Upgrading Special Scheme and enrolled in the Foundation Certificate in Care-related Support Worker Training. The course covered basic pathology and healthcare skills. It also arranged recruitment from the Hospital Authority in class. Miss Shiu said the special course helped her to find a job and she will soon work at a nursing home. It is like an admission ticket. During an interview at a nursing home, the interviewer asked how I would change a nappy for an elderly person. I answered what I had learnt from the course. Moreover, as I have not participated in an interview after so many years of work, the interview skills that I have learnt from the course have geared me up, she said. Better prospects Young newcomers to the job market are also affected by the economic downturn. Mr Poon has been engaged in casual work in the catering industry. The 19-year-old said there used to be plenty of casual job opportunities on career websites, but that is no longer the case. He has been underemployed in recent months and feels his family just see him as someone who is not in education, employment, or training. The full-time waiters have not got much work to do, and each of them is assigned to be responsible for a few positions. So, the restaurant does not need extra casual manpower. My relatives look down on me like I am a neet, he said. Mr Poon has enrolled in the Foundation Certificate in Barista Training to gain experience in different positions in the industry. "Many coffee shops and hotels need people to make latte art. I think the course will help me get a job more easily. I plan to further enroll in other courses relating to pastry-making," he added. Skills upgrade The Love Upgrading Special Scheme, launched in last October, provides free training to employees affected by the recent economic downturn to upgrade their skills. The courses are conducted in full-time or part-time mode and offer special allowances. According to the Employees Retraining Board, as of the end of March, more than 12,200 people have applied for the scheme. About one-third of them are aged between 50 to 59. The applicants mainly come from the catering, retail, social and personal services industries. The most popular course is the Foundation Certificate in Care-related Support Worker Training, followed by courses related to baker and pastry cook, barista and security training. Employees Retraining Board Executive Director Byron Ng said the 66 courses under the scheme were specially selected. We want to help those employees in the hard-hit industries like tourism, catering, retail, hotel, construction, etc. Also, we want to provide courses in industries which demand heavy labour during this period, such as healthcare and innovative technology. The scheme does not impose any restrictions on the trainees industry and educational attainment. We hope to encourage all unemployed or underemployed employees, including those who are highly educated, and take these chances to upgrade their own skills so they can re-enter the market smoothly, Mr Ng said. He added that those who have completed a full-time vocational skills course will get a follow-up service that includes three months of employment. The second phase of the scheme will be launched in July, and the monthly maximum allowance is expected to increase from $4,000 to $5,800. This story has been published on: 2020-04-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The health secretary has declined to apologise to nurses forced to choose between treating coronavirus patients or protecting themselves due to shortages of vital protective kit. Matt Hancock came under pressure to make an apology to frontline staff who are putting themselves at risk by working without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Nursing leaders have issued guidance to staff that they should refuse to treat coronavirus patients as a last resort if appropriate PPE was not provided. Asked whether he would apologise to medics who are being put in that impossible position, Mr Hancock did not answer directly, instead saying: We are working night and day to make sure that we get the right PPE. The thing I want to do is pay tribute to the unbelievable of a huge number of people to get to the position where we are in now, which is improving, but we wont rest until we get there. Mr Hancock said it was impossible to commit to a date for all frontline staff to have the protective equipment they need, despite insisting record amounts of kit were in the system. Asked if the government could commit to a date to deliver more PPE, Mr Hancock said: Its impossible because the quest is to get the right PPE to the right people on the front line at the right time across many millions of people across the NHS and social care. Im glad to say that effort is moving in the right direction, we now have record amounts of PPE thats been put out into the system but until everyone gets the PPE they need then we wont rest. Mr Hancock said experts were currently trying to source more gowns with long sleeves which are needed to keep health staff safe from the virus. Some 121,000 gowns have been delivered around the country, Mr Hancock said, adding that the average time to source PPE had fallen from six days to two and half days. The health secretary denied accusations that the government had been too slow to stockpile PPE when the need for protective kit was clear from early on in the outbreak. He said: We went into this with the stockpiles, and the challenges are logistical ones of having previously had an organisation that serves just over 200 NHS organisations and the demand for PPE and the need for it has gone up enormously and theres now 58,000 organisations that this huge logistical operation services. So it has been a challenge of logistics as much as one of supply. Earlier, Alok Sharma, the business secretary, admitted there was clearly a need for more protective equipment but failed to apologise for problems getting it to the front line. He told the BBCs The Andrew Marr Show: Im incredibly sorry that people feel they are not able to get this equipment. 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 On Saturday, home secretary Priti Patel provoked anger by expressing similar sentiment by saying she was sorry if people feel there have been failings in protecting health workers. Meanwhile, a new survey found a third of surgeons and trainees across the UK do not believe they have an adequate supply of protective equipment to do their job safely. The survey of nearly 2,000 surgeons and surgical trainees also found that 57 per cent said there had been shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) at their organisations in the last 30 days. The research, carried out by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), showed a wide regional variation, with more than half in the Thames Valley saying they now have access to adequate PPE compared to about a third in the northwest. In London 33 per cent of respondents said they did not believe their NHS trust had an adequate supply of protective equipment. Sir Keir Starmer, the new Labour leader, said it would be smart of the government to acknowledge their ambitions for the supply of PPE have not been matched, adding: And probably just to apologise for that and get on with it. He also called for underpaid staff in the health service to receive pay rises in the wake of the global pandemic. And he did not rule out a future Labour government raising taxes to deal with the economic impact of coronavirus. A woman from Uruguay indulged in an argument with Delhi Police on Saturday at Paschimi Marg in Vasant Vihar as she was stopped by personnel on duty for not following COVID-19 lockdown norms. Ana Valentina Obispo from Uruguay was cycling without wearing a pair of gloves or a mask at 6.30 pm on Saturday. While police urged her to follow the COVID-19 lockdown procedures, she started arguing with cops and noted down the name of the police officer who asked her to wear gloves and mask, said Delhi Police in a statement. During this incident, officials of the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) also reached the spot and informed the police that they are also trying to convince the foreign nationals of Vasant Vihar to take all necessary precautions, but they are not listening to them. The police said that the two lady constables and one local woman were present at the spot at the time of the incident. In the national capital, 1069 people have tested positive for coronavirus so far, including 19 deaths. In view to contain the spread of the virus, the Delhi government has been appealing to people to follow all precautionary measures and the wearing of masks has been made compulsory while stepping out. -ANI Also Read: UP: Local politicians, Policeman caught selling liquor amid lockdown in Prayagraj Andhra Pradesh government has decided to provide three masks to each of 5.3 crore people of the State. According to an official statement, during a review meeting held here on Sunday, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to "distribute three masks each to 5.3 crore people of the State." During the meeting, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was informed that 1.43 crore were mapped during the third survey. During the survey, 32,349 people were referred to a medical examination by the field staff. Reddy has asked the officials to conduct tests on all 32,349 people. "There should be a special focus in the zones where COVID-19 is prevalent," said Chief Minister Reddy and sought details on the clusters, red zone, and hotspot areas in the State. The officials have been instructed to prioritise high-risk patients such as senior citizens and diabetic patients. To assess the level of virus infection in the State, the Health Department is going to conduct 45,000 tests across the State prioritising the COVID-19 prevalent zones. The Chief Minister said that markings are mandatory at the supermarkets, shops, and Rythu Bazaars so that social distancing is maintained. According to the official statement, as of 9 am on Sunday, 417 positive COVID-19 are active in the State. Among the active cases, 13 are foreign returnees, 12 are infected from the foreign returnees, 199 are Markaz returnees, 161 are those who came in contact with Markaz returnees, and 32 cases are those who returned from other States and got infected through other means. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: ModernGhana 11.04.2020 LISTEN The Sustainable Development Report 2019 revealed that the world has over a billion people living in the slum, and by 2030, people living in urban areas in the world is projected to rise to 60%. A United Habitat report in 2014 estimates that about 37.9% of Ghanas population lives in slums. This is, however, a reduction in the figure which stood as 40.1% as of 2009. A recent survey conducted by the Peoples Dialogue (PD) on human settlements identified 300 slum settlements in the Accra alone, the capital of Ghana. Accordingly, seventy-six (76) of the settlements are marked matured slum areas, 116 are still in their infantile stage, and the remaining 108 being a potential hotspot for the emergence of slums. Notable slums in Accra are located in areas like Agbogbloshie, Madina-Zongo, Nima, Mamobi, Sukura, and other areas. The United Nations defines a slum as a human settlement with inadequate access to safe water and sanitation, poor housing quality, overcrowding, and insecure residential status. Over the years, slums have come to be known as a hotspot for the spread of infectious disease. The Ebola virus, for instance, invaded the large and densely populated urban slums of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone in West Africa. There fears currently that once the current pandemic, the novel coronavirus, begins to take on the characteristics of a community spread, slum dwellers would not only be badly hit but there will be a crisis on our hands. The upward trajectory of COVID-19 cases in Ghana is a signal enough for the government to pay special attention to underprivileged and vulnerable areas, slums included. The risk factor for the spread of COVID-19 in these areas could be largely due to inadequate access to sanitation and water facilities, poor housing conditions, and overcrowding. Aside from the health implications of the pandemic on urban dwellers, poverty could further escalate the spread as many slum dwellers do menial jobs in the Central Business District. So far, the Government has been very strategic in dealing with the novel coronavirus disease. The partial lockdown and restrictions of movement are very helpful. Other initiatives such as absorbing full or partial electricity costs for the poorest poor as well as absorbing water bills are commendable. But away from the freebies, the lockdown may favor those who can afford space and work-life whiles at home. Working from home is for a privileged-few., not for the people in the slum areas who live from hand-to-mouth. For them, livelihood means going out to meet people and offer unskilled, strength-demanding services to them. For them, their livelihood is off the table for now due to the lockdown. In the short-term, people in slum areas may struggle to cope, but for how long? Health care facilities and services in slum areas are nothing to write home about even if they are available. Since these areas are heavily populated, the invasion of the virus will cause a lot of harm. There is a need for personal protective equipment to be distributed for healthcare facilities in these areas. The government, through donations, has provided quite a good number of PPEs for health workers. The government can do more by allocating some of these PPEs to these marginalized communities. Further to that, there is a need for the government to bring health care to the doorstep of these marginalized communities through mobile clinics. This measure will help in contact tracing as well as tracking any diseases should there be a spread in the community. Non-governmental organizations can support this initiative by erecting temporal structures that can be easily assembled, disassembled and transported around in the community. These initiatives will help combat the disease in the community. Taking inspiration from Cidade de Deus (City of God) favela in western Rio in Brazil, a hand-washing stall has been built at the entrance of slum communities. This can be replicated in these vulnerable communities to ensure that handwashing practices are adhered to. There is a need for mass education in these communities. People in the slum areas come from different backgrounds, speak different languages and lack social cohesion. There is a need for a common platform for education on the virus and how it can be curbed. Social media has been one of the effective tools that have contributed to the spread of awareness. Again, myths, conspiracies, and plain fake news are peddled all over. There is a need for timely education for the people in this community to understand the pandemic. The worlds poorest countries have not yet experienced the peak of the outbreak of these novel coronaviruses. These are many early actions that various actors in the built environment, as well as the government, can adopt to help save the lives of millions including those in slums. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) on Saturday called for constituting a committee comprising stakeholders and experts to assess export sector's losses in the prevailing situation and formulate a policy accordingly for revival of the industry LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2020 ) :The Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) on Saturday called for constituting a committee comprising stakeholders and experts to assess export sector's losses in the prevailing situation and formulate a policy accordingly for revival of the industry. PCMEA Chairman Muhammad Aslam Tahir said this while chairing a video-link meeting to review carpet industry situation here. The meeting also examined the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the carpet industry as well as its skilled labour force due to a lockdown in the country. Aslam Tahir said that hand-made carpet industry had already been facing numerous problems and the prevailing situation due to coronavirus was further adding to the miseries of people attached with the industry. He said that the government, by extending financial support to the carpet manufacturing people/labourers, could provide them with better opportunities to earn their livelihood. The PCMEA chairman urged the government to ensure speedy release of relief package, announced for various export-oriented industries, and also allow opening of businesses with compliance of all anti-corona measures. Carpet Training Institute (CTI) Chairperson Pervez Hanif, PCMEA Vice Chairman Sheikh Amir Khalid Saeed, central leader Abdul Latif Malik, senior members Riaz Ahmed, Saeed Khan, Ejazur Rehman, Muhammad Akbar Malik, Maj (retd.) Akhtar Nazir and others attended the online meeting. Eleven days ago, while Rilwanu Sadiq, a doctor in Bauchi, was away at work, he got a call that his son, Abubakar Sadiq, 15, had been abducted by unknown assailants. Mr Sadiq, who works at the Abubakar Tafawa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, told PREMIUM TIMES Sunday that his son was kidnapped right in front of our house. His house is tucked along Gombe Road in Ningi local government of Bauchi town. He said immediately he learnt about the kidnap, he jolted into action by informing the neighbourhood security outfit as well as the state police. Afterwards, he said, details of the incident were obtained and the search for his son began. When the abductors established contact with Mr Sadiqs family, they demanded a ransom of 3 million. After they (kidnappers) contacted us, they agreed to collect 3 million, a distraught Mr Sadiq narrated to PREMIUM TIMES over the telephone Sunday morning. But having met that target, they kept asking for more, he said. Mr Sadiq said the kidnappers had been paid 4.5 million when he said not any more. Abubakar Sadiq, the doctors son who was abducted and killed in Bauchi We were giving them at intervals. They got 2 million hand-to-hand from me. The balance of 2.5 was paid into about five bank accounts, he narrated. But they kept asking for more. That was when I said I cant bear it anymore, not knowing that they will even kill my son. The corpse of Abubakar would later be exhumed from a shallow ditch inside an uncompleted building not far from their home. Mr Sadiq said he believes that his sons killers, based on his kidnap and where his body was buried, are well acquainted with his family. The Bauchi State Police Command spokesperson, Kamal Datti, confirmed the abduction to PREMIUM TIMES, saying the remains of Abubakar Sadiq had been exhumed and buried Sunday. Two suspects have been arrested in relation to the death, and investigation is on, Mr Datti said. The Bauchi-Gombe road is arguably one of the most volatile areas in Bauchi metropolis, residents stay. The murder of Abubakar Sadiq is coming after armed kidnappers also abducted Adamu Mohammed, an elder brother of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, at his residence located at Jaki Quarters of Bauchi metropolis, late March. The abducted sibling, said to be close to the governor and allegedly involved in running affairs of the state, was later released about a fortnight later. Kentucky-born musician Sturgill Simpson said Saturday that he has tested positive for coronavirus. Simpson said in a lengthy Instagram post that he learned Friday from Nashville CDC that a test performed April 6 had come back positive. He said he will be in self-quarantine until April 19. Simpson said he went to a hospital emergency room on March 13 because he was experiencing chest pains, fever, and pre-stroke blood pressure levels, but he said the doctor there told him that he did not meet testing criteria. Simpson said he had just returned home a day before from a tour that took him to Western Europe for two weeks in late January and early February, then up and down the southeast/eastern US playing arena shows mid Feb to early March. He said he played his last show March 10 in Charleston, S.C., before the tour with and fellow Eastern Kentucky native Tyler Childers was sidelined by the pandemic. Simpson and Childers played a sold out show at Rupp Arena on Feb. 28. Simpson said he was finally tested for COVID-19 at a free drive-thru testing facility outside a National Guard depot in Alabama on Monday. All I know is I first felt symptoms a month ago yet Im still positive and contagious and now on quarantine in the dojo until April 19th and really wishing Id taken my wifes advice and put a bathroom in the floor plans..live and learn, Simpson wrote in the Instagram post. Simpson said his wife had tested negative for coronavirus. After the death of John Prine this week, Simpson penned a poignant remembrance to his friend and office mate and shared it alongside a photo of the two on a motorcycle. I will miss the tours..I will miss our lunches..I will miss you listening to me bitch and complain about all the things you understood all too well and making me feel better sometimes by just sitting there saying nothing, he wrote. ...So long old man. You will always be loved. Simpson was born in Jackson and graduated from Woodford County High School. His latest album, Sound & Fury, was released last fall. 2020 the Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.) Visit the Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.) at www.kentucky.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. One thing we could say about the analysts on Greenhill & Co., Inc. (NYSE:GHL) - they aren't optimistic, having just made a major negative revision to their near-term (statutory) forecasts for the organization. There was a fairly draconian cut to their revenue estimates, perhaps an implicit admission that previous forecasts were much too optimistic. After the downgrade, the consensus from Greenhill's four analysts is for revenues of US$252m in 2020, which would reflect a discernible 7.9% decline in sales compared to the last year of performance. Prior to the latest estimates, the analysts were forecasting revenues of US$336m in 2020. The consensus view seems to have become more pessimistic on Greenhill, noting the sizeable cut to revenue estimates in this update. See our latest analysis for Greenhill NYSE:GHL Past and Future Earnings April 12th 2020 The consensus price target fell 25% to US$13.00, with the analysts clearly less optimistic about Greenhill's valuation following this update. That's not the only conclusion we can draw from this data however, as some investors also like to consider the spread in estimates when evaluating analyst price targets. There are some variant perceptions on Greenhill, with the most bullish analyst valuing it at US$19.00 and the most bearish at US$9.00 per share. This is a fairly broad spread of estimates, suggesting that the analysts are forecasting a wide range of possible outcomes for the business. Looking at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can make sense of these forecasts is to see how they measure up against both past performance and industry growth estimates. Over the past five years, revenues have declined around 0.5% annually. Worse, forecasts are essentially predicting the decline to accelerate, with the estimate for a 7.9% decline in revenue next year. Compare this against analyst estimates for companies in the wider industry, which suggest that revenues (in aggregate) are expected to grow 2.2% next year. So it's pretty clear that, while it does have declining revenues, the analysts also expect Greenhill to suffer worse than the wider industry. Story continues The Bottom Line The clear low-light was that analysts slashing their revenue forecasts for Greenhill this year. They're also anticipating slower revenue growth than the wider market. The consensus price target fell measurably, with analysts seemingly not reassured by recent business developments, leading to a lower estimate of Greenhill's future valuation. Given the stark change in sentiment, we'd understand if investors became more cautious on Greenhill after today. After a downgrade like this, it's pretty clear that previous forecasts were too optimistic. What's more, we've spotted several possible issues with Greenhill's business, like its declining profit margins. Learn more, and discover the 3 other warning signs we've identified, for free on our platform here. Of course, seeing company management invest large sums of money in a stock can be just as useful as knowing whether analysts are downgrading their estimates. So you may also wish to search this free list of stocks that insiders are buying. 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. Hackers have stolen 2.4million paid by a museum for a John Constable painting after they posed as an art dealer. Cyber-criminals intercepted emails sent between Rijksmuseum Twenthe, in the Netherlands, and London art dealer Dickinson, arranging the sale of Constable's 1824 'A View of Hampstead Heath: Child's Hill, Harrow in the Distance'. They contacted the museum claiming to be Dickinson, the dealer who specialises in Old Master paintings, and told it to pay 2.4million to a Hong Kong-based bank account. John Constable's 1824 landscape A View of Hampstead Heath: Child's Hill, Harrow in the Distance The painting had been sent to the museum and Dickinson was denied the funds from the sale, the Sunday Telegraph reported. It has prompted experts to issue warnings over cyber-crime in the art world. The case is not an exception, with other international dealerships reportedly targeted. In the case of the Constable, Rijksmuseum Twenthe sued Dickinson in the High Court in London after it claimed the dealership was negligent for not realising emails sent were fraudulent. The museum's claim for damages was thrown out in January, this year although the court is yet to rule on the ownership of the painting. Lawyers, on behalf of the dealer's firm Dickinson, have argued the museum should have confirmed the bank details were legitimate before the painting was sent. Cyber-criminals intercepted emails sent between Rijksmuseum Twenthe (pictured), in the Netherlands, and London art dealer Dickinson, arranging the sale of Constable's 1824 'A View of Hampstead Heath: Child's Hill, Harrow in the Distance' Susan Mumford, founder and chief executive of the Association of Women Art Dealers, told the newspaper a failure to carry out basic checks had helped encourage the rise in theft. 'The issue is lack of due diligence and controls. To send 2.4million to Hong Kong when the dealer is based in London brings up an immediate question and anyone sending a sizeable fund these days should be double checking,' she said. 'This kind of fraud is becoming really common and is one of the biggest risks to art dealers today, but I haven't come across a case where such a large sum has been transferred to the wrong account. 'Putting measures in place is essential. You need to verbally confirm with a dealer whether the bank details are correct. 'You need to make sure it's two individuals who know each other's voices. If you do that and also have cyber insurance, you've taken really good measures. If you do neither then you don't have a leg to stand on.' Dickinson was founded in 1993 by Simon Dickinson and David Ker, specialising in Old Master and British Paintings. In 1995 the dealership diversified to include Impressionist and Modern Art. It now also deals in Contemporary Art. The dealership has been responsible for sales of works including 'The Meeting of the Three Kings, with David and Isiah', by the Master of the St Bartholomew Alterpiece, and Francis Bacon's 'Three Studies for a Self-Portrait'. The dealership currently lists works by Old Masters Francesco Fontebasso, Marcantonio Franceschini and Isaac van Duynen on its books. Emma Ward, Dickinson's managing director, said: 'This unfortunate event highlights the dangers of cyber crime in the art world, which is regrettable for both the museum and Dickinson, especially when both are victims in this instance. 'Dickinson hopes that the case will result with an awareness of cyber threats and preventive precautions in the art community.' The son of a Suffolk corn trader, John Constable persuaded his father to allow him to pursue a career in art and became known for his landscape paintings. In 2012 'The Lock' - one of a series of six large-scale canvases which includes 'The Hay Wain' - was sold for 22.4million. It is a landscape depicting a man at a lock with a boat on the river just behind him, set under a towering tree and a dramatic, cloud-filled sky. Rijksmuseum Twenthe was approached for comment. Coronavirus pandemic is a great disaster threatening the whole mankind, regardless of borders, says state-run KCNA. North Korea has called for stricter and more thorough measures against the coronavirus at a meeting presided over by its leader Kim Jong Un, state media reported, without acknowledging whether the country had reported any infections. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Sunday that the virus had created obstacles to the countrys effort in its economic construction, describing the pandemic as a great disaster threatening the whole mankind, regardless of borders and continents. However, North Korea has been maintaining [a] very stable anti-epidemic situation thanks to its strict top-class emergency anti-epidemic measures consistency and compulsoriness in the nationwide protective measures, the KCNA said. Experts have said North Korea is particularly vulnerable to the virus because of its weak healthcare system, and defectors have accused Pyongyang of covering up an outbreak. Officials have previously insisted the North remains totally free of the virus. The World Health Organization said 709 people 11 foreigners and 698 nationals have been tested for the virus as of April 2, while more than 24,800 people have been released from quarantine. The KCNA said officials at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers Party of Korea on Saturday called for a strict and thorough check of the infiltration of the virus. A joint resolution was adopted on more thoroughly taking national measures for protecting the life and safety of our people to cope with the worldwide epidemic disease, it said. The resolution also included goals of continuously intensifying the nationwide emergency anti-epidemic services and pushing ahead with the economic construction, increasing national defence capability and stabilizing the peoples livelihood this year. But photos released by North Koreas state media showed that none of the committee members who attended the meeting including Kim Jong Un was wearing a mask nor sitting far apart from each other. North Korea had closed its borders with neighbouring China in January after the first coronavirus cases were detected there. It also put thousands of its own people and hundreds of foreigners including diplomats into isolation and mounted disinfection drives. Nearly every other country has reported coronavirus cases. Aside from China, South Korea endured one of the worst early outbreaks of the virus. Recorded cases of infection across 193 countries and territories now exceed one 1.7 million, including more than 108,000 deaths, according to a tally by the Johns Hopkins University. Kabul Refuses To Send Captured IS Leader To Pakistan By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal April 11, 2020 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 Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/30547278.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Following the reports from different countries of patients recovered from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) but testing positive again during the control diagnostic appraisal, South Korea's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documents a similar occurrence in 51 patients. The global pandemic, caused by a novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus that emerged in China and spread like wildfire across the world, has now reached every continent of our planet besides Antarctica. Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell (red) infected with SARS-COV-2 virus particles (yellow), isolated from a patient sample. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the importance of immunity among recovered patients sparked important scientific debate. Some initial strategies in several countries even touted building up population's 'herd immunity' as a salient epidemiological approach. However, anecdotal reports of patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 for a second time (i.e., after they have already had the disease) started to appear primarily in China, Japan, and South Korea. Questions started to mount: will people even develop a protective immune response against the virus after recovery, and can you contract the infection again? Negative one day, positive another In South Korea, a recent report reveals that more than 50 individuals thought to be clear of COVID-19 tested positive once again during the follow-up appraisal. The director-general of South Korea's CDC, Dr. Jeong Eun-Kyeon, reveals the possibility of viral "reactivation" in individuals thought to free of COVID-19. "There have been many cases when a patient during treatment will test negative one day and positive another," explains Dr. Jeong. "While we are putting more weight on reactivation as the possible cause, we are conducting a comprehensive study on this," he adds. There have been other examples of patients developing a disease or even dying from COVID-19 after purportedly being cured. In China, it was described that people left the hospital, only to return with the disease later again. This also happened with two doctors treating infected patients in Wuhan, China, and similar cases were reported in Japan. Tackling the dilemma: reinfection or reactivation? The issue of SARS-CoV-2 detection in recovered individuals could represent a diagnostic issue, where a false-positive test result may appear due to viral residues from the initial infection; however, it could also suggest that individuals may not develop immunity to the illness. Many health experts believe positive re-tests likely represent errors in testing, rather than true reinfection. The other compounding issue is when patients are released from hospitals too early, making them positive during control testing. Presidential Coronavirus Task Force Advisor and the Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci recently discussed developments in this global pandemic with JAMA Editor Howard Bauchner, and also addressed this issue. In the live-streamed discussion, Dr. Fauci explained that it is highly unlikely that people can get infected with the coronavirus more than once at least within such a short time frame characteristic for all the described cases. "If a person gets infected with coronavirus A, and then gets reinfected with a coronavirus, it may be coronavirus B", explained Dr. Fauci. "But right now, we don't think that this is mutating to the point of being very different." Implications for vaccine development South Korea recognized that the vital pool of patients is those that contract the virus, but exhibit atypical or hardly any symptoms. They have been in the vanguard of tracing these cases, and such practice resulted in the controlled epidemic situation in this country. Accordingly, the South Korean CDC will conduct a detailed epidemiological analysis of the cases that became positive again, Dr. Jeong said. Resolving this issue carries significant implications for further epidemiological measures and vaccine developments. Dr. Jeong Eun-Kyeon explains that patients are considered cured if the test was negative two times within 24 hours. He further explained that in this patient group, all the tests were conducted in a relatively short time frame after the affected individuals were cleared. Therefore, it is unlikely that they got re-infected. This issue was also highlighted by the authors of a recent German study published on the medRxiv preprint server. "Vaccine approaches targeting mainly the induction of antibody responses should aim to induce particularly strong antibody responses in order to be effective," they conclude. Hence, resolving this issue swiftly in the clinical arena is essential and may further inform the current race to the vaccine, as some candidates have already entered phase I clinical trials. Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Coronavirus Pandemic LIVE Updates: The United States passed the grim milestone of 20,000 coronavirus deaths Saturday as huge swaths of the globe celebrated the Easter holiday weekend under lockdown at home. The outbreak has now claimed the lives of at least 20,506 people in the US, which leads the world in deaths and in the number of declared infections, at least 527,111, according to a tally maintained by Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University. Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe with a population a fifth the size of the US, recorded 19,468 confirmed virus fatalities. But hopes began to rise in Western Europe and heavily infected parts of the United States that the pandemic was peaking, with many looking to China's Wuhan, the disease's original epicenter, where officials have been lifting stay-indoors restrictions and life began to return to normal. Churches were expected to be empty on Easter Sunday, the climax of Holy Week for the world's two billion-plus Christians, with congregations shuttered at home to stem a pandemic that has infected 1.7 million and killed more than 107,000. Hope Pope Francis live-streamed his Easter Vigil from an almost empty St Peter's Basilica. "Darkness and death do not have the last word," he said. "Over these weeks, we have kept repeating, 'All will be well,' clinging to the beauty of our humanity and allowing words of encouragement to rise up from our hearts. But as the days go by and fears grow, even the boldest hope can dissipate. "Let us not give in to resignation ... We can and must hope," the pontiff said. Francis was praised by Italy's prime minister Giuseppe Conte for his "gesture of responsibility" to observe Easter in private. "His words, although spoken far from Saint Peter's Square, which was wrapped in an unreal silence, have reached everyone," said Conte. Worshipers 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. Story continues In the United States a handful of priests and pastors, snubbing rules and medical advice, risked arrest by announcing they would hold public services in their churches on Sunday. But most were putting services online, and some were innovating with "drive-in" blessings. President Donald Trump will be among those following Easter services online, tweeting he would log on Sunday morning to watch Robert Jeffress, the leader of a Southern Baptist megachurch in Texas and an ardent supporter of the US leader. Leveling The hardest-hit countries of Europe, and the centers of infection in the United States -- New York and New Orleans -- were seeing signs that infection rates were levelling off. Numbers out of Spain offered a shred of hope Saturday: 510 new deaths, a dip in fatalities for the third day in a row. Newly-reported coronavirus deaths in France fell by one-third from Friday to 635 on Saturday. "A very high plateau for the epidemic appears to have been reached but the epidemic remains very active," said French health official Jerome Salomon. "We must absolutely remain vigilant," he added. Italy meanwhile said the number of daily deaths there was starting to level off -- though the government resisted pressure to lift its lockdown, extending confinement measures until May 3. New York and New Orleans saw a slowdown in the number of new infections, deaths and hospitalizations. British PM recovering 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. Although global infections stand at 1.75 million, according to an AFP tally of official counts, the real number is thought to be much higher, with many countries only testing the most serious cases. Many experts and the World Health Organization are cautioning countries against lifting lockdown measures too quickly. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned Friday that jumping the gun could lead to a "deadly resurgence" of the novel coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2. From the crowded slums of Mexico City, Nairobi and Mumbai to conflict hotspots in the Middle East, there are fears that the worst is yet to come for the world's poorest. Trump said this past week that the disease was near its peak in the United States and he was considering ways to re-open the world's biggest economy as soon as possible. "We look like we'll be coming in on the very, very low side, below the lowest side of the curve of death," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. Chinese customs launches toughest measures over medical exports Global Times By Yin Yeping Source:Global Times Published: 2020/4/11 19:55:29 Chinese customs require that 11 types of medical supplies ranging from masks to ventilators must be inspected before being exported. Experts said the move would be one of the most rigorous against exports in history to ensure they meet the standards of Chinese medical devices. The move came in response to the claim that China's recent export of 2 million medical masks and 230,000 N95 masks were below medical-use standards, experts said. Chen Hongyan, Secretary-General of the Medical Appliances Branch of the China Medical Pharmaceutical Material Association, told the Global Times on Saturday that the reasoning for the new requirement was that issuing inspection certificates alone were not enough, and the products should also be inspected to see whether they meet the standards of Chinese medical devices, otherwise they will damage the image of products made in China. In response to criticism over certain Chinese exported medical items, the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs and the National Medical Products Administration issued joint regulations on March 31 requesting the suppliers of a series of medical items including masks and ventilators must obtain Chinese markings in addition to markings from export destination countries. An employee surnamed Li at a mask producing factory in South China's Guangdong Province, told the Global Times that they were aware of the latest notification from China Customs on Friday, and believe it's the right thing to do in terms of building a fair image of Chinese-made products around the world. Li noted that the inspection measures are necessary so as to stop low quality products. "We are not concerned about this inspection because we know that our products are good quality and always have been since the beginning," he said. Li's company has been producing masks and exporting business for decades, and with a daily capacity of up to 100,000 masks for export to the US and Europe. Li said so far they haven't found any deliveries affected by the inspection measures. "Not all products or every single piece will be inspected," Chen said, adding that if raw materials, for example, are not up to standard, a test of a single unit would be enough to guess the overall quality of a whole batch. In terms of whether additional inspections would cause delays to deliveries, Chen said that the inspection for masks normally can be done within a day, while other products could be longer. However, Chen noted that since the exact criteria for the inspection has not been unveiled, it is not clear how long it would take regarding inspection of any items. "On-the-spot checks never waste time as safety is the most important thing," Chen said. "We believe that good products can withstand inspection." How about the poor quality ones then? "Fake products will be destroyed directly and producers may even have to pay for destruction costs," Chen said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 New Delhi: Three pistols, petrol bombs, swords, sacks of poppy husk and LPG cylinders were recovered during a search from a gurudwara in Patiala's Balbera village in Punjab on Sunday (April 12) where a group of Nihang Sikhs took shelter after attacking a police team. An officer's hand was chopped off with a sword and two other Punjab policemen were injured on Sunday when a group of Nihang Sikhs attacked them after being asked to show curfew passes at a vegetable market in Patiala district, police said. Seven people, including five attackers, were arrested hours later after an exchange of fire at a gurdwara where the group fled after the 6.15 am incident in Sanaur town. A police officer told PTI that they first requested the Nihangs to surrender themselves, which they refused and hurled abuses at the police team. Locals including a sarpanch went inside the gurudwara to talk to them but they did not relent and instead threatened to set fire to the cooking gas cylinders if police entered. The DGP said an exchange of fire also took place between the police team and Nihangs after which at least seven were arrested for attacking an ASI and other police officials on the duty. Punjab's Special Chief Secretary KBS Sidhu said that five of the seven arrested men were a part of the gang that launched an unprovoked murderous assault on a police party, with sharp-edged weapons. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said he was proud of the police party at the mandi for professionally handling the situation. In a tweet, the CM said he has given instructions to police to deal in the "strictest possible manner" with anyone breaking the law. A man walks on a deserted road in Janpath during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, in New Delhi. PTI Photo New Delhi: At the end of long video conference with chief minister, PM modi signalled that an extension of the lockdown is very much on the cards. Several chief ministers, speaking after the conference, said they would favour an extension. Signifying the urgency of the situation, the PM appeared for the first time wearing a mask. During the interaction, prime minister said that the next 3-4 weeks critical to determine impact of steps taken till now to curb spread of the virus. The prime minister urged the chief ministers to focus on the health and prosperity of the citizens in their respective states. There are indications that the lockdown extension might come with relaxations to boost economic. During the interaction, he also suggested that measures are being taken to ensure availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all front-line workers in COVID-19 fight: After the conference, Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa said the next two weeks of lockdown, after April 14, would be different from the ongoing one for three weeks. He added 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 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. After the video conference, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal 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 important to extend it, "We are also on same page with PM, want lockdown extended till April 30", West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said after the meeting. 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). The Mizoram government is mulling to extend the ongoing 21-day lockdown in the state and the Cabinet is likely to take a decision on this matter on Monday, officials said. The nationwide lockdown was imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25 to break the chain of coronavirus transmission and it was scheduled to be lifted on April 15. The PM held a video conference with chief ministers of all states on extending the lockdown on Saturday but no formal announcement was made in this regard. "Though the Centre is yet to make a final decision, the state government is planning to extend the ongoing lockdown with new guidelines to exempt some sections," Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana told PTI. The state cabinet would meet on Monday to discuss the matter, he said. The minister said Mizoram, which reported one COVID-19 case so far, is vulnerable to the deadly virus due to spike in cases in neighbouring countries and states. Mizoram shares inter-state boundaries with Assam, Manipur and Tripura and also 722-km international border with Bangladesh and Myanmar. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said the state government is concerned about the Mizo people, who are stranded in different parts of the country due to the 21- day nationwide lockdown. He said discussions are being held among top officials to step up measures to bring them home safely. Official sources said Mizorams lone Lok Sabha member C Lalrosanga, who is currently in the national capital, was making efforts to ensure safety of 600 odd Mizo people stranded outside the state. The sources said he has personally spoken to the authorities of at least 20 states, where students, workers, travellers and patients along with their attendants from Mizoram are stuck due to lockdown. The MP has also written to chief secretaries of these states, imploring them to ensure the safety of the stranded Mizos and to protect them from racial attack, the sources said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gandhi is unlikely to have known the word pandemic. For that matter, he never used the word ecology. And yet, there are few who knew the core of those words, the heart of their meaning, better than him. Gandhis experience of epidemics went back to his days in South Africa when, as he records, the plague hit an area near Johannesburg where miners lived. This was in February 1904. He writes in his autobiography that one night, 23 miners returned to their quarters with an acute attack of the plague. A colleague of Gandhis, Madanjit Vyavaharik, bravely broke open the lock of a vacant house and put all the twenty three there. Gandhi, on learning of this, cycled to the location and wrote to the Town Clerk (equivalent to a corporation commissioner), and told him of the circumstances in which the private property had been taken possession of and the reasons for that most unconventional step. And then, the two informed Dr William Godfrey, a Tamil doctor who was practising in Johannesburg. Godfrey rose to the occasion magnificently. Becoming both nurse and doctor, he took as much of the professional responsibility as he could possibly cope with. But more help was needed, and Gandhi called four young Indians in his law office to join in, which they did, ungrudgingly. It was a terrible night, Gandhi says, that night of vigil and nursing. That second role nursing was one that Gandhi was adept at, but the Black Plague was something beyond his experience. But with Godfrey there, giving patients their doses of medicine, to attend to their wants, to keep them and their beds clean and tidy, and to cheer them up, was what he and his associates were to do. Gandhi says that the indefatigable zeal and fearlessness of the youths worked and he rejoiced in seeing that. If Gandhi gave in the plague experience an example of exceptional care, he gave in another, an example of extreme sternness. In 1926, when Ahmedabad faced a serious problem in the shape of rabid stray dogs, he wrote in Young India: We recognize the duty of killing microbes by the use of disinfectants. It is violence and yet a dutyTo destroy a rabid dog is to commit the minimum amount of violencea city-dweller who is responsible for the protection of lives under his careif he kills the dog, he commits a sin. If he does not kill it, he commits a graver sin. And he lent his clear and emphatic support to their elimination. Today, those two experiences of his answer the question that has occurred to many: What would Gandhi have done today? Like Gandhi, we can rejoice, too, that we see the main elements of that experience of citizens battling plague in Johannesburg in 1904 in the way the coronavirus disease is being addressed the world over. We have in the amazing example of Dr Prakash Gatta, the Indian-origin surgeon in Tacoma, Washington state, something to hail. As a doctor who contracted the virus himself, he has battled it to recover and is back at the hospital, working and describing what he went through. There are Gattas across the continents doing the same. We have, in India, the most extraordinary examples of political executives, administrators, medical professionals, health care providers, lab assistants, nurses, policemen and policewomen, sanitary staff doing work that can only be called heroic. We, citizens, must replace the icons of commerce, the creators of the market, manipulators of our political, social and cultural mindsets, all these false gods and goddesses, by these real-life bravehearts who have put their lives at risk to halt the virus in its tracks. We must also rejoice in the way we, as a people, have ungrudgingly accepted the restrictions imposed on us. The lockdown will stay with us with, hopefully, sensitive modifications to help individuals in difficulty, for a while. And we will be compliant. That is because we believe in the inherent conscientiousness of the government. A new culture of private and public hygiene, which requires sternness with ourselves and our surroundings, must emerge from this experience. Gandhis ecological intelligence warned us of making a cult of materialism that will recoil on itself and have what we consume, consume us. That is staring us in the face today. It is challenging us to see its logic and adopt it. Greed market-created, market-driven, market-manipulated cares little for hygiene, for the callous zoonotic origins of sickness that experts such as Srinath Reddy have been warning about for years. That greed has got us by the throat now. The Wuhan market is where it is. Blaming it in isolation is absurd for there is a Wuhan market in every city, town and thoroughfare. There is a Wuhan market in every one of us. Gopalkrishna Gandhi is a former administrator, diplomat and governor The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON IT is Easter Day and Christians in Tanzania and across the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion at Golgotha (Calvary) in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago. For Christians, the death and resurrection of Christ brings new hope to humanity in the sense that sin and death have been overcome by the new and everlasting life. The event reminds Christians their own renewed faith and living in the hope of being raised up. Sharing in their joy today, we wish all Tanzanian Christians and others in the world Happy Easter. For us, we want to link the Easter festive with the hope of increasing effective initiatives and resolutions to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic which continues plaguing the world in different ways. They include increasing socioeconomic adverse effects such as the prevalence of unemployment, food insecurity, losses of human lives and the fear associated death and social isolation especially in those countries which are most hit and have resorted to a lockdown. Perhaps the Covid-19 outbreak is linked to climate change effects that is - it is the way nature responds to climate change effects. Pope Francis put it this way in his recent remarks on the Covid-19 pandemic. He likened it with recent fires and floods as one of the natures responses to the worlds ambivalence to climate change. He said: There is an expression in Spanish: God always forgives, we forgive sometimes, but nature never forgives. To cut it short, the humanitys contribution to environmental destruction and ultimately to climate change results in destructive phenomena whose effects we may not have the immediate capacity and solution to mitigate effectively. Yes, the coronavirus pandemic is still plaguing the world and by 11:20 GMT yesterday, according to worldometers.info, the number of coronavirus cases had hit 1,714,517 cases, 103,790 deaths and 388,592 patients had recovered. In Tanzania, there are 32 coronavirus cases, 3 patients have died, 5 patients have recovered and 24 active cases. President John Magufuli, while participating in a Good Friday prayer service in Chato, appealed to believers to continue praying to God so that he may help us fight effectively the deadly disease, saying he believed God wont leave us alone. He also urged Tanzanians to continue working hard during this challenging time. Minister for Health, Ummy Mwalimu has continued updating Tanzanians on the disease prevalence and together with other government officials and health experts have also continued cautioning Tanzanians to take preventive measures against Covid-19 in compliance with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. So, let us keep the fire of fighting against coronavirus burning, show solidarity with the victims and with the families who have lost their loved ones across the world and pray so that the Almighty God may show us the way to find the lasting solution to it. - with reporting from Press Association A commemoration ceremony to mark the 104th anniversary of the Easter Rising has taken place in Dublin. In a televised commemoration, the ceremony began with Mr Higgins ringing the Peace Bell at Aras an Uachtarain, followed by a prayer and a reading of the Proclamation. Mr Higgins laid the wreath at a group of 16 birch trees that were planted by the president and his wife Sabina. The laying of the wreath was followed by a minutes silence, commemorating those who died in the Easter Rising as well as the victims of the Covid-19 pandemic. The ceremony, which was reduced because of the Covid-19 restrictions, was broadcast live from the Aras and the GPO. President Michael D Higgins today led a special commemoration of the 1916 #EasterRising. The President Higgins rang the Peace Bell and laid a wreath at the 16 birch trees planted in honour of the revolutionaries executed after the Rising. Read more: https://t.co/jnMDi23laA pic.twitter.com/RYKILRPtke President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 12, 2020 This was followed by the lowering of the national flag to half-mast on the GPO rooftop. In the GPO inner courtyard, Head Chaplain to the Forces Fr Seamus Madigan read a prayer of remembrance. Captain Darren Reilly read the Proclamation in front of the GPO. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attended the event at the GPO. In his prayer, Fr Madigan called for special remembrance of those who have died as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. "As we commemorate the sacrifice of those who died during 1916 and gather in their memory, we pray for our country, our people and the challenges of these times. "Remembering especially all those who have died during this most difficult time." The ceremony, which was reduced because of the Covid-19 restrictions, was broadcast live from the Aras and The GPO. He also called for healing of those touched by Covid-19, strength for all who carry the burden of this illness and courage for those who care for our fragile world. The exodus of the residents from the large shelter on River Street in Aurora is planned for noon on Monday. The state will pay for three boxed meals per day for each shelter resident at the hotel, as well as added security at the facility and cleaning of the hotel once the men leave, Dowd said. The police in Lagos State said they have arrested one of their officers who was caught on camera extorting money from a motorist. The Punch newspaper in a news report, Saturday night, quoted the police spokesperson in Lagos State, Bala Elkana, as saying, We have seen the video and the inspector has been arrested. Mr Elkana, according to the Punch, said the police is investigating the extortion which was captured in a video posted on Twitter on Saturday. He (the officer) will be subjected to internal disciplinary proceeding known as Orderly Room Trial, the police spokesperson said. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the officer, Taloju Martins, alongside other police officers arrested the unidentified victim and confiscated his car on Friday along Ago Palace Road, Okota, apparently for violating the Lagos State government stay-at-home order to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus. READ ALSO: He was allegedly forced to pay N40,000 before he could get back his car. The inspector, said to be the station officer at the Ago Police station, Okota, is seen in the video collecting wads of naira notes in N1,000 denomination, and counting them to confirm how much the money was. The video was posted on Twitter by Ruggedman (@RuggedyBaba), a Nigerian actor and rapper. I went to the bank and withdrew 40k and gave him, then he released my key for me. Unknown to him I recorded him, the victim was quoted in the Twitter post as saying. Sarah Ferguson paid a gushing tribute to her sister Jane Ferguson Luedecke on Instagram to mark National Sibling Day. The Duchess of York, 60, shared two previously unseen photographs from Princess Eugenie's wedding celebrations at Royal Lodge in October 2018 to accompany the post. One was an intimate shot of the two women dressed in their finery while the other showed a grinning Jane riding the carousel at the carnival-themed fete held the day after the nuptials. Sarah donned a silky lime green gown by Emanuel Ungaro with a coordinating green statement necklace, while Jane, a public relations exec who lives in Sydney, wore a dark blue gown with matching diamond and sapphire drop earrings. Sarah Ferguson paid a gushing tribute to her sister Jane Ferguson Luedecke (pictured together) on Instagram to mark National Sibling Day Fergie captioned the images: 'There is nobody like my @janeferguson7. She is a dream of a sibling (not a pain!) 'My sister makes my world so bright and I somehow accept when she says I am not right! 'Today is National Sibling Day and I raise a toast and am happy to boast, that my sister is the finest in the land. So thank you my dearest Jane, I stand and applause with both my hands ... Love you Jane.' She concluded using the hashtags #nationalsiblingday and #sisters. Her post, shared yesterday, attracted more than 9,700 likes and was appreciated by Jane, 63, who replied: 'Bless you my dearest sister Sarah, how kind and generous with your words. No one more fairer.' One of the images showed a grinning Jane riding the carousel at the carnival-themed fete held the day after the nuptials Sarah previously paid tribute to Jane on International Women's Day last month. Sharing a series of snaps online, the duchess said she wanted to pay credit to 'some of my inspirational women throughout history'. She described her sibling as 'my incredible sister Jane who continues to inspire me every day'. Jane lives in Australia with her three children Seamus, Ayesha and Heidi, and is also a grandmother-of-three. The Duchess of York previously shared this photograph of her stunning lime green gown by Emanuel Ungaro, which she wore to daughter Princess Eugenie's wedding reception at Royal Lodge, to Twitter Since lockdown began, Sarah and her daughters have been keeping busy delivering care packages to frontline NHS workers. This week her ex-husband Prince Andrew was seen helping her pack cupcakes into gift bags to be donated to Thames Hospice in Windsor. His appearance provoked ire from royal commentators who accused the Duke of York of 'exploiting coronavirus to creep back into the spotlight'. The Prince was forced to quit frontline royal duties in November following a car-crash Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, in which he failed to apologise for befriending billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. This week Prince Andrew was seen helping his ex-wife pack cupcakes into gift bags to be donated to Thames Hospice in Windsor The images mark the first time the Duke has been seen with the Duchess of York since he stepped down from his royal duties three months ago The photographs, which showed him with Sarah at their Windsor home, were posted by Ms Ferguson's assistant Antonia Marshall on Thursday and marked his first public appearance since he attended church in Sandringham, Norfolk with the Queen in January. Royal biographer Tom Bower said it was 'rather pathetic that he (Prince Andrew) exploits the coronavirus crisis to creep back into the spotlight'. He said: 'He should do good works but not seek to win kudos by posting trashy photos. If only they would both accept that their only public duty is to remain invisible from the public.' But regal watcher Richard Fitzwilliams disagreed, claiming Prince Andrew's actions were 'admirable'. He said: 'This is the sort of thing he (Prince Andrew) ought to be doing. When someone does something like this it's very, very clear it should be appreciated.' Supporters of the Falun Gong spiritual practice take part in a march in Hong Kong on April 27, 2019. (DALE DE LA REY/AFP via Getty Images) Media Outlets in Argentina Offered Money to Run Articles Defaming Falun Gong Agents suspected of working on behalf of the Chinese regime tried to pay media outlets in Argentina to publish an article defaming Falun Gong, an ancient Chinese spiritual practice that is severely persecuted in China. The article capitalized on the pandemic to perpetuate propaganda vilifying Falun Gong adherents. Since the Chinese regime began persecuting the meditation practice in July 1999, it has used propaganda to vilify the adherents. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a meditation practice with moral teachings based on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Introduced to the public in 1992, the spiritual discipline quickly grew in popularity. According to a November 1998 report by Chinese state-run Shanghai TV, more than 100 million people practiced Falun Gong in China at the timegreater than the number of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members. Fearing that such popularity would threaten the regimes authority, then-CCP leader Jiang Zemin launched a nationwide persecution, with hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong adherents detained in prisons, labor camps, and brainwashing centers, according to the Falun Dafa Information Center. Practitioners of Falun Gong (or Falun Dafa) meditate in Central Park in Manhattan on May 10, 2014. (Dai Bing/Epoch Times) On April 2, an editor from a small-sized media outlet in Argentina said that a broker offered to pay him a fee in exchange for publishing an article defaming Falun Gong. The editor contacted a staff member at another Argentinian media outlet who practices Falun Gong, wishing to inform the Falun Gong practitioner about the article, and recounted his experience. To protect their identities, The Epoch Times has withheld their names and the media outlets they work for. The broker told the editor that he was hired to do this task by some Chinese. He offered the editor 20,000 pesos (about $310) to publish the article. The Epoch Times obtained a copy of the article. In poorly written Spanish, it claimed that Falun Gong practitioners arent allowed to visit a doctor or treat their illnesses at a hospital. It then suggested that adherents wouldnt seek treatment for the virus. What would happen if a large number of these people refuse to go seek medical services in the midst of a global pandemic? it stated. The broker tried to publish the same article on Infobae, the most widely read online news media in Argentinabut failed because Infobae asked for a big price, the editor recounted. The broker also contacted other local outlets, such as El Cronista Comercial and Diario Popular. None of the media have published the article so far. The Tianguo Marching Band of Falun Gong performing at the Chinese New Year parade in Flushing, N.Y., on Jan. 25, 2020. (Dai Bing/The Epoch Times) Erping Zhang, spokesman for the Falun Dafa Information Center, said the article has misreported Falun Gongs teachings, and that this type of misinformation is in line with the pattern of hate propaganda the Chinese regime has spread about Falun Gong since the persecution began. It has never stopped spreading rumors and lies and slander about Falun Gong. They have used these kinds of dirty tactics all these years, he said. Ellen Zhong, a Falun Gong practitioner in New York, said the spiritual practice has no such restrictions on adherents health choices. If you feel sick, you should visit a doctor. If you are healthy, you dont need to bother the doctors. After practicing Falun Gong, Im very healthy, Zhong said. She added that when she first started practicing Falun Gong more than 20 years ago, her physical health improved dramatically within three months. In 1998, Chinas National Department of Sports published a large-scale investigation on the health benefits of Falun Gong, revealing that 41.5 percent reported that their illnesses had been completely cured, 36 percent had mostly recovered, 20.4 percent said they felt decreased symptoms of their illnesses, and 2.1 percent said they felt no change in symptoms. The Spanish article also listed a series of false allegations about Falun Gongs development in China. The article claimed that Falun Gong practitioners violently protested on April 25, 1999, forcing Beijing to launch its repression. Falun Gong practitioners gathered near Zhongnanhai to peacefully appeal for their freedom of belief, on April 25, 1999. (Photo courtesy of Minghui.org) Based on eyewitness accounts of practitioners who participated in the protests that day, roughly 10,000 adherents lined up along the streets outside the appeals office near the CCP headquarters in Beijing, seeking the freedom to practice their faith and hoping to appeal for the Tianjin city government to release practitioners who had been detained two days before. Western media outlets reported the appeal was peaceful. Then-Premier Zhu Rongji agreed to meet with Falun Gong representatives that day and promised to resolve the issue. Falun Gong adherents then quietly left the area. 2 Dead, 4 Missing After India Power Plant Dike Gives Way ChennaiTwo people died and four others are missing, feared dead, after a fly ash dike gave way at a coal-fired power plant in the Singrauli district in central India on Friday, a local official told Reuters, the third such incident in the district in a year. Five villagers and a worker at the site owned by Reliance Power were swept up in a flow of fly asha powdery by-product of burning pulverized coalwhich travelled at least six kilometers, said K.V.S. Chaudhary, the top public official in the Singrauli district. The flow of fly ash swallowed up whole fields in its path in the village of Sasan in Indias central Madhya Pradesh state, district officials said. It was not clear how the dike broke and Reliance Power said it was investigating the causes of the incident, adding the 4,000 megawatt (MW) power plant would continue to operate normally independent of relief operations. The bodies were found as far as five kilometers away from the ash dike breach site, Chaudhary told Reuters on Saturday, adding the four missing were also feared dead. A team of rescue officials were still conducting search operations, Chaudhary said. Sunil Dahiya, an analyst at New-Delhi based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, said the coal ash was a hazardous cocktail of heavy metals known to cause liver and kidney ailments. A 2012 study by Indias Center for Science and Environment found mercury levels in blood samples in the region to be six times more than what is considered safe. Another local official, who was not authorized to speak to the media, said the ash in the soil was likely to hit agricultural output for at least two seasons, adding that unspecified strict action would be taken against Reliance Power. The company didnt comment specifically on that suggestion and said it was working with authorities in response to the dike break. Local media reported a fly ash dike break at a plant operated by Essar in August and another run by NTPC Ltd in October. By Sudarshan Varadhan President Mattarella sends Easter message to Italians. Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, has sent a video-message to Italians on the occasion of a "very different" Easter, due to the nationwide quarantine. Referencing the numerous letters he has received from people experiencing "forced solitude" in the lockdown, particularly during these days of "shared celebration," Mattarella said that he understood well the sense of privation that this produces. "I know that many Italians will spend the day of Easter alone" - the president said - "It will be like this for me to." However he acknowledged that "this day will be also experienced differently by the many sick people and by the many doctors and nurses on whom they rely; and who strive for their healing with generosity, putting themselves at risk." Calling on Italians to "cultivate hope and trust" in being able to defeat the Coronavirus, Mattarella expressed his "greatest closeness" to everyone but reminded people that "we also see the concrete possibility of overcoming this emergency." "The sacrifices we have been making for more than a month are producing the desired results and we cannot stop right now" - Mattarella said. Rev. Park Ok-soo of Seoul-based mega church Good News Mission preaches to celebrate Easter, Sunday. His sermon was streamed for churchgoers who observed the Christian holiday at home to comply with the social distancing drive aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus. Yonhap North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns powerful younger sister has been reinstated to a key decision-making body, state media reported Sunday, marking her rise in the isolated nation. Long one of her brothers closest advisers, Kim Yo Jong was reappointed an alternate member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee in a reshuffle of top officials Saturday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. The meeting to decide on the appointment was presided over by Kim Jong Un, it added. Analysts say Kim Yo Jong is believed to have been removed from the position last year after the collapse of a second summit between her brother and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi. The restoration is part of Kim Yo Jongs recent rise within the Norths hierarchy, Ahn Chan-il, a North Korean defector and researcher in Seoul, told AFP. Kim Yo Jong acted as her brothers envoy to the South at the time of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018, which ushered in a rapid diplomatic rapprochement on the divided peninsula. She has frequently been pictured alongside him at summits with Trump or the Souths President Moon Jae-in. But she only began issuing statements of direct political significance under her own name last month, which analysts said highlights her central role in the Norths political ranking. It followed her appointment as first vice-department director of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers Party -- her main role in the totalitarian state. Ri Son Gwon, who was named the Norths top diplomat in January, was also elected as an alternate member of the Political Bureau alongside Kims sister. Nothing is more important to Bob Lewis than family, especially now that he is dying, but he cannot hug his daughter, spend time with his two sons or whisper words of wisdom into the ears of his three grandchildren. Lewis, 76, of San Francisco, has a terminal lung disease known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is unrelated to the coronavirus, but the pandemic is keeping his family apart just when they should be together. The former railroad worker and photographer is getting help from palliative care doctors at UCSF, but he has decided not to go into the medical center, which no longer allows patients to have visitors. His family, meanwhile, is fearful of spreading disease to his 75-year-old wife, Sonia, who had a heart attack in 2013, so they now limit visits to just dropping off supplies. As a consequence, the Lewises have been confined to their Lake Merced apartment for five weeks and, in all likelihood, will remain there, isolated from their family, until the end comes for Bob. Were in a situation where our family cant even get together, Lewis said. It is very difficult. For my daughter and her family, we used to see them very, very frequently at least once a week before this started. Now we can do FaceTime, but thats not the same. It is a wrenching dilemma that thousands of terminally ill patients and their families are facing in the Bay Area and across the country as hospitals restrict visitors and citizens isolate themselves at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many of those patients are dying alone in hospitals that have restricted who, if anyone, may be in the same room during their final hours. But the isolation is also impacting those who choose to spend their final days at home, largely because there are often aging, vulnerable spouses or relatives living there too, and nobody wants to risk infecting them with a potentially fatal illness. Another tragedy of the pandemic is that these families cant get together for funerals or memorial services afterward. The situation is tough to accept for end-of-life care workers in the Bay Area, who, thanks in large part to their collective experience dealing with the AIDS crisis, have long been at the forefront of palliative care, an interdisciplinary system of medical, emotional and spiritual support for seriously ill patients and their families. The most challenging thing is not being able to have the nonverbal, compassionate presence that we have always given people when they are dying, said Naomi Saks, the clinical health care chaplain and associate director of the inpatient palliative care service at UCSF Medical Center. There are times when patients have shared that they are lonely, that they want to get out of here and get back to their family. Instead of inviting relatives and friends into their rooms and holding their hands, palliative and hospice care workers are now being forced to find compassionate ways for seriously ill patients to live their final days in isolation. Increasingly, the solution is to stay at home. It is a terrible situation because its creating an almost impossible choice for some people between getting medical care that they hope can save them or being with their loved ones, said Dr. Steve Pantilat, the chief of palliative medicine at UCSF Health, which, like most Bay Area hospitals, decided in response to the coronavirus pandemic not to allow palliative care workers or visitors into hospital rooms except in end-of-life situations when one family member is allowed or when life-and-death decisions need to be made. Lewis, who is on oxygen 24 hours a day, has decided not to go to the hospital when the time comes. He wants to spend his last moments with his wife of 55 years and, if they can safely enter the apartment without infecting one another, his family. Im not sending my dad to die alone in a hospital, said his daughter, Elizabeth Brooks, who shops for her parents between her work directing operations at a solar power advocacy nonprofit and taking care of her 12- and 14-year-old daughters in their Potrero Hill home. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle The reason we wouldnt send him to the hospital is because of the emotional trauma, for him and for us, of sending him away with paramedics and knowing that only my mom would ever see him again and that wouldnt be until he no longer knew she was there, Brooks said. Im pretty sure she would take the risk to herself rather than have my dad die alone in a hospital room. Desperate for a compassionate solution, many hospitals, including UCSF, have set up videoconferencing for patients. Pantilat said the hospital now provides seriously ill patients with iPads donated by the Stupski Foundation, allowing them to communicate with caregivers and their families through Zoom. Weve gone to 100% by video, said Pantilat, whose team is using videoconferencing technology to care for about 25 hospitalized patients, five of whom are infected with or are suspected of having COVID-19, and numerous home care patients. Its not the same as being in the room and being able to hold someones hand, but its remarkable how much video does allow for good communication. UCSFs palliative care team sees about 1,200 home care patients, like Lewis, every year. All have serious illnesses, such as cancer, that are likely to end their lives. But while some die, others go into remission or improve and can live for a long time. Palliative care workers sometimes work with hospice care specialists, who use many of the same techniques with patients who are dying. Saks said videoconferencing has actually led to some poignant death-bed reunions, including a tearful meeting last week between a grieving daughter and her dying mother, a Russian-speaking Holocaust survivor. Nine people also used Zoom last week to pray, sing songs and comfort their relative as he drifted away, she said. Teleconferencing has brought family members from different states together. A woman with advanced lung cancer at UCSF was granted her dying wish last week when she was able to use an iPad to talk to her son, who was in prison in another state. 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. She said that she loved him, Saks said. He wept. Deathbed marriages normally are very common, she said, but the new restrictions are making those a real challenge. She is trying to figure out how one of her bedridden patients can marry her longtime boyfriend. I think its possible, but there would have to be a very limited number people, Saks said. The good part of it is we are creating virtual and remote ways to connect people that were going to be able to use long after the current crisis is over. But there is only so much a caregiver can do remotely, said Kai Romero, the chief medical officer of Hospice by the Bay, which provides end-of-life care for people in Napa, Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties. It is so hard to be a human and not be near people, Romero said. Without a doubt it has been hard and without a doubt we grieve the loss of that capacity. Were doing what we can with what weve got. Brooks said keeping her father at home isnt the ideal situation, but it is necessary because her mother has an underlying heart condition and cant accompany her father to the hospital. The fact that Brooks husband works in a food bank and her brother and his 16-year-old son live in Florida, where infection rates are higher, makes visits to the apartment that much more risky. My biggest fear, Brooks said, is that my mom will get sick and I will somehow have to take care of both of them without infecting my dad. Lewis said he is thankful to the palliative care workers at UCSF for setting up a videoconference with his family, a meeting that brought out into the open many difficult issues and emotions and led to the decision to avoid hospitalization. Since then, Sonia, who began dating Bob when they were in high school, has been using an iPhone to teach her grandchildren her hobby, sewing quilts. The hardest part, everybody agrees, is not being able to spend time together, but Lewis said he has achieved a measure of comfort knowing he wont be totally alone on his last day. My wife is here, so shell be here. Whether or not the rest of my family will come, we havent gotten that far, Lewis said. Its hard, but you play the cards youre dealt, not the ones you wish you were dealt. Its something we have to live with. Its the best we can do. Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite Before Joe Exotic got his moniker as an Oklahoma big cat zookeeper, Joseph Maldonado-Passage (ne Schreibvogel) owned a Texas pet store. This tidbit wasnt explored in the Netflix seven-part docuseries, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness. Still, its an important part of Maldonado-Passages history with animal ownership. One incident may have foreshadowed future animal abuse alligations and it involves a flock of emus on the loose. Yes, emus. Joe Exotic owned a pet store before the G.W. Zoo, but claimed he was harassed Tiger King | Netflix Long before the G.W. Zoo came into place, Joseph Maldonado-Passage (aka Joe Exotic) worked at Pet Safari in Arlington, Texass Fielder Plaza. He later bought the store and became subject to a snake burglary, and yes you read that right. Tiger King couldnt possibly fit in every piece of Maldonado-Passages past. However, his pet store days set the precedent for what would become of the zoo. The Dallas News previously reported that, in the summer of 1993, his store was the target of two snake snatchings. Seven snakes were taken from the pet store. This included a red-tailed boa constrictor and six pythons. Maldonado-Passage slept in the store with loaded guns in the event it happened again. An 18-year-old male was eventually arrested for the crime and three of the snakes were recovered. Years later, Maldonado-Passage claimed hed become the target of homophobic harassment. A slew of reports flooded city officials offices about the pet store for various violations. The prejudice needs to stop. Why shouldnt gays enjoy a family day without prejudice? he said. You dont choose this life. This is the way youre born. The alleged harassment ultimately forced Maldonado-Passage to close Safari Pets. He later opened a similar pet store, Super Pets, in the same plaza, but said he received even more warnings and citations thereafter. Its a shame that theyre homophobic, he said. Theyre trying to find any excuse to run me out of business. Officials told Dallas News at the time they were enforcing the ordinances Maldonado-Passage violated. The interactions may have led to Maldonado-Passages complex relationship with the law, including a controversial emu incident that took place in 1999. Heres what happened with that 1999 emu incident In Feb. 1999, animal welfare investigators stumbled onto a malnourished emu and dozens of other dead birds in Red Oak, Texas. Maldonado-Passage offered to take the emus in at his zoo in Oklahoma in honor of his late brother whose lifetime dream was to go to Australia, Maldonado-Passage said at the time. However, the emus didnt make their capture easy. With volunteers, police, members of the Red Oak High School Future Farmers of America, and Maldonado-Passage, rounding them up, they found themselves struggling against birds almost as tall as humans and capable of tremendous kicks with taloned feet, The News reported. The big birds caused numerous injuries and nine of those captured died due to stress and overcrowding in transport trailers. The following day, Maldonado-Passage was caught on videotape shooting several emus with a shotgun. He claimed it was more humane than putting them through the ordeal of being captured and moved. You cant come out here and say, Im going to save all these birds, then say, Ive got to kill them because Im getting tired, Red Oak police Chief Doug McHam, said. Maldonado-Passage signed over rights to 160 surviving emus to various sources where theyd be taken care of. The case was then referred to a grand jury, but Maldonado-Passage was not charged with animal cruelty. The events followed Maldonado-Passage It didnt take long before Maldonado-Passage closed his pet store. He said the negative press from the emu incident hurt his business. He moved to the Oklahoma zoo and the rest is Tiger King history. In an ironic twist, Maldonado-Passages arrest on a murder-for-hire plot against animal rights activist, Carole Baskin (as well as other animal abuse charges), took him back to North Texas where hes currently serving a 22-year sentence. Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness is available on Netflix. Indian Health Ministry Reveals COVID-19 Cases Could Have Reach 820,000 by 15 April Without Lockdown Sputnik News 16:35 GMT 11.04.2020 New Delhi (Sputnik): Last month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a 21-day lockdown in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. This brought the country to a standstill with no transportation running, apart from essential services. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in India would have risen to 820,000 by April 15 if a nationwide lockdown and containment strategy had not been implemented, the Indian Health Ministry said on Saturday. During a briefing, Lav Agarwal, an official at the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, said that the government's measures such as containment and lockdown are really important to fight COVID-19. "We had done an analysis on the rate of growth in cases. If we would have not implemented the lockdown or containment measures, we might have had around 820,000 cases by 15 April and the cases would have touched 200,000 without lockdown and just containment measures," Agarwal said. During the briefing, Agarwal also highlighted that there are 100,000 isolation beds and 11,500 intensive care beds reserved for COVID-19 patients across the country along with 586 COVID-19 specific hospitals. "The government had taken early preemptive action and to the extent of being over-prepared and through our graded approach, we have aligned our response with the evolving situation. The government has done great to identify COVID-19 hotspots in the country," Agarwal said. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a videoconference with state chiefs, where they suggested an extended nationwide lockdown. According to the Indian Health Ministry, there have been 7,447 COVID-19 cases in India and 239 deaths. After taking lessons from the devastating situation in Europe, Iran, China, and several other countries which were severely hit by the pandemic, the government of India announced a curfew on 22 March. The step was taken because medical experts believed that the government wanted to assess whether the country was ready for the full lockdown or not. After receiving strong support nationwide, PM Modi imposed a 21-day lockdown starting from 25 March. Only essential and emergency services are allowed free movement across the country. All transport and travel services are shut and borders are sealed. The government has also brought back students and people stuck in pandemic-hit countries. The government has connected with all state and union territory governments and worked as a team to counter the pandemic. The Indian health ministry has alerted people to maintain social distancing, avoid gatherings and wash their hands frequently. However, the situation became tense when migrant workers, who were out of work and money due to the lockdown, assembled in several parts of Delhi before heading back to their native villages. Various government agencies swung into action and assured the workers that the state would take care of their needs. The government also provided bus services to help them reach home. The government has also requested the public to stay indoors and increase their immunity with the help of ayurveda and yoga. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address All-India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi has urged the Central government to step up its efforts in providing aid to the state governments to fight coronavirus battle. Taking to Twitter on Saturday, Owaisi stated, "It is the states that are carrying the burden in this fight, the Union must put its weight behind them and equip them well." Notably, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that Centre has announced a Rs 15,000 crore package to deal with the coronavirus crisis and Rs 4,100 have been disbursed to all states. "The Centre has announced Rs 15,000 crore for 'India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package' and Rs 4,100 crore have been disbursed to all states. Our aim is that there should not be a problem due to a lack of money," he had said. The tally of the country's novel coronavirus cases increased to 8356 on Sunday. Of these, 716 have been cured and discharged, and 273 have succumbed to the virus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Govt studying in-depth consequences of lockdown norms relaxation India pti-PTI Bengaluru, Apr 12: The Karnataka government is studying in-depth the consequences of possible relaxation of lockdown norms after April 14 and plans to come out with a clear roadmap in a day or two, a key Minister said on Sunday. Medical Education Minister Sudhakar K, who is in-charge of all matters related to COVID-19, told PTI that the pros and cons of any decision that the Government intends to take is being looked at in detail. "We are trying to understand how the situation would be of any action that we intend to take. We need to foresee the repercussions or results of our action. That we have to keep it in mind and take a decision. After-effects of the decisions we intend to take, that is more important, he said. You will have clarity (on the possible relaxation of lockdown norms) in a day or two. For everything (government decisions) we will give reasoning for what action we would like to take; with the reasoning we will give decision" , the Minister added. Government sources said some relaxation in liquor sales, stopped during the lock-down period, is likely after the ongoing 21-day national clampdown ends on April 14. Twelve of the state's 30 districts remain free from the COVID-19 pandemic. Till Saturday, Karnataka reported 215 COVID-19 positive cases, including six deaths and 39 discharges. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is getting heaps of praise as he tackles the pandemic in his state, despite being at loggerheads with US President Donald Trump. In India, there still exists a conundrum over the division of powers between the Centre and states to fight the pandemic. Several experts want an over-arching central law to deal with similar situations in a quasi-federal democracy where fragmented laws dont demarcate the roles of the two. Around three years back, the ministry of health put up for discussion the draft Public Health (Prevention, Control and Management of Epidemics, Bio-terrorism and Disasters) Bill, 2017. The draft Bill mentioned the role and responsibilities of the Centre and states in a medical The Bill, however, never saw the light of the day. According to Article 246 of the Constitution, matters related to public order and health are mentioned in the state list. To deal with the fast-spreading pandemic, the took recourse to the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 (ED Act), and the Act, 2005 (DM Act). Subsequently, it announced a countrywide to contain the spread of the coronavirus, using provisions in the DM Act. As the virus quickly spread across the country, many experts called for the imposition of an emergency, which could give the Centre wide-ranging powers. However, such a measure would have faced implementation challenges. The Constitution does not directly mention health emergencies of the kind India is currently experiencing. However, once central legislation becomes applicable, Article 256 applies. That provision says that states must comply with central laws, and the Centre can issue directions to demand compliance, says Shubhankar Dam, professor of public law and governance, University of Portsmouth School of Law, UK. Illustration: Ajay Mohanty While enforcing the provisions of the DM Act, the Centre declared the pandemic a notified disaster to remedy the situation. The DM Act states the Centre can take all such measures as it deems necessary, which leaves room for it to have almost sweeping powers. In theory, the DM Act provides for both Centre and states to share power and responsibilities. The National Disaster Plan under the DM Act sets the minimum standards states, if they so wish, can provide additional relief, adds Dam. However, the ground reality as of this pandemic seems different. For instance, recently, the Centre issued a notification asking states to refrain from buying personal protection equipment, ventilators, and masks. The states can now only ensure the material supplied to them by the Centre is being distributed efficiently. However, what is ordinarily accepted to be under the states purview does actually have a caveat. Most people misguidedly believe that the rub lies in the way the powers have been distributed in the Constitution. While it is true that public health falls under the State List, this by itself does not impede the Centre from enacting legislation to prevent the spread of an epidemic, says Aditya P Khanna, lawyer at the chambers of senior advocate Harish Salve. He adds Entry 29 of the Concurrent List provides for the prevention of the extension from one state to another of infectious or contagious diseases or pests affecting men, animals or plants. However, as the DM Act isnt specifically aimed at targeting epidemics, the Centre couldnt use this provision to enact the law. It used another entry social security and social insurance; employment and unemployment in the List to trigger provisions of the Act. Though the DM Act has been pressed into service and rightly so, it is envisaged primarily for natural calamities. That's why the National Plan barely speaks of epidemics, let alone pandemics and processes have to be devised on the fly. What we need now is a new central law with protocols for the division of powers, says Arghya Sengupta, founder-research director, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. Some other experts differ. The power to override states is already there in the DM Act. There is no necessity for a specific law; present laws are more than enough, says senior advocate Arvind Datar. Despite the mixed opinions, it does seem the only law which was meant to deal specifically with situations like this was the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 (ED Act). The Act gave only ancillary powers to the Centre and put more emphasis on the states to handle health crises. The ED Act is outdated legislation, says Rahul Unnikrishnan, advocate, Madras High Court. Acknowledging this, the draft Public Health Bill was to repeal the ED Act. However, this did not materialise, for reasons unknown, he adds. This aforesaid Bill did lay down several clear boundaries, specifying individual powers of state governments, Union Territories, the Centre, and even local governments. It also included a provision which addressed the Centres power to supersede the state. Experts feel when the worst of the pandemic is over, Parliament may reconsider such a Bill, so that a proper protocol between the Centre and states is set to address a public health The time has come to switch over to cooperative federalism, says senior advocate and former ASG Bishwajit Bhattacharyya. Who would have imagined the McDonald's drive-through would become such a beloved symbol of our times? But it's true, for at least two reasons, both of which have to do with Covid-19, and ultimately saving lives. First, the only way McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and many other fast-food franchises can stay open is to shift to a drive-through-only model. It's not ideal, but it keeps part of our retail food system working while maximizing social distancing, and keeps employees on payrolls. Second, the drive-through model has become a critical part of our medical system. The rise of drive-through Covid-19 testing locations diversifies testing while limiting exposure of people with symptoms. A smart business model In fact, going to a drive-through-only model isn't quite the sacrifice for restaurants like McDonald's that you might imagine, at least according to a 2018 study by QSR magazine (and cited in a recent history of the drive-through business model, by Adam Chandler of Serious Eats.) Even before the pandemic, drive-through sales accounted for about 70 percent of fast-food sales. And while McDonald's didn't invent the drive-through, it helped make it ubiquitous, and it recently tripled down on it as a business model. Last year, McDonald's spent $300 million to acquire Dynamic Yield, a technology company it planned to use to revolutionize the drive-through: with menus that could quickly adjust based on trends and inventory, purchase history, and even the weather. Suddenly, that McDonald's business model bet seems like a really smart idea. As Chandler put it in his retrospective: Today, the often-maligned restaurant drive-through window is being recast as both a critical amenity and a basic comfort, as states across the country impose new, crucial rules in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19. Adapted to health care It's not just about fast food, though. Since widespread testing is one of the keys to getting the spread of Covid-19 under control, drive-through testing -- a sort of medical McDonald's model, if you will -- has emerged as a key tactic. USA Today recently described the process at one such testing location in Virginia: Patients get a doctor's order for testing, and make an appointment at one of the drive-up locations. Upon arrival, they're reminded to keep their windows up at all times, and show their ID and doctor's note (and insurance card, if they have one) through the glass. They drive into a tent where a technician instructs them simply to crack the window a bit, then "tilt their head back, and the back of their throat is swabbed." They drive off after a bare minimum of contact with anyone, and in theory get the test results within five to seven days. Smart lessons If you're a business owner or entrepreneur (and even if you're in an industry far afield from McDonald's), I think the lessons here are clear: First, think hard about business models in other industries that you might adapt to your own--especially in these dynamic times. If I were still practicing law, for example, I might think about doing drive-through wills and simple estate planning. (My own lawyer told me requests for these are through the roof.) Or at least offering drive-through notary public services. And second, judge a business model by the data, not by the jokes. Because in this case, the quip that feels most apt is one attributed to Yogi Berra: "Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded." The drive-through model may be "often-maligned," as Chandler writes, but especially now, it seems to be the model preferred by a lot of fast-food customers, and increasingly, people who are in need of other goods and services. 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. Also Read: Coronavirus crisis: LIC provides 30 days extension for premiums due in March, April Also Read: India asks US to extend Indians H-1B visa amid coronavirus pandemic Also Read: Coronavirus India Lockdown live updates: Lockdown extension certain; country's COVID-19 active tally at 6,634 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eddie Keogh (Reuters) Chipping Camden, England Sun, April 12, 2020 18:00 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd16342d 2 Lifestyle costume,coronavirus,COVID-19,downton-abbey,Star-Wars,Dulcie-Scott Free Costume makers in Britain who normally dress actors in shows from Downton Abbey to Game of Thrones and Batman have joined forces to make scrubs for medics fighting the coronavirus outbreak. Working from kitchens, sheds and attics across the country, the team is churning out uniforms for returning medics and clinicians who do not normally wear them. Dulcie Scott, who most recently made couture dresses for Ruth Wilson in the BBC's adaptation of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, is helping lead the effort alongside a material buyer who once worked on a medical drama. Now some 150 costume makers are producing the garments, including those who previously worked on such shows as Star Wars, Outlander and Doctor Who. "It went way beyond anything I could have imagined," Scott told Reuters. "We have the most phenomenal, world-class network of costume makers helping us." Read also: Indonesian fashion designers help sew, donate protective gear for medical workers With Pullman's series known as HDM, the group called itself Helping Dress Medics and launched a fundraising appeal for 1,500 pounds (US$1,900) to source materials. Two weeks on it has raised more than 44,000 pounds, and some 6,000 sets of scrubs are being made. In one case a curtain maker donated fabric, while the bosses of factories forced shut by the outbreak are working to cut the material. "It feels brilliant and restores my faith in people and I think this is wonderful," Scott said. "But also it's quite heartbreaking when you see what a need there is." Scott delivered her first set of scrubs to a woman in a nearby village, with the handover coinciding with the weekly evening clap for carers. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has sparked a surge in demand for everything from ventilators to scrubs, prompting the likes of Rolls-Royce and Formula One teams, soldiers and individual volunteers to try to fill the gap. Scott and her team are being cheered by the actors and writers they once worked with. "Encore," tweeted Hugh Bonneville, the actor who played Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham in the historical drama series Downton Abbey. Couldnt be more proud of our #DowntonAbbey costume team who are #HelpingDressMedics. They now have almost 150 people across the UK making scrubs for medics. #fundraiserhttps://t.co/wNj64P0WLO pic.twitter.com/xTmsT0Akzr Hugh Bonneville #FlattenTheCurve (@hughbon) April 10, 2020 "Great stuff!" said Pullman. Great stuff! Well done everyone. https://t.co/IW22LlSfIQ Philip Pullman (@PhilipPullman) April 4, 2020 CBI officials have been distributing food packets and ration among the migrant labourers affected by the lockdown imposed across the country to contain the spread of coronavirus, which has affected over 7,400 people in India. The officials of certain CBI branches, including Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, extended support voluntarily and distributed food and ration among the migrant labourers/workers staying in temporary shelters, CBI spokesperson R K Gaur said on Sunday. "The Central Bureau of Investigation, in addition to its work, has joined hands with other government agencies to provide food to the poor, including migrant labourers/workers who are facing a lot of hardship and staying at the temporary shelters during the present nation-wide lockdown as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19," he said. Over 23,000 shelter homes and relief centres have been set up in states and UTs to provide temporary accommodation to the stranded migrant workers who rushed to their native places after a 21-day lockdown was declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24. Several government agencies, including police, have been distributing dry ration and food parcels among the migrant labourers staying at these camps. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As Italy struggles to pull its economy through the coronavirus crisis, the Mafia is gaining local support by distributing free food to poor families in quarantine who have run out of cash, authorities have warned. In recent weeks, videos have surfaced of known Mafia gangs delivering essential goods to Italians hit hard by the coronavirus emergency across the poorest southern regions of Campania, Calabria, Sicily and Puglia, as tensions rise across the country. For over a month, shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs have been closed, Nicola Gratteri, antimafia investigator and head of the prosecutors office in Catanzaro, said. Millions of people work in the grey economy, which means that they havent received any income in more than a month and have no idea when they might return to work. The government is issuing so-called shopping vouchers to support people. If the state doesnt step in soon to help these families, the mafia will provide its services, imposing their control over peoples lives. From the first signals of mounting social unrest, the Italian minister of the interior, Luciana Lamorgese, said the mafia could take advantage of the rising poverty, swooping in to recruit people to its organisation. Or simply stepping in to distribute free food parcels of pasta, water, flour and milk. In recent days, the police in Naples have intensified their presence in the poorest quarters of the city, where men tied to the Camorra the Neapolitan mafia have organised home delivery of food parcels. Magistrates have already begun an investigation against a group of people who were questioned while distributing food to local residents. Mafias are not just criminal organisations, Federico Varese, professor of criminology at the University of Oxford, said. They are organisations that aspire to govern territories and markets. Commentators often focus on the financial aspect of mafias but they tend to forget that their strength comes from having a local base from which to operate. The question of distributing food parcels is a tactic as old as the mafia itself, where in the south of Italy bosses have customarily presented themselves to the people as benefactors and local power brokers, initially without asking for anything in return. Mafia bosses consider their cities as their own fiefdom, Gratteri said. The bosses know very well that in order to govern, they need to take care of the people in their territory. And they do it by exploiting the situation to their advantage. In the peoples eyes, a boss who knocks on the door offering free food is a hero. And the boss knows that he can then count on the support of these families when necessary, when, for example, the mafia sponsors a politician for election who will further their criminal interests. Dozens of investigations in the south have led to the arrests of politicians who have aided and abetted the mafia, and who were elected with the support of local Mafiosi who forced citizens to vote for them in exchange for services, such as a simple food parcel. Varese said: These handouts by the mafias are not gifts. The mafia does not do anything out of its kind heart. They are favours that everyone will have to pay back in some form or another, by aiding and abetting a fugitive, holding a gun, dealing drugs and the like. Consider what happened to El Chapo, the Mexican narco, said Gratteri. He trafficked tons of cocaine and commissioned the murder of hundreds of people but in his hometown he was known for his benevolence, because people said that he provided medicines to families or built roads. The same thing happens here. This week, Italys anti mafia prosecutors office said bosses would offer their virtually endless criminal capital to businesses in need and then swallow them up. Then, they will use those businesses for money laundering profits from the criminal activities. Varese said: The mafias might be able to benefit in other ways from the current lockdown and especially from the future, when Italians will all be able to return to work, spend more money, and get the economy on its feet again. But surely the story exemplified by the handouts of food parcels in Palermo and Naples shows their true nature, and it tells why they are so dangerous. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates By PTI NEW DELHI: 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 April 1, 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. 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 "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 in a tweet. Kuwait has reported nearly 1,000 cases of coronavirus. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In this era of dining by take-out and curbside pickup, it looks like Staten Island restaurants, and even markets, are adapting nicely to their new world order. No one likes change -- especially when forced to do it -- but it had to happen... and quickly, since mid-March. To give a glimpse into our future, we should watch several trends that have popped up as restaurateurs fight for their livelihoods and struggle to keep up the payroll. I have heard numerous proprietors say they stayed in business during the pandemic primarily to maintain their employees lifestyles. The upside to the survival game: unique business models are evolving from the pandemics mandates on social spacing and contact-less delivery. Now we see a truly consumer-focused world aimed at efficiency with pre-ordering, attention to detail with online services and more sensitivity to our seniors with special shopping times. I believe overall customer service has improved in our borough. Indeed we see entrepreneurs very eager to please in these odd times as Staten Islanders continue to hunt for new and more convenient food sources. Danny Mills of Ruddy & Dean in St. George adapted to the new to go format by listening to customers and packing his steaks for patrons who wish to barbecue at home. (Courtesy of Danny Mills)Danny Mills Formal eateries with definitive sit-down formats have shown admirable efforts in this new business environment. As an example: we have chronicled Danny Mills of Ruddy & Deans in St. George in his journey from a steakhouse to eclectic American eatery and food locker. He responded to customer requests for raw product like steaks and seafood, delivering the goods personally in his truck to all points of the Island. One month later, hes still at it, continually tweaking menus and just going day-by-day with ingredients as they become available. In March Julian Gaxholli at Blue in Livingston flipped on a delicatessen menu with cold cuts, some salads and potato croquettes for pickup and delivery. Mainstays of the seaside restaurants offerings continue in the new format, yet with a more streamlined set of selections. Potato croquettes and tuna salad are among the deli offerings at Blue Restaurant available for pickup or delivery. The Livingston restaurant also features select items from its eclectic American menu. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri) Reggianos in Tottenville and VINIUM in Stapleton dove into convenience items for delivery. Chef/proprietors rolled with their toilet paper and paper towel plethora as a perk for customers also looking for some good Italian eats. As so many restaurants and bakeries have closed temporarily in the borough (more than half as of today) it became apparent in March that their suppliers were well-stocked with inventory. Who would think a Michelin-noted eatery would be selling toilet paper and cleaning supplies as well as craft cocktails and specials? Price incentives have popped up. Basilio Inn in South Beach, Daddy-Os in Tompkinsville and Seppe in Stapleton, just to name a few places, now give discounts on the bill as rewards for pickup and ordering directly from the restaurant (as opposed to using a third-party delivery service.) Laceys Bridge Tavern in Elm Park and Burrito Bar in West Brighton allow their established happy hour deals to continue -- just for the enjoyment at home. We are seeing better packaging on to-go food as illustrate with Bin 5s clever cocktail program (see Quarantina Coladas) and once again VINUM with its disposable martini shakers for home. Taverna on the Bay in Stapleton now features half-trays of seafood paired with bottled sangria, yours for $55 and up on an order. Easter Bunny sighting in Arden Heights! Kids enjoy the floppy-eared rabbit from the window on Saturday, April 11, 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. (Courtesy of Grampa Den) Our collective germaphobic perspectives on food have been changed forever. I believe customers will want to see more distance between tables and a break from the trend toward communal dining spaces. Theyll likely want more proactiveness in preventing cross-contamination with prominent placement of hand-sanitizing or wash stations with running water and soap. Buffets, fixins stations and salad bars might be a thing of the past. That style of service started changing at the beginning of the pandemic. I was told by Teresa Salzarulo of Lioni Latticini in Union, N.J. around March 13 that the massive cheese distributor reconfigured bulk packaging to an all-encompassing container. The accommodation was tailored to New York City restaurants and retailers nationwide for better food-handling in help-yourself formats. When we get out of this I would hope for a better sense of value of the meals we eat. The hope is too that we appreciate the small businesses who afford us the variety and access to food and drink under normal circumstances. As cemeteries close Staten Islanders become creative on honoring their deceased loved ones. Here are palm crosses on the fence at Resurrection Cemetary in Princes Bay. (Courtesy of Greg Nagy) Despite some obstacles I am confident our restaurant scene will come back even more vibrantly than before. We might learn from our mistakes and become more streamlined and therefore stronger. Most important we continue to prove our tenaciousness and resourcefulness as a big small town. This latter point might be illustrated by an image emailed Saturday by Greg Nagy. It shows what Resurrection Cemetery in Princes Bay looks like as families honor their dead loved ones for Easter while the cemetery is closed. They made it happen by posting crosses on the iron fence. The sentiment is encouraging and touches my heart on this Easter Sunday. Keep in touch. Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com. Here is one of our rabbit's baby bunnies on this Easter Sunday. It's eyes are open today. It's quite healthy and so frisky we couldn't snap a clear shot. Happy Easter. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri) FOR MORE STORIES: **** FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE IN NEW YORK ***** Open restaurants on Staten Island as of April 10, 2020 News from Kills Boro Brewing Co. in Tompkinsville How markets and restaurants are punching back against coronavirus | Pamelas food service diary Passover in the COVID-19 crisis: A virtual Seder with a special prayer from a Staten Island rabbi Kings Arms Diner offers pickup and delivery during coronavirus outbreak | Yes, Theyre Open Pamelas Food Service Diary: Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Staten Island, NY. Novellis cancels the mozzarella bunny for Easter 2020 Coronavirus and kids: The ice cream truck still cometh . . . but is it welcome? Toilet paper apocalypse cakes and doughnut kits: Custom bakers stay busy during pandemic Pastosa Ravioli in Eltingville to close April 13 Ordering Chinese food on Staten Island? Little luck in this pandemic Easter 2020: Grocery stores hours on Staten Island Pamelas Food Service Diary: Sunday, April 5, 2020. Staten Island, NY. Pamelas Food Service Diary: Saturday, April 4, 2020. Staten Island, NY. Pamelas Food Service Diary: Friday, April 3, 2020. Staten Island, NY. Florencio Almazo Moran, 65, New Dorp bakery worker claimed by COVID-19, a one-man army Andreas Koutsoudakis, beloved Tribeca restaurateur lost to coronavirus, is family of Andrews Diner owners Anthony Fauci has roots in a Staten Island restaurant ShopRite: New store hours in coronavirus crisis starting April 1 Some good news: Owner of Jimmy Max receives Outstanding Community Service Award Restaurants open for business Pamelas Food Service Diary: Sunday, March 29, 2020. Staten Island, NY. Pamelas Food Service Diary: Saturday, March 28, 2020. Staten Island, NY. What Stop & Shop looked like in Port Richmond on Saturday, March 28, 2020 Coronavirus crisis on the restaurant business: Where has all the Chinese food and sushi gone? ShopRites new policies in a coronavirus world Pamelas Food Service Diary, Friday March 27, 2020 Cake Chef bakes for a world without parties Partys cancelled: Does this mean the deposit is, too? Health Department suspends restaurant inspections, and thats A-OK with a lot of restaurateurs Seven people, including five Nihang Sikhs, were arrested from a gurdwara in Punjab on Sunday, hours after an attack on a police team in Patiala in which an assistant sub inspector's hand was chopped off, police said. The seven people included five who were allegedly part of the attack outside a wholesale vegetable market in Patiala early on Sunday morning, officials said. With a lockdown in place, barricades were put up outside the market and police personnel were regulating entry by asking for curfew passes. A group of four-five 'Nihangs' (a sect of Sikhis whose members are armed with traditional weapons and dressed in loose blue robes) were travelling in a vehicle and were asked to stop at a vegetable market by officials of the mandi' around 6.15 am, police said. "They were asked to show (curfew) passes. But they banged the vehicle against the gate and barricades put up there," Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala, Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. The attackers fled to Balbera close by and were arrested from a gurdwara there, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When Jose Andres first came to New York City, he was a young soldier in the Spanish navy. Many years later, he is an award-winning chef. Andres now owns a large food business on the same New York street where he landed as a sailor. The famous chef recently announced plans to serve 40,000 meals to New Yorkers across the city, which is now the center of Americas COVID-19 epidemic. Andres has several restaurants, including one with two Michelin awards, Somni. In 2010, he opened his not-for-profit World Central Kitchen to serve food to victims of disasters. Since the coronavirus arrived in the U.S., his organization has served more than 750,000 meals in cities from Miami to Los Angeles, to Little Rock, Arkansas, to Fairfax, Virginia. The operation works out of places like libraries and closed restaurants. It feeds medical teams, hospital workers, students and others who continue to work during the epidemic. Andres has a list of important friends who are chefs around the world, including Rachael Ray, Guy Fieri and Marcus Samuelsson. Many started cooking professionally in the United States. Im in debt to America. ... Thats the best I can give to America because America gave me a home. America gave me opportunity, Andres told The Associated Press in a recent phone interview. In New York City, he set up a restaurant to serve the Mount Sinai hospital in Central Park. In Harlem, hes using Samuelssons well-known restaurant to feed families. Samuelssons Miami restaurant closed, but he didnt want to leave it empty. So he loaned it to World Central Kitchen. They are giving food to those who have lost their jobs because of the epidemic. Even in crisis, these chefs arent giving away simple meals. At centers for old people in Washington, D.C., the food was complex and tasty. Andres was among the first to close his restaurants. He wanted to show chefs around the world how to use their restaurants and workers to feed the hungry and those out of work. The operation is growing every day, he said. We want to put America to workfeeding America. In California, Fieri is ready with his kitchen and team. Guy is ready to go, Andres said. This is like war. You need to have troops ready for action. Fieri compared his longtime friendship with Andres and other famous chefs to playing with a group of musicians. When you hang out with Jose Andres, all you want to do is go bigger, go better, said Fieri. Last year, he cooked with Andres to feed victims of the deadly California wildfires. In the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak, Fieri bought $50,000 in gift cards to support local restaurants. He asked many of the chiefs of big food companies to donate money to his organization. His Restaurant Employee Relief Fund quickly raised $10 million. It has a goal of raising $100 million and giving $500 to restaurant workers without jobs. The first payments went out last week. Rachael Ray announced a $4 million donation from her two assistance organizations. Half of the money will go to food programs, including World Central Kitchen. The other half will support animal rescue groups. We are not a disaster relief fund but thats what weve become, she told the AP in a phone interview. She supports the efforts of Jose Andres. I love Jose. Im so devoted to him, Ray said from her home in New York state. I'm Dorothy Gundy. The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story chef n. one who cooks professionally epidemic n. an illness that is transmitted from one person to another kitchen - n. the room where food is made hang out - phr v. to spend time together relief n. assistance or aid devote v. to be loyal to No fewer than 45 COVID-19 patients have recovered and been discharged in the last week, official data from Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed. At least five deaths were also recorded from the disease in the past week. As of 9:30 p.m on Saturday, Nigeria had recorded 318 confirmed cases, 70 discharged and 10 deaths. According to a breakdown, Lagos is still leading on the chart with 174 cases, FCT has 56, Osun 20, Edo 12, Oyo 11, Ogun 7, Bauchi 6, Kaduna 6, Akwa Ibom 5, Katsina 4, Delta 3, Enugu 2, Ekiti 2, Rivers -2, Kwara 2, and Ondo- 2, while Benue, Niger, Anambra and Kano have a case each. An analysis by PREMIUM TIMES showed that 104 new cases were recorded last week, many from contact tracing, amidst an increase in the number of tests carried out daily. Starting from last Tuesday, new cases have been recorded in the tens. The number of patients who recovered from the disease and were discharged also rose from 25 to 70, an indication that the situation is not hopeless after all. Most of those discharged are from Lagos, Oyo, Osun and FCT. However, six states; Kwara, Anambra, Niger, Kano, Delta and Kastina; recorded their index cases last week. This brings the number of affected states to 19 including the FCT. In one of its daily briefings, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 fixed a target of collecting samples within eight hours of notification of the team. It said turnaround time for testing and results must be less than 24 hours; 2000 tests to be conducted daily in Lagos and 1000 daily in the FCT by the end of the week. Also, it hopes to isolate patients within six hours after confirmation of positive results and ensure isolation of each confirmed case. In this piece, PREMIUM TIMES reviews how the number of those discharged rose from 25- to 70 in a week. Timeline On Sunday, April 5, ten new cases were reported in Nigeria: six in Lagos, two in FCT and two in Edo. That brought the number of confirmed cases to 224. A total of 27 patients had been discharged while five deaths had been recorded. On the same day, eight new cases were reported: five in Lagos, two in the FCT and one in Kaduna State. As at 09:30 pm on April 5, there were 232 confirmed cases reported in Nigeria. Thirty-three had been discharged and five deaths documented. On Monday, April 6, six new cases were reported: two in Kwara, two in Edo, one in Rivers and one in the FCT. As of 09:30 pm on Monday, there were 238 confirmed cases reported in Nigeria. About 35 had been discharged and five deaths recorded. On Tuesday, April 7, 16 new cases were reported: 10 in Lagos, two each in the FCT and Oyo, and one each in Delta and Katsina. As of 09:30 p.m. on Tuesday, there were 254 confirmed cases in Nigeria, from which 44 were discharged and six died. On Wednesday, April 8, 21 cases were reported: 15 in Lagos, four in the FCT, and one in Edo As of 9 p.m on Wednesday, there were 274 confirmed cases in Nigeria, 44 of them discharged and six deaths. On Thursday, April 9, 14 new cases were reported: 13 in Lagos and one in Delta State. As of 09:30 p.m on Thursday, there were 288 confirmed cases from which 51 patients had been discharged and seven died. On Friday, April 10, 17 new cases were reported, consisting of eight in Lagos, three in Katsina, two in FCT and one each in Niger, Kaduna, Anambra and Ondo. As of 09:30 p.m on Friday, there were 305 confirmed cases reported in Nigeria. 58 had been discharged and seven deaths recorded. Advertisements On Saturday evening, 13 new cases were reported; 11 in Lagos, and one each in Delta and Kano. As of 9:30 p.m, April 11, there were 318 confirmed cases in Nigeria. 70 had been discharged and 10 died. Lockdown continues The lockdown announced by President Muhammadu Buhari in high-risk states still continues. Although there is no official statement that explicitly stated the extension after the expiration of the 14 days yesterday, Mr Buhari on Saturday, urged Nigerians to continue to comply with the stay-at-home directive. A presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said the president had ordered the release of 70,000 tonnes of grain to augment the ongoing palliative being given to vulnerable Nigerians. In a related development, the World Health Organisation (WHO) expressed concern over the intention of some countries to end restriction of movements too soon. Like Nigeria, many countries have imposed movement restrictions on citizens to check the spread of the pandemic. The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, at a press conference Friday said lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence. He said the coronavirus appears to be slowing in some of the hardest-hit countries in Europe like Spain, Italy, Germany and France; however, it could be disastrous to lift the restrictions too soon. Grouse Many Nigerians have expressed their grievances on the extension of the lockdown without being offered palliatives. In the last few weeks, state governments have also rolled out stimulus packages which are grossly inadequate for the population of the country. A human rights activist and lawyer, Festus Ogun, said the extension is expedient but will fail without adequate support for citizens. The reality is that the hardship and hunger in the land outweigh the measures put in place. It is the reason why you see unrest, violence and robbery in the land, even despite the lockdown. FG must brace for the reality and stop playing hide and seek. The government owes a duty to provide security and welfare for its people. Failure to abundantly provide for the same during this period would spell disaster and untold calamity, he told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday. Another human rights activist, Olorunfemi Adeyeye, said he foresaw an increase in crime due to the hunger bedevilling the poor. I do not see the extension of lockdown without real palliatives for the masses as a solution at all. No curve can be flattened when hunger strikes, he said. 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. 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. 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) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. London: Hackers stole 2.4 million ($4.7 million) that a museum paid for a John Constable painting, as experts warn that fraudsters are targeting the art world. The criminals intercepted emails between Rijksmuseum Twenthe in the Netherlands and Simon Dickinson, a London art dealer, who were arranging the sale of Constable's 1824 landscape A View of Hampstead Heath: Child's Hill, Harrow in the Distance. The John Constable painting taken advantage of by hackers, A View of Hampstead Heath: Child's Hill, Harrow in the Distance. Credit:Tate Gallery Posing as Dickinson, the seller specialising in Old Master paintings, they instructed the museum to pay 2.4 million into a bank account based in Hong Kong. By this time, the painting had already been sent to the museum and the real Dickinson was left with no money from the sale. An Indian-American non-governmental organisation has raised more than USD 400,000 for relief and assistance work among thousands of COVID-19 affected people in the US, including distributing thousands of face masks to health care personnel. With this, just two Indian-American organisations - Sewa International (USD 400,000) and Indiaspora (USD 600,000) - have raised USD 1 million for their COVID-19 relief efforts. On Saturday, Sewa International also announced the launch of a national registry for COVID-19 Blood Plasma. So far, it is the only 24/7 service that offers a national registry for both donors and recipients under the Convalescent Plasma Therapy programme with live phone facility and social media support. "Our mission is to bring together matching blood donors and COVID-19 patients seeking the plasma, in-time and save lives, and we are open round-the-clock to serve" said Sewa International president Sree Sreenath. "We are using technology and human resources for troubleshooting regulatory and logistical bottlenecks. We are in a mission to help physicians and families of critically ill COVID-19 patients obtain convalescent plasma in a timely manner," he said. Run by a dedicated team of volunteers, the services adhere to HIPPA medical data protection laws, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of the registered users (donors and recipients), the NGO said in a statement. "A dedicated group of physicians and technologists designed and developed this registry rapidly because they saw the urgent need for such a service nationwide," said Prem Pusuloori, Sewa Director of National & International Programs. The NGO which started its helpline on March 15 from three cities has now expanded to eight cities in the US. More than over 200 volunteers have been trained in manning the helplines. One fifth of the helpline cases are related to grocery delivery and food request, 38 per cent are of medical and health issues, 13 per cent are travel-related information and eight per cent ask immigration questions, it said. More than 200 volunteers have so far have made 10,000 home-made masks and donated to nursing homes, school districts, EMS centers, USPS workers, hospitals. The Indian-American NGO has donated over 30,000 surgical and N95 masks to hospitals, emergency management system of counties, ambulance services, first responders, caregivers, county Sheriff offices, Nursing homes, courthouses. It has also distributed over 2000 bottles of sanitizers, and 2,000 pairs of gloves. Several other Indian-American organisations are carrying out relief measures across the country. The Connecticut-chapter of GOPIO headed by its trustee and past president Shelly Nichani delivered food for healthcare workers at the Stamford Hospital on Sunday. Overseas Congress Seva Dal in North Jersey have helped five hospitals with masks and gloves, along with three food drives for first responders, said Rajendra Dichpally. Globally, the novel coronavirus that originated in China in December has killed 108,862 people and infected over 1.7 million people globally. The US has the highest number of infections at 529,887, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The US on Sunday overtook Italy as the country with the highest number of deaths due to COVID-19 pandemic with the fatalities crossing 20,000. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Patriotic Party [NPP], constituency executives in the Binduri constituency of the Upper East Region, have described as ignoramus and lies, claim by some local executives of the opposition National Democratic Congress [NDC], that the District Chief Executive of the area recently diverted central governments allocated Personal Protective Equipment, meant for the fight against the spread of the novel Coronavirus to its parliamentary candidate. Some executives of the National Democratic Congress in the Binduri constituency in a presser accused the district Chief Executive, Mr.Ayinga Abagre Yakubu of allocating portions of government procured PPEs to the NPP parliamentary candidate, Mr. Abdulai Abanga for onward distribution as a bona fide procured items, But the NPP in a counter presser described the allegation as leg-less, baseless, lies, disgraceful and has thus exposed the ignorance of the NDC. The umbrella party in its press release early this week also accused the District Chief Executive of power and financial abuse. The NPP, however stated that all the allegations levelled against the DCE are completely false and thus called on the Member of Parliament for the area Mr. Kuganaab-lem and his stooges to humble themselves and desist from efforts to blackmail the DCE and as such deceive the unsuspecting public. The NPP added that the evidence-less allegation against Mr. Abanga by the NDC is targeted at discrediting a benevolent donation by its parliamentary candidate. They accused the NDC and its Member of Parliament of donating very little towards the fight against the ravaging coronavirus. The counter presser jointly signed by 13 executives, called on Ghanaians to disregard the NDCs lies and concentrate on fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Below is the press release: RE: PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE DIVERSION OF COVID-19 LOGISTICS TO A PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE OF THE RULING NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY (NPP); HON ABDULAI ABANGA BY THE DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE (DCE) FOR BINDURI, HON. AYINGA ABAGRE YAKUBU 11/04/2020 Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the media and thank you for honoring our invitation to cover this conference. The attention of the New Patriotic Party has been drawn to a series of scandalous and unfounded allegations leveled against Hon Abanga Abdulai and Hon Ayinga AbagreYakubu , NPP Parliamentary Candidate (PC) and District Chief Executive (DCE) respectively by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Executives in Binduri on Tuesday 7th April, 2020,during a press conference on the above subject. Ladies and gentlemen, even before we focus on the object of todays conference, We in the NPP recognize that these are not ordinary times in the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic and as such we wish to appeal to you to bear with us on this equally important press conference. At their last press conference, the NDC alleged the following among others: The NDC alleged that Hon Ayinga Abagre Yakubu, DCE for Binduri diverted Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) donated by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) to the NPP Parliamentary candidate, Hon. Abdulai Abanga for onward donation to the Binduri Health Directorate. This allegation is completely false and an abysmal attempt to discredit a benevolent donation from our parliamentary candidate. More disgraceful is the fact that these NDC executives didnt provide a shred of evidence to substantiate these allegations. Any serious party worth its sought would provide evidence to proof wrong doing by Messrs Abanga Abdulai and Ayinga Abagre Yakubu. Ladies and gentlemen, we have provided copies of the waybills covering PPEs donated by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as proof that the PPEs donated by our benevolent Parliamentary Candidate were from his own personal resources. Unlike the ignorant NDC executives who argued blindly, we speak with evidence. Following Hon Abanga Abdulais donation of PPEs, there was serious backlash on the MP by constituents. The MP donated 20 boxes of Madar washing Soap to the District to help to fight against COVID -19. A large section of constituents condemned the MPs donation describing it as not fit for purpose because it didnt include essentials such as veronica buckets, sanitizers, nose masks etc, This backlash compelled stooges of the MP to allege firstly on a WhatsApp platform Binduri Youth Forum that the PPEs as donated by Hon Abanga Abdulai belonged to the Central Government and thus the DCE diverted them to the PC to make the donation. This pedestrian lie later became the subject of the NDCs Press Conference. The NDC is ignorant of the fact that, items from central government are received and managed by a committee, who decides how these items should be distributed. What beats our imagination is the fact that, the Hon. MP who is in the position to know better looked on whiles his executives made a mockery of each other. The NDC alleged during their press conference that Hon. Ayinga Abaagre Yakubu , DCE for Binduri borrowed an amount of GHC 70,000 from the MPs Common Fund and has since refused to repay. This allegation is a complete lie poorly fabricated to court public anger towards the DCE. There are audio recordings in circulation of an interview conducted on Source FM in which both the DCE and the MP were asked to substantiate this allegation. The DCE denied ANY allegation of borrowing money from the MPs Common Fund. The MP, who was on the other line, couldnt proof these frivolous allegations. Ladies and gentlemen I assume most of you are privy to the audio recording of the interview we make reference to, however if youre not privy to it yet do not be alarmed we have it available for you. We want to use this medium to challenge the MP/NDC to produce evidence that the DCE borrowed money and has since refused to pay. We call on the MP and his team to produce Cheque(s) or bank transfers showing that a total amount of GHC 70,000 was drawn from the MPs Common Fund to Hon Ayinga Abagre Yakubu as a person. Again, the NDC alleged that the DCE uses his official vehicles to attend lectures for a Masters program he pursues in Tamale. This allegation is baseless and without merit. The DCE is currently enrolled for his masters degree via online distance learning which does not require him to physically attend lectures on campus. It is preposterous to allege that because the DCE sometimes embarks on trips over the Weekend, it amounts to abuse or misuse of office. The demands of his high office are such that the DCE is required to work extra hours including weekends. In some cases, he is required to embark on journeys during weekends when others are resting to attend meetings and capacity training workshops organized for MMDCEs. The DCE has to work beyond the normal hours of 8am -5pm daily including weekends. On the Issue of approval of funds to construct boreholes, the DCE stated clearly to the MP that a proposal to construct eight (8) boreholes (by the MP) is beyond his threshold and as such the law requires that such a proposal goes through a proper procurement process by way of a public tender. The MP ignored this call to follow due process and insisted that the DCE should bend the rules and approve his requests Lastly, the DCE has been accused of refusing to approve funds to award educational scholarships to students under the common fund. This is a complete misrepresentation of the DCEs position when the list of potential beneficiaries was presented to the District Assembly. The DCE and his competent team at the Assembly asked the MP to give them time to verify the list to ensure there are no duplications and also to verify that every name captured on the list is indeed a student. This simple request is what the MP through the press conference claimed, the DCE refused to approve funds to award scholarships to Binduri students. We want to ask the NDC and the MP why they are in such a hurry especially now that all schools in the country have been closed indefinitely. Why cant they allow the DCE and his team to do their due diligence before approving these funds? Based on the above, its clear that all the allegations leveled against the DCE and our Parliamentary Candidate are completely false. Hon Kuganaab-lem should humble himself and submit to the regulations that govern how the common fund is administered. Sponsoring needless press conferences to parade lies, without a shred of evidence, ostensibly to blackmail the DCE and deceive the unsuspecting public is inconsistent of an Honorable Member of Parliament. We wish to use this opportunity to caution the MP and those who think like him to desist from the wanton lies and propaganda going forward. We strongly support Hon Ayinga Abagre Yakubu for his insistence on probity and accountability. We are confident he will continue to protect the coffers of the District Assembly against politically expedient expenditures and ensure value for our money. Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, thank you for your time. We appreciate the great work you do as the fourth estate of the realm and encourage you to carry out your work objectively at all times. Our people rely on you greatly for accurate and reliable information. We encourage you to remain steadfast and subject politicians or political parties to further probe especially when they spew spurious allegations without providing credible evidence to substantiate their claims. Ti pusiya ne yatuumatuuma God bless Binduri and make her great and strong Signed Hon. Ayaago Abariche Samuel, Constituency Chairman, ( 0542332930) Hon. Ayindago Francis Haddo, Constituency 1st Vice Chairman, ( 0249515866) Mr Ayumah Musah, Constituency 2nd Vice chairman, ( 0540361971) Mr Abolinga Francis Assibi, Constituency Secretary, (0246574550) Hon. Adaza Amort, Constituency Organizer, ( 0245998439) Hon. Anane Daniel Zakari, Constituency Treasurer, ( 0243414221) Hon. Awini Zelia, Constituency women's Organizer, ( 0246812019) Mr Alhassan Asunka, Constituency Assistant Secretary, ( 0249143142 ) Mr Aguuri Salam, Constituency Nassara Coordinator, (0242619963) Mr Ayamba Eric, Constituency Youth Organizer, (0240478964) Mr Aganda Paul, Constituency communications Officer, ( 0242256225) Mr Ayanaba Rasheed, NPP Communications team member, ( 0246997782) Mr Akamah Lucas, NPP Communications team member, ( 0249733363) While the nation is in a lockdown phase and the citizens are being asked to stay at home, Coronavirus warriors like doctors and policemen are on duty day and night to make sure we are safe and following the rules. And to spread awareness about the same the police department is surely adapting to newer methods to appeal to the masses. Mumbai Police recently tweeted a scene from Farah Khans Main Hoon Na, where Shah Rukh Khan is seen dodging spit-attack by Satish Shah. This class (well, almost all of them) was prompt to learn its lesson from @iamsrk 's encounter with Professor Rasai! #MaskHaiNa https://t.co/HpHoOHnYZB pic.twitter.com/FarmS6CyIK Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 12, 2020 In the scene, Shah Rukh Khan is doing stunts to save himself from the germs. Mumbai Police tweeted the video and captioned it, @iamsrk wouldnt need to do such stunts any longer - Mask Hai Na!" Check out the tweet below. People walk by St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Easter Sunday. The service there, broadcast live, was only attended by the media and clergy. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) As churches across the U.S. held Easter services online, officials in states hit hard by coronavirus looked for glimmers of hope that the pandemic might be slowing in some areas. Though New York continued to lead the country with 9,385 deaths, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said key indicators, including hospitalizations and ICU admissions, have increased at a lower rate over the last three days. Its all reinforcing the same thing, Cuomo said. Youre not seeing a great decline in the numbers, but youre seeing a flattening. There was similar news from New Jersey, where Gov. Phil Murphy told CBS news that his state was still fighting to stay ahead of the need for hospital beds, ventilators, personal protective equipment and healthcare workers. In Illinois, 43 deaths represented the state's lowest daily total in almost a week. "I pray, as we move forward, that these trends continue," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at a daily news conference. The numbers played out against a traditional Christian holiday that most U.S. churches observed in nontraditional fashion. Much like Pope Francis at the Vatican and the Archbishop of Canterbury, who delivered a sermon from the kitchen of his London flat, American clergy took to the internet to connect with congregants barred from attending in person. Online ceremonies were held from the Washington National Cathedral in the capital and nearby Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. President Trump and his wife, Melania, said they planned to watch a service streamed from the First Baptist megachurch in Dallas. St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City went online even as residents took to their windows and balconies to sing Christ the Lord Is Risen Today in a mass celebration orchestrated by a local Presbyterian church. Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrates Easter Mass amid in the near-empty St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. (Kena Betancur / AFP via Getty Images) There were some instances of pushback against the campaign for an online Easter. A federal judge ruled that a Louisville, Ky., church could proceed with its plans to hold a drive-in Easter service. About 250 people attended a similar celebration in the parking lot at Happy Gospel Church in Bradenton, Fla., where they sat in lawn chairs or on tailgates while remaining at least six feet apart. Story continues The lieutenant governor of Louisiana criticized a Baton Rouge church where Pentecostal preacher Tony Spell continued to draw hundreds of worshipers despite a statewide order to stay home. "I think it's disrespectful not only for the people who show up to church but to all the people of Louisiana," Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser told CNN. "Somebody's going to get infected and spread it to other people." In Kansas, Republican legislators challenged a ban on large religious gatherings in hopes of allowing congregations to open their doors. Late Saturday night, the state Supreme Court upheld the governor's stay-at-home order. Nationwide, the U.S. continued to lead all countries in reported cases, more than 554,000, and deaths, more than 22,000, according to statistics compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Even in New Hampshire, with comparatively few 929 cases and deaths, Gov. Chris Sununu warned against complacency in social distancing. "As much as we've plateaued, we can see another spike in short order," he said. "We have to be prepared for the long haul." The virus has spread with particular ferocity through nursing homes and long-term-care facilities. With no federal statistics available, the Associated Press reported that, in the last two weeks , nursing home deaths had risen from about 450 to more than 3,300. At the same time, the statistics in New York were promising enough to have officials looking ahead toward the next phase of fighting the pandemic. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would once again ask federal officials for help in acquiring test kits to assess tens of thousands of residents. Weve pleaded for weeks and weeks for the federal government to provide testing upfront, De Blasio said. I will have the conversation with the White House today. The mayor also reiterated that he planned to keep schools closed through the remainder of the academic year, despite comments from Gov. Cuomo that the move was premature. Its about getting us out of this horrible phase were in with widespread transmission, De Blasio said. This is the right thing to do, and were going to keep moving forward. Cuomo preached patience, insisting that policies need to be coordinated with neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut because so many residents cross state lines, in both directions, for work. June is a long way from now, he said, referring to the end of the school year. We go day-to-day to watch those numbers. With the start of a new week, Cuomo chose to highlight statistics that showed a decelerating outbreak, saying he felt more confident the states hospital system would not be overwhelmed as earlier feared. We deserve some good news, he said. Lord knows. The Associated Press contributed to this report. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has left the hospital to continue his recovery at home from the coronavirus that saw him getting hospitalised for precautionary steps, then recovery in the intensive care, confirmed 10, Downing Street. "The PM has been discharged from the 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," 10, Downing Street said in a statement, as reported by CNN He first announced on March 26 that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and then admitted to the hospital on April 5. He was moved to an intensive care ward on April 6 where he underwent a recovery from the virus. He was then moved out of the intensive care ward on April 9 where he continued his recovery from the virus. The Prime Minister's fiancee Carrie Symonds in a series of tweets thanked the NHS healthcare workers for their service. She said: "I cannot thank our magnificent NHS enough. The staff at St Thomas' Hospital have been incredible. I will never, ever be able to repay you and I will never stop thanking you. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. Vineet Upadhyay By Express News Service DEHRADUN: An RTI query filed by a Kashipur-based activist has revealed that more than Rs 4700 crore of MPLAD funds have not been sanctioned in the last 6 years. The RTI reply revealed that a total Rs 4617 crore MPLAD funds have not been sanctioned from financial year 2014-15 to 2019-20 starting from the year Modi-led BJP government came in power. The MPLADS fund, worth Rs 5 crore per year paid in two instalments, can be utilised anywhere in the constituency of an elected MP. The instalments are released only after an MP is able to produce records of expenditure of previously allocated funds, RTI activist Nadeemudin said. Nadimuddin, RTI activist based in Kashipur town of Udham Singh Nagar district told The New Indian Express, "The reply from the union ministry of statistics and programme implementation provided me with links of the website of the department where all details are available." The reply also stated that since the financial year 2014-15, Rs 2587 crore remain tone sanctioned to members of the lower house of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Rs 2130 Crore to the members of the upper house (Rajya Sabha) of the Parliament. Interestingly, for ongoing financial year of 2019-20, 43% of the funds have been sanctioned till February 2020, states the RTI reply. Earlier, TNIE had reported that none of the five Lok Sabha MPs from Uttarakhand were able to completely utilise the funds allocated to them through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) till December 2019. In January, this year, the RTI reply by the same activist revealed that 503 Members of Parliament (out of total 543) from Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament of India ) including union home minister Amit Shah failed to furnish property details after getting elected for 17th Lok Sabha in May, 2019. According to Members of the Lok Sabha Declaration of Assets Rules 2004, every elected member should declare their property details within 90 days of their election. The RTI query was filed by Nadimuddin in Udham Singh Nagar district. The reply states the data until December 10, 2019. Budget carrier IndiGo on Saturday said one of its staff passed away due to coronavirus infection in Chennai. While the airline did not provide details, a source told PTI that the employee was an aircraft maintenance engineer and he passed away on Friday. The engineer was in his mid-50s and had been working with the carrier since 2006. He was posted in Chennai, the source said. For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here "We are extremely sorry and saddened by the demise of one of our beloved employees in Chennai due to infection of Covid 19 virus," an airline spokesperson told PTI on Saturday. This is possibly the first case of death of an aviation personnel due to coronavirus infection in the country. Track sate-wise confirmed coronavirus cases here "This is a heartbreaking moment for all of us at IndiGo and in this time of sorrow we stand with his family and request that we respect the privacy of our employee and his family," the spokesperson said. The number of infections in the country has crossed 8,000 and more than 260 people have died. The operator of a cruise ship that sailed off the coast of Argentina in the same week the deadly coronavirus was declared a global pandemic has been described as "immoral'' by Australian medical experts. Seventy per cent of the 112 passengers who stepped off a repatriation flight from Uruguay at Melbourne's airport on Sunday morning have tested positive for COVID-19. Baggage handlers clad in hazmat suits loaded suitcases at Melbourne Airport, while the Australian and New Zealander passengers who had been stranded on the Greg Mortimer luxury cruise for more than two weeks were assessed by medical staff at the airport. One passenger was taken to hospital and the others were sent directly to a 14-day quarantine in hotels, where they will receive daily medical checks. By Lambert Strether of Corrente To establish Post Offices and post Roads United States Constitution, Article I, Section 8 Fortunately, we didnt bail out the cruise industry. But were not bailing out the United States Post Office, either. From Fortune, USPS warns it might have to shutter by June as $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package provides no funding: Today, the Postal Service is just as essential: It delivers about 1 million lifesaving medications each year and serves as the only delivery link to Americans living in rural areas. Working with other delivery services like UPS, the agency supports $1.7 trillion in sales and 7.3 million private sector workers year, and this year will prove essential to delivering the 2020 Census to citizens as well as any vote-by-mail initiatives. The USPS is the federal governments most favorably viewed agency, with an approval rating of 90%. Yet once again, the USPS is in crisis mode. With a negative net worth of $65 billion and an additional $140 billion in unfunded liabilities, the USPS originally expected to run out of liquidity by 2021 without intervention. That has accelerated rapidly because of COVID-19. Fewer people and businesses are sending mail because of the outbreak, which could hasten the decline of the Postal Service and close its doors as early as June, officials warned. Readers will recall the neoliberal playbook: [1] Defund [or sabotage], [2] claim crisis, [3] call for privatization [4] profit! (rinse, repeat as necessary. We can see this happen with the VA here, and with the NHS in the UK. Fortunately for those who believe that the maiil is a public good, we in the United States, even in the current crisis, seem hung up between stage [3], call for privatization, and [4], profit! (And by invoking Betteridges Law with the headline, perhaps I have done my own little bit to keep things hung up.) In this post, Ill look at the initial act of sabotage (The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act), then at the prospects for privatization, and finally at the politics of a Post Office bailout in the midst of the corona virus crisis (which nobody wants to waste). Much of this material will be a refresher for long-time Naked Capitalism readers, since most of our posts on this to published in 2015, and newer readers may find it useful as well. The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act was a villainous piece of jobbery passed passed by a lame-duck Congress during the Bush administration. NC explained how the sabotage worked: That year, the Congress passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA). Under the terms of PAEA, the USPS was forced to prefund its future health care benefit payments to retirees for the next 75 years in an astonishing ten-year time span meaning that it had to put aside billions of dollars to pay for the health benefits of employees it hasnt even hired yet, something that no other government or private corporation is required to do.The problem with the Posts argument starts in its thesis: that the post office is in some sort of deep fiscal hole of its own making a result of being left behind in the Internet Age and a shrinking consumer base. The truth is that almost all of the postal services losses can be traced back to a single change in the law made by the Republican Congress in 2006. As consumer advocate Ralph Nader noted in 2011, if the prepayments required under PAEA were never enacted into law, the USPS would not have a net deficiency of nearly $20 billion, but instead be in the black by at least $1.5 billion. Remarkably, even one of the main sponsors of the 2006 legislation now agrees the pre-funding requirement was a bad idea. In 2014, a writer for the Roanoke Times reached out to former congressman Tom Davis, a Virginia Republican who today works for the accounting and consulting giant Deloitte. Though Davis agreed that the requirement was unwise, he said it was the cost of getting the bill through, noting that the Bush administration wanted to use the revenue to help balance the budget (note that the U.S. Postal Service doesnt actually use taxpayer dollars but does have implicit subsidies such as borrowing at a lower rate). The key point to notice in todays discourse, however, is that an oft-repeated liberal Democrat talking point blames the Act solely on Republicans (How George Bush broke the Post Office). It will, therefore, not surprise you to learn that the Act, which originated in the House, had a Democrat sponsor (the powerful Henry Waxman), and passed the House just like the bailout, and no doubt a similar reason on a voice vote. (I cant find the Senate vote.) A similar bill the previous year, which failed, passed the House 410-20. Step one of the neoliberal playbook was implemented in a thoroughly bipartisan fashion. To be fair, this year the House passed a measure to repeal the health care pre-funding measure, but lets remember the history when it comes time for the sausage to be made in the negotiations between the House, the Senate, and the Administration. (Mark Meadows, Trumps new chief-of-staff, is a Post Office privatizer.) Continued Efforts at Post Office Privatization The continuing Post Office privatization effort is documented in a report from Trumps Task Force on the United States Postal System, whose machinations are detailed at Naked Capitalism here: There are two key documents. The first is the administrations plan to reorganize the Federal Government: Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century Reform Plan and Reorganization Recommendations (for clarity, Ive edited out the talking points from the neoliberal playbook; primarily the pension obligations scam). From the Recommendations: USPS has extremely high fixed costs as a result of relatively generous employee benefits combined with a universal service obligation that is understood to require mail carriers to visit over 150 million addresses six days per week. A new model that adequately finances USPS while meeting the needs of rural and urban communities, large mailers, and small businesses is needed This proposal would restructure USPS by aligning revenues and expenses to restore a sustainable business model and possibly prepare it for future conversion from a Government agency into a privately-held corporation . USPS privatization through an initial public offering (IPO) or sale to another entity would require the implementation of significant reforms prior to sale to show a possible path to profitability To address these major issues and identify solutions, possibly including private ownership, the President has issued Executive Order 13829: Task Force on the United States Postal System. The Task Force will conduct a thorough evaluation of the operations and finances of the Postal Service and make recommendations for reform consistent with this reorganization proposal. In short form, the Post Office is to be fattened up for sale, but is not yet fat enough. The second key document is the Task Force report, United States Postal Service: A Sustainable Path Forward, to which alert reader cnchal directs us. Here are two paragraphs that should give you the flavor. From page 6: The USPS should explore new business opportunities that will allow it to extract value from its existing assets and business lines. For example, the USPS should explore licensing access to the mailbox and providing additional government services, such as licenses for hunting and fishing. The USPS could also capture additional value from its existing retail offices by converting post offices into contract post offices or by co-locating with or renting space to complementary retail establishments. However, given the USPSs narrow expertise and capital limitations, USPS should not pursue expanding into new sectors, such as postal banking, where the USPS does not have a demonstrated competency or comparative advantage, or where balance sheet risk would be added. This is very amusing. The USPS should license access to the mailbox (i.e., franchises), compete with WeWork (lol), or go into the real estate business (like DiFis husband). But on no account should the Post Office go into banking, even though it processes enormous amounts of cash, including money orders, and has all the bricks and mortar anyone could want for gen-u-wine, old-fashioned branches! Whats the matter, cant hire any banking executives who arent crooks to roll out the operation? And then on page 10: The [Universal Service Obligation (USO)] is a public policy that defines what citizens and businesses need from a government provided postal service, representing a mission statement for a countrys postal system. The generally accepted attributes for defining the USO include specifying the geographic coverage for postal delivery, frequency of delivery, processing standards, mode of delivery, range of required postal products, level of access to post offices, and rules for affordable postal rates. In the United States, the USO is not clearly defined. For the USPSs business model to achieve sustainability, the USO must be defined with greater specificity. The Task Force believes that the USO must distinguish between the types of mail and packages for which a United States Postal Service: A Sustainable Path Forward 5 strong social or macroeconomic rationale exists for government protection in the form of price caps and mandated delivery standards (essential services), versus those types of mail and packages that are commercial in nature, and therefore would not have a basis for government protection. This definition will provide the USPS and the PRC with a framework to sustainably manage pricing, costs, and products. The USO is so simply defined: It means that the Post Office delivers to any address in the country. This is amusing, too, since undermining the USO would destroy the Post Offices distinctive competence, both as an enterprise and politically (you can bet rural areas would lose out, which is one reason this might never fly). I think the bottom line for the purpose of bailout sausage-making is that immediate privatization will not become a subject of negotiation in the bailouts; the animal to be sold is not fattened up enough. The Politics of a Post Office Bailout Now to the politics of the Post Office in the bailouts. Well have to do a little disentangling. Common Dreams, With Postal Service on Verge of Collapse and 630,000 Jobs at Risk, Trump Slammed for Refusing to Act: President Donald Trump has thus far rejected the Postal Services requests. During a press briefing earlier this week, Trump urged USPS to simply raise the prices by, actually a lot. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), one of the most vocal critics of the Trump administrations refusal to assist USPS, said in a statement Thursday that we cannot allow the Postal Service to collapse. According to new reporting from the Washington Post on Saturday, Connollys accusation was correct. Trump threatened to veto the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act if the legislation contained any money directed to bail out the postal agency, according to a senior Trump administration official and congressional official, the Post reported. What Common Dreams leaves out is who, exactly, would bear the increased prices. Matt Yglesias, The debate over a post office bailout, explains: But the Trump administration also appears to be specifically hostile to the idea of a Postal Service bailout. Its distaste for a postal bailout merges ideological conservatives generic preference for postal privatization with the presidents specific hangup about the idea that USPS is giving Amazon a sweetheart deal on shipping. Most coverage of this controversy just skips over raising prices on Amazon, but to his credit, Yglesias goes into it. New York Magazines Josh Barro has dug into the substance of the parcel pricing controversy and finds that Trumps contention that the Postal Service could improve its financial situation by doubling what it charges Amazon is false. The key issue is that because of USPS universal service obligations, it cant drastically reduce its real estate footprint or the number of trucks it sends driving around the country. The reason it gives Amazon good rates is that the facilities its using would otherwise be half-empty . Thats an odd theory of pricing. Does Yglesias seriously believe that pricing is cost-driven, as opposed to using market power to stick it to a customer whenever possible? More: Raising prices without making any other operational changes could lead to Amazon looking elsewhere for delivery services, which would leave the post office in even more desperate financial circumstances. Really? Elsewhere where? The Post Offices Universal Service Obligation, combined with its monpoly, makes it the only entity suitable for last-mile delivery, to any address. Perhaps theres another reason for the reluctance to touch Amazon, and in fact Barro gives one: But if Trump succeeds, hell be hitting consumers in the process. According to eMarketer, about half of U.S. households have at least one member with an Amazon Prime membership, spending an average of $1,400 a year on products from the company. Adding about $1.50 to the delivery cost for each Amazon package would have a material affect on the Prime membership fee (currently $119 a year), product prices, or both . So? Here is how Prime membership maps to income: One might almost suspect that Amazon is untouchable in this debate because Amazon Prime memberships correlate directly to income. And if some lower income people drop Prime and go to Walmart, or better yet, whichever local retailer Walmart and Amazon between them havent strangled, is that so bad, really? In short, regardless of how Trump came to his views and is hating Jeff Bezos so bad, really? I dont see a prima facie reason why sticking it to Amazon isnt being fed into the sausage-making grinder. [1] And I doubt very much that rural Republicans will want to see the Post Office disappear from their towns; we still have Amtrak long distance travel, however degraded, for similar reasons. I could be wrong, because the crisis makes everything overly dynamic, but I think theres space for a deal. Personally, if I were a Democrat, Id start with a demand not only a Post Office bank, but for broadband especially rural broadband using Post Office real estate and billing where possible, and negotiate downward from there. Conclusion I want to highlight this wonderful thread on the Post Office from someone who delivers your mail: Okay, I've been with USPS for several years now, so here's my big dumb #SaveThePostOffice thread. I don't know how many tweets it's gonna take for me to ramble through my thoughts, so stick with me. Or don't, whatever. Dingus J McGee, ESQ* (@lildipshit3) April 10, 2020 It was nice, when I moved to Maine, to have as my carrier the man who also delivered books and manuscripts to my mother; and who went to the same church. Many millions have had a similar experience. Could be worth calling your Congress critter about, just to make sure their head is on straight. NOTES [1] There is also a view that Trump wants to destroy the prospect of Vote By Mail for November by destroying the Post Office. I think this assumes that Trump is pointlessly devious. To control the outcome of vote by mail, all you have do is control the tabulation. So far as I know I could be wrong none of the vote-by-mail proposals on offer prevent privatizing the count. Much simpler to buy a vendor or a programmer than to take the heat for destroying the Post Office. Nearly three months after the coronavirus emerged in the US, Trump's administration has a growing number of task forces, including one led by the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner, but there is still no clear cut plan of action to end the pandemic and reopen the country. The delayed response to the outbreak and chaos among the rotating task forces has caused President Donald Trump's approval rating to plummet to a six-month low of 43 percent, according to a Rasmussen Reports daily tracking poll. According to the Friday poll, among 500 likely voters, 56 percent disapproved of Trump's performance in office as he leads the nation in the midst of the outbreak. There are more than 550,000 cases of the COVID-19 across the country and over 21,000 deaths as of Sunday. On Friday the start of a new economic task force called 'Opening Our Country Council', led by President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, was announced to restart the country's economy. The Trump administration has multiple task forces, but no clear cut plan to end the coronavirus pandemic and reopen the country, nearly three months into the crisis Donald Trump's approval rating plummeted to six-month low of 43 percent Friday, according to the daily tracking poll by Rasmussen Reports Another group dubbed the 'doctors group' also started a couple weeks ago and consists of Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr Anthony Fauci, Brett P. Giroir, Surgeon General Jerome Adams, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn and CDC Director Robert Redfield. While all report to Vice President Mike Pence as he leads the helm of the Coronavirus Task Force there's still no clear cut plan to reopen the public as officials face bureaucratic hurdles and competing agendas. To start off Trump's administration has been heavily criticized for its delayed response to COVID-19. Today there is still no concrete plan for giving states vital medical supplies as many states compete among each other or ask the president for favors. New Hampshire is just one of the states complaining about the federal government's crumbling testing kit strategy. On Wednesday Governor Chris Sununu said the federal government hasn't sent enough medical supplies to run the 15 new Abbott mobile COVID-19 kits sent to the state. They came with just 120 single-use cartridges to perform the test, when twenty must be used to calibrate the machines and for training. The administration also has no plan for what happens If the death toll climbs again once people are allowed back to work or for a second wave of the virus, which many public health experts warn may happen. On Friday the start of a new economic task force called 'Opening Our Country Council', led by President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, was announced Public Health officials say that the steps to reopen the country are to have nationwide virus testing, serological test which allows the exposed who prove immune to the virus to return to work, and contact tracing. Another key is surveillance of nationwide testing to make sure numbers of cases and deaths are accurate to make informed decisions to move forward. The FDA anticipates to approve a serology test within the coming weeks, but they would only be at first available to essential workers like medics and food workers. To reopen the country Trump would have to have states' approval. Some states have shuttered school through the fall and many child-care facilities follow those schedules and governors across the nation have opposing views on the severity of the virus. '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,' Jack Chow, a former World Health Organization assistant director-general, said to the Washington Post. '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,' he added. 'Everything they're doing is responding to something that's already happened,'one unnamed former senior official said. 'Coordination from this White House has never been a particular strong suit.' As of Sunday morning there are over 534,000 cases of the virus across the country and over 20,000 deaths The Post conducted a report based of interviews with 22 senior administration officials, public health officials, and Republicans involved with the White House and found that most pronounced the biggest obstacle to the virus response is Trump himself. Advisers have had to scramble to dissuade the president from his spontaneous decisions such as his bid to reopen the country by Easter or to hail unproven drugs as miracle cures. Despite efforts to reopen the country, scientists are actively working on a vaccine but say it is expected to take at least a year. But Pence's chief of staff Marc Short says the administration is working to create conditions that will allow governors to restart commerce sooner than that. He says the administration expects therapeutics to combat the virus to be made available by fall. While Trump has fixated on hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug as a breakthrough in treating COVID-10, health experts say more study is needed to measure side effects. Some sources pointed out that the Situation Room for the crisis has turned into a 'Game of Thrones' where officials anticipate a daily seating chart and list of speakers. Coronavirus Task Force members (left to right) Dr. Anthony Fauci, coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx, Surgeon General Jerome Adams, and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn Some officials say the greatest obstacle to the virus is President Donald Trump himself However, Pence's staff is adamant that the task forces are not competing but all report up to Pence and the main task force. Some sources pointed out that the Situation Room for the crisis has turned into a 'Game of Thrones' where officials anticipate a daily seating chart and list of speakers. One senior official described it as a 'reality show drama', it's like 'Game of Thrones'. Those Situation Room meetings, sometimes attended by the president, last 60 to 90 minutes and include doctors, policy officials and communication aides including Hope Hicks. Some administration officials say the virus response has improved under Pence's leadership with more organized meetings and a responsive press team. U.S. Navy Sailors prepare to transport a patient arriving for medical treatment from an ambulance onto the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort in New York on April 9 Members of the National Guard communicate with individuals at a newly opened Coronavirus testing site in Brooklyn on April 11 Sgt. Alejandra Cabos has her temperature taken before entering the California National Guard Headquarters in Sacramento, California on April 10 However, there have been fights over where test should be sent, and modelling used to forecast the spread of the virus. In one meeting the president joined last month Trump wanted to understand why 'herd immunity', allowing the virus to spread unchecked assuming that those who survived COVID-1 would be immune, is a bad idea. 'Why don't we let this wash over the country,' Trump asked, two sources said. Dr. Anthony Fauci replied: 'Mr. President, many people will die.' Fauci doubled down on his comments to not reopen the country before the time is right in a Friday interview on CNN. '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. Hour later Trump said: 'I have a big decision coming up and I only hope to God that it's the right decision.' We have just confirmed the third case of #COVID19 in Delta State. The patient, a male, was diagnosed today in Asaba, our state capital and is currently being managed by our healthcare professionals in one of our isolation centers. Over the past five years, thousands of fishing boats in central Vietnam have returned to shore safe and sound thanks to weather updates broadcast live from a small radio station. DEDICATED: Diep is pictured with her handwritten notes on the weather conditions. Photo kenhthoitiet.vn Luong Thi Hong Lan, aka Ut Diep, a local in My Tan Village, Binh Son District in the central province of Quang Ngai, is the founder and sole operator of the special radio station. Attention please! The weather today is good, the wind is calm with nothing unusual to report on or offshore. This is a typical weather forecast broadcast by Diep via ICom. It's calm today, and the fishermen will be listening because now is about the time they head out to catch squid, she said. But the sea is not normally calm and peaceful like this. Unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions motivate the 44-year-old woman to team up with ICom in order to ensure her husbands safety while he's out at sea. Dieps husband, Bui Duc Thanh, is a boat owner who trades in squid in Binh Chanh Commune, where he has been a fisherman for over 20 years. Five years ago, the couple borrowed more than VND3 billion (US$129,000) from the bank to build a VND5.4-billion boat to expand their existing business. After that, she started to think of ways to help her husband. She decided to travel to HCM City to learn about weather forecasting, how to predict the cold air, rain, wind direction, storms or thunderstorms from a relative working in meteorology. She then started looking at weather forecasting pages from Vietnam, Japan, Hong Kong and the US, based on which she could draw her own weather predictions for up to 14 days. My father used to be a teacher. I was a good student from grade one to nine. I had to drop out of school due to my familys financial difficulties, she recalled. Returning home, Diep spent VND9 million ($386) to buy a laptop and another VND22 million ($945) to buy an ICom. As her house is located at the end of the village where the internet cable is out of reach, she has to use DCom 3G and pay for a monthly card to regularly access the forecasting pages. Diep has been an operator since then. At first, she only called her husband and about five ships from the communes fishing fleet via ICom. Gradually, other fishermen tuned into her broadcasting. Seeing other ships avoiding strong winds and storms after following her broadcasts, they asked for her phone number as well. When they return, they ask me when it will be safe to sail again. When I started forecasting the weather correctly, they kept calling me for updates, she recalled. Dieps channel has become familiar with fishermen who go deep-sea fishing off Quang Ngai Province, like a KOL on social networks. Fishermen from the vicinity who sell fish at Sa Ky Habour in Binh Chau Commune have also heard about her channel. The scale of her listeners has expanded from the central province of Khanh Hoa to the northern province of Hai Phong. Their names, ships and phone numbers are carefully recorded in her notebooks. According to fisherman Nguyen Van Dung, the information broadcast on Dieps channel three to five times a day helps offshore-fishing boats to stay up to date on the weather and send messages to shore. We will always remember and be grateful to her from the bottom of our hearts, he said. DOCKED: Thanks to weather forecasts broadcast on Diep's channel, many fishing boats in Quang Ngai Province return to shore safe and sound. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Van Sinh, a boat owner from Nghia An Commune, remembers a call from Diep a few months ago. She informed him that the conditions were perfect for a big school of fish before he reached the shore. He gave me a tuna that was so big it did not fit in my refrigerator, Diep said, smiling. By the end of last year, Dieps husbands boat and five others were dangerously close to Storm Nakri. After reviewing the forecast, she told her husband and the other boats to flee to the Philippines to avoid the storm before reporting to authorities in Quang Ngai Province. Over 131 fishermen later receive support from Vietnamese and local authorities in the Philippines for food and fuel to sail back to Vietnam. In the first two years, she contacted up to 5,000 fishermen via ICom and received hundreds of calls per day. According to Nguyen Thanh Tin, vice chairman of Binh Chanh Communes Peoples Committee, the commune now has 2,500 fishermen with 119 boats, 70 of which specialise in catching squid. The commune received investment from the State budget to build two ICom stations, offering support and rescue to local fishermen, which were managed by the local Fishing Trade Union. However, the equipment broke down many times so the stations stopped operating. The commune highly appreciates how Diep uses her familys ICom to inform her husband and other boats about the weather conditions at sea. It is not easy to find an individual who is so dedicated to the safety and welfare of the community, he said. Besides working as an operator without a salary, Diep also takes advantage of her free time to sew clothes to earn some cash, but she never forgets her broadcasting schedule. 7:30am, 2:30pm and 7:30pm is when I call my husband and whoever else is out there in need of help, she said. VNS Phuong Ha Vietnamese scientists work on first seasonal forecasting numerical model The risks from tropical typhoons for offshore fishermen and cargo vessels will fall if typhoons can be forecast 3-6 months in advance.v President Xi Jinping talks with a community worker at a community in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, March 10, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua] President encourages grassroots staff to continue anti-virus efforts in reply letter President Xi Jinping has called on community workers to continue their steadfast efforts to combat COVID-19 as communities remain an important line of defense against imported cases and a rebound of the outbreak in China. Xi made the remark in a letter of reply on Wednesday to community workers at a neighborhood which he visited last month during his inspection tour of Wuhan, the Chinese city hit hardest by the outbreak. During his visit he spoke with community workers, police officers, doctors, officials and volunteers at Donghu Xincheng residential community in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province. In his letter to the community workers, Xi said he was glad to know that life in Wuhan was gradually returning to normal. Wuhan has lifted its 76-day lockdown, but Xi cautioned against any slackening of epidemic prevention work. He noted that routine adoption of epidemic control measures should play a key role in these new circumstances. The city's urban and rural community workers have, together with other front-line workers, fought the virus regardless of the risks they faced, he said. Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that Party members and officials in communities took the lead in this battle. The widespread prevention and control measures adopted by the public fully reflected China's capability to win the people's war against the pandemic, Xi added. He urged the community workers to continue their efforts in containing the outbreak and serving the people wholeheartedly. Tao Jiudi is one of the community workers at Donghu Xincheng residential community who wrote to Xi. In the letter they invited him to return to Wuhan when it was possible to do so. "We hope General Secretary Xi can take a walk on our street, and taste Wuhan hot dry noodles and grain liquor after the pandemic," she said. Tao said she believed that all community workers across the country will feel the same encouragement and excitement that she did when reading Xi's letter of reply. Acting as the commander-in-chief in the "people's war" on the pandemic, Xi has said on various occasions that communities hold the key to curbing the spread of the virus and praised community workers for their important role in the battle. Since the start of the outbreak, about 4 million community workers have been working at the front line in 650,000 urban and rural communities nationwide, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. They are responsible for monitoring the outbreak, controlling access to their communities, education campaigns to increase public awareness of the virus and helping disadvantaged residents. Mao Zongfu, director of Wuhan University's Global Health Institute, told China Youth Daily that community-based pandemic control was an important factor in combating COVID-19 in Wuhan as the community level is a weak point in preventing diseases and treating patients. A comprehensive mechanism should be established to prevent major disease outbreaks in cities and communities, Mao said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 09:15:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARBIN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Saturday reported two new confirmed COVID-19 cases transmitted locally and 21 new confirmed cases from overseas, the provincial health commission said Sunday. All the new imported cases were Chinese nationals returning from Russia. Of them, 14 were previously asymptomatic cases, according to the commission. By Saturday, the province had reported a total of 198 confirmed imported COVID-19 cases. Among them, one patient has been discharged from hospital after recovery. It had traced 1,793 close contacts, with 1,370 still under medical observation. On Saturday, Heilongjiang reported five new imported asymptomatic carriers, all of them Chinese nationals returning from Russia, bringing the tally of imported asymptomatic cases in the province to 137 by Saturday. By Elena Rodriguez and Graham Keeley MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Sunday any further loosening of the country's lockdown restrictions would depend on more progress in the fight against the coronavirus, a day before some companies plan to reopen their doors. The country's overnight death toll from the infection rose for the first time in three days on Sunday, to 619, health ministry data showed, bringing the cumulative toll to 16,972. Confirmed cases increased by around 2.6% to 166,019. Tough lockdown measures have helped bring down a spiralling death rate that reached its peak in early April. New deaths reported on Saturday were the lowest in 19 days while the increase of confirmed cases has roughly halved from a week ago. "We are still far from victory, from the moment when we can pick up our normal lives again, but we have made the first decisive steps in the path towards victory," Sanchez said at a news conference. The government plans on Monday to revert to the less strict curbs in force up to March 27, allowing some businesses that cannot work remotely, including construction and manufacturing, to reopen, and triggering concerns of a resurgence. Catalan leader Quim Torra described the decision to restart these sectors as irresponsible and reckless. "The risk of a new outbreak and a second lockdown is enormous," he said at a news conference. Sanchez told reporters the decision to restart some sectors of the economy was taken after consulting a committee of scientific experts and any further winding down would depend on gains made against the virus. "If that doesn't happen, I want to be very clear, we will maintain or reinforce the restrictions." Miguel Angel Carrasco, 56, a television producer who works for Canal Sur in Seville, will return to work on Monday after weeks away from his job. "On one hand I am keen to get back to work because I have been stuck at home not able to report on what is going on. But on the other, I am worried about catching the virus," he told Reuters, adding that his employer had not provided face masks. Story continues TOURISM HIT HARD European Central Bank Vice-President Luis de Guindos said Spain's reliance on tourism would likely leave it exposed to a worse recession than the rest of Europe. The coronavirus is weighing heavily on the Spanish economy, with some 900,000 jobs lost since mid-March. "We're talking about the worst economic situation since the (1936-39 Spanish) Civil War," the former Spanish economy minister said in an interview with the La Vanguardia newspaper. Industry Minister Maria Reyes Maroto said the tourism sector would be slow to recover and measures to prevent the spread of the virus, such as hand-washing and social distancing, would have to continue, even on the beach. Traditional festivals have also been disrupted by the epidemic. At the Santa Maria de Cana church on the outskirts of Madrid, a video camera set up in front of the altar allowed priest Fernando del Moral to stream the Easter mass to his congregation via Youtube. Just seven people attended the service, which last year drew a congregation of some 1,800, del Moral said. "It's a strange feeling not only because it's empty but because of what each person means," he said. (Reporting by Graham Keeley, Elena Rodriguez, Michael Gore and Joan Faus; writing by Nathan Allen; editing by Andrei Khalip and Philippa Fletcher) The global coronavirus pandemic has now infected more than 1.7 million people worldwide and an estimated 100,000 deaths have been recorded. In the UK nearly 80,000 people have been confirmed to have caught the disease and 9,875 people have died the fifth highest national number globally. As the virus continues to cause chaos around the world, heres your daily briefing of recent news items you may have missed. US surpasses Italy for most recorded deaths due to virus The US has surpassed Italy as the country with the greatest number of confirmed deaths from Covid-19, with more than 20,000 fatalities. The Johns Hopkins University count put US deaths at 20,254, with Italy at 18,849. The university says the US has more known infections than any other country, with 503,594, followed by Spain on 161,852 and Italy with 147,577. More than 2,000 Americans died on Friday, the single biggest death toll that any country has yet seen. Read the full story here. UK Parliament to return after Easter Parliament will return after the Easter recess, the government confirmed on Sunday, a day after cross-party calls for the immediate recall of the house. Whitehall sources said all options were being considered for parliaments return. A spokeswoman for Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the House, added: Parliament will return on 21 April to fulfil its essential constitutional functions of conducting scrutiny, authorising spending and making laws. In these unprecedented times, technological solutions have already been implemented for select committee and options are being prepared for the Speaker, the government and other parties to consider next week. Parliament has a responsibility to put questions to ministers at this time of national crisis, Sir Keir Starmer wrote in a letter to Mr Rees-Mogg. Read the full report here. Priti Patel sorry if people feel government has failed on PPE On Saturday evening cabinet minister Priti Patel said she was sorry if people feel there have been failings in the governments supply of PPE (personal 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. Read the full story here. UK pledges 200m to WHO to help halt Covid-19 in vulnerable countries Britain said on Sunday it was pledging 200 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and charities to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in vulnerable countries and so help prevent a second wave of infections. Infections have been reported in 210 countries since the first cases were identified in China in December last year and British aid minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said assisting the poorest nations now would help prevent the virus returning to the United Kingdom. While our brilliant doctors and nurses fight coronavirus at home, were deploying British expertise and funding around the world to prevent a second deadly wave reaching the UK, Trevelyan said in a statement. Coronavirus does not respect country borders so our ability to protect the British public will only be effective if we strengthen the healthcare systems of vulnerable developing countries too. Russia reports largest increase in cases On Sunday Russia reported 2,186 new coronavirus cases, the largest daily increase since the start of the outbreak, bringing the national tally of confirmed cases to 15,770. The number of coronavirus-related deaths rose by 24 to 130, the Russian coronavirus crisis response centre said. Mexico allows drive-through confessions for Easter weekend Priests in Mexico are offering drive-through confessions over Easter as churches remain closed during the coronavirus crisis. Catholic priests in the seaside resort of Acapulco, in the south of the country, have been hearing confession from the side of the road in the days leading up to Easter Sunday. There have so far been 4,219 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Mexico, including 273 deaths. Read The Independents report here. UK crime falls by more than 20% during lockdown 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. Read the full story here. Dont book summer holidays, says EU The head of the European Unions executive branch has recommended people hold off on booking summer holidays for now, pointing to uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Most planes are currently grounded and many countries have put in place wide-ranging travel restrictions. Some nations are considering first steps out of weeks-long shutdowns of public life but much of Europe is at a near-standstill. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Germanys Bild am Sonntag newspaper she would advise waiting with such plans. She added in an interview that no one can make reliable forecasts for July and August at the moment. (PA) Recommended Tom Hanks makes first TV appearance after coronavirus diagnosis Japan warns of medical collapse as services stretched Japanese healthcare facilities are getting stretched thin amid a surge in coronavirus patients. Workers groups the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine and the Japanese Society for Emergency Medicine issued a joint statement warning about a collapse of emergency medicine, which may lead to the collapse of medicine overall. The statement said many hospitals were turning away people brought by ambulance, including those suffering strokes, heart attacks and external injuries. Some who were turned away later turned out to have the coronavirus. Masks and surgical gowns were running short, the statement said. Japan has nearly 7,000 coronavirus cases and about 100 deaths, but the numbers are growing. The government has declared a state of emergency, asking people to stay at home. (PA) Labour calls for inquiry into disproportionate number of ethnic minority deaths 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. Read The Independents report here. Israel tightens quarantine measures The Israeli government has approved a tight quarantine of several areas of Jerusalem, including the historic Old City, in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus in the citys most susceptible areas. A ministerial committee approved the shutting down of movement in and out of several predominantly ultra-Orthodox areas of the city in order to contain the disease that has already resulted in over 100 deaths in Israel and almost 6,000 around the Middle East, the vast majority in Iran. The measure faced resistance from ultra-Orthodox ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government who rejected singling out their constituency. Israels health ministry has documented over 10,000 cases of coronavirus and over 100 deaths. Roughly a fifth of all cases in Israel are in Jerusalem, the ministry said. A large percentage of the Covid-19 cases are in the countrys largely insular ultra-Orthodox community, which for weeks did not adhere to government orders to maintain social distancing. (PA) Rare fin whales swim close to Marseille as lockdown curbs human activity The worlds second-largest mammal took advantage of the absence of human bustle and noise around major city to make a very rare appearance. Two fin whales were spotted near Marseille, southern France, which, like almost all of Europe, is in lockdown during the coronavirus crisis. A sea patrol filmed the pair powering through the waters off the Calanques national park, a protected reserve of outstanding natural beauty. Read the full story here. Tom Hanks makes first TV appearance after testing positive for coronavirus Actor Tom Hanks surprised US television viewers by appearing as the host of a special edition of the programme Saturday Night Live. It was his first appearance on the television since he and his wife Rita tested positive for coronavirus last month. Its a strange time to try to be funny, said Hanks. Read the full write-up here. U.S. starts to quantify undetected cases, Chinese mainland reports 42 new imported cases People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:17, April 11, 2020 BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The world is now in a battle against COVID-19, a disease caused by a previously unknown coronavirus that has spread to over 200 countries and regions. The following are the updates on the contagious disease. - - - - WASHINGTON -- 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, according to a release of the NIH on Friday. The presence of antibodies in the blood indicates a prior infection. In this "serosurvey," researchers will collect and analyze blood samples from as many as 10,000 volunteers to provide critical data for epidemiological models, said the NIH. - - - - BEIJING -- The Chinese mainland reported 42 new imported cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Friday, bringing the total number of imported cases to 1,183, the National Health Commission said Saturday. The mainland also reported eight new suspected cases Friday, all imported, the commission said in its daily report. - - - - BERLIN -- A new regulation stating that returned travelers have to go into two-week home quarantine entered into force in Germany on Friday with several thousand people at Frankfurt Airport affected on the first day of the regulation, according to a report by the German Press Agency (dpa). Returned travelers are required to go straight to home quarantine and report to their local health department. But truck drivers, commuters or people who have been abroad for less than 24 hours are exempt from the quarantine order, according to the new regulation. - - - - LISBON -- The Portuguese government will reactivate national economy with the Eurogroup's around half a trillion euro-financial aid package, a government official pledged on Friday. In an interview with TSF, one of the main Portuguese radio stations, Portuguese Secretary of State for Finance Ricardo Mourinho Felix said that Portugal will make money available and will not use it as an excuse to curb public spending. - - - - ANKARA -- Turkish medical representatives and some senior experts from China's Hunan Province on Friday held a video meeting to discuss measures to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak. Emine Alp Mese, deputy health minister of Turkey, and 15 other medical specialists consulted the Chinese experts on the ways to diagnose, the treatment of patients, the medical observation of the recovered, the management of patients without symptoms and the protection of hospital staff. - - - - NEW YORK -- 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. - - - - GENEVA -- The World Health Organization (WHO) noticed a "welcome slowing" of COVID-19 infections in some of hardest-hit countries in Europe, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday. "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," the WHO chief told a regular press briefing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address (Natural News) Black lives dont seem to matter that much to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), which new research has found disproportionately impacts African Americans in terms of higher infection and death rates. Though the data is still considered to be early and incomplete, the latest figures show that, despite their relatively small percentage of the United States population, black people are getting sick and dying from the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) much more often than people with different colored skin. In Illinois, for instance, about 30 percent of the states known cases of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) are in black people, while black people comprise a whopping 40 percent of all coronavirus-related deaths in the Land of Lincoln. Meanwhile, blacks only make up about 14.6 percent of the Illinois population. Similar figures are being reported in Michigan, with 40 percent of all deaths attributed to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) occurring in black people, which make up only 14 percent of the states population. Again, the data remains limited, especially since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is keeping official track of the numbers, isnt even publicly reporting data on the race and ethnicities of infected patients. But what has been released by individual states thus far is telling. Because we dont have broad access to testing, we dont actually know how many people are infected in the U.S., says Dr. Jeffrey Levi, a professor of public health at The George Washington University. We only have accurate data on who is actually getting hospitalized. Be sure to listen below to The Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about how deaths from the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) are actually censorship deaths: Democrats like Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris are demanding that complete data on coronavirus infections gets collected and published In a letter they wrote to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) head Alex Azar late last month, former Democratic presidential hopefuls Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris urged his agency to ensure that all cases of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) get identified and published for the world to see, not just those that require hospitalization. Complete data would more than likely illustrate even further the disparity in how the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting black lives compared to how its affecting everybody else. A pandemic just magnifies the disparities in healthcare that many communities of color face, stated Dr. Summer Johnson McGee, dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of New Haven, attempting to politicize the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) in terms of race. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has been withholding certain information from the public, people with preexisting health conditions such as asthma and other chronic lung disorders, diabetes, and heart disease are already more susceptible to developing illnesses of any kind, including those prompted by the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). And as it turns out, black people are apparently sicker with these kinds of things, so the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) is ravaging their communities more so than others. We know this data is being recorded and not released to the public, insists Kristen Clarke, executive director of the National Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, who believes that race data is essential information for government officials to have so they can divvy up federal, state and city resources fairly. They must release that data to help shape an equitable response to the pandemic. In the United States, the number of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases has breached 350,000, with about 10,000 deaths and counting. The U.S. officially also now has the highest number of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with almost twice the numbers being reported in both Spain and Italy. More of the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) is available at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: News.Trust.org NaturalNews.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) The city of Manila is now ready to conduct localized mass targeted testing for COVID-19, with the Philippine capital capable of conducting more than 1,000 swab tests weekly. Six district hospitals and the Delpan quarantine facility can take 232 tests a day, totaling 1,624 tests per week. Other hospitals that can conduct COVID-19 swab tests are Ospital ng Maynila, Sta. Ana Hospital, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Sampaloc, and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital. All swab tests will either be processed by the Department of Healths Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM) and the University of the Philippines Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). The citys public information arm said Manila has so far conducted 934 swab tests, with Santa Ana Hospital accounting for the bulk of this, with 451 tests conducted so far. Aside from Manila City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Pasig City, and Cavite have initiated their own mass testing efforts. COVID-19 response chief implementer Carlito Galvez described Sunday the planned aggressive testing as a game changer as it would be the key to the governments plan to identify COVID-19 patients, isolate and treat them. Hindi tayo makakaahon sa enhanced community quarantine hannggat hindi tayo magkakaroon ng targeted testing, Galvez said. [Translation: We wont be able to come out of an enhanced community quarantine until weve had targeted testing.] The death toll due to COVID-19 in the Philippines nears 300, as the country reported a spike in fatalities due to the viral disease on Sunday. The Health Department reported 50 new deaths due to COVID-19 in its 4 p.m. bulletin on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 297. The department reported 220 new cases of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, bringing the total number of those who have been infected to 4,648. Meanwhile, the number of people who have recovered from the viral disease has reached 197, with the Health Department reporting 40 more who have survived COVID-19. So many businesses are rushing to get loans through a special Small Business Administration coronavirus relief program that some banks are struggling to keep up. We got thousands of applications, said Dan Fitzpatrick, president of Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, which normally processed a few hundreds SBA loans a month. The $350 billion Payroll Protection Program is part of the $2.2 trillion economic rescue package President Donald Trump signed into law late last month. I have to applaud the government for moving swiftly with this program. This really helps, said Amol R. Kohli, president of the Cherry Hill, N.J., restaurant development and management company AARK Enterprises. Kohli said he doesnt need the maximum $10 million loan allowed under PPP only enough to keep key staff on payroll at 17 Friendlys restaurants in Philadelphia, South Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Florida during April and May until he hopes he can re-establish sit-down service. He had to close three mall stores entirely, but said most of his landlords have been willing to work with us until the PPP money arrives to keep 14 restaurants open with small crews providing takeout, typically at less than 20% of normal sales. The loan, under PPP rules, will be forgivable covered by U.S. taxpayers if Kohli spends the money on worker pay and occupancy costs. The new program required a new all-electronic system to speed the loans. Fitzpatrick said major lenders and the SBA had to build online systems in just one week. The two page application is very straightforward, Fitzpatrick said. But they are also asking for pretty significant amounts of tax records. So we are getting some applications in with five electronic attachments. As you can imagine, keeping it organized is a big undertaking. And we need to get it right. ADP, Paychex and other automated payroll systems are expanding their own software to make it easier for small employers to collect PPP records, Fitzpatrick said. Like many banks, Wilmington-based WSFS Bank is currently targeting PPP applications to its current business customers. WSFS reported a high volume of applications Monday from its largely Pennsylvania- and Delaware-based clients. We have lots of interest from small businesses we serve. Theyre our first priority, said Candice Caruso, director of government guaranteed lending at WSFS. We launched today and are actively entering applications as we receive them, Caruso said Monday. All of our customers are directed to our website and we have gotten loan confirmations, she said. Not everyone qualifies. Gus Drakopoulos is disappointed: The operator of the V-Lounge gentlemans club near Philadelphia International Airport, Drakopoulos hoped for PPP money. But the banks are taking the position that, because we are in the adult night club business, that we are not eligible for this loan, he said. (Banks are taking a similar stance against backing marijuana-related businesses, a lender said.) Drakopoulos said PPP lenders are relying on a 1990s-era SBA exclusion for businesses that are of prurient sexual nature. Those are old rules, and shouldnt apply to his 35 employees, who had hoped to expand into the next-door Sin City club this month. Donald Trump said this is a relief package especially for the hospitality industry, Drakopoulos said. My employers are bartenders, waitresses, waiters, bar-backs, line cooks, busboys, managers, assistant managers. He has no plans to have taxpayers compensate dancers: Performers at the club are independent contractors, he said. His lawyer, Bradley J. Shafer, of Lansing, Mich., has produced a letter citing Supreme Court decisions defining prurient as shameful or morbid and unhealthy, which Drakopoulos says doesnt apply to his club. We serve chicken wings, salmon, burgers, Drakopoulos said. We were set to expand on April 22 to the new place. But this epidemic is setting everything backwards. Wells Fargo opened and swiftly closed its own online portal for Small Business Administration loans, saying the giant bank maxed out at its target of $10 billion in commitments already. Some bank websites are either crashing due to high demand or arent yet functioning. A weekend survey of Businesses for Responsible Tax Reforms small business network found that most respondents tried to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan Friday, the day the program went live. But the majority were not able to submit an application because lenders were waiting for further program guidance from the federal government and were unprepared. About one-fifth, or 21% of the more than 500 respondents, said they can wait only a week for loans to arrive before their business fails. A full 75% said they can wait for a month or less before their business fails. Grant Geiger, founder of EIR Healthcare in Center City, applied for a PPP loan on Friday with Wells Fargo. We have a local banker, he was open to communication, he said. But he had no idea what to do with our application. I dont really blame Wells, theyve tried their best. EIR submitted an indication of interest for the roughly $100,000 loan to cover payroll, but not a formal application yet. EIRs revenues were on track for $6 million this year, and it has seven employees in Philadelphia. They said theyd get back to us in a few days, Geiger said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Last week was National Public Health Week. The importance of public health to our community and nations well-being has never more evident in our lifetime. The New Mexico Public Health Association (NMPHA) has been working since its inception over a century ago to strengthen our states public health system and to address health equity issues, including racism, poverty and other social determinants of health. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely follow all-too-familiar lines, with its impact hitting marginalized communities already facing discrimination the hardest. People experiencing homelessness or living in cramped quarters cannot easily maintain physical distance and may experience even greater difficulty obtaining needed food and health care. Intimate partner violence and child abuse will increase due to the mounting stresses and strains on families and relationships. With schools closed and children stuck at home with few outlets for activity or learning, conditions are ripe for more violence and trauma. And we cannot forget hunger. Before the pandemic, many people in New Mexico suffered from food insecurity, and a lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables; now, despite community and school efforts to meet the needs of children, adults and seniors, hunger sits at many doors. With more businesses shut down and people laid off from work, homelessness, abuse, hunger and poverty will worsen. When the economy crashes, those with the fewest resources need a stronger safety net and more support to survive. As public health professionals, we are committed to imagining and fighting for that safety net and support. We know that action is needed and we cannot act alone. NMPHA will be working with community allies as the impact of COVID-19 ravages our state to build a stronger safety net built on equity. We call on Governor Lujan Grisham and our state legislators to: Pass emergency paid sick leave. Ensure everyone has access to safe quarantine. Enact an enforceable moratorium on evictions, foreclosures and termination of public benefits. Ensure everyone has safe access to health care, including testing and treatment for COVID-19, without financial barriers. Release people vulnerable to COVID-19 and those who do not pose a physical bodily threat from prisons and jails, and free all who are being held in ICE detention centers. We call on New Mexicos political leaders to act immediately on these urgent policy recommendations as peoples health and lives are in the balance. We are monitoring movement on these policies and collaborating with allies to ensure they are enacted. Looking ahead, NMPHA will continue doing everything it can to advocate for policy solutions to ease the suffering of marginalized communities affected by this public health emergency. We also hold the vision that the lessons learned from this crisis will lead to long-term policies that move our state and nation toward greater equity and justice, including: universal health care; paid family leave; affordable and healthy housing and food; an end to the era of mass incarceration; and greater public benefits to eliminate poverty. Please join us in working toward this vision. Shelley Mann-Lev and Justin Garoutte are policy co-chairs of the New Mexico Public Health Association. Heeding the call by party chief J P Nadda to reach out to the poor during the ongoing lockdown, various BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu are feeding many needy through the 'Modi Kitchens' initiative. The state's first Modi kitchen was launched on March 30 in Coimbatore by party's state general secretary Vanathi Srinivasan and it caters to about 500 people. Follow latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic here Senior party leader and former MP C P Radhakrishnan keeps alive two kitchens in Coimbatore and Tiruppur in westernTamil Nadu to feed 1,000 persons totally, while Meena Dev runs a similar kitchen in Nagercoil to provide food to 500 individuals daily. "Our party leader (Nadda) has asked us to take care of the poor, especially those who can't afford their daily meals. So, depending on our individual resources, we have pooled in manpower and sourced groceries to prepare food through the Modi kitchens and deliver it at people's doorsteps," Radhakrishnan told PTI. The joy of M V Sasidharan, BJP's Tiruvallur district general secretary knew no bounds when Nadda called him two days ago to enquire about his well-being. "Are you safe? Is your family safe?" the BJP chief enquired about Sasidharan, one of the many party functionaries who are operating Modi Kitchens. In his district neighbouring Chennai, Sasidharan was instrumental in setting up 13 such kitchens. "Naddaji asked all of us to help the people without risking our lives," he said, adding "the very question of our survival is at stake. We should ensure the coronavirus doesn't spread." The beneficiaries of the initiative are happy that the ruling party at the Centre is reaching out to them in such difficult times. Kans Ram, a construction worker stranded in Maduravoyal near the city, said the BJP functionaires initially gave them cooked food, but on request later provided dry ration. "We sought rice and vegetables as we have facilities to cook. They (BJP members) were not rigid. Also Read: Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases, deaths They obliged and gave us rice bags, onion, tomatoes and potatoes for us to cook our own food," he said. Now they have five days' stock to manage. Gomathy, a small time flower vendor in Velachery said: "With no business and no money to buy rice, the Modi kitchen has enabled my family of three to get decent food daily." The party even responded to a request from an attendant at a hospital on Egmore High Road. "As I could not step out of the hospital leaving my father alone, I requested help from local BJP members, who responded by delivering us food," said Krishnan. Besides the Modi Kitchen, the Tamil Nadu government's flagship Amma Canteens, low cost eateries catering to the needy and poor, have turned out to be much sought after ones. The highly subsidised Amma Canteens, run by the civic bodies, have been receiving a steady trickle of high profile visitors in recent days, including Chief Minister K Palaniswami. The Chief Minister visited a canteen here and tasted the food to instill confidence among the people that the fare provided through the canteens are hygienic, prompting his cabinet colleagues to follow suit and visit the eateries in their respective constituencies. State ministers visited the Amma Canteens to encourage the people to buy the subsidised food, as restaurants and hotels have also been closed due to the curfew. To the annoyance of some shareholders, Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) shares are down a considerable 36% in the last month. That drop has capped off a tough year for shareholders, with the share price down 58% in that time. Assuming nothing else has changed, a lower share price makes a stock more attractive to potential buyers. In the long term, share prices tend to follow earnings per share, but in the short term prices bounce around in response to short term factors (which are not always obvious). So, on certain occasions, long term focussed investors try to take advantage of pessimistic expectations to buy shares at a better price. Perhaps the simplest way to get a read on investors' expectations of a business is to look at its Price to Earnings Ratio (PE Ratio). A high P/E implies that investors have high expectations of what a company can achieve compared to a company with a low P/E ratio. Check out our latest analysis for Delta Air Lines How Does Delta Air Lines's P/E Ratio Compare To Its Peers? We can tell from its P/E ratio of 3.33 that sentiment around Delta Air Lines isn't particularly high. If you look at the image below, you can see Delta Air Lines has a lower P/E than the average (3.9) in the airlines industry classification. NYSE:DAL Price Estimation Relative to Market April 12th 2020 Its relatively low P/E ratio indicates that Delta Air Lines shareholders think it will struggle to do as well as other companies in its industry classification. While current expectations are low, the stock could be undervalued if the situation is better than the market assumes. If you consider the stock interesting, further research is recommended. For example, I often monitor director buying and selling. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios Probably the most important factor in determining what P/E a company trades on is the earnings growth. Earnings growth means that in the future the 'E' will be higher. And in that case, the P/E ratio itself will drop rather quickly. And as that P/E ratio drops, the company will look cheap, unless its share price increases. Story continues Delta Air Lines increased earnings per share by a whopping 29% last year. And earnings per share have improved by 56% annually, over the last five years. So we'd generally expect it to have a relatively high P/E ratio. Remember: P/E Ratios Don't Consider The Balance Sheet One drawback of using a P/E ratio is that it considers market capitalization, but not the balance sheet. That means it doesn't take debt or cash into account. The exact same company would hypothetically deserve a higher P/E ratio if it had a strong balance sheet, than if it had a weak one with lots of debt, because a cashed up company can spend on growth. Such spending might be good or bad, overall, but the key point here is that you need to look at debt to understand the P/E ratio in context. So What Does Delta Air Lines's Balance Sheet Tell Us? Net debt totals 51% of Delta Air Lines's market cap. This is a reasonably significant level of debt -- all else being equal you'd expect a much lower P/E than if it had net cash. The Verdict On Delta Air Lines's P/E Ratio Delta Air Lines has a P/E of 3.3. That's below the average in the US market, which is 14.0. While the EPS growth last year was strong, the significant debt levels reduce the number of options available to management. If it continues to grow, then the current low P/E may prove to be unjustified. Given Delta Air Lines's P/E ratio has declined from 5.2 to 3.3 in the last month, we know for sure that the market is more worried about the business today, than it was back then. For those who prefer to invest with the flow of momentum, that might be a bad sign, but for deep value investors this stock might justify some research. Investors have an opportunity when market expectations about a stock are wrong. If it is underestimating a company, investors can make money by buying and holding the shares until the market corrects itself. So this free visualization of the analyst consensus on future earnings could help you make the right decision about whether to buy, sell, or hold. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking at a few good candidates. So take a peek at this free list of companies with modest (or no) debt, trading on a P/E below 20. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Closing courts for long due to the coronavirus pandemic is a "self-destructive idea", senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi has said in a letter to the Chief Justice of India and Supreme Court judges and also suggested how courts can function respecting social-distancing norms. He suggested that all courts can sit with 25 cases and no client should be allowed in the court. "Closing courts for long is a self-destructive idea. Courts are sentinels of fundamental rights. There are backlogs. Vital interests of the people are involved and the cases are in quarantine. Video conferencing is like putting the court in ICU on oxygen. So how do we go about to restore a slightly better functioning," the lawyer wrote to CJI Justice S A Bobde on Saturday. He has suggested that judges and lawyers wear masks as well as gloves and as judges sit on the dais, they are separated from lawyers by a good distance. They themselves can sit five feet apart, he suggested. "All courts sit with 25 cases each. On hearing days 5 cases and 5 final disposals. Employees can be divided into two groups, each working for a week. They can be tested beorefhand and sanitized. Very few employees should approach the judges. Preferably not more than 2. Cases should be further divided hourly basis. 5 cases per hour. So lawyers in court are few. "For Every case only 2 seniors with one junior should be allowed entry. No client should be allowed in court. Lawyers must leave court once their case is over. Their clerk too. Filing can be by internet only. No intern should be allowed. In my view with suitable changes this scheme can work with safety," he wrote adding that all lawyers chamber, canteens and library may remain closed. Dwivedi said that keeping the Supreme Court closed or in conference mode for long may not be in national interest. "With little functioning of the court the checks and balances is absent. Amidst the pandemic war the Apex court must remain Awake to the maximum extent possible," he said in his letter sent through the Supreme Court Registrar. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Saturday had appealed to the CJI and his companion judges to declare cancellation of summer vacation and treat it as working period of the apex court in the larger interest of the litigants and interest of Justice in view of ongoing nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The lawyers' body said that now that the first phase of lockdown is drawing to an end on April 14, 2020, and there is a strong possibility of similar or varying restrictions continuing thereafter, it believes that it is time for the Chief Justice of India and the companion Judges to take further proactive measures. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Haryana, particularly the four national capital region districts, has thrown an unprecedented challenge before the health authorities in the state. Additional chief secretary, health, Rajeev Arora speaks to HTs Hitender Rao about the state governments strategy, growth trajectory and prospects of flattening the coronavirus curve. Excerpts: How do you see the current situation in Haryana including the growth trajectory of the virus? If you look at the number of coronavirus positive cases till March 31, we only had 29. As of today, if we discount the 107 coronavirus positive Tablighi Jamaat missionaries, we stand at 32 positive cases. To that extent, the new cases added to our inventory were the Jamaatis. But Jamaatis are now also a part of Haryanas population. Is that not a sign of concern? Certainly. There was a surge in the number of cases after we started testing the Tablighis. We did intensive sampling of the Jamaati groups and their contacts. In fact, we had conducted less than 800 tests till March 31. Mainly, people who had travelled overseas or those who came in their contact were tested. But in the last 10 days we have tested 3,600 people and those tested are mainly Jamaati. How do you see the curve from here? What are the prospects of its bending? In the last two days, the number of positive cases have dipped again. Our civil surgeons are of the view that the cases may peak again as 10-12 individuals are suspected of having Covid-19. However, it is encouraging that 116 samples collected from Jamaatis were found negative. That indicates that stringent containment where habitations have been isolated in hotspots has worked. So, I am optimistic that we are on the right track. Whats the strategy of the state government to bend the curve? Intensive testing and isolation of habitations will be the key to contain the spread. We have intensified PCR testing (real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test (rRT-PCR) in hotspots of Nuh, Palwal, Gurugram and Faridabad districts. The frequency of rRT-PCR in hotspots is 450-500 tests per day and 100-125 in low Covid incidence districts. How well is the testing going to get intensified? What about the rapid antibody tests recommended by ICMR? We will use rRT-PCR testing on 6,500 samples before April 14. The purchase committee has placed orders to buy around 1.10 lakh rapid test kits for blood-based testing to screen large numbers in hotspots. We are expecting the delivery of rapid test kits within a week. How far will the rapid antibody tests help in containing the spread? The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines on rapid tests say that it should not be done indiscriminately. So we will use rapid tests in the hotspots and containment zones, where a high number of positive cases are detected, and in large migration gatherings, and evacuee centres. All symptomatic influenza-like illness (ILI) persons having fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose will be tested in the hotspots. The blood-based rapid antibody test gives an indication whether the person needs further testing. There are allegations of absenteeism in the health department and hospitals? This is not correct. Much of our healthcare staff is deputed in mobile teams. We have cut down non-essential surgeries and procedures in hospitals to reduce the chances of infections and are concentrating on Covid-19. That health staff is also being used at a number of other places to combat Covid-19. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Coronavirus: What you need to read Coronavirus maps: Cases and deaths in the U.S. | Cases and deaths worldwide Vaccines: Tracker by state | Booster shots | For kids 5 to 11 | Guidance for vaccinated people | How long does immunity last? | County-level vaccine data What you need to know: Omicron variant | Breakthrough infections | Symptoms guide | Masks FAQ | Delta variant | Other variants | Follow all of our coverage and sign up for our free newsletter Impact of the pandemic: Supply chain | Education | Housing Got a pandemic question? We answer one every day in our coronavirus newsletter A 56-year-old assistant-sub inspector of the Delhi Police has tested positive for coronavirus, police said on Sunday. The ASI is a resident of Shyam Nagar, Okhla Phase-1, they said. He is the third policeman in the national capital who has tested positive for COVID-19, police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Devender Arya said, "The assistant sub-Inspector posted at the Safdarjung Enclave police station was tested for coronavirus after he showed symptoms. His reports arrived today wherein he was declared positive." The ASI attended the duty last on April 9 and was on leave since then as he was unwell, a police official said. All the police personnel who came in contact with the ASI have been advised for home quarantine and will be tested for COVID-19, he said. The policeman stays at a four-storey building in Okhla and all his family members and residents of the building will be screened for COVID-19 as a preventive measure, the official said. A letter has been written to hospital authorities for screening and medical examination of his family members as well as neighbours. All of them have been advised for home quarantine and movement of people in the residential area has also been restricted, he said. Earlier, two other Delhi police personnel had tested positive for coronavirus. A 44-year-old head constable, posted in the Foreign Regional Registration Office at the Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 3, and a 49-year-old police official, posted in the traffic unit in Hauz Khas, had tested positive for COVID-19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) #CovidCrusader: It's true what they saynot all heroes wear capes. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the warriors of today are the ones that wear a mask. In our very first Digital-only issue, Vivel and Femina are introducing you to those brave souls who are breaking the norms, risking their lives on a daily basis to make sure that people in need don't go hungry, everyone around you is well protected against the virus, stray animals are fed and taken care of. Meet one such hero: Anagha Paralikar. The coronavirus outbreak and the resulting, much-required lockdown has already had several economic and social repercussions. In that light, senior citizens who live by themselves (their children in other cities and countries for work) are among the worst affected. Considering their dependence on the help to do things around the house and shop for essentials from the market, the current lockdown has left them without the basics. Enter Pune-based civil lawyer (she works with the Maharera committee as a conciliator) and social worker Anagha Paralikar.Post the initial lockdown announced by the Maharashtra government, the-37-old came across a WhatsApp message offering to help any senior citizens to get medicines and essentials from the market. The message inspired her to do the same. Once she sent out the word among her contact list, her phone did not stop ringing. Surprisingly, many calls were to confirm that the name and number givenin what had become multiple forwardsmatched and whether I was actually volunteering for it! I got calls from across the country, not just Pune! Paralikar informs. The touching part was that several of those who called offered to help when they could, seeing Paralikars genuine effort. The Russian trolls are back -- and once again trying to poison the political atmosphere in the United States ahead of this year's elections. But this time they are better disguised and more targeted, harder to identify and track. And they have found an unlikely home, far from Russia itself. In 2016, much of the trolling aimed at the US election operated from an office block in St. Petersburg, Russia. A months-long CNN investigation has discovered that, in this election cycle, at least part of the campaign has been outsourced -- to trolls in the west African nations of Ghana and Nigeria. They have focused almost exclusively on racial issues in the US, promoting black empowerment and often displaying anger towards white Americans. The goal, according to experts who follow Russian disinformation campaigns, is to inflame divisions among Americans and provoke social unrest. The language and images used in the posts -- on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram -- are sometimes graphic. One of the Ghanaian trolls -- @africamustwake -- linked to a story from a left-wing conspiracy website and commented on Facebook: "America's descent into a fascist police state continues." Referring to a Republican state senator, the post continued: "Someone needs to take that Senator out." On another occasion, @africamustwake tweeted: "YOU POLICE BEEN KILLING BLACKS SINCE YA RAGGEDY MOMMAS GAVE BIRTH TO U. HAPPY MLK DAY TO U HYPOCRITES." More than 200 accounts were created by the Ghanaian trolls -- the vast majority in the second half of 2019 -- and they reached hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of people worldwide. Facebook and Twitter had already been looking into some of the troll accounts when CNN notified the two companies of our investigation. In a statement Thursday, Facebook said that its "subsequent assessment benefited from our collaboration with a team of journalists at CNN" and it had "removed 49 Facebook accounts, 69 Pages and 85 Instagram accounts for engaging in foreign interference." Facebook said: "This network was in early stages of audience building and was operated by local nationals -- witting and unwitting -- in Ghana and Nigeria on behalf of individuals in Russia. It targeted primarily the United States." Facebook says that about 13,200 Facebook accounts followed one or more of the Ghana accounts and around 263,200 people followed one or more of Instagram accounts, about 65% of whom were in the US. Twitter told CNN that it had removed 71 accounts that had 68,000 followers. "Most were tweeting in English and presented themselves as based in the United States," it said in a statement. "The accounts -- operating out of Ghana and Nigeria and which we can reliably associate with Russia -- attempted to sow discord by engaging in conversations about social issues, like race and civil rights." The activity uncovered by CNN had striking similarities to the Russian troll campaign of 2016, which created hundreds of accounts designed to pass as American. @africamustwake, for example, which described itself as a "Platform For #BLM #Racism #PoliceBrutality," claimed to be in Florida. Other accounts, for example, claimed to be in Brooklyn or New Orleans. One of the accounts even pretended to be the cousin of an African American who died in police custody. The post was then shared to a Facebook group called Africans in the United States. The group told CNN it had no idea that trolls were trying to engage it. Another also implied they were in the US, tweeting in February: "Just experienced blatant #racism in Downton (sic) Huntsville, Alabama ... Three of my black male friends were turned away because they were 'out of dress code.'" There was a concerted effort to agitate in the US. One of the trolls -- Black People Trendz -- posted to the Facebook page of Black Lives Matter in Cincinnati. Another -- @The_black_secret -- was devoted to police shootings of African Americans. It also posted a video of a racial incident with the comment "Blacks have a right to defend themselves against Racism" that drew more than 5,000 reactions and more than 2,000 shares. CNN worked with two Clemson University professors -- Darren Linvill and Patrick Warren -- in tracking the Ghanaian operation. Linvill said the campaign was straight out of the Russian playbook, trying to mask its efforts among groups in the US. "They were very closely engaged in the Black Lives Matter community," he said. "They talked almost exclusively about what was happening on the streets of the United States and not on the streets of Africa." Kailee Scales, managing director of Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, said her organization was proactive when it came to protecting its voice online. "We are walking into the 2020 election cycle with eyes wide open to the fact that international and domestic actors are striving to undermine our organizing, and we are not going to let that happen," she told CNN. Inside the troll farm The operation's headquarters were in a walled compound in a quiet residential district near the Ghanaian capital, Accra. It had been rented by a small nonprofit group that called itself Eliminating Barriers for the Liberation of Africa (EBLA). Sixteen Ghanaians, mostly in their 20s, worked at the compound; some lived rent-free in a nearby apartment. They were issued mobile phones, not laptops, and worked around a table. The EBLA trolls communicated as a group through the encrypted Telegram app, which is rarely used in Ghana. One of the trolls agreed to talk to CNN, so long as her identity was disguised. She said she had no idea she would be working as a Russian troll. She said that employees were given topics to post about. "So you get stories about LGBT, you get stories about police brutality, depends on what you are working," she said. The employee said they were told that the best time to tweet and post was late afternoon and at night in Ghana, times when a US audience would have been active. They were given US articles to read. Facebook said that although the people behind the campaign had attempted to conceal their purpose and coordination, its investigation had found links to both EBLA and "individuals associated with past activity by the Russian Internet Research Agency." The Internet Research Agency (IRA) was responsible for much of the foreign trolling activity aimed at the 2016 and 2018 US election campaigns, according to the US government. The IRA was funded by Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is so close to the Kremlin that he is nicknamed "Putin's chef." A CNN request for comment from Prigozhin's holding company, Concord Management, on the Ghana trolling operation went unanswered. The man running EBLA calls himself Mr. Amara and claims to be South African. In reality he is a Ghanaian who lives in Russia and his name is Seth Wiredu. Several of EBLA's workers said they had heard Wiredu speak Russian. Late last year, Wiredu extended EBLA's activities to Nigeria, filling at least eight positions, including a project manager to help with "social media management." CNN uncovered the postings for two of the jobs, and a source in Nigeria confirmed that the employees shared office space in Lagos. The Nigerian accounts posted predominantly on US issues too. And at the end of January this year, EBLA ventured even further afield. It advertised a position in Charleston, South Carolina, just as the IRA had done in 2016. The LinkedIn posting invited applicants to "join hands with our brothers and sisters world-wide, especially in the United States where POC are mostly subjected to all forms of Brutality." The posting on LinkedIn stopped accepting applications days later. On February 6, Ghanaian security services raided the EBLA compound. On that same day the group stopped posting on the social media accounts it had created. One of the workers told CNN they were told to lie on the ground and had guns pointed at them. They were interrogated by police and the phones used to post on the fake accounts were confiscated. When CNN visited the compound two weeks later, it appeared to have been abandoned. In a statement to CNN, the Ghanaian security services said their Cyber Security Unit had become suspicious of EBLA's activities and believed it was engaged in "organized radicalism with links to a foreign body." They added that they had determined that "EBLA receives its funding from an anonymous source in a European country." Ghanaian security sources subsequently told CNN that all of EBLA's funding had come from Russia. Wiredu does not seem to have been deterred by the raid. Early in March, he called a meeting of EBLA workers. CNN observed the meeting from close by. Wiredu told the workers, whom he met in several groups, that the trouble with the security services would soon pass, according to someone at the meeting. He told them they would be returning to work and should create new accounts, providing him with the passwords. Approached by CNN after the meeting, Wiredu denied he had ever worked for the Internet Research Agency or knew Prigozhin. "I wouldn't say I have Russian partners. I have friends ... but to call them partners wouldn't be right because I don't ask someone to come and support me," he said. He said he did translation work for many entities in Russia. Wiredu insisted he funded EBLA from his own income and did not understand why the Ghanaian security forces had raided the compound. He said the accounts had been "talking about what is important to black people, talking about racism, talking about police brutality." "I actually, I perceive myself as a blacksfighter. I fight for black people," Wiredu added. Wiredu acknowledged that he had called himself Amara and pretended to be South African. EBLA's targets in the US followed a long-established pattern, according to Linvill and Warren at Clemson, who work with US law enforcement in tracking trolling activities. "There's a long history, actually dating back to the Soviet Union, of Russia emphasizing the real and serious racial divisions that exist in the United States. But also trying to inflame those divisions," Warren said. According to an indictment released in February 2018 by special counsel Robert Mueller, Russian operatives working for the Internet Research Agency used social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram -- including ones called "Woke Blacks" and "Blacktivists" -- to urge Americans to vote for third-party candidates or sit out the election entirely. Three months later, Facebook removed 70 Facebook and 65 Instagram accounts -- as well as 138 Facebook Pages -- that were controlled by the IRA. Facebook also took down other Russian operations not linked to IRA in 2018. CNN's investigation found the accounts created in Ghana were consistently coordinated, posting on the same topic within hours of each other. Instagram accounts appear to have done especially well: the most popular Instagram account built a following of more than 25,000, three times its Twitter audience. One EBLA-branded image was retweeted by a Twitter account with 126,000 followers, greatly amplifying the group's message. Wiredu closely monitored the impact of the expanding operation, according to several EBLA employees who spoke to CNN. One of them said they provided their passwords to him and every week had to report details of the reach of their accounts. They used Twitter analytics to examine their growth and were told they would get bonuses and higher pay if their accounts grew significantly. Some of the trolls' posts incorporated video with the EBLA logo burned in. The @AfricaMustWake Twitter account posted a video in December carrying the EBLA logo, showing alleged police brutality in Chicago. In November, another account -- @AfricaThen -- posted an EBLA-labeled video with the caption: "A female white supremacist went into a Popeyes using the N-word at the employees.. and she ended up getting a Grand Slam breakfast #Racism #kickitout #CHANGE." What's next in Ghana -- and elsewhere It's unclear whether Wiredu will succeed in reconstituting the EBLA operation after the February raid. He certainly intends to try, according to one of the EBLA workers, who told CNN that he had encouraged them to begin new accounts. To the Clemson researchers, building troll networks in Ghana and Nigeria would be smart tradecraft. "It's definitely spreading out the risk," Linvill said. "You can have accounts operating from entirely different parts of the globe and it might make your operation harder to identify overall." More broadly, Russia has certainly shown growing interest in Africa -- using a mix of state power and private interests. Those private interests include Russian companies keen to exploit Africa's energy and commodity resources, as well as provide private military contractors to bolster local security forces. A CNN investigation last year found that companies linked to Prigozhin were active in the Central African Republic, training its army and police forces and winning concessions to extract diamonds and gold. Prigozhin companies or contractors have also been present in Libya, Sudan and Mozambique. They have also tried to influence the politics of several African countries. Last October, Facebook closed networks of accounts that were actively targeting a total of eight African countries. It said that: "Although the people behind these networks attempted to conceal their identities and coordination, our investigation connected these campaigns to entities associated with Russian financier Yevgeny Prigozhin." Russia's continuing interest in Africa as a platform for expanding its influence has taken on a new complexion with the trolling enterprise in Ghana -- demonstrating an adaptability and persistence that will cause deep concern among US intelligence agencies and the technology companies. US Sen. Mark Warner, vice-chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in response to CNN's reporting: "I've said for years now that it would be foolish to believe there was only the one well-publicized IRA facility in St. Petersburg. This new reporting is a reminder of the continuing threat we face from Russia and its continuing efforts to divide and manipulate us on social media." Linvill, the Clemson professor, believes that despite their work and the CNN investigation there are many more troll accounts out there. He recalls that last year he turned over to Twitter a number of fake Ghanaian accounts. Twitter suspended them. "But a week later, there was another set of accounts to replace them." Journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni in Ghana, CNN's Stephanie Busari in Nigeria and CNN's Darya Tarasova in Russia contributed to this story, which was reported from Accra, Ghana; London; Moscow; Lagos, Nigeria, and Clemson, South Carolina. The video was shot by CNN's Scott McWhinnie and edited by CNN's Oscar Featherstone. Wakefern Food Corp. is taking another step in helping out local communities as coronavirus continues to affect everyday life. The corporation, which operates grocery stores ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace and Fresh Grocer, is donating $1 million to local food banks in a response to an increased need for food and essentials. That donation will be divided among 30 food banks across the nine states that the corporation operates in, which includes New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Its so important for us to support the food banks that are experiencing increased need and demand during this crisis, Joe Colalillo, chairman and CEO of Wakefern Food Corp., said in a press release. In these uncertain times our members remain committed to supporting the communities our stores serve and will continue to help in the fight against hunger by working with our food bank partners. Wakefern also announced that it is donating trailers to help move hospital equipment to pop-up hospitals in the state and respiratory masks in both New Jersey and New York hospitals as personal protective equipment shortages continue. Two weeks ago Wakefern announced a major hiring initiative in response to the increase in demand of food and supplies. One of its banner stores, ShopRite, has also been on the forefront of being transparent when employees have tested positive for COVID-19. 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. This article is part of NJ Is Open*, an important initiative designed to help essential businesses that are still open get the word out and connect with customers. Business owners can become part of our comprehensive resource by filling out this simple Google form. Have several locations? Fill out a new form for each one. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. South Africa, which banned the sale of all alcohol and cigarettes under a coronavirus lockdown that triggered a wave of lootings of liquor shops, said on Sunday it had caught police officers who were complicit in illegal alcohol sales. South Africa's police minister Bheki Cele says a ban on all sales of alcohol has helped lower crime during a coronavirus lockdown. But with liquor stores shut, the country has seen a growing black market for alcohol and a wave of attacks on shuttered shops. In a statement, the police ministry said there had been at least 16 reported instances of burglary and the looting of liquor stores in the Western Cape, home to the city of Cape Town. Cele "has in the meantime noted with concern the alleged involvement of police members in some of the liquor related crimes," it continued. Two police warrant officers had been arrested after being caught buying alcohol, allegedly for resale, on Thursday, alongside a store manager and cashier. Two further members of the police in another province were caught on Friday escorting three light pick-up trucks loaded with alcohol, the statement said. Those who undermine the effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus would be found and dealt with decisively, the statement said. Search Keywords: Short link: Ho Chi Minh City is seeking the Vietnam premiers approval to shut down a unit of Pou Chen Corp., the worlds largest maker of shoes, because of concerns about a potential outbreak of the coronavirus. Authorities for the metropolis, which has the most confirmed virus patients in the country after Hanoi, are concerned about Pouyuen Vietnam, which employs 70,000 workers and operates three shifts a day. An outbreak will affect not only the workers, but those at neighbouring firms and four bordering provinces, the citys mayor said in an April 11 letter to the prime minister seen by Bloomberg News. The mayors office confirmed the authenticity of the letter. The city has proposed a three-day suspension from Monday, coinciding with the final days of a 15-day national social distancing order imposed on April 1, to ensure the safety of workers amid the developing pandemic, Mayor Nguyen Thanh Phong said in the statement. Ho Chi Minh City last week issued a set of indicators to assess the infection risk of companies based there in an effort to curtail the outbreak. A firm is required to cease operations if it scores more than 80 per cent, according to the statement. Pouyuen was graded at 81 per cent The firm will comply with the decision and extend the suspension if the isolation order isnt lifted after April 15, according to the statement, citing a company leader who met authorities on Friday. Pouyuen will seek to limit the infection risk from early next week, the Thanh Nien newspaper reported, citing Cu Phat Nghiep, chairman of Pouyuen Vietnam Labour Union. Measures will include different starting hours, temperature checks, the use of face masks and social distancing. Nghiep said he couldnt immediately comment when reached by Bloomberg News. A representative at Pouyuen said he hadnt heard of any shutdown plan by the company, adding it is closed on Sunday. Vietnam had 258 virus cases as of April 12, including 144 patients that have recovered, with 108 cases in Hanoi and 55 in Ho Chi Minh City, according to the countrys Health Ministry. Read more about: Michael Gove is to come out of isolation tomorrow - nearly a week early. It came as the minister was seen jogging in a park near his London home, sparking fears he was breaking lockdown rules. Initially Mr Gove, who went into isolation after his daughter started showing symptoms, denied breaking the rules. Anyone who lives with someone who shows signs of the virus is banned from going out for any reason for 14 days. Michael Gove (pictured) is to come out of isolation tomorrow - nearly a week early. It came as the minister was seen jogging in a park near his London home When it was pointed out that the ban included leaving home for exercise, Mr Gove revealed his daughter had been tested and did not have the virus. He said he received special permission from Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty for his daughter to be tested so he could return quickly to full Government duties. It comes as: Britain's death toll rose by 737 to surge past 10,000 with one expert warning it was set to be the highest in Europe; It emerged the Cabinet is split over when to end the lockdown, with growing concerns about the impact of school closures; Michael Gove revealed he had been granted special dispensation to have his daughter tested for the virus so he could get back to work; The Archbishop of Canterbury urged that the dead be treated with dignity; Ministers admitted that only 4,200 of 300,000 small firms had been given loans; The Royal College of Nursing told its members to refuse to treat patients if they didn't have adequate protective clothing; Some Britons flouted lockdown rules and were seen soaking up the sun in the nation's parks; Health Secretary Hancock said he did not have any update on how many NHS staff had died following the 19 he confirmed on Saturday; The Queen stressed the importance of maintaining the coronavirus lockdown, but insisted: 'Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever'. Mr Gove revealed on Tuesday he had gone into isolation for a fortnight. His daughter first had symptoms on April 5. It now transpires that within 24 hours Mr Whitty had approved a request by Mr Gove for his daughter to be tested. Mr Gove claimed he was not flouting lockdown rules, saying that he received permission from Chris Whitty to have his daughter tested. She did not contract the virus What are the lockdown rules? There are four key circumstances in which people can leave the home: 1) Shopping for basic essentials, which should be done as infrequently as possible. 2) To exercise, no more than once a day. 3) Any medical reason, such as attending a hospital appointment or to provide care for a vulnerable person. 4) To travel to and from work, but only if you cannot work from home. The above rules apply unless you live with someone who has displayed Covid-19 symptoms, in which case you cannot leave the house at all for 14 days. And if you display symptoms, you must also self-isolate, not leaving the home for seven days. If at the end of the week you still have a high temperature, continue to self-isolate until it passes. Advertisement By Wednesday the NHS test came back negative. A source close to Mr Gove said: 'He sought the CMO's advice about what he should do at the suggestion of officials given he's one of the Cabinet ministers leading the Covid-19 response. On Monday, the CMO advised that Michael's daughter should be tested after displaying mild symptoms. 'She was tested on Tuesday and the result came back negative on Wednesday afternoon, at which point the household isolation rules no longer applied to the family.' When first asked yesterday about his jog, Mr Gove insisted the 14-day self-isolation rule affecting people such as him did not stop him jogging. He said the advice to him from Whitehall on Wednesday was: 'One must not leave home for any reason other than to exercise once a day, but stay at least two metres or three steps away from other people.' But he changed his story when it was pointed out this violated Public Health England rules for people self-isolating for 14 days. They ban leaving your home for exercise, including 'public spaces' such as Marcus Garvey Park in Hammersmith where he was photographed yesterday morning. Minister Robert Jenrick faces questions over 100,000 taxpayer bill for a house in his constituency while insisting his coronavirus bolt-hole 130 miles away in Herefordshire is his 'main family home' By David Wilcock, Whitehall Correspondent for MailOnline, and Brendan Carlin for The Mail On Sunday A Tory minister accused of flouting the coronavirus lockdown has billed the taxpayer for around 100,000 in rent and council tax for a house in his constituency, despite claiming his main family home is 130 miles away. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is facing renewed questions over his decision to see out the lockdown at a house in Herefordshire, despite being the MP for Newark in Nottinghamshire. After it emerged he traveled 150 miles from London to the country pad near Leominster - despite having a 2.5million flat in the capital - he said it was his family's main home. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is under increasing pressure to quit for allegedly defying a ban on travelling to second homes by going 150 miles from London to his mansion in Herefordshire But his wesbite says that he, his wife Michal and their three daughters 'live in Southwell near Newark, and in London'. Parliamentary expenses records show that he has claimed 100,000 in rent, council tax and travel expenses since elected in a 2014 by-election. Last night, one of Mr Jenrick's neighbours in Herefordshire said the idea that the country manor was his main home was 'codswallop'. Mr Jenrick's website says they live in Southwell, near Newark in Nottinghamshire, and London. There is no mention of a property in Herefordshire. Mr Jenrick, 38, a successful commercial lawyer with a string of multi-million pounbd properties, is also under fire for claiming he understands what it is like to be 'cooped up'. Downing Street infection timeline March 10: Health minister Nadine Dorries became the first MP to test positive for coronavirus, shortly after attending a Downing Street reception. March 27: Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock both release Twitter videos saying they have coronavirus and are self-isolating. Hours later, chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty revealed he was self-isolating with symptoms. March 30: The PM's top adviser Dominic Cummings was revealed to be self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms. April 2: Matt Hancock returns to work after seven dies in isolation and making a recovery. April 3: Boris Johnson releases a video from his Number 11 flat saying he is continuing to self-isolate as he is still suffering a temperature. April 4: Carrie Symonds, the PM's pregnant fiancee reveals she has been self-isolating at her Camberwell flat. April 5: The PM is taken to St Thomas' Hospital as a precaution. April 6: The PM is moved to intensive care after his condition spiralled. April 7: Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove reveals he is in self-isolation after daughter showed symptoms on April 5. April 12: The PM is released from hospital, saying it 'could have gone either way' - and goes to Chequers in Buckinghamshire to recuperate. Advertisement The minister told the BBC last week that he understood the plight of families crammed into small flats during the lockdown and the need to keep local parks open. He said: 'I am very aware of how difficult this is already. 'I am a father of young children. I know what it's like to have a family cooped up...' But Tory MPs reacted in fury last night to the comments. One backbencher said: 'Jenrick's position was already pretty dire, to be honest. 'But to go on the radio and claim you understand what it's like to be cooped up is an insult to my constituents who are enduring the lockdown in small flats. 'Whether his family were already in that country pile of his or still in his London home, he can't possibly say that. 'He really has to go.' Another Tory MP said: 'This really is stretching the definition of cooped up to farcical levels.' It comes after Mr Jenrick stayed in his 2.5million London home for the first six days of the lockdown until March 29 when he travelled 150 miles to his country house in Herefordshire to be with his family. Mr Jenrick, said last night he considers the Herefordshire property to be the family home - but his official Conservative website says different. It fails to mention his 17th-century Grade I listed country house. He and his wife are understood to spend most of the week in the capital because of Mr Jenrick's ministerial work and his wife's job as a partner for a major US law firm in the City. But last night, Mr Jenrick who insists the country manor house is his main family home faced new claims of trying to 'con' the public over his domestic arrangements Robert Jenrick home in Herefordshire, which he claims is his family home despite having a property in London and his constituency for his work as an MP Mr Jenrick moved his family from London to his Grade I-listed Herefordshire mansion before the lockdown. He then delivered food and medicine to his parents in Shropshire , 40 miles away, He has a third home in his constituency, 106 miles from his Herefordshire house he claims is the family home Under the lockdown rules he has been promoted any travel to second homes is banned - and Scotland's chief medical officer, Catherine Calderwood, was forced to resign at the weekend after visiting her second home twice. In Australia, New South Wales Arts Minister Don Harwin resigned after leaving his Sydney apartment to stay at his Central Coast holiday home and was caught by police. Mr Jenrick has also been criticised after he drove to visit his parents in Shropshire with supplies last weekend, despite urging others to stay at home for 'all bar the most essential activities'. The minister tweeted last week: 'For clarity - my parents asked me to deliver some essentials - including medicines. They are both self-isolating due to age and my father's medical condition and I respected social distancing rules'. But the couple's neighbours told the Guardian that they had already been dropping off supplies at Mr Jenrick's parents' house during the lockdown. This was not denied, though a source close to Mr Jenrick said he had been asked to collect and deliver medication to them too. Commenting on the minister's visit to his parents last week, the Prime Minister's official spokesman on Friday said: 'The Secretary of State has set out in two different statements the reasons for the journeys which he made. We're confident that he complied with the social distancing rules.' The spokesman said Mr Jenrick has said himself that his wife and children consider their home in Herefordshire to be their family home. Asked about Cabinet ministers commuting to and from London, the spokesman said: 'Like everybody else, ministers have been told to work from home wherever possible, and not make unnecessary journeys. 'As part of the coronavirus response there will be occasions when ministers have no option but to work from Whitehall. In the event this is required, and the rest of their household is living elsewhere, it's not an unnecessary journey for them to travel to rejoin their family.' Business is booming inside the 1st Avenue Hookah and Vape Shop in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham where Don Scott is fielding orders for hookahs and vapes and pipes during a respiratory pandemic. The small vape and smoke shop remains open, omitted from a list of essential business but also not included among the businesses listed for closure under Alabama Gov. Kay Iveys stay-at-home order. If people maintain 6-feet social distancing, and the capacity is restricted inside the store, the tobacco and electronic cigarette sales can go on. We are doing it safe here, we have hand sanitizers, and our sales have gone up, said Scott. Theyve not stopped. The fact that vape shops throughout Alabama remain open is a concern for anti-smoking advocates and state lawmakers who, in recent years, pushed for a crackdown on an industry accused at times of peddling flavored products to underage youths. But what is going on in Alabama is not uncommon across the U.S., where governors have issued stay-at-home orders that do not address vape or smoke shops. According to a review of 40 state stay-at-home orders issued last month, there isnt a single state order that has designated a vape shop as an essential business, according to Boot Bullwinkle, spokesman with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Even though vape shops are not considered essential business, they remain open in many cases, Bullwinkle said. For example, whereas some states require all non-essential businesses to close, some states allow non-essential businesses to stay open if they maintain social distancing rules, and some state orders specifically encourage non-essential businesses to adopt curbside delivery or other remote means to conduct their business, he said. Tragic That is the case in Alabama, where the state Department of Public Health in a FAQ sheet answering questions about Iveys order recommends that businesses like tobacco stores deliver products to peoples homes or meet customers at the curb. The FAQ sheet also poses the following question, Before asking whether you can legally do X, Y, or Z, ask yourself, Is doing X, Y, or Z a good idea? If doing X, Y, or Z would increase the risk of transmitting COVID-19, try not to do it. Still, neon lighted Open signs remain affixed to the front doors of many vape shops around Alabama. Some lawmakers are concerned they are allowed to remain open during a pandemic in which the spreading virus attacks the lungs. Its very tragic, said state Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, who has backed legislation adopted last year that restricts stores from selling nicotine and vape products to people under 19. If you look at the data coming out of the Department of Public Health, this disease is a great equalizer. But those with an underlying illness and with a bad habit such as smoking and vaping, they are (more) prone. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, in an Op-Ed piece published April 2 in the Denver Post, wrote that vaping may worsen the effects of COVID-19 by attacking the lungs, placing people who vape at greater risk than people who do not. Dr. Alan Blum, director of the University of Alabamas Center for the Study of Tobacco and Society, said the pandemic should allow smokers time to find better ways to control their nicotine additions through either simple relaxation exercises or other means such as eating more fruits and vegetables. We need to be sympathetic to those who are using electronic cigarettes to stop smoking, but at a time when one of the worst viruses we have ever seen is taking aim at our lungs, the last thing anyone should be doing is inhaling nicotine either from a cigarette or an e-cigarette, Blum said. Right now, the only sensible way to reduce ones nicotine craving would be to use a nicotine-containing patch, gum or lozenge. Demand remains Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association and an attorney in New Jersey, said there is no evidence linking vaping to any COVID-19 outcome. He said the past lung illnesses and deaths linked to vaping were the result of illicit use of THC-containing e-cigarettes dealt on the black market. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with state and local health authorities, reported a spike in vaping-related lung illnesses in August and September 2019. But ever since then, the CDC reported in February, theyve been on a decline. Conley said that linking coronavirus and vaping is done by people to generate headlines on their pet political issue. He said that pushing for vape shops to close could lead to more people turning to cigarette smoking to get their nicotine fix during the pandemic. In Alabama, 20.9% of adults are smokers, according to the most recent World Health Organization figures. Thats the 10th highest in the U.S. Conley said that vape stores, like other small businesses struggling during the pandemic, not hitting the revenue numbers they had three months ago. Online sales, he said, are trended upward. But there is a demonstrated need for these products among ex-smokers who rely upon them to stay away from cigarettes, he said. The demand for the product who need it the most remains through the potentially life-changing pandemic. Lobbying strength The ability for vape and smoke shops to remain open, while restaurants and bars are closed, has raised eyebrows among those who follow Alabama politics. Restaurants are allowed to deliver meals to houses and offer curbside service, but the delivery of alcoholic beverages in Alabama is prohibited. Keith Herbert, a history professor at Auburn University who specializes in the history of Alabama and Southern culture, said effective lobbying by tobacco interests is probably one reason why the shops are spared from temporary closures. He said that lobbying influences affected President Donald Trump -- who at one point expressed interest in tough crackdowns against flavored e-cigarettes to relent to a more limited ban on sales of flavored vaping pods. Trump reportedly expressed regret, during a January phone call with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, for getting involved in vaping regulations. Herbert compared the strength of tobacco lobbying to the restaurant and bar industry. Unfortunately, I suspect that if (restaurants and bars) had a national lobbying organization aligned with a particular ideological view capable of motivating the electorate, they might too have been spared from stricter regulations, Herbert said. Tobacco stocks, meanwhile, havent been hammered during the pandemic. Tobacco shops in Italy and France among supermarkets and pharmacies were a few of the businesses allowed to remain open during their lockdowns. Pragmatically, there is a case for keeping the vice-related businesses operational; other countries kept their tobacco stores open throughout this period, said Robert Blanton, chairman of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Alabama. Health reasons aside and thats a big aside it would be difficult to force a smoke-to-quit (effort) during a quarantine period. Member of Ghana's Parliament representing the people of Asutifi North in the newly created Ahafo Region, Mr Benhazin Joseph Dahah has donated his 'widows mite' to help combat COVID-19. Making the presentation to his constituent, he presented 2 buckets of Veronica Bucket, at a unit cost of GHC50, 2 bottles of liquid soap at a unit cost of GHC5 and tissue paper all amounting to GHC150. On behalf of your constituents we say, thank you, sir. Ayeeko for giving big to Asutifi North. Even when Newmont Ghana Gold is a company in your constituency, you have decided to show appreciation to your constituents. As to the amount of money that went into the publicity, only the Common Fund Office will tell. Edem Koku Edem Ahafo. A total of 444 people took off on a charter flight from New Delhi for Melbourne on Sunday amid the nationwide lockdown imposed last month to check the spread of coronavirus. "Supported the repatriation of 444 people who just took off on charter flight JT2846 from #Delhi for #Melbourne. The flight was organised by a group of Australians led by Simon Quinn. Thanks to @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia for facilitating. @MarisePayne @dfat," Australian High Commission, India, tweeted along with a 44-second video. Of the 444 people, 430 were Australians citizens, permanent residents and their families, while 14 were New Zealand citizens. India had last month suspended international flights in a bid to check the spread of coronavirus in the country. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country crossed 7,500 including 6634 active cases, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday. So far 652 people have been cured/discharged 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.) Joe Biden has won the Alaska Democratic presidential primary, beating Sen. Bernie Sanders days after he suspended his campaign. Biden beat Sanders Saturday 55.3% to 44.7%. A total of 19,759 votes were cast which was almost double the figure of 10,610 in 2016 when Sanders beat Hillary Clinton. Biden gets 11 delegates and Sanders gets four. Sanders would have won more delegates but after ending his bid for the nomination last week, Sanders is no longer eligible to win delegates based on the statewide vote in primaries and caucuses, according to Democratic National Committee rules. Joe Biden has won the Alaska Democrats' party-run presidential primary, defeating Sen. Bernie Sanders on Saturday. He is pictured March 12 Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign to be the 2020 Democratic nominee on Wednesday Biden beat Sanders Saturday 55.3% to 44.7%. Overall, Biden has 1,228 delegates and Sanders has 918, according to the count by The Associated Press Sanders is, however, still eligible to win delegates based on vote totals in individual congressional districts, which is why the AP allocated four delegate to Sanders in Alaska. Overall, Biden has 1,228 delegates and Sanders has 918, according to the count by The Associated Press. Casey Steinau, chairwoman of the state party, said Sanders, along with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who also have suspended their campaigns, asked to be included in the tallies. Sanders suspended his campaign on Wednesday but said he would keep his name on the ballot in states that haven't yet voted. He aims to collect delegates as part of an effort to influence the party's platform at this year's Democratic National Convention. Sanders won the state party's caucuses in 2016, over Hillary Clinton. The Alaska primary originally was scheduled for April 4, but concerns with COVID-19 upended plans. The deadline for ballots was extended to April 10. Sanders (right) aims to collect delegates as part of an effort to influence the party's platform at the DNC A total of 19,759 votes were cast which was almost double the figure of 10,610 in 2016 when Sanders beat Hillary Clinton. Pictured, Sanders (I-VT), endorses former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for President of the United States at a campaign rally at Portsmouth High School on July 12, 2016 In Alaska there were only 257 coronavirus cases and eight deaths as of Sunday morning. In response, the party, which had planned to offer voting by mail and at in-person locations, went exclusively to a vote-by-mail system. The primary itself was new to Alaska Democrats, who moved from their traditional caucuses to a primary for this year's race in a move Steinau said was aimed at increasing participation. It used rank-choice ballots. The party said it sent in early March ballots to every person who was registered as a Democrat as of mid-February, more than 71,000. The party also included voter registration forms and downloadable ballots on its website. In other states, in-person voting has been delayed or ballots must be cast via mail, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Wisconsin however, Gov. Tony Evers was not successful in his bid to move the voting process to mail-only. In Milwaukee, voters lined up armored in protective face coverings and tried to adhere to social distancing guidelines. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is now investigating whether anyone could have contracted the virus from going out to vote. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (left) and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (right), who also have suspended their campaigns, asked to be included in the tallies By PTI DWARKA: Indian fisherman was injured on Sunday evening after personnel of the Pakistan Marines opened fire on two boats near the international maritime boundary line (IMBL) in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Okha in Gujarat, police said. The two fishing boats from Okha of Devbhumi Dwarka district likely crossed the IMBL on Sunday evening, after which Pakistan Marines personnel fired at them, injuring one fisherman, Devbhumi Dwarka Superintendent of Police of Rohan Anand said. ALSO READ | Coronavirus: Supreme Court to hear plea seeking evacuation of 860 Indian fisherman from Iran "Two boats had likely crossed the IMBL, an they had an interface with Pakistan Marines, which fired upon them. "From whatever information we have received, a fisherman got injured in the firing," Anand said. "The fishermen made a distress call to Indian Coast Guard on their radio sets. The ICG contacted their Pakistani counterparts through their normal channel of communication. Pakistan Marines confirmed they had apprehended two boats. Following this, the ICG sent its ship 'Arinjay' to escort the two boats back," he said. The Gujarat government on Saturday gave permission to the fishing industry to operate amid lockdown for coronavirus outbreak. Employees at Pouyuen Vietnam Co. Ltd leave the company after work on April 8, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa. HCMC has asked for prime ministerial permission to suspend operations of footwear maker Pouyuen Vietnam Co. Ltd., over Covid-19 safety concerns. The temporary closure of the Taiwan-invested shoemaker is necessary because it employs almost 70,000 workers working three shifts and uses over 800 vehicles for transportation every day. This means a high risk of Covid-19 infections, said HCMC Peoples Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong in a letter to the Prime Minister late Saturday. If an outbreak occurs at Pouyuen, the consequences will be severe because Covid-19 could very well spread to workers in nearby businesses and HCMCs four neighbouring provinces of Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre and Tay Ninh. As such, Pouyuen has been ordered to close from April 13-15, the end of Vietnams social distancing campaign, pending the PMs response, the letter said. The city had on April 6 inspected Pouyuens premises and found that the novel coronavirus infection risk indicator at this company was 81 percent, while municipal regulations stipulate that companies with a Covid-19 infection risk indicator of more than 80 percent must be closed temporarily. There are 10 metrics used to measure Covid-19 infection risks, including: the number of employees working in the same area at the same time; worker density measured per square meter in factories; the rate of employees washing hands when entering and leaving the company; the rate of employees wearing face masks while working; and the rate of employees having body temperatures checked before entering the company. "The city acknowledges Pouyuens efforts to remedy Covid-19 risk factors, but the municipal Health Department and the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs have both requested that the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee temporarily suspends operations of the company to ensure the absolute safety of workers," the administration told the PM. On Saturday, the city administration had a working session with Pouyuen, which later implemented several new measures to reduce Covid-19 risk factors at its premises. This included setting up shields at dining tables in the canteen to avoid direct contact among employees when eating; arranging for employees to work in different shifts to avoid having too many of them gather at the same place at the same time; and checking the body temperature of all people going in and out the company every day, the company said. HCMC is home to 450,000 companies with 3.8 million employees. The city comes second after Hanoi in the number of Covid-19 cases at 54, of whom 40 have been discharged. Hanoi now has 121 cases and 58 discharges. Vietnam had 114 active cases after 144 discharges as of Sunday morning. On Monday, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long suggested Vietnam should extend its social distancing campaign beyond its April 1-15 duration to curb community transmission of the virus. Jon Tse and Kevin Garcia from Karst Stone Paper. (Source: Supplied, Karst) This is part of our Pivot Series, where Yahoo Finance tracks stories of small business survival tactics during the coronavirus crisis. Entrepreneurs, childhood friends and luxury stationery brand Karst Stone Paper co-founders Jon Tse and Kevin Garcia are no strangers to spotting good business opportunities. In 2016, Garcia was travelling through Asia when he spied waterproof, tear-resistant food packaging that was made from stone paper. Marvelling at the papers durability, he thought the material made from construction rubble, the waste left over from industrial, mining and construction quarries would make for sturdy notebooks, and was stunned that it hadnt yet been turned into a consumer product. Garcia was working at a watch brand at the time and learning the nuts and bolts of the then-emerging e-commerce landscape. But when he came across this new paper form, he couldnt get it off his mind. He nailed down the president of a paper-making facility in Taiwan, and also told Tse about the idea. Back then, Tse was based in Singapore working on his own start-up, Zookal, Australias first online-based textbook rental platform for university students. I had a crazy idea of [Tse] coming along with me to see this factory making this stone paper out of recycled waste. He thought it was too good to be true, Garcia told Yahoo Finance. It was a no brainer. The opportunity presented itself pretty well. Karst aims to make notebook production sustainable. (Source: Karst) The two booked a flight to visit the paper-making facility and discuss their notebook idea and the president loved it. After that, it was just about finding out whether other people would like the idea of the product as much as Tse and Garcia did. The pair launched a Kickstarter campaign as a platform to test the market. In the first 20 days, the Kickstarter project had raised $150,000. It was then that we decided, lets turn this product into a brand that people can resonate with. That's kind of where Karst was born. (Source: Karst) While Tse was primarily working in an advisory capacity, he ended up leaving behind Zookal to turn his sights to Karst full-time. Slowly but surely, helping from the sidelines since 2016, I basically fell in love with the business. Story continues Between when he first laid eyes on the stone paper food packaging in Asia in early 2016, and when he made his first sale on 25 July 2017, it took Garcia nine months to launch Karst. Things have moved quickly since then. More than two years later, and in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, Garcia and Tse managed to turn around an opportunity to sell hand sanitiser within a week. Launching an in-demand product in seven days On Wednesday 25 March, Garcia received a call from a friend and fellow entrepreneur Nick Benson. As the co-founder of E xD, a tech platform that leverages supply chains for skincare and beauty products, Benson initially contacted Tse and Garcia in an attempt to pass on the hand sanitiser to the government. But by Thursday, frustrated by the governments slow response, Garcia decided to take matters into his own hands. Twelve hours had passed; we didn't hear a word. I said nup, this is no good. Lets do this ourselves, he told Yahoo Finance. I rang Nick. Here's the money. Lets buy the hand sanitiser. Lets do this straight away. By now, Karst had sold in more than 80 countries. Garcia knew Karst had all the necessary elements in place to successfully launch and sell the product. We've got the brand, we've got logistics, we've got warehousing, we have an online customer portal we've got everything. But not both founders were on board initially. Tse admitted Garcia freaked [him] out at the huge order for hand sanitisers at first: more than $100,000 was spent buying the hand sanitiser. It was expensive, but we knew it was the right thing to do; no one else is gonna purchase this stuff, Tse said. The second reason why the founders were quick to help was because Benson had also just created an impromptu new venture of his own, Rescue. The new collective leverages Bensons other business and hires recently unemployed workers to supply items such as hand sanitiser, anti-bacterial wipes and face masks to facilities like hospitals and aged care facilities. We paid a hefty premium because the majority of the money goes to people who lost their jobs, said Garcia. Most of the revenue generated goes back to people who work for Rescue. Karst hand sanitisers sell for $22 per 500ml unit. For comparison's sake, a 50ml bottle of Dettol hand sanitiser is $7.50. (Source: Karst) After putting in the order on Thursday, the founders were faced with a different challenge: Karsts website which features its iconic stone paper. We didn't want people going to our stationary website and freaking out that there was sanitiser all over it. Timing was on their side. The brand was in the middle of a website relaunch, so during a virtual workshop on the same day, Garcia and Tse pitched the idea of a brand new website to its Melbourne-based web design agency, Love + Money. This is gonna sound crazy, but have we got 24 hours to turn around a website? Garcia asked. They said, yeah sure, let's do it. So it was eight of us on the phone on a Google Hangouts [call]. Everything happened on Thursday. The next few days were a frenzy of figuring out website content and development, advertising, finalising the packaging, and rushing the product onto the production line. The web developers at the agency ended up dedicating their own weekends to preparing the new site. Come Monday, nearly all the ducks were in place: the focus now was just on getting the word out. Tse reached out to the press, hoping to get some air time amid the deluge of coronavirus news, and made a few accidental sales just by contacting some journalists. Not that they needed help. Tuesday morning, we clicked launch. We sent an email to our circle and our Instagram and social channels. We sold a few thousand pretty quickly. Within the week, Karst sold more than 150,000 units of hand sanitiser, and Tse and Garcia have since launched a donation initiative, where organisations in need such as schools and daycare centres can reach out if they are in urgent need hand sanitiser. Although it doesnt seem intuitive, the founders saw the launch of hand sanitiser as a natural move for their ethical brand. For the past year sustainability has been a big challenge for the world. Now we're facing an even bigger crisis, Garcia said. We just felt compelled; we were able to turn this around in a week where many people couldn't. To other people it makes no sense to go from paper to hand sanitiser. But the world is a different place now, he said. We felt we should step up where other people weren't able to. 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. SEVEN HILLS, Ohio -- I see it often on social media of late: nestled between the ubiquitous political rants, the re-re-reposted See? I told you! credible and fake news story links and COVID-19 doomsaying factoids are posts from people purposefully intended to infuse active (and interactive) joy into other peoples coronacentric lives: Invitations to post stunning landscape photos to show the diverse beauty of the world homemade trivia games that focus on life and love in order to create genuine emotional connections impromptu, intimate, lo-fi/low-tech musical and spoken-word performances by amateurs and professionals alike isolation-skewing recipe-sharing. All specifically designed to distract us from the social and wellness situations were all in, raise our spirits and even raise hope even if for just a few minutes at a time. I believe that, along with heeding sobering facts, accepting and indulging in emotional joy is just as critical in times like this. And so is distributing it. Ive had my own full-time creative services business here in Northeast Ohio for more than 21 years. When the coronavirus threat began to palpably ramp up in the United States in February, my writing and producing activity went 100 percent dark in a matter of two weeks. All of my projects were either canceled or indefinitely postponed. Like many businesses large and small, including the company for which my wife works, production stopped. I think stuff up. I create. I write. Those are the things I do well. (Coincidentally, they bring me joy.) In this uncertain present, along with constantly and diligently searching for new work opportunities, I need to keep my writing chops sharp for when regular life starts again. And so I attend to both activities, every day. I also feel compelled to do something else: use my strengths to infuse some creativity and joy into the social media landscape, where more people than ever live now sometimes desperately searching for answers, camaraderie, community and comfort. My most cherished thing in the world that isnt an actual human being is music. Its my first and last passion. On March 23, I began posting on Facebook, once a day, an impromptu musical performance called the Isolated Chord Challenge. I record myself in my office in front of a no-frills electric piano, playing just the isolated chords (because were isolated in our homes, get it?) from part of a popular song no melody, no embellishments and then invite my friends and group members to guess what the song is just from those basic chords. Ill never be mistaken for an actual performer on the piano, so part of the charm(?) is seeing me try to conquer the chord progressions with a minimum of ineptitude and embarrassment. I post these musical challenges to my own Facebook page and to a group page populated by fellow pop music obsessives, M.I.A. Lost Pop Hits. Based on the reactions on both pages, including from people who dont even bother to offer guesses, Im finding that these little, daily lo-fi posts are spreading some joy and distraction. And that gives me joy. My hope is that Im applying an infinitesimal dollop of emotional salve to those willing to take a break from the darkness for those few minutes each day. Their joy is mine. A sample of my daily Isolated Chord Challenge posts can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/russ.lindway/videos/3883443938347230 Meanwhile, I wish you and everyone a splendid isolation. Just add music. Writer/producer Russ Lindway has been the owner of creative services firm Rubato, Vivace & Lindway Inc. since January 2006 and is a lifelong Cuyahoga County resident. This essay is part of Coronavirus: My Story: We also want to hear from you. Share your fears, your tips, your insights - or just how its making you feel right now. Did your family also experience the 1918 flu pandemic? If so, how is this different? We are community. Together, we can get through this. Please keep your essays, poems, graphic art, photographs or other submissions to 650 words or fewer, email to forum@cleveland.com, and include CORONAVIRUS MY STORY in the subject line. Questions? Send an email to Elizabeth Sullivan at esullivan@cleveland.com. The Delhi Police received as many as 771 distress calls in the last 24 hours at its helpline number as the nationwide lockdown entered 19th day on Sunday. "25 calls were received related to no food/no money, which have been forwarded to NGOs for direct relief at their addresses," the Delhi Police informed in a release on Sunday. "555 calls were related to movement passes and the same were advised to apply online on Delhi Police's website," the release said. The food delivery network established in all the 15 districts in the capital, with the involvement of nearly 400 NGOs/RWAs/Good Samaritans facilitated by Delhi Police, has led to the provision of meals/food packets at more than 250 locations which enabled feeding nearly 2,93,432 persons and supply of dry ration kits to 793 persons, it further added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Twenty-one people tested positive for coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 245, officials said here. Of the fresh cases, 17 are from the Kashmir valley and four from Jammu region, they said. "Twenty-one fresh cases were detected today in Jammu and Kashmir," a government official said, adding that the coronavirus count in the state stood at 245 197 in Kashmir and 48 in Jammu. There has been a steady increase in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past week. Four patients have died due to the disease in the state so far and six have recovered. More than 48,000 people have been kept under surveillance, including those who are either in government-established quarantine facilities or in home-isolation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The chief executive of fertiliser and explosives maker Incitec Pivot says it is vital farmers can grow crops to feed Australians at a time of crisis, saying the company has made significant changes to ensure the ongoing supply of its products. Incitec CEO Jeanne Johns also said the company was "currently exploring market interest" in its fertiliser business, now the subject of a strategic review, and would finalise its position in coming months. "It's vital we continue to supply farmers with our fertilisers and essential services so they can grow crops to feed Australians. We also need to continue to safely supply the mining and resources industries with explosives services critical to the mining process on their sites," Ms Johns told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Incitec Pivot chief executive Jeanne Johns says the company is currently exploring market interest in its fertiliser division. Credit:Arsineh Houspian Her comments come as the federal government pushes the economy to become more self-sufficient in light of the coronavirus, which has caused disruption to global supply chains. Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud is pulling together leaders from the public and private sectors to ensure agriculture can thrive after the virus. Stress. Thats the common denominator between those living during the period when our country was going through World War II and those now facing a medical pandemic. Then, the fear was for the lives of those who were fighting to protect us. Now, we are frightened for the lives of everyone. World War II stress was particularly related to being unable to get news from family members who were serving their country. Though I was fairly young during the early 1940s, I have some memories about what it was like to be a child during that stress. Living in a small community, almost every home had at least one family member who was in some branch of service. The only method of communication was by mail. Weeks, and sometimes months, went by without the family having any word from them. Often, they were not even sure where their servicemen were, because if they were stationed in strategic places, letters were censored. That meant they were opened and anything referring to their location was blacked out. There was no 24-hour news coverage. Even newspapers did not have daily reports of battles. Our family went to see a movie about once a month. The picture show, which was changed weekly, was suitable for the family. No R-rated films then. A short news clip, which was shown prior to the movie, was the only live-action news available. Of course, there was the evening news on the radio, with a report of the war (as they knew it). Todays generation sometimes forgets that there was no TV then, much less the many other electronic devices now at the fingertips of all who choose to use them. I can remember that we received Life magazine in the mail, and there were some wartime photos in it which were quite frightening to me. Another of my personal childhood memories of the war was of Hitler. I heard adults talk about how evil he was. From newspaper photos, I knew he had a mustache, and I became frightened if I saw a man with one of those prominent facial features. It made me wonder if this evil man might have somehow come to the United States! In order to avoid hoarding, as we have seen evidence of during this coronavirus pandemic, many items were rationed during World War II. On April 27, 1942, families registered for ration books at their local elementary schools. They received one book for each family member, to be surrendered at their death! Issued annually, these books contained stamps for certain items that were rationed because the supply chain to the United States had been interrupted or cut off. Among the items that required ration stamps for purchase were things made of rubber (tires/boots) and gasoline, sugar, shoes, milk, butter, cheese, meat and quite a number of other things, including bicycles. Addressing some of these rationed items specifically, rubber was actually the first commodity to be rationed. That was due to the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies, which cut off the supply of rubber to the United States and affected the availability of tires which were critically needed by the military. New tires were almost nonexistent for citizens, and even in order to purchase a pair of rubber boots, an old pair had to be turned in. Just because you had stamps for certain items, that did not mean they were available. Gasoline rationing was done a little differently. On May 15, 1942, 17 eastern states issued ration decals that were pasted on the windshield of the family automobile. Black decals indicated non-essential travel, which allowed a purchase of up to three gallons a week. Red decals were for workers who needed more gas (policemen, mail carriers, etc.). People were allowed to save their gas if they didnt need it at that time. By December of that year, all states had adopted the gasoline rationing program. In addition, it was reasoned that gasoline rationing could also help conserve rubber by reducing the number of miles Americans drove. At that time, a mandatory speed limit of 35 mph was issued. This was known as the Victory Speed. Because of gasoline rationing, two things developed: 1) Black market gas, where some people were able to get it illegally and resell it; and 2) carpooling, which flourished during those years. I can remember that my neighbor (and future sister-in-law) was in a carpool that went to the Navy Yard in Charleston every day where they worked. Another personal memory about gasoline rationing concerned an uncle who was stationed in Mississippi after serving in Australia. My parents saved and saved and saved their gas-rationing stamps so we would be able to go visit him and my aunt. The second day of our journey, gas rationing was lifted! The stamps were never used. The rationing of sugar became necessary after the Japanese conquered the Philippines in early 1942, taking away the last major sugar supply for the United States. Sugar then had to come from Hawaii and Central/South America. Even that was curtailed by 50%, because many cargo vessels were diverted for military purposes. The ration books originally contained stamps equal to one pound of sugar a week. Later, the stamp value changed, and citizens were allowed only a half pound per week. Sugar was the last product to remain on the rationed list after the war; it was discontinued in June 1947. Ill mention one of the other items that was rationed because it is also one that I personally remember: SHOES. Since the military had a great need for leather for shoes and leather flight jackets, shoes for those at home were rationed from February 1943 to October 1945. At first, each man, woman and child could purchase up to three pairs of shoes per year, using stamps designated for this in their ration books. When the supply of leather decreased even more, each person was then limited to TWO pairs per year. There was no exception for children, and their rapidly growing feet felt the crunch sometimes, causing doctors to fear they would become foot cripples. Shoes were repaired as long as they would last. Shoemakers were only allowed to produce shoes in four colors: black, white and two shades of brown, and no unnecessary features or embellishments were allowed. Because of that, childrens shoes were mostly black or brown with shoe laces. In our family, we were not really affected by the rationing of the food products such as milk, butter and meat since we had a cow and chickens. I can only say this: I never ever remember being hungry due to lack of food. Comparing those conditions with the situation today, where people now are grabbing things off the shelf to hoard, there was no such action during World War II. People felt it was their patriotic duty to make do with their allotment. It is somewhat puzzling as to why retailers today have even allowed that type of grab-all-you-can shopping. Before this crisis, when stores had certain sales or limited supplies, it was not unusual to see a sign saying Limit 2 or whatever number the merchants decided. Sadly, this same type of behavior has also affected the medical profession as they work to treat those affected with this virus. Many have had to reuse masks since supplies of new masks were sometimes snapped up for personal use or by buyers trying to resell them at exorbitant prices. To combat that uncivil type of behavior, a group of unsung heroes retaliated ---those who volunteered to make cloth masks. These are used by many medical workers to cover the masks they have/had to use more than once. Others are making gowns for doctors to wear as an added layer of protection. These projects have given those involved a sense of being able to help in some way during this crisis. The contrast in the employment situation is much different, where today businesses have had to close and many people have suddenly found themselves without jobs. During the wartime, there was a shortage of workers, not jobs. Due to the fact that almost an entire generation of men was involved in some way in the military effort, women entered the workplace, doing jobs they had never expected to do. Before, they had been limited mostly to being teachers, nurses or secretaries. Gradually, they became prominent in the entire work force, and today, men and women alike can compete for any position. There was no need to be concerned about the distance between people during World War II. The war was not contagious. However, today almost everything that allows people to congregate has been canceled. Then, people worried about the members of their families who were away from home. Now we are equally worried and concerned about those who are nearby, since we have to be distanced from them. Those who have lost their jobs due to businesses and schools closing have had to readjust. While they are at home, many parents now find themselves homeschooling their children, using lesson plans provided by teachers or schools. Those who are fortunate enough to have big yards can spend part of their days outdoors and know they will not be in the zone of contagion. However, residents in large cities can hardly leave their buildings without seeing or coming in contact with others. Thus the stay-at-home orders. Another personal reference comparing days when supplies were rationed with the current situation when things are available according to when the trucks arrive: I never had a bicycle before the war, so that meant I got my first bike after the rationing ended. I was 11 years old when my dad found a used bicycle, bought new tires for it and repainted it. What a thrill that was. My sister and I shared this bike until one was found for her. Our brother was not quite big enough to ride this bike at first. At that particular time, only 26-inch bicycles (standard size) were available. No training wheels for us. Our parents had to run alongside the bike and rider until we got our balance, and then they let us go. Actually, I think its probably much easier to learn to ride a bike at an older age, without the props! It's nice to be able to think of something where age is a benefit! London: Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson was making "very good progress" on Saturday in his recovery in hospital from coronavirus, officials said, as the country's deaths toll from the disease approached the grim milestone of 10,000. The 55-year-old leader was spending his second full day out of intensive care at London's St Thomas' Hospital, where he has been able to take short walks between periods of rest, according to Downing Street. "The Prime Minister continues to make very good progress," a No. 10 spokeswoman said. News of his improvement contrasted with the latest official statistics showing Britain recorded nearly 1,000 daily COVID-19 deaths for the second consecutive day -- one of the worst rates globally. The health ministry announced another 917 coronavirus hospital patients had died in the latest 24-hour period, down from the toll on Friday but still the country's second highest yet. An 11-year-old was among the victims, according to England's National Health Service (NHS). It brings the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in British hospitals to 9,875, while the number of confirmed cases in the country climbed by 5,234 to 78,991. That is thought to reflect only a fraction of the actual number of people infected because not everyone has been tested for the virus. "The prime minister continues to make good progress, but these stark figures highlight the gravity of this national emergency," interior minister Priti Patel told reporters at a daily briefing. Despite the sobering statistics, Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, said there was a "levelling off" in the number of new cases and "the first signs of a plateauing of people who unfortunately need hospitalisation". He credited a nationwide lockdown introduced on March 23 for halting the virus' spread, but added the mortality rate would be "the very final thing" to decrease. "We are confident that if everybody follows the instructions... then that will begin to translate in the next weeks into a reduction in the daily deaths," Powis said. "I'm afraid this year it has to be for all of us a stay-at-home Easter." Queen Elizabeth II echoed that in what is believed to be her first pre-recorded Easter address, released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday evening. "By keeping apart we keep others safe," the 93-year-old monarch said. "We know that coronavirus will not overcome us." Her resolute comments came a week after a rare televised address to the nation in which she told people to unite to beat COVID-19. Johnson is the most high-profile leader to suffer from the coronavirus, and his hospitalisation is unprecedented for a British prime minister during a national emergency in modern times. He was admitted Sunday for a persistent cough and high temperature 10 days after self-isolating with the virus. A day later he was transferred to the intensive care unit as his condition deteriorated. The Conservative leader left the unit Thursday evening in "extremely good spirits" and waving at staff "in gratitude", his spokesman has said. The Mail on Sunday newspaper reported Johnson's friends had revealed he came close to death while in intensive care and said he owed his life to the hospital's medical team. It remains unclear when he might be discharged from hospital and how quickly he would return to work once out. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputising for Johnson. The prime minister's spokesman stressed Friday that his recovery was "at an early stage" and he would act only "on the advice of his medical team". The Sun tabloid reported that Johnson's spirits had been lifted this week by his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds, who sent him "love letters" and scans of their unborn child. Symonds, who has also suffered from coronavirus symptoms in recent weeks, and the British leader have reportedly not seen each other for nearly a month. Their baby is due this summer. Meanwhile, it is also uncertain when Britain might be able to lift the stringent social distancing regime. Implemented for an initial three weeks, the measures are set for a formal review next week and likely to remain in place until at least the end of the month. In the Easter Message and before the Urbi et Orbi blessing, Pope Francis admonishes the international community, calling on all not to allow "fear and death" prevail, instead of the "the Lord Jesus". He remembers the victims of the pandemic, he urges greater support for doctors and nurses. No to international sanctions; cancel or reduce the debt of poor countries. Europe must find unity. Yes to a global ceasefire; no to arms trafficking. "A stable and lasting solution" for Israelis and Palestinians and for the whole Middle East. He also remembers the "populations in Asia and Africa who are experiencing serious humanitarian crises". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "This is not the time of indifference", "for self-centeredness", "for division", "for forgetfulness": " are not words we want to hear at this time. We want to ban these words for ever! They seem to prevail when fear and death overwhelm us, that is, when we do not let the Lord Jesus triumph in our hearts and lives. Thus Pope Francis admonished the Church, politicians, all humanity with his Easter message on the day of Jesus' resurrection, shortly before giving the Urbi et Orbi blessing (to the city of Rome and to the world). This rite which usually takes place from the balcony of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica - was also subject to the limitations due to the rules against the spread of the pandemic: the blessing and the Message were proclaimed by the Altar of Confession, inside the basilica. Previously, at the Altar of the Chair, the pontiff had celebrated mass, together with a few ministers and a few faithful, in a basilica echoing with empty naves (see photo). Not "an Easter of solitude" Faced with the "epochal challenges" and "a pandemic severely testing our whole human family", the Pope recalled the announcement of the Church: Christ, my hope, is risen! "A different contagion, which is transmitted from heart to heart," " the contagion of hope ". Francis first thought was towards to the many who have been directly affected by the coronavirus: the sick, those who have died and family members who mourn the loss of their loved ones, to whom, in some cases, they were unable even to bid a final farewell", to " who are especially vulnerable, such as persons who work in nursing homes, or live in barracks and prisons ". Confronted with the "physical suffering" and the "economic problems" that the pandemic is causing, confronted with an "Easter of solitude", the Pope announces that the resurrection of Christ does not by-pass suffering and death, but passes through them, opening a path in the abyss, transforming evil into good: this is the unique hallmark of the power of God. Although because of the pandemic, the faithful cannot approach the Eucharist and reconciliation, Francis stressed that the Lord "has laid his hand upon us (cf. Ps 138:5), firmly reassuring us: Do not be afraid, I have risen and I am with you still!. This comfort is addressed in particular to doctors and nurses, "to doctors and nurses, who everywhere offer a witness of care and love for our neighbors, to the point of exhaustion and not infrequently at the expense of their own health", as well as to all those who guarantee "essential services necessary for civil society". "This is not the time ..." Then followed four strong exhortations to the world community. First of all: " because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic ". And the pope asks for attention to the poor, to those who lack basic necessities, medicines, health care. For this reason, he asked that "international sanctions" be eased "on the countries affected (such as Syria and Iran), and a cancelation or reduction of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations. "This is not the time for self-centeredness," he said in a second strong exhortation, addressing "a special thought to Europe". After asking that the rivalries of the past not re-emerge today, he added: " The European Union is presently facing an epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world. Let us not lose the opportunity to give further proof of solidarity, also by turning to innovative solutions. The only alternative is the selfishness of particular interests and the temptation of a return to the past, at the risk of severely damaging the peaceful coexistence and development of future generations." In the third exhortation, "this is not the time for divisions", the pontiff calls for "an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world. This is not a time for continuing to manufacture and deal in arms, spending vast amounts of money that ought to be used to care for others and save lives." The Pope particularly remembered the situations in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, invoking "a stable and lasting solution" for Israelis and Palestinians, Ukraine, several African countries afflicted by terrorism. The fourth exhortation, "this is not the time of forgetfulness", pushes us not to forget the " all those in Asia and Africa who are experiencing grave humanitarian crises. He particularly remembers Mozambique, migrants and refugees, "especially in Libya and on the border between Greece and Turkey", those of the island of Lesbos, Venezuela, so that "concrete and immediate solutions" can be reached. Dear brothers and sisters - he concluded - Indifference, self-centredness, division and forgetfulness are not words we want to hear at this time. We want to ban these words forever! They seem to prevail when fear and death overwhelm us, that is, when we do not let the Lord Jesus triumph in our hearts and lives. May Christ, who has already defeated death and opened for us the way to eternal salvation, dispel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of his glorious day, a day that knows no end." And he wished everyone a Happy Easter. Photo Chandigarh/Patiala: Eleven persons were on Sunday arrested in connection with the horrendous attack on a police party at the vegetable market in Patiala this morning, in which an ASIs hand was cut off by a group of Nihangs. The accused, including a woman, were nabbed after the Patiala Police Party led by Jatinder Aulakh IG Patiala Range and Mandeep Sidhu, SSP Patiala were fired upon from inside the Nihang Dera Complex which also houses Khichdi Sahib Gurudwara. The operation followed several hours of stand-off and many rounds of appeals and negotiations led by SSP Patiala with the Dera Head Baba Balwinder Singh to surrender with their weapons and swords but the Nihangs refused to surrender. One Nihang, Nirbhav Singh, suffered a injury in the incident was immediately removed to Patiala Hospital. Advertisement The accused included the five persons involved in the brutal attack on the Punjab Police team posted at the vegetable market in Sanaur early on Sunday morning. The had crashed through a series of barricades and attacked the police personnel who inquired about their curfew passes, said DGP Dinkar Gupta, adding that Baba Balwinder Singh, the Nihang Head, was the main perpetrator of the attack on the police party at the Patiala Sabzi Mandi this morning. He came to the market with four other persons, in a Tata Zenon vehicle. Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has strongly condemned the attack and warned that anyone violating the curfew, imposed in the state since March 23 to check the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, would be strictly dealt with. The police personnel were risking their lives inspite of the pandemic to save the people of Punjab and any attack on them would not be tolerated, he warned. He directed the DGP to come down heavily on those trying to disturb the law and order of the state at this difficult time. DGP Dinkar Gupta said a huge cache of weapons as wells as hand held weapons, such as barchhe and kirpans, and some used cartridges were seized from the accused, in addition to two petrol bombs and LPG cylinders, 5 bags of poppy husk mixed with sulpha, other drugs in commercial quantity and Rs 39 lakhs in cash. Some bottles with chemical substances were also found inside the premises. Advertisement ASI Harjit Singh (2155), whose hand was reportedly cut off with a sword during the attack at the vegetable mandi, is undergoing a plastic surgery at PGI Chandigarh for suturing back his hand, where he was rushed after the incident, said the DGP. Besides ASI Harjeet Singh, whose left hand got severedmmm, three other police personnel were injured in the incident. Inspector Bikkar Singh (10PR) SHO Sadar Patiala, suffered sharp weapon injuries on his left arm, leg and back, ASI Raj Singh (1415) was inflicted a sharp weapon injury on his left leg, and ASI Raghbir singh (1445) had got blunt injuries on his body. In addition, a Mandi Board official, AR Yadwinder Singh, suffered some minor injuries in this attack. Giving details of the entire incident, Gupta said the accused had set up morchas inside the Dera Complex and had placed LPG cylinders along the Dera perimeter and were getting ready to set-off blasts to cause injuries to the police party, which was surrounded by the police party that chased them. Despite repeated announcements from the public address system, they refused to surrender and, instead, abused the police and threatened them with serious consequences if they tried to come closer. The police then persuaded the Sarpanch and some villagers to go in and persuade the men to come out but they failed. Soon thereafter, the police party heard loud shouts and noises from inside the gurdwara premises, suggesting that some innocent people and hostages within might have got caught in the trouble, according to the DGP. Advertisement A Patiala Police team led by IG Patiala and SSP Patiala alongwith a team of the Special Operations Group (SOG), led by ADGP Rakesh Chandra, then moved into the premises, followed to flush out the rogue band of Nihang criminals. A few shots were fired by the accused at the police personnel before they were nabbed, said the DGP, adding that entire operation was handled delicately so that the maryada and sanctum sanctorum of the Gurdwara Sahib was not disturbed in any manner. Two separate cases have been registered against the accused. The first has been registered for the incident at Sabzi Mandi, Sanaur Road, Patiala at PS Sadar Patiala for Attempt to Murder, grievous hurt, rioting, attack on public servant under the IPC, and also under provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. FIR No 70 dt 12.4.20 u/s 307, 323, 324, 326, 353, 186, 332, 335, 148, IPC, along with 188 and 51 DMA Act 2005 have been registered at PS Sadar Patiala against Balwinder Singh, Jagmeet Singh, Bant Singh and Nirbhav Singh. The second case has been registered against 11 persons, including the woman, at PS Passiana, Patiala (FIR no 45 dt 12/04/2020) for Attempt to murder, Attack on Police Party, 54 DMA Act 2005, Sections 3,4 Explosives Act, sections 13,16,18,20 of UAPA Act 1967, Sections 25,54,59 Arms Act. Advertisement Another case under NDPS Act has also registered for recovery of 5-6 bags of Poppy Husk and other drugs from Khichri Sahib Complex, Balbera, where the Nihangs were living. Their property will also be attached on account of the recovery of commercial quantity of drugs. The complete list of the accused is as follows: 1) Bant Singh @ Kala s/o Ajaib Singh R/ o Village Allowal PS civil line patiala Age about - 50 years 2) Jagmeet Singh S/o Balwinder Singh R/O Village Amargarh PS Amargarh dist. Sangrur -22 years 3) Balwinder Singh s/o Bhagh Singh R/O Village Karhali PS Passiana - 50 years (Nihang Head) 4) Gurdeep Singh s/o Roshan Lal R/o Jain Mohalla Samana PS city Samana - 24 years 5) Nanna 6 ) Jangir Singh S/o Pritam Singh R/o Village Partapgarh PS Sadar Patiala - 75 years 7) Maninder Singh s/o Jagtar Singh R/o Mehmoodpur PS Amloh -29 years 8) Jaswant Singh s/o Bhinder Singh R/o chamaaru PS Ghanour - 55 years 9)Darshan Singh s/o Dalip Singh R/o Dhiru Majri Patiala PS Civil Line 10) Nirbhav Singh 11) Sukhpreet Kaur w/o Jagmeet Singh R/o Khhichri Sahib Balbera - 25 years Through the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, the one thing that is pretty clear is that Deepika Padukone is quite an ace in cooking. After giving us a peek into her expertise with Thai cuisine, Ranveer Singh has now shown viewers how good she is at making Italian fare. Taking to his Instagram stories, Ranveer shared a bunch of pictures about Deepika in the process of making pizza. Sharing a short clip of his own first, he says aaj toh main Deepika ke haath ke bade bade pizze khaunga (today I will have big pizzas made by Deepika). After that he shares a number of pictures and boomerang clips of the pizza-making process, culminating in perfected made pizzas. The last picture is an old picture of Deepika with well known Italian chef Paola Baccetti. Sharing it, he had said that Deepika is classically trained. Deepika makes a pizza. Ranveer Singh shared a bunch of pictures and video clips. Couple of days back, Ranveer had shared an entire series of pictures and video clips of Deepika preparing Thai dishes such as Thai green curry, Tom Yum soup and Thai salad. Not just that, she also prepared a freshly baked cake and served it with ice cream and nuts. Also read: Rajeev Khandelwal shares casting couch horror with top director: He asked me to go to his room which I refused Deepika and Ranveer have been spending time at home, like most of Bollywood, other film industries and TV stars across the country. The Chhapaak actor has been giving a peek into her daily routine and looks to be super organised about it. Ranveer, meanwhile, has a capacity to sleep all day. Speaking about it while on a Hangout interview with journalist Rajeev Masand, Deepika had said, I have to say, hes the easiest person to live with in this scenario. Hes sleeping for about 20 hours, which really allows me time to do things that I want to do. Deepika added, For the four hours that hes awake, were either watching a movie, eating, exercising. Hes a real joy to be with at this time. No demands, no hassles, hes very easy. In another interview, she had said: My mother always says it, Ranveer keeps saying it, Can you sit in one place? Can you not have to do something all the time? And I dont know. I am always up to something, my mind is always occupied. He calls it phat-phat and then he complains on the family group, she said. Follow @htshowbiz for more The Chinese central bank has increased its stake in mortgage lender HDFC Ltd to over 1 per cent at the end of March quarter, as per statutory disclosures. People's Bank of China's holding in HDFC stood at1,74,92,909 equity shares, accounting for 1.01 per cent of the share capital of the company as of March-end, as per exchange data. Equity indices have corrected by a fourth in the last two months, as fears of coronavirus gripped investors globally, leading to heavy selling that possibly offered the bottom-fishing opportunities. According to reports, Chinese banks were looking for newer avenues of investments in India. The price at which shares were purchased could not be confirmed. HDFC stock saw a 33 per cent correction during January-March quarter - from Rs 2,433.75 on January 1 to Rs 1,630.45 on March 31. It had hit a low of Rs 1,501.80 apiece on the BSE on March 24, from where it saw a sharp rally to Rs 1,754 on March 27. Central banks typically have investments in various asset classes including gold, foreign currencies and also bonds, including both government and corporate ones. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taiwan, Turkey institutes discuss joint efforts to combat COVID-19 ROC Central News Agency 04/11/2020 07:23 PM Taipei, April 11 (CNA) Taiwan's Academia Sinica said Saturday that it has been in discussions with researchers from Turkey on possible collaborative efforts to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In a Facebook post, Academia Sinica said its president James Liao () held a meeting Friday via video conferencing with Hasan Mandal, president of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), and members of his research team to talk about various issues pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion included research and development of coronavirus drugs, rapid screening kits, and vaccines, the post said, citing Liao. Liao also expressed the hope of maintaining close contact with the Turkish institute through joint efforts to combat the disease, according to the post. TUBITAK, a Turkish national research agency founded in 1963, had more than 2,500 researchers and is a member of the European Science Foundation and the European Union's Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development. The talks with TUBITAK on Friday followed similar discussions recently between Taiwan's top research institute and its counterparts in the United States, the European Union, the Czech Republic and Canada. (By Wu Hsin-yun and Ko Lin) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rouhani urges Iranians to 'seriously' observe protocols as curbs ease Iran Press TV Saturday, 11 April 2020 10:19 AM Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has called on Iranians to respect health protocols aimed at containing the new coronavirus as "low-risk" economic activities resumed in most of the country. Rouhani made the plea in a meeting of senior officials in charge of the National Headquarters for Managing and Fighting the Coronavirus in Tehran on Saturday, expressing optimism about achieving "reliable conditions" in the fight against the viral pandemic provided that the health protocols are observed. "If the cooperation and support of the people as well as the observance of restrictions and protocols continue with the same procedure that has been done so far, we can hope that we will gradually achieve reliable conditions in dealing with the coronavirus," the Iranian president said. The government authorized the so-called low-risk businesses to resume activities across the country from Saturday with the exception of the capital Tehran, where they will restart from April 18. "The honorable people [of Iran] should know that the implementation of smart social distancing [rules] is only for low-risk businesses, and in no way should it be considered that the virus and its epidemic have completely disappeared," Rouhani underlined. "All health protocols must be taken seriously." Iran has confirmed 70,029 cases of the coronavirus infection since the outbreak was reported in the country in late February. More than 41,947 people have recovered and 4,357 died of the virus, according to the latest updates provided by the Health Ministry on Saturday. The figures come as Iran has been under draconian US sanctions particularly on the import of medical equipment amid the country's fight against the coronavirus, which continues to take its toll across the world. The Iranian government has said it would exhaust all its resources to ensure there would be sufficient protective gear and vital equipment to respond to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The United States reinstated its sanctions against Iran in 2018 after leaving a United Nations-endorsed nuclear agreement with the Islamic Republic and five other major powers -- the UK, France, Russia and China plus Germany. Washington claims that it has exempted foodstuffs and medicine from the bans, something that Tehran entirely disputes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India set to extend strict nationwide lockdown over COVID-19: State minister Iran Press TV Saturday, 11 April 2020 5:48 PM Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to extend a strict nationwide lockdown imposed last month to curb further spread of the COVID-19 disease, a state minister says, as the second most populous country in the world is challenged by record-breaking unemployment levels. On Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the news a few hours after Modi held a video conference with state ministers on the issue, during which many ministers urged the prime minister to prolong the preventive measure. "PM has taken (a) correct decision to extend (the) 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," Kejriwal further said on Twitter, without giving a time frame. Modi's government had earlier said that it was still considering states' requests and that they mostly wanted a two-week extension to the three-week lockdown, due to end on Tuesday, as there are growing concerns about how the lockdowns are affecting the poor and the economy. The COVID-19 disease, caused by the new coronavirus, was transmitted from wildlife to people in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. The disease has affected 210 countries and territories across the globe. It has so far infected more than 1,735,670 people and killed over 106,550. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a global pandemic. Official figures by India's health ministry shows that as of Saturday, 8,063 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and 249 others has died so far. The spread of COVID-19 does not follow a same pattern in India with some states seeing bigger hikes in cases despite the lockdown, like the western state of Maharashtra, which is so far the worst hit. This is while millions of migrant workers have been left jobless with the poorest suffering the most. On March 24, India shut its $2.9 trillion economy, closing all of its non-essential businesses and issuing stern stay-at-home orders to over a billion people, suspending air, road and rail transport systems. India's 1.3 billion inhabitants are prevented from leaving their homes and almost all public gatherings are prohibited. As testing for the disease has increased, the true picture is emerging. COVID-19 is beginning to spread through densely-populated areas, where social distancing is simply not feasible, and fresh clusters of infection are being reported on a daily basis. Removing the lockdown could easily risk triggering a new wave of infections. Later on Saturday, the federal government said the prime minister had stressed in the meeting that the coming weeks were critical to determine the impact of the measures taken until now to curb the new coronavirus. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address RTHK: Report says Assange fathered two children in embassy WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange fathered two children with one of his lawyers while holed up in Ecuador's embassy in London for much of the past decade, according to a report Sunday confirmed by the mother. The 48-year-old Australian is the dad of two boys, aged two and one, with lawyer Stella Morris, to whom he is engaged, she confirmed following a Mail on Sunday report. Assange is currently being held in London's high security Belmarsh prison as he fights an extradition request by the United States to stand trial there on espionage charges. Morris detailed the revelations shortly after the report emerged, in a video posted on social media by Wikileaks chronicling her five-year relationship with Assange and the arrival of their two children. "We fell in love," she said in the nearly 12-minute film, outlining how the romance began in 2015 -- three years into his seven-year stay at the Ecuadorian embassy in central London. "This is the person... I know the most in this world -- he's extraordinary," the South African-born lawyer said. Morris said she wanted to speak out now fearing Assange's life "might be coming to an end" due to his continued detention and the spread of coronavirus. Jennifer Robinson, one of Assange's lawyers in Britain who introduced the pair to each other in 2011, according to Morris, also confirmed they were a family. She said a statement by Morris outlining the situation had been cited as evidence in a failed court bid last month to get Assange bailed to avoid catching Covid-19. "Despite her statement about their family and the medical evidence about the severe risk to Assange's health, the judge refused bail and refused to grant her and the children anonymity," Robinson said. The British government plans to allow some prisoners temporary release, amid fears Covid-19 could sweep through jails, but a judge rejected the request on March 25, saying there were "no grounds" for his release. Assange faces charges under the US Espionage Act for the 2010 release of a trove of secret files detailing aspects of US military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. A ruling against Assange could see him jailed for 175 years. He ensconced himself in the Ecuadoran embassy in 2012 after skipping bail to avoid separate legal proceedings in Sweden, but was finally dragged out last year. He reportedly conceived the first child with Morris in 2016, according to the Mail on Sunday. Morris said the couple began a relationship the previous year while she was visiting him to work on his legal cases. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2020-04-12. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The states largest private hospital has apologised for telling mothers with COVID-19 that they would be separated from their babies immediately after giving birth, prevented from skin-to-skin contact and made to sign a consent form if they wished to care for their newborns. The Sydney Adventist Hospital outlined its new rules for COVID-19 maternity patients in a newsletter on Thursday, describing protocols at odds with the World Health Organisation and peak Australian and UK obstetrician bodies. Birthing hospitals are considering how to manage the risk of COVID-19 in the absence of uniform protocols. Credit:iStock The hospital's management told The Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday the newsletter was incorrect, "lacked subtlety" and would reissued new advice that stressed COVID-positive mothers would be offered the choice to stay with their babies or be separated from them to reduce the risk of transmission. Birthing hospitals across Australia are considering their approach to managing the risk of COVID-19 in the absence of uniform protocols from health departments. The mixed messages and confusion have inflamed anxieties among expectant mothers, partners and healthcare workers. Some Japanese office workers are facing a small, but insurmountable hurdle to staying home under the state of emergency declared in parts of the country over the virus: personal signature stamps. A reliance on paper filing systems in parts of Japan's business world is forcing employees to go into work to put their unique seal on documents. To do this they use tiny traditional stamps known as hanko or inkan -- tools that date back centuries, but are still popular nationwide. Usually cylindrical with a surface no larger than a fingernail, the tiny stamps are used with red ink to sign contracts, approve proposals and verify who has viewed what. "I need to physically be in the office because I need to submit paper documents and stamp them," Mizuho, who works at an IT firm in Tokyo, told AFP. Even though her company is tech-savvy in other ways, hanko are still the norm there, said Mizuho, who asked to be identified by her first name only. "We use Microsoft software as a communication tool... but I cannot work from home as long as the paper and hanko culture exists," she said. She worries that her firm isn't taking the pandemic seriously -- despite an employee in their building contracting the virus. "I feel unspoken pressure to be in the office," she added. - 'Conservative culture' - Most Japanese adults have a personal seal, carved with their name in Chinese characters, and used in place of a signature to authenticate documents in every aspect of life -- from opening a bank account, or acknowledging receipt of registered mail. Some major companies, including big banks, have begun phasing out their use. But they remain popular, along with other practices seen as outdated in other major economies, including the use of fax machines and a focus on paper rather than digital documents. A recent survey by the Japan Association for Chief Financial Officers (JACFO) showed 40 percent of companies that introduced telework said workers ended up going to the office, primarily because they had to handle paper documents and stamp things with hanko. "There is a conservative culture where companies don't want to change how they work," said Hiroshi Yaguchi of JACFO. Although the number of companies that digitise documents is increasing, more of them should follow suit and introduce web conferences to allow telework, he said. Japanese authorities this week declared a state of emergency in seven regions, including the capital, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe saying people should reduce their social contact by 70-80 percent to curb the spread of the virus. The measure falls short of a lockdown, but comes as medical experts warn of explosive growth in infections in the country, which has recorded over 6,000 cases and 94 deaths. - Digital seals - The number of commuters on Tokyo's notoriously crowded transport system has dropped significantly, but people like Yumi, an employee at a Tokyo insurance company, said telework simply isn't possible for her and her colleagues. "At my company, everyone comes in... our customers fill in paper applications for insurance so it's difficult for us to do business at home," she said, declining to give her family name. She tries to be careful taking the train, looking for carriages that seem emptier than others. Some workers have it better, like 30-year-old Yuki, a travel agent at a Tokyo firm that uses mostly online documents, as well as digital hanko. "I just click once and we get digital seal on a document. It's easy," she said. But even she says she goes to the office several days a week because some data can't be accessed remotely. "Going to the office by a train worries me most. I'm also worried about being infected in the office," she said. "I really want to avoid contact with people." Yuki worries that people continuing to work in offices will spread infection. "That's why maybe Japan should have imposed a ban on going out as seen overseas," she said. "Japanese are hard workers, so unless we're forced to not go to work, it's going to be difficult to avoid 80 percent of contact." Amid the rising coronavirus cases in the country, Uttar Pradesh's Agra has emerged as a model in best practices in cluster management to break the dreaded chain of coronavirus COVID-19. After Rajasthan's Bhilwara, 'Agra Model of Containment' has now emerged as another success story. Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary of Union Health Health Ministry, on Saturday explained how the spread of the deadly virus was curbed Agra and now the local administration succeeded in controlling the coronavirus. During the press briefing, Aggarwal lauded Agra administration and community health workers and explained how the local administration worked in close coordination with Health Ministry to develop a 'Containment and Rapid Emergency Response System'. The people involved in the mission coined a slogan 'Together Agra will win' to encourage each other as they knew the fight was tough but they were aware of the fact that timely action will help them in breaking the chain and the health workers ultimately managed to do that. The first step was to trace the epicenter or hotspot. The health workers traced the first person who was tested positive for coronavirus in Agra and then they managed to find out the entire travel history of the infected person. The team involved in this task managed to find out that the infected person had arrived in Delhi rom Italy on February 25 and he had come to Agra on the same day. It was also found that the infected person stayed at his home on February 25 and had visited his factory too on the same day. It was also found that the coronavirus positive person had stayed at his home on February 27 too and he had gone to a restaurant on February 28 and had visited his factory also on the same day. It was also found that the man had visited a restaurant again on February 29 and had visited the district hospital on March 2 after he started feeling coronavirus symptoms. Once it was confirmed that the person was infected with coronavirus COVID-19 it was a herculaean task for the local administration to trace and quarantine everyone who had come in contact with the infected person. The local administration then swung into action without wasting any time and made a full ring chain. The Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) of Agra Smart City which was set up as part of Smart City mission was converted into a war room. A total of 1,248 teams were deployed, which surveyed over 9.3 lakh population by screening 1.65 lakh households. A central helpline was also launched in Agra district. The SSP of Agra Police constituted teams of police and traffic police to prepare for the cluster lockdown. After forming different teams, the local administration demarcated the 3 km area around the hotspot. The total population in this area was around 9.30 lakhs and community health workers started door-to-door screening to check for coronavirus positive patients. A total of 1,248 with two person in each team was formed to conduct the door-to-door at this large level. The team visited each household to find out of anyone is suffering from fever, cough or any other symptoms of COVID-19. After careful screening it was found 2,500 people in the 3km area around the epicentre was showing coronavirus symptoms. It was also found that 36 people living in this area had visited abroad in the last 28 days and three of them showed medical symptoms. The local administration set-up the treatment facility on the basis of public-private partnership and those who were symptomatic of coronavirus were kept at this facility. The local administration built 566 paid institutional quarantine centre on the basisi of PPP model and they also constructed 3007 free institutional quarantine centre and 428 official quarantine centre. Agra District Magistrate and other senior officials kept a close eye over the whole development and kept on working to identify clusters. It was not easy to put such a huge population under total lockdown as the main challenge before the district administration was to set up 'Door Step Distribution Chain' in order to ensure that the people living in the epicentre do not face the scarcity of essential items. The district administration then identified the local food and medicione suppliers and ensured that they supply the essential items to each and every household. These shopkeepers were given e-pass to move in the affected area. Another major challenge before the district administration was to ensure the supply of food for homeless people living in the containment zone. This was done with the help of e-commerce firms who were tasked with supplying food materials to people living in shelter homes. The administration also created 'Citizenship Self Registry Platform' in order to allow the citizens to provide information to the health officials if they develop any coronavirus-related synmptoms. The hard work of Agra administration padi rich dividends as till April 11, 5 cases have recovered in Agra and 87 are under watch. A total of 38 epicentres were identified by local administration, out of which 10 have been closed because of the end of the risk of coronavirus infection in these zones. My life in the decades since, both in and out of government, has been enriched by the survivors of other extraordinary times. During my time as secretary of state, I met a 6-year-old boy in Uganda whose mother had been killed in a massacre. He had pulled himself out from under her body and walked several miles, carrying his little sister on his back, to a camp run by a religious organization. In Sierra Leone, I held a 3-year-old girl who had lost her arm to a bullet; she was later adopted and lived on the same street I do in Washington. In Bosnia, I grasped hands with women whose husbands and sons had been murdered and dumped in a mass grave near the village of Srebrenica. In Thailand, I met teenage girls who had been rescued from sex traffickers; they braided one anothers hair while telling me of their determination to live fearlessly despite scarred minds. At Georgetown University, back in Washington, I taught alongside a professor, Jan Karski, who had escaped from wartime Poland carrying to Britain and America some of the earliest eyewitness accounts of the transport of Jews to killing centers ordered by Hitler. During my tenure in the State Department, I worked closely with Vaclav Havel, leader of my native Czech Republic, and with South Africas Nelson Mandela; both had spent years as political prisoners. I also visited American soldiers, aviators, diplomats, aid workers and Peace Corps volunteers deployed to regions where each day brought intense suffering and renewed conflict. As president, Bill Clinton talked often about the quiet miracle of a normal life. But what we customarily think is normal is neither as common as supposed, nor as inevitable. A generally contented society is a rarity that humans must do our best to establish and sustain. Flawed as we are, we have built great civilizations, learned to coexist and with catastrophic exceptions live in peace. However, such accomplishments do not happen without obstacles. To be human is to be tested over and over, and we usually need abundant help from others. The Kwara State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigerian has appealed to the governor of the state to look into lopsided appointments and opportunities within the politics in the states. speaking via a press statement, the unifying body for all Christians in the state accused the ruling government of provocative marginalization and deliberate negligence of several requests and grievances of the Christian body in the state. According to the CAN Chairman in the state, Most Rev. Paul A. Olawoore none of the nine (9) Federal Legislators from Kwara State could represent the chritian fold because not one of them is a chsristion As it stands today, none of the nine (9) Federal Legislators from Kwara State is a Christian, a situation that ordinarily should spark off suspicion of an agenda because such a development is not a result of drought of astute Christian Politicians in the processes that culminated into the emergence of candidates for those positions. However in spite of the underhand tactics that cheated Christians out of the race, we looked away since those offices are elective positions. speaking further on why the christian fold resulted to writing an open letter, Olawore stated that open letter became their last option, after several efforts made to meet your Excellency privately to table our observations on several issues. Your Excellency may wish to note that this open letter became our last option, after several efforts made to meet your Excellency privately to table our observations on several issues including the pressing issue of technical ban placed on prayer and preaching in our Schools by the Honorable Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development proved abortive. Here is The Full Copy Of The Open Letter To Governor Abdulrazaq Bellow INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE Being the text of an open letter written at the end of the emergency meeting of the State Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter and all her Critical Stakeholders held on 6th day of April 2020 at the Catholic Secretariat, Tanke Junction, IIorin, Kwara State. Preamble: The Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) by her charter is the umbrella body for all Christians in Nigeria. The Kwara State Chapter is particularly charged to act as a liaison committee, by which member churches can consult together and when necessary, make common statement and take common actions on issues that concern the general welfare of the Christians in the State. As a critical stakeholder in the socio-political affairs of the State, we have never shied away from working in understanding with the people of other faiths and the government of Kwara State to ensure that peace and harmony which are essential to overall development of the State are maintained without any form of disruption, even in the face of provocative marginalisation of Christians in the polity. As it stands today, none of the nine (9) Federal Legislators from Kwara State is a Christian, a situation that ordinarily should spark off suspicion of an agenda because such a development is not a result of drought of astute Christian Politicians in the processes that culminated into the emergence of candidates for those positions. However in spite of the underhand tactics that cheated Christians out of the race, we looked away since those offices are elective positions. Our frustrations and why we resulted to writing an open letter: Your Excellency may wish to note that this open letter became our last option, after several efforts made to meet your Excellency privately to table our observations on several issues including the pressing issue of technical ban placed on prayer and preaching in our Schools by the Honorable Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development proved abortive. We have managed that absurd policy with optimal maturity and avoided media altercation in the belief that Your Excellency will be available for a quick resolution of the matter and other connected issues. But to our utter dismay the events of recent times and your evasiveness leave us with no other option than to shout out if our whispers are too inaudible for Your Excellencys ears. Also in view of the ongoing war against COVID 19 pandemic, we would still have extended the period of waiting on Your Excellency but the speed at which Your Excellency started to rush appointments which excluded Christians while the lockdown lasts has forced us to result to calling Your Excellencys attention to the unprecedented lopsidedness in all the appointment so far made by Your Excellency. Our action is thus premised on the fact that we sense a hidden agenda in the rush of all appointments at a crucial stage when lives should be rescued and secured, knowing fully that appointees are not going to resume work during this stay back- at -home period. We are sad that while churches and mosques are stopped from carrying out their operations, Your Excellencys preoccupation revolves around making controversial appointments and the last set of it was a shock at the expense of the emergence and presence of COVID-19 in your state. Facts of the matter: As it stands today, almost all the appointments so far made by Your Excellency do not reflect sensitivity to the religious plurality of the State and the following facts will reveal the obvious: 1. On coming on board of this government under your leadership on May 29, 2019, Your Excellency promised to be fair to all Kwarans. However, right from that time till date, the Christians are yet to see a true reflection of that promise. For instance, the first three appointments you made; the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the State Government and Chief Press Secretary and later that of the Deputy Chief of Staff did not include a single Christian. Yet, the Deputy Chief of Staff slot has always been reserved for a Christian once the Chief of Staff is a Muslim. 2. Out of the sixteen (16) commissioners that were appointed, only five (5) are Christians while all Special Advisers are non-Christians. This indicates that out of the twenty-six (26) member, State Executive Council, only six (6) including the Deputy Governor are Christians; 3. None of the Chairmen of the Governing Boards of all Statutory Boards and Commissions i.e Kwara State Civil Service Commission, Kwara State Judicial Service Commission, Kwara State House of Assembly Commission, Kwara State Polytechnic Board, Kwara State University(KWASU)Board, Local Government Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission, International Aviation College and IVTEC just to mention but a few so far appointed is a Christian; 4. Still in continuation of the marginalization, appointments of both the Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic and the Vice-chancellors of Kwara State University were schemed against the emergence of suitably qualified Christian academics; 5. Again, out of the eight (8) Permanent Secretaries so far appointed by your Excellency, only two (2) are Christians. Coupled with this is the unholy appointment of junior staff to superintend as Acting General managers over their most senior colleagues who are Christians in two (2) of the three (3) media houses in the State. That of the Radio Kwara, which we brought to Your Excellencys attention for remedy still remain unattended to; 6. While it is true that a Christian was appointed as Special Assistant on Religion, Christian Affairs and another as Chairman, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, these are positions that naturally should go to Christians. Meanwhile, none of the heads of the following agencies so far appointed by Your Excellency is a Christian: Kwara State Water Corporation, Kwara State Bureau of Land as well as Harmony Holdings Limited. 7. In continuation of the marginalization, our Churches were locked down without due consultations with CAN leadership. Your Excellency may wish to note that such style is not in tandem with democratic tenets. Although we understand that the lockdown was done as a preventive measure against COVID-19, but that due process of consultation as done for other stakeholders was not followed is not good. Your Excellency should note that the leadership of the Church is not in any way an appendage to any religious or traditional institution in the State. That notwithstanding, we showed understanding and persuaded all churches to close their services. We also on our own volition directed that Palm Sunday rally and Easter activities be suspended in strict compliance with the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. However, we wish to state without mincing words that any such arbitrary use of crude force to trample on our fundamental right to freedom of association and worship in the future will not be treated with kids gloves; 8. In furtherance of Christian marginalization in Kwara State, we wish to put it on record that the lawful CAN leadership were never consulted nor involved in the Kwara State COVID -19 Technical Committee thus the interest of Christians were not taken care of. On this, we are not unaware of the divisive approach adopted by Your Excellencys government to hand pick individuals whom Your Excellency believes will do your bidding to serve in the Palliatives Distribution Committee, an offshoot of the main committee. This to us is an aberration that will be vehemently resisted if it should happen again in the future; 9. Your Excellency, we wish to again reassert the fact that the only organ that can speak on behalf, or represent, the Christian body in the State is the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kwara State Chapter. No other individual or body is or can be authorized to do same. Thus, your government will do well to follow this established structure in your relationship with Christians in the State; 10. Though non-partisan, CAN is always open and ready to support and work with government for peace and welfare of the people. We are also always committed to praying always for the government in line with the injunction of our Lord and saviour. CONCLUSION: The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State chapter hereby demands for fair representation of Christians in all aspects of governance in Kwara State and wish to reiterate our willingness to be available for sincere dialogue that will lead to a redress and reversal of this dangerous trend. As it stands presently, having patiently borne with previous appointments that were grossly unfair to our faith, Kwara State Christians are not happy with this latest demonstration of unprecedented marginalization and discrimination against us in all spheres of governance in the State. We therefore reject the appointments, particularly of the heads of statutory bodies and ask for an immediate review to reflect our plurality as a state, and a practical demonstration of what Your Excellency promised Kwarans on May 29, 2019, after you were sworn in as Executive Governor. Yours in the service of Kwara State, through the love of Our Lord and Saviour, Rev (Dr) Reuben Idowu Ibitoye State Secretary Most Rev. Paul A. Olawoore State Chairman Share this post with your Friends on KAMPALA The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has cast doubt over the capacity of Dr Robert Mijumbi, an independent researcher, to develop cure for coronavirus. Over the past few days, there has been a YouTube Video and a letter circulating on social media on a COVID-19 cure by one Robert Mijumbi, an independent researcher and a university graduate in biology with experience in molecular medicine. The researcher claims to have designed an enzyme (protein) which he previously administered intravenously to one patient who he claims to have been cured of HIV. He further states that he has a belief that through the same procedure he has developed a cure for COVID-19. But Dr Samuel Opio, the Secretary of PSU, urged Dr Mijumbi to avoid creating unnecessary excitement among members of the public, arguing that this research has not been subjected to extensive trials. . production of any new drug requires it to undergo pre-clinical studies which are known as in vitro (outside the human body) studies such as in an animal model like a guinea pig or mice that mimics a human model and clinical trials which has to be done in vivo (inside the human body) to determine its efficacy and safety, he said in a statement issued on Saturday, April 11. Dr Opio also said biologics, the more advanced and sophisticated process used by Mijumbi, needs careful scrutiny because its purification process can lead to introduction of the bacteria, cell or animal components including even its diseases into the patient through the insulin. Biologics however, is a more advanced and sophisticated process which can be done either through use of micro-organism cells or direct synthesis of the biologics. A common example is insulin, a protein which is produced by removing the human insulin Gene and inserting it into the Gene of the bacteria or animal or cell to produce the insulin. In essence, one uses the body of a micro-organism, a cell or even an animal as a biological factory to produce the medicine as opposed to a chemical factory, he said. The biggest challenge is not its production however, but the purification process which has to be done to avoid introduction of the bacteria, cell or animal components including even its diseases into the patient through the insulin injection.To date, there are only a handful manufacturers of insulin in the world. Vaccines are another example of biologics. There are other more complex methods for production of proteins and enzymes which would need highly sophisticated equipment and advanced techniques to produce, he added. Dr Opio adds that as an independent researcher, it is important for Dr Mijumbi to cite the lab where he has been conducting his research. As highlighted, the level of sophistication needed to produce an enzyme is quite high unless he has developed a much simpler method to do so. In addition, the said lab would need to have capabilities of handling viruses for him to have carried out the HIV experiments, he said. The Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda also said while Dr Mijumbi cites having administered his product intravenously to an HIV patient, any product administered intravenously has to be sterile and hence needs a highly controlled environment to do so. Being a protein makes it even more complex since it cannot be sterilized by commonly applied methods such as an autoclave sterilization that uses steam. Proteins are heat sensitive and would need advanced filtration methods to purify, he said. Dr Opio said while the researcher cites one key patient as evidence for a cure of HIV/AIDS, It is important to note that evidence of cure has to be sufficient without bias and one patient cannot suffice to claim it as an HIV cure. Hundreds of patients have to be tested. One would also need to rule out the possibility that the patient was on ARVs at the same time he administered his drug. However, his pre-liminary findings could show that the product could be useful in HIV patients. The extent of its usefulness nevertheless will necessitate further studies to be carried out both at pre-clinical and clinical trial level, he added. He added that Mijumbi should therefore desist from creating unnecessary anxiety among the public as it can derail ongoing government efforts in containing the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a false sense of security. In addition, it makes the public question our competencies as scientists especially when we make unverified claims. He should rather focus on engaging the National Drug Authority, Ministry of Health, Uganda National Council of Science and Technology and various scientists to better guide him on his research. There are mechanisms of doing this without revealing the intellectual property details of his innovation. In this way, it will build confidence in other scientists and the public for his research. Engaging in YouTube videos only makes others perceive him with caution and suspicion even if his intentions are good as witnessed recently where a group of super geniuses were instead mistaken as super conmen! Mr Kijumbi, let the clinical trials and experiments on your drugs talk for you not the YouTube videos. Related STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- Gov. Andrew Cuomo is working toward an agreement with neighboring states to coordinate a simultaneous re-opening of schools and businesses. This all works as one or it doesnt work, said Cuomo during his daily press conference Sunday. It all has to be done regionally. That being said, its too early to say if the economy will be up-and-running by May or June, he said. DEATHS HIT PLATEAU As of Sunday, the rate at which people are dying and being hospitalized for coronavirus-related illnesses appeared to have plateaued. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** The number of new hospitalizations dropped to 53 on Saturday, after 85 were reported Friday and 290 were reported Thursday. The number of total hospitalizations have plateaued over the same three-day period. The number of discharges reported Saturday were up slightly from Friday, and down slightly from mid-week. That so called flattening of the curve, Cuomo said in referencing the data. Thats what the experts [are] talking about. PATH TO NORMALCY When officials deem it safe enough for non essential workers and students to return to their daily lives, it all should be done at the same time, Cuomo said. Schools, businesses, workforce, transportation -- it all has to be coordinated, he said. An important factor in getting New Yorkers back to their daily routines is the development of antibody testing, and so the state now is expanding on which companies can perform the testing, Cuomo said. The testing will determine who has had the virus, developed antibodies, and therefore, can return to the workforce. 70 Coronavirus in NYC: Photos show the fight against the pandemic As part of an effort to avoid a regression in the numbers, Cuomo announced Saturday that hes signed an executive order mandating that employers in New York provide face masks for essential workers, free of cost. Ending the press conference Saturday on a message of hope, Cuomo said its fitting that spring has arrived. This has been a cold period from a societal point of view but we will come back to life, and we will have a rebirth, he said. Mumbai, April 12 : The Maharashtra IAS Officers Wives Association has donated Rs 1.75 lakh to the CM Relief Fund to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, an official said here. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Kumar handed over a cheque for the amount to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray last evening, which will be utilized for various initiatives to combat the pandemic in the state. After big corporates offloading their wealth into government schemes, common individuals and local volunteer groups in Mumbai and elsewhere in Maharashtra are engaged in similar efforts to help the migrants, casual labourers and others stranded to survive the lockdown ordeal, now extended up to April 30 in Maharashtra. In an unique initiative, members of Woodland Heights CHS, Chandivali, are providing food material daily to around 500 migrant security staffers, domestic helps, conservancy staff and drivers through the local temples and volunteers in the vicinity, spending lakhs of rupees from their personal savings, said a team-member Pradeep Menon. The Vile Parle Jain Diamond Traders group led by Dharmesh Jhaveri and Bharat Parekh is organizing weekend lunches and breakfast for 250 BEST bus drivers, conductors, pavement dwellers and migrants in the lockdown period. A Class X student of Hill Spring International School here, Abishek Avarsekar, has raised funds of Rs 153,000 to provide food packets to 150 migrant families in Raigad. Mumbai police constable, Rajendra Ghorpade from Govandi Police Station donated Rs 25,000 from his savings to the CMRF, besides distributing food packets to the poor for the past few days. Bollywood actor Nana Patekar's Naam Foundation has donated Rs 50 lakh to the CMRF for Covid-19 projects in the state. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness Temple, Reliance Foundation, Rotary Club of Mumbai Queens Necklace have joined hands with ISKCON Annamrita to provide over 225,000 meals to migrants in Mumbai, Palghar, Pune, Aurangabad, Jalna and Nagpur. There are several silent celebs and ofilm stars besides anonymous groups or individuals, rendering big and small services to the cause of the less privileged, often as humble as feeding 5-10 persons daily from their private meagre resources, but without chasing donations, publicity or recognition. As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, people on social media are putting the Spanish flu back into the limelight to compare the two outbreaks and to see what changed in the past 100 years when it comes to protocols in pandemics. A photograph started circulating on Twitter and it showed two women wearing masks in 1919, during the height of the Spanish flu pandemic. Wearing flu masks in 1918 The said photograph is genuine. However, sources say that it was not taken in 1919 during the Spanish flu pandemic, and the masks were worn for fashion and not for medical purposes. The image is available through Alamy and presented with the caption "Ladies' fashion from 1913." The image is also attached to a description in German that explains the trend imitated traditional veils work in Turkey. According to the translated caption, the peculiar fashion emerged from the Balkan War and women wore the nose veil that has been used in Turkey for centuries. Also Read: Almost 60% of Passengers in Antarctic Cruise Ship Tested Positive for COVID-19 Even though the particular photograph shows two fashionable women, people were encouraged to wear masks during the Spanish flu pandemic. There are 1918 pictures circulating in social media that shows how people dealt with the pandemic back then. It was even announced that police officers patrolled the streets to make sure that people were wearing flu masks. The 1918 pandemic infected around 500 million people, which was a third for the world total population back then, and it resulted in an estimated 50 million deaths, 675,000 of the said deaths were in the United States. People wore protective masks as protocol mandated by countries infected with the disease. According to CNN, America led the world in mask wearing during the pandemic and in some areas of the country, the citizens were required to wear masks in public for protection. The Spanish Flu Three months after the coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, China, it has spread around the world and more than one million people are now infected, with 108,837 deaths. The virus as brought the world economy to a near-grinding halt. Scientists estimated that millions will die before COVID-19 runs its course. There are numerous infectious disease specialists and scientists that still do not know about the virus and how deadly and contagious it could be, as all of those aspects are still a matter of debate. This is not the first time that the world suffered from a pandemic, in 1918, the Spanish flu infected and killed millions of people. And now the experts are comparing the two to show the severity of the coronavirus pandemic. According to experts, the coronavirus has a mortality rate of 4.5% and the Spanish flu had a mortality rate of 2.5%. The 1918 Spanish flu was one of the most horrific pandemics of the 20th century, hitting those ages 20 to 40 hard, according to WHO. As for the coronavirus pandemic, those who are high-risk are the elderly and those with previous health issues. This means that the COVID-19 or coronavirus is more infectious than the 1918 flu. In order to help stop the spread of the virus, health experts are asking people to wash their hands, avoid touching their face and to practice social distancing and self-isolation. Related Article: Sweden Refuses to Go on Lockdown, Draws Criticisms @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Islamic Centre of India on Sunday asked Muslims to abide the lockdown orders and maintain social distance during the holy month of Ramzan to protect themselves from coronavirus. In an advisory, chairman of the Lucknow-based centre Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali said all Muslims should pray during 'iftaar' (ending the day's fast) for this pandemic to end. "The lockdown is in place till April 14, but there are possibilities that it may be extended. The moon for the Ramzan will be seen on April 24, and the first roza (fast) of Ramzan will be observed on April 25. All Muslims are requested to follow the lockdown orders and adhere to social distancing," he said. Those who organise iftaar' in mosques, should spend the money to provide ration and food to the poor.Those on fast should ensure no person goes hungry during Ramzan," the maulana said added. The advisory also said not more than 5 persons should gather at a time in a mosque. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Megxit is taking a direction that no one expected. When Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex announced they would be resigning as senior working members of the British royal family, many assumed they would retreat to Canada. They revealed they wanted a much quieter and private life away from the constant rumors and scrutiny of the British press and public. Though the pair did live on Vancouver Island in Canada in the months following their announcement and leading into their final royal engagements, their next move shocked everyone. Just before the borders closed between the United States and Canada, the Sussexes moved to their permanent home base, Los Angeles, California. LA is the duchess hometown and we know the pair are seeking complete financial independence from the royals. However, LA seemingly places them right in the U.S. spotlight. In fact, new details about the Sussexes Archewell foundation and powerhouse Hollywood team prove their new life isnt going to be all that private or quiet. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle deliberately chose LA as their new home base Though it might seem puzzling from the inside looking in, the Sussexes were very deliberate about choosing LA as the U.S. home base. In fact, though they are currently quarantining in a Hollywood compound, they are eyeing a secluded $18 Malibu mansion for their residence. Harry and Meghan have left Canada now for good, an alleged source told The Sun. The borders were closing and flights were stopping. They had to get out. But this move was planned for some time. They realized Canada would not work out for various reasons and they want to be based in the Los Angeles area. They have a big support network there. Its where their new team of Hollywood agents and PRs and business managers are based. Meghan has lots of friends there and, of course, her mum Doria. However, this LA move might but the Sussexes right back into a fishbowl. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have a ton of plans for their new Archewell foundation Though the pair have not officially launched their Archewell foundation due to the coronavirus, we do know that they have extensive plans for it. Like you, our focus is on supporting efforts to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic but faced with this information coming to light, we felt compelled to share the story of how this came to be, the Sussexes shared in a statement. Before SussexRoyal, came the idea of Archethe Greek word meaning source of action. We connected to this concept for the charitable organization we hoped to build one day, and it became the inspiration for our sons name. To do something of meaning, to do something that matters. Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon. According to the trademark paperwork, Archewell could consist of everything from movies to podcasts, clothing to charitable services, and even online seminars, lectures, and retreats. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have assembled a powerhouse Hollywood team Moving forward, Buckingham Place and the royal family will make no statements regarding the Sussexes. The couple has assembled their own high-profile team for this new phase in their lives. The Sussexes new team includes an agent, business agent, lawyer, and PR firm. Nick Collins of the Gersh Agency, who has represented celebrities including Tobey Maguire and Jamie Foxx, is in charge of taking care of film, TV or charity offers. Andrew Meyer, who runs Freemark Financial, is the mastermind behind Meghans business plans. Then the Sussexes lawyer Rick Genow, is a Harvard graduate. He considered one of the top attorneys in Hollywood, who will handle Meghans legal affairs. PR firm Sunshine Sachs is handling the couples publicity. It looks like the Sussexes are fully prepared to go Hollywood. WFH for Private offices in Delhi, restaurants & bars to be shut as Omicron-led to sudden rise in Covid cases Firms weakened by COVID-19 targets of foreign takeovers: Rahul Gandhi India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Apr 12: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on said that the government must not allow foreign interests to take control of any Indian corporate at this time of national crisis. "The massive economic slowdown has weakened many Indian corporates making them attractive targets for takeovers. The Govt must not allow foreign interests to take control of any Indian corporate at this time of national crisis," he tweeted. Rahul's statement comes on a day when the People's Bank of China (PBOC) purchased 1.01 per cent stake in the mortgage lending major Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC). The central bank of China has acquired nearly 1.75 crore shares in HDFC during the quarter ended in March. The World Bank has predicted that India will see the growth of just 1.5-2.8 per cent in its current financial year -- down from an expected 4.8-5.0 per cent for the year just ended. The International Monetary Fund, one of the world's biggest financial institutions, also warned of a global recession and said the pandemic is causing an economic crisis unlike any in the past century and will require a massive response to ensure recovery. An employee works on the assembly line at the Dongfeng Fengshen plant in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on on March 24, 2020. (Getty Images) Chinas Auto Market Crashes in First Quarter Amid Pandemic Demand continues to slump even as most dealers have reopened News Analysis Automobile sales in China were completely blitzed during the first quarter of 2020. Sales numbers from January to March were the worst ever, as the CCP virus pandemic shut car factories and dealerships across China, and consumers held tight to their pocketbooks. China auto sales fell an annualized 43 percent in March, official data released by the government-backed China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed on April 10. The worlds largest auto market has struggled to get back on track following an extended drop in demandmade worse by the ongoing pandemic of the CCP virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus. Results in March were slightly better than February, when sales cratered 79 percent as most of the country was under lockdown. However, March data was still unsatisfactory, given that Beijing had looked to open the economy as quickly as possible. Chinas auto sector is currently mired in a deep slump that preceded the CCP virus-induced shutdown, as March marked the 21st consecutive month of nationwide sales declines. Horrid Timing The Chinese market isnt only vital for local domestic automakers, but foreign brands such as General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG in recent years have pinned their growth prospects on China. The timing of the pandemic is particularly damaging for the Chinese auto market, which came into 2020 with big expectations following two years of declining sales due to lower demand and overproduction. Beijing was hoping for a speedy V-shaped rebound, but on the ground, economic activity was reviving at a much slower pace than the government had anticipated. A V-shaped recovery is no longer in the cards. At best, Chinese economic recovery will be U-shaped, with the most likely scenario being an L-shaped recovery following a prolonged recession triggered by foreign demand shock. Nearly 91 percent of franchised new-car dealerships in China have reopened as of mid-March, according to industry publication Auto News. But showroom traffic still lags; dealers are only seeing 53 percent of normal customer levels. Other data suggest that store foot traffic has been decreasing since then. The March increase in visits to dealerships tailed off in April, IHS Markit analyst Lin Huaibin told the Wall Street Journal. The countrys lingering employment crisis could be a main factor. Chinas official unemployment rate issued by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) jumped to an all-time-high of 6.2 percent in January and February combined, from 5.2 percent in December 2019equating to roughly 5 million new people out of work. Those figures are certainly understating the true jobless figures. Off the bat, migrant workers are not included. But its useful in this instance as the official NBS unemployment figures do count workers in Chinas urban centers. And its likely that most of those 5 million unemployed people previously had economic means to purchase cars. Local automakers also appear to be disproportionately affected by the CCP virus. Domestic automakers Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Great Wall Motor, and the Warren Buffett-backed BYD saw sales decreases of 43 percent, 47 percent, and 48 percent, respectively. As a group, they experienced the biggest sales drops, according to the WSJ report. Local car brands customers are generally less affluent and could be more susceptible to economic downturns. Loosening Restrictions Three months into 2020, it already looks to be a lost cause for the Chinese auto industry. To combat sagging demand, Beijing is implementing measures to stimulate the economy and revive consumer spending. At a macro level, Chinas total social financing (TSF) rose to a record 5.2 trillion yuan ($730 billion) in March. TSF is the broadest measure of Chinas total financing and includes both on-balance sheet (via commercial lenders) and off-balance-sheet financing (via shadow banks and trusts). This means that companies are being granted unprecedented liquidity funding to survive the current downturn. A slew of industry-specific actions also took place. Beijing announced in March that it would extend electric vehicle (EV) purchase subsidies through 2022, which were supposed to end this year. China is pushing to become a global leader in EV adoption. But EV sales during the January to March period dropped by 56 percent, according to the WSJ. And Chinas EV industry is notoriously fragmented, with dozens of startups vying for attention. WM Motor, NIO, and Xpeng Motors are the three most prominent EV makers with major Chinese backing from Tencent, Alibaba Group Holding, and Baidu, respectively. But dozens of EV automakers had limited funding even before the pandemic hit. Local authorities have also begun to offer consumer subsidies. Cities such as Changsha, Guangzhou, and Ningbo are offering incentives to potential buyers. Changsha, for example, announced last month that it would offer rebates up to 3,000 yuan ($429) to buyers of new cars built locally from March 11 to June 30. Taking a page from U.S. President Donald Trumps playbook, Beijing policymakers are also considering delaying implementation of more stringent emissions rules by six months, to help the auto industry weather the storm. The Trump administration recently rolled back vehicle emissions standards adopted under the Obama administrationrequiring 1.5 percent annual increases in fuel efficiency, much more lenient than the 5 percent previously mandated. South Africa: Water relief efforts gain momentum in Gauteng The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has delivered 1 785 water tanks in water-deprived communities across Gauteng to slow the further spread of the novel Coronavirus. Drought-stricken areas, rural communities as well as indigent and densely populated communities are among the departments target to ensure that they access water easily and swiftly in the form of water tanks and water tankers. This follows Minister Lindiwe Sisulus call on the department to marshal its resources to ensure that vulnerable communities were not negatively impacted and thus did not suffer the hardest with the spread of the virus. Significant strides have been made in different areas of the province, including the Cities of Joburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni and the West Rand and Sedibeng District Municipalities. Head of DWS in Gauteng, Sibusiso Mthembu, said it was in everyones interest that the needy communities were provided access to clean water as this meant that they would be able to wash their hands regularly to prevent a crisis of the infection rate going up. Mthembu said communities around Gauteng were grateful that the department was addressing the issue of water shortages in the manner in which it was doing, adding that the department was determined to do all it could for people to access clean water. He said the picture of lack of water was changing in communities as the supply of water was gradually meeting the demand of communities and expressed hope that there was no gaping need for water in the future. As Minister Sisulu has instructed us, we must ensure that families are not devastated by this virus simply because they do not have access to water to practice proper hygiene. The country is presently in uncharted waters as we have not experienced something like this before. So, this is not a time to let up but to double our efforts to ensure that we defeat this virus, said Mthembu. The department has urged communities to work cooperatively with municipalities to safeguard the water tanks because they provided a lifeline that protects those that are most at risk. Mthembu cautioned communities against acts of destruction of infrastructure. The water tanks the department is rolling out is the property of the communities and so it is up to them to ensure that they look after them. It is therefore in the interest of communities to look after their infrastructure. The destruction of this infrastructure means that it is them who will bear the brunt after all, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-04-12. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Meghan Markle hasnt had an easy life ever since she started dating Prince Harry back in 2016. The former actress has been bombarded by paparazzi since the news first broke that she and the prince were dating, and many believe it was largely the reason why she and Harry ultimately decided to leave the royal family less than two years after they wed. B The public might not even know how bad the invasion of privacy truly became Meghans garage was reportedly broken into before she and Harry were even married. Meghan Markle | Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle battled for Meghans privacy When Harry and Meghan first started dating, they did their best to keep the relationship private. But it was only a matter of time until news broke that the prince was dating an American. And with that, Meghans world was flipped upside down. The paparazzi became relentless. Anywhere Meghan went, people tried to photograph her. Kate Middleton and Princess Diana both dealt with the same thing when they started dating Prince William and Prince Charles. The royal family released a statement asking for Meghans privacy, but it did little to curb the press. The press had an effect on the couples decision to leave the family Nearly four years after the couples relationship began, Meghan and Harry made the difficult decision to leave the royal family. The two made an announcement in January 2020, and Harry said that it was not an easy decision. But the press had compromised Meghans relationship with the public; negative stories were constantly published, which painted her in a bad light. Meghan had a hard time developing a relationship with the public, and it likely had a lot to do with the press. Plus, Harry was reportedly not in a great place with his brother at the time. Those, combined with the couples wish to give their son a more private life, became valid reasons for the two to leave the family. A photographer once allegedly broke into Meghans garage to get photos People often give Meghan a hard time for the way she has handled royal life. But what the public may not know is that things were very difficult for her before she had the protection of Harrys family. Traditionally, the royal family will not pay for the security of anyone who isnt an official family member. When Meghan and Harry were still dating, she had all the press of a royal with none of the protection. One paparazzo reportedly took matters into their own hands in order to learn more about Harrys girlfriend. Back when Meghan was still living in Toronto, a press member allegedly broke into the Suits stars home to try and get photographs for the media. The police were immediately notified, and it was a clear wake-up call for Meghan royal life would not be easy. The incident is part of what prompted the royals to release a statement asking for Meghans privacy. The duke and duchess have slipped under the radar recently These days, Meghan and Harry are living a very different life from where they were in 2019. The two have officially closed their office at Buckingham Palace and have reportedly moved into a private estate in Malibu, California. The couple also shut down their Instagram account, pushing them even further off the grid. Meghan and Harry just launched a charitable organization, Archewell, which is their next venture together. So far, not much is known about the new charity initiative, but its clear the two are still working hard to better the world. In Concord Township, you can park whatever you want on your front lawn regardless of how big, how ugly, or how inappropriate the vehicle is for a neighborhood as long as you throw down some gravel and declare it a driveway. A few weeks ago, over the opposition of every one of his immediate neighbors, a guy in my neighborhood decided to park a huge mobile home on his front lawn, degrading the character and visual appeal of the neighborhood. The impact of this inconsiderate act on taxpaying neighbors got me thinking how much the concept of private property has morphed into something that reflects our increasingly selfish and privatized world. Every dry square inch of planet Earth is owned by someone, some corporation, or government. You would think that something as pervasive as private land ownership would date back thousands of years. In fact, its a relatively new institution from medieval times. Throughout most of human history, people belonged to the land. Land didnt belong to people. The medieval Enclosure Acts changed this. As the worlds first privatization effort, the Acts were the beginning of the end of the Commons. Formerly unowned land was just handed over to individuals, so farmers whose ancestors had worked land for centuries now had to pay rent to a landlord. What began in Europe was later exported to the New World, one of the more egregious examples occurring when Charles II of England simply gave William Penn a vast stretch of this continent that didnt belong to him. The hundreds of thousands of natives in various tribes who had called Delaware and Pennsylvania home for thousands of years must have been shocked to learn that their ancestral lands were now considered someone elses private property. Europeans liked to invoke God to justify their thefts, but there was no hand of Providence in this. It was a confiscation pure and simple, and as its beneficiaries, we have bent the concept of property rights into something even more grotesque. We have now even privatized aspects of the Commons which were previously off limits, and we increasingly depend on for-profit corporations to provide the basic services needed in our modern world. So instead of an international cooperative effort to develop a COVID-19 treatment and vaccine as quickly as possible through shared research, we have hundreds of organizations all working separately in the hope that theyll be the ones to reap all the profits. In Delco, weve seen the further dismantling of the commons in the privatization of water and sewer services that were once provided by nonprofit authorities. One of these was the acquisition of our countys largest sewer authority, DELCORA, by Aqua, whose goal will not be to treat sewage as much as is it will be to make profits. And while Aqua already owns much of the countys water distribution, its pushing to acquire the last remaining nonprofit water provider: the Chester Water Authority. As the Bechtel Corp. got Bolivia to ban the collection of rain water after privatizing Cochabambas municipal water supply, I wouldnt be shocked if Aqua someday soon claims ownership of our groundwater. It already owns most of our countys surface water in the Springton Reservoir, and because its filled by thousands of upstream springs, I could see them arguing that the water belongs to them. Extreme ownership ideas is the reason why the reservoir is likely tainted with lawn chemicals, driveway runoff, and God knows what else from housing developments that were permitted all along its banks. As our new medieval lords, developers would have you believe they have a constitutional right to convert a family farm into a bloated colony of stucco shacks. Theyve stretched what was once a persons right to buy, sell, and work their land into something that allows them to maximize profits at the communitys expense. They use the very developer-friendly Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to hold towns hostage and force high-density developments on communities that dont want them while externalizing much of the costs of building new roads, schools and other infrastructure to taxpayers. Developers have so internalized their selfish logic that theyre oblivious to the harm they cause. One developer in a meeting about the Don Guanella tract had the gall to complain about traffic, but when it was pointed out that traffic is spilling out of developments he and other developers are building, he got angry and said that people have property rights. As Upton Sinclair observed, its difficult to get someone to understand something when their job prevents them from understanding it. So weve come a long way from the Commons. What once belonged to everyone is now claimed by individuals, developers or corporations. They want to own everything or do whatever they damn well please on their land. To hell with neighbors, the community, the environment, wildlife, etc. Its fitting that the classic American novel capturing how much weve spoiled this once pristine continent is still under copyright even though the author, editor and original publisher of The Great Gatsby have been dead for almost a century. More than 10 percent of the 4,800 crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Navy said Saturday, days after the navy chief resigned over his mishandling of the outbreak. "92 percent of the TR crew have been tested. As of today, 550 were positive, 3,673 were negative," a US Navy spokesman told AFP. The spokesman said 3,696 have been moved to hotels and barracks available on Guam, where the ship has been docked since its former captain blew the whistle on the outbreak, igniting a public standoff with the Pentagon that culminated in the resignation of US Navy Secretary Thomas Modly on Tuesday. Modly stepped down five days after removing the Roosevelt's captain, Brett Crozier, for writing a letter -- that was leaked to the media -- describing the virus-struck vessel's dire situation and alleging the Pentagon was not paying adequate attention to it. The removal of Crozier, respected in the military and popular with his crew, was seen as heavy-handed and decided too quickly, before an investigation was carried out. A navy veteran with a spotless career, Crozier had written a letter to his superiors in late March complaining of an uncontrolled COVID-19 outbreak among the Roosevelt's crew, and called on the Pentagon to allow him to vacate the nuclear-powered ship and sterilize it. "The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating," Crozier wrote. "We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die." The letter was published by the San Francisco Chronicle, a leak Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Modly insinuated was deliberate and violated the Pentagon's chain of command. Modly sparked outrage Monday after he flew from Washington to Guam, where the warship is docked, to defend his actions to the crew in a forceful, profanity-laced speech in which he accused Crozier of "betrayal". Hours later, back in Washington, Modly issued an apology, but President Donald Trump publicly questioned Crozier's treatment and said he would get directly involved. Modly "resigned of his own accord," Esper has said. The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has been docked in Guam since its former captain blew the whistle on the coronavirus outbreak onboard Some have more dollars than sense, they say, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can easily find investors. But as Warren Buffett has mused, 'If you've been playing poker for half an hour and you still don't know who the patsy is, you're the patsy.' When they buy such story stocks, investors are all too often the patsy. If, on the other hand, you like companies that have revenue, and even earn profits, then you may well be interested in BNP Paribas Fortis (EBR:017250539). While that doesn't make the shares worth buying at any price, you can't deny that successful capitalism requires profit, eventually. While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, unless its owners have an endless appetite for subsidizing the customer, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else breathe its last breath. View our latest analysis for BNP Paribas Fortis How Fast Is BNP Paribas Fortis Growing? The market is a voting machine in the short term, but a weighing machine in the long term, so share price follows earnings per share (EPS) eventually. Therefore, there are plenty of investors who like to buy shares in companies that are growing EPS. We can see that in the last three years BNP Paribas Fortis grew its EPS by 8.6% per year. That's a good rate of growth, if it can be sustained. I like to take a look at earnings before interest and (EBIT) tax margins, as well as revenue growth, to get another take on the quality of the company's growth. Not all of BNP Paribas Fortis's revenue this year is revenue from operations, so keep in mind the revenue and margin numbers I've used might not be the best representation of the underlying business. It seems BNP Paribas Fortis is pretty stable, since revenue and EBIT margins are pretty flat year on year. That's not a major concern but nor does it point to the long term growth we like to see. The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers. Story continues ENXTBR:017250539 Income Statement April 12th 2020 While profitability drives the upside, prudent investors always check the balance sheet, too. Are BNP Paribas Fortis Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? I always like to check up on CEO compensation, because I think that reasonable pay levels, around or below the median, can be a sign that shareholder interests are well considered. I discovered that the median total compensation for the CEOs of companies like BNP Paribas Fortis, with market caps over 7.3b, is about 2.3m. The BNP Paribas Fortis CEO received total compensation of only 47k in the year to . You could consider this pay as somewhat symbolic, which suggests the CEO does not need a lot of compensation to stay motivated. While the level of CEO compensation isn't a huge factor in my view of the company, modest remuneration is a positive, because it suggests that the board keeps shareholder interests in mind. It can also be a sign of good governance, more generally. Is BNP Paribas Fortis Worth Keeping An Eye On? One positive for BNP Paribas Fortis is that it is growing EPS. That's nice to see. Not only that, but the CEO is paid quite reasonably, which makes me feel more trusting of the board of directors. So I do think the stock deserves further research, if not instant addition to your watchlist. We should say that we've discovered 1 warning sign for BNP Paribas Fortis that you should be aware of before investing here. Of course, you can do well (sometimes) buying stocks that are not growing earnings and do not have insiders buying shares. But as a growth investor I always like to check out companies that do have those features. You can access a free list of them here. Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction. 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. YEREVAN, APRIL 12, ARMENPRESS. A Patriarchal Divine Liturgy has been served in the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Yerevan on April 12, on the occasion of the Feast of Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin told Armenpress. During the Holy Mass His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, addressed a message on the Feast of Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Armenpress presents the full text of his message: In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, O Christ, you are the life and resurrection of the humanity. (Hymnal) Dear Faithful People, The Glorious Resurrection of Christ has been marvelously exalted in beautiful hymns by the blessed fathers of our Holy Church, bringing to our people the good news of the inexhaustible hope of life and salvation. O Christ, you are the life and resurrection of the humanity. Our Lord Jesus Christ has revealed many times during His earthly life of His sufferings and resurrection, the meaning of which even the apostles were not able to comprehend. After the crucifixion of Christ, they locked themselves in despair in the Upper room and were doubtful in believing the good news of the Savior's resurrection; conveyed to them by the oil-bearing women. However, after meeting with the Risen Christ, the sadness turned into a joy of unity with the Lord. The pain of the Lord's crucifixion and death was transformed into jubilation of the Savior's triumph, the dark night of sorrow was turned into a dawn of universe-restoring resurrection. And the light and teaching of Christianity triumphantly spread throughout the world, directing the life of mankind toward salvation and eternity. The joyous good news of the Resurrection of Christ resounds with particular hope and comfort in our troubled times, when humanity is afflicted and suffering, is facing deprivation and losses, is undergoing shared distress and crisis. This year countless faithful people all over the world spend the life-restoring Easter celebration in isolation, many of them far from their loved ones and friends. In these current difficult conditions of the pandemic, we also hold sacred services of worship in our churches, without the physical presence of the believers. Nevertheless, beloved ones, we are confident that you are with us in spirit, mind, and prayers, and we are celebrating this marvelous feast together. The Resurrection of Christ is the restoration of human existence and the gift of eternity to all of us. I came so that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10). The life bestowed by Christ is a reality above and beyond our every-day difficulties and responsibilities. It is where Gods will is carried out, where the commandments and exhortations of the Lord are realized fruitfully with God-pleasing deeds, and it is where the darkness of life is transformed into a dawn. The worldwide pandemic is a challenge to humanity, but especially to humanness. We believe that humanity will overcome this challenging situation of the pandemic and all the difficulties caused by it in the social, economic, educational, and public spheres. However, it is of more importance that a permanent victory is achieved against all inhumane manifestations: such as materialism, poverty, inequality, militarism, wars, and other evils. There have been and still are many testimonies of philanthropy, solidarity, protection of peoples rights, and of working together for the good of humanity; which are a luminous pathway for a new course in the world. Humanity must realize that the guarantee of prosperity and happiness is the life lived by God, which turns into a blessing, power, and source of strength. With Gods mercy the world will withstand this trial. However, it is of vital importance to become stronger while overcoming it, united and spiritually strengthened, always having God as our guide and support. This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith, says the Apostle (1 John 5:4). Yes, beloved ones, with the faith of the Resurrection, with the awareness of the Savior's presence in our lives, we will be able to resolve all the problems our people face and build the bright future we all dream of. We are painfully aware that you are facing hardships, adversity, and anxiety all over the world. However, our willingness and commitment to care for our homeland, our sisters and brothers, are vitally needed and must continue to be demonstrated. We once again call on the sons and daughters of our nation in the homeland and in the diaspora, to give a helping hand to our government authorities in their efforts to overcome the difficult situation created by the pandemic, in caring for the patients, and the welfare of those sons and daughters of our nation who are in great distress; by making your contributions to a special account opened for this cause. These days, our Church, with its dioceses around the world, is making more and more efforts to provide support to the needy, and comfort and care to the children of our nation in the homeland and around the world. Our faithful people, let us fortify our lives and deeds by the God-given commandment of love. Let us keep national unity and solidarity strong, as people - triumphant through Christ, as people - faithful to Christ. Let us live with the faith of the Resurrection, with the zeal to fulfill the commandments of Christ, to build our prosperous, thriving, and powerful homeland and its vibrant future with new victories and bright dreams. With this wish, we bring the encouraging message of the miraculous Resurrection of Christ to our spiritual brothers, to His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia; to His Beatitude, Archbishop Nourhan Manoogian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem; to His Beatitude, Archbishop Sahak Mashalian, the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople; to the spiritual Heads of the Sister Churches, and to all the clergy of our Holy Church; asking for the support and protection of our Heavenly Lord. With our pontifical blessing, we greet the President of the Republic of Armenia, His Excellency, Mr. Armen Sarkissian; the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia His Excellency, Mr. Nikol Pashinyan; the President of the Republic of Artsakh, His Excellency, Mr. Bako Sahakyan; and the state officials of Armenia; wishing them strength to overcome difficult situations and to lead our country in the direction of progress and prosperity. We bring our pontifical love and blessings to our faithful people in the homeland and in the diaspora, in particular, to our doctors and healthcare workers, who provide laudable service under difficult circumstances, and to the brave soldiers and officers of our victorious army, to the police, to teachers, and to all dedicated people who serve for the benefit of others. We offer our prayers to Lord our Savior to grant the radiant graces of His Resurrection to all of humanity, to our country, and to all our people around the world; to free us from tribulations, and to grant us peace and infinite heavenly blessings. May the good news of Christ's Resurrection and victory of life be ever resounding in our hearts and souls. And together, encouraged and strengthened by Christ, overcoming challenges and building our new lives, let us always glorify Almighty God for the precious gifts of salvation and eternal life He has granted to us through His endless love. Remain in the grace, love and blessings of the Lord, now and always and unto the ages. Amen. Christ is risen from the dead, Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ. While the 21-day national lockdown, designed to counter the spread of coronavirus, brought lives to a standstill for Indians, some have taken the opportunity to discover hidden talents and hone existing ones. Lok Janshakti Party President Chirag Paswan took to Twitter to show off one such talent. On Sunday, Chirag who is the son of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, shared a video of himself giving a haircut to his father as the duo practiced social distancing amid the lockdown. "Tough times but see #lockdown also has a brighter sides. Never knew had these skills too!" Chirag tweeted, adding, "Lets fight #Corona19 and create beautiful memories too! #StayHomeStaySafe" In the video, Chirag can be seen trimming Paswan's beard with an electric trimmer while the latter checks out his reflection in the mirror. Tough times but see #lockdown also has a brighter sides. Never knew had these skills too ! Lets fight #Corona19 and create beautiful memories too ! #StayHomeStaySafe pic.twitter.com/j8IPHxB1Sa (@ichiragpaswan) April 12, 2020 Within just an hour, the tweet has about 1.5 thousand likes and over 800 shares. Meanwhile, Bihar has recorded 62 cases of coronavirus while one person has died due to the disease. Bihar government under Nitish Kumar has been worried about the incoming migrant population since the imposition of the lockdown and the impact it would have on the state's economy. Earlier in the month, Chirag Paswan himself donated Rs 1 crore to the MPLADS fund. New research suggests the coronavirus may be able to lie dormant and later reawaken. A doctor examines the evidence. New data from the Korean Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) has thrown up a new theory about how we build immunity to coronavirus. The KCDC stated last week that there have been 91 documented cases of patients in Daegu, South Korea who had recovered from the coronavirus, left quarantine, and then tested positive again. The policy in South Korea is that you must test negative twice with a 24-hour interval in order to be considered fully recovered and discharged from quarantine. KCDC director-general, Jeong Eun-kyeong, stated they would be investigating this further to determine if these results were down to an issue with testing, but was quoted as saying that he thought it was due to reactivation of the virus, rather than reinfection. From the knowledge that we have about other coronaviruses, we are aware that immunity to such viruses can be variable. Antibodies we form against the common cold, for example, which is also caused by a coronavirus, do not offer lifelong immunity from this virus. As the USs Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has stated, adults on average catch two to three colds a year. Research on the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus has shown that immunity wanes after around 18 months and we build an average of two years immunity to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, which seems to have the most in common, genetically speaking, with COVID-19. From what has been observed about COVID-19 so far, researchers suspect that we will have at least a short-term immunity, so that you will be unlikely to catch it again this season. A scientific research team based in China released a preliminary report looking at two rhesus macaques that had recovered from COVID-19 and were not reinfected when researchers exposed them to the virus for a second time, four weeks after their initial exposure. The aim is to then extrapolate this to humans to see if they react in the same way when they have been potentially exposed to COVID-19 multiple times. There had been some reports of patients testing positive for coronavirus soon after discharge, despite having recovered from the initial infection. Researchers suspect that, rather than these people having been reinfected, there may have been flaws in the testing process whereby low levels of the virus failed to be picked up when patients were discharged from the hospital. Other studies suggested that people may still test positive long after recovery. So, while it cannot be entirely ruled out that you could catch coronavirus twice in one season, at present, it appears unlikely. However, this latest data from the KCDC has thrown a new theory into the mix that the virus can become dormant and, later, reactivate itself. While our immune system is able to clear most pathogens, there are, indeed, some that lie dormant hidden in our cells, not causing any illness. The mechanism of reactivation occurs when that pathogen comes out of its sleeping phase and becomes active again, potentially replicating and spreading, causing illness. There are quite a few viruses that behave like this. For example, a very common one is varicella-zoster, which is the virus responsible for chickenpox. Nearly all children in the UK catch chickenpox by the age of 10, and it is considered a fairly benign virus for most. However, once you have cleared chickenpox, it remains inactive in your nerve tissue, and in one in three adults it reactivates to cause shingles, a condition resulting in a painful rash. While we cannot rule out reactivation as a possibility yet, it still seems more probable that these 91 cases were either due to the levels of the virus dipping below a detectable level, allowing symptoms to improve, but then surging again, or that there were flaws with the tests, where the clearance samples were false negatives. The tests are not perfect and, from the data received from China, the most commonly used type of test showed up to a 30 percent false-negative rate. As South Korea investigates this further and other countries are able to offer their own findings, we are likely to understand more about the way this virus summons an immune response and, hopefully, determine for sure whether reactivation or reinfection are possibilities. P Ramdas By Express News Service KOCHI: The roads wear a deserted look. Hardly a few people are seen in front of stores. People have been confined within the four walls of their congested apartments for more than a month. My only routine is praying alone at the San Rocco church in Siano, Salerno, said Sr Regina Thuruthiyil, a Malayali nun and a social worker in Italy, sharing her feelings on Easter eve. For the first time since the era of Christians being confined to the catacombs, escaping the roving eyes of persecuting Roman authorities, the believers are unable to attend the Easter ceremonies at the Vatican. Vatican City looks empty due to the lockdown announced in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sight of the city streets where the faithful usually gather in hordes spreads the clouds of gloom in the mind of every Catholic. This is the time we should reach Vatican City and St Peters Square with the inner eyes of faith, she said. Sr Regina, who is a native of Anakkara in Idukki, has been in Italy for the past 20 years. Its disheartening that around 100 priests, including the chaplain, lost their lives due to COVID-19 infection. The words of a nun in her deathbed that she still wants to serve the people who test positive resonate the resolve of the faithful in the fight against COVID-19, she said. I have been in touch with the Keralites here and they are safe. Several Malayalis were admitted to hospitals in North Italy. But their condition is stable. We will contact them through the mobile phone. The Italian government is providing better treatment facilities and medicines to all, she said. According to her, the Pope will celebrate Easter Mass on Sunday at 11 am at the Altar of the Chair in St Peters Basilica without the physical presence of the faithful. Usually, thousands of faithful turn out for the celebration. Its distressing for everyone. But the situation demands us to stay away from celebrations and mass gatherings, she said. Painful that faithful cant attend Holy Week prayers It is painful that the faithful are not able to attend Holy Week prayers. Holy Mass is celebrated with the participation of a maximum of seven people. Live streaming of Holy Week services through TV and the internet is the only option before us, said Sr Regina. In Italy, youngsters visit elderly relatives with family and exchange wishes and gifts during Easter. Children visit their grandparents at their ancestral homes. However, with the freedom of movement restricted, elders are left to celebrate Easter in isolation. Many youngsters who spoke to me these days shared their grief of not being able to visit their grandparents, she said. Due to the lockdown restrictions, people cant go out except to buy food. Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Piedmont and Veneto Venetia are the worst affected regions. As per the official records, 98,273 people have tested positive, 30,455 patients have recovered and 18,849 died till April 10, said Sr Regina. The Queen mother of Agogo, Nana Afrakoma Kusi Obuadum has together with the Communications Director of Ghana Gas, Ernest Owusu Bempah aka Aboa Apapo donated some food items to widows in Agogo. The items included 500 bags of rice, 500 bottles of oil and cartons of sardines. The Queen mother said after careful deliberations with Mr. Bempah, they decided to gift widows in the community with the food items because they are the most vulnerable in the community and have been greatly affected by the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Making the presentation to the widows, Mr. Bempah said as an indigene of Agogo, he could not sit idle during these trying times and not help out the less privileged in the community. According to him, he is aware of the effect of the Coronavirus outbreak, and the measures government has put in place to minimize its spread. Mr. Bempah in return after giving out the gifts requested the widows to pray for the development of Agogo and all of its indigenous "so that Agogo can develop and be known for good reasons." The widows who received the items expressed their gratitude for the gesture and asked for Gods blessings for Nana Hemaa, Mr. Bempah and the entire Agogo community. Source: saltfmonline.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) London Sun, April 12, 2020 12:01 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd1543a1 2 People Julian-Assange,Wikileaks Free WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange fathered two children with one of his lawyers while holed up in Ecuador's embassy in London for much of the past decade, a report on Sunday said. The 48-year-old Australian is allegedly the dad of two boys -- aged two and one -- born to South African-born lawyer Stella Morris, the Mail on Sunday reported. The newspaper published the report alongside photographs of Assange with the toddlers and an interview with Morris who said they "fell in love" and were planning to marry. The couple have been engaged since 2017, according to the paper, which said it learned about the revelations in court papers seen last week. Assange is being held in London's high security Belmarsh prison as he fights an extradition request by the United States to stand trial there on espionage charges. The Mail on Sunday said Morris chose to reveal their relationship and the existence of their sons because "she fears Assange's life is at serious risk if he remains in Belmarsh", due to the spread of coronavirus. Morris wants the one-time hacker released under British government plans to allow some prisoners temporary release, amid fears COVID-19 could sweep through jails. But Assange last month failed in a bail bid based on his risk of catching the virus, with a British judge saying there were "no grounds" for his release. Assange's lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment. WikiLeaks responded to the report on Twitter. "Julian Assange's newly revealed partner, mother of their 2 young children, urges UK government to bail him and other vulnerable prisoners as #coronavirus sweeps prisons," it said. Julian Assange's newly revealed partner, mother of their 2 young children, urges UK government to bail him and other vulnerable prisoners as #coronavirus sweeps prisons#FreePress#DontExtraditeAssange #coronavirus #COVID19 https://t.co/UAe8eMESef WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) April 11, 2020 The whistleblowing organisation posted its own video interview with Morris soon after, in which she detailed her purported five-year relationship with Assange. Read also: Pink Floyd co-founder joins Assange supporters in London protest march 'Together as a family' Assange faces charges under the US Espionage Act for the 2010 release of a trove of secret files detailing aspects of US military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. He ensconced himself in the Ecuadoran embassy in 2012 after skipping bail to avoid separate legal proceedings in Sweden, but was finally dragged out last year. He reportedly conceived the first child with Morris in 2016, according to the Mail on Sunday. The couple had begun a relationship the previous year while the lawyer visited him to work on his legal situation, it said. Assange watched the birth of both children in London hospitals via live video-link and met the elder boy, named Gabriel, after he was smuggled into the embassy, the paper added. Both boys are said to be British citizens and have reportedly visited their father in prison. Morris told the Mail on Sunday: "I love Julian deeply and I am looking forward to marrying him. "Julian has been fiercely protective of me and has done his best to shield me from the nightmares of his life." She said she had lived "quietly and privately", raising Gabriel and his brother Max, while "longing for the day we could be together as a family". Morris added: "Now I have to speak out because I can see that his life is on the brink." Jerry Falwell Jr., president of the evangelical Christian school and a prominent supporter of President Trump, framed the decision to seek the charges as a way to protect his students, who were put at risk by outsiders who had probably come from covid-19 hot spots such as New York or the District. Never mind that Mr. Falwell had been a leading cheerleader of the camp minimizing the threat of the coronavirus and portraying the reaction to it as overblown and a Democratic attempt to undercut Mr. Trump. Never mind that Mr. Falwell welcomed back to campus students who had been all over the country during spring break. Never mind, as reported in both articles in the Times and ProPublica, that on the campus there was lax enforcement of social distancing guidelines designed to stop the spread of the contagious virus. China's COVID-19 cure rate reaches 94 percent even in hardest-hit place People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:50, April 11, 2020 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan announced on Sunday that it was banning all passenger road transport between cities and deploying emergency laws to ensure compliance with measures aimed at stopping the spread of the new coronavirus. The number of confirmed cases in Sudan is low -- just 19 people have tested positive including two who died -- but officials struggling with an economic crisis and a severely weakened health system are eager to forestall widespread transmission of the illness. Transitional authorities that took power after the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir one year ago have imposed a 12-hour curfew, shut down schools, universities and clubs, and banned gatherings. Compliance with the measures has been uneven. Those violating the restrictions, breaking quarantine rules, hiding information or impeding medical treatment could now face criminal prosecution under emergency laws, a statement from the prime minister's office said. The ban on private and commercial passenger vehicles travelling between cities and states takes effect immediately, according to a statement from the ruling sovereign council. Search Keywords: Short link: There are now close to 23,000 patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, including more than 500 deaths. According to the latest statistics released by the Pennsylvania Department of Heath on Sunday, 1,178 new cases have been confirmed, bringing the statewide total to 22,833. At least 507 of people have died, including 13 new fatalities. Dauphin and Lancaster counties are reporting one new death. In the Harrisburg region: Dauphin County has 229 cases and four deaths, Cumberland County has 110 cases and three deaths, Lancaster County has 772 cases and 24 deaths, Lebanon County has 270 cases and one death, Perry County has 16 cases and one death, and York County has 307 cases and three deaths. As of Sunday, 102,057 people have tested negative. Most of the patients who have been hospitalized are 65 and older, and most deaths have occurred in that age group, as well. Now more than ever, as we continue to see COVID-19 cases and deaths rise in Pennsylvania, we need Pennsylvanians to take action, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a press release Sunday. Those actions should be to stay calm, stay home and stay safe. If you must go out, please limit it to as few trips as possible and wear a mask to protect not only yourself, but other people as well. We need all Pennsylvanians to heed these efforts to protect our vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and our healthcare workers and frontline responders. To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Tom Wolf has issued a statewide order directing all Pennsylvanians to stay at home, except for essential trips. All schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. Wolf also ordered the closure of all businesses that are not life sustaining. 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. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix Thanks to the new culture of sitting indoors on our asses for the sake of public health, Tiger King has become a spectacular success on Netflix: The docuseries, which follows a bunch of criminally eccentric zoo folk over the course of seven episodes, is one of the most popular titles the streaming service has ever seen. One of these personalities is none other than Carole Baskin, who runs a prominent animal sanctuary, Big Cat Rescue, down in Florida with her third husband, Howard Baskin. However, her work as an animal rights activist (and the fact that a rival zoo owner tried to hire someone to murder her) was eclipsed by a juicier allegation woven throughout Tiger King, which was that she not only killed her second husband, but fed him to a gang of loyal tigers. In her first interview since the shows premiere, Baskin is now opening up about the indignation she feels toward the producers, and how she believes they purposely misrepresented the project to secure her participation. I just feel so angry that people have totally missed the point, she told the Tampa Bay Times. And the point is these cubs are being abused and exploited and the public is enabling that. Her husband, Howard, added that theres almost no way to describe the intensity of the feeling of betrayal. Baskin says that she said yes to Tiger King under the belief their cause would be the main focus, as the producers had previously worked on several projects that focused on animal conservancy. However, an entire episode was ultimately dedicated to the disappearance and presumed death of Baskins second husband, Don Lewis, which became a quick source of social media and tabloid fascination. The county sheriffs office that serves Tampa, Florida, is also investigating new leads for the case. They saw those cubs being dragged away from their mother, Baskin told the Tampa Bay Times. Where are those memes? Where are those comments? Baskin says shes now afraid to leave her home because of frequent death threats, and shes disconnected her phone for her safety. Shes hopeful, though, that Tiger King was able to shine some light on animal abuse. I really hope what will come of this is that law enforcement will take this seriously, she concluded. Weve all been screaming at the top of our lungs for 20 years that this abuse was happening, and no one was listening. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global next generation sequencing market size is expected to reach USD 23.7 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 11.7%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Numerous advantages offered by high throughput sequencing over other genetic technologies such as sanger-seq and microarray is one of the key driving forces of the market for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Furthermore, increasing availability of low input DNA sampling methods that decrease the overall operational costs is anticipated to accelerate the use of next generation sequencing across various research and clinical applications. Technology offered by New England Biolabs that employs magnetic beads in the template assembly process is anticipated to significantly improve the sample preparation protocols for next generation sequencing. Furthermore, recent technological advancements such as the use of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for genome library automation allow next generation sequencing in a single day at a reasonable cost. These advancements are anticipated to proliferate the number of users of next generation sequencing over the forecast period. This technology has captured the attention of several companies and investors operating across various domains including basic research, drug discovery and development, reproductive health, and consumer genomics. In addition, the plummeting cost and the added value of next generation sequencing data over conventional ones is anticipated to positively impact the diversification of this technology in other clinical areas, resulting into a lucrative revenue growth. Further key findings from the study suggest : In 2019, oncology was estimated as the application with the largest revenue share in the market for next generation sequencing This can be attributed to the fact that the technology has been largely adopted to decipher the link between cancer and genetics Moreover, NGS-based genetic testing for cancer predisposition can significantly improve the health outcome and reduce the mortality rate, thereby driving adoption in this segment The targeted sequencing segment has dominated the revenue share owing to its various benefits over the whole genome segment with respect to the depth of coverage and multiplexing capacities Significant price drop in sequencing the whole genome is anticipated to drive the segment at a lucrative growth rate Based on workflow, sequencing account and for the major revenue share in 2019 in the market for next generation sequencing and is anticipated to maintain its dominance over the forecast period Being a key step, the end-users are making major investments in the seq-step, compared to sample preparation and data analysis Moreover, the key developers are engaged in introducing new seq-platforms with enhanced capabilities and efficiency. These factors have led the segment in terms of revenue over the past years Academic research entities are the largest end-users in terms of revenue generation owing to the high penetration of seq-technology in research activities On the other hand, this technology is making continued growth in clinical research and within clinical settings A substantial number of researchers are engaged in conducting translational research to accelerate the adoption of seq-technology in clinical diagnosis North America accounted for the maximum revenue share owing to the presence of integrated platform base in US Presence of Illumina, the major player of next generation sequencing market for US is another major factor that has driven the revenue share of this region in the past years Asia Pacific is projected to mark fastest growth owing to the increase in number of domestic developers in China coupled with the expansion of molecular diagnostics area Some major participants in the market for next generation sequencing are Illumina Inc .; F Hoffman-La Roche Ltd .; QIAGEN; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc .; and BGI The companies are collaborating with diagnostic players to extend the use of their platforms in clinical settings For instance, Illumina has partnered with China's KingMed Diagnostics for use of its platform in oncology and hereditary disease testing. Request a Sample Copy of the Global Next Generation Sequencing Market Research Report @ www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/next-generation-sequencing-market/request/rs1 Grand View Research has segmented the global next generation sequencing market based on application, technology, workflow, end use, and region: NGS Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Oncology Diagnostics and Screening Screening Sporadic Cancer Inherited Cancer Companion Diagnostics Other Diagnostics Research Studies Clinical Investigation Infectious Diseases Idiopathic Diseases Inherited Diseases Non-Communicable / Other Diseases Reproductive Health NIPT aneuploidy microdeletions PGT Newborn Genetic Screening Single Gene Analysis HLA Typing / Immune System Monitoring Metagenomics, Epidemiology & Drug Development Agrigenomics & Forensics Consumer Genomics NGS Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Whole Genome Sequencing Whole Exome Sequencing Targeted Sequencing & Resequencing DNA-based RNA-based NGS Workflow Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Pre-sequencing NGS Library Preparation Kits Semi-automated Library Preparation Automated Library Preparation Clonal Amplification Sequencing NGS Data Analysis NGS Primary Data Analysis NGS Secondary Data Analysis NGS Tertiary Data Analysis NGS End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Academic Research Clinical Research Hospitals & Clinics Pharma & Biotech Entities Other Users NGS Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) North America US Canada europe germany UK Asia Pacific china japan Latin America brazil Middle East Africa South Africa Access full research report on global next generation sequencing market: www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/next-generation-sequencing-market Derek Scissors, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, published research on April 7, estimating that "the number of COVID-19 cases in China outside Hubei Province had reached 2.9 million." Compared with the real data - about 15,000 outside Hubei and slightly more than 82,000 in all of China, his conclusion is outrageous. He applies "figures for migrants' infection rate and time in circulation before national lockdown" of other countries, such as South Korea and Italy, and draws a conclusion that a large number of people in China had contracted the virus prior to Wuhan's lockdown. But what's ridiculous is that Scissors is a scholar focusing on "the Chinese and Indian economies and US economic relations with Asia." How much does an economist know about a virus transmission source and routes in the early days? Has he studied China's specific situation at that point? His estimate is only based on his supposition and has no credibility. The rhetoric accusing China of hiding the truth has already become a cliche. These so-called experts in the US, such as Scissors, always presume that China is wrong or unreliable, and then try hard to prove the presupposed conclusion with ambiguous evidence and perverted logic. They are used to pinning their eyes on fictional stories about China, but few are willing to learn about what is really happening in the country. While reporting on Scissors' research, Radio Free Asia, a US government-funded news agency, comments - with an ironic tone - that it would be a miracle if the COVID-19 data provided by the Chinese government were true. For the US, a country which has let the epidemic spin out of control despite clear warnings sent by China, China's anti-virus fight is indeed a miracle. But for China itself, the outcome appears absolutely normal and deserved in view of the government's strong sense of responsibility for people's lives, the governing system's great ability of mobilization and the Chinese people's firm willingness to support all containment measures. Nowhere could this work as it works in China and so applying any country's models to China makes no sense. China has been working miracles over the past decades thanks to the tremendous efforts of both the government and the people. Since reform and opening-up, China has grown to become the world's second largest economy rapidly and lifted hundreds of millions of people out of extreme poverty. Perhaps to the US, all this is unconvincing and should be regarded as "miracles." They might need to reflect on themselves. China is developing and so should mentality of some US scholars. They should shake off their inherent and outdated prejudices against China and stop taking their own imagination as reality. Their lack of understanding and trust of China, which stems from prejudices and arrogance, has already adversely affected the US itself - such as the US administration's failure to take timely measures in coping with the virus. Thus, it is time for the US to accept the fact: China is indeed working miracles, and will certainly do more. Realizing this reality will benefit the US itself and China-US relations. Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath on Sunday trained his guns at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of delaying the nationwide lockdown to fight the COVID-19 only to topple his government in Madhya Pradesh. Track live updates on coronavirus here Kamal Nath, who lost his chief ministers post last month after a rebellion in the Congress, claimed former Congress President Rahul Gandhi had sounded the alarm bells on the COVID-19 crisis way back in February but the Modi government chose not to act on it. Also Read: Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases "Rahul ji had on February 12 drawn the attention of the government to the threat posed by coronavirus. However, the Centre delayed action because it was more interested in toppling the government in Madhya Pradesh, he said addressing the media through a video link. He said Parliament continued to function despite several state assemblies having adjourned in view of the spread of COVID-19. This was done to make the case for the functioning of the Madhya Pradesh assembly, which was adjourned for 10 days by the Speaker citing the COVID-19 outbreak. Kamal Nath also accused Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of mishandling the COVID-19 situation in the state by not having a dedicated health minister to deal with the fast unravelling situation in the state. Madhya Pradesh is the only state which has no health minister and no home minister...Shivraj Singh Chouhan took oath as chief minister on March 23. The situation with regard to COVID-19 is so serious, there is no cabinet. It is akin to making a joke of the people, he said. Senior Congress leader Vivek Tankha has written to President Ram Nath Kovind to impose Presidents Rule in Madhya Pradesh on the grounds of the breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state as the chief minister has been unable to constitute his council of ministers. Kamal Nath, a former Union Commerce Minister, said the country was facing an economic crisis and with the Centre's revenues and collections from goods and services tax (GST) falling, India may well have to approach the International Monetary Fund. I see a situation where India may have to go back to the IMF as we did in 1980. When we took an IMF loan at that time there were such conflicting views, he said. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that the reason the coronavirus has a disproportionate impact on minority populations is because of the underlying medical conditions that have historically "plagued" communities of color. Why it matters: African Americans are dying from the virus at higher rates than any other racial demographic. Black Chicagoans comprise 72% of the city's deaths from the coronavirus, despite only making up 30% of its population, according to Lightfoot. Lightfoot said that in order to confront this crisis, "you start by making sure you've got the data." Her office has issued an order requiring all health providers conducting testing to also record demographic information. The mayor also said she has put in place a "racial equity rapid response team" made up of health care officials and community stakeholders in order to educate and ensure health resources and connections are available. What she's saying: "This is an issue that is not unique to Chicago, unfortunately. We're seeing similar kinds of numbers reported across the country in large urban centers. The answer that we believe is right is because of the underlying conditions that people of color, and particularly black folks, suffer from. Whether it's diabetes, heart disease, upper respiratory illnesses, the kind of things we've been talking about for a long time that plague black Chicago, that lead to life expectancy gaps. This virus attacks those underlying conditions with a vengeance." Lori Lightfoot The big picture: A Washington Post analysis of available data and census demographics found that counties with an African American majority have "three times the rate of infections and almost six times the rate of deaths as counties where white residents are in the majority." Go deeper: Coronavirus hits poor, minority communities harder Advertisement Deep into the coronavirus pandemic, celebs are practicing social distancing as they self-quarantine. But that won't stop Hollywood's A-list from a celebration as they take to social media for Easter Sunday. Tori Spelling channelled her best bunny as she and her children took some photos in their backyard. Happy Easter! Tori Spelling channelled her best bunny on Easter Sunday as she and her children took some photos in their backyard The 46-year-old wore matching ears with daughters Stella, 11, Hattie, eight, and son Beau, three. She posted a video of herself and the kids performing a choreographed bunny hop dance routine. Later in the day, Spelling slipped into a bunny onesie and urged her following to 'Stay safe. Stay home. Stay positive' during the pandemic. She also showed off the array of candy and junk food she had purchased for her kids - and herself - to feast on. Lucy Hale, 30, donned blue bunny ears in a cute boomerang with her dog, writing: 'going on egg hunts in my mind- Happy Easter you guys ! Sending you so much love.' She also shared a behind-the-scenes pic from her egg decorating session at home. Jessica Simpson, 39, channelled her best bunny in tie-dye pajamas and a facial, writing: '5:30am bunny prep.' Mama's kids: The 46-year-old wore matching ears with daughters Stella, 11, Hattie, eight, and son Beau, three Family dance: She posted a video of herself and the kids performing a choreographed bunny hop dance routine Stay home: Spelling, while wearing a hilarious bunny suit, urged her following to 'Stay safe. Stay home. Stay positive.' Easter Bunny: She also showed off the array of candy and junk food she had purchased for her kids - and herself - to feast on Bunny ears: Lucy Hale, 30, donned blue bunny ears in a cute boomerang with her dog, writing: 'going on egg hunts in my mind- Happy Easter you guys ! Sending you so much love' Decorating time: Hale also shared a behind-the-scenes pic from her egg decorating session at home Easter prep: Jessica Simpson, 39, channelled her best bunny in tie-dye pajamas and a facial, writing: '5:30am bunny prep' Happy mom: Simpson and husband Eric Johnson, 40, posed with their children Maxwell, seven, Ace, six, and Birdie, aged one Perspective: 'It was a different kind of Easter at the Johnson house, but we had the best time celebrating as a family,' wrote Simpson on Instagram Jokes: Simpson made light of the pandemic by noting that 'the kiddos were very happy the bunny wore his mask and gloves,' as she posed for a photo with daughter Maxwell Precious: The singer also shared a sweet snapshot of Birdie sitting among her plethora of Easter gifts Simpson then flooded her social media platforms with portraits of herself with husband Eric Johnson, 40, and their three children Maxwell, seven, Ace, six, and Birdie, aged one. 'It was a different kind of Easter at the Johnson house, but we had the best time celebrating as a family. The kiddos were very happy the bunny wore his mask and gloves,' explained Simpson in the caption of one of her various Instagram posts. The singer also shared a sweet snapshot of Birdie sitting among her plethora of Easter gifts. After a hectic morning, Simpson and her family decided to take a nap in the family's living room. Miley Cyrus, 27, posted a throwback to her 2018 Vogue shoot of herself in a sexy look while getting spanked by the Easter Bunny. Cyrus' boyfriend Cody Simpson, 23, wished his following a 'Happy Easter' by posting a black-and-white selfie to his Instagram Story. He flashed the 'rock on' sign to the camera. Emily Ratajkowski, 28, also opted for a sexy throwback, donning bunny lingerie from last year. Later in the day, the model returned to Instagram to show off her egg decorating set-up with her 26million followers. Celine Dion, 52, went more traditional in a classic plaid dress with bunny ears for an Easter egg hunt. Kate Beckinsale, 46, shared a video of herself playing with an actual bunny, writing: 'Here I am trying to have a cute moment with a bunny which is actually shitting the whole time. Very 2020.' Michelle Pfeiffer, 61, posted a gloomy selfie, writing: 'Trying to figure out how to do a virtual Easter egg hunt...' Nap time: After a hectic morning, Simpson and her family decided to take a nap in the family's living room Homemade: On her Instagram Story, Jessica unveiled the impressive Easter dinner she had prepared for her family Bad bunny! Miley Cyrus, 27, posted a throwback to her 2018 Vogue shoot of herself in a sexy look while getting spanked by the Easter Bunny Sexy Sunday: Emily Ratajkowski, 28, also opted for a sexy throwback, donning bunny lingerie from last year Funny bunny: Ratajkowski tried on one of Instagram's Easter themed filters for size Nice look: She even tested out a filter on her husband Sebastian Bear-McClard Decoration station: Later in the day, the model returned to Instagram to show off her egg decorating set-up with her 26million followers Classic look: Celine Dion, 52, went more traditional in a classic plaid dress with bunny ears for an Easter egg hunt Bunny poop: Kate Beckinsale, 46, shared a video of herself playing with an actual bunny, writing: 'Here I am trying to have a cute moment with a bunny which is actually shitting the whole time. Very 2020' Quarantine vibes: Michelle Pfeiffer, 61, posted a gloomy selfie, writing: 'Trying to figure out how to do a virtual Easter egg hunt...' Rock on: Cyrus's boyfriend Cody Simpson, 23, wished his following a 'Happy Easter' by posting a black-and-white selfie to his Instagram Story. He flashed the 'rock on' sign to the camera Cursed Image: John Stamos, 56, provided a major throwback picture from his childhood of himself and his siblings posing with a very creepy Easter Bunny Lilac lady: Cardi B, 27, could not help but gush over her one-year-old daughter Kulture, who looked undeniably sweet in a lilac tweed coat Cardi B, 27, could not help but gush over her one-year-old daughter Kulture, who looked undeniably sweet in a lilac tweed coat. 'My baby,' wrote the rapper before wishing her following a 'Happy Easter.' John Stamos, 56, provided a major throwback picture from his childhood of himself and his siblings posing with a very creepy Easter Bunny. Hilaria Baldwin, 36, and Alec, 62, went all out to give their kids a happy Easter, sharing a photo of the children rummaging through their baskets. Daughter Carmen, six, explored the house for an indoor egg hunt, finding plastic eggs by the fireplace and under kitchen counters. Son Leonardo, three, indulged in some Easter candy, while Rafael, four, had mom and dad help him with his toys. Carmen then enjoyed a facial, while baby brother Romeo, one, didn't quite grasp the holiday yet, but still looked adorable. Easter baskets: Hilaria Baldwin, 36, and Alec, 62, went all out to give their kids a happy Easter, sharing a photo of the children rummaging through their baskets Chaotic energy: Later on in the day, the family rounded up their fanciest clothes and posed for a portrait outside of their home Egg hunt: Daughter Carmen, six, explored the house for an indoor egg hunt, finding plastic eggs by the fireplace and under kitchen counters Sweet treats: Son Leonardo, three, indulged in some Easter candy So many toys: Rafael, four, had mom and dad help him with his toys Adorable on Easter: Baby brother Romeo, one, didn't quite grasp the holiday yet, but still looked adorable Interesting: Alec Baldwin's daughter with Kim Basinger, Ireland, 24, showed off her Easter Sunday feast on Instagram, which included cornbread biscuits, hot honey, and cream cheese Alec Baldwin's daughter with Kim Basinger, Ireland, 24, showed off her Easter Sunday feast on Instagram, which included cornbread biscuits, hot honey, and cream cheese. Mariah Carey, 50, gave an Easter performance on Instagram of Stay the Night, also celebrating the 15th anniversary of her album The Emancipation of Mimi. Carey also enjoyed traditional Easter festivities with her 8-year-old son Moroccan and eight-year-old daughter Monroe before heading out onto her penthouse balcony to take in her breathtaking view of NYC. Kelly Ripa, 49, took to Instagram with some throwbacks of her kids from previous years with the Easter Bunny. She also included a family photo with husband Mark Consuelos, 49, sons Michael, 22, Joaquin, 17, and daughter Lola, 18. Andy Cohen, 51, donned a tie-dye bandana face mask for a walk with son Ben, one, writing: 'Happy Easter!' Holiday performance: Mariah Carey, 50, gave an Easter performance on Instagram of Stay the Night, also celebrating the 15th anniversary of her album The Emancipation of Mimi For the kids: Carey also enjoyed traditional Easter festivities with her 8-year-old son Moroccan and eight-year-old daughter Monroe Thankful: Mariah took to her Instagram story to show off the view from her New York penthouse Throwback: Kelly Ripa, 49, took to Instagram with some throwbacks of her kids from previous years with the Easter Bunny Happy family: She also included a family photo with husband Mark Consuelos, 49, sons Michael, 22, Joaquin, 17, and daughter Lola, 18 Easter walk: Andy Cohen, 51, donned a tie-dye bandana face mask for a walk with son Ben, one, writing: 'Happy Easter!' Nikki Bella, 36, posted some throwbacks of herself and twin sister Brie celebrating Easter as kids. They looked their Sunday best in some adorable spring dresses for the retro photos of their family celebrations. Madonna, 61, stayed in character as Madame X, adding some bunny ears to her black eyepatch. She had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard with daughters Mercy, 14, Stelle, seven, Estere, seven, and son David, 14. Nicole Kidman, 52, posted a selfie with flowers, writing: 'Wishing you and your family a safe, blessed and happy #Easter.' Gabrielle Union, 47, poked fun at her mom struggles, when she posted a video of her one-year-old daughter Kaavia having a full on tantrum in her arms. Throwback twinning: Nikki Bella, 36, posted some throwbacks of herself and twin sister Brie celebrating Easter as kids Sunday best: They looked their Sunday best in some adorable spring dresses for the retro photos of their family celebrations Madame bunny: Madonna, 61, stayed in character as Madame X, adding some bunny ears to her black eyepatch Eggs everywhere: She had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard with daughters Mercy, 14, Stelle, seven, Estere, seven, and son David, 14 Smell the flowers: Nicole Kidman, 52, posted a selfie with flowers, writing: 'Wishing you and your family a safe, blessed and happy #Easter' Irate: Gabrielle Union, 47, poked fun at her mom struggles, when she posted a video of her one-year-old daughter Kaavia having a full on tantrum in her arms Not happy: 'Keepin it [one hundred] Kaavia is not happy we cut her off from electronics. She's downright irate at this toddler injustice. Irate I say. Trying to enjoy it all,' wrote union, who shared the video with her 15.8million followers All better: Union shares the darling one-year-old with husband Dwyane Wade, 38 'Keepin it [one hundred] Kaavia is not happy we cut her off from electronics. She's downright irate at this toddler injustice. Irate I say. Trying to enjoy it all,' wrote union, who shared the video with her 15.8million followers. Lisa Rinna, 56, took it back to the '70s in one Easter throwback photo, rocking a groovy look with a bunny cake. In another, she donned some '60s chic matching Easter Sunday outfits with mom Lois as a kid. Gisele Bundchen, 39, posted a family photo with Tom Brady, 42, and their kids on the beach, writing: 'Happy Easter from our family to yours!' Kendall Jenner, 24, shared an adorable throwback of herself as a toddler wearing bunny ears. Pink, 40, shared an image of a crazy carrot from her family's garden, while writing that 'these carrots have the right idea,' She continued: 'Happy Holidays everyone. I hope the Easter Bunnies brought smiles to the faces that matter the most to you.' Stranger than fiction: 'These carrots have the right idea. Happy Holidays everyone. I hope the Easter Bunnies brought smiles to the faces that matter the most to you,' captioned Pink Retro Easter: Lisa Rinna, 56, took it back to the '70s in one Easter throwback photo, rocking a groovy look with a bunny cake Matchy matchy: In another, she donned some '60s chic matching Easter Sunday outfits with mom Lois as a kid Family photo: Gisele Bundchen, 39, posted a family photo with Tom Brady, 42, and their kids on the beach, writing: 'Happy Easter from our family to yours!' Throwback: Kendall Jenner, 24, shared an adorable throwback of herself as a toddler wearing bunny ears Kate Upton, 27, posted a photo of daughter Genevieve, one, running around in a cute dress while hunting for eggs. Laura Dern, 53, wowed her kids with her Jacks skills, writing: 'Nothing better than playing Jacks with your kids on Easter. Sending love to all.' Chris Pratt, 40, danced to some music in the kitchen as he and wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, 30, made Easter quiche. The couple also took in an Easter Sunday sermon, which they watched on their phone. Lily Collins, 31, served some pizzaz in a bunny costume, posting a throwback photo with her mom. Ashley Graham, 32, played with some Instagram face filters as she celebrated the holiday with newborn son Isaac, three months. Ciara, 34, had fans sending love her way after she posted two precious portraits of her five-year-old son Future and her two-year-old daughter Sienna. The siblings stood against a wall as they were snapped exchanging a kiss. Stella Maxwell, 29, sat on table top, while enjoying Easter at her Los Angeles home. Her babies: Ciara, 34, had fans sending love her way after she posted two precious portraits of her five-year-old son Future and her two-year-old daughter Sienna Duo: The siblings stood against a wall as they were snapped exchanging a kiss and smiling at one another Casual: Stella Maxwell, 29, sat on table top, while enjoying Easter at her Los Angeles home Best dressed: Kate Upton, 27, posted a photo of daughter Genevieve, one, running around in a cute dress while hunting for eggs Schooling the kids: Laura Dern, 53, wowed her kids with her Jacks skills, writing: 'Nothing better than playing Jacks with your kids on Easter. Sending love to all' Quiche dance: Chris Pratt, 40, danced to some music in the kitchen as he and wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, 30, made Easter quiche Hallelujah: The couple also took in an Easter Sunday sermon, which they watched on their phone Bunny vibes: Lily Collins, 31, served some pizzaz in a bunny costume, posting a throwback photo with her mom Feeling cute: Ashley Graham, 32, played with some Instagram face filters as she celebrated the holiday with newborn son Isaac, three months Amanda Seyfried, 34, showed off her culinary skills with a batch of tasty looking Easter cupcakes. Kevin Hart's wife Eniko Hart, 35, wished her 3.1million Instagram followers a Happy Easter, writing a message in calligraphy. Later, she gave fans a look at the couple's two-year-old son Kenzo on her Instagram story. Eniko filmed the tiny tot rocking various Instagram filters that pertained to Easter, including a set of bunny ears and the opportunity to have a bunny take a seat on your head. Bethenny Frankel, 49, celebrated the holiday with some lovely sweets and lavish decor. Robin Thicke, 43, shared a video of daughters Mia, two, and Lola, one, eating in a wagon, as they shared with brother Julian, 10. Thicke's fiance April Love Geary, 25, gave fans more insight into the family's Easter festivities by sharing a plethora of darling photos of Mia and Lola. The dynamic were pictured embarking on a backyard egg hunt, while showing off their full baskets to their parents. Mia looked particularly proud of herself as she laid out all of the eggs she found onto a couch in the family's living room. Sweet treats: Amanda Seyfried, 34, showed off her culinary skills with a batch of tasty looking Easter cupcakes Well wishes: Eniko Hart, 35, wished her 3.1million Instagram followers a Happy Easter, writing a message in caligraphy Bon appetit: Jennifer Lopez, 50, showed off her beautifully set table as she prepared for Easter dinner with her family Lovely and lavish: Bethenny Frankel, 49, celebrated the holiday with some lovely sweets and lavish decor Chowing down: Robin Thicke, 43, shared a video of daughters Mia, two, and Lola, one, eating in a wagon, as they shared with brother Julian, 10 Hunting: Thicke's fiance April Love Geary, 25, gave fans more insight into the family's Easter festivities by sharing a plethora of darling photos of Mia and Lola Proud: Mia looked particularly proud of herself as she laid out all of the eggs she found onto a couch in the family's living room Snack time: Mia showed off one of her favorite Easter treats to Geary's camera Not a peep: One-year-old Mia looked super stoked to chow down on a Peep-filled kabob Drew Barrymore, 45, wore some bunny ears while doing some Easter arts and crafts with her kids. Brooke Shields, 54, posted a throwback of herself as a toddler in the '60s, looking her Sunday best with her dad. Sarah Hyland, 29, also shared a throwback of herself as a toddler in adorable pink bunny pajamas with matching face paint. Emma Roberts, 29, shared her classic Easter look, sporting a sheer pink dress, printed with bunnies. She also showed off the array of Easter-themed treats in her home, which included a tray of colorful cookies and a decadent set-up of chocolate bunnies. Jenna Dewan, 39, posted a portrait of herself and her newborn son enjoying his first Easter. The actress, who welcomed Callum last month with fiance Steve Kazee, 44, showed off the Easter basket she had created for the newborn. Dewan also has a six-year-old daughter Everly with ex Channing Tatum who get a colorful basket of her own. Team work: The dynamic were pictured embarking on a backyard egg hunt, while showing off their full baskets to their parents Eggs for days: Lola showed off her massive collection of Easter eggs Arts and crafts: Drew Barrymore, 45, wore some bunny ears while doing some Easter arts and crafts with her kids Baby Brooke: Brooke Shields, 54, posted a throwback of herself as a toddler in the '60s, looking her Sunday best with her dad Bunny pajamas: Sarah Hyland, 29, also shared a throwback of herself as a toddler in adorable pink bunny pajamas with matching face paint Pretty in pink: Emma Roberts, 29, shared her classic Easter look, sporting a sheer pink dress, printed with bunnies Tons of treats: Roberts also showed off the array of Easter-themed treats in her home, which included a tray of colorful cookies and a decadent set-up of chocolate bunnies Baby's first Easter: Jenna Dewan, 39, posted a portrait of herself and her newborn son enjoying his first Easter Full basket: Dewan, who welcomed Callum last month with fiance Steve Kazee, showed off the Easter basket she had crafted for the newborn Mom of two: Dewan also has a six-year-old daughter Everly with ex Channing Tatum who received a colorful basket of her own Totally acceptable: Vanessa Hudgens, 31, made a jokey post on her Instagram Story, where she asked her following if a bowl of candy-coated chocolate eggs was 'an acceptable breakfast' Bunny hop: Later in the day, the former Disney darling shared a cheeky selfie of herself rocking the Easter-themed Instagram filter Vanessa Hudgens, 31, made a jokey post on her Instagram Story, where she asked her following if a bowl of candy-coated chocolate eggs was 'an acceptable breakfast.' Later in the day, the former Disney darling shared a cheeky selfie of herself rocking the Easter-themed Instagram filter. Kourtney Kardashian, 40, paid tribute to her mom Kris Jenner and her late father Robert Kardashian by using 'mom and dad's dishes' for her Easter Brunch table setting. The eldest Kardashian also flaunted a delicious heart shaped waffle that she had crafted for each of her three children. Kourtney also gave fans a look at the eggs she had prepared for their Easter egg hunt. She later took a trip down memory lane by sharing a ton of throwback pictures of her children - and herself - from Easter's past. Later in the day, the mother of three enjoyed some egg decorating and even set up a cookie decorating station for Mason, Penelope, and Reign. Olivia Culpo, 27, celebrated Easter indoors with her look-a-like sister Sophia. Culpo showed off her holiday decor, which featured pastel bunny rabbits, bags of treats, and 'Happy Easter' spelled out in glittery gold lettering. 'Easter Bunny brought snow,' wrote Olivia on her Instagram story, while pointing her camera at the Winter wonderland located just outside her door. 'Thinking of everyone today away from their loved ones and sending so much love. Happy Easter everyone,' concluded the model with a heart emoji. Later in the day, Culpo showed off her fit physique alongside Sophia and their gal pals Lisa and Mila. She then took the opportunity to write a lengthier note to her 4.6million followers. 'Happy Easter everyone,' Olivia began. 'Trying to make the most of a different feeling Easter today and feeling very grateful for my quarantine squad. I know there are a lot of people out there spending this holiday away from close friends and family and missing them so much. Sending everyone a little extra love today. Youre not alone and this too shall pass.' Tribute: Kourtney Kardashian, 40, paid tribute to her mom Kris Jenner and her late father Robert Kardashian by using 'mom and dad's dishes' for her Easter Brunch table setting Waffle: The eldest Kardashian also flaunted a delicious heart shaped waffle that she had crafted for each of her three children Ready to search: Kourtney also gave fans a look at the eggs she had prepared for their Easter egg hunt Endless activities: Later in the day, the mother of three enjoyed some egg decorating and even set up a cookie decorating station for Mason, Penelope, and Reign Memory lane: Kourtney shared a photo of herself as a kid enjoying an Easter egg hunt with her siblings Poosh: Kourtney and daughter Penelope lounging by the pool after gathering a ton of Easter eggs Animal lover: Penelope holding a bunny from a prior Easter celebration So small: The now seven-year-old daughter of Kardashian looked pint-sized in her mom's throwback pictures Reign: Baby Reign rocking a trendy jean jacket during his earlier years Past: 'Greetings from Easters past,' wrote Kourtney, who shared a picture of eldest son Mason standing next to son Reign while wearing matching blue suits Egg Master: Mason showing off his golden egg collection Jennifer Lopez, 50, and fiance Alex Rodriguez, 44, celebrated Easter at their Los Angeles home with Lopez's 12-year-old twins Max and Emme and Rodriguez's 15-year-old daughter Natasha and 11-year-old daughter Ella. Lopez first greeted fans on her Instagram page via video, before jumping on her Instagram Story to share a portrait of herself and her beautifully blended family. Rodriguez showed off the family's killer Easter Brunch spread on his Instagram story. Demi Moore, 57, covered all of her bases on Instagram by not only wishing her 1.6million followers a 'Happy Easter,' but also a 'happy Passover' and an overall 'happy Sunday!!' The actress suited up to celebrate in tie-dye hoodie and denim jeans, before embarking on an egg hunt. Milla Jovovich, 44, gave fans major heart-eyes, when she took to Instagram to share portraits of her five-year-old daughter Dashiel and her newborn daughter Osian. 'Happy Easter from our little bunnies! Hoping everyone is staying safe and taking care of each other,' wrote Jovovich in the post shared to her 3.3million followers. The mother of three also highlighted her 12-year-old daughter Ever, who joined Dashiel for an Easter egg hunt. Picturesque: One action shot featured an epic egg hunt Baby Penelope: A much smaller Penelope feasting on an applesauce snack Sunday Service: Kourtney also posted some footage from a past Sunday Service hosted by her brother-in-law Kanye West Sisterly celebration: Olivia Culpo, 27, celebrated Easter indoors with her look-a-like sister Sophia (right) Pastel paradise: Culpo showed off her holiday decor, which featured pastel bunny rabbits, bags of treats, and 'Happy Easter' spelled out in glittery gold lettering Snow: 'Easter Bunny brought snow,' wrote Olivia on her Instagram story, while pointing her camera at the Winter wonderland located just outside her door Good genes: Olivia shared a stunning portrait of herself with sister Sophia and their friends Lisa and Mila Grateful: She then took the opportunity to write a lengthier note to her 4.6million followers in the post's caption Selfie: Jennifer Lopez first greeted fans on her Instagram page via video, before jumping on her Instagram Story to share a portrait of herself and her beautifully blended family Family portrait: Jennifer Lopez, 50, and fiance Alex Rodriguez, 44, celebrated Easter at their Los Angeles home with Lopez's 12-year-old twins Max and Emme and Rodriguez's 15-year-old daughter Natasha and 11-year-old daughter Ella Delicious: Rodriguez shared the family's killer Easter spread on his Instagram Story Perfect gift: He also gifted the highly sought after Kylie X Stormi collection from Kylie Cosmetics to his 15-year-old daughter Natasha Bases covered: Demi Moore, 57, covered all of her bases on Instagram by not only wishing her 1.6million followers a 'Happy Easter,' but also a 'happy Passover' and an overall 'happy Sunday!!' Precious: Milla Jovovich, 44, gave fans major heart-eyes, when she took to Instagram to share portraits of her five-year-old daughter Dashiel and her newborn daughter Osian Thankful: 'Happy Easter from our little bunnies! Hoping everyone is staying safe and taking care of each other,' wrote Jovovich in the post shared to her 3.3million followers Sibling love: Dashiel could not help but show her new baby sister some love Big sister: The mother of three also highlighted her 12-year-old daughter Ever, who joined Dashiel for an Easter egg hunt Fur baby: Sofia Vergara, 47, put the Easter spotlight on the darling chihuahua that she shares with husband Joe Manganiello, 43 Bonding time: Vergara and her husband of nearly five years Joe Manganiello bonded while painting eggs Final product: The Modern Family star then took to her Instagram Story to show off the finished products Sofia Vergara, 47, put the Easter spotlight on the darling chihuahua that she shares with husband Joe Manganiello, 43. Vergara then returned to Instagram a few hours later to show off her flower-filled place setting. In the evening, Sofia and her husband of nearly five years bonded while painting eggs at their dining room table. Kim Kardashian, 39, took a trip down memory lane and shared a throwback photo of an Easter celebration from her younger years that included her late father Robert Kardashian. Sylvester Stallone, 73, took to Instagram to show off the chill Easter he was having with his gorgeous daughters Sistine, 21, Sophia, 23, and Scarlet, 17. Sylvester then took a moment to FaceTime pal and fellow Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger while rocking a pair of bunny ears. He also shared a hilarious portrait of himself being playfully 'mugged' by his daughters and wife Jennifer Flavin, 51 Justin Bieber, 26, and wife Hailey, 23, used their social media pages to show their collective following the out of this world feast they had prepared. The feast included plenty of savory meat-based dishes, delectable deserts, and a large trough of potatoes au gratin. During a livestream on Justin's Instagram in the morning, he revealed that Hailey had conjured up the enviable Easter Brunch for him. Lauren Conrad, 34, shared a 'cheeky' photo of her baby boy Charlie on Instagram that featured him in a bunny-themed onesie complete with tail. Flowery: Vergara then returned to Instagram a few hours later to show off her flower-filled place setting Baby boy: Kevin Hart's wife Eniko, 35, gave fans a look at the couple's two-year-old son Kenzo on her Instagram story Filtered fun: Eniko filmed the tiny tot rocking various Instagram filters that pertained to Easter, including a set of bunny ears and the opportunity to have a bunny take a seat on your head Throwback: Kim Kardashian, 39, took a trip down memory lane and shared a throwback photo of an Easter celebration from her younger years that included her late father Robert Kardashian Sylvester's girls: Sylvester Stallone, 73, took to Instagram to show off the chill Easter he was having with his gorgeous daughters Sistine, 21, Sophia, 23, and Scarlet, 17 Legends: Sylvester then took a moment to FaceTime pal and fellow Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger while rocking a pair of bunny ears. Mugged: Sylvester also shared a hilarious portrait of himself being playfully 'mugged' by his daughters and wife Jennifer Flavin, 51 Easter Brunch: Justin Bieber, 26, and wife Hailey, 23, used their social media pages to show their collective following the out of this world feast they had prepared Savory: The feast included plenty of savory meat-based dishes, delectable deserts, and a large trough of potatoes au gratin All her: During a livestream on Justin's Instagram in the morning, he revealed that Hailey had conjured up the enviable Easter Brunch for him Baby: Lauren Conrad, 34, shared a 'cheeky' photo of her baby boy Charlie on Instagram Alessandra Ambrosio, 39, let her birthday celebrations carry over into Sunday, when she posted a picture of herself posing next to her elaborate geode cake. Lisa Vanderpump, 59, tried a virtual bunny look on for size while wishing her 2.4million followers a 'Happy Easter.' Jeannie Mai, 41, enjoyed an Easter themed breakfast with her mom, while in quarantine with fiance Jeezy. She then took to her Instagram Story to share some cute clips of herself with her husband-to-be. Kylie Jenner used the holiday as an excuse to make her Instagram a little bit sultrier. The 22-year-old makeup mogul showed off her enviable curves in a barely there nude dress and a set of rust toned bunny ears. She teased a glimpse at her holiday, complete with sweet treats, boiled artichokes and Easter baskets around a stuffed bunny. Katy Perry, 35, kept it a bit more wholesome on her Instagram page by slipping her burgeoning baby bump into a bunny inspired onesie. Perry's fiance Orlando Bloom, 43, posted a picture of himself holding a handful of adorable baby chicks, as he lovingly pressed them to his face. And the Easter Bunny portrayals continued on Jane Fonda's Instagram when she posted a photo of herself rocking the recognizable silhouette and coordinating face paint. Sharon Stone, 62, wowed her online audience, when she flaunted her flawless and ageless complexion during an Easter related video message. With a smile across her face, the Hollywood veteran wished her following a 'Happy Re Start.' Birthday weekend: Alessandra Ambrosio, 39, let her birthday celebrations carry over into Sunday, when she posted a picture of herself posing next to her elaborate geode cake Blessings: Lisa Vanderpump, 59, tried a virtual bunny look on for size while wishing her 2.4million followers a 'Happy Easter' Breakfast date: Jeannie Mai, 41, enjoyed an Easter themed breakfast with her mom, while in quarantine with fiance Jeezy Engaged: Mai then took to her Instagram Story to share some cute clips of herself with her husband-to-be Sultry: Kylie Jenner showed off her enviable curves in a barely there nude dress and a set of rust toned bunny ears for Easter Fashion forward: The 22-year-old makeup mogul shared two photos from the shoot with her 170million Instagram followers Cosmic: Kylie utilized the 'Eggmazing Egg Decorator" to create a unique egg of her very own Basket goals: Kylie Jenner, 22, teased a glimpse at her holiday, complete with sweet treats, boiled artichokes and Easter baskets around a stuffed bunny Wholesome: Katy Perry, 35, kept it a bit more wholesome on her Instagram page by slipping her burgeoning baby bump into a bunny inspired onesie Chick magnet: Perry's fiance Orlando Bloom, 43, posted pictures of himself holding a handful of adorable baby chicks, as he lovingly pressed them to his face A little scary: And the Easter Bunny portrayals continued on Jane Fonda's Instagram when she posted a photo of herself rocking the recognizable silhouette and coordinating face paint Bella Hadid, 23, spent her Sunday running around in a picturesque location complete with a river and plenty of budding flowers. 'Little bunny foo foo hopping through the forest,' captioned Hadid, as she shared photos from her outdoor adventure. The model flaunted her toned midriff in a yellow cropped fleece jacket and pair of graphic cargo pants. Brooke Shields, 54, documented a sweet gesture she made on Sunday that included making a pit stop at a friend's home to drop off an Easter basket. Shields clarified that the drop off would include 'no human contact' in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Heidi Klum, 46, shared a photo of herself and husband Tom Kaulitz, 30, enjoying Easter from the comfort of their bed. Eva Longoria, 45, had the time of her life photographing her one-year-old son Santiago opening up the eggs he had found during the family'd egg hunt. Naomi Campbell, 49, shamelessly feasted on some decadent Cadbury Eggs in celebration of the Christian holiday. Ageless: Sharon Stone, 62, wowed her online audience, when she flaunted her flawless and ageless complexion during an Easter related video message Genuine: With a smile across her face, the Hollywood veteran wished her following a 'Happy Re Start' Little bunny foo foo: Bella Hadid, 23, spent her Sunday running around in a picturesque location complete with a river and plenty of budding flowers Spider monkey: One snapshot featured Hadid climbing up a tree filled with pink blossoms Outdoor adventure: 'Little bunny foo foo hopping through the forest,' captioned Hadid, as she shared photos from her outdoor adventure Gift giver: Brooke Shields, 54, documented a sweet gesture she made on Sunday that included making a pit stop at a friend's home to drop off an Easter basket Lazy Sunday: Heidi Klum, 46, shared a photo of herself and husband Tom Kaulitz, 30, enjoying Easter from the comfort of their bed. Baby boy: Eva Longoria, 45, had the time of her life photographing her one-year-old son Santiago opening up the eggs he had found during the family'd egg hunt Tradition: Naomi Campbell, 49, shamelessly feasted on some decadent Cadbury Eggs Adriana Lima, 38, was more than a little hyped for Easter, when she took to Instagram to share videos of herself dancing to the beat of various Bad Bunny songs with a pal. The former Victoria's Secret Angel munched on some bright yellow Peeps and showed off a hefty Easter basket she had received. Matthew Perry, 50, used the holiday as a means to share a very appropriate throwback post from his days as Chandler on Friends. Katie Holmes, 41, posted a snapshot of the bedazzled Easter eggs she had crafted onto her Instagram. Chrissy Teigen, 34, had a kicked back Easter as husband John Legend, 41, conjured up the family's feast all by himself. Teigen made sure to get her audience drooling by sharing video of the various dishes the musician had created. Amy Adams, 45, had a chill indoor celebration with husband Darren Le Gallo, 45, and their nine-year-old daughter Aviana. Wild time: Adriana Lima, 38, was more than a little hyped for Easter, when she took to Instagram to share videos of herself dancing to the beat of various Bad Bunny songs with a pal Model mug: Lima flaunted her flawless face for the camera in her Easter Instagram snaps Candy: The former Victoria's Secret Angel munched on some bright yellow Peeps and showed off a hefty Easter basket she had received Friends flashback: Matthew Perry, 50, used the holiday as a means to share a very appropriate throwback post from his days as Chandler on Friends Bedazzled: Katie Holmes, 41, posted a snapshot of the bedazzled Easter eggs she had crafted onto her Instagram Kicking back: Chrissy Teigen, 34, had a kicked back Easter as husband John Legend, 41, conjured up the family's feast all by himself All the eats: Teigen made sure to get her audience drooling by sharing video of the various dishes the musician had created Chill: Amy Adams, 45, had a chill indoor celebration with husband Darren Le Gallo and their nine-year-old daughter Aviana We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Rabbi Scott Meltzer of Ohr Shalom Synagogue in San Diego hosted a seder that was steamed live via Zoom to members of his congregation on April 8. (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune) To the editor: Our Passover celebration was festive, emotional and a little chaotic. ("Our job this Passover is to connect, no matter our separation," Opinion, April 8) "Temple Beth Zoom" connected our five families, 12 devices and a dog jumping onto a table to grab some food. The women, formally dressed, put on makeup and set a beautiful table made up of items from grandparents and even great-grandparents. One household table was covered with photographs of past generations. The traditional foods were carefully and typically prepared. Unlike past celebrations where we could share and enjoy each other's creative dishes, we were resigned to using our devices to see what had been prepared and imagine how everything tasted. Most past Passover celebrations are a blur. Other than the religious aspect, who can remember what was said, what food was prepared and who found the Afikoman matzo? With the help of Zoom, and the effort that everyone put forward, our family was uniquely and emotionally connected to a Passover that will be remembered for years to come. Jerry Rosenstein, Los Angeles Illustrative photo. (Source: VNA) The flight VN311 departed Tokyo at 8:00am (Vietnam time), heading to Hanoi, as a joint effort among Vietnam Airlines, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan and Japanese authorities. On board of the flight were a group of Vietnamese passengers who have stuck at Narita International Airport for 10 days due to Japans entry restrictions for fear of COVID-19 and airlines temporarily halt flights to Vietnam. There were also Vietnamese people with difficulties supported by the embassy to return home. Flight VN311 is a freight flight and only carries passengers in case of emergency. All of its crew members were equipped with full personal protective suits while the passengers underwent medical checks before boarding the flight and were required to wear masks during the journey. All the passengers will be transferred to a centralised quarantine area while disinfection of aircraft will be immediately implemented right after the airplane lands in Hanoi. The representative said relevant Vietnamese agencies and the airline have been closely coordinating to conduct more flights to bring more Vietnamese citizens home in the coming time. Her vivid accounts from a hospital battling to cope with coronavirus have been terrifying and heartbreaking in equal measure. Here, in the doctor's latest diary, read how the sheer weight of patient numbers means normal procedures to save lives have been all but abandoned... MONDAY: A man is dying but these days it's no emergency Boris went to hospital last night he must be very bad and in desperate need of oxygen. Picture a sponge that's what the consistency of your lungs is normally like. With the virus, they can be like a sponge soaked in a bucket of water heavy and congealed. I really hope he pulls through. We are very short-staffed today almost a third of staff are off sick. We've had to close a section of the High Dependency Unit (HDU) so I'm covering an acute Covid-19 ward. Medical staff are seen outside the NHS Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre in London as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, London, Britain, April 11, 2020 We have a range of patients, from those going home, to those who are dying, and those needing lots of oxygen but can't go to HDU because there are no beds. Many patients are in side-rooms. The windows have been smeared with bleach and are difficult to see into. On my morning ward round, there's a man in his 70s in a room who looks unresponsive half an hour ago he was fine. My heart sinks as I feel for a pulse and wait in vain for him to take a breath. Nothing. 'Oh God,' I mutter. I know from his notes that when he was admitted yesterday, he was marked as 'do not resuscitate'. Various underlying health conditions, you see. Before this curse, there would have been an emergency call, with medics desperately trying to s ave him. Instead there's nothing. Nada. Zilch. I need to call his wife but I feel like being still for a few minutes. There's a resigned calmness to failure, even when there's a dead body in front of you. The line is crackly. Just my luck. 'What do you know so far?' I ask her cautiously after introducing myself. 'Well, he's been very unwell and we came in yesterday,' she says uncertainly. 'Has anyone had the discussion with you about the ceiling of care and resuscitation?' I respond. She fires back: 'No, no they haven't.' I've just got to tell her now there's no going back. 'In light of everything going on he wouldn't now be a candidate for that. Is there someone with you?' 'Yes, my daughter is here. Why?' 'I'm really sorry but I need to tell you that I found your husband non-responsive and he has passed away.' A deafening silence ensues, interrupted only by the sound of the line crackling. Medical staff practice loading and unloading a stretcher from an ambulance outside the NHS Nightingale Hospital at the ExCel centre in London, a temporary hospital with 4000 beds She eventually speaks and starts stoically discussing what the next steps are. I tell her to call back any time she needs. Thanks,' she says with a tearful croak and hangs up. I turn around and carry on with the rest of the round. More death and more calls await me. Later, as I leave for the day, my phone buzzes with a news alert: Boris is in intensive care. TUESDAY: Junior doctors are being hit hard I'm woken early by beautiful birdsong how quickly spring has appeared amid the chaos. It's something, at least, to see cherry blossom on my walk to the station. Tube adverts are disappearing, leaving gaping holes. Who would have thought a blank advert space would elicit a sense of mourning? As soon as I arrive at work, a colleague informs me that a patient who had been in for several weeks passed away in the early hours. He was one of those I got to know reasonably well. He was a sweet man. We've all become hardened to this stuff, though junior colleagues are finding it more difficult and understandably wear it on their sleeves more. In the coming months, there are going to be a lot of very depressed medics who will need to work out coping mechanisms as the delayed trauma hits them. I hope the ExCel Centre starts taking patients soon, as we are rapidly running out of room. The ventilator that will helps save lives at the newly created Nightingale Hospital In the afternoon, our policy changes so that anyone with suspected Covid19 is immediately put in a Covid positive ward even before their swab result comes back. Until now, we'd isolate them in a side-room or bay and wait for the results but we no longer have the space to do this. We could be sending people who don't have the virus to wards where they're guaranteed to get it. The virus has spread throughout the hospital to such an extent that it's now virtually impossible to find space to isolate and treat those without it. In the afternoon, a man in his 50s with symptoms is admitted. He seems very confused I'm starting to realise that's common. I say this with no particular authority, but we are seeing a lot of people admitted with encephalitis inflammation of the brain caused by an infection or through the immune system at-tacking the brain in error, causing confusion in the patient. I half-suspect, at some point, it'll be accepted that this is a symptom of the virus. Normally, if a patient presents with encephalitis I would arrange for an MRI scan to find out what was going on, but now we just assume it's coronavirus. St John's Ambulance volunteers arrive to do their bit at the new Nightingale Hospital One of the worst things about working in the hospital at the moment is the lack of ventilation in Covid wards. It feels so very repressive being cooped up inside, wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) all day with these poisonous, invisible virus particles swirling everywhere. It's becoming very claustrophobic. But at least I can leave at the end of the day. The patients here are not so lucky. WEDNESDAY: Porter goes by with a body bag It's a comparatively calm morning and several Covid-19 patients are being discharged great to see. I bump into a colleague in the corridor. We're fearful for those people getting sick with other things. We're so focused on this pandemic that follow-ups, tests and clinics have been brushed to one side. In the coming months, possibly even years, the task of playing catch-up will be vast. I also can't help shake off the worry that people's inactivity during lockdown could create more cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. As we chat about this (two metres apart, of course) a porter goes past with a body bag on a trolley. Even in a hospital like this, it's unusual. A body might normally be left in a room for a period until there is a discreet, inoffensive moment for it to be taken to the morgue. But we are dealing with more bodies than we've ever had to deal with before. It's a surreal moment and my eyes can't help but be transfixed on the outline of the head in the bag. In a parallel world that could be a loved one of mine. I watch for a few seconds as the porter nonchalantly strolls down the corridor with the latest Covid-19 victim. It's challenging monitoring lots of patients who are all on different amounts of oxygen. People can very quickly deteriorate from nowhere much like Boris would have done before he was taken to intensive care. In the afternoon, one man in his mid-60s, who is on an average amount of oxygen, suddenly nosedives. It becomes apparent he could stop breathing unless he's moved. But intensive care has no space. We rush him instead to HDU to be put on a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine a breathing treatment used before a patient is so bad that they need to be fully intubated on a ventilator. Later, there is a woman in her early 70s, who yesterday we put straight on a Covid-positive ward when she came in, but her swab has come back negative. There's a degree, however, to which we can trust the test results. The feeling is that she most definitely has it she has all the symptoms and her X-ray shows unmistakable signs. Understandably, her husband is not happy when I call to update him and he discovers the swab result was negative. He thinks we've condemned her to catch it. 'You can't do this, you just can't what are you playing at?' he screams down the phone. I have to hold the phone away from my ear. Later, as I walk to the Tube, I'm left speechless as a jogger brushes past me before spitting on the floor. Is it any surprise that coronavirus is everywhere? THURSDAY: The virus ravages entire families One of the most tragic aspects is that coronavirus is ravaging entire families. It's bad enough to lose one person, but we've seen cases of multiple family members being hit. In the morning, I tend to a middleaged man who is on a lot of oxygen but stable. His brother is in intensive care. Their father died earlier this week. The decision was made to have a one-way extubation the medical phrase for taking out the ventilator tube. Such terms allow us to distance ourselves from calling a spade a spade: we stopped treating him and let him die. The widow is understandably distraught on the phone when I call to give her an update on her sons. She has symptoms herself but she doesn't require hospitalisation. What words of comfort are there? It is also extremely difficult for those people who have both parents admitted. In the afternoon, I speak to a middle-aged man whose father is in intensive care and his mother is on oxyge. The son is distraught, bracing himself to potentially lose both parents. He keeps repeating that he could have given it to them. He very possibly did who knows? We seem to be seeing an increasing number of Covid-19 patients with abnormal liver functions too. It's clear this virus really likes to make itself known. Blood tests further down the line will need to be carried out to see if any longlasting damage has been done. As I leave the hospital, I call my grandfather, who is in his 90s, to see how he is in his old people's home. I've been feeling guilty that I haven't called him for a while. But it isn't easy trying to comfort someone with early-onset Alzheimer's after days like today. 'You know you mustn't come to see me they are not letting any visitors in or even letting us out of our rooms,' he says almost immediately after answering in a slightly panicked tone. 'No grandad, I know,' I say, trying not to get tearful as the week's emotion catches up with me. 'I probably won't be seeing you for a few weeks yet.' If I ever see him again, that is. FRIDAY: Another death... I think of my parents Boris Johnson is now out of intensive care a great boost and some much welcome news for the country. There is a calm before the storm as we approach what some have predicted to be the period of peak deaths. Later that morning, we have a real struggle with a man in his late70s. He has been on a CPAP machine for three days but he just isn't tolerating it he's restless, constantly trying to take off his mask. Why? Because the infection can cause some patients to become very agitated if their brains are being deprived of adequate oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia. There is simply no way to calm him. Every time he succeeds in getting the mask off, he is then gasping for air. It's a horrible sight. The decision is made that we need to take him off the machine today. There is simply nothing more that can be done for him and other patients need it. We seem to be running a permanent carousel of machines these days. As soon as one person dies, you free up the machine and it is on to the next patient. We simply don't have the luxury of time and patience on our side. His family is understanding, at least. In the afternoon, his son comes to say goodbye. We try to give one family member 15 minutes to say goodbye to loved ones. When the son's time is up, he stoically leaves and thanks us. It feels uneasy being thanked when you are about to let someone die. In these moments, it is hard to block out your own thoughts: how can one's mind not start to wonder about saying goodbye to your own parents? We remove the mask. Despite a cocktail of sedatives and painkillers, he gasps loudly for air for a while. It is an uneasy death to watch. Another day at the office... A close friend and long-time business partner of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke has reportedly been attacked in custody at the Villawood Centre. Safwat Abdel-Hady was set upon by a furious Lone Wolf bikie after complaining about 'widespread' drug use at the immigration detention facility in Sydney. Mr Abdel-Hady called triple-0 three times during the incident and barricaded himself inside his room, as the outlaw motorcycle gang enforcer tried to break down the door. A close friend and long-time business partner of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, Safwat Abdel-Hady (above), has been attacked in custody at the Villawood Centre Safwat Abdel-Hady was reportedly set upon by a furious Lone Wolf bikie after complaining about 'widespread' drug use at the immigration detention facility in Sydney. An incident report seen by the Daily Telegraph said the bikie was 'aggressively trying to break down the door and verbally threatening to kill him' shouting 'I will kill you, you will die tonight, I will kill you even if the Serco officers are present here'. Officers on duty December 29 when the incident took place reported the attacker also targeted another detainee and was 'intoxicated or was under the influence of some drug'. But guards working for the private prison company Serco, who responded to the incident, have come under fire for allegedly breaching protocols and failing to turn on their body cameras. Mr Abdel-Hady received first aid after the incident and was taken to hospital suffering chest pains. Mr Abdel-Hady called triple-0 three times during the incident and barricaded himself inside of his room, as the outlaw motorcycle gang enforcer tried to break down the door (pictured) The Austrian national has been held at the Villawood Detention Centre for over a year after his visa was revoked by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton. Mr Abdel-Hady's now estranged wife filed an AVO against the businessman resulting in the termination of his residency status in Australia. The couple were married in a private ceremony at Bob Hawkes' Northbridge mansion on Sydney's lower North Shore with the former Prime Minister acting as the best man. Mr Abdel-Hady is currently fighting the order to leave Australia on the grounds his deportation will separate him from his daughter who was born in 2012. The 58-year-old with links to Saudi Arabia came to live in Australia in 2002 as the CEO of Scorpion International's Australian aviation division. In later years he partnered with Mr Hawke in two business ventures - Australian Gulf Mineral Resources Corporation and International Fuel Corporation. The late Bob Hawke (left) and his wife Blanche d'Alpuget (right) hosted Mr Abdel-Hady's wedding at their lavish Sydney mansion The Villawood Detention Centre is operated by private prison company Serco. The facility has come under fire for a string of violent attacks and reported drug use by detainees The bikie behind the violent attack, who overstayed his visa in Australia, claims to no longer be a member of the Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Club. He has been involved in 49 incidents at the detention facility. Serco has reported the incident to the Australian Border Force who are in charge of the Villawood Detention Centre. The Australian Border Force has referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police for further investigation. When Health Minister Osagie Ehanire was, on Thursday, asked if Nigerian health workers are being paid hazard allowance for the job that they are doing, in tackling the coronavirus pandemic, PREMIUM TIMES reported how he responded that he was not aware. Mr Ehanire had quickly added that whether during a pandemic or not, handling emergencies is a standard job they (health workers) do every day. An apparently bemused House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, replied: I thought you said coronavirus is novel? How is it a standard job they are doing? to which the minister replied: they are screening for temperature. An unimpressed Speaker pressed on. They dont screen for coronavirus everyday. Theyve never done it before. Its the most infectious disease in the world. The answer to my question is that they are not being paid a hazard allowance. Im not aware was again the ministers curt response. You should be aware. You dropped the ball there, Mr Gbajabiamila chided as lawmakers met with the leaders of Nigerias team tackling the coronavirus. Frontline warriors Across the globe, health workers have become frontline warriors battling to rein in the deadly COVID-19 that has so far infected and killed thousands across the globe and is wrecking world economies. As doctors, nurses and other health practitioners race against time to curb the rampaging virus that has so far defied science, many of them have been killed in the line of duty by the infectious ailment. The welfare of these health workers, not only in Nigeria, but globally, is gradually taking the front burner in the debate on how to save humanity from the ravages of the novel viral disease. Central to the debate is whether the welfare and personal safety of these practitioners are taken as paramount by the authorities in relation to the provision of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and hazard allowance. Hazard pay is a form of compensation, apart from regular entitlements, granted to officials who have been requested to remain and report for work in duty stations under very hazardous conditions, such as war or pandemics. Health minister, Osagie Ehanire at the National Health Dialogue organised by Premium Times. In Nigeria, hazard allowance is 60,000 ($167) per annum for medical workers at all grades, Olanrewaju Amusat, registrar of the department of surgery, University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan recently said. That means a health worker receives N5000 monthly for putting his or her life at risk. Also, some health workers, who spoke with our reporter under condition of anonymity, said most Nigerian health facilities do not have adequate stocks of PPEs and the current battle to curb the coronavirus May turn ugly if these are not provided. A doctor at one of the General Hospitals in Abuja, who did not want her name in print told PREMIUM TIMES, please pray for us. They are expecting us (health workers) to do our best in fighting this disease (COVID-19) and they are not providing us with adequate PPEs. They have also been cutting our salaries for the past few months due to this IPPIS (Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System) controversy. Yet we are the ones in the frontlines. It is well. Global challenge On April 9, a hospital consultant in East London, UK died from the coronavirus weeks after pleading with the prime minister for more personal protective equipment for frontline staff. Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, a consultant urologist at Homerton hospital in Hackney, East London, died after spending 15 days in Queens hospital, Romford. The UK Guardian reported that Mr Chowdhury last month wrote a Facebook message to Boris Johnson outlining the urgent need for PPE for frontline staff and calling for testing for healthcare workers to be fast-tracked. Mr Chowdhury is one of many healthcare workers who have lost their lives in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak globally, many of them infected in the process of carrying out their duties. The World Health Organisation (WHO) on April 7 said over 3,000 health workers have been infected with coronavirus globally while many died in the process of offering care to affected people. The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said many health workers had paid the ultimate price in the fight against the virus. When health workers are exposed or become sick, they have to go home and stay there for at least two weeks. Hospitals scramble to find replacements, he said. Thats why we must ensure that health workers have the medical masks and other personal protective equipment they need. Health workers used to illustrate the story. While deaths of health workers, in the line of duty, are yet to be recorded in Nigeria, health workers in the country have been making incessant calls for governments to provide essential materials, including PPEs. Advertisements The health workers urge the government to provide protective gear such as gloves, face mask, head shields among others to enable combat the increasing cases in the country. Repressed emotion A medical doctor, Mario Adelaja, said the conditions of service, allowances and the environment for Nigerian doctors are very hostile and could negatively impact the fight against the pandemic if not addressed now. The sad reality is that the government (state and federal) never considered it (welfare, PPEs) as important. The clamouring from the medical associations and its affiliates always end up being wrongly perceived by the political class as mere complaints on salary issues, Mr Adelaja told PREMIUM TIMES. He addsedthat there had never been a critical financial and economic evaluation of the impact medical doctors have on the healthcare system because health is seen more as a social service rather than a commodity which people pay for (be it patient, HMOs or government). The aforementioned issues coupled with the disdain for doctors is no rocket science why the younger generation are leaving our shores in droves, he added. Example: my set graduated in 2006, we were 160 then, as at present count about 60 of us remain in Nigeria with 1/3rd of that number now sitting foreign entrance examinations. The President, Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Abuja chapter, Roland Aigbovo, said as at the last count, about eight doctors have been confirmed positive with COVID-19 and many other health workers are presently in isolation as a result of exposure to confirmed COVID-19 patients. He said most health workers are exposed to the virus while treating patients. He also said the country does not have enough PPEs because the quantities available are being rationed. There is no enough PPEs and that is why we are appealing to the government to provide adequate quantities to enable us carry out our responsibilities, he said. All health workers are to observe strict infection prevention and control but for those that are directly managing the patients, they are to observe strict procedures and protocols to avoid putting their families at risk. We are proposing that they should be accommodated during this period to reduce the risk of transmission to their families, he said. Looming crisis Health workers interviewed for this report decried the deplorable conditions of the health facilities in the country, noting that the facilities may not be able to handle the pandemic if it gets worse in Nigeria. As of April 11, the NCDC said it has tested over 5000 people for coronavirus and 318 people have tested positive in 20 states. About 70 have, however, been discharged with 10 deaths recorded. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) However, going by the global trajectory, more cases are expected in the country. Health experts are crucial in curbing the spread. Health experts say this job will be made easier, when health workers are not afraid of being exposed and infected with the virus as a result of lack of PPEs. Before the present pandemic, Nigerian health workers have often been part of fatalities recorded anytime there is a major epidemic. In the fight against the Ebola outbreak in 2014, some health workers Stella Adadevoh, Justina Ejelonu, among others, paid the ultimate price. Every year, health workers are equally affected by the Lassa outbreak, sometimes leading to fatalities. So far, the total number affected health workers in the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak is now 37. Health workers are often in the frontlines in the treatment of patients and this makes them susceptible to contracting such diseases. The President, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Abdulrafiu Adeniyi, warns of a looming challenge as he said the government is not sensitive to the plight of health workers especially nurses, as frontline caregivers in the raging global pandemic. He said the government, at both federal and state levels, has been neglecting the welfare of health workers and most of the nurses have been working without adequate provision of PPEs. He said about 70 nurses (from UCH, Lagos, UITH, UBTH) have so far been exposed to the virus from patients and are currently in isolation. As frontline health workers and personnel who stay with the patients 24 hours of the day, we demand the highest level of protection for nurses to provide care for the community they serve, he said. The health workers are instrumental in the fight and their families must not need to suffer in the aftermath. As such, there is a need for the government to provide the N95 mask, and appropriate PPEs. Health workers are playing a very huge role in this fight. PPEs should be provided to health workers across all the health facilities even to primary healthcare levels. We have to point out that it is essential that we protect both their safety, their families and that of the patients they are caring for, he said. Mr Adeniyi also asked spirited Nigerians to donate such materials to the government to help fight against COVID-19. Meanwhile, the President, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Enya Bassey, disagrees, saying it is the responsibility of the government to provide protective gears. Mr Bassey said, It is irresponsible of any government to send health workers to fight against any infectious disease without providing necessary equipment. He also said the laboratories are the backbone of the health sector and as such the laboratory workers are meant to be well-equipped and protected. There is yet to be any record of laboratory personnel infected with the virus, Mr Bassey said. But hazard allowance is very necessary for the motivation of people working on the forefront of containing the pandemic. Silver lining Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, had said adequate insurance, compensation, and support would be provided to frontline health workers during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said it had become compelling to offer the needed support through an adequate insurance policy. Mr Adeniyi, however, said the government should go beyond rhetoric. He said most health workers in Nigeria have health insurance but the government must provide other incentives and welfare packages. The government must provide a flat rate hazard allowance, with special compensation for crucial services as implemented in other climes during the COVID-19 outbreak, he said. The nurses demand remuneration, hazard allowance, and insurance commensurate to the threat to life that COVID-poses. Mr Aigbovo expressed a similar view. We have demanded for a review of the hazard allowance, life insurance package and incentives for all frontline health workers, he said. Governments at all levels are yet to come out with any package as we speak for reasons best known to them and this is not right. Madhumitha Viswanath By Express News Service CHENNAI: The lockdown has affected everyone. It has hurt economy and employment hard. And, the list includes those walking on the dark side. With people staying put at home, burglars, robbers, and thieves have to come up with new business models to earn a living. A group of four-five such men made an earnest attempt on Sunday. On Friday, an elderly couple living in Seethamal Colony of Teynampet was fooled into paying `1,000 to the men, after they promised to spray disinfectant around the area. They were posing to be health workers from the Corporation. Unaware of their intention, the couple handed over `1,000. Later, the group proceeded to trick more residents in the area. However, the residents association was alerted, after which they vanished. They looked like thugs. A few were standing outside the gate, keeping watch, while the rest of them were talking to the resident. This is a scary situation. Elderly and women staying alone are at danger here, said Rajkumar RP, member of the colonys resident welfare association. Soon, this incident was brought to the attention of other welfare associations in south Chennai, and also to MLA Natraj, who in turn alerted the police. Similar cases have been reported from Mylapore and T Nagar, too. Police are tracing the men using CCTV. Corporation officials advised people to ask for the persons identity card. Officials said all health workers who are deployed to carry out door-to-door fever survey are given proper ID cards. They can get the sanitary inspectors number from the personnel and confirm their identity. Also, no corporation worker will collect money for any exercise. This is the most easy way to check the persons authenticity. Also, only one or two persons are asked to come for surveys and never in groups. We deploy the same team of people for one zone, said a senior corporation official. Advertisement The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby urged crematoriums and local authorities not to treat coronavirus victims 'like cattle' and give them a dignified burial. Mr Welby - who normally presides over a congregation of 1,500 people at Canterbury Cathedral on Easter morning - delivered his Easter service on his iPad at his London flat after the UK's coronavirus death toll hit 9,875 with 917 fatalities yesterday. The Archbishop said: 'I say to crematoria and local authorities, don't just dispose of bodies like we did in the foot-and-mouth episode with cattle. 'Human beings must be said goodbye to with dignity even when it has to be swift and with very few people there.' His address this morning was followed by Pope Francis who delivered his traditional Easter Sunday mass via live stream inside a nearly-deserted St Peter's Basilica. The 83-year-old pontiff broke with centuries of tradition and delivered his service to empty pews with a live feed broadcasting it to the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. The Pope called global solidarity in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, urging the relaxation of international sanctions, debt relief for poor nations and ceasefires in all conflicts. He also warned the European Union that it risked collapse if it did not agree on how to help the region recover. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby urged crematoriums and local authorities not to treat coronavirus victims 'like cattle' and give them a dignified burial Mr Welby - who normally presides over a congregation of 1,500 people at Canterbury Cathedral on Easter morning - delivered his Easter service on his iPad at his London flat after the UK's coronavirus death toll hit 9,875 with 917 coronavirus deaths yesterday Pope Francis delivered his traditional Easter Sunday mass via live stream inside a nearly-deserted St Peter's Basilica The pope's Easter 'Urbi et Orbi' (to the city and the world) message was by far his most pressing and political since his election in 2013. Saying the message of this year's 'Easter of solitude' should be a 'contagion of hope,' he heaped praise on doctors, nurses and others risking their lives to save others and hailed those working to keep essential services running. 'This is not a time for indifference, because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic,' he said in the message, almost entirely dedicated to the pandemic's effects on personal and international relations. 'Indifference, self-centredness, division and forgetfulness are not words we want to hear at this time. We want to ban these words forever!' he said. Francis expressed sympathy for those not able to bid farewell to their loved ones because of restrictions, for Catholics who have not been able to receive the sacraments and for all those worried about an uncertain future. The Pope called global solidarity in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, urging the relaxation of international sanctions, debt relief for poor nations and ceasefires in all conflicts The pews at St. Peter's Basilica in The Vatican were nearly empty during the nation-wide coronavirus lockdown The empty scenes seen today were a stark contrast to the bustling crowds who gathered for the service last year The Pope also warned the European Union that it risked collapse if it did not agree on how to help the region recover 'In these weeks, the lives of millions of people have suddenly changed,' he said. The pope said now was the time for politicians and governments to avoid 'self-centredness' and take decisive, concerted action to help each others' populations live through the crisis and eventually resume normal life. 'May international sanctions be relaxed, since these make it difficult for countries on which they have been imposed to provide adequate support to their citizens,' Francis said. He also called for debt reductions or forgiveness for the poorest nations, without naming any countries. The Archbishop set up a makeshift altar on his dining table and was joined 'virtually' by bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkins and a 10-year-old parishioner named Theo from the diocese of Canterbury. He opened his service by saying: 'Welcome to the kitchen of our home on Easter Day. 'At this very difficult time in the life of the nation and of the world, our prayers today are especially with those who are suffering, with those who care for them, and for all who mourn.' A woman was seen praying on her knees outside the doors of Westminster Cathedral ahead of Easter mass with hundreds of places of worship shut to the public St Paul's Cathedral was eerily deserted after churches up and down the country were shut to control the spread of coronavirus St Paul's cathedral was one of thousands of places of worship across the globe that have been shut to protect people from the spread of coronavirus A sign outside the closed St Paul's Cathedral read: 'For public safety the cathedral has closed. The cathedral ministers are continuing worship and prayer on behalf of all' During his service he reminded his virtual congregation that 'we are not alone' during the crisis and offered prayers to Boris Johnson and all those affected by Covid-19. What did the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby say in his Easter service? The Archbishop of Canterbury started his service by saying: 'Welcome to the kitchen of our home on Easter Day. 'At this very difficult time in the life of the nation and of the world, our prayers today are especially with those who are suffering, with those who care for them, and for all who mourn.' He reminded his virtual congregation that 'we are not alone' during the crisis and offered prayers to Boris Johnson and all those affected by Covid-19. 'Who does not feel the shock of the last few weeks?' he asked. 'So many have suffered from the virus, been in hospital or mourn someone who is gone. 'We were all probably shocked as the Prime Minister went into intensive care and we wish him, and all those who are ill, well and we pray for them and their families. 'So many people right across the country are anxious about employment, anxious about food, isolated from loved ones and feel that the future looks dark. 'People right across the globe feel the same uncertainty, fear, despair and isolation. We are not alone.' Advertisement 'Who does not feel the shock of the last few weeks?' he asked. 'So many have suffered from the virus, been in hospital or mourn someone who is gone. 'We were all probably shocked as the Prime Minister went into intensive care and we wish him, and all those who are ill, well and we pray for them and their families. 'So many people right across the country are anxious about employment, anxious about food, isolated from loved ones and feel that the future looks dark. 'People right across the globe feel the same uncertainty, fear, despair and isolation. We are not alone.' Speaking to the BBC after the service, Mr Welby said delivering the service from home had been 'very strange' and 'caused us to do a lot of tidying up'. In his central message of a return to a 'common life', he said: 'We've gone through so much and we're seeing such common spirit and an attitude to the common good coming through by the vast majority of people - we mustn't lose that. 'We need to look at what the implications for that are in the way we live together as a nation and around the world.' When asked if the CoE had gone too far with its restrictions on services the Archbishop said: 'I'm unhappy with it - I would love to be at Canterbury Cathedral... it would be much better. 'But the reality is, we are here to set an example. It's not about us.' Churches across Britain have been ordered to close their doors throughout the religious festival with even clergymen urged not to film services there. Pope Francis is to deliver his traditional Easter Sunday mass via live stream from The Vatican in Italy, the European epicentre of the outbreak. Pictured: The Pope leading the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter early this morning Believers wearing protective coronavirus face masks attend an Easter service at the Archangel Michael Church in the city of Navahrudak Parish priest of Nova Oeiras in Portugal Padre Nuno Westwood, wears protective mask and gloves as he holds the sign of the blessed sacrament Father Yosvany, parish priest of Havana's Cathedral, officiates the Easter mass with few parishioners on Easter Sunday in Cuba Padre Nuno Westwood, wears protective mask and gloves as he holds the sign of the blessed sacrament while touring his parish in an open-air car dispensing Easter Sunday blessings for people in lockdown Franciscan friars wore face masks as they entered the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to participate in the Easter Sunday service in Jerusalem's Old City Franciscan friar can be seen wearing a mask outside the entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City A woman wears a face mask outside a service at The Holy Redeemer Church in Bangkok, Thailand A photo montage showing empty churches across South America, top row left to right: Tlalnepantla in Mexico, Caracas in Venezuela, Ouro Preto in Brazil; and bottom left to right Tijuana in Mexico, San Jose in Costa Rica, and San Lorenzo in Paraguay. Priest Don Giancarlo Ruggieri walks amid pews with pictures of members of the congregation, after livestreaming an Easter Sunday Mass, from the southern Italian town of San Giorgio Ionico The pews in his church contained photographs of parishioners who would normally have attended his Easter Mass service While the coronavirus crisis is unprecedented, it is not the first time churches have closed. French Catholic priest is fined for celebrating Mass in secret ceremony by Peter Allen A French Catholic priest has been fined for celebrating Mass in a secret behind-closed-door ceremony that broke the coronavirus lockdown on Easter Sunday. Neighbours of Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet, in Paris, alerted officers when they heard music coming out of the ancient place of worship soon after midnight. 'There were around 40 people inside, all celebrating Easter Sunday Mass in contravention of the lockdown,' said an investigating source. 'Police arrived and found the doors of the church shut, but managed to get inside to break up the service, which was being conducted in Latin. Everybody was told to go home immediately, but the priest was later contacted and fined for breaking the rules.' Advertisement In 1208, Pope Innocent III fell out with King John over who should be the next Archbishop. When King John refused to put a Parisian scholar in the role, Innocent placed the country under 'interdict' for six years shutting all churches and stopping services. The only exceptions were baptisms - which took place in private - and 'sacrament for the dying', what we would now call funerals. Many across the Church of England have become enraged by the ban on clergymen as they go further than the government advice. 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'. The Queen yesterday called for 'light and life' to overcome despair amid the coronavirus crisis as she declared that Easter is 'not cancelled' in a special 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 Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrates the Easter Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York City Venezuelan priest Jesus Suarez celebrates Easter Sunday mass behind closed doors at the Santa Teresa Cathedral in Caracas Pope Francis lead the Easter vigil Mass in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican last night with no public participation due to the outbreak of the coronavirus The pope led yesterday's ceremony surrounded by few others in the huge church as it was held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus 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.' Marking another break with tradition, the Pope celebrated the Holy Saturday Vigil for Easter behind closed doors at St Peter's Basilica as Italy's coronavirus death toll rose 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. Marvel fans were in for quite a treat when Taika Waititi hosted an online watch party for Thor: Ragnarok and did live commentary. His social media accounts are entertaining enough on their own, but the event yielded some gems about the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder film. Waititi gleefully shared some tiny tidbits about the Phase 4 movie, and now hes made fans all excited about Space Sharks. For the non-Marvel experts in the building, who are they? Marvels Thor and Star Sharks | Emergency Awesome via YouTube Who are the Space Sharks or Starsharks? Mine through Marvels comic book vaults and youll discover a race of beings called Starsharks, who are also referred to as Space Sharks. Sound fun? Theyre alien creatures who look like regular sharks, with faces and bodies that resemble Great White sharks or Hammerheads. Though they mostly inhabit the Pegasus solar system, theyve been known to travel and have the ability to fly. Sadly, in the comics, the Space Sharks are largely relegated to fringe positions in stories. At times, theyve fallen prey to the Brood, the evil parasitic alien race that infiltrates the minds and bodies of their hosts. Under control of the Brood, Starsharks turn into weapons of destruction, outfitted with technology and/or manipulated and controlled by the species. Starsharks are also bred with Acanti by Chitauri into hybrids called Leviathans. The Chitauri is one of the races led by Thanos. But that doesnt mean Space Sharks arent formidable in their own right. They can fight and have devoured other aliens and old, dead gods. One of the most important things from the comics is that they hang around Gorr. Thor is no stranger to Space Sharks Named Thors deadliest foe, Gorr the God Butcher inhabits his own world where Starsharks help clean up the mess. They show up in Gorrs quest to kill Thor (although thats happened multiple times), but since they live in the Earth 616 universe where Avenger Thor is located, its this version of Thor that many believe will make it into Thor: Love and Thunder. The Asgardian has even ridden on one. Gorrs reputation lives up to the hype. He kills old and new gods, and travels through time to do so, even going so far as to kill a baby god and tormenting King Thor of the future. With so many gods and demigods left for dead, the Starsharks do their part in ingesting them. But its believed theyll play a large role in the new Thor tale, especially if Gorr is involved. Waititi is game to throw Starsharks into the Thor: Love and Thunder story During his live Ragnarok broadcast, Waititi shared some concept art and commentary for the new film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the writer-director-actor said that this installment is way bigger than previous Thor movies, and its as if a 10-year-old asked for a list of things to be thrown in and he said yes to it all. Space Sharks are included on that magical Marvel list. Tomorrow (Thursday April 9). 4pm PST on INSTAGRAM LIVE. I'll be doing a live commentary with at least one special guest (they aren't in the movie). Also I spent 3 minutes drawing this flyer and that is not wine, they're teardrops of BLOOD. #ThorRagnarok #LiveScreeningParty pic.twitter.com/IA2FFibb0N Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) April 9, 2020 Because Space Sharks are an alien race and Thors encountered them in his travels, expect to see all versions of the hero (Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman) bump into them in Thor: Love and Thunder. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange speaks on the balcony of the Embassy of Ecuador in London - AFP Julian Assange became a father to two sons while spending seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy, it has emerged. The WikiLeaks founder, who has been held in Belmarsh Prison since being dragged out of the embassy last year, was reportedly able to keep the births of Gabriel and Max secret from officials and diplomats. He had to watch his fiancee Stella Morris, 37, give birth over video link while he was seeking refuge at the embassy. The revelations emerged in court documents in the US, where he faces 17 charges under the Espionage Act and one of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. The couple first met in 2011 and got engaged in 2017. The two boys, Gabriel and Max, are now three and one respectively. Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Ms Morris revealed Assange watched both children being born in London hospitals via live video link, and he was able to meet Gabriel after he was smuggled into the embassy. A friend carried him into the embassy, appearing to pass off the child as their own, she said. She said: I love Julian deeply and I am looking forward to marrying him. Over the past five years I have discovered that love makes the most intolerable circumstances seem bearable but this is different - I am now terrified I will not see him alive again. Julian has been fiercely protective of me and has done his best to shield me from the nightmares of his life. I have lived quietly and privately, raising Gabriel and Max on my own and longing for the day we could be together as a family. Assange, who is awaiting an extradition hearing on behalf of the United States, was also wanted in Sweden on rape charges, but these have since been dropped. The revolutions about the WikiLeaks founder came in a statement filed by Ms Morris to support an application for bail in the courts ahead of his hearing on May 18. At the time Gabriel was conceived, the WikiLeaks founder was believed to be under constant surveillance by American security services as well as Scotland Yard, who spent 13.2m on a round-the-clock policing operation. Story continues The 37-year-old claims American intelligence agencies tried to steal Gabriel's DNA from a nappy after becoming suspicious that Assange was his father. Ms Morris said that she made their relationship public because she feared that the 48-year-olds life could be in serious risk if he remained in Belmarsh where one person has already died of coronavirus. She said: Over time Julian and I developed a strong intellectual and emotional bond. He became my best friend and I became his. But she stressed: Julian's poor physical health puts him at serious risk, like many other vulnerable people, and I don't believe he will survive infection with coronavirus. Mentally, I do not think he will survive further enforced isolation either. He is effectively in solitary confinement, in a cell for up for 23 and a half hours a day with no access to us, his family, or the psychiatric help he needs. A 13-year-old girl was r.a.p.e.d and killed after an attacker broke into her home while her mother was out buying food. Ana Paolas lifeless body was found in a bedroom at her home in the city of Nogales, Mexico. Her family had been in lockdown, but her mother was allowed out to get some essential items. According to local media, the victims mother, who has not been named, had left the house shortly before the attack to do the shopping as permitted under the countrys lockdown laws. During that time, someone broke into the house and reportedly r3ped and murdered the 13-year-old. According to local media, nothing was stolen. The victims mother was first alerted when her ex-partner called to say that he was unable to get hold of their daughter. She rushed back to her house only to find the police there. A police spokesman said: The victim was found in one of the bedrooms and signs of violence to her face, apparently from blows. The father of the underage person contacted the mother over the phone where he revealed the 13-year-old girl had gone missing. She arrived at her home which was already secured by officers of the Municipal Police. A family member said: Someone broke into my cousins house in Nogales. They raped and killed my niece, who was 13 years old. Any thoughts of solidarity, citizenship and economy are pointless. Today, Mexico, the government and the world, do not count on me anymore. The victims mother said on social media: There are no words to explain my feelings. I just want to be thankful that my girl lived and shined on Earth for 13 years and from today, will shine in the sky dancing for eternity. The incident sparked outrage and the hashtag #JusticiaParaAnaPaola (Justice for Ana Paola) has trended on social media. The girls death also caused resentment on social networks regarding the COVID-19 lockdown. There have been no reports of any arrests and the investigation is ongoing. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates The Government of Ghana says its three-prong strategy for comprehensively responding to the COVID-19 crisis is: Testing, Tracing and Treatment. Of those three dimensions, many observers feel that the first two are the most critical in the current phase of the crisis as they are more visible and more closely linked with the prevention, which given the countrys limited resources, is far more critical than cure. There is no doubt that tracing and testing are critical, but the strategy for doing both well is even more important. In addition to early detection, effective tracing and testing also enable responders to use the number of confirmed cases to project/predict the patterns of true cases. For that to happen though, confirmed cases must constitute a representative sample of true cases. Crudely, C > xT, where x is a common or constant ratio, C is a measure of the confirmed cases and T is a measure of true cases. If you consider each daily count of the infection rate as a term in a series, that term should be expressed as closely as possible by the mapping relationship: C -> xT. The reason why one needs a stable relationship between confirmed cases and true cases is that is the only way one can use the official count of confirmed cases for any kind of policy management. If the trend in confirmed cases does not reflect the underlying trend of true cases, then the official count becomes useless. No one can tell, in those circumstances, if any policy, such as lockdowns, are working or not. For the confirmed counts to be representative of the true level of prevalence, the total number of tests doesnt really matter as much as usually supposed unless the number of tests equal a very large proportion of the overall population, i.e. is in the millions. What matters more than anything else is how public health authorities determine and secure a representative sample of the likely exposed populations. So far, I havent seen any clear analytical logic explained clearly by officialdom as to how that bar is being attained. And given the logistical challenges in pooling samples, running tests, batching results, sending them to the Ministry of Health, which then releases the data to the GHS strongroom and the WHO, and then informing the public, the actual data points in any global number announced on any particular day could be coming from any of the preceding days spanning a two- or even three- week period. So, when the Ghana Health Service (GHS) announces that 30 more infections have been recorded between, say, the 10th and 11th of April, the breakdown of that 30 figure could easily be something like this: A. 10 out of the 30 people announced as positive for that 24-hour cycle may have been tested 3 weeks ago. B. 11 people tested 17 days ago. C. 3 people tested 3 days ago. D. 6 people tested on 10th April. Thus, one is not looking at some kind of realtime dashboard of a consistently evolving situation. One is, in fact, looking at a mixed reality, composed of different snapshots across time. A lagging, composite, picture, not a sequential reel. It is thus meaningless to say that infections are growing, slowing, growing faster or slowing sluggishly etc etc by simply relying on these global numbers. The current structure of data collection and delivery does not really allow a mere observer to say that. The Government itself has better insight into which tests came from which batches etc and therefore has better official intelligence to make those determinations. The general public unfortunately does not. When the Government wishes to change the tone of policy, however, it would need to align its private picture of the epidemic with the public picture. That process, currently, is a work in progress as the authorities intend to bring more testing capacity on board by activating other laboratories in the veterinary services, the Tamale Teaching Hospital, the CSIR, the Food & Drug Authority and even, as I have recently heard, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. This will make the official counts (example: 408 infections as of 11th April) a truly dynamic picture of the true trends. Aligning the public trend picture with the official trend picture is however only one of the two critical things that have to happen to make government policy more reflective of the supporting data. The second task is what I mentioned earlier: aligning the confirmed cases picture with the true cases picture by ensuring something as close to a constant/common ratio in the daily progression of announced counts. That is to say, to increase confidence that the confirmed case count for day one is roughly consistent with the true, unknown, case count on day one and the confirmed case count for day two is roughly consistent with the true case count for day two. In simple terms, if on day one, there were 200 confirmed cases but the true number of infected individuals is 4000, then if the number of confirmed infections move to 220 on day two, the true level of infections must also shift close to 4400. These two alignments would then enable the Government to make forward-looking policy based on whether previous policies are having a statistically significant effect or not. Until those alignments are in place, policy is merely provisional. Naturally, I have had to severely simplify epidemiological statistics to a great degree in order to make the quick point I intended to make here. But the core points are valid. Refinements using standard biostatistical methods and techniques wont change the fundamental insights too much. How can these alignments be achieved then? Aligning the public and official trend pictures would require improved logistics for sampling and increased capacity, which the Government is already working on. The strategy there is quite clear. Aligning the confirmed case count with the true level of prevalence requires serious modelling of the spatial distribution of prevalence using historical data of where people from overseas usually disperse among the population and mass randomised testing that omni-axially tracks infection dynamics along the radial pathways. But it also requires deliberate validation of control sites. One does not want to overestimate prevalence anymore than one wishes to underestimate it. In connection with this second area, the governments plans are vague. What has been said publicly suggests considerable gaps in process design since the entire enhanced tracing regime has been based on direct tracing of returnees and attempts to identify and test their direct contacts. At any rate, the distribution of contact tracers in the current process does not follow a statistically rigorous distribution pattern. Well noted returnee hotspots like Asante Akim and the Techiman area have seen very limited tracing and limited risk-based sampling for mass testing. Nor is any attempt being made to validate assumptions about non-hotspots in order to reduce data anisotropy. The most critical issue of all is the lack of public awareness, even at elite levels, of these gaps and the timeline to fixing them. This makes political milestone management lax since critical observers dont know how to measure the progression of the health authorities towards this all critical point of alignment. The media, in these times that civil society is taking a backseat to give Government space to focus on relief, needs to better understand these epidemiological statistical matters so that they can nudge the government towards delivering and communicating effectively on the twin alignments. It is absolutely imperative that Government assessments of whether the country is doing well or not be sufficiently transparent and logically easy to follow so that the roadmap to success is not hijacked by distrust, morbid partisanship and confusion. When the time comes for the Government to loosen restrictions and actively kickstart the resumption or economic activities, the collaboration of the citizenry shall be vital. Much better if the journey to making those decisions has been clearer to the larger part of the population for the most part. If youve ever felt awkward at a party, spare a thought for Alexa Chung she once offered to pay the Beckhams to talk to her and pretended she was a waitress to get close to Leonardo DiCaprio. The model says she suffered the humiliation at a dinner thrown by Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Everyone was there in couples, she recalls. They were really famous and the only ones I could think to go over to were David and Victoria Beckham. I said, I know you have a lot of money but Ill pay you anything to talk to me right now. And they were really nice. Of her toe-curling encounter with Leo, Alexa admits: He thought I was the waitress, so I got him drinks and I pretended I was. Bless! Model Alexa Chung, pictured, has revealed the problems of not being famous enough She admitted she once offered David and Victoria Beckham money to claim they knew her Leo DiCaprio, pictured, once believed Alexa Chung was a waitress and asked her for a drink We may be in lockdown, but Ronnie Wood has been zooming all over the world to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The 72-year-old guitarist, who has been sober since 2010, has embraced technology and goes to AA via video conferencing app Zoom. He says: I attended a meeting the other day which took place in Vegas but there were guys there from all over America. Isn't it refreshing when celebrities arent preaching about their healthy lifestyles? Step forward Emily Maitlis, who sees no problem in reaching for the vodka after a hard days work. By the time the 49-year-old returns home after presenting Newsnight, her husband and young sons are already tucked up in bed. But that doesnt stop her treating herself to a drink. She says: I have a little glass of vodka or a glass of rose. Everyone else is in bed by then. I do watch the midnight news and it is really sad that I try to guess the first words of the programme. I play it with my dog. I seriously hope Emily has the better win record... 27 Shares Share The first five liver transplant recipients were all dead within 23 days. The year was 1963, the surgeon was Dr. Thomas Starzl, and the operations were actually deemed a success for their surgical complexity. Since then, liver transplant (LT) has evolved from an experimental, often fatal procedure to the standard of care for end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Compared to the 0% 30-day survival rate of LT in 1963, the most recent 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rates of LTs in the United States are 92.6%, 79.7%, and 60.7%, respectively. Yet, the profound success and impact of LT is not widely recognized by the public and sometimes even perceived as being dangerous. This contributes to what today is a critical problem organ availability. In this era of successful LT, 13,338 patients wait each year for a liver, but only 8,250 transplants are performed annually. Every day, 18 Americans with ESLD die per day in the United States. As such, the loss to society incurred by failing to meet the demand of transplantable livers has never been higher, nor the need to increase organ availability more critical. What is the opportunity cost of the current liver shortage? In economic terms, LT can be described as a highly effective operation in great demand with a paucity in the supply of organs. As such, what is the societal opportunity cost the value of the next best alternative of the people who are unable to undergo transplant? And how much has the opportunity cost of LT increased as the field has advanced? In 2018, 1201 people died on the LT waitlist, and 1343 were removed because they became too sick for an operation while awaiting an organ. A matched analysis estimated that patients with ESLD who received a LT lost seven life-years on average compared with an age and sex-matched individual in the general population. Thus in 2018, the life-years gained from a single liver transplant was 24.48 years, and one year of the organ shortage resulted in a staggering 62,227 life-years lost. Lets put the 62,227 life years lost in 2018 into perspective. In 1995, 840 people died on the LT waitlist, and 167 were removed because they were too sick for an operation, resulting in 24,651 life-years lost. In the past 23 years, the United States has more than doubled the number of LTs performed per year, and still the life-years lost from the people we cannot transplant has increased by 152%. This data indicates that while the nations transplant capabilities are expanding, they are unable to meet the demand for organs, and the opportunity cost of the current liver shortage continues to rise. A second, less-often publicized cost of LT is that of keeping sick patients alive on the LT waitlist. Overall, livers are allocated to the sickest patients first, which is, in part, determined by a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Unlike the kidney transplant waitlist, there are no temporizing measures such as dialysis for patients on the LT waitlist. As liver patients become increasingly ill and their MELD scores rise, they get closer to obtaining a liver but often require hospitalization for clinical stabilization. For those who did not receive an organ, the average cost of treating a patient who died on the liver transplant waitlist was approximately $74,000 per year (187.2 million total) and was mostly spent on treating complications of ESLD, including variceal bleeding, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and portal hypertension. What can be done? The liver organ shortage is a central focus of research in the field. Methods to expand the pool of transplantable livers include using more marginal organs, machine perfusion, expanding living donor programs, and even xenotransplantation in the future. For the 13,338 people currently waiting for a liver, there are also public health interventions that, if enacted, could immediately impact on the supply of transplantable livers. Perhaps the most impactful policy intervention would be expanding the number of registered organ donors in the United States. According to Donate Life America, 95% of Americans agree with organ donation, but only 58% are registered donors. A bold solution to this problem would be converting the United States from an opt-in system to an opt-out system, such that all citizens would be donors by default unless they actively chose otherwise. The success of a national opt-out system was demonstrated in Spain, where the presumed consent construct of solid organ donation was introduced in 1979. Today, Spain benefits from a population where only 13% of people refuse to donate organs (the highest organ donor rate in the world), versus 37% in the United Kingdom and 42% in the United States. However, there are several impediments to the implementation of an opt-out system in the United States. In a country that is suspicious of government involvement, laws that set organ donation after death as a default can be viewed as intrusive. Also, some leaders in the transplant community fear that an opt-out system will decrease the number of registered donors because of a high opt-out rate. The debate here is one of default perspective. Once the act of organ donation is no longer viewed as extraordinary by society, the opt-out rates remain low, as seen in Spain. A call to action Currently, the stakes of LT have never been higher. As outcomes of LT continue to improve, the life-year and monetary costs of the national liver organ shortage increase. The success of LT makes the preventable losses larger. Over 2,500 Americans on the liver transplant waitlist die of a treatable medical condition each year, amounting to 62,227 life-years lost per year and over $187.2 million spent annually on medical care alone. These are patients who have health insurance, are well incorporated into the United States medical system, and are seen by multiple specialists, whose pre-LT care involves time and resources that ultimately go to waste if they are unable to undergo LT. Taken together, the data should be a call to action for health policymakers and UNOS to challenge the nations status quo with respect to organ donation. Liver transplantation is a field that has made tremendous strides in its capacity to cure chronic illness. It is now time for organ donation policies to follow suit. Omar Haque is a surgery resident. Khalid Khwaja is a transplant surgeon. Bapu Jena is an internal medicine physician. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Residents of Soanpipri in Uttar Pradeshs Maharajganj district have pledged to help authorities locate those who may have come in contact with six people from nearby villages tested Covid-19 positive after attending a congregation at Tablighi Jamaat headquarters in Delhi that last month emerged as a hotspot for the disease. Niyaz Khan, the village head, said they were being looked upon suspiciously after police on April 5 conducted raids in the village to trace the Jamaat followers whom they will help trace as well. We need to act fast to locate the suspects as well as to get rid of the suspicion, said Khan. He added they have been urging the residents to remain indoors and maintain social distance whenever they really need to go out. The six residents of Badhara, Kamhariya Bujurg, Bishunpura Kurthia and Eksadwa village have tested positive. District nodal officer KP Singh Baghel said the six have been put in isolation and the villagers who came in contact with them under quarantined. Similar campaigns have been launched across Uttar Pradesh. In Sonbarsa near Soanpipri, gram pradhan (village head) Sahdev Singh said they have been informed by the district police that over 50 Jamaat members from Nepal visited Delhi to attend the congregation. Some of them returned while others have taken shelter in nearby villages and towns, he said Sonbarsa is located 15 km from the Nepal border, which has been sealed. Residents said they were in regular touch with each other over phones and collecting information about the movement of Jamaat members along the border. Nepalese journalist Chetan Pant said people in Nepal were also concerned that a number of Jamaat followers who attended the Delhi congregation have been found Covid-19 positive. An alert has been sounded as several Covid-19 positive cases have been reported in Uttar Pradesh villages located along the Nepal border. Acting on a tip-off, the Nepal police rounded up 19 people on April 6 from Sunsari town near the border. While nine of them are Pakistani citizens, the rest are from Agra, according to Nepal police.The Nepal police said the Pakistanis had arrived in Nepal from Pakistan while 10 people from Agra in Uttar Pradesh had arrived there after attending the Delhi congregation. All [19] have been sent to a quarantine centre, said Nepal police officer Sagar Thapa. Bareillys Dargah Ala Hazrat on April 6 called upon Muslims to follow lockdown rules strictly and remain confined to their houses amid reports that many Jamaat followers had returned to the district. It last week asked Muslims to offer special Shab-e-Barat prayers for the dead at their homes while advising them against visiting graveyards. Subhan Raza Khan Subhani of the dargah issued a leaflet in the district urging the people returning to Bareilly to remain quarantined in their houses for 14 days. If they have any symptoms of Covid-19, they should immediately visit the nearest hospital or contact the local administration. People should not boycott the coronavirus positive people or the families but assist them in fighting the disease, he said. Residents in Azamgarhs Sarai Mir and Mubarakpur towns said they were concerned after police conducted searches on April 8 to locate Jamaat members, who have arrived in the district after attending the Delhi congregation. Four people from Azamgarh found Covid-19 positive are members of Jamaat, said Mohammad Suleman, a trader. The district administration has urged the Jamaat members to inform the administration voluntarily about their whereabouts so that they can be quarantined for 14 days. A similar appeal has been made in Rae Bareli, where two Jamaat members have tested positive for the disease. Acting on a tip-off, police detained two people on April 8 in Jais town after they returned home after attending the Delhi congregation. The samples of both have been sent for testing and the two have been quarantined, according to a district police officer. A majority of Jamaat followers who attended the eventover 200have been traced to the Meerut zone. In Agra, as many as 150 people arrived from Jamaats Delhi headquarters. Additional chief secretary Awanish Kumar Awasthi said the state police have identified 2,428 Jamaat members in 20 districts who are resident of various states. The health department has quarantined 2,231 of them. As many as 254 Jamaat members have been found Covid-19 positive. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Joining a growing list of states and even countries that have notched new all-time highs for marijuana sales, Ohio hit a new record in March. During the month, almost $13 million worth of product was sold there, according to state data analyzed by Crain's Cleveland Business. It was not apparent how much growth this represented from either the previous month, or from March 2019. As with other geographies posting peak monthly sales in March, Ohio's new peak is due largely to stay-in-place measures imposed to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The state's sales particularly jumped in mid-month, just before those widely anticipated measures were announced. In fact, the week of March 16 took the crown for highest weekly revenue in the state's history, at $3.8 million. This pattern implies that users were stocking up in case they were later unable to obtain product. Ohio's dispensaries, however, are still allowed to operate since the state has deemed them to be essential businesses that should remain open. Currently, Ohio permits only the consumption and sale of medical marijuana. This is why its sales figures are routinely topped by other states, such as Oregon, that have legalized both medical and recreational cannabis. Despite the relatively small size of its market, several publicly traded marijuana companies are active in Ohio. One is Green Thumb Industries (OTC:GTBIF), which is based in the nearby state of Illinois. Green Thumb is well represented in Ohio, with five of its Rise dispensaries scattered within the state. Green Thumb stock traded flat on Thursday, lagging behind the gains of the broader equities market. As total tally of coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose over 5000, and country's prime minister Imran Khan remained defiant on nationwide lockdown decision, an old video of him surfaced on social media in which he has made bizarre claims. Pakistani journalist Naila Inayat shared the video in which Imran Khan says that 'the disease will kill only one and a half man'. While the time and location of the video are not specified, netizens blasted the Pakistani PM for his blunder. Another video surfaced in which Imran Khan said that it is not difficult for Pakistan to make ventilators, as it has made atom bomb. Country that made atom bomb could have easily made ventilators instead of importing. But Pakistan's atom bomb is also 'imported' na.. pic.twitter.com/gdzPvrXNTI Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) April 11, 2020 READ | Pakistan Prez says 'was re-using N-95 masks given by China' amid criticism of 'misuse' Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar said that 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. However, he added that also said that the country would suffer about Rs 1,400-1,500 billion shortfall in revenues due to the nationwide shutdown. READ | Pakistan demands extradition of regional ISIS chief captured by Afghan intel; Kabul denies Imran Khan rules out lockdown possibility Ruling out the possibility of lockdown, Imran Khan had earlier targeted the Indian government for its implementation of a pan-India lockdown. Claiming it to be a 'hasty decision', Imran Khan said that 'Indian government apologised for their unplanned decision.' He said that his country is taking its lesson from India and it will fight the war against coronavirus with all the 'wisdom' it has. Imran Khan went on to call his country 'most charitable', he said that Pakistan's young population can fight the pandemic. READ | Pakistan extends ban on domestic, international flights as coronavirus cases reach 4,695 Coronavirus in Pakistan 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. Authorities 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 percent were local transmissions. READ | 'Jaan bhi aur Jahan bhi': PM Modi shares new mantra with chief ministers on COVID-19 fight Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal As New Mexico readies its medical front line for a potential surge of COVID-19 cases, hospitals, particularly in smaller communities, are enduring painful consequences of the governors ban on nonessential procedures: A sudden financial drain is straining operations and has led to some furloughs already. Its painful it is very, very painful, said Tanya Carroccio, chief quality officer at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City. The bread and butter for rural hospitals is to be able to count on their outpatient procedures and surgeries and certainly those elective ones. It hurts. On Friday, one national chain with a southern New Mexico hospital filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing COVID-19 uncertainties. The state Human Services Department also announced $35 million in immediate financial help for hospitals. Statewide, hospital administrators interviewed last week say they are trying to make the best of a difficult financial situation and keep as many key people as possible on the payroll. In Silver City, for example, veteran operating room nurses who are sidelined from surgeries are bringing sewing machines to work to stitch protective masks. In Taos, hospital staff with no patients to care for are cleaning up the grounds outside to keep their paychecks coming. Only weeks after the state Department of Health shut down all nonessential surgeries and outpatient procedures to ensure adequate hospital beds, supplies and equipment to treat coronavirus patients, some hospital administrators are reporting a revenue decline of 40% to 60%, said Jeff Dye, president of the New Mexico Hospital Association. Dye said his organization estimates the total loss to hospitals statewide could be up to $200 million per month unless state or federal emergency funds can be tapped. Compliance with the public health orders to reduce elective procedures and surgeries is absolutely the right public health thing to do, Dye said. But its a devastating financial decision for the hospitals. The loss of revenue comes at a time when smaller hospitals must step up purchases of protective equipment, ventilators and other life-saving equipment to treat coronavirus patients. Making matters worse, some patients still eligible to be treated for chronic conditions are staying away. Unfortunately, we are seeing a trend in which individuals are not seeking the care they might need for cardiac, orthopedic or other conditions for fear of contracting coronavirus, said Gary Poquette, CEO of the 25-bed Mimbres Memorial Hospital in Deming. While it is important to be cautious and shelter in place, we are concerned that individuals in our community may be delaying much needed emergency care and exacerbating potential life-threatening illness, he told the Journal in an email. People are just scared, and theyre staying away, said David Ward, CEO of Nor-Lea hospital in Lovington, which experienced a 57% drop in patient volume after suspending its orthopedics, nephrology and urology specialty outpatient clinics in March. Across the state, some small hospitals report that a small number of employees have been furloughed or asked to take personal leave. For now, hospital administrators are trying to retrain and repurpose others to ensure adequate staffing is available when and if they face an onslaught of COVID-19 patients. The decisions theyre making right now are definitely making payroll and being able to pay for the supplies. Vendors are still sending bills to hospitals, and employees are still hoping to earn a paycheck, so all of those costs are still ongoing although the revenue has dried up to a great deal, said Dye, whose association represents New Mexicos 46 hospitals. Mimbres Memorials parent firm, Quorum Health, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring last week but pledged to keep the Deming hospital open for business. The state HSD announcement of $35 million relief funding through the Medicaid program noted the combination of increasing costs and decline in revenue is putting an urgent strain on New Mexico hospitals. We believe that these advance payments will provide extra resources to prepare for what will likely be the greatest challenge our health care system has ever faced, said Dr. David Scrase, HSD Cabinet secretary in the announcement on Friday. Across the country, as reported last week by the Office of Inspector General for Health and Human Services, hospitals are experiencing hefty financial losses at a time when they are being called upon to prepare for the worst. CBS News reported that Boston Medical Center health system furloughed some 700 employees. A health system in Sarasota, Florida, said its revenue dropped by $16 million in March. It is furloughing some employees and cutting hours for others. Similar cuts are in place at a Syracuse, New York, hospital. Richard Stokes, interim CEO and CFO at the Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, said overall volume is down 35%, including a 65% drop in diagnostic services, such as endoscopies and colonoscopies. But weve had to buy all this PPE and all the supplies and all the things necessary to care for this community. And lets just say theoretically we dont have a case, well, weve spent a ton of money, and time and resources trying to get ready because we dont know, Stokes said. As of Saturday morning, the hospital hadnt yet had a COVID-19 hospitalization. We pray that the trend will continue, he added. Some tenured OR nurses in Silver City are sewing protective masks for the hospital. And the hospital is making masks from the material in the clean outer covering of surgery trays that arent in use. Depending on the daily count of patients, about 10% of the medical staff is at home, on call in case of an emergency. My fear as an administrator of a small rural hospital is that were already hearing where one fairly good-size hospital system is about to declare bankruptcy, and Im afraid thats going to continue if were not very, very careful in the next 30 days, Stokes said last week. I think Gila Regionals going to be fine for the next 60 days, but after that I mean we could find ourselves in a little bit of hot water as well. In Lovington, in southeast New Mexico, CEO Ward said his 25-bed hospital implemented a hiring freeze and asked employees to take personal time off. Were cutting costs wherever we can, Ward said. Our fiscal year is the end of June, and weve committed to keep our employees in place until then, but thats going to cost the organization between $6 (million) and $7 million in that three-month period. Thats how much we made last year as a profit, so well lose in three months what we made in an entire year last year. Devastating At Holy Cross Hospital, which serves the 32,000 residents of Taos County, the state-ordered shutdown of nonessential medical procedures is devastating, said CEO Bill Patten. We lost over $400,000 just in one week, because most of our expenses are fixed, he said. On a normal day in surgery, the hospital would have performed eight to 12 procedures. Now were seeing one or two. Laying off staff temporarily hasnt been an option, he said. So much of our cost is people and recruiting and retaining staff in a small rural hospital is always one of our biggest challenges, Patten said. If you say were going to be in this situation two, three, even four months from now, when we return to some kind of semblance of normal, were going to want those people back and the cost of recruiting and actually getting them here. If we were to let current staff go, its going to far exceed what it would cost to keep the staff. So hospital employees are being moved from one job to another, and rather than just having employees sitting around, were saying, Hey, if youre willing to do it at your normal rate of pay, well put you to work out on our grounds. Some surgical nurses and staff in Taos have also been sewing protective masks for the hospital. Holy Cross by Wednesday had dealt with two inpatients with COVID-19, one discharged, another transferred out. Patten, like other hospital administrators in New Mexico, hopes to get relief from the recent $2.2 trillion federal rescue program, or Medicaid or Medicare enhanced payment remedies. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., announced Thursday he had joined a bipartisan group of 20 senators to urge HHS to prioritize rural hospitals in COVID-19 emergency response funding. And Dye said he hopes a special session of the New Mexico Legislature, still unscheduled, could provide another avenue to aid New Mexico hospitals. A lot of our strategies are designed to buy us time, Patten told the Journal. If elective surgeries and procedures can resume, say in mid-June, it would still be perhaps August before the hospital would receive the payments, he said. So the model were working under is how to survive between now and August. How do we have enough cash to survive? Impact in Albuquerque The financial impact on Albuquerques three primary big hospitals was less clear last week. University of New Mexico Hospital has postponed more than 600 elective surgeries, and UNMs Sandoval Regional Medical Center in Rio Rancho has delayed another 200, but it is too early to discuss any potential losses, said spokesman Mark Rudi. At Presbyterian Hospital, postponing elective procedures allows critical staff to be redeployed and helps conserve personal protective equipment, said CEO and president Dale Maxwell in an email. With 70% fewer surgeries, we did not want lower patient volumes to negatively impact staff, he said. So Presbyterian decided that through April 30, staff pay will not be affected. A spokeswoman for Lovelace Hospital system didnt immediately respond to Journal questions about the impact. Not in the plan As of Wednesday, the states smallest rural acute care hospital hasnt admitted a single COVID-19 patient, but it has seen an uptick in ER visits for stress-induced issues, said Guadalupe County Hospital administrator Christina Campos. A lot of it is anxiety. People unemployed, people scared. The 10-bed hospital in Santa Rosa declared bankruptcy twice in the 1990s, Campos said. But after she became CEO in 2004, Campos said, we really started saving from the get-go and we really concentrated on essential services for the community. So weve been socking away money for 15 years. Now, with a $9 million surplus, she said, we have about a years worth of cash on hand. That kind of a cushion is a luxury for most rural hospitals, Campos said. But depleting that savings during an extended downturn, she said, would be awful. People think weve been putting that (money) away for a rainy day in anticipation of something. But we never dreamed of this. We keep saying, This was not in anybodys strategic plan. KYODO NEWS - Apr 12, 2020 - 16:50 | World, All, Coronavirus China's health authorities on Sunday reported 99 new coronavirus cases in the mainland, all but two being imported and marking an increase of more than double from the previous day's figure. The National Health Commission said in its daily report that overall confirmed cases on the mainland now total 82,052, with no deaths from the disease recorded Saturday. Of the 97 imported cases recorded in the 24 hours to the end of Saturday, at least 72 were Chinese people who had returned from Russia. The two domestically transmitted cases were both in Heilongjiang, China's northernmost province which borders Russia, it said. The number of cases of infection involving returnees from Russia has recently been on the rise in recent days. Related coverage: N. Korea says virus may create obstacles, vows thorough response Soccer chief calls on Japan to support health care "national team" Imperial Guard officer contracts coronavirus The Chinese Embassy in Moscow announced Wednesday the temporary closure of all land border crossings with Russia. Russia had previously closed its land border to incoming traffic from China in January. The border city of Suifenhe had by Friday reported a total of 173 imported cases of COVID-19 from Russia, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. Medical staff and beds have been increased in some areas of Mudanjiang in Heilongjiang Province in preparation for a surge in patients, Xinhua reported. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Christian Season of Lent is coming to an end and its certainly one for the books. With the spread of the COVID-19 virus accelerating in the U.S. and around the world, normal routines have come to a halt, including most church services. Fortunately, this unprecedented situation has not stopped Christians from preparing for the glory of Easter; instead, its drawn others to pray. Even if that trend is short-lived, I hope those that find themselves turning to prayer in this time of crisis walk away with a newfound appreciation for the importance of religious freedom. The Pew Research Center released a new report that shows the pandemic has changed the religious habits of Americans, with people who seldom or never pray and even people who say they do not belong to any religion at all, now turning to prayer. In all, more than half of all U.S. adults have prayed for an end to the virus spread. Were actually very fortunate in the United States, to have the freedom to make this decision, which probably seems small to some. Here in the United States, religion is recognized as a basic human right that everyone, everywhere, should have at all times. But that isnt a globally shared belief and in fact, there are places in this world where Christians risk everything to follow Jesus Christ. This remains the case during times of crisis. According to the latest reports, Christian persecution reached unprecedented levels at the end of 2019, with more than 260 million Christians around the globe experiencing high levels of persecution. Thats one in eight believers worldwide they are men, women and children, moms, dads, sons and daughters. Some parts of the world are more dangerous for Christians than others. Nigeria is one of those places. Right now, Boko Haram, widely known as one of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world, is actively committing a genocide against Nigerian Christians and committing crimes against humanity on the wider population. Since 2011, Boko Haram has taken more than 37,000 innocent lives, the vast majority of them women and children. Entire communities, villages, and towns have been devastated. Millions more have been kidnapped or displaced from their homes following persecution. Fulani militant herdsmen are also waging war on Christian farmers in the middle regions of the nation. Land scarcity and religious intolerance have fueled unspeakable acts of terror against Christians living on desirable lands. Since 2011, 6,000 Christians have been killed by Fulani militants and more than 1,000 churches torched. President Muhammadu Buhari has done little to stop the violence. In fact, attacks have become more aggressive and deadly under his administration. Interestingly, its been rumored that President Buhari is sick and was recently evacuated to the United Kingdom for treatment. If true and if something happens to him uncertainty will send the Nigerian people into a further state of disarray. Nigeria has been sitting on this powder keg for a while now, with civil unrest building. Western nations have a vested interest in making sure that things get better from here. Nigeria is an emerging African superpower. Its the largest oil producer in Africa with proven reserves of 37 million barrels (10th largest in the world) and its also the country with the worlds largest mixes of Muslim and Christian population. The current situation in Nigeria threatens to undermine its stability. Without western intervention, I fear that things will go from bad to worse in Nigeria. When that happens, the consequences wont be confined to Nigerias borders. Instead, the results could include economic, security, and cultural upheaval around the world. COVID-19 has united the global community against a common enemy. With the best and brightest minds coming together, we will tackle this. I believe we can work together to protect religious freedom and tackle the issue of Christian persecution in Nigeria as well. We need to send a Special Envoy to Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, and soon. Together, we can stop this crisis. And we must. Nigerian lives, and the balance of global peace and security depend on it. People in Ottawa wear face masks (Photo: Xinhua) 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 10th (local time), the country reported 21,243 COVID-19 cases, including 531 deaths./. NJ megachurch distributes 26,000 pounds of relief supplies in Easter baskets Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A New Jersey-based multisite megachurch is distributing approximately 26,000 pounds of relief supplies including food, toilet paper, and hygiene kits on Easter weekend. Liquid Church is working with Convoy of Hope to distribute the supplies, which are being stored at their Parsippany campus and organized into emergency relief kits that are wrapped in Easter baskets or boxes. On Saturday morning, the kits were picked up by those who registered at the churchs website by filling out an Emergency Relief Request. Then on Easter Sunday, some 40 church volunteer drivers will distribute the baskets to senior citizens and other families in quarantine. In addition to the aforementioned supplies, other items in the relief kits include bottled water, bleach, diapers, paper towels, and wipes. Liquid Church Outreach Director Kristin Hosen told The Christian Post that they had been talking with Convoy of Hope for about a year about how to serve those on the fringes of our community. When we saw how COVID-19 was starting to impact our state, we knew Convoy of Hope would be an incredible partner, Hosen said. Sure enough, they responded with essential relief supplies that would support our community during the pandemic. We are one of many organizations in New Jersey that Convoy of Hope has partnered with to help those most affected by this pandemic. Brooke LeMunyon, senior communications coordinator for Liquid Church, told CP that the weekend relief supplies distribution is part of their service to the community. As people who love Christ, its our joy to serve our neighbors across New Jersey in any way we can during this crisis. When it seems like everything is driving us to isolation, we still get to unite as the Church, LeMunyon said. While our weekly new normal is virtual community, we are also committed to loving and caring for the various needs of our church and neighbors during this time. In addition to moving their worship services online to follow guidelines on social distancing, many churches are carrying out charitable actions to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. For example, last month the Washington National Cathedral donated 5,000 N95 masks to two medical facilities in the District of Columbia metropolitan area. They had been acquired after a previous health scare, stored away in the Cathedral crypt and forgotten, the cathedral said on its Facebook page. Current CDC guidelines, and the manufacturer, concluded the masks were still good since they had never been opened. We're hoping it's a small step in helping to protect the people who need it most. Now withdrawals from the Employee Provident Fund will not attract a service charge. Centre had allowed a special provision under which three months salary could be withdrawn from Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account. The announcement made on March 20 saw Rs 2.8 billion disbursed and 1.37 lakh claims being processed. The whole move was aimed at reducing the distress of employees due to Covid-19. Unlike withdrawal made earlier which levied tax, Covid-19 withdrawals will be exempt from taxation. Centre has made provisions that can allow up to 75% of the total EPF balance withdrawal for employees. The withdrawal can be processed either using the EPFO app from the Google Play Store. Employees can also visit the EPFO website to withdraw funds from their account. Users need to login using their EPFO account using their Universal Account Number (UAN) credentials. Users have to click on Claim (Form-31,19,10C & 10D) under the online services tab. If your Aadhar account is registered it will ask the user to verify the bank account details. Once this step is completed, users have to click on Proceed For Online Claim following which they will select Form 31. The reason users have to attribute for the withdrawal is Outbreak of pandemic (COVID-19). After this user will enter the withdrawal amount and upload a scanned copy of a cheque and enter address. The next step involves receiving the Aadhaar OTP. EPFO says it resolves these claims within three working days. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Passengers from the stranded Antarctic cruise ship, the Greg Mortimer, cleared of COVID-19 board a flight to Australia from Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, Uruguay, on April 11, 2020. (EITAN ABRAMOVICH/Getty Images) Australians Arrive Home After Antarctic Cruise Nightmare A medical flight from Uruguay landed at Melbourne Airport Sunday morning carrying 96 Australians who were aboard the Antarctic cruise ship Greg Mortimer. For two weeks, passengers were confined on the Mortimer, nervously waiting for assistance as the number of passengers showing symptoms of the COVID-19 disease grew rapidly. The Mortimer was about four days into its voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Antarctic before it had to turn back when a passenger started to show signs of fever. At first arrival in Montevideo, Uruguay, on March 27, local authorities did not allow the 217 passengers and crew on board to disembark due to the likely COVID-19 cases and the risk to the local community. Later, Uruguay decided it would send medical professionals on board to assist. With testing, 128 of those aboard tested positive with COVID-19, with some being asymptomatic and others showing severe symptoms requiring further treatment. Uruguay authorities enacted a humanitarian corridor with strict biosecurity measures to bring over 100 Australians and New Zealanders back home. Passengers saw their holiday trip, for which they paid in the vicinity of A$78,000 ($50,000), go from luxury Antarctic cruise to a harrowing time. When Uruguay officials extended their help, there was much gratitude on board. We would still be out on the seas if it wasnt for the Uruguayans and their very benevolent attitude towards us and they are to be thanked in any way that I can say it, passenger and Melbourne orthopedic doctor John Clifford told Nine newspapers. Uruguay foreign minister Ernesto Talvi had a farewell message for those passengers cleared to head back to Australia. Safe travels! Hope to see you back soon! he said. Se arrodillo, le dio beso a nuestra tierra y se fue. Ahora si, todos a bordo del avion, a nuestros queridos amigos australianos y neozelandeses les decimos: muy buen viaje y hasta muy pronto. Safe travels! Hope to see you back soon! pic.twitter.com/A0wAXK4kgS Ernesto Talvi (@ernesto_talvi) April 11, 2020 The 96 Australians from the Mortimer are among 1,200 Australians making their way back home from overseas this Easter weekend, including from India and Peru. The Australian Government will be overseeing the arrival of most of these repatriation flights, with help from national airline Qantas. According to the Department of Human and Health Services, as of 6 p.m. on April 12, Victoria has 1,268 confirmed cases of the CCP virus. Currently, 44 people are in a hospital, including 16 people in intensive care. There have been a total of 14 deaths, while 1,015 people have recovered after contracting the virus. Victorian State Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the state of emergency will be extended until midnight on May 11. The measures are designed to flatten the curve of CCP virus cases. With just three new cases recorded in Victoria on Sunday, the premier said the restrictions were working. We are aggressively tracing our outbreaks, and making sure this virus does not get away from us, he said. If it does, our health system will simply be overrun and people will die. Australia has detected a total of 6,289 CCP virus cases since the pandemic reached its shores; 57 have died. With reporting by the Australian Associated Press. State-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) will retain stake in two life insurance ventures as the lender has got permission from Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Following the merger of Oriental Bank of Commerce on April 1 with PNB, 23 per cent of stake of the former in Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance stands transferred to latter. Already, PNB is a promoter of PNB Metlife Insurance with the highest stake of 30 per cent since 2012. Founded in 2001, PNB Metlife's other shareholders include US-based Metlife with 26 per cent, Elpro (21 per cent) and M Pallonji & Company (18 per cent). "At this point of time there is no compulsion to exit. We have spoken to Irdai. There is a continuity. There is a time we will take a decision on that," PNB Managing Director S S Mallikarjuna Rao told PTI when asked if regulation restricts a lender having stake in two life insurers. "Irdai says there is no regulation to restrict currently. So, both can continue," he added. Further, there is tie up with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) for selling its products through the bank's branches. Rao further said PNB has started focussing on growth post merger and planned a series of capital raising initiatives, including rights issue and FPO, in the third quarter this fiscal. At the moment, the bank is adequately capitalised with the capital adequacy ratio of 14.04 per cent at the end of December 2019, he said. The government provided Rs 16,091 crore to PNB and Rs 1,666 crore to United Bank of India in September for enhancing the capital base of these two lenders. Going forward, Rao said, the bank plans to further infuse capital during the current fiscal, including through follow-on public offer (FPO). Sharing details of the capital raising plan, Rao said the bank is looking to raise Rs 3,000 crore through additional Tier-I (AT-1) bonds in the next couple of months. "The board of the bank has already given approval and now we are contemplating approval from the government of India," he said, adding the bank is preparing to raise AT-1 bonds during the first quarter itself, depending on how quickly normalcy is restored. Under the Basel-III norms, AT-1 bonds come with loss absorbency features, meaning that in case of stress, banks can write off such investments or convert them into common equity if approved by the RBI. AT-1 bonds, which qualify as core or equity capital, are one of the means of raising capital by banks. In the third quarter of the current fiscal, Rao said, "we are planning to go to the market either of QIP or follow on public offer or for the rights issue". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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 Other states had started implementing the UP model of sealing hotspots to protect people from the coronavirus, additional chief secretary, Home, Awanish Kumar Awasthi said here on Saturday. About 125 hotspots have already been sealed in 15 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Asserting that the strategy to take strict action will pay dividends, he said Uttar Pradesh was the most populous state, but it ranked sixth in the tally of positive Covid cases in the country. Our strategy is to take strict action in the hotspots that have become a breeding ground of the coronavirus. The district administration officers have been directed to implement the orders strictly. Along with conducting house-to-house survey, the movement of people and vehicles has been banned, he said. Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Awasthi said the state government agencies surveyed 1.42 lakh houses and nine lakh people residing in the hotspots within three days. The hotspots were sealed from April 8-9 midnight. The health department identified 2,942 suspected Covid-19 cases in the hotspots and 2,863 of them were quarantined, the additional chief secretary said. The hotspots were located in 89 police station areas of the 15 districts, he said. Another 68 positive Covid cases were detected at 55 spots in 25 other districts. The district magistrates of these districts marked the areas, in which one or more positive cases were reported, as hotspots. The hotspot areas were barricaded and the supply of essential items was being maintained with doorstep delivery, he said. The police checked 638 vehicles in the hotspots and 80 were seized, he said. In Meerut, a mob pelted a district administration team with stones when they were taking a few people to quarantine facilities. The city magistrate was injured and police arrested three accused. Strict action will be taken against the anti-social elements, Awasthi said. Mirzapur : , April 12 (IANS) Santosh Yadav, the 30-year-old Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) jawan, posted in the Naxal-hit Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh, travelled about 1,100 km on foot, goods train, trucks and even a boat to reach home in Chunar after his mother died. "I was desperate to reach my village Sikhar after I learnt about my mother's death. Both my younger brother and a married sister live in Mumbai and it was not possible for them to reach the village due to the lockdown. My father was alone in the village and I had to be with him," he said. Yadav's wife and two kids also live in the village in Chunar in Mirzapur district. Yadav embarked on the long journey home on April 7 morning after receiving the relieving letter from the commandant. "I just wanted to make it to the state capital Raipur from where I was confident of arranging something for further journey," he said. Yadav took a lift on a paddy-laden truck from Bijapur to reach Jagdalpur. He waited there for around two hours before spotting a mini truck which dropped him in Kondagaon, around 200 km from Raipur. "In Kondagaon, I was stopped by police personnel, but I explained my situation to them. Luckily, an official deployed there was familiar to me and helped me in my travel up to Raipur in a vehicle carrying medicines," he said. From Raipur, he boarded a goods train with the help of a friend posted in the Railway Protection Force (RPF). "Then, I changed at least eight goods trains to reach Chunar, the nearest railway station to my village, on April 10 morning, thanks to all station masters and my friends working in railways," he said. Yadav then walked 5 km to reach Ganga river and took a boat ride across to reach his village. He said he was stopped at several places by police and railway personnel due to the lockdown but was allowed to proceed on humanitarian grounds. He further said, "As many as 78 men from my village are working in railways and they were of great help to me during the journey." Yadav had joined the CAF in 2009 and is deployed in its 15th battalion. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow states to carry out essential economic activities in case the lockdown continues. The Prime Minister held a video conference with chief ministers to take feedback on whether the ongoing lockdown is extended after April 14 to contain the spread of the coronavirus infection. Baghel suggested not relaxing the existing ban on the inter-state road, air and rail services in view of the increasing cases of Covid-19 in the country, a release from his office said. The chief minister also sought an economic package for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector from the Centre, citing that the MSME sector which provides maximum employment to the people, has been bearing the brunt of lockdown and seeking early financial assistance in the state. During the video conference, the chief minister said that due to lack of clear instructions by the Centre for the purchase of test kits, there is a situation of apprehension and asserted on the need to issue clear guidelines in this regard, the statement said. As many as 3,473 samples have been tested till Friday in the state. On average,135 samples are being taken per day which is very less. Due to less testing, it cannot be said with certainty whether the condition of Covid-19 virus is actually under control or not, Baghel stated. There is a need to take 3 to 5 thousand samples daily. Therefore a request has already been made to ensure more availability of PPE kits and testing facilities in the state, he said. The Texas Supreme Court has stayed a ruling that blocked an executive order prohibiting judges from releasing inmates during the pandemic on personal bonds if theyve been accused or convicted of a violent crime. The high courts decision on Saturday effectively gives Gov. Greg Abbott the ability to enforce the order in contention, although that is not permanent. Responses from both the governor and the plaintiff, which includes 16 Harris County misdemeanor judges and several criminal defense organizations, are due Monday morning, according to notifications from the court. The Supreme Courts stay comes not even a day after a state judge in Austin had temporarily halted Abbotts order late Friday night, saying that to keep it in place would cause irreparable harm. That judge said her order would limit the governor and his lawyers from enforcing any such restraints on judges bond rulings. Her injunction addressed a civil rights complaint brought by Harris Countys 16 misdemeanor judges, the ACLU of Texas and other civil rights groups. The lawsuit contends that Abbott exceeded his authority and improperly removed judges discretionary powers protected under state law. The countys misdemeanor judges, who are under a federal consent decree, have indicated that they will continue to release about 75 percent of people arrested on low-level offenses on general order bonds. Felony judges in the states largest urban county have issued two orders of their own, delineating a small subset of offenses that could qualify for releases in the jail. The dispute over who has the power to release people from the packed Harris County jail as infection rates increase has been hampered by three dueling orders the one by the governor, one issued by County Judge Lina Hidalgo and one by state District Judge Herb Ritchie. On top of that, a competing federal civil rights request seeks an emergency injunction on behalf of thousands of felony defendants being held pretrial because they cant afford cash bond. The governors Executive Order No. GA-13 suspended several parts of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure related to personal bonds, halting these bonds for anyone with a prior violent conviction or a conviction involving the threat of violence. He barred the release of prison inmates with prior violent convictions on electronic monitoring. Abbott also stopped portions of the Texas Government Code permitting a county judge, mayor or emergency management director from releasing people outlawed under his new order. Judges may consider these releases on an individual basis if there is a health or medical reason to do so. Regarding prison inmates, Abbott suspended portions of the state criminal code related to commuting sentences for anyone convicted of violence or threats. Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report. Author: Philip Afeti Korto 12.04.2020 LISTEN Introduction Since 1992, Ghana has been holding its general (presidential and parliamentary) elections every four (4) years. Also, Ghana inaugurates a new Parliament and a new President on 6th January and 7th January respectively every four (years) from 1992. Inaugurating a new Parliament on the 6th and a new President on the 7th of the ensuing January after an election year is, therefore, a Fourth Republican Order or Calendar. Ghanas 8th general election in the Fourth Republic has been slated for 7th December 2020, the same year in which there is a global battle against an infectious pandemic disease called Coronavirus or COVID-19. Medical experts have advised that people should practice social distancing or avoid crowds as a way of containing the infectious disease. As it stands now, no one knows when there will be a tested vaccine for viral disease. Neither does anyone know when the incidence and prevalence of the disease will stop globally and locally in Ghana? Will COVID-19 pose a threat to Ghanas 2020 general elections and what happens if it does? Justification For This Article And Relevant Rhetorical Questions The impetus for writing this article is imaginative and it portrays proactive thoughts. The article seeks to imagine a situation in Ghana whereby the COVID-19 disease and the social distancing practice with lockdowns will prevent Ghana from holding its 8th general elections under the 1992 Constitution. The general elections must be held before 6th January 2021 when a new Parliament is supposed to be inaugurated and before 7th January 2021 when the President-elect will be sworn into office in the presence of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic. The following rhetorical questions are therefore relevant to the discussion. What will be the constitutional implications of such a scenario whereby COVID-19 with social distancing and lockdowns prevents the holding of the 2020 elections? Will the current President and his appointees or Ministers continue in office until such a time that the election is held because there is no COVID-19 and social distancing again? Will the current Parliament (the 7th of the Fourth Republic) operate beyond its four (4) year tenure? If so, in the case of the President, Ministers and Parliament, will that not constitute an ultra vires act? Does the 1992 Constitution make overt provisions for a public health emergency that COVID-19 poses in an election year? What If The 2020 General Elections Are Not Held Before 6th And 7th January 2020? The four (year) term of the current President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo will end in the midnight of 6th January 2021. The President-elect will be sworn in before Parliament on 7th January 2021. The 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic itself will elect its Speaker and the Members of Parliament-elect will be sworn in on 6th January 2021. The concern here is that what will happen in a situation where there are no MPs-elect and there is no President and Vice President elect before 6th and 7th January 2021? Will there be a power vacuum in Ghana? The foregoing will be constitutional matters confronting the Supreme Court of Ghana should COVID-19 delivers its devastating blow to Ghanas general elections on grounds of social distancing. The Supreme Court is the body clothed with the original and final jurisdiction to interpret constitutional provisions and give meanings to them (article 2 of the Constitution). Constitutionally, whether or not the 2020 elections were held, Parliament will be dissolved and the President and the Vice President, as well as the Ministers, will end their four (4) year tenure. As such, their mere continuation in office after the end of their tenure will be unconstitutional and therefore an ultra vires act. Every established ultra vires act is illegality. It is settled in case law in the Fourth Republic that the tenure of office of Ministers is conterminous with the tenure of office of the President who appointed those Ministers. In J.H. Mensah v Attorney-General (1996-97) SCGLR, the Supreme Court of Ghana deduced from the governmental framework established under the 1992 Constitution and held that ministerial tenure of office must cease with the expiration of the term of office of the President who appointed the Ministers unless the Ministers are re-appointed according to the relevant constitutional procedures. Interestingly, the current President (Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo) was one of the lawyers for the Plaintiff in the J.H. Mensah case under reference. The plaintiff was Joseph Henry (J.H.) Mensah who was the Minority leader in Parliament at the time (1997-2001) and a member of the new Patriotic Party (NPP). The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government lawyers in the case were Dr. Obed Asamoah (Attorney General as he then was) and Mr. A.B.K Amidu who is currently the Special Prosecutor of Ghana. He was then the Deputy Attorney General in the Rawlings democratic Administration. The Supreme Court ruling in J.H.Mensah v Attorney-General (ut supra) is to the extent that even if the same President (Nana Addo for example) is re-elected for a second term, his previous Ministers whose appointments were not revoked before he was inaugurated as President for a second term, cannot claim to continue indefinitely as Ministers in the second term. The President must necessarily re-appoint them if he chooses to continue working with them as his Ministers. The J.H.Mensah v Attorney-General case was an interpretation of article 81 of the 1992 Constitution by the Supreme Court. In a constitutional order of precedence, there are four gentlemen of the land (Gentlemen is a generic term for ladies and gentlemen since Ghanas Interpretation Act states that whenever the pronoun he is used in any statute in Ghana, it also means she and vice versa). Per article 57 (2) of the Constitution, the four gentlemen of the land are the President, the Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Chief Justice. In a descending order, they take precedence over all persons in Ghana. The last three gentlemen of the land (the Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Chief Justice) are constitutionally clothed to act as the President of Ghana one after the other in the absence of the President or if the President is unable to perform the duties of his office. Logically, therefore, should election 2020 not be held before 6th January and 7th January 2021 and there will be no President, Vice President and Speaker of Parliament. As such, will the Chief Justice act as the President of Ghana? It is possible but a President or acting President cannot run the governmental structure without Parliament under the 1992 Constitution. This is because a significant number of presidential duties are subject to parliamentary approval. We will continue with the discussion in the next episode (Episode 2). In episode 2, we will attempt answers to this question. Is There Any Overt Constitutional Provision Relating To The COVID-19 Situation? We will examine some related constitutional provisions. We will also explore the Constitutional Grounds Of State Of Emergency In Ghana before we draw the curtain on the discussions. Stay alert!!! for Episode 2. ~Asante Sana ~ Author: Philip Afeti Korto Email: [email protected] Food and Drug Administration chief Stephen Hahn said Sunday the United States appears to be 'very close to its coronavirus peak'. 'The models do show that we are very close to the peak. So I think that information is accurate', the FDA commissioner said Sunday. Hahn said May 1 'is a target' in terms of lifting the nationwide lockdowns but also warned: 'This has been a really fast-moving outbreak, so we really have to take this day by day. I think the public safety and the welfare of the American people has to come first.' Americans spent Easter Sunday on lockdown as the U.S. toll from the novel coronavirus pandemic surpassed 21,700 deaths and more than half a million confirmed cases. Graphs created by researchers from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics shows the country is two days away from its peak when 1,983 deaths are projected. Hahn told This Week: ' [May1] is a target and obviously we're hopeful about that target but I think it's just too early to be able to tell that we see light at the end of the tunnel. I think it's just too early for us to say whether May 1 is that date. 'Further ramping up testing, both diagnostic as well as the antibody tests, will really be necessary as we move beyond May and into the summer months and into the fall.' Food and Drug Administration chief Stephen Hahn said Sunday the United States appears to be 'very close to its coronavirus peak'. 'The models do show that we are very close to the peak. So I think that information is accurate', the FDA commissioner said Sunday Graphs created by researchers from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics shows the country is two days away from its peak when 1,983 deaths are projected The United States has recorded more fatalities from the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus than any other country in the world. Roughly 2,000 deaths a day were reported for the last four days in a row, the largest number in and around New York City. Even that is viewed as understated, as New York is still figuring out how best to include a surge in deaths at home in its official statistics. The sweeping restrictions on non-essential movement that were imposed in recent weeks across 42 states have taken a huge toll on commerce and raised questions over how long business closures and travel curbs can be sustained. The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits in the last three weeks surpassed 16 million. The FDA's Hahn said he was concerned that some antibody tests on the market that had not gone through the FDA scientific review process 'may not be as accurate as we'd like them to be.' 'I can assure the American people that what we're doing is using data and science to look at those tests to make sure that they're valid, they're accurate and they're reproducible,' he said. 'What we don't want are wildly inaccurate tests,' he said. 'That's going to be much worse, having wildly inaccurate tests than having no test.' The lack of adequate testing has hampered the U.S. response to the pandemic, which has killed more than 21,600 people in the country and infected more than half a million. The FDA is working with developers around the country to try to ramp up diagnostic testing, Hahn said on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' 'So all hands on deck to try to get more diagnostic tests in.' The FDA has approved one antibody test and Hahn warned that some other tests on the market may not be accurate. In recent days, U.S. public health experts and some governors have pointed to signs that the country is starting to see a turnaround in the fight against the outbreak. From left, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx, Surgeon General Jerome Adams, and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn attend a coronavirus task force briefing at the White House President Donald J. Trump listens to Stephen Hahn, Commissioner, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) speak at the coronavirus briefing at the White House Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's top U.S. infectious disease expert, said he was cautiously optimistic and pointed to the New York metropolitan area, which had its highest daily death toll last week but also saw a decrease in hospitalizations, intensive care admissions and the need to intubate critically ill patients. 'Once you turn that corner, hopefully you'll see a very sharp decline and then you can start thinking about how we can keep it that way,' Fauci said on CNN's 'State of the Union.' 'If all of a sudden we decide 'OK, it's May whatever,' and we just turn the switch on, that could be a real problem.' Fauci and other public health experts say widespread testing will be key to efforts to reopen the economy, including antibody tests to find out who has already had the disease and could be safe to return to work. New government data shows a summer surge in infections if stay-at-home orders are lifted after only 30 days, according to projections first reported by the New York Times and confirmed by a Department of Homeland Security official. POTTSTOWN A man who shot repeatedly at police inside a home on West King Street Friday night was shot and killed by officers when they returned fire, according to police and the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office. A statement released by Pottstown Police Chief Michael Markovich indicated the shooting occurred in the 300 block of West King Street. The deceased is identified as Jonathan Lee Adams, 31, who lived at the residence in Pottstown with his girlfriend, according to a statement released Saturday afternoon by Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele. The D.A. said county detectives who arrived at the scene of the shooting Friday night will conduct the investigation, which is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting. The statement from Chief Markovch said police responded to three separate 911 calls about hearing yelling and screaming at 311 W. King St. The callers offered differing reports including neighbors fighting, someone needing an ambulance and another caller believed the subject was drunk and was trying to fight her husband, according to the statement. When two officers arrived at 313 W. King St. at 8:21 p.m. they found an open front door. Officers knocked and announced themselves as Pottstown police officers several times, according to Markovichs statement. The officers, who were in full uniform, were confronted by a man at the top of the stairs holding a handgun. The subject pointed the gun at the officers. Officers commanded the subject to drop the gun several times. The subject fired at the officers and the officers returned fire, according to Markovich. Officers then retreated into the next room and the subject began coming down the steps and fired at the officers again. Officers again returned fire, striking the subject and he fell to the ground, according to Markovich. The officers then performed life-saving efforts until emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene, the chief said. The subject was taken to Pottstown Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Markovich. A Glock 9 mm firearm was recovered by the body, according to Steele. Adams was not able to legally possess a firearm, the D.A. said. The gun was legally registered to Adams girlfriend, according to Steele. An autopsy and toxicological examination is scheduled for Sunday morning, Steele said. In keeping with department procedure, the officers will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation, according to Markovich. The names of the police officers involved are not being released at this time, Steele said. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Montgomery County Detectives at 610-278-3368. Most Queenslanders infected with COVID-19 will suffer a cough, sore throat and a fever but for some, the disease is deadly. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says people older than 70 who contract the virus have a 30 per cent chance of ending up in hospital and a 10 per cent chance of ending up in intensive care. "The reality is, the virus is still here and we are still going to see a tragic loss of life," she said. "We know with coronavirus, our most vulnerable people in our community are the most at risk." NEW HAVEN A West Haven woman has died due to complications of COVID-19, her obituary said. Mary Nestor Radziszewski, 83, died April 8 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Radziszewski lived her life in service to others, her obituary said. Radziszewski is survived by her children, Mary-Claire Zoghb (Nicolas), Walter S. Radziszewski, Jr. (Debbie), and Suzanne Redmond; beloved granddaughters Rachel Houston of Charlotte, NC, and Randi Daugustinis, Esq. (Thomas) of Saint Augustine, Fla.; great-granddaughters Isabella and Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and godchildren, the obituary said. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Walter S. Radziszewski, Sr. Radziszewski, the only daughter of Jadwiga Adamski and Walter J. Nester, Sr., was born on February 7, 1937, and grew up in New Havens Cedar Hill neighborhood with three older brothers, the obituary said. After St. Marys High School, she graduated from the St. Raphaels School of Nursing in 1957, where she was class president. She worked in the emergency room, where she enjoyed the challenge of dealing with varied crises, hte obituary said. While her children were young, she spent days with them on Lake Street beach (the family moved to West Haven in 1964). She went back to work as a school nurse at Notre Dame High School in order to enjoy summers camping with her family. Later, Radziszewski and her extended family spent many weekends at their home on Cape Cod, where she hoped to retire. Radziszewski earned a masters degree from Southern Connecticut State University and began teaching health education at Notre Dame High School. On the schools behalf, she applied for and won grants to teach courses she designed (while sitting in a beach chair at Lake Street): a sex education seminar for seniors and a parenting course. Next, she launched a highly successful career in real estate. She served her clients with love and expertise. After attending daily Mass, she would head out to list and show properties. Radziszewski won numerous awards and honors for her service to her community, including a 2009 Jimmy Award, the obituary noted. With her husband, Mary was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Church, where she served on the Finance Committee, worked at countless annual carnivals, and put her nursing skills to use as a member of the churchs Wellness Team. Radziszewski served for many years as president of the Seth Haley Scholarship Committee, which awarded grants to seniors graduating from West Haven High School, among others, the obituary said. her family is grateful to the caring staff of Seacrest Retirement Center for filling the past two years with joy and companionship. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Sunday said that wearing of face masks has been made compulsory while stepping outside homes in the state during the lockdown and anybody found violating the orders will face action as per law. I have issued orders with immediate effect that anyone who ventures outside home will have to wear a mask. Anyone violating the orders will face action, Vij, who is also the Health Minister, said. Those found violating the instructions will be punishable under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC and the police authorities are empowered to take action against the violators, he said. People can wear a mask or cover their face with cloth, scarves etc, he said. Earlier, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar too had appealed to people across the state to wear masks whenever they venture out. Notably, Haryana has witnessed a spike in number of COVID-19 cases in the past few days and the total number of such cases on Sunday rose to 179 including five health professionals with a doctor and two nurses among them. The worst affected districts of the state with maximum number of positive cases are Nuh (45), Gurugram (32), Faridabad (31) andPalwal (29). As many as 261 containment and buffer zones have been set up across the state including those falling in the four worst affected districts. These zones will be completely sealed as no movement of people inside these zones will be allowed as a measure to check the spread of infection, he said. Vij has maintained that the spike in positive cases was due to a number of Tablighi Jamaat members testing positive. On Sunday, he said that 107 Tablighi Jamaat members are among those who have tested COVID-19 positive. With a majority of private clinics closed these days, Vij urged doctors to keep the establishments open in such difficult times. I am appealing to private doctors. During these difficult times, they should open their clinics in the state. Over 70 per cent of them have closed their clinics. Whether government or private doctors, both will have to discharge their duties," he said. There are many people who suffer from ailments like diabetes, heart and kidney disease and other major and minor ailments for which they used to consult private doctors too. Many people have complained that they are unable to access the private doctors as they have shut down their clinics, he pointed out. The government was making an appeal to these doctors to open their clinics and provide their services, the minister said. Replying to a question on possible measures, he said that the government can make the doctrs to open their clinics by invoking provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act and the Disaster Management Act. Yet, for the moment we want to request them that they should open clinics on their own, Vij said. The minister, meanwhile, praised the way safai karamcharis (sanitary workers) are carrying out sanitisation work across the state to minimise chances of any infection in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. The minister also sought to assure that there were sufficient stocks of personal protection equipment (PPE) needed by doctors, nurses and paramedical staff in government hospitals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In Killing Eve, she plays one of MI6's top agents - a hard-nosed spymistress unafraid to send a woman after Europe's most deadly assassin. But when it comes to the most famous fictional spy in British intelligence, Fiona Shaw says the job has to go to man. The actress has waded into the debate about who should replace Daniel Craig when he quits the role of James Bond, saying casting a woman would be folly. 'That is not the point of James Bond,' she told The Mail on Sunday. Fiona Shaw (pictured) of Killing Eve is insisting that the next James Bond should not be female 'He is a person who was born out of a certain era. I don't think equality means that everybody plays everything all the time.' Speaking of cross-gender casting, she added: 'Sometimes it throws an interesting light on something to have its opposite take centre stage - but not always. It all depends where the culture is.' But she said that, if producers wanted to explore the possibility of a female 007-style character, they should 'make another thing called Jane Bond' rather than simply recast James. The 61-year-old said Killing Eve, which returns for a third series tomorrow on BBC iPlayer, 'is feminist in that it treats women as equals for once', but added: 'I don't think it tries to say women are better than men in any way, rather it celebrates women as people.' She also welcomed the way that the show revolved around not one, but two women as Sandra Oh's Eve tries to track down Jodie Comer's psychopathic killer Villanelle. 'The times they are changing, but they are changing very late for me,' Ms Shaw said. 'I wish it could have happened 30 years ago. 'I have played a lot of Greek tragedies where the narrative and the moral centre of the piece is entirely held by a woman, but in television it's been a long time coming. Of course there have been things like Prime Suspect, but that was around the time of Margaret Thatcher when there was permission to have one woman in charge, but only if she was surrounded by men.' Shaw said Daniel Craig (pictured in 2012's Skyfall) should not be succeeded by a woman She said the new series of Killing Eve has more emotional subplots than before, although the black humour remains. 'All series have to mutate,' she said. 'There may be fewer jokes, but the show has legs.' Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote the first series, and although she has now moved on - including contributing to the next 007 script - the show still has an all-female writing team, to Ms Shaw's approval. 'Producers are far more open now to things written by women,' she said. 'A much more amoral world is being explored by women with vitality, charm and possibility.' The cost of going out on a Saturday night just keeps going up and up. For seven visitors to Santa Cruz, California, the bill came to $7,000 in fines for violating local shelter-in-place, or SIP, guidelines. They came from Fremont to get some essential drinks, Police Chief Andrew Mills tweeted. If you are not from Santa Cruz and you put our community at risk, you will get a ticket. #shelterinyourowntown. The department tweeted, 7 x $1000 = One Expensive Hang Out. Everyone should know by now that this is not the time to meetup and party. The drive from Fremont to Santa Cruz is nearly 50 miles. 7 x $1000 = One Expensive Hang Out 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. #ShelterInYourOwnTown #SantaCruzPolice https://t.co/PXRNW07DPV Santa Cruz Police (@SantaCruzPolice) April 11, 2020 Santa Clara Countys Public Health Departments website says, Sheltering in place means people must stay home as much as possible and leave only for essential activities. People cannot host or attend any gatherings of any size. Stay-at-Home Order Law enforcement officers in California issued citations to people watching the sunset or otherwise spending time near a beach north of San Diego, the latest crackdown on people violating stay-at-home orders nationwide amid the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus pandemic. Officers in California arrested a paddleboarder and fined a surfer while authorities in Pennsylvania gave a woman a $200 ticket for driving as authorities try to battle COVID-19, a disease from China, known as the novel coronavirus. Officers in Encinitas, about 25 miles from San Diego, issued tickets to 22 people who were doing things like watching the sunset or having picnics, the San Diego Sheriffs Department said in a now-deleted tweet. The office said people can easily transmit coronavirus without knowing it, creating a snowball effect. By staying home, you can save lives, it added. The public health orders were not created to follow when convenient. Violators face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Epoch Times reporter Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. HONOLULU - People in Guam are used to a constant U.S. military presence on the strategic Pacific island, but some are nervous as hundreds of sailors from a coronavirus-stricken Navy aircraft carrier flood into hotels for quarantine. Officials insist they have enforced strict safety measures. An outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt began in late March and has thrust the Navy into a leadership crisis after the ships commander distributed a letter urging faster action to protect his sailors. Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly fired Capt. Brett E. Crozier and then assailed him during a speech on the ship in Guam, saying Crozier was either too naive or too stupid to be in charge of an aircraft carrier. Modly resigned Tuesday after facing blowback and after publicly apologizing for his comments about Crozier. The carrier has been docked in the U.S. territory for more than a week as the 4,865-person crew is tested for the virus and moved ashore. More than 580 sailors have been confirmed infected. One was hospitalized Thursday in intensive care, said Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. More than 1,700 sailors who have tested negative are isolating in hotels, while the sick remain on base, Navy officials said. Our people are getting slapped in the face, said Hope Cristobal, who worries officials are making promises about safety they wont keep. She lives less than a quarter-mile from hotels in Tumon, Guams version of Hawaiis popular Waikiki neighbourhood, saying, We dont know exactly where theyre being housed. Mary Rhodes, president of the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, declined to identify the hotels but said as many as 10 have been set aside to house up to 4,000 sailors. Seven of them had already stopped taking reservations and seen a dramatic drop in visitors as airlines cancelled flights, she said. Guams hotels frequently host military members, and the Department of Defence controls about a third of the island, which is 3,800 miles (6,115 kilometres) west of Honolulu and a crucial, strategic hub for U.S. forces in the Pacific. Each sailor is staying in a room stocked with two weeks worth of linens, towels and water, Rhodes said. There is no contact with hotel workers, and only military police and medical teams can visit. The Navy has sent masks, gloves and other safety equipment to the hotels, where employees make food that military personnel deliver, Rhodes said. Not including the sailors, Guam has 133 confirmed coronavirus cases and five deaths as of Saturday. Officials are focused on stopping the spread of the virus, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said as she announced that sailors could stay in hotels. I know there will be a small chorus of cynics who will oppose this decision, but now is not the time for us versus them, she told reporters April 1. We can protect Guam while being humane to them. The Rev. Fran Hezel said people likely arent that upset about the move. Frankly, I dont think its much of an issue, because I think that people have bigger fish to fry, said Hezel, parish priest at Santa Barbara Catholic Church in Dededo, Guams most populated village. People mostly are sympathetic because many in Guam are in the Navy or have relatives who are. Ive come to the conclusion that Guam has got as deep links with the military as it does with the Catholic faith, he said, noting that the vast majority of people on the island are Catholic. The sailors quarantine is actually benefiting some smaller hotels, said Rhodes of the hotel association. The Navy has taken over hotels with more than 300 rooms, and other guests have been moved to smaller properties that are struggling amid cancellations. Rhodes said necessary measures are in place to safeguard the public. Those assurances arent enough for Cristobal and others. She said the sailors are adding to an already stressful situation: I have shortness of breath, and Im wondering if its COVID or is it my anxiety. For most, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with other health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. Some are urging the governor to reconsider allowing the sailors to stay in hotels, including I Hagan Famalaoan Guahan, a group that supports women who are Chamorro, the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands, which include Guam. Being negative today doesnt mean that they wont be in a week or so, the group said in a statement. The decision to house them in the middle of our community is playing a game of chance with the health of our people. ___ Associated Press journalist Lolita C. Baldor in Washington, D.C. contributed to this report. An Indian fisherman was injured on Sunday evening after personnel of the Pakistan Marines opened fire on two boats near the international maritime boundary line (IMBL) in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Okha in Gujarat, police said. The two fishing boats from Okha of Devbhumi Dwarka district likely crossed the IMBL on Sunday evening, after which Pakistan Marines personnel fired at them, injuring one fisherman, Devbhumi Dwarka Superintendent of Police of Rohan Anand said. "Two boats had likely crossed the IMBL, an they had an interface with Pakistan Marines, which fired upon them. From whatever information we have received, a fisherman got injured in the firing," Anand said. "The fishermen made a distress call to Indian Coast Guard on their radio sets. The ICG contacted their Pakistani counterparts through their normal channel of communication. Pakistan Marines confirmed they had apprehended two boats. Following this, the ICG sent its ship 'Arinjay' to escort the two boats back," he said. The Gujarat government on Saturday gave permission to the fishing industry to operate amid lockdown for coronavirus outbreak. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- To address disparities of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in communities with the greatest need, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that testing will expand to NYC Health + Hospital locations across the city -- including a clinic in Clifton -- possibly by the end of the week. De Blasio said during a press conference that expanded testing will soon be available at new facilities in each of the five boroughs, including the NYC Health and Hospitals/Gotham Health Vanderbilt clinic, located at 165 Vanderbilt Ave. While priority for COVID-19 testing has been for first responders, health care workers, and hospitalized patients, de Blasio said the expanded testing locations will target communities with the greatest needs, de Blasio said. He said communities of color, low-income communities, immigrant communities, and already vulnerable communities have been hit the hardest by the coronavirus outbreak. This virus is not the great equalizer, said de Blasio on Sunday during a press conference. It does not, in the end have the same impact everywhere. It hurts people everywhere. Every community, every zip code has been affected and we all know people who are suffering, or even people who have passed away. But we see disparity. We see clear disparity in the impact...We cannot accept this inequality. We have to attack it with every tool that we have." He said the city will set up a system for people to get tested who live in communities that are particularly hard hit, as well as prioritizing those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. The mayor continued to cite a need for more test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE), which may determine when testing sites will open. We want to be up by the end of this coming week, said de Blasio. It may not be the same exact start date in each location, and it may alter a bit depending on when the testing comes in. The testing weve had to present has been overwhelmingly taken up by the patients in greatest urgent need, the health care workers that we need to protect, the first responders we need to protect. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** The mayor explained more tests and PPE are needed to sustain an effort for expanded testing at the community level. Im going to remain hopeful that we will find that supply and start to be up and running by the end of this coming week," de Blasio said. But Im also being honest that we have the locations, we have the personnel, we have a game plan, [and] were going to lay all of that out. But we have to make sure that we have the supply of tests and PPEs to actually make it start. Right now, were going to need more to be able to guarantee that. The city will continue to provide updates on the expanded testing locations, according to de Blasio. Opened in 2018, the clinic is the first full-service clinic on Staten Island and serves approximately 15,000 patients and has 40,000 visits per year. According to the hours posted on its website, the clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. TESTING SITES ON STATEN ISLAND An urgent care chain with three locations on Staten Island is now offering COVID-19 testing to all borough residents. Gabriella Ciarlante, urgent care regional manager for ProHEALTH Circle Urgent Care and a nurse practitioner, told the Advance/SILive.com that the decision was made in an effort to keep [Staten Islanders] safe. Residents can reserve their spot for testing online at all three locations in the borough: 2960 Victory Blvd. in Willowbrook; 3894 Richmond Ave. in Eltingville, and 7001 Amboy Road in Tottenville. All three facilities are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Victory Boulevard location will also serve as a drive-through, while the other two locations will not, Ciarlante explained. Those who wish to schedule an appointment can do so here. Last month, the citys first drive-through testing site for New Yorkers exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) opened in Ocean Breeze. The site, located at 777 Seaview Ave., is operational from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, officials said. Those who want to be tested must first make an appointment by calling the State Department of Health at 888-364-3065. (CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON APPOINTMENTS.) JOBS AVAILABLE Mayor de Blasio also announced Sunday the city has launched an initiative to help some of the millions of New Yorkers who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus get temporary work in public and private hospitals. We want to get through this crisis and help people get to the other side so we are establishing a new initiative to hire New Yorkers to do absolutely critical and heroic work in our public hospital system. We will also be expanding that work with voluntary and private hospitals, said de Blasio. The mayor said the city Health and Hospital Corp. -- New York Citys public hospital system -- is already looking to hire 500 non-medical staff. Jobs can be found at nyc.gov/coronavius. 70 Coronavirus in NYC: Photos show the fight against the pandemic FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 07:52:07|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close NANJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A total of 489 wind turbine blades departed from Dafeng Port in the city of Yancheng, eastern China's Jiangsu Province early this month for the port of Brownsville in the United States, according to the Yancheng customs. The blades, manufactured by TPI Wind Blades Dafeng Co. Ltd., are expected to arrive on May 3. They will be used for the AMEREN-HIGH PRAIRIE project in Beaumont, which is the largest new-energy powered project the company has taken this year, with installed capacity to reach 2.2 megawatt. The coastal city of Yancheng has seen a booming export of wind turbines since this year. The customs said 780 wind turbine blades were exported through the customs in the first quarter of 2020, up 102.6 percent year on year. The customs has helped enterprises mitigate the impact of the epidemic on their trade by granting online approvals to facilitate the clearance process and monitoring logistics, said Ren Qiancheng, with the Yancheng customs. Yancheng and its surrounding regions have attracted over 10 wind turbine manufacturing enterprises to set up factories. RIYADH, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Energy ministers of the Group of 20 (G20) agreed on Friday to ensure the energy market's stability, as well as affordability and security in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, but remained quiet on the issue of oil production reduction. The G20 economies will develop collaborative policy responses to ensure market stability across all energy sources taking into account each member's circumstances, according to a joint statement released after the energy ministers' virtual meeting. "We commit to take all the necessary and immediate measures to ensure energy market stability," said the ministers, who called energy security "a cornerstone of energy market stability." "All the necessary measures" will also be taken, according to the statement, to ensure a balance of interests between producers and consumers, the security of the energy systems and an uninterrupted flow of energy. Oil consumption has dramatically decreased as more countries implement restrictive measures and shut down large swaths of the economy in order to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. That, coupled with a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, has sent recent oil prices to an 18-year low. International benchmark Brent crude was around 32 U.S. dollars a barrel as of Friday while the U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate for May delivery settled under 23 dollars. The G20 energy ministers also agreed to establish a short-term Focus Group, which is open to all G20 parties on a voluntary basis, with the task of monitoring the response measures, the statement read. The G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers Meeting came after the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, led by Russia, on Thursday tentatively agreed to cut production by 10 million barrels per day in May and June, but Mexico has reportedly objected to its portion of the cuts. Under the OPEC deal, Mexico was expected to cut production by 400,000 barrels per day but the country demanded the reduction be limited to 100,000 barrels per day in May and June. The energy ministers' meeting was hosted by Saudi Arabia, which holds this year's G20 presidency, in hopes of sealing a legally binding output cut deal more widely with non-OPEC countries in the group including Mexico. But no oil cuts were mentioned or pledged in the written statement. The G20 energy ministers will meet again in September as scheduled. A Florida police chief has been suspended after he reportedly told his force the their colleague died from coronavirus because he was gay. Deputy Shannon Bennett, 39, initially came down with a fever and a headache which developed into breathing problems and he passed away a couple of days after going to hospital, his fiance Jonathan Frey said. Bennett has no underlying health conditions, but during a team briefing, Davie Police Chief Dale Engle connected the cop's death to his sexuality. Florida Fraternal Order of Police chief of staff Mike Tucker, complained to the Davie town manager in a letter Tuesday, saying that Engle 'allegedly berated them, and yelled about a "...backstory' which proclaimed that Deputy Shannon Bennett contracted and died from the virus because he was a 'homosexual who attended homosexual sexual events'".' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS Deputy Shannon Bennett, 39, initially came down with a fever and a headache which developed into breathing problems and he passed away a couple of days after going to hospital Dale Engle allegedly yelled about a 'backstory' which claimed Shannon Bennett contracted and died from coronavirus because he attended homosexual events Deputy Shannon Bennett (left) is pictured with his fiance Jonathan Frey. They were to marry in December Tucker said that if the claims are true, 'it's obviously extremely disturbing.' 'This obviously was shocking to the members that were present, who are right now looking for reassurance. . . who were looking for guidance,' Tucker added to Local 10. In Florida there had been over 18,980 coronavirus cases and 446 deaths as of Sunday morning. Engle was suspended on Saturday. 'As of April 11, 2020, Police Chief Dale Engle was placed on Administrative leave pending further review of allegations brought forward by the Fraternal Order of Police,' Davie's Town Administrator Richard J. Lemack said in a statement Saturday night. 'The allegations will be investigated in accordance with the Town's Equal Employment Opportunity compliance policy by outside counsel. 'The Town will have no further comment until the investigation is completed to protect the integrity of all involved.' Broward Sheriff's Office Deputy Bennett was a Deerfield Beech Elementary School resource officer and was a 12-year veteran. Broward Sheriff's Office Deputy Bennett was a Deerfield Beech Elementary School resource officer and was a 12-year veteran Broward County said Bennett died 'in the line of duty'. Bennett worked closely with the LGBTQ community and is the first law enforcement officer in Florida to have died from the virus He got engaged at Disney World a couple of months ago and it was Bennett's favorite place Broward County said Bennett died 'in the line of duty'. 'For any reference to be made to the tragic passing of one of our brothers at the Broward Sheriff's Office is, if true, is absolutely not only unacceptable but is just shameful. And it's not indicative of the professionals of the Town of Davie that we know,' said Tucker. Bennett worked closely with the LGBTQ community and is the first law enforcement officer in Florida to have died from the virus. He got engaged at Disney World a couple of months ago and it was Bennett's favorite place. They were to marry in December. 'Until something like this affects you directly, I don't really think you think about how much of an impact it's going to have,' his fiance told Local 10. 'This is not the end of who he is,' Frey said. 'I care very much about him. He was the love of my life and I know his legacy is going to live on, one way or another. But he was a beautiful soul.' Florida Fraternal Order of Police chief of staff Mike Tucker said that if the claims are true, 'it's obviously extremely disturbing' Tucker complained to the Davie town manager in a letter Tuesday (pictured above) The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in West Berkshire has risen to 144, official statistics from Public Health England show. This is an increase of one in 24 hours. It comes on a day when overall deaths in the UK have topped 10,000. As of 5pm yesterday (Saturday, April 11), of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 10,612 have died. The Governments senior scientific advisers have said the UK was likely to be among the worst-affected European countries. Earlier today, Downing Street announced that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had left hospital after being treated for coronavirus, but will not immediately return to work. Mr Johnson, 55, was taken to St Thomas' Hospital, London, on Sunday, 10 days after testing positive for the virus. He spent three nights in intensive care, before being returned to a ward on Thursday. He will continue his recovery at Chequers. Thames Valley Police is urging people to stay at home where possible this Easter bank holiday weekend in an effort to protect lives. Government advice states there are now only four reasons you are able to leave your homes: To shop for essential items as infrequently as possible Daily exercise, once a day, alone or with members of your household A medical need or to care for a vulnerable person Travel to and from work where necessary. A Primary Care Hub has been established at Newbury Racecourse for people displaying symptoms of coronavirus, but who do not require immediate hospital treatment. CLEVELAND, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday said that Ohio leaders are building a sophisticated plan to slowly begin to re-open Ohio once officials are confident they have contained the spread of the novel coronavirus. DeWine cautioned, as a group of demonstrators outside the Statehouse demanded him to open Ohio and lift public health orders credited with slowing the virus spread, that the process to return to anything close to normal is going to be a very gradual one. Were not going to turn the switch on, and everything goes back to the way it was, he said. DeWine said he hoped to be able to unveil the plan next week. Still, those looking for a preview may be able to look to a recently published paper billed as a road map for states to begin lifting stay-at-home orders that have shuttered businesses and devastated parts of the economy. The paper, released through the conservative American Enterprise Institute, is authored by a group of experts in public health, epidemiology and economics, including former FDA Director Scott Gottlieb. It echoes sentiments that DeWine and Health Director Amy Acton have stressed for days and continued to stress on Thursday. Flattening the curve is just the beginning of a tedious process that hinges on the ramping up of available testing and medical equipment, the ability to trace and test every person who came into contact with someone who tested positive and the development of a successful vaccine to immunize the country. The paper, titled National Coronavirus Response: A Road Map to Reopening, breaks down the response into four phases: slowing the spread and increasing medical capacity to handle an outbreak, gradually lifting restrictions while developing medication and vaccines for the most vulnerable populations, scaling up for mass vaccinations and fully lifting restrictions, and finally, putting in a framework to prevent the next outbreak. This paper and others that have attempted to answer the question of what it will take to defeat the pandemic depend on deft leadership and competence from those in statehouses and Washington D.C., and on a public will to keep heeding orders that have upended their lives and the economy. The paper does not provide a timetable for how long each phase may take to complete. But many experts have said a successful vaccine will not likely hit the market until 2021, meaning that life will continue with at least some restrictions for several more months. Phase I: Flatten the curve and build capacity. The flattening the curve phase is what Ohio and other states have been doing for the last month. It includes the most dramatic measures of any of the stages. The measures should sound familiar to Ohioans by now: stay-at-home orders, closing schools, restaurants and non-essential businesses. These are all measures that are necessary to slow the virus from spreading among the population, the paper says. At the same time, the state and health care communities must ramp up available bed space and their ability to test people who are already sick with COVID-19 symptoms and quickly determine whether they have the virus, the paper said. Those hospitalized with the most severe symptoms, as well as frontline healthcare workers, first responders and other public-facing and emergency workers, should get priority to the available tests at first. Anyone in close contact with someone with the virus should also get tested in this phase. States should also increase access to personal protective equipment like N95 masks, the paper says. Even with that increased capacity to treat cases coinciding with a sustained reduction, experts warn that a move toward less restrictive physical distancing measures could lead to a second spike. Thats why the final, and maybe most challenging, to step in this phase is a dramatic increase of public health infrastructure that expands rapid disease-tracking and quarantine measures to isolate people who fall ill and to act swiftly to avoid potential becoming hotspots. This would require building up a high-performance disease surveillance machine, made up of widespread testing and fast reporting mechanisms to allow officials to keep an eye on new cases as they pop up, and isolate those people immediately. The paper also suggests providing free rooms for people to quarantine in, through FEMA -- for example, someone who lives in a large household who doesnt want to quarantine with other family members and risk infecting them could live in a repurposed hotel room for 14 days instead. In Ohio, hotels have already offered up their empty rooms to hospitals, homeless shelters and frontline workers. The paper says that hospitals should have five to seven ICU beds per 10,000 adults in the region they serve. They should have the same number of ventilators and 30 acute care beds available for every 10,000 people. Also, the paper suggests a nationwide ability to test 750,000 people per week. Using Ohios estimated 2020 population of 11.75 million people, the state would need between 5,875 to 8,225 ICU beds and ventilators, and 35,350 acute care beds under the papers suggestion. The states health department has not released the number of ventilators. Acton said in late March that Ohio had 3,600 intensive care hospital beds. Of those, 2,300 were in use, and 1,300 were available at the time. Acton said that the success of Ohios social distancing measures has knocked down the states peak projections of new COVID-19 infections from 10,000 per day to just over 1,600 per day. Both Acton and DeWine said Friday that its not time to declare victory. The paper agrees. A state is ready to move on from this phase when it sees a sustained reduction in new cases for at least 14 days when three things happen. First, hospitals are safely able to treat all patients without resorting to crisis standards of care. Second, everyone with COVID-19 symptoms can get tested. Third, the state can monitor every person who tested positive for the disease and their contacts. Phase II: Light at the end of the tunnel and preventing a second spike There will come a time when states will have the confidence that hospitals will not get overwhelmed with new patients, and there are enough tests and tracking to identify and monitor new cases. Only then is it safe to gradually lift some of the restrictions in place, the paper says. Healthy people will be able to resume certain activities but will be encouraged to continue to wear non-medical face masks and practice social distancing when possible. People who are in high-risk categories like those over 60 or who have underlying health problems should continue to avoid going out into the community as much as possible. This phase would ease the burden people holed up for months and millions who have been out of work. It also buys time for the medical community to begin to develop drugs to treat people suffering from the most illnesses, and vaccines to prevent people from catching it in the first place. The paper cautions the moves taken here should be tepid and says people should expect a reversion to additional restrictions if there is a sign the virus is coming back before a successful vaccine become available. This is the time when the state would be most susceptible to a second surge when people begin mingling again. The paper says to avoid that, testing measures developed in the first phase must continue. The government must be able to rapidly test anyone showing symptoms, as well as every person in which they came into close contact. Those who test positive should undergo 14 days of isolation. The paper says states should carefully consider which restrictions to lift first, and do so one at a time. They must allow enough time between lifting each measure to track its effect on the number of cases and make sure there are no new outbreaks. Governments should still encourage people to take every measure possible to avoid unnecessary trips into the public and to continue to wear masks. They should also continue limits on gatherings of 50 people or less. Businesses that can allow their employees to work from home should continue to do so, and schoolhouses, daycare centers and high-density workplaces should maintain social-distancing practices as children and workers return to them. Shared surfaces should undergo routine sanitization and frequent deep cleanings, the paper says. Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should remain vigilant in monitoring and preventing the virus from taking hold, including continuing to limit visitors. This phase also suggests that the government use serology tests to determine which people who have recovered from COVID-19 have developed the antibodies that give them the virus and allow them to return to work, or even serve in frontline healthcare workers or in positions who work with the elderly. Once a vaccine developed and FDA-approved, those who are at the most severe risk of infection should get priority to prevent as many hospitalizations as possible. Once there are enough doses available to vaccinate the broader population, then its time to move to the third phase. Phase III: Treatment and vaccine developed, restrictions lifted If the second phase is the light at the end of the tunnel, this is the end of the tunnel that brings the sigh of relief and the ringing of the victory bell. Its when at-risk populations receive vaccinations, medications to cure symptoms in less-serious cases and testing and surveillance methods remain available to identify new cases to squash any potential spreading. All restrictions are lifted. Once researchers develop a vaccine, the paper suggests The Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures should work with pharmaceutical companies and other private companies to devise a plan to handle the massive demand to manufacture the drug at scale quickly. Then the CDC and state and local health departments have to come up with a mass-vaccination plan to determine where to administer the vaccines and who will give them. The government will also have to collect data for vaccination rates and adverse side effects. Phase IV: Flattening the next curve The coronavirus exposed massive gaps in the U.S. healthcare systems ability to respond to a pandemic, but it wont be the last pandemic, the paper says. Once COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror, the paper says its time to rebuild a more robust pandemic response to prevent the next public health crisis from crippling the country. This includes keeping long-term the increased ICU and hospital bed capacity, expanding the supply chain of personal protective equipment and developing measures for primary care doctors to easily screen and test for new infections to identify early cases, the paper says. The paper also suggests creating a national infectious disease forecasting center, similar to the National Weather Service. Instead of forecasting weather and major storms, it would use disease modeling to forecast outbreaks and inform public decision making. Read more stories Federal judge extends order allowing some surgical abortions in Ohio during coronavirus pandemic Two people accused of stealing from Brunswick Giant Eagle, violating stay-at-home coronavirus order, police say Medina County judge holding court hearings during coronavirus is putting people at the end of a COVID-19 gun, attorney says MIRAMAR, Fla., March 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is broadening The Crescent Citys international reach with two new destinations, the airline announced Monday. The nations fastest-growing airline will fly from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) starting on June 10*. The next day, Spirit will inaugurate service to San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP)*. The airline will also increase frequency to Orlando International Airport (MCO), with one additional daily flight, starting on April 22. New Orleans is home to one of the largest Honduran populations in the United States. Spirits flights to San Pedro Sulas Ramon Villeda Morales Airport will make it easier for people to visit their friends and family, along with making the city more accessible to tourists. Flights to San Pedro Sula will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, with connecting options on other days of the week. Spirit brought its low fares and bright-yellow planes to MSY in January 2013 with flights to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). Seven years later, the airline provides nonstop service from MSY to a total of 22 domestic and international destinations. Spirits investment in New Orleans turned it into the third-largest carrier in the city (measured by available seat miles). The airline served approximately 1.7 million Guests at MSY in 2019a 20 percent increase year-over-yearwith plans to keep growing in 2020. We are incredibly proud to open up nonstop international service from New Orleans with two destinations at once. Our Guests asked us for international connectivity, and we are excited to offer them the Best Value in the Sky as they explore new places, said Ted Christie, President and CEO of Spirit Airlines. Adding these international routes is part of our promise to invest in the Guest. Whether they fly to Cancun for leisure or to San Pedro Sula to reconnect with friends and family, we will continue to connect our Guests with the communities and destinations they seek the most. New Orleans is the sixth city this year to gain flights to Cancun on Spirit Airlines. Flights are scheduled four times per week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with connecting options available on the other days of the week. New Orleans has one of the largest populations of Hondurans in the United States, and we are thrilled that Spirit Airlines is now offering direct service from MSY to San Pedro Sula, Hondurasproviding a much-needed connection for our community. On top of that, additional service to Cancun, Mexico will give our passengers even more options. With Spirit being our fastest-growing airline, we are grateful for their commitment to this community and look forward to a long-standing relationship with this carrier, said Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Routes & Frequencies New Orleans (MSY) to/from: Effective: Frequency: Orlando (MCO) April 22, 2020 2x Daily Cancun (CUN) June 10, 2020 4x Weekly San Pedro Sula (SAP) June 11, 2020 3x Weekly Atlanta (ATL) Now 1x Daily Austin (AUS) Now 1x Daily Nashville (BNA) Now 1x Daily Boston (BOS) Now 1x Daily Baltimore (BWI) Now 1x Daily Cleveland (CLE) Now 3x Weekly Columbus (CMH) Now 3x Weekly Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Now 1x Daily Detroit (DTW) Now 1 - 2x Daily Newark (EWR) Now 1x Daily Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Now 2 3x Daily Houston (IAH) Now 1x Daily Las Vegas (LAS) Now 1x Daily Los Angeles (LAX) Now 1x Daily Minneapolis (MSP) Now 4x Weekly Chicago OHare (ORD) Now 1 - 2x Daily Philadelphia (PHL) Now 4x Weekly Raleigh-Durham (RDU) Now 1x Daily Tampa (TPA) Now 1x Daily Spirit is turning heads by making it possible for Guests to venture further than ever while delivering the best value in the sky. Spirit recently won Low Cost Airline of the Year at the CAPA (Centre for Aviation) World Aviation Summit , adding to a long list of recent accolades and also unveiled a complete cabin redesign featuring ergonomically-designed seats, an improved aesthetic and a modern look and feel. *Subject to government approval About Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose like bags, seat assignments and refreshments something we call A La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We operate more than 650 daily flights to 77 destinations in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving the communities we serve. Come save with us at spirit.com . At Spirit Airlines, we go. We go for you. Spirit Media Relations 954.364.0231 Media_Relations@spirit.com NEW HAVEN As hospital workers face the coronavirus head-on, residents of New Haven have come up with a way to show gratitude: through food. Lisa Siedlarz, president of the SoHu Neighborhood Association that includes East Rock streets south of Humphrey Street, said she asked two friends working as nurses at Yale New Haven Hospital the best way to get involved. Both said food is great because theyre working double shifts and may not always have access to food, Siedlarz said. Its a good gesture to make sure they dont have to worry about feeding themselves. Siedlarz connected with the owners of Katalinas Bakery and Christopher Martins, who agreed that if the community could fundraise for meals, they would deliver to the hospital. The SoHu Neighborhood Association adopted a ward of the hospital on the ninth floor to feed for an initial target of 30 days. For breakfast, the nurses and staff receive delivery from Katalinas and for dinner its Christopher Martins. Because of increased security protocols, getting the food to workers requires several extra steps, Siedlarz said. When they deliver the food they have to call a specific number, then someone meets them and takes it up because they cant enter the hospital, she said. As of Thursday, the Sohu Neighborhood Association had raised $5,275 through a PayPal account, Siedlarz said. With the cost of feeding the adopted front-line workers totaling $210 per day, she said that covers 25 days of the groups 30-day target for meals. Nonprofits are also getting involved in sending meals to front-line workers in hospitals. In the last week, the nonprofit Frontline Foods in partnership with World Central Kitchen formed a New Haven chapter. Renee Moskowitz, a spokeswoman for Frontline Foods New Haven, said eight restaurants have agreed to prepare meals for all workers at Yale New Haven Hospital. The nonprofit is looking for philanthropic donations as well as from private-sector corporations. Were mobilizing very, very quickly, she said. All donations will be funneled through World Central Kitchen and Frontline Foods, and each of the eight restaurants that have been designated will receive dollars so they could keep their restaurant afloat and very importantly their employees working during this moment of crisis. As Frontline Foods seeks more donations, it is launching with three dinner services at both the main and St. Raphael campuses of Yale New Haven Hospital on Sunday. Moskowitz said there will be dinners in the evening, at midnight and at 3 a.m. Moskowitz declined to say how much the nonprofit has raised thus far, but she said the project will be ongoing. Needless to say, we need donations, she said. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com A little girl honoured by Simon Cowell at the Pride Of Britain awards and a choir that uses sign language have won a place in the live shows of Britains Got Talent after David Walliams pressed his golden buzzer. Ella Chadwick was 11 when she was presented with the Child Of Courage prize by the reality show judge at the star-studded ceremony in 2018. She had raised 3,000 for the hospital where she has been treated for nephrotic syndrome, which had led to her undergoing 40 operations. Cowell and Ella reunited on stage as she auditioned with the signing choir Sign Along With Us on the first episode of the new series of the talent show, which was filmed before the current coronavirus crisis. Moving performance: The judges were stunned by the chior's audition / ITV Pictures Ella and the choir members, who are aged between four and 58, sang and signed along to The Greatest Showman hit This Is Me. After the performance, Cowell said: I have to confess I have a friend of mine in this choice, Ella. Remember Pride of Britain? I heard Ella sing and I said I have a feeling youre going to be auditioning on one of our shows and guess what? Youre here. You sang 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. Britain's Got Talent: Past Winners - In pictures 1 /17 Britain's Got Talent: Past Winners - In pictures 2007 Paul Potts Ken McKay/Rex 2008 George Sampson Ken McKay/Rex 2009 Diversity Ken McKay/Rex 2010 Spelbound Ken McKay/Thames/Rex 2011 Ant and Dec [Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly] with Jai McDowall Ken McKay/Thames/Rex 2012 Ashleigh and Pudsey Ken McKay/Thames/Rex 2013 Attraction Ken McKay/Thames/Rex 2014 Collabro Tom Dymond/Thames/Rex 2015 Jules O'Dwyer and Matisse Syco/Thames/Splash News 2016 Richard Jones Syco/Thames/Corbis/Dymond 2017 Tokio Myers Syco/Thames/Dymond 2018 Lost Voice Guy Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX 2019 Colin Thackery Dymond/Thames/Syco/Rex Features His fellow judge Alesha Dixon was left in tears by the audition and said: I genuinely cannot find the words, while Amanda Holden told the choir: That song is such an anthem for people who maybe dont feel part of the world or part of anything and I just found it really, really moving. Absolutely brilliant. Walliams said: Every single one of you gave everything to this performance. An amazing and powerful message to put out there and all I can say is. before hitting the golden buzzer, which allows the choir to skip the next stages of the show and get a place in the live shows later this year. Also impressing the judges was the XIX Crew dance troupe, who travelled from Mumbai in India to show off their acrobatic routine, which culminated in seven people sitting on each others shoulders. Next round: X1X crew impressed the judges / ITV Pictures The dancers earned four yeses, with Holden saying: I very much feel like Diversity hit this thing for us and we couldnt really beat it. I honestly feel like you just smashed it. Cowell added: I think in years to come we are going to be using you are the reference point Youre just not as good as the XIX Crew. The judge was also left moved by father-and-son magic duo James and Dylan Piper, from south Wales, who incorporated Cowells son Eric into their act. Bringing his little boy out on stage, Cowell told the pair they had five yeses. Britains Got Talent continues on ITV on Saturday nights. 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. Already stretched to their limit, care workers say coronavirus may be the tipping point. When Sara Hussein, 42, first started working in social healthcare, it was, she says, because she loves caring for elderly people. Doing so reminds her of her close relationship with her father who lives near to her home in West London. Her journey to the United Kingdom was not an easy one. She arrived in 1993, when she was just 14, after fleeing the civil war in Somalia. Hussein faced all of the normal trials and tribulations of growing up as a black, working-class teenager in the UK but with the added pressure of being the oldest daughter and having to care for her younger siblings. Husseins parents both worked full-time and so she was tasked with stepping in as the maternal figure at home. She would help her siblings with their homework, prepare their meals and support them emotionally. Today, she lives with her own six children and, as a single parent, now faces even greater responsibility. Hussein split from her husband a few years ago. He just stopped speaking to me and started expecting me to do everything, she explains. Working as a carer and raising her children, the youngest of who is now 13, meant that, in Husseins mind, something had to give and it ended up being her marriage. Hussein works for a private social care company looking after elderly clients in their homes. Her work takes her all over West London and she sees a minimum of four clients a day. Her tasks range from tending to bedsores to preparing breakfast. She stresses that while she is passionate about her job, it is challenging and these challenges have only been amplified by the COVID-19 outbreak. Tough choices The UK is now nearly four weeks into its lockdown. All residents have been advised to practise social distancing. Prime Minister Boris Johnsons advice has been to avoid all travel unless it is essential to do otherwise. Exempt from these rules are front line and key workers as well as workers in the private industry whose jobs require them to keep going. For example, delivery drivers. And what is more essential than providing care? As Hussein says: The work we do is vital. We are providing much-needed care to many vulnerable people. But this does mean that carers like Hussein are exposed to many risks. Hussein speaks candidly about how her manager has yet to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to help protect them during the outbreak, despite the governments warnings. Look at my mask, she says. Its the same one Ive had for a week that I got from my cousins son because we havent been issued any new ones. A mask-wearing elderly woman is pushed in a wheelchair in Primrose Hill, as the lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak continues in London on March 31 [AP Photo/Matt Dunham] With the threat of coronavirus, and the NHS under a severe amount of pressure, more elderly patients are being released from hospital when they are not necessarily ready. This puts even more strain on the limited amount of time carers have to spend with them. The time limitations were a problem long before coronavirus and have only grown worse. Hussein recounts a story about one of her clients, an elderly man in his 80s, who suffers from epilepsy and often has seizures. One blustery winters afternoon last December, she arrived at his home in Harrow, West London, to find him unconscious on the floor of his kitchen. She called the emergency services, rang his family and reported the incident to her office. She says the office did not even call her back. She had to decide whether to wait with him until the emergency services arrived and be late for her next client, or to leave him. She chose to wait. Hussein thinks resources are stretched at her company because they take on too many clients and cannot keep up with demand. Since 2009, the adult social care workforce in the UK has continued to shift away from local authority jobs in the public sector and towards independent sector jobs. One of the reasons for this is the reduced public health spending by the British government. According to research by the Health Foundation, over the past decade, the growth in health spending has slowed to 1.6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), compared with an average of 3.6 percent a year over the history of the NHS. Hussein used to work for a state-funded care-home and explains that with private care companies, some people are in the business for the money rather than the general wellbeing of their staff and their client. This means resources are stretched because less money is being spent on the provision of care. Poor regulation and little support Over the past 10 years, there has been a 30 percent increase in the number of private companies in operation in the social care sector and 290,000 more private-sector jobs. Meanwhile, a report by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has stated that the public sector simply cannot go on without a significant increase in government funding. The report puts continuing budget cuts at the heart of the problem for public social care and warns that without timely intervention, the UK risks leaving thousands of people without the provision of care they desperately need. With private social healthcare companies, there are not the same checks and balances in place as there are in the public sector. As Hussein explains, if you are in the public sector, then you can at least take complaints to the council, underfunded as it may be. Your voice will be heard. Hussein says that during her 10 years in the care industry, she has also seen an influx of smaller companies entering the market. In her experience, this has meant social care work is riskier because they are not regulated as stringently as larger companies and there is a shortage of registered care nurses to oversee the practices of these smaller organisations. As there is limited safeguarding with no background checks carried out on the addresses of clients she is sent to look after, there is a fear of the unknown when she is approaching a new house for the first time. From more serious risks, like the time her co-worker stumbled into the middle of a drunken domestic violence incident, all the way down to the fact that Hussein has a severe pet allergy, every new client may pose a risk. The social care industry is already understaffed, and this is only set to worsen after the UK leaves the European Union (EU). About 115,000 out of the total 1.62 million social and care-related workers in the UK hold EU citizenship and there are now fears the country is heading towards a social healthcare crisis. Low pay, huge responsibility Zoe Palmer, 42, who lives in Portsmouth on Englands south coast, is a registered care manager with 14 years experience in the industry. She says recruitment is definitely one of the daily struggles her organisation faces. There is always more work than there is staff for it, she says. Recruitment is difficult for her private-sector employer because care work is not seen as particularly glamorous and it is hard to attract new workers. The reality is low pay for a lot of responsibility. Even without the current threat of COVID-19, carers are responsible for very vulnerable people but are paid not far off minimum wage. In the UK the minimum wage is 8.72 pounds ($10.69) an hour if you are 25 or over; Hussein earns just nine pounds (about $11) an hour for her work. Care workers are frontline key workers in every sense of the word, says Palmer. There is a strong argument that the work they do is just as important as the work that nurses undertake. They are frontline workers who go out to hospitals, go out to vulnerable peoples homes. Palmer says she is struggling to get PPE for the carers she manages. They were sent 300 masks by the government last week but that did not even last them three days. Sourcing masks in the current climate has been proving difficult, as Palmer says they are sold out nearly everywhere. Private care companies derive income from fees paid by private clients themselves or from the state or NHS where care work has been contracted out to them. But they are struggling to keep up with the challenges that coronavirus has thrown at them. Palmer says she believes the government should be stepping in at this point. As well as money for protective equipment, Palmer says she wishes that the government would take a longer-term approach to the sector generally and offer organisations like hers money for training new and existing care workers both on the job and online. If they had more money to spend on training, she says, then they would be able to reallocate more money to higher hourly rates for care workers and hopefully entice more people into the profession which would help with meeting demand. In Husseins company, there is no formal training for carers as they are expected to learn on the job. As a result, she is often asked to deliver unpaid, ad hoc training to the other carers. What do I know about training? she asks. Ive only done the job myself. With a lack of sufficient training, squeezed timetables and low pay, the UK is headed towards a social healthcare crisis. According to a report by the Care Quality Commission, only 1.4 million older people (nearly one in seven) are receiving the care and support they need. A volunteer delivers food parcels to elderly and vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic in Aylesford, England on April 2 [Getty Images] There has been a large amount of research into changes in the social healthcare industry and how the effects of these have played out in terms of care provision. For instance, the boundaries between private and public care have become blurred with local councils as well as the NHS relying heavily on outsourcing to private companies due to a lack of resources and recruitment. There is also evidence from the Care Quality Commission that there is a clear lack of coordination between different agencies, for example between the home carers in the private sector and other health professionals such as public sector nurses. This means that fundamental things like the details of a clients medication are missed. Palmer says that frequently a care package is agreed between the council and her private care company for a client, but the details of what is needed for the care involved in terms of equipment and allergies is not finalised because of time pressures and demand on services. This leads to confusion and severely affects the carers on the ground as well as the clients who are dependent on this care. The carers have to then spend the time they have with their clients double-checking these details which affect their other tasks. Clients may be at risk of not receiving the right medication and their time with carers is cut short. Who cares for the carers? The demands of the job can also place a strain on the mental wellbeing of the carers. Jasmine Pace is 19 and studying social care at a college in southwest London as well as working for a private healthcare company providing at-home care for elderly clients. Although she says she derives a lot of satisfaction from helping people, the long hours mean she rarely has any time to relax. Its about the timing and how limited you are, she says, explaining that there is a set amount of time she is supposed to spend with each client. But the amount of time needed varies from one person to another, she says, and sometimes she will not even have the time to get her clients dressed and prepared for the day. Pace says that for days on end, she will be the only human interaction some of her clients have. This has been made even worse by the coronavirus outbreak as many relatives cannot visit any more. Pace is worried that many of her clients are becoming increasingly frightened about the virus in their isolation. It would be nice to have more time to talk to each client as they can sometimes miss the emotional connection, she says. She explains that if she or another carer is tending to a clients physical ailments then often their mental health needs fall down the very long list of priorities. She laments the lack of time and resources to tend to both: I just wish there were more of us. Pace adds that she has some clients who are very sick with health conditions such as Parkinsons Disease, and she would like to take the extra time to read them a favourite book or play a favourite song. This all contributes to her own mental health problems and, because of the sheer pressure, she is forced to sacrifice spending time with her own family. Even before the coronavirus, carers say they were working under a phenomenal amount of pressure. They are providing a public service, but say their hard work frequently seems to go unnoticed. As Palmer explains: We would like some recognition from the government as well as normal people, its a hard job but were keeping things running. Wildfires burning through radioactive forests in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are getting ever closer to the exploded nuclear reactor. Firefighters are rushing to build firebreaks around the sarcophagus covering the ruined plant in Ukraine amid swirling winds. There are fears that flames could reach abandoned trucks and other vehicles contaminated from the disastrous 1986 explosion. An extraordinary video from firefighter Andrei Kukib shows an emergency vehicle driving through the raging fire and smoke laying waste to the polluted 'dead zone'. Fires have been blazing for nine days in the almost uninhabited 1,000-square-mile exclusion zone surrounding the disused plant. Wildfires burning through radioactive forests in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (pictured) are getting ever closer to the abandoned nuclear reactor which exploded in 1986 The State Agency for Management of the Exclusion Zone has ordered in three Antonov planes and two MI-8 helicopters which have air dropped 250 tonnes of water (pictured) On Tuesday, the fire covered some 87 acres, having tripled in size due to strong winds, the emergencies service said in a statement. There are fears of radiation in the ground unleashed by the infernos can reach nearest city Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, and other populated areas. This could be worse if the flames reach the Chernobyl reactors. Kateryna Pavlova, a senior official involved in the firefighting, said: 'We have been working all night digging firebreaks around the plant to protect it from fire.' She told The New York Times: 'At the moment, we cannot say the fire is contained.' More than 300 people and 85 pieces of equipment have been deployed daily in the fight to extinguish the flames which comes as Ukraine - one of Europe's poorest countries - is also battling against coronavirus. More than 300 people and 85 pieces of equipment have been deployed daily in the fight to extinguish the flames (pictured, exhausted firefighters resting after battling the fires) Firefighters are rushing to build firebreaks around the sarcophagus covering the ruined plant in Ukraine amid swirling winds (pictured, spreading wildfires) The State Agency for Management of the Exclusion Zone - which Pavlova heads - has ordered in three Antonov planes (AN-32P) and two MI-8 helicopters which have air dropped more than 250 tonnes of water in the wildfires. Police said the blaze broke out after a man set fire to dry grass near the exclusion zone. The man was detained by Ukrainian police. Ukrainian authorities rejected the warnings of the acting head of the country's state ecological inspection service, Yehor Firsov, who withdrew remarks made this week that 'radioactivity is higher than normal at the heart of the blaze'. Initially covered up by the USSR, the 1986 explosion sent radioactive fallout across Europe exposing millions to dangerous levels of radiation. Ukrainian firefighters have been working for nine days trying to stop wildfires spreading Firefigher and rescuer Andrei Kukib (pictured) has been working on extinguishing wildfires inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone for four days already People are not allowed to live within 18 miles of the power station, which is some 62 miles north of Ukraine's capital city Kiev. The three other reactors at Chernobyl continued to generate electricity until the power station finally closed in 2000. A giant protective dome was put in place over the fourth reactor in 2016. Fires occur regularly in the forests near the Chernobyl power plant. Getty Welcome to Kermit, West Virginia, population 382. Home of Sav-Rite Pharmacy, one of the nations top sellers of the opioid hydrocodone. In two years, drug companies shipped 9 million opioid pills to Kermit, 11,000 blasts of potentially addictive pain medication for every resident. And Sav-Rite would fill any prescription, as long as the payment was in cash. Some of its clients came from as far as hundreds of miles away. To accommodate them, Sav-Rite filled 600-1,000 prescriptions daily, over 90 percent for drugs like hydrocodone. The pharmacy offered courtesy snacks like hot dogs and popcorn to waiting customers. It did so much business its cash drawers wouldnt close because they were so stuffed, there were no spots in the parking lot, and cars backed up six deep at the drive-through window. Sav-Rite filled more scrip for hydrocodone than any other pharmacy in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohioat least one per minute. Sav-Rite doesnt exist anymore. It was shut down in 2011, its owner sent to prison, convicted of fraud. But it wasnt the only small-town, pill-pushing pharmacy in West Virginia, a state once drowning in pain pills, addiction, and overdoses, according to Death In Mud Lick, Pulitzer Prize winner (for investigative reporting) Eric Eyres compelling and terrifying book about the opioid crisis in the Mountain State, which at one time had an overdose death rate three times the national average. Drug Companies Are Making the Opioid Crisis Worse We were a real vulnerable population, Eyre said in an interview with The Daily Beast, with a large number of people in mining jobs and working with heavy equipment. If they were hurt on the job or in a car accident, they went to see a real doctor, got hooked on oxycodone. We had multiple health-care problemsobesity, heart disease, diabeteswere in the top end. And if you live in rural West Virginia, you might be an hour or two from the nearest hospital. A lot of these [addicts] need long-term treatment. And in West Virginia, a lot of facilities are in the urban areas, far from the problem. Story continues Eyres book is one of those No one really wants to take responsibility sagas, a story in which drug distributors ship enormous amounts of over-prescribed and addictive painkillers, and pharmacies fill the prescriptions, while local governments and the Drug Enforcement Administration, either understaffed or uncaring, look the other way. It was as if the doctors, clinics, and drugstores existed only to make [the users] addicts and repeat customers, says Eyre in the book. A reporter for the Charleston, West Virginia, Gazette-Mail, Eyre first started covering the story in 2013 when he discovered that Patrick Morrisey, the states Republican attorney general, had ties to a large drug distributor the previous AG, a Democrat, had filed a lawsuit against. Then in 2016 he became aware of a lawsuit filed in 2007 against Sav-Rite by Debbie Preece, whose brother William died of oxycodone intoxication in Mud Lick (hence the books title), due to dangerous drugs prescribed by Dr. Donald Kiser, a notorious pill-pusher whose license had been suspended in West Virginia but who could still practice across the state line in Ohio. Eyre is the first to admit that I was totally unaware of the numbers involved in the problem. I didnt know what I was getting into, he says. We started getting a look when we unsealed data from a revised lawsuit against the drug companies, and then we saw the numbers. I remember the day I got a spreadsheet and I saw the numbers for Kermit, and I paused. I didnt believe it. Courtesy Amazon Believe it. And not just Kermita lot of other towns were drowning in opioids. There was Mount Gay, population 1,700, with 16.6 million pills delivered over the course of a decade; Williamson, pop. 2,900, later known as Pilliamson, 20.8 million; a regional warehouse shipping 8,000 pills daily to two pharmacies only 30 miles apart; 780 million pills shipped over six years to a state with 1.8 million people. All adding up to a total of 100 billion100 billion!oxycodone and hydrocodone pills shipped nationwide from 20062014. But Death in Mud Lick is not just a catalog of outrageous and astonishing numbers. In many ways its as interesting as a John Grisham courtroom thriller, featuring an extended series of legal actions, the requisite heroes and villains, and personal problems that add to the drama. While Eyre was pursuing the story, he was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. His paper went bankrupt and was almost sold to a predatory newspaper chain before eventually winding up in the hands of a local businessman who had run against AG Morrisey, and lost. Morrisey had become the papers bete noire; he had ties to the pharmaceutical industry, and his wife had been a lobbyist for Cardinal, one of the largest pharmaceutical distributors, which had a history of license revocations and fines. And even though Morrisey alleged he was not involved in the lawsuit against Cardinal the previous AG had filed, Eyre found out otherwise. The whole thing was very frustrating, says Eyre. The blowback from Morrisey was very difficult; he launched an investigation against our newspaper. He threatened to sue us; we were up against long odds. These [drug] companies, I didnt know what these companies did, the size of these companies, some were on the Fortune 500. It shows the appetite for prescription drugs is off the chart. And then there was the DEA, which was supposed to be monitoring situations like this, but essentially was AWOL. On the ground, they had two people for the entire state, says Eyre, and one committed suicide at the height of the epidemic. The DEA wanted to meet with me, they told me it was a revolving doorwork for the DEA, then go to work for the drug companies, then maybe go back to work for the DEA. Ultimately, the anti-opioid forces came out on top, but it was a Pyrrhic victory. A court decision mandated that the DEA had to release data showing where the pain pills were going (the hardest-hit states were West Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee), and the drug companies settled various lawsuits by paying out $47 milliona pittance, given their multi-billion dollar businessand denied any wrongdoing. The distributors high-paid lawyers, their arrogance, their smugness, it was hard to take, says Eyre in the book. The massive shipments? The suspect orders? The company lawyers wondered what all the fuss was about. Why were they being harassed? Still, Eyre says things have changed for the better. Overdose deaths have declined, and there is more of an effort to get the addicted into treatment. Sales of opioid pills have dropped about 40 percent, and legislation has been passed mandating what doctors can prescribe and how long a prescription can last. With the media coverage of the issue, doctors have been put on notice, and the drug companies are obviously more vigilant, says Eyre. But the problem is far from resolved. We are going to be dealing with this issue for decades, says Eyre. We have a large population of addicted people in desperate need of help, and they need long-term care. My concern is that people will forget West Virginia, Appalachia, Southeast Ohio. Now were dealing with the problem of foster kids, grandparents are raising kids because the parents are addicted, they have to give up their kids. Now were left with picking up the pieces and cleaning up what happened here. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. One of the Largest US Pork Processing Plants Is Closing Indefinitely One of the countrys largest pork processing plants is shutting down until further notice as employees have contracted the CCP virus, putting the U.S. meat supply at risk, according to the CEO of Smithfield, the operator. The closure of this facility, combined with a growing list of other protein plants that have shuttered across our industry, is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply, Smithfields chief executive, Kenneth Sullivan, said in a statement on Sunday. It is impossible to keep our grocery stores stocked if our plants are not running, Sullivan added. These facility closures will also have severe, perhaps disastrous, repercussions for many in the supply chain. The plant, which is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, accounts for between 4 percent and 5 percent of the nations pork production and employs some 3,700 workers, Smithfield said. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem confirmed on Saturday that 238 Smithfield workers had contracted the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, accounting for more than half of the states total, reported KELO. The mayor of Sioux Falls and Noem both recommended that Smithfield shut down the plant for two weeks at the minimum. Some of the products of Smithfield Foods are displayed in front at a news conference on WH Groups IPO in Hong Kong on April 14, 2014. (Bobby Yip/Reuters) Today I am sending a joint letter with the mayor to Smithfields president and CEO. We recommend in that letter that Smithfield operations suspend for a minimum of 14 days as soon as possible to protect the employees, families, the Sioux Falls community and the people of South Dakota. This isolation period is consistent with what we understand as the incubation period of COVID-19, Noem said. Smithfield has been running its facilities to supply American consumers during the outbreak, Sullivan said. We have a stark choice as a nation: we are either going to produce food or not, even in the face of COVID-19, he added. Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases are now ubiquitous across our country. The virus is afflicting communities everywhere. The agriculture and food sectors have not been immune. Numerous plants across the country have COVID-19 positive employees. We have continued to run our facilities for one reason: to sustain our nations food supply during this pandemic. We believe it is our obligation to help feed the country, now more than ever. According to Reuters, other poultry and meat processors including Cargill, Tyson Foods, and JBS USA have idled plants in other parts of the country. Heavy rainfall from Cyclone Harold caused flooding in Fiji, on April 8, footage taken in a market in the town of Ba shows. According to the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, people in most parts of the country will be without power during the Easter weekend as the utility Energy Fiji Limited was still carrying out damage assessments on April 9. The cyclone killed 27 people in the Solomon Islands, before arriving on the Pacific island of Vanuatu on April 6. It progressed to Fiji on April 8, flooding towns and flattening homes, but there were no immediate reports of deaths, according to officials. This video shows flooding from Cyclone Harold in a central area of the town of Ba, located in the northwest of the countrys main island. Local reports indicated that despite the flooding, many local businesses have escaped heavy damage. Credit: Jope Matavesi via Storyful Managing a pandemic in a free society isnt easy. As we stumble along, were dipping into dangerous waters with respect to government control. Nowhere has it been more apparent than on the religious front, as churches have come under fire for holding services, even when such services follow social distancing guidelines. The Daily Wire reports: With Easter coming on Sunday, the faithful want to go to church. But if they do, they could be charged with a criminal offense and face a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. All across the country, police are cracking down on churches, sometimes raiding the houses of worship and issuing summonses. Heres a glimpse of whats happening: The Democratic governor of Kentucky has threatened to record the license plates of any church goers and pass the information along ot the Health Department who then visit to the home of the person and serve them a 14-day quarantine order. Not to be outdone by the governor, the mayor of Louisville has threatened to fine anyone who attends an Easter service, even if its a drive-in style where church goers remain in their cars in the parking lot with the windows rolled up. However, one church sought a temporary emergency restraining order that was granted today, and it seems the church has won. (Kentucky has been in a totalitarian frenzy, as this state also set up a hotline for residents to report those who arent following social distancing guidelines.) In Mississippi, members of a Baptist church were issued $500 citations after they attended an outdoor service, with congregants in their cars with the windows rolled up. (The video below is cued to the 4:55 mark when police arrive). Greenville, MS cop busts drive-in church goers (YouTube screen grab, cropped) In Virginia, a pastor of a church was served a summons for holding a service for sixteen parishoners spread apart in a sanctuary that normally seats nearly 300 people. And as is widely known by now, New York City Mayor de Blasio threatened churches with permanent closure if they held services. God bless every single American celebrating Easter in these harrowing times. Bansy Kalappa By Express News Service BENGALURU: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, CMD of Biocon, is hopeful of blood plasma therapy to treat COVID-19 patients who are seriously ill. On the much-touted Hydroxychroquinine, the recipient of Padma Bhushan advises that it is better to go by evidence. She says that the models adopted by Bhilwara in Rajasthan and Thailand should be emulated. We believe that you are working on a plasma transfusion procedure for the treatment of COVID-19. What stage is it in and does it require extensive trials? I am not working on it, but Im helping facilitate it. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration a few days ago. It is simply a procedure to take plasma from those recovered, as their blood plasma contains antibodies. The enrichment of such plasma antibodies is almost like giving a vaccine dose and serious patients have a good chance of recovering. Many countries, like Canada, Italy and China, have done it. We also should get ready for plasma therapy. I have been asking state governments to start collecting blood from live convalescent blood donors. Until Friday, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Delhi were working towards it. Kerala has also initiated this therapy. Columbia Universitys Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee spoke about plasma transfusion treatment. He had also mentioned a small molecular drug. Dr Mukherjee is in contact with several US companies developing antibody-based therapies. We are seeing if we can work with them and develop such treatments. Working on vaccines or plasma transfusion... What do you think we should to focus on as priority? The ultimate is the vaccine. Till you get it, you are not completely safe. Plasma enrichment, antibody-based therapeutics and antivirals like Remdesivir are all being tried. There is an SC order on free testing, but the private sector has explained that it is not feasible. The Supreme Court passed the order in response to a petition. Most of the testing labs are small and each government kit costs about Rs 4,500. These labs will find it difficult to bear the burden. A better solution may be for the government to underwrite these tests. Another option could be to look for insurance companies to bear the burden. Certainly, they cannot be given freely by labs. What is your opinion on Hydroxychroquinine, considering that many are opposed to it? There is a lot of data saying it is working. Who am I to say anything? Let us go by the evidence. How is Biocon focussing on developing the vaccine or an anti-COVID-19 drug? Biocon and Syngene are working on serological testing kits, antibody-based therapies and vaccines, and repurposing our drugs. We are working on small and large molecules, like Alzumab. How long should the lockdown be extended? Lockdown is necessary. Because of it, in 21 days, we are in a better state of preparedness. In two weeks, we will be in an even better state of preparedness. We need to do heat mapping based on the risk levels. Areas marked red should have a complete lockdown. A second zone marked yellow/amber indicates a medium risk level, which may allow partial lifting of the lockdown and third, low-risk green zones should have bare minimum restrictions. Is the Bhilwara model for containment of COVID-19 replicable in other places? We should emulate the Bhilwara model in Rajasthan, where a single district successfully dealt with the virus. It is practicable and the guidelines are available. You are connected with healthcare in Karnataka and Rajasthan. What is the road ahead for healthcare? We know this pandemic spreads through faeces, yet we see defecation, spitting and urinating in the open. Take Thailand for example. It is highly populated but has reported very few deaths. This in spite of huge tourism and foreigners travelling to that country. It has a good public health system and has built social immunity. Thousands of Christians here celebrated Easter on Sunday and attended the Easter mass through live-streaming as all religious places remained shut due to the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus. All churches in the city have been closed to prevent large gatherings and spread of the virus. Religious gatherings and processions too have been banned by the government. During his address to the faithful, Archbishop Thomas D'Souza of the Archdiocese of Kolkata called upon all the faithful to be on the side of the poor. He addressed people from the Archbishop's house online. "Serving the poor gives joy of peace," he said. Holy masses will be held on April 19 and 26 and the faithful will be able to attend the services through live- streaming, he said. The Easter Sunday mass was viewed by 2 lakh people on a social media channel. Bishop Paritosh Canning of the Diocese of Kolkata, (Church of North India), also conducted the Easter Sunday mass service from the Bishop's House and the members of the community attended the service through live-streaming. Bishop Canning called upon the Lord to give strength to serve people and to be on the side of the poor in every situation. The service was viewed by 1.2 lakh people. "I missed the Sunday Easter crowd in the church today. But this has been a new experience to watch and join the proceedings from our homes," Ankita Gomes, a young banker from Entally area said. "As the church priest chanted Amen, we all repeated the word and I felt as if we were all inside a prayer hall, just like the bygone days," Gomes said. The Holy Week started on April 5 and ended on April 12. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion. It is one of the holiest festivals of Christianity that also witnesses a lot of social activity besides prayers and elaborate church services. The coronavirus pandemic, however, has forced the believers to make the festival a private affair. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Government wants its money back for millions of faulty antibody tests supplied by China. The Department of Health has admitted none of the 3.5million finger-prick tests ordered from mainly Chinese manufacturers in March passed accuracy checks. It comes as a number of European governments have already rejected Chinese-made equipment designed to combat coronavirus. The Dutch health ministry recalled 600,000 face masks at the end of March because they did not fit and the filters were defective. Spain encountered a similar issue with testing kits from China, when 60,000 failed accuracy tests. And Slovakian Prime Minister Igor Matovic said a million tests from China were so inaccurate they should 'be thrown straight into the Danube'. A patient Covid-19 swab is taken out from a sterile tube as lab technicians carry out a diagnostic test inside the Specialist Virology Centre at the University Hospital of Wales Last month, the EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell said Europe 'must be aware there is a geo-political component including a struggle for influence through spinning and the "politics of generosity"', adding: 'China is aggressively pushing the message that, unlike the US, it is a responsible and reliable partner.' Ireland issued an ultimatum to China last week after 20 per cent of the 176million-worth of PPE it had bought from the country was found to be unusable by healthcare workers on the frontline. Dr Bharat Pankhania, senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School, claimed the coronavirus crisis had exposed how much we rely on foreign manufacturing. 'We are now beholden to a foreign maker who can drag their feet and supply us with substandard goods in the moment of crisis,' he said. A Department of Health spokesman said: 'We are currently working with several companies offering antibody tests and evaluating their effectiveness.' Rarely has there been such a huge disparity between the kind of leadership a country needs at a time of crisis and what, in fact, exists. As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States surges past the half-a-million mark, it is evident that President Donald Trumps lack of leadership has created a national emergency of epic proportions. Almost 19,000 fatalities have been reported so far, many times the number killed in the 9//11 attacks. Trumps ineptitude and callousness is costing the country heavily in terms of human lives. In New York, the epicentre of Americas coronavirus crisis, hospitals and morgues are overwhelmed. Doctors, nurses and other staff are struggling with an acute shortage of personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, masks and overalls as well as medicines and ventilators needed to treat patients. Trump is, of course, not to blame for the pandemic itself. The roots of the coronavirus outbreak lie in China. However, he cannot escape responsibility for Americas unpreparedness to fight the pandemic. For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here According to Trump, nobody knew there would be a pandemic or epidemic of this proportion. Thats not true. American officials, including some in Trumps own administration, and public health experts have been drawing attention for years to an impending pandemic risk to the US. A 2017 Pentagon report warned of a likely and significant threat from a novel respiratory disease, particularly a novel influenza disease. The report refers several times to the novel (meaning new to humans) coronavirus. A September 2019 report by Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security stressed the urgent need to improve preparedness for epidemics and pandemics that might be caused by high-impact novel respiratory pathogens. Other reports underscored the scarcity of ventilators, beds and personal protection equipment in the US. Not only did the Trump administration ignore their warnings but also, it weakened and even dismantled institutions and departments set up specifically to deal with pandemic threats. It badly undermined the US capacity to assess the pandemics significance and spread by slashing the number of staff tasked with identifying health threats emerging in China. It repeatedly sought to slash funding for the US top public health agency, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ] The National Security Councils Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefence that former president Barack Obama had set up in the wake of the Ebola crisis to lead federal coordination and preparation for disease outbreaks was disbanded by the Trump administration in 2018. Had it been left intact, the government may have been able to respond more swiftly before the virus engulfed America, officials say. Public health infrastructure in the US has always been fragile. For this, Trump alone is not to blame; successive administrations have acted systematically to weaken it. Their actions have denied the poor and unemployed in the US access to healthcare. Trumps contribution to this mess has been significant. A part of the problem is that Trump can only see issues in terms of dollars spent and profits made. Consequently, expert teams and institutions that are not yielding monetary profits or are not needed currently can be dispensed with. This logic appears to have driven his decision to dismantle the NSC directorate, for instance. Trump has defended that decision by arguing that should the need for a pandemic team arise, it could be brought back very quickly. But that is not the way a country prepares to fight a pandemic. Necessary infrastructure is built over the years, medicines and equipment are stockpiled and strategies charted well before the pandemic strikes. Capacity to fight the coronavirus cannot be built overnight. An important reason for the US governments poor preparedness to fight the coronavirus is its skewed priorities and for this, it is not just Trump who is to blame. Successive administrations have prioritised military preparedness over public health. According to one estimate, pandemic preparedness received a paltry $1 billion compared to $100 billion set aside for counter-terrorism efforts in 2016. In the three years since he entered the White House, Trump has undermined US capacity to fight pandemics. He could have undone at least some of this damage had he sought the counsel of public health experts and put in place at least a few robust fire-fighting measures if not a coherent strategy. He did not. Through February and March, his response to the pandemic was one of scapegoating, denial and disingenuousness. Trumps energies were directed at blaming China instead of fixing the rot in the US public health system. He dismissed reports that the US was staring at, perhaps already engulfed in a massive public health crisis. He downplayed the lethality of the coronavirus and equated COVID-19 to the ordinary flu. The situation was under control, he repeatedly claimed. Had he green-signalled mass testing for coronavirus infections in February or even March, the US could have identified coronavirus clusters and quarantined them swiftly. Even as the administration plodded along without direction or sensible and sensitive leadership, the coronavirus was silently spreading. The tragic and chaotic scenes visible in New York hospitals are the outcome of a failure of leadership. Of particular concern now is Trumps strong advocacy of an anti-malarial drug, hydroxychloroquine, in the treatment of COVID-19, with the President even threatening India into supplying the drug to the US. Little is known about its effectiveness in treating COVID-19; rigorous scientific studies and clinical trials on its efficacy in fighting the coronavirus are yet to be done. Still, the FDA has gone ahead with an emergency order authorising doctors to use hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID-19 patients. Should hydroxychloroquine prove to be effective in treating coronavirus patients, several pharmaceutical companiessome of them are close to the Presidentstand to gain. Indeed, the Trump family holds stakes in Sanofi, a French drug-maker of hydroxychloroquine. Should the drug be sold at a high price, as is widely expected, it will remain beyond the reach of most Americans. Infectious diseases experts have warned that administering hydroxychloroquine could prove disastrous. The drug has several deadly side-effects. It can, for instance, cause heart arrhythmia that can lead to cardiac arrest. It could, thus, worsen the problem rather than provide a solution. If that comes to pass, it will reaffirm Americas problem: its President. And he cannot provide solutions to the coronavirus pandemic, when he is the problem. (The writer is a foreign policy and security analyst based in Bengaluru) By PTI NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump was warned about the potential for a pandemic but he repeatedly played down the seriousness of the virus and focused instead on controlling the message, protecting gains in the economy and batting away warnings from senior officials, a lengthy investigative report in a leading American newspaper has said. The report in The New York Times revealed that there were warnings from the intelligence community, national security aides and government health officials about an impending pandemic and its consequences but Trump played down the crisis. "An examination reveals the president was warned about the potential for a pandemic but that internal divisions, lack of planning and his faith in his own instincts led to a halting response," the NYT said. The US is the worst-hit country in the world with over 530,000 COVID-19 cases and 20,608 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University data. "Top White House advisers as well as experts deep in the Cabinet departments and intelligence agencies all sounded alarms and urged aggressive action to counter the threat from the coronavirus, but President Trump remained slow to respond," it said. READ MORE | WHO is 'China-centric', reiterates Trump, says will 'make announcement' on funding it next week Trump's views were 'coloured' by long-running disputes inside the administration over how to deal with China and his own suspicion of the motivations of officials inside what he viewed as the 'Deep State'. Further, recommendations from public health officials often competed with economic and political considerations in internal debates, slowing the path toward belated decisions. The NYT report said that the National Security Council officials received the warnings in early January about the potential dangers from a new virus in Wuhan, China. "The State Department's 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," the report said. Weeks later, bio-defense experts in the National Security Council office responsible for tracking pandemics examined 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 from home. 'But some of the earliest warnings came from national security hawks eager to blame China, and they often ran into opposition from the president's economic advisers, who were concerned about upsetting relations with China at a time when Trump was negotiating a trade deal with Beijing," it said. Trump's top trade adviser Peter Navarro wrote in a "searing memo" at the end of January arguing that a pandemic caused by the virus could cost the US dearly, warning that as many as half a million people could die and economic losses could be in trillions of dollars. The memo had said that in a worst-case scenario, 30 per cent of the US population would be infected with the virus, leading to the deaths "on the order of a half a million American souls". In recent days, Trump has denied that he saw the memo at the time but The Times report reveals that aides raised it with him at the time and that he was unhappy that Navarro had put his ideas in writing. The NYT examination also found that the US lost three weeks at a crucial time. By the third week in February, the administration's top public health officials had concluded that it was time to begin shifting to a more aggressive strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus, including social distancing, stay-at-home orders and school closures. "But they never got the chance to present the plan to the president. An official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention went public with dire warnings too soon, sending stocks tumbling and angering Trump, who pushed aside his health and human services secretary and put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the response," the report said. It would be three weeks later when Trump finally recommended aggressive social distancing guidelines, "a period when the virus spread largely unimpeded and the task force was trying to avoid alarmist messages like the one that had angered the president." The NYT report also noted that the White House was 'divided' over how to respond. "The president was surrounded by divided factions in March even as it became clearer that avoiding more aggressive steps to stop the spread of the virus was not tenable," it said. Chennai: For corporates, big industrial houses and service firms seeking to get tax concessions under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme, It might not be an easy process just by donating to the activities to fight the Covid-19 pandemic at the State level. Going by the latest circular of the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs, on "eligibility of CSR expenditure to Covid-19 activities", only contributions made to PM-CARES fund, shall qualify as 'CSR expenditure' under item number eight under schedule seven of Companies Act, 2013, an April 10 dated clarification by the Corporate Affairs Ministry, has said. And this has been also made clear by an office memorandum dated March 28, 2020. Meanwhile, many State Governments including Tamil Nadu have also begun raising resources under the respective 'Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund' for Covid-19 activities in particular. In fact a clarification from the Tamil Nadu chief minister's Office a couple of days back urged corporates and industrial and big business establishments to contribute more liberally as such contributions will also qualify as "CSR expenditure" for tax benefits. But now the Corporate Affairs Ministry's latest clarification explicitly says: Chief Ministers 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." However, the Ministry's clarification goes on to add that contributions made to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) shall qualify as "CSR Expenditure" under the relevant provision of the Companies Act, 2013. Also, the 'general circular' dated March 23, 2020, says spending CSR Funds for Covid-19 related activities "shall qualify as CSR expenditure". These could include expenditure on items under Schedule seven of the Companies Act, relating to promotion of health care, including preventive health care and sanitation and for disaster management. The items in schedule seven are "broad based and may be interpreted liberally for this purpose," says the Ministry. The Ministry has also clarified that payment of salaries and wages during lockdown period by companies to employees and workers "shall not qualify as admissible CSR expenditure." If any ex-gratia payment is made to employees and workers for the specific purpose of fighting and containing Covid19, then that shall qualify as "CSR expenditure as one-time exception," adds the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Going by this latest clarification by the Government of India, State governments including Tamil Nadu may have to slightly tweak the nomenclature of their respective CM's Public Relief Fund, perhaps through a G.O., by specifically including within brackets "Activities to Fight Covid-19", if they are to raise funds more liberally from corporates and industrial houses under the category of "shall qualify as CSR expenditure". On Friday evening, the Tamil Nadu chief secretary, Dr K Shanmugam had said that the additional funds they got from Centre yesterday to the tune of Rs. 314 crore was the State's share from the National Health Mission (NHM) coronavirus fund announced for all States by the Centre. The first tranche of Rs. 510 crore was from SDRF funds, he pointed out. By Ruma Paul and Mayank Bhardwaj DHAKA/NEW DELHI, April 12 (Reuters) - Bangladesh on Sunday announced a relief package worth about $1.7 billion to help farmers struggling because of restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus, with neighbouring India expected to further extend its nationwide lockdown. Bangladesh has extended its lockdown by 11 days to April 25, a move that could exacerbate the difficulties faced by the country's hundreds of thousands of rice, fish, dairy, poultry and vegetable farmers. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the relief package, which includes $590 million for cheap farm loans and $1.1 billion for fertilizer subsidies, is designed to help farmers who are struggling to sell their produce during the lockdown. "Disasters come. We'll have to face it boldly," Hasina said. "We want to make sure that our farming sector continues its smooth production." The number of coronavirus cases in the South Asia region crossed 14,500 on Sunday. India, with 8,356 cases and 273 deaths, was the worst hit. Concerns are rising that India's financial hub Mumbai, which accounts for around 1,250 cases, was becoming a hotspot for the coronavirus. Local authorities there are also battling the infection's rapid spread through its densely populated slum areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to extend India's 21-day lockdown due to end Tuesday, according to a state chief minister with knowledge of discussions among top officials, but the federal government has yet to make an announcement. States such as Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, and at least three others have already independently said they will extend lockdowns to the end of April. In Pakistan, authorities expressed alarm at a sharp rise in the coronavirus cases in Karachi, the country's largest city. The provincial government there has decided to seal 11 densely populated neighbourhoods in Karachi, officials said. Story continues Officials government figures on the spread of the coronavirus in South Asia are as follows: * India has 8,356 confirmed cases, including 273 deaths * Pakistan has 5,038 cases, including 86 deaths * Afghanistan has 607 cases, including 19 deaths * Sri Lanka has 198 cases, including 7 deaths * Bangladesh has 621 cases, including 34 deaths * Maldives has 20 cases and no deaths * Nepal has 12 cases and no deaths * Bhutan has five cases and no deaths (Reporting by Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Mayank Bhardwaj in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Syed Raza Hasan in Karachi; Editing by Aditya Kalra and Tom Hogue) New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath on Sunday came down heavily on the BJP government at the Centre, accusing it of being responsible for the situation arising out of coronavirus in the country. He also alleged that the Centre ran Parliament only to ensure that the Madhya Pradesh assembly could function and the Congress government headed by him could be toppled. "It is obvious, Parliament was run only to ensure that Madhya Pradesh assembly could run and the Congress government be toppled," Nath told reporters at a press conference addressed through video conferencing. He alleged that the people of Madhya Pradesh were "befooled" by the saffron party as there was no council of ministers or a health or home Minister in place in the state amid the crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak. "Nowhere in the world this has happened," he added. The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said the situation in the country due to coronavirus was very serious and the number of cases will rise if more testing was done. Noting that the country is going to face a very serious economic crisis due to COVID-19, he said the Centre's economic package needs to be focussed and its success lies in its execution and on which sectors it focusses on. Lucknow: Coronavirus outbreak is increasing in the country. The number of patients is continuously increasing. Many people of Tablighi Jamaat in the country have also been found infected with the Coronavirus. Now the action is being taken against the people of Tablighi Jamaat. In Uttar Pradesh, foreign tabloid deposits have been sent behind bars after being found guilty of violating passport and visa rules. Action has started on the people of Tablighi Jamaat in Uttar Pradesh. As soon as quarantine is over in Bahraich, 17 foreign deposits of Indonesia and Thailand origin have been jailed. Bahraich police arrested 21 Tablighi deposits including 17 foreigners from Indonesia and Thailand from the city's Taj and Quraysh mosques, who were kept in Quarantine. As soon as the quarantine was over, 21 tablighi, including 17 foreigners, were produced before the magistrate, out of which 17 foreign depositors were sent to jail on charges of violation of visa and passport rules. All these were quarantined earlier due to the risk of coronavirus infection, where their corona test report has come negative. Also Read: China will be world's richest country in a year, know how This city become an anti-corona model example for whole country Lockdown extended in West Bengal, all schools to remain close till June 10 India sent hydroxy chloroquine medicines due to Trump's request Alabama is bracing for a Sunday filled of bad weather with the potential for heavy rain, strong winds and possibly, tornadoes. That weather combination can lead to power outages. Heres what Alabama Power recommends you should do if your power goes out in the storm: Report your outage online at alabamapower.com . You can also call the automated reporting system at 1-800-888-APCO (2726). Turn off or unplug appliances to avoid any potential safety hazards when power is restored. Stay away from downed lines. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or anything else caught in power lines. Stay clear of fallen trees or debris where downed lines may be hidden. Call Alabama Power at 1-800-888-2726 or contact local law enforcement if you see downed lines. What you shouldnt do is approach utility crews and workers if they have to be out after the storm. Alabama Power is asking for the publics health in maintaining a safe social distance of 6 feet from workers due to the coronavirus. The coronavirus pandemic wont hamper any field efforts, however, according to Power Delivery General Manager Kristie Bartonsaid. Our proactive safety and health planning for COVID-19 has prepared us to effectively respond to severe weather and provide the reliable service our customers expect and trust us to deliver, Barton said. In other safety tips, Alabama Power recommends that people: Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 08:46:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NANCHANG, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Wan Yiwei takes care of pets as they take their last breaths. Whenever he welcomes a customer, he sees a crying face. He is an encoffiner, for pets. "When I picked Beibei up from a roadside three years ago, he was dirty and shivering with cold. We gave him a bath and some food, and he gradually recovered and has hence become a member of our family," said Lin Yan (pseudonym) while gently patting her dog. "He's very clever. He learned to use the toilet by himself after a little training, and would greet me with cheers whenever he heard my footsteps. When I was giving birth, he stayed all night outside the delivery room," said the 31-year-old. Wan carefully cleaned Beibei's body, put him on a bed decorated with fake flowers and held a 15-minute funeral for the white dog before sending him for cremation. "My two kids were heartbroken, they loved him so much," said Lin while wiping away her tears. Pet lovers in China are becoming deeply attached to their animal friends. A 2019 white paper on China's pet industry showed about 87 percent of pet owners regarded pets as members of their family. "Sometimes I'm like a psychologist, listening to every customer share their pet's story and venting out their emotions," said Wan, who believes pet funerals can help ease the pain. Wan ran a pet hospital before becoming a pet encoffiner. After witnessing so many tearful partings, he began to consider how to let pet owners say goodbye to their beloved animal friends in a more proper, acceptable manner. "I don't want pets to be randomly buried or thrown away after they die. I want to draw a complete end to the life of these animals," said Wan, who keeps two dogs and strongly empathizes with his customers. He therefore went to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and other places last year to learn how to become a pet mortician. Wan currently works with eight pet hospitals in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province and has held "farewell ceremonies" for 30 pets in the past seven months. Zhang Hongwei, president of a pet hospital, said his hospital sometimes receives stray dogs for adoption by the public. However, some dogs may die from injuries, and the disposal of their carcasses has been a major problem. "Dead pets can easily breed bacteria. Cremation is the best way to deal with their bodies. It's also environmentally friendly," said Zhang. Wan always keeps his mobile phone on. He once received a call at 11 p.m. on a winter night, and a man wanted his beloved dog that had just passed away to be cremated right away. "It was a 37-kg Alaskan malamute and I worked until 4 a.m. The owner was crying taking home the ashes," he said. "We also provide tree burials, but most still prefer cremation," said Wan. "Choosing to cremate their pet is a form of respect for life and an embodiment of social progress," said Wan. Wan is also quietly altering the minds of local villagers, many of whom keep pets. More and more villagers are sending their dead pets to Wan. "People realize that throwing away dead pets at will will do harm to the environment," said Wan. "More importantly, they've been with us for so many years, they deserve a good end." US keeps forces in Iraq, puts missile systems into operation Iran Press TV Saturday, 11 April 2020 7:22 AM US officials say hundreds of their troops will remain in Iraq, noting that missile systems are now operating in the bases hosting the occupation forces. The officials, who were speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Patriot missile launchers and two other short-range systems were in place at Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's Anbar Province and at the military facility in Kurdistan's regional capital, Erbil, without elaborating on where those systems had been taken from. Both bases were the target of Tehran's January missile attack in retaliation for Washington's assassination of senior Iranian anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani. The American officials further noted that a short-range rocket system had been installed at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad. The US-occupied camp came under a rocket attack last month. A member of the Iraqi parliamentary security and defense committee accused the United States of staging a false-flag operation against Camp Taji to find a compelling justification for air raids on positions of Iraq's anti-terror Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Sha'abi. General Frank McKenzie, the top US commander for the Middle East, said that moving Patriots and other systems to Iraq was tricky because it meant he would have to take the systems from another location where they were also needed. Over the past few months, the US military has been moving the missile systems, piece by piece, into Iraq, assembling them and linking them together. Meanwhile, General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said hundreds of soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, remain in Iraq, citing the "threat posed by what he called Iranian proxy groups." Only one battalion was allowed to return to the Fort Bragg military installation in North Carolina "in part because the situation with the Shia militia groups and Iran has not 100 percent settled down," he said, stressing that "they will continue their mission until such time that we think the threat has subsided." The latest US military build-up in Iraq comes in defiance of an Iraqi parliament vote on January 5 that called for an end to the presence of all foreign troops, including Americans. The vote came two days after the US military - acting on US President Donald Trump's order - launched a fatal drone strike on General Soleimani upon his arrival in the Iraqi capital at the invitation of the Baghdad government. The attack also claimed the lives of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) or Hashd al-Sha'abi, along with eight other Iranian and Iraqi people. Washington has threatened sanctions should US troops be expelled instead of heeding the Iraqi parliament's call to end the occupation of the country. The US - in cooperation with Israel - also exploited the power vacuum in Iraq to deploy troops and military equipment to Iraq in violation of the country's sovereignty. Iraq's newly-designated Prime Minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, said on Friday that the country's national sovereignty is his red line, stressing that his government will never allow anyone to insult any Iraqi citizen by accusing him/her of being linked to foreigners. The American military reinforcement in Iraq requires Baghdad's consent due to its sensitivity, but there have so far been no reports on whether such permission exists or not. Iraqi officials have warned that the US may use its missile systems against Iraqi armed forces and resistance fighters who are engaged in counter-terrorism operations. In late March, the 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. Days later, US media also reported that the Pentagon has ordered military commanders to plan for an escalation of American operations in Iraq. US sends reinforcements to Syria base In a separate development, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that a column of military reinforcement arrived at the US base in the town of al-Shaddadi in Syria's northeastern Hasakah Province. The US-based monitoring group said that the column consists of nearly 25 military vehicles and trucks carrying ammunition. The US had dispatched truckloads of military and logistical equipment to its positions in the Jazira region in Hasakah on Monday. In late October 2019, Washington reversed an earlier decision to pull out all of its troops from Syria, announcing the deployment of hundreds of soldiers to the oil fields controlled by Kurdish forces in the war-ravaged Arab country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz last week addressed Southeast Texas business leaders about the impact the coronavirus pandemic has wrought on the economy at a virtual conference, but the conversation soon drifted to one of his new common talking points: speculation on Chinas role in the pandemic. After answering questions about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and potential issues with the U.S. Small Business Administration during the event hosted by the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Cruz was asked by a participant whether lawmakers were discussing ways to end the countrys reliance on Chinese manufacturers for essential goods. Cruz had just finished describing efforts to stop the ongoing price war on oil between Russia and Saudi Arabia that has ensnared Texas producers as well. He gave an equally detailed answer about the power China holds over the U.S. by potentially threatening critical supplies during the crisis. But then the conversation turned away from economics. There will need to be a very extensive assessment after this pandemic about the culpability of Chinas role in this crisis, he said Its important to ask if this virus was being studied in Chinese labs and if it was allowed to escape. We dont know that it did and we dont know that it didnt. Cruz began talking about two unnamed research labs in Wuhan, China, that reportedly had been studying the novel coronavirus before the outbreak hit China, and the countrys effort to punish whistleblowers who tried to alert the public to the virus. While evidence of the disease was first found in the Chinese province, virus experts have said there is no indication that it could have been intentionally engineered. A large group of virologists wrote a report published in The Lancet defending the work of Chinese researchers and evidence found in the virus genome that showed it developed naturally in wildlife. Attempts to crack down on early advocates for intervention, such as ophthalmologist Li Wenliang, have been verified and reported by international outlets, but the Chinese government has since tried to soften its stance. Authorities lifted a reprimand against Li weeks after his death and apologized to his family in late March, honoring the doctor who died of COVID-19 as a martyr along with other physicians. Cruz made his comments during a virtual meeting hosted by the Beaumont Chamber, which has been putting on a number of such webinars to keep business owners informed during the crisis with more on the way. Chamber President and CEO Bill Allen said part of that mission is getting streams of information to people, especially from the politicians and civil servants who represent them. The chamber has hosted state and U.S. legislators from both political parties at forums in the past for updates and economics talks, and has plans to invite more for online events in the coming weeks. Allen said these speakers are invited to inform, but he understands that some people might feel certain comments are political. I think that is determined by the ears of the (listener), he said. Im sure any of those folks, regardless of political affiliation, have to be feeling frustrated because they are trying to do the right thing for our country. Cruz made similar remarks on a Houston-based conservative radio show the day prior. Many of the deaths we have seen worldwide are a direct consequence of the Chinese cover-up, he said Wednesday on the Michael Berry Show. Similar conspiracy theories around the virus origins have appeared across social media and increasingly on cable outlets, focusing on The Wuhan Institute of Virology as an alleged source of the quickly spreading disease. Cruz isnt the only Texas senator publicly blaming China for the pandemic. Sen. John Cornyn has been citing Chinese cultural practices as the cause of COVID-19 and other epidemics like SARS on open meat markets. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jdickjournalism By PTI NEW DELHI: 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. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES 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. The official said that after preliminary medical examinations, 52 of them tested COVID-19 positive. 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. ALSO READ| Delhi government installs disinfectant tunnels at Azadpur vegetable market 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. WASHINGTON Amid a cash crunch threatening to put the U.S. Postal Service out of business, the Trump administration is being accused of blocking bipartisan efforts to provide money to the agency as part of a long-sought conservative effort to privatize mail delivery. The coronavirus pandemic has led to a precipitous drop in mail deliveries, worsening a crisis for an already financially troubled service. Last week, Postmaster General Megan Brennan said financial woes exacerbated by the pandemic could cause the agency to run out of money by October. The $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package passed on March 25 did not provide assistance for the Postal Service, despite bipartisan support for the funding, according to an aide to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Postal Service. Instead, the legislation only allowed the Postal Service to borrow $10 billion from the Treasury Department. There was bipartisan support for direct appropriations to go to the Postal Service, said a committee aide, who requested anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said you can have the loan or you can have nothing. Yet in the weeks since the stimulus passed, the Treasury Department has not approved the loan. A spokesperson for Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, did not respond to a request for comment. A U.S. Postal Service worker wears a mask and gloves on April 9, 2020, in Van Nuys, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) While the White House will not comment on the reason for the delay, American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein said the administration is using the loan to try to push privatization. He blames administration idealogues, including Mnuchin, for using the crisis to push their privatization agenda. A spokesperson for the Treasury Department said Mnuchin and the White House are supportive of the loan. Treasury, including Secretary Mnuchin, has been in direct contact with the USPS multiple times this week, and we are working closely with the USPS to put the new $10 billion line of credit with the USPS into effect, the Treasury spokesperson said in an email. Story continues While the administration says it is working with the Postal Service, Ronnie Stutts, the president of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, accused the White House and Treasury Department of blocking postal funding as part of an effort to privatize the agency. Everything was going good with this until they got to the White House, Stutts said. The Treasury Department and Trump want to privatize postal service, he added. There's no two ways about it. And when it got there, he killed it. They said no. He was not going to give us any money. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin at a daily briefing on the coronavirus at the White House on April 2, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) While the Postal Service is a quasi government agency, it is in a unique position since it has not been funded by taxpayer dollars since the 1980s. Instead, the post office relies on its own revenue from mail services. While the Postal Service has made a profit, it has been facing financial woes since 2006, when legislation was passed requiring the Postal Service to pre-fund retirement for its workers. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the Postal Service was already in dire straits with its liabilities and debt vastly outpacing revenue. Last year, the U.S. Government Accountability Office described the overall financial picture of the Postal Service as deteriorating and unsustainable. The coronavirus has dramatically worsened this situation by causing a large decline in mail volume due to decreased commercial activity. The Postal Service saw a 24.2 percent decline in delivered mail volume during the week of March 29 to April 4 and delivered-mail volume was down over 30 percent for the first three days of last week, according to a presentation made by the Postal Service and distributed to members of Congress last week The presentation, which was obtained by Yahoo News, predicted that there would be 35 billion fewer pieces of mail in the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends in September. The Postal Service is forecasting the declines to continue through the next fiscal year leading to a $23 billion increase in net losses over the next 18 months. The presentation said the agency hopes to receive a $25 billion grant to cover losses related to the pandemic. It also said the Postal Service needs a $25 billion modernization grant to weather the longer term economic impacts as well as debt relief and additional borrowing authority. A spokesperson for the Postal Service declined to answer questions and referred Yahoo News to a statement Brennan, the postmaster general, released on Friday describing the agencys stimulus needs. Stutts, the National Rural Letter Carriers Association president, said that even if Mnuchin approves the loans authorized by the last stimulus, it will not be enough to solve the Postal Services financial problems. Right now its approximately $11 billion that weve defaulted and its about 5.5 billion each year to pre-fund retirement. We just dont have the money, Stutts said. Its not going to be paid back. And if we borrowed $10 billion, its just going to put us further in debt. President Trump at the coronavirus response daily briefing at the White House on Friday. (Yuri Gripas/Reuters) On April 7, during a coronavirus task force press briefing, President Trump dismissed allegations he was essentially trying to end the U.S. Postal Service. Oh, Im the reason the Postal Service the Postal Service has lost billions of dollars every year for many, many years. So Im the demise? This is a new one. Im now the demise of the Postal Service, Trump said. Trump went on to blame the situation on internet companies, including Amazon, which he has frequently accused of not paying enough for its use of the U.S. Postal Service. They lose money every time they deliver a package for Amazon or these other internet companies, these other companies that deliver, he said. They drop everything in the Post Office and they say, You deliver it. While the White House and Treasury Department did not respond to questions about whether the president or Mnuchin want to see the Postal Service privatized, they have signaled support for this approach in the past. In 2018, Trump issued an executive order that created a postal task force to identify potential ways to improve the agencys financial woes. Mnuchin led that task force, and its final report advocated selling off parts of the service to private companies. One major concern about privatization is that the Postal Service has a universal service obligation that requires it to deliver mail for equal rates anywhere in the country. This includes rural routes that are not necessarily profitable. Dimondstein, the president of the American Postal Workers Union, noted private companies do not have any similar obligation. Other companies, he said, can pick and choose where they want to go. The Postal Service cant, shouldnt and wont, he said. _____ 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: MIAMI, April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90. The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family. Wilhelmsen was a constant influence on the company from its founding, serving more than three decades on the company's board of directors. Together with the company's first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, Wilhelmsen saw possibilities for the nascent cruise industry that others did not. "At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible," said Richard Fain, RCL's chairman and CEO. "He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the 'industry' might have been a dozen used ships, total." Their key insight: building new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. The industry did not grow from New York, the traditional transit hub; it came to Miami, helping the region itself grow as the public discovered an entirely new way to take a vacation. Wilhelmsen saw the potential for cruising to become the fastest growing segment in a growing vacation industry. A believer in economies of scale, he once recalled, "My initial challenge was to convince my partners and management in Miami to build bigger and more efficient ships in order to grow the company." True to his vision, the company now sails 61 ships calling on all seven continents and its fleet features the largest cruise ships in the world. Born on June 15, 1929, in Oslo, Norway, Wilhelmsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a chartering assistant for Norway's EB Lund & Co. and later as a shipbroker in New York. After joining the family business in 1954, he became its president in 1961. The scion of a leading Norwegian shipping concern Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS he spent most of his life in the family business, including an early stint as a deckhand. "Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades," Fain said. "And in 2003, when he was ready to step back, he was succeeded on the RCL board by his son, Alex, who has carried the involvement of the Wilhelmsen family in charting our company's course into its sixth decade. Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family. We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly." About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com. SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Related Links http://www.rclcorporate.com The government has dished out 10bn/- to support the revamping of the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) in attaining its goal of operating commercially. Speaking after inspecting two locomotives in which new traction motors were installed in Mbeya Region recently, the Minister for Works, Transport and Communications, Eng Isack Kamwelwe, said the move will boost efficiency and increase transportation of cargo. The money is intended to help the authority to carry out its activities commercially and help it reach the target of five million tonnes in cargo handling per annum, said Eng Kamwelwe. He observed that the funds had already been spent on procuring 42 new traction motors, among other equipment. TAZARA Mbeya Regional Workshop Manager, Eng Ezekiel Mongateko, noted that two locomotives have already undergone rehabilitation, noting that by the end of next March, the third locomotive will have been completed. He identified that a single locomotive has the capacity to transport 250,000 tonnes per annum. Upon the completion of the other locomotive, it is anticipated that the authority will be in a better position to transport more cargo compared to the current trend. Currently, the cargo which is being handled by the authority does not exceed 300,000 tonnes less than the expectationswe thank the government for the support, Mr Mongateko said. Besides the locomotives, the authority has also embarked on rehabilitation of wagons at its Dar es Salaam workshop to further increase the capacity of cargo handling. He disclosed that the rehabilitation exercise will increase the total number of locomotives from 13 to 20 locomotives each with the capacity of 30,000 tonnes. In 2006 Paul Wood was appointed CEO of Andrews Sykes Group plc (LON:ASY). 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. Third, we'll reflect on the total return to shareholders over three years, as a second measure of business performance. This process should give us an idea about how appropriately the CEO is paid. View our latest analysis for Andrews Sykes Group How Does Paul Wood's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies? At the time of writing, our data says that Andrews Sykes Group plc has a market cap of UK236m, and reported total annual CEO compensation of UK566k for the year to December 2018. While this analysis focuses on total compensation, it's worth noting the salary is lower, valued at UK528k. As part of our analysis we looked at companies in the same jurisdiction, with market capitalizations of UK80m to UK320m. The median total CEO compensation was UK594k. Now let's take a look at the pay mix on an industry and company level to gain a better understanding of where Andrews Sykes Group stands. On a sector level, around 43% of total compensation represents salary and 57% is other remuneration. Andrews Sykes Group is paying a higher share of its remuneration through a salary in comparison to the overall industry. So Paul Wood is paid around the average of the companies we looked at. This doesn't tell us a whole lot on its own, but looking at the performance of the actual business will give us useful context. You can see a visual representation of the CEO compensation at Andrews Sykes Group, below. AIM:ASY CEO Compensation April 12th 2020 Is Andrews Sykes Group plc Growing? Andrews Sykes Group plc has seen earnings per share (EPS) move positively by an average of 5.4% a year, over the last three years (using a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 2.6%. I would argue that the improvement in revenue isn't particularly impressive, but it is good to see modest EPS growth. It's clear the performance has been quite decent, but it it falls short of outstanding,based on this information. We don't have analyst forecasts, but shareholders might want to examine this detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. Story continues Has Andrews Sykes Group plc Been A Good Investment? Most shareholders would probably be pleased with Andrews Sykes Group plc for providing a total return of 44% 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... Paul Wood is paid around the same as most CEOs of similar size companies. While we would like to see improved growth metrics, there is no doubt that the total returns have been great, over the last three years. So considering most shareholders would be happy, we'd say the CEO pay is appropriate. On another note, we've spotted 3 warning signs for Andrews Sykes Group that investors should look into moving forward. Important note: Andrews Sykes Group may not be the best stock to buy. You might find something better in this list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt. 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. DECATUR Macon County leaders said Sunday there have been 35 total cases of COVID-19 in the county, an increase of 10 from the previous day's report. Of those, 25 of the cases are associated with Fair Havens Senior Living, 1790 S. Fairview Ave., the county's Crisis Communication Team said in a news release. The team is made up of local government and public health leaders. The only Macon County resident who has died from the virus, a man in his 80s whose death was announced last week, lived at the facility before he was hospitalized. Public Health Administrator Brandi Binkley and Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said Saturday that they expected the case total to increase as more people from Fair Havens were tested. Officials said they had scheduled a news conference at the county office building in anticipation of a spike in positive test results. Medical experts say that elderly people and those with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk to develop complications from the virus, which has infected more than 20,000 residents statewide. The disease is known to spread quickly through congregate living facilities such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities, group homes and jails. "Every one of those residents is somebodys mom or dad, grandparent, sister or brother, son or daughter," Moore Wolfe said Saturday. "These are our neighbors, our friends, our fellow Macon County residents. "As you can imagine, those of us with a direct relationship to someone who lives in one of those facilities, were all worried. Family members are anxious, as are families of those who work there. "Every one of those people is important to us, and let me assure you that we are doing everything possible to assist in protecting them." There have been more than 160 tests completed in Macon County, officials said. The first positive cases were confirmed March 27. The age range of confirmed cases is as follows: One case in 20s Five cases in 30s Two cases in 40s Five cases in 50s Four cases in 60s Four cases in 70s Nine cases in 80s Five cases in 90s After each positive test, the health department works to trace the person's potential contacts and notify those people. Authorities do not release detailed information about patients, such as their workplaces or cities of residence, because of privacy laws. "All confirmed cases are following isolation guidelines," the Crisis Communication Team "Those considered to be contacts of the confirmed cases have been and are being notified and instructed to follow direction to prevent the spread of illness." Binkley said the county health department typically would not identify the facility where an outbreak has occurred, but was doing so in this case at the request of the facility's management. She said that, under Illinois Department of Public Health protocol, long-term care facilities with confirmed cases are responsible for communicating that information to the regulatory agencies, families, staff and residents. The protocol does not say how often or during what time frame that notification needs to occur, she said. "I can speak to that I have been in a lot of conversations with the administrator there and also with IDPH to ensure this is being done," Binkley said Saturday. "I think we have probably all heard that maybe some of these families did not receive the information that they should have. "At the health department, we are not their regulator, but we are trying to be their partner and do what we can to support them and get this word out." IDPH last month issued guidelines for nursing homes and other facilities throughout the state to prevent spread of the virus. Measures included a ban on visitors, frequent screening of residents and staff for symptoms and heightened disinfecting procedures. Fair Havens Administrator Mark Matthews said last week that the facility had already implemented measures aimed to preventing the spread of disease, including regular screenings and masks for staff, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures and cancellation of all communal activities. IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Do not go to a hospital emergency room or doctor's office unless it is a true emergency. Instead, call your primary care doctor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, you may call DMH Medical Group at (217) 876-2856, Crossing Healthcare at (217) 877-9117 or SIU at (217) 872- 3800. You can also contact the state hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or visit coronavirus.illinois.gov for more state resources. SUNDAY UPDATE: Coronavirus and Central Illinois Contact Allison Petty at (217) 421-6986. Follow her on Twitter: @AllisonAPetty Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. 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. Follow @htshowbiz for more US, Taliban Discuss Ways to Reduce Afghan Violence By Ayaz Gul April 11, 2020 The commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan has met with leaders of the Taliban insurgency under their bilateral peace-building agreement to discuss ways to reduce violence in the war-torn country, both sides said Saturday. A Taliban spokesman tweeted about the meeting with General Scott Miller, who also commands NATO's non-combat Resolution Support mission in the country, saying it happened Friday night in Doha, Qatar, which hosts the insurgent political office. Suhail Shaheen wrote that the two delegations discussed details on how to implement the U.S.-Taliban agreement, which the two adversaries signed Feb. 29 in the Qatari capital with a goal to end the nearly 19-year-old Afghan war. "General Miller met with Taliban leadership last night as part of the military channel established in the agreement. The meeting was about the need to reduce the violence," a U.S. Forces spokesman told VOA. Shaheen said the U.S.-Taliban agreement's "violations, particularly attacks and night raids in non-combat areas, came under serious discussion." He added that the Taliban delegation "called for a halt to such attacks." In a recent statement, the U.S. military denied insurgent allegations of breaches, noting the agreement allows foreign troops to act in defense of Afghan security forces if attacked by the Taliban. The accord binds insurgents not to attack U.S.-led foreign forces, who have committed to gradually withdraw from Afghanistan by July 2021, in return for Taliban counterterrorism guarantees. The "conditions-based" troop drawdown also requires the Taliban to negotiate a sustainable peace and power sharing with other Afghan factions to end four decades of hostilities in the country. The Taliban and Washington both have said they are fully committed to uphold the agreement, which offers the best chance for Afghan peace, analysts say. But a lingering political dispute over who has emerged as the legitimate president of Afghanistan following the controversial September election, and a delay in releasing thousands of Taliban prisoners by the Kabul government, have blocked efforts to open the crucial peace talks between Afghan parties to the conflict. Incumbent President Ashraf Ghani has been officially declared the election winner, but his chief rival Abdullah Abdullah rejected the outcome as fraudulent, and both held competing inauguration ceremonies last month. The standoff has politically paralyzed the turmoil-hit country, with both the rival leaders seemingly not ready to give up their claims. Under the U.S.-Taliban deal, the intra-Afghan talks were supposed to begin several weeks ago. The insurgent group maintains those negotiations can start only after Washington, as part of its commitments, helps to get the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners from Afghan jails. The Taliban has committed to free 1,000 detainees, mostly Afghan security forces, from its custody. Discussions over the prisoner swap collapsed earlier this week, although the Afghan government has since freed 200 Taliban detainees after seeking written assurances the freed men would not return to the battlefield. But the Taliban has disapproved the release process, saying it violates provisions of the deal with the U.S., which requires unconditional freedom for insurgent inmates. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cotonou, Benin (PANA) The Beninese government has received 250 million CFAF in donations from organisations and individuals to aid the fight against the COVID-19 (coronavirus), official sources said on Sunday in Cotonou As usual, let me begin this epistle with the Islamic salutation of As-salamu Alaikum. This is my second open letter to your Excellency since your swearing-in as the Executive Governorship of Bauchi state on May 29th, 2019. I wish to express my gratitude to Almighty Allah, the supreme lord of the worlds and bestower of all bounties for rescuing you from the clutches of death. To the admiration of people of Bauchi state, Your Excellency has just come out from isolation after having been tested negative of covid-19. Equally heartwarming is the release from captivity of Wakilin Bauchi, Alhaji Adamu Muhammed Duguri, your elder brother and my brother by extension. We all stood by your Excellency during those trying days of your perturbation. Throughout that period, people shunned political, sectional and personal interests, did great deal of sober reflection, soul searching and prayed to Allah to heal you. Now that you are out of that trepidation and back to the serious business of governance, there are weighty allegations against the poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic by your government. I read a post about the carefree attitude of the Bauchi state government on lockdown order by one Muhammad Saif Abdullahi. The author of the piece questions why we blame ordinary citizens for not observing social distancing and other precautionary measures against covid-19 when the leaders are not leading by example? According to him, Bauchi state recorded the first covid-19 case in the entire northern part of the country apart from Abuja." For this reason, Mr. Abdullahi feels that Bauchi state should be among the "most prepared in terms of stemming the tide of the virus, but that is not the case," he concluded. In the same vein, the Cable, reported in its edition of April 10, a story and photos of the governor in a Friday congregational prayer in a mosque filled to capacity, blaming your Excellency of ignoring physical distancing barely 24 hours after your recovery from covid-19. There are discussions trending on the various social media platforms that detest the governors abuse of his new status. If the government of Bauchi state is sleeping (which I believe it is not), it is our collective responsibility, as indigenes of the state, to wake it up from this deadly slumber. There is no dispute about covid-19. Nobody should tell your Excellency about the eminent danger of the coronavirus. You have seen it all sir. This is why it baffles one to see people in Bauchi state under your watch behaving as if the dangers of coronavirus to the people is a hogwash and a mere hoax. Your Excellency, nobody will fathom the irrationality of this crass behavior and the numbness of the authority in the state to allow people do as they wish, in this period of covid-19 national emergency. Islam fights anything causing harm. Protecting the physical well-being and health of people is one of the objectives of the Sharia. It also enjoins those who are affected with a disease that has a likelihood of harming another person or people to isolate. Sir, you may agree with me that the command of the sharia that says, do not get harm, and dont cause harm, can insulate our people against the pandemic if we can abide by it. Your Excellency, it is in conformity with the tenets of the sharia that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia closed the two most revered mosques in Islam to five congregational daily prayers, Jumaat and circumambulating of the Kaaba. In Nigeria and in almost all the Muslim countries of the world, mosques have been shut down as one of the measures to stop the spread of coronavirus among the congregation. It is safe to toe the line of Fatwa of Ulamas of the world than to give in to a minority opinion of few selfish clerics at home and to political expediency and appeal to populism. Allah has burdened your Excellency with the responsibility of protecting the physical well-being and health of the people of Bauchi state. At this point in time, this is the most pressing task that needs the attention of the governor. Thus, I beseech your Excellency to use all the resources at your disposal as the executive governor to cushion the suffering which covid-19 will inflict on the poor and the underprivileged in the state. 2023 is three years from now. Some of us may not live long to witness the next election. You should therefore do the things that when you stand before Allah on the Day of Judgment, you can defend yourself. This is a very difficult and dangerous trial for leaders like you. May Allah help you to discharge this responsibility. Nothing is more deserving of your attention now more than curbing the spread of the virus to community transmission. The federal government warns that the virus is menacingly rising to community transmission. This is where the problem lies and why I feel you should worry sir. Finally, I would advise the governor to manage and pay salary of workers, and suspend all projects for a period of two to three months for now. Your government can use the federal allocation, which for obvious reasons is going to dwindle, to curtail community spread of the virus. Your Excellency, it is better you make good use of the little allocation from the federation account to save lives rather than to use it to bury the dead bodies of victims of the killer disease. A stitch in time saves nine. May Allah ease your affairs and guide you in the best interest of all citizens of Bauchi state. Live, from his house, its Tom Hanks! Well, not live, it turns out. But Hanks was the surprise host for the first special remote episode of Saturday Night Live," which saw the cast (and band!) appearing from their homes. In March, Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, were among the first celebrities to announce they had tested positive for the coronavirus. Hanks and Wilson quarantined in Australia, where he had been working on a film, then returned home to the United States. Dubbed Saturday Night Live at Home," the episode also featured musical guest Chris Martin from Coldplay. Hanks appeared in his kitchen (or in front of a very convincing Zoom background) wearing a suit and sporting a shaved head, which he said was for the movie. Hey, its good to be here, though it is also very weird to be here hosting 'Saturday night live from home, Hanks said in his monologue. It is a strange time to try to be funny, but trying to be funny is SNLs whole thing, so we thought, what the heck, lets give it a shot. But why me as host? Well, for one, I have been the celebrity canary in the coal mine for the coronavirus, and ever since being diagnosed I have been more like Americas dad than ever before since no one wants to be around me very long and I make people uncomfortable." Hanks then addressed his experience being diagnosed in Australia. Now, the folks in Australia are fantastic in every way, but they use celsius instead of Fahrenheit when they take your temperature," he said. "So they come in and they say Youre 36, which seemed very bad to me. But it turns out 36 is fine. 38 is bad. So basically, its how Hollywood treats female actors. But now my wife and I, were doing fine, were doing great. Were hunkered down like all of us should be, and in fact, this suit, this is the first time Ive worn anything other than sweatpants since March 11th. My wife had to help me put it on, because I forgot how buttons work, but it turns out theres these little disks and they slide into these slots. Amazing. The pre-taped show was an unorthodox approach to SNL," but as Hanks noted, theres no such thing as Saturdays anymore. Its just, everyday is today." A scene from "Saturday Night Live at Home."NBC Hanks proceeded to ask audience questions." These questions were answered by himself playing different characters in yet more pre-taped segments. He ended his monologue by delivering a message of hope and a thank you to essential workers during the pandemic. Hey, stay safe," Hanks told the audience. We are in this for the duration and we will get through this together. We are going to thank our hospital workers, our first responders and all the helpers: the supermarket stockers, the people who deliver our food, the people who are making takeout for us, the men and women who are keeping this country going at the time when we need them more than ever before. So were going to take care of them and were going to take care of each other, so lets try to now just enjoy the show. Other highlights from the show included Kate McKinnon as a quarantined Ruth Bader Ginsburg in RBGs Workout Corner. The major muscle groups of the body: Abs, gams, tuchus, chicken wings and critical thinking." Her weights: cotton swabs and batteries. Her trainer: the cat. Her foam roller: a piece of pasta. Larry David also appeared as Sen. Bernie Sanders, who reported having a whole room of single-ply toilet paper. Alec Baldwin phoned in as President Donald Trump, who referred to the coronavirus disease as Covfefe-19. Current and former cast members, including Adam Sandler and Tina Fey, paid tribute to SNL music producer Hal Willner, who died this week after experiencing symptoms consistent with the coronavirus disease. Rachel Dratch, Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler and more joined in a remote performance, singing Lou Reeds Perfect Day in his honor. Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Around the world, governments are implementing new rules to counter the spread of the coronavirus. In some cases, there are questions as to whether some of these measures are helping governments gain further control over their populations. In Central Asia, for example, restrictions on movement in towns and cities has left journalists in a situation where special permission is needed to go out and cover stories. Governments with access to facial recognition and CCTV are expanding the use of this technology to track citizens movements. Social networks are scrutinized for posts about alleged government failures in combating the virus and those responsible for the postings are punished. On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion that looks at whether Central Asian governments are taking advantage of the health crisis to firm up their grip on power. Our guests this week are, from Washington, Erica Marat, associate professor at the National Defense University, and Edward Lemon, assistant professor at the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security; and from Prague, Farruh Yusupov, the director of RFE/RLs Turkmen Service. Im on lockdown like so many other people, so I was happy to sit at home, listen to what our guests had to say, and add a word or two of my own. Listen to the podcast above or subscribe to the Majlis on iTunes or on Google Podcasts. Fire on China's first amphibious assault ship to have no major impact: sources Global Times By Guo Yuandan Source:Global Times Published: 2020/4/12 0:20:29 China's first Type 075 amphibious assault ship reportedly caught on fire on Saturday at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. Although thick smoke was seen on the ship, sources in the know said the accident was not significant and will not wield any major impact on further construction. Photos circulating on the internet showed that the stern of a Type 075 amphibious assault ship was blackened by a fire, and certain videos showed that there was fire at the stern, and columns of smoke were billowing with the wind, Singaporean news outlet Lianhe Zaobao reported on Saturday. Sources said the ship that caught fire was the first Type 075 of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, and the warship was still under construction. The ship received a grand launch ceremony on September 25, 2019. As China's first ever domestically developed amphibious assault ship, the Type 075 has strong capabilities in amphibious warfare and could conduct multiple types of missions. According to plan, the ship would conduct equipment calibration, mooring and sea trials. In line with general rules, related testing processes after the ship's launch are still under the management of the shipyard rather than the navy. Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie told the Global Times on Saturday that smoke concentrated on the middle and rear areas of the ship, judging from the photos, and the cause for the fire is likely be problems with the power and mechanical systems, sparks caused by electric welding in maintenance, a fire in the kitchen or some flammable materials on deck or in the hanger that were left unsupervised for some time. Judging from the thickness of the smoke, the fire was put under control quickly, and since no open flames were seen, the fire should have been extinguished very quickly, Li said. Echoing Li, an expert in the shipbuilding industry who asked not to be named told the Global Times on Saturday that the thick smoke indicated the emergency response was fast. Since the construction of the ship was still underway, there could be materials being placed on the ground, which could have been ignited by sparks caused by electric welding, the anonymous expert said. Sources in the know said that although the smoke seemed to be thick, the fire was not even considered a small accident, and will have no major impact on further construction. Any missed details could result in an accident in the construction of a large ship, and a small problem could potentially impact the overall construction, Li said, noting that despite this, no country could possibly avoid all accidents, so there is no need to groundlessly speculate on the origins of the Type 075's fire. Accidents taking place in the process of construction can help find out any causes and solve hidden problems in advance, before a larger accident occurs, Li said, noting that, as the amphibious assault ship will be frequently used in the future, if any major technical issues were to be found later on when the ship was being used by the military, the result may potentially be worse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Delhi, April 12 : With the coronavirus crisis severely hurting the Chinese economy and businesses, a report has suggested that around 2.47 lakh companies in the country have declared bankruptcy during the first two months of 2020. Citing a blog by business writer Wu Xiaobo, written in Chinese, supchina.com said that Guangdong was the most impacted province, with over 30,000 companies going out of business in January and February, followed by Shandong, Jiangsu, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. Several reports have recently said that many Chinese companies, especially small businesses, are feeling the heat as the pandemic brought consumer activity to a halt. Almost 36 per cent of the private-owned firms that responded to a survey conducted by Tsinghua University in February said that they were hammered by the economic fallout from the outbreak and did not expect to survive after a month. In another survey released in February, more than 60 per cent of the small and medium-sized enterprises in Shandong said that they could only hold out for a maximum of three months under current conditions. Wu Xiaobo also noted that new companies, which pulled their shutters down in January and February, are the most severely affected by the outbreak. Around 55 per cent of the companies that have gone bankrupt were startups, with a lifetime of below three years. According to the report, companies in the hospitality and retail industry have been going through a particularly rough time because people were advised to practice social distancing and avoid public places. The China Chain Store and Franchise Association (CCFA) also had made similar observations about two months ago, which showed that retail shops in China were experiencing a 50 per cent sales drop, with restaurants making only 30 per cent of their normal profits. Other seriously impacted sectors include rental services, construction, and farming. Further, according to business data platform Tianyancha, since February, more than 28,000 companies across China have expanded their scope to include healthcare-related services and the manufacture of medical equipment such as thermometers and masks, said the supchina.com report. Internet-based firms have also seized the opportunity to grow as people face a new reality in which online classes and virtual meetings have become the norm, it added. Further, Wu Xiaobo's report also noted that due to closure of many government offices in January and February, a considerable number of companies in serious financial trouble were unable to file for bankruptcy. As China slowly grinds back into activity starting this month, the report predicts that the number of bankruptcy applications will only rise in the next two months and more companies will go out of business. One of the main takeaways from the interview Attorney General Bill Barr did with Laura Ingraham was his saying that the Russia hoax would lead to criminal charges and would prove to be one of the greatest travesties in American history. Barr, however, didnt limit himself to the Russia hoax. In addition, Barr discussed Americas COVID-19 response and, specifically, addressed the medias disgraceful behavior regarding hydroxychloroquine. As he said, they were temperate in talking about the drug until Trump expressed enthusiasm about it, at which point they went on a "jihad" (emphasis added): And the politicization of decisions like hydroxychloroquine has been amazing to me. 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 quite strange. As if to lend credence to Barrs words, NPRs Vanessa Romo wrote an article that implies that a Houston doctor a Republican Houston doctor is another Dr. Mengele, the monster of Auschwitz, because hes giving nursing home patients the Z-Pack of Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, and zinc. The jihad starts with the headline, COVID-19 Patients Given Unproven Drug In Texas Nursing Home In 'Disconcerting' Move, and then goes on from there: Concern is mounting after a doctor at a Texas nursing home started giving the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to dozens of elderly patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and tracking the outcomes in what he's calling an "observational study." Use of the drug to treat coronavirus infections has set up a heated debate between the Trump administration and leading health experts over its efficacy against COVID-19. President Trump has been an enthusiastic champion of hydroxychloroquine, calling it a "game-changer." But some of the nation's most respected health officials have said there is insufficient evidence showing that the 80-year-old drug, which is typically used to stave off malaria or treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, is a viable treatment in battling the new virus. Regarding this alleged concern, the only concern Romo could find comes from Katherine Seley-Radtke, a medicinal chemist at The University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Seley-Radtke is unhappy as a general matter that a doctor is prescribing medicine without first doing the years long strict protocols required for new drugs. Seley-Radtke also obligingly coughed up the fact that hydroxychloroquine, like every other medicine in the world, can have side effects. Armstrongs observations, however, show real-time benefits and no problematic side-effects: "It's actually going well. People are getting better," Armstrong told NPR, adding that after just a handful of days, some of the 39 patients on the medication are showing signs of improvement. Seley-Radtke's concerns also run counter to the fact that doctors all over the world consider the comination of hydroxychloroquine and Z-Pak to be the best available treatment. Moreover, while hydroxychloroquine can have side effects, for the most part it is an innocuous and beneficial medicine that has saved lives for almost 100 years. For Romo, though, facts are irrelevant, because unnamed scientists say that an urgent situation is no time to abandon ordinary protocols that take years to perform. Worse, implies Romo, even though Armstrongs patients dont have side effects, they could have side-effects. Halfway through the article, Romo gets to Dr. Armstrongs real sin: Hes a GOP activist who used Republican contacts to get the drugs to help his patients: Armstrong, who is a prominent GOP activist, called Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. He says Patrick reached out to Texas state Sen. Bryan Hughes, also a Republican, who knew someone on the board of the New Jersey-based company Amneal Pharmaceuticals. The company, which makes and distributes the drug, has donated more than a million tablets nationwide, including to the states of Texas and Louisiana. Throughout the article, Romo implies that Armstrong, like Mengele himself, is experimenting on unwilling subjects who are unable to defend themselves against his evil practices. Heres how she starts one sentence: He acknowledged that some families were not aware their relatives were put on the drug. It turns out, though, that most residents were able to give consent. In any event, Romo admits that, as Dr. Armstrong told her, [I]t is common for physicians to prescribe new medications to patients without explicit consent from the patient or family members. It's not required, he said. The article ends with a statement that, in July 2019, the nursing home violated 14 state standards. For those accustomed to dealing with state inspectors, thats not bad. Many inspectors justify their salaries by finding things that are wrong. NPR illustrated perfectly Barrs assertion that the media is on a jihad against a medicine that is indeed proving to be a game-changer. This is utterly unprincipled behavior and consistent with everything we've come to expect from a media suffering from unmitigated Trump Derangement Syndrome. With fresh COVID-19 cases reported in hitherto untouched regions of Odisha, the state government on Sunday declared more areas as containment zones to check the spread of the disease, officials said. The administration will conduct surveillance on residents of the areas and trace the persons with whom four new COVID-19 patients had come in contact with, they said. All the four new patients have travel history, with one of them having attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin area, the officials said. With four fresh cases reported in the last 24 hours, the total count in Odisha now stands at 54. The disease has now spread to tribal-dominated Sundargarh district with two of the four new COVID-19 patients hailing from there, taking the total number of affected districts to nine, they said. One of the two COVID-19 patients from the district is a 67-year-old man from Bisra area who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in the national capital, an official said. The other COVID-19 patient is also from the same area. The 18-year-old youth had come in contact with the Tablighi Jamaat congregation attendee, he said. The other two new COVID-19 patients are a 17-year-old girl from Rajnagar area in Kendrapara district who had returned home from Kolkata on March 29 and a 46-year-old man from Jharpada area in Bhubaneswar who is a relative of a person who had died of coronavirus infection, the official said. Following two persons getting afflicted with the disease in Bisra area, the Sundargarh district administration has declared a three-km radius around Bisra Sadar as a containment zone, Collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan said. The area has been sealed preventing any movement into or out of the locality. The containment will continue for the next 48 hours. All the essential commodities will be delivered at the doorsteps of the residents as they are not allowed to venture out of their houses, he said. "We have started location mapping of the patients to find out the persons they had come in contact with. Swab samples of all such persons will be tested," the collector said. The area is being sanitised and movement of public and private transport has been prohibited. All residents have been instructed to stay indoors. There are over 1,500 families in the area, he said. Similar measures have been taken in parts of Rajnagar area in Kendrapara district from where the 17-year-old COVID- 19 patient hails, officials said. Some villages in the area with 150 households have been sealed for the conduct of contact tracing and surveillance, Kendrapada district Collector Samarth Verma said. Swab samples of the COVID-19 patient's family members have been collected for examination, he said, adding that samples of all persons who came in contact with her will also be tested. Six localities in Bhubaneswar comprising 7,992 households have already been sealed and declared containment zones. Surveillance is being conducted on around 4,000 people and samples of some persons suspected to be infected with the disease have been sent for examination, officials said. Surya Nagar, Bomikhal, Satya Nagar, Sunarpada, Kapila Prasad and IB Colony areas in Bhubaneswar have been declared as containment zones. There are three containment zones in Cuttack district and one each in Puri, Ganjam, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Kalahandi districts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 13:16:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest developments on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China: -- Chinese health authority said Sunday that it received reports of 99 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland Saturday, of which 97 were imported. Two new domestically transmitted cases were reported, both in Heilongjiang Province. No death was reported Saturday. -- As of Saturday, the mainland had reported a total of 1,280 imported cases. Of the cases, 481 had been discharged from hospitals after recovery, and 799 were being treated with 36 in severe condition. -- The overall confirmed cases on the mainland had reached 82,052 by Saturday, including 1,138 patients who were still being treated, 77,575 people who had been discharged after recovery, and 3,339 people who died of the disease. -- On Saturday, 63 new asymptomatic cases, including 12 from abroad, were reported on the mainland. A total of 14 asymptomatic cases, all imported, were re-categorized as confirmed cases, and 55 were discharged from medical observation including four imported cases. -- No new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease were reported in central China's Hubei Province Saturday. Hubei had 647 asymptomatic cases under medical observation by Saturday and 20 such cases were reported Saturday. -- Shanghai reported 52 imported cases of the novel coronavirus disease. Among them, 51 were on the same flight from Russia and another came from Canada. A total of 92 people in close contact with the confirmed patients on the flight have been screened and put under quarantine. -- Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Saturday reported two new confirmed COVID-19 cases transmitted locally and 21 new confirmed cases from overseas. All the new imported cases were Chinese nationals returning from Russia. Of them, 14 were previously asymptomatic cases. -- Guangzhou had reported a total of 119 imported cases of the novel coronavirus disease as of midnight Saturday, said Guangzhou mayor Wen Guohui at a press conference Sunday. The city had reported 58 cases of asymptomatic infection by Saturday, of which 20 were from overseas. -- Guangzhou treats all foreign personnel equally and foreign residents should also abide by the local epidemic prevention regulations, officials said at a press conference Sunday. "We take the same prevention and control measures for all personnel entering Guangzhou regardless of their nationality, race and gender," said Liu Baochun, director of the municipal foreign affairs office. "Guangzhou is an open international metropolis and treats all foreign personnel equally. We oppose all forms of differentiation for a specific group of people," Liu said. -- South China's Guangdong Province has demanded all school staff undergo nucleic acid tests before resuming work to lower the risk of novel coronavirus infection. Guangdong will invite medical staff to instruct all schools to conduct epidemic prevention and control, with each school having at least one medical worker on campus. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 11:48:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A primary school teacher in north China's Shanxi Province drew a 32-meter-long chalk painting in three months. He said the painting was inspired by Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, a Chinese classic painting created during the Song Dynasty (960-1297 AD). When Huy Nguyen closed his nail salon in Mobile, Alabama, two weeks ago in response to the coronavirus pandemic, he donated all of the protective equipment in his inventory a few hundred masks and eight boxes of gloves. Nguyen, an owner of Top Nails 2, wasnt alone. Prompted by a Facebook request from a local Vietnamese pharmacist, dozens of other Vietnamese salon owners in Mobile came together and contributed more than 134,000 gloves and 23,000 masks to a nearby hospital. Nguyen later called friends who own salons in other cities and encouraged them to do the same. Fighting this virus is a responsibility for every one of us, he told NBC Asian America. We don't work in the medical field, so we cannot fight the virus directly but we want to share our responsibility and share what we have with the community. As health care professionals report shortages of personal protective equipment, Vietnamese-owned nail salons across the country, which dominate the multibillion-dollar nail industry in the U.S., are donating protective masks and gloves requisite sanitation items in every salon to hospitals in their communities. Zen Nails in Brentwood, Tenn., has converted its space into a small factory producing protective masks and gowns for local hospitals. (Trang Nguyen) Like Nguyen in Mobile, Lisa Nguyen and her parents, owners of Cowboys Nail Bar in Plano, Texas, decided to donate everything they had in stock including 14 boxes of N95 masks to family members who work at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center after hearing about the supply shortages that nurses and doctors were facing. Whatever we have, we only hope it will help not only our family members but their colleagues, Nguyen said. In Brentwood, Tennessee, the co-owners of Zen Nails have taken their efforts one step further. Theyre not only donating supplies, but also converting their nail salon into a small factory producing face masks and gowns. Instead of polish, sewing machines now sit on top of each nail station, and every day employees volunteer for up to nine hours making personal protective equipment for local health care providers. Story continues Salon co-owner Trang Nguyen worked overnight shifts as a registered nurse for several years and said she's still close with many nurses. When I saw a lot of them talking about how they are really short on equipment, I really wanted to help, she said. These people need to be protected before they can take care of patients. I thought we could do masks and gowns because my family knows how to sew. Nguyen closed Zen Nails the week before the governor ordered the closure of all nonessential businesses on April 2. After a deep cleaning, employees went back to work. Nail salon patrons donated sewing machines and funds to buy the raw materials for the personal protective equipment. In the first week, they produced more than 3,000 disposable and reusable face masks and gowns, which have been donated to three local hospitals: St. Thomas Medical Partners, Williamson Medical Center and HCA Healthcare. Certain materials, such as polypropylene and plastic bands, are becoming harder and harder to find, Nguyen said, but she hopes to continue producing masks and gowns. We want to give back to the country and our community, she said. Rosalind Chow, associate professor of organizational behavior and theory at Carnegie Mellon University, said the network effect can amplify charitable acts. People mainly know people who are similar to them, she said. That's why you might see that once one nail salon owner starts organizing something, many more similar businesses will be inclined to contribute to that offer. For business owners and employees to be willing to do this work and give up these resources without knowing whether or not they'll be paid back is a real testament to their desire to help, Chow said. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its non-OPEC allies, led by Russia, on Sunday finally agreed to cut members crude oil production by 9.7 million barrels per day. The final decision is about 300,000 barrels per day lower than the previous 10 million barrels per day adjustment announced at the end of an emergency meeting held online on Thursday. Last weeks meeting was convened by Saudi Arabia, the groups largest producer, to mobilise a consensus to cut global oil supply to stabilise the market and halt declining prices. The meeting became necessary following weeks of oil supply wars between Saudi Arabia and Russia over a proposal to cut oil supply to strengthen the oil market and halt further decline in oil prices amid the worsening impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy. But, the implementation of the resolution from the meeting was jeopardized following the refusal of Mexico, a non-OPEC oil producer, to give its full commitment. As part of the initial proposal, Mexico was to cut output by about 400,000 barrels per day between May and June. However, President Andres Obrador announced later that the countrys national oil company, Pemex, would not be committed to that share of cuts agreed by OPEC+. Mr Obrador said Mexico would cut just 100,000 barrels of oil per day. Consequently, another emergency online meeting, the second in 72 hours, was convened on Sunday to attempt to convince Mexico to change its position and align with other members. At the end of the meeting, also attended by the representatives of Mexico, Canada, and the United States, members resolved to cut a combined volume of 9.7 million barrels per day. Nigeria and other OPEC+ counterparts, including Mexico, affirmed their commitment to the deal. A statement on Sunday said the intervention of the United States persuaded Mexico to agree to the deal. In addition to the initial 100,000 barrels Mexico agreed to cut from its production, U.S. oil producers would complement it with another cut of about 300,000 barrels per day. The additional volume would make up the original volume of 400,000 barrels per day agreed before Fridays meeting. This will enable the rebalancing of the oil markets and the expected rebound of prices by $15 per barrel in the short term, the communique signed by the Secretary-General of OPEC, Mohammed Barkindo, said. Nigerias Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipreye Sylva, said the latest adjustment would also help Nigeria to appropriately balance her 2020 budget estimates, which has since been rebased to $30 per barrel oil price benchmark. Minister State for Petroleum Resources, Timipreye Sylva [PHOTO CREDIT: @SylvaTimipre] In line with the agreement on Sunday, Mr Sylva said Nigeria joined OPEC+ to cut supply by 9.7million barrels per day between May and June 2020. About eight million barrels per day would be cut from members production between July and December 2020 and six million barrels per day from January 2021 to April 2022. Based on Nigerias reference production volume of 1.829 million barrels per day of dry crude oil in October 2018, Mr Sylva said, the countrys oil production would now be adjusted to about 1.412 million barrels per day between May and June 2020. READ ALSO: Subsequently, he said, Nigeria would produce about 1.495 million barrels per day between July and December 2020, while 1.579 million barrels per day would be produced between January 2021 and April 2022. The minister said the volume was in addition to condensate production estimated at between 360,000 and 460,000 barrels per day, which is usually exempted from the OPEC output curtailment computation. The meeting was also attended by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), who is also Nigerias National Representative to OPEC, Mele Kyari. The Washington region reported on Sunday 44 additional deaths caused by the novel coronavirus as the number of known infections grew to 15,397. Maryland reported 30 more deaths, mostly in the Baltimore and District of Columbia metropolitan regions. Anne Arundel County added eight deaths overnight, the most of any jurisdiction in the state. Montgomery County added six deaths, while Prince George's County had five and Baltimore County added four fatalities. Maryland for the first time Sunday began reporting infections by Zip code. The hardest-hit area in the state is a part of Baltimore City with a mostly African American population, followed by three Zip codes in Montgomery County. D.C. reported 97 additional infections and three more deaths, all men, ages 54, 61 and 70. Virginia added 11 deaths and 197 more cases, most in the northern part of the state. Fairfax County reported 61 additional infections, while Arlington and Loudoun counties added 16 and 13 cases, respectively. Data has shown that black D.C. and Maryland residents are disproportionately affected by the virus and are dying at a higher rate than other residents, a trend reflected in national numbers. In television interviews Sunday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, lamented the impact the virus has had on African Americans and said they could not predict when strict social distancing measures would be lifted. "This disparity among African Americans, it is very disturbing," Hogan said Sunday during an interview on ABC's "This Week." "The attention of the state and local government is focused" on the Baltimore-Washington corridor, where most of Maryland's African American population lives, the governor said. In Montgomery County, one of the hardest-hit Zip codes includes the sprawling retirement community of Leisure World. Nearby Wheaton and Colesville also fall largely in the Zip codes with the highest cases of infection, along with Fort Washington in Prince George's County. Starting this week, Montgomery and Prince George's counties will require shoppers at grocery stores, pharmacies and large retail outlets to wear masks. As in D.C., where Bowser issued a similar order last week, Montgomery County is leaving enforcement to businesses. Shoppers will not be penalized for turning up without a mask but may be turned away. The Montgomery order takes effect Monday. The Montgomery rule also requires businesses to provide face coverings to all employees and to limit the number of shoppers in stores. Businesses that do not comply can face a fine of up to $750. In neighboring Prince George's County, a mask requirement goes into effect Wednesday and applies to shoppers and to riders on the county's bus system. Bowser said on "Fox News Sunday" that the virus was "putting a spotlight" on health disparities that have long put black D.C. residents at greater risk. "This is not new," she said, adding that the public health crisis "calls for national and local actions that are going to change the trajectory for African American health outcomes in our nation." Bowser said D.C. remains on track to see coronavirus hospitalizations peak in June, well after other cities, including New York, have experienced the worst of the pandemic. The mayor credited the region's "aggressive" response - closing schools, nonessential businesses, bars and restaurants last month - with extending the area's timeline and preventing a crush of hospitalizations from arriving sooner. The D.C. government has relied on a disease-forecasting model that differs from the one used by the federal government, which predicted the outbreak would peak in mid-April. The White House has relied on the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation - IHME - which estimated that D.C. would hit its peak Saturday. But on Sunday, the mayor said the area had yet to see the worst of the coronavirus crisis. When pressed about whether D.C. would reject a White House push to reopen the country and the economy at the end of April, Bowser said even the most optimistic models indicate that social distancing protocols that necessitate schools remain closed and large gatherings be disbanded should remain in place at least through the end of May. Bowser has said the IHME model used by the White House overestimates the effectiveness of social distancing practices on reducing infections. "When we see sustained periods of decreasing infections, sustained periods of decreasing hospitalization . . . that is a trigger to us to tell us when we can start to get our economy going again," Bowser told Fox host Chris Wallace. "We know we can't just flip a switch and have everything go back to normal because if we do that, we could suffer a rebound and lose all the gains that we've made." Hogan used the same language on ABC, saying he does not have "an artificial deadline" on when restrictions will be lifted and life return to normal. "We can't just pick a date and flip a switch," the governor said. Hogan said a plan to reopen the country has to include widespread testing and contact tracing, calling it "absolutely essential." On Saturday, American Thinker pointed out that Democrat-run jurisdictions, at both the state and the local level, seem to be enjoying a little too much the power that a public health emergency has put into their hands. One of the examples was the order Mayor Greg Fischer issued in Louisville, Kentucky. He banned all Easter services, including drive-ins, and explicitly instructed his police department to write down the license plate numbers of people attending a drive-in Easter Sunday service. The On Fire Christian Center sought an emergency temporary restraining order in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Not only did Judge Justin R. Walker, a Trump appointee, issue the restraining order, he also wrote a stirring and almost poetic defense of religious liberty in America. You can read the entire 20-page decision here, but this post will highlight just a few examples of the points Judge Walker made to support his order. The decision begins by describing how, more than anything else, America was built the idea of religious liberty. He explains how the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth willingly suffered hardships in their search for a promised land and a place to worship freely, and how Americas drive for freedom of worship led to the Constitutions unique promise that government may not interfere with the free exercise of religion. At the time of that Amendments ratification, religious liberty was among the American experiments most audacious guarantees. For millennia, soldiers had fought and killed to impose their religious doctrine on their neighbors. A century before Americas founding, in Germany alone, religious conflict took the lives of one out of every five men, women, and children. But not so in America. Among the reasons the United States is so open, so tolerant, and so free is that no person may be restricted or demeaned by government in exercising his or her religion. (Footnotes omitted.) Walker acknowledges that pockets of America have failed to live up to this audacious idea. Sometimes these actors were individuals and sometimes they were government entities. While individual actors are bad, the consequences are profound when it's government that impinges on religious worship: It threatens liberty of all kinds. Thats because, as de Tocqueville wrote, religion, which among the Americans never directly takes part in the government of society, must be considered as the first of their political institutions; for if it does not give them the taste for liberty, it singularly facilitates use of it. (Footnote omitted.) From this starting point, Walker discusses the facts of the case, which boil down to Mayor Fischers conclusion that COVID-19 allowed him to use police power to block all forms of worship, even if parishioners remained in their cars, separated from each other. Walker acknowledges that society has an interest in preventing a deadly disease from spreading. However, that does not mean the state can engage in a plain, palpable invasion of rights secured by the fundamental law. One of the main problems with Mayor Fischers edict is that it manifestly is not neutral but is targeted at religious worship. The Mayor is fine with other drive-through behaviors, including, for example, drive-through liquor stores. The Mayor also did not ban parking lots, including, again, the parking lots of liquor stores. Indeed, Walker notes, Louisville holds that liquor stores are an essential activity, allowing drive-through liquor stores with pick-up windows, parking in lots outside of liquor stores, and even entering liquor stores while others were shopping. And it was in this context that Judge Walker wrote timeless words that should go down in American judicial history: The Court does not mean to impugn the perfectly legal business of selling alcohol, nor the legal and widely enjoyed activity of drinking it. But if beer is essential, so is Easter. There are several pages more of strong legal analysis supporting Judge Walkers conclusion that Mayor Fischer violated the Constitution. In closing, though, Judge Walker doesnt summon the law. He looks, instead, to the faith that underpins Christianity and that our Constitution protects: Thiruvananthapuram, April 12 : A 41-year-old Keralite, on Sunday, became the third victim of coronavirus in Dubai, taking the total deaths of Keralites in the Middle East to 5. The youth who died was in a private hospital for the past one week. He hails from Thalassery in Kannur district. Two Keralites have been reported to have died in Saudi Arabia, after the pandemic broke out across the globe. Middle East countries like Kuwait, Oman and Qatar have also reported several positive cases. On Saturday, a high level medical team with supplies landed in Kuwait. These deaths in the Middle East have taken place, when there have been numerous demands, from Kerala including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other political leaders, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that all those Keralites who wish to return be brought back in special flights. In case the Centre operates special flights to bring back Keralites, the state health authorities have earmarked places where such people can be kept in isolation. On Sunday, a 73-year-old doctor who hails from Kottayam has been reported to have died in Birmingham in the UK, taking the total number of deaths of Keralites in the UK to six. The maximum deaths of Keralites have been reported in the US besides the UK and the Middle East, taking the total to 34. UNIVERSITY OF GHANA SCIENTISTS SEQUENCE GENOMES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS Scientists at the University of Ghana have successfully sequenced genomes of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic, obtaining important information about the genetic composition of viral strains in 15 of the confirmed cases in Ghana. The scientists, who work at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR College of Health Sciences) and the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP College of Basic and Applied Sciences) at the University, analyzed samples from selected cases to gain a comprehensive understanding of the variations of the virus that are present in the country. Genome sequencing allows for the compilation of the most comprehensive information about an organisms genetic makeup. Using advanced nextgeneration sequencing methods, scientists are able to track and compare viral mutations to understand the origins of imported strains and to discover if any novel strains are emerging locally. The successful establishment of this sequencing capability at University of Ghana is a significant milestone in Ghanas response to the pandemic, as it will strengthen surveillance for tracking mutations of the virus and aid in the tracing of the sources of community infections in people with no known contact with confirmed cases, said Prof. Abraham Anang, Director of NMIMR. Samples analyzed were taken from two travelers who arrived in Ghana from the UK, one from Norway, one from Hungary, one from India, and one traveler who arrived from the United States through the United Arab Emirates. Nine samples were taken from individuals who had no travel history, who are believed to have acquired the infection locally. The data tells us that, while there were some differences between the strains from the various countries, all the 15 genomes generally resembled (with >92% similarity) the reference strain that was isolated in the Wuhan Province of China, where the outbreak began, said Prof. Gordon Awandare, Director of WACCBIP. This confirms that we are dealing with the same pathogen, and that it has not yet changed its genetic make-up significantly. It is natural that pathogens will evolve as they encounter different environmental challenges, so we will need to continue monitoring to keep track with these changes and determine how they impact on the efficacy of potential drugs or vaccines that are being developed, he added. The information from the sequence data has been shared with scientists around the world through an open access platform known as the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database, where other sequences from various countries are stored (https://www.gisaid.org/). The University of Ghana is proud to note that this feat was achieved entirely by local scientists using established local capacity including our Next Generation Sequencing Core and Zuputo, our High Performance Computing system, which are jointly managed by NMIMR and WACCBIP, with support from University of Ghana Computing Systems, said Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Vice Chancellor of the University. We would like to express our gratitude to the Government of Ghana, and all the funding agencies that have provided grants to support the operations of our two flagship centres of excellence for biomedical research, the Vice-Chancellor added. END Contact: Professor Abraham K. Anang- [email protected] More than 100 Australians and New Zealanders landed in Melbourne on Sunday after two weeks stranded aboard a virus-infected cruise ship off Uruguay, officials said. An unmarked charter plane arrived in the morning at Melbourne's Tullamarine carrying roughly 110 passengers from the Greg Mortimer liner, an AFP photographer saw. A small group of New Zealanders immediately transferred to a separate charter plane bound for Auckland. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed the flight had landed safely, tweeting: "Thanks to all involved, a very complex undertaking." Of the 217 mostly elderly tourists aboard, 128 had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and the ship had been blocked from docking in Montevideo before the Uruguayan and Australian governments reached an agreement to bring them home. The Australian and New Zealand tourists on the flight included people who tested negative and others confirmed ill with the virus. The Victoria state health department said unwell Australians and those showing symptoms would be taken to hospitals in Melbourne, while the rest would be transported to a hotel to begin a 14-day quarantine period. 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 travelled to Montevideo as it was the nearest port still open but had been anchored off the coast since March 27. Five remain in Montevideo hospitals, including two Australians who are in intensive care. Their partners remained on the Greg Mortimer rather than taking the flight. Flights from Delhi and Peru were also scheduled to land in Melbourne Sunday, with about 1,200 stranded Australian travellers due to return from overseas on the weekend. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At the event (Photo: VNA) 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 endeavors 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 7th, 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./. Easter is April 12, and typically that means church in the morning and families getting together for a meal and maybe an Easter egg hunt. But this year, coronavirus has changed the way the Christian community is able to celebrate. As a solution, many local churches have gotten creative by hosting virtual masses and even some drive-in ones. >> Click through for information on some of the virtual Easter services in Connecticut. CT Insider took an in-depth look at how religious communities in Connecticut are coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Local religious leaders spoke about their Easter initiatives. First Congregational Church in Guilford has been calling every single member to check in, according to Rev. Ginger Brasher-Cunningham. The churchs director of children and youth ministries will lead virtual games on Easter Sunday. >> Click here for our CT Insider story on how faith communities in Connecticut are coping with the pandemic. In Milford, the Christ Presbyterian Church will hold a Drive-By Easter Egg Hunt. Participants are asked to make an egg large enough to be visible from the street and place it in a window of a home, business, yard, tree or post. Then, according to the church, participants should take a photo of the egg and post it as a comment on a Facebook video. And in Ansonia, the Reclaim Christian Church is inviting people to experience their Easter service sitting in their cars parked in the Ansonia High School lots. Rev. Dr. Robert A. Jackson Jr. of Stamfords Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church told Hearst the act of physically being in a church is not what's important. We believe that the church is not the building, the church is within us, Jackson said. Prisoners at Tuminting Prison in Manado went on a rampage and set fire to buildings amid fears of a COVID-19 outbreak. Manado, Indonesia A riot in a prison in Indonesias North Sulawesi province where at least one guard is reportedly exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms has highlighted the risk posed by the coronavirus the Southeast Asian nations 524 overcrowded jails. On Saturday afternoon, the inmates of Tuminting Prison in the city of Manado went on a rampage and set fire to buildings. Hundreds of police and soldiers later stormed the jail with live rounds being fired and at least one inmate shot in the chest, according to a source at the facility and various local media reports. On Sunday morning, Manado police chief Ponidin, who like many Indonesians goes by one name only, told Al Jazeera the situation at Tuminting Prison had been brought under control. He said he did not know the cause of the riot and declined to comment further. However, online newspaper Sindo Manado reported the riot began after rumours spread among the inmates that a guard was suspected to have the coronavirus. When demands for mass testing by other inmates went unanswered by prison authorities, they became incensed and demanded to be released. There has been no confirmed case of COVID-19 inside Indonesias correctional facilities. But a source inside Tuminting Prison, who spoke on condition of anonymity over fears of reprisal, said officials were trying to hide the start of an outbreak. There are other prisoners with symptoms but there are no testing kits so they cant confirm a thing. They dont want it to come out, but the jails are probably full of it, the source said. Hotel K John McLeod of Tora Solutions, an Australian security firm that assists foreign inmates around the world, says the situation is also volatile inside Balis Kerobokan Prison. Known as Hotel K, the facility was designed for 352 inmates but currently houses 1,670, including 76 foreigners. The prison officials at Kerobokan are really trying. They are not just sitting back. They are getting prisoners out into the sun and disinfecting the grounds, McLeod said. But resources in Indonesia are very limited. There are no testing kits and social distancing in a prison that has four or five times the population it is supposed to have is impossible. So there is a legitimate fear, especially among the foreign inmates because consulate staff have all fled and there is no consular assistance. Officials at Kerobokan Prison have also banned visitors since March 31 and introduced infrared body temperature scanners to prevent guards from bringing the disease inside. But according to John Miller, a mathematical epidemiologist at Australias La Trobe University, taking peoples temperatures does not provide much security because the evidence suggests that a decent amount of COVID-19 transmission comes from infected people who are yet to show symptoms. In Jakarta, Minister for Law and Human Rights Yasonna Hamonangan Laoly signed a decree at the beginning of April to release more than 30,000 inmates to reduce overcrowding and COVID-19 infection rates. But that still leaves the countrys prisons with about 100,000 more inmates than they were designed to hold. And the decree does not appear to apply to any of the 627 foreign inmates and detainees in Indonesia, including Donya Louise Preston, a South African woman serving 20 years for drug trafficking at Tuminting Prison. No reprieve for foreign inmates Back at Kerobokan Prison, where approximately 300 Indonesian prisoners have already been released amid a handful of male and female inmates exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms McLeod is telling his clients not to hold their breaths. I have seen documentation where it says 53 foreigners who have completed two-thirds of their sentence and been identified for early release, but in the same document it also says foreigners are not included, so its causing a bit of angst. The hardest thing for me is letting them know, especially people like Matty, he said, referring to Matthew Norman, an Australian drug smuggler serving a life sentence without eligibility for parole. Matty was a teenager when he was caught. He knows what he did was wrong and has been behind bars for nearly 17 years now. Hes done remarkable work in the prison and is a great benefit to everyone there. The warden has been writing letters to Indonesias President for years to try to get him out. Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade did not immediately respond to enquiries. McLeod says his attempts to engage the department over the fate of Norman and five other Australian inmates at Kerobokan he represents have not been successful. My gut feeling is I dont think anyone is going to come and rescue them. They will have to bear it unless the death count climbs so high it becomes unbearable for the Indonesian government and they let all the prisoners go. Prison riots could spread Craig Cumming, a research associate at the School of Population and Global Health at the University of Western Australia who studies the mental health of inmates in Australian prisons, said the Australian government should appeal for clemency for its citizens jailed in Indonesia given the extraordinary circumstances. Where a prison is so overcrowded and they cannot physically distance people, I can imagine that there will be a high level of anxiety and prisoners would take risks they would not normally take by rioting and making weapons, he said. And I suspect those prisons are not well staffed with enough guards, so if something did happen in there it would be much more difficult to control. Cumming added: I think there is also probably a high risk of it spreading to other prisons in Indonesia. Ross Taylor, president of the Indonesia Institute, a foreign policy think-tank at Melbournes Monash University, concurred. Indonesian prisons are unique in that many prisoners have mobile phone and access to the outside world, and what concerns us is that what happened in Manado last night will become widespread through the country, he said. Its an extremely disturbing development but not one that is surprising because we have known for a month now that testing regimes in Indonesia are hopelessly inadequate, Taylor said, reflecting data by pandemic website Woldometer that shows Indonesia has one of the poorest testing rates in the world. Only 71 in every million people in the country have been tested compared with 1,030 per million in Thailand, 8,068 in the United States and 15,730 per million in Germany. When such low testing is combined with overcrowding in prisons, the poor areas of Jakarta and even in hospitals, it is inevitable that it was going to cause major problems for the government and virtually explode, he said. And that is something Australia right next door needs to be very cognizant of. The harrowing images of thousands of cars lined up at Thursdays San Antonio Food Bank distribution have captured the attention of the nation and caused some people to reach for their wallets to help out, 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. Five hours later, more than $70,000 in donations poured in. (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 the scene of Thursdays record-setting distribution. (I)m gonna make a donation if you wanna join together for a big donation then send it, he tweeted along with information for multiple mobile payment platforms that people could send donations too. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases Throughout the day Serrano gave updates on how the effort was going. Within the first hour $21,000 was raised. In less than three hours $50,000 was raised. By 2:30 p.m., they had reached $73,000. (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. This heart-wrenching reality of the amount of people that need help during the economic fallout, from the coronavirus pandemic, became crystal clear this week at the San Antonio Food Bank. The Food Bank is facing demands more than twice the normal size: feeding 120,000 per week instead of 58,000, said Eric Cooper the president and CEO of the organization. On ExpressNews.com: In the biggest turnout yet, 10,000 slam San Antonio Food Bank seeking help Thus far, the Food Bank has 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. Although Thursdays distribution kicked off at 10 a.m., at least one person arrived 6 p.m. Wednesday and many others were lined up by dawn. About 6,000 households had preregistered for the event, but on the day thousands more showed up. The distribution began with a million pounds of food on hand. But with so many people flooding in, food began to run out, and the Food Bank had to send more trucks. Cooper said donations from individuals and food companies helped get them through the week, but unless there is a miracle in the supply chain they are going to keep eating away at their existing 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 mega distribution is scheduled for April 17 at the Alamodome. Donations, through Serranos effort, to the San Antonio Food Bank continued to pour in throughout the day. And although there are no distributions this weekend, Serrano guaranteed when the organization kicks back into high gear next week there will be a big fat check waiting for them. Reports by Tom Orsborn contributed to this story. Jarrod Woodgate is currently spending Easter Sunday with The Bachelor's Renee Barrett while his girlfriend Sam Royce is at work. During the festivities, the Bachelor in Paradise star, 34, was hilariously pranked by Renee with an Easter-themed trick. The healthcare coordinator, 25, covered raw chicken eggs with chocolate before giving one to Jarrod to eat, posting a video of his reaction to Instagram. 'Didn't suspect a thing!' The Bachelorette's Jarrod Woodgate (left) was pranked by The Bachelor's Renee Barrett (right) with a chocolate-covered RAW egg on Sunday 'Cheers! You did a good job,' Jarrod said in the video before tucking into what he thought was an Easter egg. But the Bachelor in Paradise star quickly realised that it was actually a normal egg and gagged before spitting it out into the sink. An egg yolk, white and a shell could be seen in the sink, confirming that it was in fact a chicken's egg. 'Didn't suspect a thing,' Renee captioned the hilarious clip. 'Cheers! You did a good job,' Jarrod said in the video before tucking into what he thought was an Easter egg Grim: An egg yolk, white and a shell could be seen in the sink, confirming that it was in fact a chicken's egg She also tagged fellow Bachelor contestant Sam Royce in the clip, so she did not miss out on her boyfriend being pranked. Sam, 29, is a public servant who is working over the Easter long weekend while Jarrod and Renee hang out in her Darwin home. Before going to work, Sam set up an Easter egg hunt for Jarrod and Renee but it was so hard they had to call her for help. 'Your hint is, one of the dates we were planning for something to do with your cookbook,' Sam said over the phone. Hard worker: Sam, 29, is a public servant who is working over the Easter long weekend while Jarrod and Renee hang out in her Darwin house. She is pictured with Jarrod on Saturday 'One of the dates? Well we did plan a picnic,' Jarrod said, before looking in a draw with picnic rugs and discovering the eggs. Sam's phone call also revealed vineyard manager Jarrod is apparently working on a cookbook with some date-themed recipes. Jarrod, who is from Gippsland, Victoria, flew to Darwin two weeks ago to spend self-isolation with Sam before the NT closed its borders amid the coronavirus pandemic. A group of Nihangs chopped off an officer's hand and injured three other Punjab policemen Sunday after being stopped from violating the lockdown in Patiala district, triggering a police operation in which shots were fired and 11 people arrested at a gurdwara. Assistant Sub Inspector Harjeet Singh's hand was cut off with a sword and three other policemen injured when the group travelling in an SUV attacked them outside the wholesale vegetable market in Sanaur town. A mandi' official was also hurt. The group fled after the attack and holed itself up in the Nihang Dera complex which also houses Gurdwara Khichdi Sahib at Balbera village, about 25 km from Patiala city. The stand-off at the gurdwara last hours, till police entered it and arrested 11 people, including the five involved in the mandi attack. A Nihang Dera member, Nirbhav Singh, suffered a gunshot wound and was admitted to Patiala hospital, police said. Meanwhile, doctors at Chandigarh's PGIMER re-attached ASI Harjeet Singh's left hand after an operation which lasted over seven hours, officials said. A video clip on social media appears to show him seeking help after the attack. A man picks up the severed hand and gives it to the officer. He is then taken away from the scene on a two-wheeler. The ASI was rushed to Rajindra hospital nearby and then referred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). The three other injured policemen are Sadar Patiala station house officer Bakkar Singh, ASI Raj Singh and ASI Raghbir Singh. They were deployed outside the mandi, enforcing the lockdown to contain coronavirus. Only those carrying curfew passes were being allowed into the market. The Nihangs -- members of a Sikh sect whose adherents carry traditional arms and wear blue robes -- arrived in an SUV and were asked to stop by mandi' officials, police said "They were asked to show passes. But they rammed the vehicle against the gate and the barricades," Patiala's Senior Superintendent of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. The Nihangs then attacked the policemen and fled to their dera. Police called Baba Balwinder Singh who heads it the main perpetrator of the attack. In their operation, policemen led by Inspector General (Patiala Zone) Jatinder Singh Aaulakh stopped the movement of people a kilometer away from the gurdwara and surrounded it, police said. Several policemen took positions in nearby fields. Special Operation Group SOG) of Punjab Police was involved. Media was barred from going near the gurdwara. Police said three pistols, some used cartridges, two petrol bombs, spears, swords, LPG cylinders, five bags of poppy husk, other drugs in commercial quantities and Rs 39 lakh in cash were seized. We requested them through the public address system to surrender but they refused, Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta told PTI. The Nihangs inside hurled abuses at the policemen Local people, including a sarpanch, also went inside to talk to them but they did not relent, police said. Police said the Nihangs had placed cooking gas cylinders along the Dera perimeter and were preparing to set off explosions. Policemen heard loud shouts inside the gurdwara premises, suggesting the possible presence of some innocent people and hostages. They then moved in to flush out the group of Nihangs. A few shots were fired at the policemen. Punjab's Special Chief Secretary K B S Sidhu said police acted in a respectful manner when they went inside the gurdwara. The police party observed full Maryada while entering the Gurdwara premises. There were also women and children inside, who were unharmed, and have been left secure within the Gurdwara as before, he tweeted. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said he has given instructions to police to deal with anyone breaking the law in the strictest possible manner. Akali Dal stalwart Parkash Singh Badal too condemned the attack. There is no place for violence in a civilised society, he said. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Gobind Singh Longowal flayed the attack and asked people to follow curfew restrictions. An attempt to murder case has been registered at Sadar police station for the attack on policemen. Another case has been registered against 11 people, including a woman, under the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and laws relating to disaster management and explosive substances. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A mother and her six-year-old son tragically died in a house fire despite her husband's heroic attempts to save them. Chanra Moore and her son Olli died after a blaze broke out in their unit at Biggera Waters, on the Gold Coast, at about 1.30am on Saturday. Ms Moore's husband Nathan tried to rescue the pair before falling from the first floor unit. He then collided with their pet cat as it leaped out the window, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. It's understood neighbours had to stop Mr Moore from trying to re-enter the burning apartment to save the mother and son. Chanra Moore and her son Olli (pictured) died after a blaze broke out in their unit on Saturday A ferocious fire engulfed the unit at Biggera Waters, on the Gold Coast, at about 1.30am on Saturday The distressed father was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital suffering smoke inhalation and shock. Police weren't able to locate the charred remains of the mother and son until about 12 hours later. A distraught neighbour said she heard banging noises and screams. 'By the time we got down the place was in flames, it was really bad,' Canan Ozcan said. 'Police came, fire trucks came, ambulances came but it was so bad they just couldn't do anything. We were praying that everyone was okay and safe but it was obvious that they weren't.' Police weren't able to locate the charred remains of the mother and son until about 12 hours later 'Everyone is devastated. I heard another lady say her son was going to school with this little boy. She was devastated. It's just a tragedy. It's such a terrible, terrible thing to happen.' At this stage police do not believe the blaze, which damaged eight units, started in suspicious circumstances. Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler earlier said emergency workers had trouble gaining access to the site because of the extensive damage. Senior Sergeant Brett Macgibbon told the ABC police were unable to locate Ms Moore and her son during the evacuation. '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.' Many operational responses to the Covid-19 crisis have the potential to have a detrimental effect on an organisations cyber security. Existing risks could be missed as security expenditure is cut, controls are relaxed, and IT changes are rushed through without the routine change protocols. The transition to remote working for the majority of staff creates its own cyber-risks, with network access being requested from multiple locations. We have already seen evidence that cyber attackers are already exploiting the extraordinary response caused by Covid-19. The criminal threat actor behind Emotet, which provides malware delivery services, began using Covid-19 phishing lures in January, while the crisis was still in its early stages. Other actors have since followed suit, with hundreds of new Covid-19-themed phishing lures appearing every day. We have identified criminal and state-sponsored campaigns exploiting the crisis, and in more recent days Interpol has warned that hospitals fighting Covid-19 are at risk of ransomware attacks. We expect they will also use virtual private network and video conferencing software lures to take advantage of users unfamiliar with remote working. There are key ways to mitigate cyber security risks, which include securing the organisations remote working practices. Covid-19 has forced businesses to shift to remote working at scale and at pace. The IT infrastructure and requirements of many businesses changed, and so has the range of attack points for cyber criminals. Making sure the right controls been applied to new systems or tools to support employees with remote working is important, as is ensuring existing procedures and good practices are being maintained. Businesses need to take a number of essential actions to ensure their cyber security while employees work from home. Firms need to tell their staff that cyber attacks are more likely and to be aware of agreed remote working practices and to take responsibility for their connected activities. They also need to advise users to only use approved solutions and need to prevent them from using open-source or free cloud-based software unless they are cleared by the company for use. They need to ensure remote access systems are fully patched and securely configured, review crisis-based tactical actions, and implement security controls which may have been overlooked initially. Firms must also ensure remote access systems are resilient to withstand distributed denial-of-service attacks and should advise employees on safe habits when working from home, including finding a secure place at home to work ensuring that no one can read their screen or access their computer and to never leave devices unlocked while dealing with a domestic matter. They need to ensure they have adequate cover for any key dependencies within their cyber security teams. In turn, this will mean maximising the use of automation to perform key cyber security activities. Other issues include identifying and monitoring critical security activities and reviewing how key users are going to perform key tasks, as well as deploying asset tooling to ensure continued visibility as systems move away from the internal network. As well as reinforcing the organisations security technology, businesses must remain alert for opportunistic threats. A big part of this will involve providing employees with specific guidance on how to spot suspicious activity. Organisations should also guard against the increased risk of insider threats and warn finance teams of the increased risks of business email compromise attacks which may attempt to exploit different or new ways of working, such as unauthorised requests for fraudulent electronic funds transfers. Organisations should also guard against the increased risk of insider threats where third parties are performing key activities such as system administration and IT support. Where possible, organisations should apply controls across their IT infrastructure that can track and monitor this type of activity. Will OBrien is director at the PwC Cyber Practice Statement from Johnsons office says he will recuperate at his country home and will not return to work immediately. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery from COVID-19 at his country residence of Chequers, his office has said. 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, a spokesperson said. Johnson, 55, was taken to St Thomas Hospital in central London on April 5, after suffering from persistent symptoms of the disease caused by the new coronavirus. On April 6, he was moved into intensive care, where he remained until April 9. In his first public statement since he left hospital, Johnson said he owes his life to the National Health Service (NHS) staff who treated him. It is hard to find the words to express my debt to the NHS for saving my life, he said in a video address published on his official Twitter channel on Saturday. He also thanked the public for their effort to stay indoors to slow the spread of COVID-19. The efforts of millions of people across this country to stay home are worth it. Together we will overcome this challenge, as we have overcome so many challenges in the past, Johnson said. It is hard to find the words to express my debt to the NHS for saving my life. The efforts of millions of people across this country to stay home are worth it. Together we will overcome this challenge, as we have overcome so many challenges in the past. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/HK7Ch8BMB5 Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 12, 2020 While he convalesces, Johnson has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to handle the nations response to the pandemic. The United Kingdom has been in an effective lockdown since March 23 and the government is set to extend the restrictions sometime this week. But Johnsons Conservative government has come under fire for its slow response to confronting the pandemic allowing tens of thousands to gather at the Cheltenham horse racing festival in mid-March, for example. It has also faced criticism for its slow rollout of a coronavirus testing programme. Over the past few days, the government has also faced acute criticism for the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for front-line workers in hospitals, amid reports that some nurses have had to resort to cutting up rubbish bags to cover themselves. Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed on Saturday that 19 front-line workers have died from the virus. The Royal College of Nursing has piled more pressure on the government, urging members to refuse to treat patients as a last resort if adequate protections are not provided. Business Secretary Alok Sharma stopped short on Sunday of apologising for the lack of medical masks and gowns but said it is absolutely right that no medical professional should be placed in a position where they have to make that choice. That is why we are making sure we get the equipment to the front line, he told Sky News. Rising death toll Figures later on Sunday are expected to show that over 10,000 people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus. That would make the UK the fourth European country after Italy, Spain and France to reach that grim milestone, even with its limited testing. On Saturday, the UK reported 917 new coronavirus-related deaths in its hospitals for an overall death toll of 9,875. The UK total only includes deaths in hospitals. While the number of new cases and hospitalisations appears to have plateaued, deaths are still rising. Tiruchirappalli: A 40 year-old COVID-19 positive patient was on Sunday booked for "attempt to murder" after he allegedly spat on a doctor treating him at the government hospital, police said. It was a serious crime under the present conditions with so many restrictions in force to prevent the spread of coronavirus, they said. The patient, admitted to the hospital's coronavirus ward on Saturday, also removed his mask and threw it at the doctor, enraging the hospital staff and other patients. Ever since his admission in the ward, he has not been cooperating with the medical staff, they added. Meanwhile, reports from Nagapattinam district stated that a 65-year-old doctor, running a private clinic at Kadambadi in the district has tested positive for the virus after his return from the US three weeks back. The district administration has appealed to the people who received treatment from the doctor to voluntarily come forward and subject themselves to medical examination. People could contact the officials on 9751425002 and 9500493022 to pass on information in this connection, it said. Tamil Nadu has reported the third highest number of positive coronavirus cases in the country after Maharashtra and Delhi, with a total of 969 confirmed cases, and 11 deaths so far. The agriculture ministry, in the last few weeks, issued guidelines and letters to states to ensure agriculture and food products reach consumers in a timely manner, while farmers dont have to come to the mandis to sell them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon state governments to quickly make necessary changes to rules governing their mandis so that direct marketing of farm produce can be done without crowding the markets. Addressing the chief ministers during a four-hour long meeting to discuss the modalities for extending the lockdown, Modi said that model Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) laws should be reformed swiftly. Such steps will help farmers sell products at their doorstep, the Prime Minister said. The agriculture ministry, in the last few weeks, issued guidelines and letters to states to ensure agriculture and food products reach consumers in a timely manner, while farmers dont have to come to the mandis to sell them. This, according to officials, is meant to ensure that farmers, commission agents, sellers and buyers dont crowd the mandis. However, as agriculture is a state subject, the Central government has limited powers to ensure implementation of the guidelines. The measures suggested include limiting jurisdiction of the APMCs to their physical premises, allowing big retailers and even commodity processors to buy directly from farmers and decentralising authority for issuing passes. This will help in the movement of essential goods and critical persons engaged in essential services. The letters written by the Union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare advised states to relax rules governing the APMC Act and mandis for three months. This will allow farmers to sell crops directly to bulk buyers, processors, and big retailers without a licence. States have been asked to limit jurisdiction of all APMCs to the physical premises of notified markets only for three months. That apart, all warehouses registered with the Warehouse Development and Regulatory Authority are being notified as market yards. This will help farmers sell at their doorstep and all processors and bulk users can buy from them without going to mandis. Besides, letters by the home secretary to all administrators and the agri ministry to all state chief secretaries have called for decentralising authorisation while issuing passes to move around for providing essential services. The Centre has relaxed norms for trading on the e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform, which is linked to 585 mandis in 16 states. In these letters, all items of food and grocery, which are consumed by people daily, have been defined as essential goods. States and administrators have been told to follow this definition of essential goods. District authorities are issuing passes to carry out activities and services that are essential and under exempted category. However, those businesses having nationwide supply chain of essential goods are facing difficulties. States administrators and chief secretaries have also been told that designated authorities under Railways, ports, and airports should be allowed to issue passes to staff and contractual labour that are essential for such services. They have also been told to mobilise resources to take advantage of the special trains carrying essential goods. Indian Railways is running 134 trains in 67 routes, carrying perishable commodities such as fruits, milk and dairy products. The ministry has also allowed farmer producer organisations or FPOs to sell on e-Nam without bringing the produce to mandis. Photograph: Reuters Pope Francis on Sunday called for the reduction or forgiveness of the debt of poor nations suffering in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. "May all nations be put in a position to meet the greatest needs of the moment through the reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations," the Pope said in a livestreamed Easter message from an empty Saint Peter's Basilica. He called for solidarity the world over to confront the epochal challenge posed by the global health crisis and urged political leaders in particular to give hope and opportunity to laid-off workers. Francis urged world leaders to initiate sanctions relief and cease-fires to calm conflicts and financial crises around the globe. He offered special prayers for the sick, the dead, the elderly, refugees and the poor. He also offered thanks and encouragement to doctors and nurses who have worked to the point of exhaustion and not infrequently at the expense of their own health. Francis urged the European Union to step up to the epochal challenge posed by COVID-19 and resist the tendency of selfishness and division. He recalled that Europe rose again after World War II thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past. He said this is not a time for self-centredness, because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons. The Delhi police on Sunday used a drone to monitor activities at at Keshopur Sabzi Mandi here and see if people are violating the social distancing norms amidst the lockdown. The security personnel have also recorded a video of the vegetable market via a camera mounted on the drone to spot the defaulters. Also, a couple of more prevention measures were taken by the cops to halt the spread of deadly virus. The Delhi Police today only allowed traders to sell their produce from 5 am to 12 pm at the vegetable market. Commercials vehicle from today will not be allowed to be parked at the premises of the vegetable market after a validated period. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japans prime minister has drawn anger from worried citizens after Tweeting a video of himself relaxing at home on his sofa with his dog, drinking tea and reading a book in a bid to encourage people to stay at home as the coronavirus outbreak worsens. Shinzo Abe posted the video on Sunday in reponse to a post by popular musician Gen Hoshino who uploaded a video of himself singing about dancing indoors. Mr Abe captioned the post: I cant meet friends. No drinking party. However, these actions have surely saved many lives. And, at this very moment, it will also reduce the burden on healthcare professionals who are struggling in the toughest settings. Thank you for your cooperation. Mr Hoshinos song contains the line: Lets survive and dance, each one of us, wherever we are, all of us as one, lets sing at home. The video has been criticised as 'tone deaf' at a time when many citizens are anxious about the potential impact of the pandemic and fear severe financial hardship if they cannot go to work. The state of emergency was initially declared over major prefectures including Tokyo and Osaka, but was expanded nationwide later. People have been asked to work from home and businesses to shut down. A film critic and magazine founder, Tomohiro Machiyama, said: What the prime minister needs to do to keep people at home is not show a video of him relaxing at home, but to protect peoples lives with benefits and compensation so they can stay at home with peace of mind. One person said in response to Mr Abes video: I work at a supermarket. Coronavirus is occurring nearby. But I cant take a break and Im scared every day. Another person said: Its not tough not to be able to meet friends or to have a drinking party. Its hard to get a test even though the coronavirus-like symptoms continue and I dont know how long the symptoms will last. I feel like I have been abandoned by my country. Dont forsake people in home remedies like me [sic]. At a time when people are fighting for survival, to show a video of such luxury one cant help but wonder, who do you think you are? said another user. The coronavirus outbreak has infected over 6,000 people in Japan, reported public broadcaster NHK on Saturday. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) Senator Juan Miguel Migz Zubiri announced on Sunday that he has recovered from the deadly coronavirus. Today we celebrate Easter Sunday as the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As a day of thanksgiving I would also like to thank God and our Lord for a second chance in my life by healing me from Covid 19, said Zubiri in a Facebook post. Zubiri has just received from the Makati City health office his second negative result, which is required for all COVID-19 patients to be considered as having recovered from the disease. Thank you so much Dr. Paz Corrales of the DOH and maam Wheng Hetrosa of the Makati City Health for taking care of me, Zubiri said. The senator first announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on March 16 after having interacted with a COVID-19 patient in the Senate. Since the first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported in our state last month, life as we know it has changed drastically. Life at UNM has also changed, but our mission has not, nor has the deep public responsibility we share to serve all New Mexicans. Even as we practice social distancing, the Lobo community has come together to create new opportunities. This devastating global health crisis has demonstrated U.S. institutions of higher education serve society in so many important ways. Across the nation, public research universities are at the forefront of science and medicine, making vital contributions to our understanding of and response to COVID-19 as they develop screening tests, antiviral treatments and vaccines. New Mexico has invested in our states public colleges and universities, and we are seeing the returns in academic continuity and student success, scientific and medical advances, and community engagement. UNM is the only R1, very high research, university in New Mexico, as well as home to the UNM Health Sciences Center (HSC), the only academic medical center in the state. Our health and emergency management experts have been called to serve at the state level, advancing our collective goal to flatten the curve. Anticipating a scarcity of personal protective equipment, UNM engineers, biologists and mathematicians have engaged with community partners to study, design, and produce effective face masks, and assess ways to safely disinfect them for reuse. Under the leadership of Paul Roth, Chancellor for Health Sciences, UNM HSC physicians, health care professionals and researchers are at the front lines of this pandemic, working tirelessly and selflessly and tending to those who are sick with the highest standards of care and dignity. And we have been enrolling patients in potentially life-saving clinical trials and painstakingly preparing for a surge of COVID-19 patients. The UNM academic enterprise has been nimble in its transition to remote instruction across all of our campuses and our faculty have been positive and proactive in developing creative solutions for grading and granting course credits to ensure our students will continue to learn and then graduate on time. Laboratories continue cutting-edge research, our libraries offer invaluable online resources, our IT department has worked to provide students access to laptops and Wi-Fi, and our housing and dining services continue to operate to serve those students whose only best choice was to remain living in campus housing. UNM staff, especially those who remain safely on site to ensure the university continues to function and that critical services are provided, exemplify character and service in these extraordinary times. Over 14 million students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities have been affected by the recent actions their institutions have taken to ensure their health, well-being, safety, and rigorous intellectual development. Each day our students inspire the best in all of us with their resilience and tenacity as they adapt not only to changes in learning, but disruptions in their entire university experience. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the willingness they have shown to collaborate and innovate is laying the groundwork for how they perceive, adapt to, and shape their, and our, futures. How we rise to meet this challenge will define who we are as Lobos, New Mexicans and Americans for generations to come. The days ahead will likely stretch many of us to our limits, but I am proud to say were already defining new opportunities to educate, discover, improve health outcomes and serve our communities. As Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has said: we are in this together. UNM is always here for you, New Mexico. Health disparities by race in this country are well documented. African American mothers are more likely to die in child birth, or shortly after, than white moms. Rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity are also higher in racial minorities, who are also more likely to die from these diseases. And studies have shown many of these inequalities exist even when you take income out of the equation. Yet, as the country battles its biggest health crisis in decades, with no end in site, our federal and state health officials have not been tracking deaths from COVID-19 by race. This despite the fact that all the underlying health conditions people of color are more likely to suffer from will increase their chances of death from COVID-19. African American lawmakers across the country are calling for this vital demographic information to be included in data collection and released to the public and rightfully so. The state is already tracking deaths and cases by age, gender and geographic location, why would they not make the data available by race as well? Health officials will not get a clear and detailed picture of the progression of the disease if they dont. American cities with large African American populations including Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and New Orleans are quickly becoming hot spots for the virus, and the handful of areas that have begun collecting race data show black residents are disproportionately affected. Perhaps testing needs to be targeted in such communities. For example, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released COVID-19 data on its residents that included breakdowns by age, sex, race and ethnicity. It showed black and African Americans made up 35% of their confirmed COVID-19 cases, even though they make up only 12% of the population. Black people so far accounted for 40% of Michigans coronavirus deaths. In Chicago, about 68% of coronavirus deaths have involved African Americans, who make up only about 30% of the total population. Now they must dig into the reasons why theres such a disparity. Studies have shown that bias, whether explicit or implicit, can sometimes result in racial minorities not getting the best care. For instance, it has been found that doctors dont always believe African Americans pain levels so will give them inadequate doses of medication. Race data can show patterns of treatment for coronavirus. Are people of color getting tested, and are they being hospitalized? Or are they being turned away by doctors and not diagnosed until the symptoms are so bad there is little chance of survival? We have to collect the data to know this. Already, there have been stories about COVID-19 victims who died after doctors didnt test them early enough, including an African American teacher in New York who was turned away more than once before rushed to the hospital barely able to breathe. The doctors could have been perfectly justified; we dont know, which is among the many reasons its important to look for patterns of potential racial bias. Virginia is recording race, but the system is inconsistent. A chart provided by the Virginia Department of Health showed that the information was missing for most of the cases. That is unacceptable. Collecting complete demographic data must be prioritized as the spread of the disease intensifies if we are to correct any disparities now, in real time. We dont want to discover a year from now that something more could have been done to save lives. Having this information in retrospect will be too late. Baltimore Sun Stepping forward to help in the fight against coronavirus from behind the high walls of their jails, hundreds of Rajasthan's prisoners are busy cooking food, stitching masks, packing protection kits and manufacturing thousands of litres of sanitiser each day. About 400 inmates of various prisons in the desert state cook for 1,500 to 2,000 people, many of them migrant workers on their way home but stuck because of the lockdown or homeless people housed in shelter homes. They also help meet the demand for sanitiser, masks and packed dry rations from government departments NGOs and hospitals. The sanitiser and the masks are marketed under the brand name Aashayein (hope). Officials of the state's prison department said inmates of about 50 central and district jails in the state make a simple meal of dal, roti and a vegetable for those left without any jobs and money. Besides, masks are prepared in 10 jails and sanitiser manufactured in the Jaipur Open Jail. "The prisoners are aware of what is happening around the country and have extended their wholehearted support, Director General of Prisons N R K Reddy told PTI. The prisoners lodged in various jails were quick to volunteer for whatever they could do to help society in its fight against the disease, the 1986 batch IPS officer added. "Their support encouraged us and we implemented a plan of manufacturing masks and sanitiser. Their enthusiasm and participation was overwhelming," he said. The corona project' started about two weeks ago, shortly after the 21-day lockdown was announced on March 24, triggering an exodus of migrant workers from cities to villages. "Everyday, food is prepared for nearly 1,500 to 2,000 such people by prisoners of various jails and the same gets distributed at various camps set up by the state government," explained Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Vikas Kumar. The 2004 batch IPS officer said the prisoners have also been busy manufacturing masks and sanitiser as well as assembling home protection kits and packing dry rations. The numbers are impressive, he said. "In the last 15 days, the prisoners have produced nearly 1.25 lakh masks. Of these, nearly 50,000 have been used by the jail staff and inmates and the remaining have been supplied to various departments of police, government offices, hospitals and NGOs, Kumar told PTI The masks are also available over the counter in various central jails. The sanitiser is made in the open jail at Jaipur in collaboration with a Hyderabad-based firm," he added. About 3,000 to 4,000 litres per day of sanitiser has been prepared so far in the last fortnight. "Some of it is used for internal consumption while the rest is marketed under Aashayein, which is an enterprise of Rajasthan prisons." Quality control, an essential part, is being done at the prison level as well as by the government department which procures it. "Around 400 prisoners per day are involved in the task that has been undertaken by the Rajasthan jail department," Kumar said. The other supplies include home protection kits comprising masks, sanitiser, medicated soaps and phenyl. "We have hired an e-rickshaw which even delivers it at home in case the order is a big one," Kumar said. The prison inmates have also been involved in packing dry rations procured by government agencies or NGOs. "Some of the NGOs and government departments approached us for helping them in packaging dry ration for distribution and I found the inmates to be enthusiastic about the job," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) JP McMahon said he now wonders what is even the point in having business interruption insurance. The Galway chef and restaurant owner said the hospitality sector is being left out to dry by the insurance sector. I inquired whether I would be covered, but my claim was rejected. Its very frustrating. Its supposed to be insurance against closure, but when we close, we get nothing, he said. Publicans and restaurant owners across the country have vented their frustration at the insurance industrys handling of business interruption claims during the Covid-19 shutdown. Many businesses were hoping that they could use their insurance to pay their staff and cover their loss in earnings, as well as easing the burden on the public coffers by not having to rely on the pandemic unemployment payment or the temporary wage subsidy scheme. However, the insurance companies have said that most business interruption insurance policies do not provide cover for a global pandemic, so they cannot payout. Officials from the Department of Finance held discussions with Insurance Ireland and most of the key insurers in the Irish market have agreed to reduce premiums for business customers to reflect the reduced level of exposure with many business premises now shut. However, in relation to claims, Sinn Feins finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty criticised the insurance industry for the stance they have taken. He said he has been contacted by hundreds of firms and SMEs throughout the country, and that it is clear that insurance companies are refusing to accept indemnity. Firstly, the policies held by businesses are not all the same. While some business policies are not covered for business interruption and some are, explicitly in the case of infectious disease, others are more ambiguous. For those who are covered for business interruptions, their insurers are refusing to accept indemnity for a number of reasons. Mr Doherty says the reasons provided to businesses who have contacted him are: while the policy covered business interruption, you voluntarily closed your business; while the policy covered business interruption in the event of infectious disease on your premises, Covid-19 was not specified among the diseases covered; and while the policy covered business interruption in the event of infectious disease on your premises, a case of Covid-19 was not reported on your premises. This is not only deeply cynical but implies that the only way businesses can access cover is by remaining open until a customer or worker contracts Covid-19. Thankfully, businesses that have closed have a greater regard for public health than insurers do for their customers. Mr Doherty also added that he does not believe the insurance industry is following the Central Bank's advice, which was to rule in the claimants favour if there was ambiguity in the scope of cover. This is part of the problem... it isnt enough for the Bank to publish advice without it being enforced. It is our view that a significant sample of cases should now be audited and then published. This will require clarity that insurers must payout where there is cover for business interruption or even ambiguity. And it would pressure insurers to do the right thing. JP McMahons insurance policy read: Insurance is extended to include loss as insured in consequence of closure or restrictions placed on the Premises on the advice or with the approval of the Medical Officer of Health of the Public Authority as a result of a notifiable human disease manifesting itself at the Premises. His insurers advised that this extension does not provide cover for self-decision to close or general Government instruction to an industry to close. Mc McMahon says that the situation is particularly frustrating because he believes the insurance companies are happy to pay out false injury claims without contesting them. Is the whole point of having insurance just so they [insurance companies] can give a pay out to people who fall on our premises? Our premiums go up every year. I dont think the insurance companies will pay [business interruption insurance] unless the Government demands it. Both the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) have criticised the insurance industry, saying that claims were being rejected on the basis that the premises were closed voluntarily, or that because the virus did not originate on the premises, cover would not be provided. The VFI, who represent publicans in Ireland, said that they were in an ongoing dialogue with the Department of Finance about the insurance sectors refusal to accept claims arising from the Covid-19 crisis. We need to be very clear that pubs were told to shut by the Government on March 15, said Padraig Cribben, VFI chief executive. This was a directive issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team through the Department of Health, so the insurance sectors claim this was a voluntary shutdown is incorrect. The VFI expects the insurance sector to honour member policies that contain provision for issues such as business interruption. If the insurers refuse to process legitimate claims we would expect to see some members taking legal action. The VFI also said they received confirmation from Allianz and FBD that they will not be providing business interruption cover for the pandemic. The Restaurant Association of Ireland said they have not made any progress with lobbying the government and the insurance industry in relation to business interruption insurance. It seems to me that the Government is running away from the issue, instead of taking it on full tilt, says Adrian Cummins, CEO of the RAI. Very simply, we want the insurance industry to payout across the board to all businesses who are suffering from business interruption due to Covid-19. Thats why insurance premiums were paid. However, the insurance industry has argued that most business interruption insurance policies do not provide cover for a global pandemic such as Covid-19. Insurance Ireland, which represents the insurance industry, did not respond to a request for comment. Zurich stated that as most of our policies are specific to individual customer needs, we treat every claim on a case by case basis. In a statement, Aviva said: Business interruption cover is generally not intended to provide cover for a global pandemic such as Covid-19 and the scale of the Government support and interventions we have seen in recent days demonstrates the widespread impact on all aspects of the Irish economy. Only a very small minority of businesses have chosen to buy any form of cover that includes local closure due to an infectious disease. As a result, the majority of standard business insurance policies, including those offered by Aviva, do not provide cover beyond physical damage to a premises that renders the business unable to continue trading. We cannot pay claims for risks that have not been priced or covered in our policies. However, we are very mindful of our commitments to the customer and will adjudicate each claim fairly and consistently in line with the policy terms and conditions. Allianz did not respond to specific questions about business interruption insurance but did outline how they have extended their cover so all supermarket, newsagent, restaurant and cafe policies will include cover for takeaway services. AIG and FBD declined to comment. Apple and Google have come together to enable the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of the coronavirus. In a first, the companies will release APIs for developers that enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices using apps from public health authorities. In the following months, both companies will work to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform by building this functionality into the underlying platforms. Frances competitor regulator Autorite de la Concurrence ordered Google to start paying media groups for displaying their content and begin conducting negotiations "in good faith" with publishers within three months. The new rule is to ensure news publishers are compensated when their work is shown on websites, search engines, and social media platforms. Last year, Google it would stop showing news snippets from European publishers on search results for its French users, to comply with new European copyright law. Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey, earlier this week, pledged to donate $1 billion of his stake in his digital payments group Square to help fund COVID-19 relief efforts. The amount, according to Dorsey, is about 28 percent of his overall wealth. It will be donated to his charity fund Start Small LLC. Once the outbreak is contained, the fund will be used on health and education for girls and universal basic income. Dorsey further announced that all transfers, sales and grants will be made public in a tracking sheet. Before the OnePlus 8 series launch event on April 14, OnePlus announced its proprietary wireless charging tech Warp Charge 30 Wireless that claims to charge compatible OnePlus devices from zero to 50 percent in 30 minutes. For the 30W wireless charging tech, OnePlus has developed a Warp wireless direct charging architecture that enables a realtime communication between the charging mat and the device using a customised chip, which also controls the current and voltage. Furthermore, the company has built isolated charge pumps within the smartphone to ensure a charging efficiency of 97 percent while maintaining a stable charge and keeping the device safe from overheating. The upcoming OnePlus 8 Pro is rumoured to use this tech. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, WhatsApp will limit sharing of frequently forwarded messages to only one chat at a time as part of efforts to curb the spread of misinformation. The limit will be in place once a message has been previously forwarded five times or more. "We are now introducing a limit so that these messages can only be forwarded to one chat at a time...we've seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation," the Facebook-owned firm said in its blog. Google Maps lists out public food shelters and night shelters across 31 cities in India. The search engine giant has partnered with the central and several state governments to get the latest data. Users can search on Google or Google Maps for "Food Shelter Near Me" or "Night Shelter Near Me" to find the closest shelter. The feature currently supports English language only. Google is working on bringing Hindi language support as well. 91K Shares Share When physicians present at medical conferences, we usually start with a slide disclosing any potential conflicts of interest to our audience. I probably need to disclose two things here. First, Im an infuriating and inexhaustible optimist. Second, Im a cancer doctor but also a recent cancer patient myself, and I understand intimately how it feels when your world unexpectedly spins out of control. With the arrival of COVID-19 on our shores and our lives suddenly looking as if they were cut from the pages of a Michael Crichton novel, we are all facing new fears and uncertainties previously unimagined. Its only natural we now find ourselves seeking guidance on how best to survive in this new world. My prescription: Ask cancer patients. These patients were going about their normal lives when a cruel and terrifying reality intruded. Sound familiar? They are trained in uncertainty. They have been forced by their diseases to adapt, survive, and thrive amidst their own personal chaos. These patients experiences can offer valuable lessons and simple, but powerful tools we can use to adapt to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer patients must adapt to nearly impossible situations each day with grace, courage, and indissoluble hope. Real, applied hope is a powerful thing to behold. These patients embrace it. Can we tackle the coronavirus with a similar approach? I watch this hope help my patients overcome otherwise insurmountable hurdles every day. These lessons have informed my perspective as I offer this prescription to help you through the next few very difficult months: Hope on. For those of you on the frontlines working in healthcare, hope will be the fuel we burn every morning when we head to the hospital. Weve learned this from the resolve weve seen in our own patients over years fighting in the trenches. You can put this to work too. Keep your own hope alive, no matter how dark it gets. This too shall pass. However, hope alone may not be enough. We must face some grim realities. Many lives are going to be lost before another (new) normal returns. Im reminded of a dear patient and survivor. This young mom was diagnosed with breast cancer while caring for her husband as he was dying of cancer himself. I asked her how she coped so well under such incredible stress and sadness. Her response has stuck with me for over ten years, and Ive shared this simple phrase with hundreds of patients since: When there is no wind, we row. Right now, our nation has no wind to power our sails. Despite the fear of the unknown, we each need to row in order to support the normal rhythms of life. We must do our own part to preserve this critical physical distancing and move the boat a little each day as a nation. Already we see what this collective individual work and self-discipline has accomplished at the pandemics epicenter, as life is resuming today in Wuhan, China. If we do the hard, necessary things they did in China to isolate, test, mitigate, and separate, our own discipline will be similarly rewarded. My patients get this, and, despite all of their fear and uncertainty, I still see them rowing their own boats each day. In the coming months, the wind will return and fill the sails again but until then, we row. Cancer patients also learn to excel in stress management. In times of uncertainty, they strive to control only those things which they can control. Cancer patients understand that every moment matters, so they waste none. Another longtime patient and dear friend is living her best life despite an incurable stage IV melanoma. She is thriving. She works full time. She travels. She still punishes her Peloton almost daily! She reminds me that control is always within our grasp. You can do this too. Exercise. Read a great book. Pause your scrolling online to call an old friend. You must stop to consider what you can control, then, to quote this wise patient, double down on it. This approach to stress management is just as applicable to pandemics as it is to cancer. You cannot control thousands of spring breakers reveling on Florida beaches. Let it go. However, you can safely socially distance your family, you can religiously wash your hands, and you can help those unable to help themselves. Let go of the things you cannot control, and double down on the things you can. Cancer patients teach us about the importance of community. They find strength in numbers and groups, whether by wearing pink ribbons, running in Races for the Cure, or attending support group meetings. A community is greater than the sum of its parts. We are more powerful together than on our own. No matter if you are in Wuhan, Bergamo, or my hometown of Cincinnati, we all share the hope for better days ahead. This infuriatingly optimistic cancer doctor sees glimmers of it already: the survival of the human spirit and real community. You can see it in the spontaneous celebrations of healthcare workers ringing from balconies in Madrid, or beleaguered nurses in hazmat suits dancing with signs on TikTok. Right now, even though it may feel like it is pulling us apart, our world is actually being pushed together by this virus, whether we realize it or not. To borrow from one of my new heroes, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom, This amazing spirit of human solidarity must become even more infectious than the virus itself. During this hard pause while our lives are at their strangest while there is no wind we must row. All of us. But its not enough to just row; we must row together. Like cancer patients, we need all the hope, resolve, and community we can muster. If the prescription above doesnt work for you? This cancer doctor recommends you double the dose. Douglas B. Flora is an oncologist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Its a delicate thing finding the right balance between individual rights and collective safety in times of great upheaval. All around the world, including liberal democracies, the coronavirus pandemic has given rise to extraordinary measures to control foreign travel, domestic movement, the gathering of crowds, school and business openings, along with much of the routines of daily life. For the most part, people are quite willing to give up many of their normal rights for the greater good in order to curb the spread of a terrible disease. Indeed, there are even some who clamour for governments to take on more powers to control the movement and behaviour of citizens, no doubt feeling confident democratic leaders will relinquish those powers when the crisis passes. But there are leaders those who are accustomed to maintaining their position and expanding their power by threats and by force who are only too happy to use this opening in ways that have nothing to do with keeping people healthy and safe. For these strongmen, COVID-19 is a convenient excuse to consolidate their power by crushing dissent, silencing opposition, passing draconian laws and suspending constitutional limits on their authority, thereby allowing them to keep going in ever-less-democratic directions. The poster child for this group is Viktor Orban. As Hungarys prime minister he extended the countrys state of emergency indefinitely, with no requirement to seek parliamentary approval for anything. Long before the pandemic, critics were warning that Orban was taking Hungary a member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization down a bad road. But now hes used the crisis to create an effective dictatorship. Hes far from alone. These kinds of power grabs are so common they already have a nickname: coronavirus coups. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also shut down his countrys parliament with no return date. He has deployed the army to enforce a curfew and all but locked down refugees and migrants. In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has dramatically expanded his powers and said he would order his security forces to shoot dead anyone who creates trouble by violating his stay-at-home mandate. Even in Israel, with its robust democratic traditions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has managed to consolidate his power during the crisis. He was on his way out over corruption charges but his trial has now been postponed and, after cutting a deal with the opposition, it appears hes firmly in power for the next 18 months. At the same time, the free press, which is vital to drawing attention to these grabs for power and documenting how they are being used, is also under attack. Hungary, Serbia, Zimbabwe, Thailand, the Philippines and others have passed laws to limit press freedoms under the guise of stopping fake news or misinformation around the coronavirus. Some countries, including Iran, Yemen, Oman, Jordan and Morocco have even banned the printing and distribution of newspapers, claiming it could spread COVID-19. But threatening journalists with prison terms, banning websites and eliminating newspapers from the streets isnt about fighting the virus. Its about silencing the opposition and any public debate about whats going on. It also makes it much more likely that at least some of these supposedly temporary measures to curb individual rights and provide leaders with extraordinary powers in the name of curbing a dangerous virus will become permanent. Its not just that power once given can be hard to wrest back; its that these strongmen are doing exactly what they want to do and are simply using COVID-19 as cover. From the beginning people have understandably been focused on the disastrous effect the coronavirus is having on the global economy. But when the dust settles the political landscape may have also changed dramatically and not for the better. A 62-year-old man tested positive for Covid-19 in Bhiwandi on Saturday. This is the first case in the area. The man contacted the disease at a mosque in Mumbra. The area in Bhiwandi, where the man lived, has been sealed by the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC). He was taken to the Thane civil hospital for treatment. As per the civic body, the man went to a mosque in Mumbra for jamaat on March 15. He stayed there for two weeks and returned to Bhiwandi on April 9. Residents of his area informed us that a person has returned after attending jamaat in Mumbra. We then asked him to quarantine himself, said Jaywant Dhule, medical officer, BNCMC. He was quarantined at the Tata Housing Amantra at Kalyan naka. Meanwhile, his swab sample was sent for testing to Kasturba hospital in Mumbai. On Saturday his test reports showed Covid-19 positive. Six of his family members have also been home quarantined and their samples will be sent for testing too, added Dhule. Five new cases of coronavirus were reported in Kalyan-Dombivli on Sunday, taking the total cases under the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to 55, out of which 12 have been discharged. Higher education institutions will be offering cut price courses starting in May to fill skill shortages to assist the economic rebound once the coronavirus pandemic has run its course. Education Minister Dan Tehan says the initiative will also provide people with the opportunity to re-skill or advance their careers after the economic disruption caused by COVID-19. 'The cost of these courses has been reduced by over 50 per cent, and in some instances up to 74 per cent,' Mr Tehan told AAP. The online courses will run for six months in what are deemed to be 'areas of national priority', such as in nursing, teaching, counselling, IT and science. Higher education institutions will be offering cut price courses starting in May to fill skill shortages to assist the economic rebound (pictured: TAFE in Sydney) 'We're slashing the prices of degrees and diplomas in short courses to enable people, rather than bingeing on Netflix, to be able to binge on studying,' he told reporters on Sunday 'We're going to need people as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic. Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said universities are absolutely critical at all times, but especially at times like these. 'We do want to see them supported,' he told reporters in Brisbane. People are seen lining up at Centrelink in Flemington last month as thousands of businesses close their doors 'We will examine the detail of what the government has announced today. If the detail stacks up then we will, of course, welcome any steps to support a really key sector at these extraordinarily difficult times. Mr Tehan said the Morrison government will guarantee funding for universities at current levels, even if there is a fall in domestic student numbers. Tertiary and international education providers will also get regulatory fee relief so they can better support domestic and international students, as well as provide exemptions from loan fees under FEE-HELP and VET Student Loans. Mr Tehan said these reforms would incentivise students and universities to align with the needs of industry to meet the skill demands for the new economy that will emerge from the pandemic. Victoria Bowes works from her home station in Adelaide, Thursday, April 2, as employees and students are forced to work from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic 'This plan will help Australians who have lost their job or are looking to retrain,' he said. 'It will also provide a revenue stream for universities and private providers to assist their financial stability.' He said like the rest of the Australian community, the higher education sector has taken a financial hit because of the coronavirus. The Morrison government has committed to provide universities with more than $18 billion this year. Nurses have been told they can refuse to treat coronavirus patients if there is inadequate personal protective equipment - as nurse fights for her life after caring for infected patient without a mask. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said today the step can be taken as 'a last resort' amid claims vital items like masks, goggles and gowns are still not reaching the frontlines. A spokesman for the union admitted that with-holding treatment would 'go against every instinct', but added that 'their safety must not be compromised'. It came as Becky Usher, 38, who works at Dewsbury and District Hospital in West Yorkshire, remained critically ill on a ventilator. Ms Usher, who has a six year old daughter, started suffering a high temperature and sore throat after spending two days treating a patient who had had not been tested for the virus. When she started experiencing breathing difficulties and slurring her words on Tuesday she was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital in nearby Wakefield, where she remains in intensive care. The mother of a six-year-old daughter suffers an irregular heartbeat which has caused multiple heart attacks since 2004. Business Secretary Alok Sharma insisted on Sky's Ridge on Sunday today that PPE was being sent out to hospitals. 'It is right that no medical professional should be placed in this position where they have to make that choice,' he said. 'That for me is self-evident. That is why we are making sure we get the equipment to the front line.' He added: 'I fully accept that it is up to the Government that we fix this.' Labour leader Keir Starmer has backed nurses demands and criticised the government, saying there is a 'mismatch' between what Health Secretary Matt Hancock is saying and reports from the frontline. A third of surgeons are treating patients without sufficient protective equipment, a survey involving 2,000 frontline workers and carried out by the RCN has found. Later, rather than admit any Government failings, he told the BBC's Marr: 'I'm incredibly sorry that people feel they are not able to get this equipment.' Becky Usher, 38, is in intensive care at Pinderfields hospital in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Experienced nurse Julie Omar has died, Worcester NHS Trust has confirmed Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sky's Ridge on Sunday today: 'It is right that no medical professional should be placed in this position where they have to make that choice. Ms Usher, who has a six-year-old daughter, pictured with her partner Martin Parker Ms Usher pictured with her sister Kelly Cardwell. She said the family is heartbroken they are unable to be by her side while she is in the hospital Ms Usher's sister Kelly Cardwell, 42, said the family is 'heartbroken' as they are unable to be by her side in hospital, where she remains in a critical but stable condition. 'The hardest part is not being able to see her and not being able to see my parents, thinking we may not ever see her again,' Kelly said. 'Becky is bubbly, outgoing and has a heart of gold. She is also very stubborn and a fighter. 'She is extremely popular and has so many friends wishing her well. She will be overwhelmed with the positivity and support she's received.' Kelly said staff were told by the hospital, which is run by Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, that they 'didn't need' protective equipment as there 'were no patients with coronavirus', reports the Yorkshire Evening Post. 'I believe they do have it now, but obviously a few days too late,' she said. Kelly praised her sister's fellow NHS heroes on the frontline fighting coronavirus, which has killed at least 19 NHS workers. 'For the other NHS angels and key workers supporting everyone through this worrying and difficult time, we can't thank you enough for the risk you are taking to save other's lives,' she said. Kelly has penned a card for her sister urging her to 'get well soon' (pictured above) 'Just know how much everyone truly appreciates the sacrifice you are making each day. The staff in ICU are doing a great job and we are grateful for the support Becky is getting.' Kelly has posted a handmade card with a big red heart inside to Pinderfields, urging her sister to 'keep fighting'. Becky's partner Martin Parker, 40, said: 'She told me off when the paramedics arrived. Said she was fine, but I knew she wasn't. 'The paramedic said 'tell him off when you get home, but you're going to hospital'.' 'I miss her and I love her.' The government has come under heavy criticism for not doing enough to provide frontline staff with personal protective equipment. MailOnline has contacted Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust for comment. New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the Government, saying: 'It would be smart of the Government to acknowledge their ambition for equipment to be where it should be isn't being matched, and to apologise for that and get on with it.' Senior NHS officials have revealed that hospitals could run out of gowns for doctors after Priti Patel last night she is 'sorry if people feel there have been failings' over the supply of protective gear. Third of surgeons lack sufficient protective equipment, says survey A third of surgeons and trainees across the UK do not believe they have an adequate supply of protective equipment to do their job safely, new research has found. A survey of nearly 2,000 surgeons and surgical trainees, published on Sunday, also found that 57 per cent said there had been shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) at their organisations in the last 30 days. The survey, carried out by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), also found that 72 per cent of respondents believed widespread testing of the population would be necessary before the UK lockdown could end. The RCS figures showed a wide regional variation in surgeons' experience, with more than half in the Thames Valley saying they now have access to adequate PPE compared to about a third in the North West. In London 33 per cent of respondents said they did not believe their NHS trust had an adequate supply of protective equipment. The college warned that accessing protective equipment should not be a postcode lottery. Its vice-president Sue Hill said there was still a lot more work to do to get an adequate supply of equipment to the front lines. She added: 'Things are going broadly in the right direction with fewer surgeons telling us there is an inadequate supply of PPE in their trust now, than over the past month. 'But progress in this fast-moving crisis feels painfully slow. 'PPE supply should not be a postcode lottery - the most acutely affected areas need more kit, fast.' Advertisement Memos that were leaked today 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. Kingston 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. But new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the Government, there is a 'mismatch' in what Health Secretary Matt Hancock and frontline NHS staff are saying about the availability of PPE. He said: 'This is a difficult exercise, I understand the Government is trying to rise to the challenge here but there's a mismatch and that's the sort of thing that Parliament needs to pursue through individual MPs putting the points to ministers.' Sir Keir, asked if nurses should follow Royal College of Nursing guidance and effectively refuse to treat coronavirus patients if they do not have the right protective equipment and clothing, replied: 'They're in a position to give guidance to those in their association and they should give that guidance.' Home Secretary Priti Patel last night said she was 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. 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 Memos that were leaked today warned of a 'national shortage' of the long-sleeved gowns that are needed to treat coronavirus patients. Stock picture Firefighters and the Army have been brought in to improve distribution of equipment, but health officials are still concerned that there won't be enough to go around. One senior official involved told The Telegraph that London hospitals had been forced to negotiate directly with companies in China in a desperate attempt to get more supplies from them. 'The large teaching hospitals went out shopping in China, anywhere they could get their hands on these products, commissioning planes and negotiating with Chinese companies. 'This is some of the biggest market trading outside a trading floor that anyone has ever seen.' 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. 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: '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. Piers Morgan reacted with fury to the Home Secretary's 'apology' '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. The Health Secretary insisted that there is enough gear to meet demand but should be treated by hospitals as a 'precious resource' 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. 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. Royal College of Nursing general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair scolded the minister for saying there had been 'examples' of PPE overuse 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'. 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.' Nurses in PPE clap on a video at the coronavirus ward at West Cumberland Hospital It comes as the UK recorded another 980 coronavirus-related deaths on Friday, bringing the national death toll to 8,958 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. Victoria has extended its state of emergency by another four weeks as authorities combat the coronavirus. Premier Daniel Andrews has declared the current stage three restrictions will now remain in place until at least midnight May 11. He hasn't ruled out a further extension 'well beyond that' in order to protect the state's health system and save lives. 'This is unprecedented, but these powers are passed by the parliament, they are the law of our state and they are designed to deal with challenges just like those that we face, even though none of us in our lifetime had ever had to deal with this sort of crisis,' Premier Andrews told reporters on Sunday. Victoria has extended its state of emergency by another month. Pictured is a Melburnian getting some fresh air at St Kilda on Friday 'Basically, those powers, as you know, mean that authorities can enforce and make sure that our strategies in place right across the state, a strategy I remind everyone is working.' 'I am deeply grateful to every Victorian doing the right thing. I am very impressed to think so many people are heeding the warnings and following the advice on staying home and protecting the health system, and ultimately saving lives.' Premier Andrews later tweeted: 'Now is not the time to take our foot off the brake and undo all our hard-won gains. 'It's been a hard slog. But we have to keep going. Keep staying home. Keep protecting our health system. Keep saving lives.' Victorians will face tough restrictions until at least midnight May 11. Pictured are Easter Saturday crowds at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market He said a decision about a possible further extension will be made based circumstances closer to May 11. 'We know it is deeply inconvenient, and it is frustrating we can't give people an end date,' Premier Andrews said. Just three new cases were recorded in Victoria overnight. Around 28 patients are in hospital, including 16 patients in intensive care. There's been no rise in the state's death toll, which still stands at 14. But Premier Andrews said now is not the time to become complacent, adding that the tough restrictions in place were 'fundamentally working'. While Melbourne's Queen Victoria Markets were busy with crowds on Saturday, it was a different story down the road in Flinders Street, which was deserted (pictured) 'We are aggressively tracing our outbreaks, and making sure this virus does not get away from us. If it does, our health system will simply be overrun and people will die,' Premier Andrews said. 'It is protecting our health system and saving lives.' 'Our strategy is fundamentally working. The alternative, of course, if we look at places like New York and some parts of Europe, is not something that we want to see repeated here, and that is why it is so important to go hard and then maintain those settings stop that is exactly what we have done.' The Premier's announcement comes as Australia's Chief Medical Officer warned against the easing of restrictions in the near future. There were few surfers at Victoria's Bells Beach in Torquay on Good Friday, which is usually packed with crowds at Easter for the traditional Bells Beach Classic competition 'There is a huge risk in doing so and we have certainly said that it is not the right time now,' Professor Brendan Murphy said. 'We want to spend the next few weeks looking at the framework with the national cabinet and helping them to make a decision.' 'While this pandemic is across many other countries, we're going to need some form of border measures. [Easing travel restrictions] would be a decision for the national cabinet and government until we get a vaccine or this virus moves through the community.' Mumbai Police on Sunday barricaded the Dharavi area in the city amid rising coronavirus cases from the locality. Police personnel were also deployed in the area to keep a watch on the movement of people. The total number of coronavirus cases in Dharavi reached 28 while four people have died due to the deadly virus so far. Maharashtra on Saturday extended the lockdown in the state till April 30 to check the spread of the coronavirus crisis. With 1761 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Maharashtra has reported the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Teamwork, a project management and business efficiency product developer, has provided more than 200 customers with payment breaks as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Peter Coppinger, chief executive of the Cork-based company, said many of his clients had been contacting him with concerns about the impact Covid-19 would have on their businesses. "On the customer side of things, we have 20,000 customers - and some of them are struggling," he said. "We are doing everything we can to stay true to our values and be the good guys and help them where we can. We would rather keep a customer and help them. "Over time, that will build loyalty and they will stick with us." Coppinger said the company would "feel the pinch" due to the move as it would likely affect revenues this year. However, he said providing the payment breaks had been well received by several clients and Teamwork's staff. "That really is showing to our staff that we are the good guys, standing by our customers," he said. "When we get through these tough times, that is what the staff and customers will remember." In 2014, Forbes magazine published an article repeating the claim that you are 18 percent likelier to die on the way to vote than you are to cast the deciding vote. Those odds are likely to increase in Wisconsin, as the U.S. Supreme Court overrode the governors decision to postpone the election and insisted voters either cast their ballots in person or have their absentee ballot postmarked on Election Day. This isnt going to be just Wisconsins problem. Its very likely that it could be your problem in the coming weeks, or months, unless our legislators take better care to protect the voters, as well as the integrity of the elections. As CNN wrote, The high court Monday night reversed lower court orders allowing an extension for absentee voting by six days. The majority dismissed concerns about Wisconsin residents going to the polls in the middle of the coronavirus crisis. Its worth noting that the U.S. Supreme Court did not vote in personthey voted remotely, in the interests of personal safety. As Yahoo writes Hypocritically, the justices cast these votes remotelyand are canceling oral arguments in some of their other casesto protect themselves from the coronavirus, while they are forcing Wisconsins voters to choose between risking their lives, and the safety of their communities, versus their right to participate in democracy. Its not just democracy for me, not for thee, but safety for me, not thee. Many residents did not get absentee ballots to even postmark on Election Day. A friend from Milwaukee requested an absentee ballot three weeks ago, and did not receive one. He had no choice but to vote in a state where there are more than 50 deaths already due to the Coronavirus and most polling stations are closed, worsening the chances for safe social distancing. When asked about it at a press conference, Donald Trump chose not to make it an issue of safety for the states white and black residents. He claimed the Democratic Governor only wanted to move it when Trump recently endorsed a Wisconsin GOP Supreme Court candidate seeking a full term, the only reason the states Republicans even wanted to hold the election in a predictably low turnout contest. Yet on the Wisconsin GOPs own website on January 15, 2020, it reads In case you missed it, President Donald J. Trump endorsed Justice Daniel Kelly for Wisconsins Supreme Court during his Keep America Great rally in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Obviously, he endorsed Kelly a lot earlier than early April, undermining his own argument. Trump also attacked voting by mail. He called mail-in voting very dangerous and corrupt, even though he votes by mail, according to Yahoo News. A poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday found that 72 percent of all U.S. adults, including 79 percent of Democrats and 65 percent of Republicans, supported a requirement for mail-in ballots as a way to protect voters in case of a continued spread of the respiratory disease later this year, writes Reuters New Agency. My wife and I voted early in Georgias presidential primary, expecting this sort of train wreck. A request for an absentee ballot for our state primary on May 19 came with an address to send our request to, that doesnt exist. A student in Central Georgia confirmed for me that this is a problem in the counties in his area too. Sadly, its likely that Wisconsins problem is likely to be your problem, either in a remaining primary, or this Fall, unless there is true election reform. John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. His views are his own. He can be reached at jtures@lagrange.edu. His Twitter account is JohnTures2. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH/PATIALA: Eleven Nihangs including a woman were arrested on Sunday in connection with the horrendous attack on a police team at Sanaur vegetable market in Patiala district. In the incident, the miscreants even chopped off the hand of an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI). Police sources said that a group of five Nihangs armed with swords and iron rods were travelling in a Tata Zenon car when they were asked to stop at the Sanaur vegetable market by Punjab Mandi Board officials and the cops. However, they did not pay any heed and continued to drive the vehicle and crashed it in the police barricades. The police personnel, who surrounded the Nihangs, were attacked and in the melee, one of them chopped off the hand of ASI Harjit Singh with a sword. Singh is undergoing surgery at PGI in Chandigarh to get his hand sutured back. Three other police personnel injured in the incident have been identified as Inspector Bikkar Singh SHO of Sadar Patiala, ASI Raj Singh and ASI Raghbir Singh. They suffered weapon injuries on their arms, legs and back. A Mandi Board official, Yadwinder Singh, too suffered minor injuries in the attack. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Mandeep Singh Sidhu said, "They (Nihangs) crashed their vehicle against the gate and police barricades put up at the vegetable market after they were stopped and asked to show their curfew passes. We chased them and then our teams surrounded the gurdwara where they were hiding. The accused, including a woman, were nabbed after the Patiala Police Party led by Patiala Range IGP Jatinder Aulakh and Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Mandeep Sidhu along with a team of the Special Operations Group (SOG), led by Additional DGP Rakesh Chandra then moved into the premises. The premises house the Nihang Dera Complex and Khichdi Sahib Gurudwara. The operation followed several hours of stand-off and many rounds of appeals and negotiations led by Sidhu with the Dera Head Baba Balwinder Singh to surrender with their weapons and swords. One Nihang, Nirbhav Singh, suffered an injury in the incident and was immediately rushed to a hospital in Patiala. Punjab DGP Dinkar Gupta said that Baba Balwinder Singh the head of the dera was the main perpetrator of the attack on the police party. He came to the market with four other persons, in a Tata Zenon vehicle. He said a huge cache of weapons as wells as handheld weapons, such as barchhe and kirpans, and some used cartridges were seized from the accused, in addition to two petrol bombs and LPG cylinders, five bags of poppy husk mixed with sulpha, other drugs in commercial quantity and Rs 39 lakhs in cash. Some bottles with chemical substances were also found inside the premises. Giving details of the entire incident, Gupta said the accused had set up morchas inside the Dera Complex and had placed LPG cylinders along the Dera perimeter and were getting ready to set off blasts to cause injuries to the police party that chased them. Despite repeated announcements from the public address system, they refused to surrender and, instead abused the police and threatened them with serious consequences if they tried to come closer. The police then persuaded the Sarpanch and some villagers to persuade the men to come out but they failed. Soon thereafter, the police party heard loud shouts and noises from inside the gurdwara premises, suggesting that some innocent people and hostages within might have got caught in the trouble, he said. He said that entire operation was handled delicately so that the maryada and sanctum sanctorum of the Gurdwara Sahib was not disturbed in any manner. Three separate cases have been registered against the accused. The first case has been registered against Balwinder Singh, Jagmeet Singh, Bant Singh and Nirbhav Singh for attempt to murder, grievous hurt, rioting, attack on public servant under the IPC, and also under provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for the incident at Sabzi Mandi, Sanaur Road at Patiala While the second case has been registered against 11 persons, including the woman for attempt to murder, attack on police party, and also under DMA Act 2005, Explosives Act, UAPA Act and Arms Act, a third case under NDPS Act has also registered for recovery of 5-6 bags of Poppy Husk and other drugs from Khichri Sahib Complex, Balbera, where the Nihangs were living. Their property will also be attached on account of the recovery of commercial quantity of drugs. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has strongly condemned the attack and warned that anyone violating the curfew, imposed in the state since March 23 to check the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, would be strictly dealt with. New York: US President Donald Trump was warned about the potential for a pandemic but he repeatedly played down the seriousness of the virus and focused instead on controlling the message, protecting gains in the economy and batting away warnings from senior officials, a lengthy investigative report in a leading American newspaper has said. The report in The New York Times revealed that there were warnings from the intelligence community, national security aides and government health officials about an impending pandemic and its consequences but Trump played down the crisis. An examination reveals the president was warned about the potential for a pandemic but that internal divisions, lack of planning and his faith in his own instincts led to a halting response, the NYT said. The US is the worst-hit country in the world with over 530,000 COVID-19 cases and 20,608 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Top White House advisers as well as experts deep in the Cabinet departments and intelligence agencies all sounded alarms and urged aggressive action to counter the threat from the coronavirus, but President Trump remained slow to respond, it said. Trump's views were coloured by long-running disputes inside the administration over how to deal with China and his own suspicion of the motivations of officials inside what he viewed as the Deep State. Further, recommendations from public health officials often competed with economic and political considerations in internal debates, slowing the path toward belated decisions. The NYT report said that the National Security Council officials received the warnings in early January about the potential dangers from a new virus in Wuhan, China. The State Department's 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, the report said. Weeks later, bio-defense experts in the National Security Council office responsible for tracking pandemics examined 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 from home. But some of the earliest warnings came from national security hawks eager to blame China, and they often ran into opposition from the president's economic advisers, who were concerned about upsetting relations with China at a time when Trump was negotiating a trade deal with Beijing, it said. Trump's top trade adviser Peter Navarro wrote in a "searing memo at the end of January arguing that a pandemic caused by the virus could cost the US dearly, warning that as many as half a million people could die and economic losses could be in trillions of dollars. The memo had said that in a worst-case scenario, 30 per cent of the US population would be infected with the virus, leading to the deaths on the order of a half a million American souls. In recent days, Trump has denied that he saw the memo at the time but The Times report reveals that aides raised it with him at the time and that he was unhappy that Navarro had put his ideas in writing. The NYT examination also found that the US lost three weeks at a crucial time. By the third week in February, the administration's top public health officials had concluded that it was time to begin shifting to a more aggressive strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus, including social distancing, stay-at-home orders and school closures. "But they never got the chance to present the plan to the president. An official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention went public with dire warnings too soon, sending stocks tumbling and angering Trump, who pushed aside his health and human services secretary and put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the response, the report said. It would be three weeks later when Trump finally recommended aggressive social distancing guidelines, a period when the virus spread largely unimpeded and the task force was trying to avoid alarmist messages like the one that had angered the president. The NYT report also noted that the White House was divided' over how to respond. The president was surrounded by divided factions in March even as it became clearer that avoiding more aggressive steps to stop the spread of the virus was not tenable, it said. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is calling on Tajikistan to immediately release a journalist whose trial on what the Paris-based watchdog called absurd extremism charges is due to kick off on April 13. In a statement on April 11, RSF called Daler Sharifovs arrest in late January, ahead of parliamentary elections in March that were won, as expected, by President Emomali Rahmon's ruling party, a new warning by the authorities to critical journalists and media. Sharifov, a Dushanbe-based journalist who writes about domestic politics and religious issues, was arrested by the intelligence services on January 28. He is facing up to five years in prison if found guilty of the charges against him -- inciting national, racial, ethnic, or religious hatred and propaganda on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood, which has been banned in Tajikistan since 2006. Prosecutors say the case is based on more than 200 articles and commentaries containing extremist content that were published between 2013 and 2019. Calling the charges surprising, RSF noted that Sharifov has repeatedly criticized religious extremism and terrorism. Writing for the independent news website Ozodagon from 2013 until its closure last year following years of harassment, Sharifov often commented on violations of human rights and religious freedoms, according to the media freedom watchdog. It said the journalist was hospitalized eight years ago after being badly beaten in a still unpunished attack. Tajikistan is ranked 161st out of 180 countries in RSFs 2019 World Press Freedom Index. A 30-year-old man, who attended the religious gathering of Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi and later tested positive for coronavirus, allegedly committed suicide at a government hospital in Maharashtra'a Akola district, an official said on Sunday. The man, belonging to Nagaon district in Assam, was in Delhi between March 6 and 8 when he attended the religious congregation organised at Nizamuddin, Akola Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Dean Dr Apurv Pavde said. He was admitted to the GMCH here on April 7 and tested positive for coronavirus on Friday, Pavde said. "The man allegedly slit his throat with a blade around 5 am on Saturday. A hospital staff found him on the bathroom floor. He succumbed to his injuries around 8 am while undergoing surgery," he said. He was under stress during treatment and was counselled by medical experts, the official said. A senior official at the Kotwali police station here said it appeared to be a case of suicide and an investigation was underway. From March 9 to April 7, the man stayed at a madrassa in Balapur town here and those who came in contact with him during this period have been referred to GMCH, another official said. The funeral of the deceased will be held here after receiving written permission from his family members, Akola Collector Jitendra Papalkar said. So far, 13 people from Akola district have tested positive for coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spain, one of Europe's top sunshine destinations, said Sunday it will maintain social distancing rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus once a nationwide lockdown ends, even on the beaches. The government on March 14 imposed a strict nationwide lockdown to fight the pandemic, and two days later it closed its land borders, with only Spanish citizens and residents able to enter the country. In an interview published Sunday in top-selling daily newspaper El Pais, Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said the government did not know when the borders would be reopened, saying it will depend on how "the health crisis evolves". "It is very important that we continue to follow health recommendations, we must keep up what we are doing now, washing our hands, keeping social distance...even on the beach," she added when asked if access to beaches would be limited once the lockdown ends. "Until there is a vaccine nothing will be the way it was before. Gatherings will have to have limitations to maintain an adequate safety distance," she added. Beaches have been closed across Spain with people allowed out of their homes only to work, buy food, seek medical care or briefly walks their dog. Spain is the world's second-most visited country after France and tourism is crucial for the domestic economy, making up nearly 12 percent of gross domestic product. It hit a record of tourist arrivals for the seventh year in a row last year, with nearly 84 million foreign visitors. Now it is one of the hardest-hit nations in the world with nearly 17,000 COVID-19 fatalities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On April 10 evening, two more cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vietnam, raising the total in the country to 257, according to the Ministry of Health. Heath workers take care of COVID-19 patient The 256th patient is a 52-year-old man residing in Van Lam district, northern Hung Yen province. On March 27, he returned home from Russia on Flight SU290 and was quarantined upon his arrival. Meanwhile, the 257th is a 15-year-old student from Hanoi's Me Linh suburban district. She just stayed at home. On March 20, Patient 243 visited her father and talked for a while. On April 8, the new patient showed some symptoms like fever and runny nose. One day later, her sample was taken and the result on April 10 turned out to be positive to the SARS-CoV-2. Her father tested negative to the virus. On April 10, 16 patients were declared fully recovered. Sixteen COVID-19 patients recover, total reaches 144 browser not support iframe. Nine patients, including three foreigners, were treated at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. At Bac Ninh General Hospital, Patient 74 (male, 23, Vietnamese) has also recovered after being admitted on March 18. At the Ho Chi Minh City Children's Hospital, Patient 204 (male, 10, Vietnamese) was hospitalised on March 18. During treatment, the patient tested negative three times for SARS-CoV-2. Patient 135 has also recovered at Da Nang Hospital. At Binh Thuan General Hospital, Patient 36 (female, 64, Vietnamese) and Patient 44 (male, 11, Vietnamese) were both admitted to the hospital on March 11. During treatment, they tested negative three times for SARS-CoV-2. At Cu Chi COVID-19 treatment hospital in HCM City, Patient 157 (female, 31, British) and Patient 171 (female, 19, Vietnamese) have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 three times. All 16 patients will continue to be quarantined and monitored for the next 14 days. As of April 10 afternoon, Vietnam had confirmed 257 COVID-19 patients and no fatalities. Hanoi strives to minimise losses to COVID-19: official Politburo member Vuong Dinh Hue, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Hanoi is striving to bring damage caused by COVID-19 to the lowest by taking concerted measures devised by the Government and local authorities, said Politburo member Vuong Dinh Hue, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee, at an online meeting on April 10. The event aims to seek ease setbacks for bussiness, production and public investment disbursement, and guarantee social order and welfare amid the complicated developments of the pandemic. Hue said the capital had pleded to the Prime Minister and the Government that it will coordinate with ministries and departments based in the city to drastically implement preventive measures and promptly support people who are subject to the Governments preferential policies. Regarding the citys socio-economic situation in the first quarter of 2020, the official reported that albeit an array of difficulties caused by the disease, Hanoi recorded year-on-year growth of 3.72 percent and collected about 72.6 trillion VND (3.1 billion USD) to the State budget (26.5 percent of the total estimate). Earlier this year, Hanoi transferred 650 billion VND to the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies to offer loans, create jobs, and boost rural development and other infrastructure works. Other categories such as food, medical equipment manufacturing, and information technology have also been promoted, especially online public services. At the meeting, Hue suggested the Government direct the Ministry of Transport to put into use the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway at an early date, as well as other key transport projects. He proposed the Prime Minister allow the city to apply a specific mechanism of site clearance as in the southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City. The ASEAN Post: Vietnam is exemplary response to COVID-19 Spraying disinfectant to prevent the spread of coronavirus Despite limited resources, Vietnam has been taking proactive measures in tackling COVID-19, said an article posted on The ASEAN Post on April 9. Compared to other ASEAN member states such as Malaysia and Indonesia which have thousands of infections and numerous deaths, Vietnams number of cases is relatively low, according to the article. The country with a population of over 95 million is one of the three ASEAN countries which have yet to report any fatalities from the disease alongside Laos and Cambodia, the article said. The article cited Vietnams Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long as assuring the public and media that there is no shortage of test kits to diagnose the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Apart from 200,000 rapid COVID-19 test kits bought from the Repulic of Korea, Vietnam has also successfully produced its own test kits which could help diagnose the virus infection in just an hour, the article said. Earlier, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada said Vietnam has successfully conducted tracing via the quick identification of infectious contacts based on the Ministry of Healths classifications of infected, suspected, and exposed cases of COVID-19 and the rapid mobilisation of health professionals, public security personnel, the military, and civil servants to implement the tracing. Other than that, Vietnam has also imposed strict monitoring of suspected infections. The countrys health ministry has worked with tech-firms to develop an online reporting system in which suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19, as well as people who were in close contact with them, are entered into a database available in real time. Furthermore, Vietnams Ministry of Information and Communications has introduced a mobile app called NCOVI to allow the public to declare their state of health on a daily basis. The World Economic Forum (WEF) had also applauded Vietnam for its swift response in handling the new coronavirus. Italy thanks Vietnam for support in COVID-19 fight At the event Italys Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio has sent a letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, expressing his profound gratitude to the Vietnamese Government and people for their support to Italys fight against COVID-19. 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 endeavors 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. $4.3 million USD donated to support COVID -19 fight At the event The Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) on April 10 handed over 100 billion VND (4.3 million USD) to support the health sector in the fight against COVID -19 pandemic in Vietnam. The money is part of a 133 billion VND (5.7 million USD) fund raised from donors via 2.2 million text messages to support a fundraising campaign for COVID-19 prevention and control in Vietnam from March 19 to April 9. At the handover ceremony, Deputy Health Minister Truong Quoc Cuong thanked organisations, agencies and individuals for their support to the health sector, and said that the money will be used to purchase medical equipment and supplies for medical facilities directly working on epidemic prevention and control across the country. The campaign was launched by the Central Committee of the VFF, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Health and the Vietnam Red Cross Society. Each text message sent to 1407 will contribute at least 20,000 (0.86 USD) to the fund. Vietnamese in France support COVID-19 fight Health workers treat a COVID-19 patient in Vietnam The Vietnamese community in France has held a number of activities to support poor people affected by COVID-19 at home. The association of Vietnamese people in France and the international association for Vietnams education development in France have raised 5,000 EUR (5,473 USD) and 100 million VND (4,292 USD) respectively in response to the call by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc for fighting the pandemic. The Government leader on March 17 called on every Vietnamese citizen, especially businesspeople and overseas Vietnamese, to make donations to help contain the pandemic and also maintain socio-economic development. He praised individuals and enterprises for donating money, contributing their time, efforts, experience and practical initiatives. Such donations help promote unity, safety and humane actions among the community, the PM said. No matter how old the donors are or what they do, these meaningful actions all start from their hearts I believe that Vietnam will be able to push back the pandemic, bring lives back to normal and recover production, he said. Dong Thap supports Cambodian province with medical equipment against COVID-19 Dong Thap Military High Command supports Pray Veng with 1,000 medical face masks, one box of hand sanitisers, and 30 cartons of instant noodle. Chairman of the Dong Thap province Peoples Committee Nguyen Van Duong presented a large volume of medical supplies and necessities to Cambodias Pray Veng province to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, during an event held at Dinh Ba international border gate on April 10. The Mekong Delta province's People's Committee donated 30,000 medical face masks and 3,000 bars of soap to the Cambodian counterpart. Meanwhile, the provincial Fatherland Front chapter presented 2,000 medical face masks, 5,000 cloth face masks, and 500 hand sanitisers. The local Military High Command supported the Cambodian province with 1,000 medical face masks, one box of hand sanitisers, and 30 cartons of instant noodle. The provincial Border Guard High Command donated 1,000 face masks, 50 hand sanitisers, and 30 cartons of instant noodle. At a meeting between the two sides leaders, they agreed to strengthen cooperation and share information to prevent the pandemic from spreading in the shared border areas. Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia work to combat COVID-19 In Jakarta, Indonesia Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on April 10 decided to extend the Movement Control Order by more two weeks till April 28, several days before the Ramadan festival of Muslims. In a speech telecast live on national television, the PM said the decision is based on feedback from the Health Ministry and medical experts in order to cope with COVID-19 and prevent the risk of its re-emergence. Malaysia has so far recorded a total of 4,346 infection cases, 1,828 of them have recovered and 68 deaths. Also on April 10, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced several changes to travel limit order, which was issued a day earlier, in order to prevent the epidemic spread. Accordingly, travel ban between the capital Phnom Penh and its southern Kandal province was lifted. The Southeast Asian nation has so far posted 119 infection cases, 72 of them have recovered. Meanwhile, Indonesia's police, soldiers and public order officers took the streets of Jakarta on April 9 midnight to enforce the capital citys tough social distancing measures for an estimated two weeks. Violators could face hefty fines or one-year jail term. According to the Indonesian Health Ministry, Indonesia recorded 3,512 infection cases and 306 deaths as of April 10. Nestle Vietnam supports COVID-19 fight with over 515,000 USD Nestle Vietnam has provided food, nutrition drinks, and cash of over 5 billion VND to the Fatherland Front chapters in cities and provinces, and the Vietnam Womens Union Central Committee. (Source:VGP) Nestle Vietnam, a nutrition, health and wellness company, has donated 12 billion VND (515,129 USD) to the COVID-19 fight in the country. It also launched a programme encouraging people to pursue a healthy lifestyle and join hands to overcome the pandemic. Over the past time, the firm has coordinated with La Vie company, a subsidiary of Nestle Group, to implement a wide range of activities to support doctors, nurses, public security and military forces, and volunteers who are on the front line of the battle against disease. So far, Nestle Vietnam has provided food, nutrition drinks, and cash of over 5 billion VND to the Fatherland Front chapters in cities and provinces, and the Vietnam Womens Union Central Committee. In the coming weeks, the company will donate nearly 7 billion VND to support anti-COVID-19 activities. Close to 300,000 relief packages and medical face masks will be sent to hospitals, health centres, functional forces and volunteers in some localities nationwide. Dozens of small shop owners protested outside one of Wuhan's biggest shopping malls to demand a cut in rent, in one of the first signs of unrest since authorities lifted a lockdown at the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. Shop owners on Friday sat or knelt about three feet apart outside the Grand Ocean Department Store, wearing masks and holding placards as police monitored. A day earlier they chanted "Exempt rental for a year, or refund the lease" in videos uploaded on the Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo that were quickly censored. "Can't survive" said a sign held by one woman who rented a stall at Grand Ocean, which also called on the landlord to return the rent and security deposit during the period of the lockdown. The woman said the property developer in charge of the mall, whose name translates to World City, should exempt rent for them because 99% of protesters are small shop owners who have had no business since the virus outbreak. Most neighborhoods in the city are still facing string restrictions on movement and there's little business traffic. Another protester said the government didn't respond after their protest Thursday and said police had assaulted people on Wednesday. None of the protesters Bloomberg spoke with revealed their names due to concern of retribution. A woman who answered the phone at World City said they haven't restarted work and couldn't answer questions. A call to Grand Ocean's general office was not answered. Wuhan officially emerged April 8 from a mass quarantine put in place on Jan. 23. The strict restrictions helped China stem the outbreak of the deadly disease known as covid-19, but it also led to a deep slump in investment and consumption that pushed the economy into its most dire situation in decades. The demonstration, however small, shows the challenges President Xi Jinping now faces in getting millions of people back to work all while preventing a second wave of infections. Early in the crisis, Xi warned the virus posed a threat to "social stability" in China, and since then he's seen tensions flare both within the country and with the U.S., its main export market. The protest in Wuhan this week comes after earlier violent clashes on the border of surrounding Hubei province and neighboring Jiangxi province in late March. Scenes captured on videos posted on social media showed Hubei police clashing with officers from Jiangxi who wanted to keep the border closed. China has recently signaled its desire to deal with any signs of dissent harshly. Earlier this week, Chinese authorities placed outspoken property tycoon Ren Zhiqiang under investigation after a copy of an essay widely attributed to him criticizing the government's virus response was circulated on social media. Two prominent schools in the city have put on hold their decision to hike fees for the new session, in response to a plea by the government asking educational institutes to be "sympathetic" towards parents, amid the difficulties faced by them during the lockdown. South Point School, one of the largest educational institutes in Asia, said in a statement on Saturday that the fee structure proposed by the school for 2020-21 "shall presently be held in abeyance". "The school, being a private and unaided institution, is completely dependent on the fees paid by the guardians to meet all its expenses and to pay salary to its staff. However, in the prevailing situation...we would like to inform all parents that the fee enhancement proposed by the school for the academic year 2020-21 is presently being held in abeyance. "The school shall charge from guardians' bank accounts an ad hoc amount against fees for the months of April and May 2020 by a date... We are deferring the collection of other components of fee and other charges that are usually collected in the month of April, for the time being till we are able to reopen the school," the authorities said in a notice. The notice also gave assurances that guardians, who may not have sufficient money in their accounts, will be given time till May 15 to make the ad hoc payment, with no imposition of fines. Another private school in the city, DPS North Kolkata, has also announced on its website that it would not increase tuition fees and session charges. "As you all know we did not increase the fees last session, the enhancement of fee was due this year. However, keeping in mind the current situation which has caused financial hardships to people, the management has decided not to enhance the tuition and session charges for the new session with regard to the request of West Bengal government," the statement on the website said. Don Bosco Park Circus, one of the top ICSE schools in the city, has posted on its website that "fee payment gateway has been disabled for a few days. There will be no late fee this month." The school, however, did not furnish any other detail. A south Kolkata English-medium school has deferred fee payment for the next two months. "Keeping in view the hardships faced by students and their parents, Vivekananda Mission School has put off for now the payment of bi-monthly fees for the new academic session," a spokesperson at the institute said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mohammad Ali Jauhar University here has bee taken over by the district administration to be used as a quarantine centre for coronavirus cases, said District Magistrate (DM) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh on Sunday. "The university will be used as a quarantine centre for coronavirus cases until further orders. To keep COVID-19 patients, a place far away from the population was identified. The university was the best place," Singh said. "At least, 30 medical staff are needed at a time. All of them have been selected. Jauhar University has been completely acquired. It will remain the main quarantine centre," he added. Singh further said that the patients will be treated in the medical science faculty building of the university after converting it into a quarantine centre. "A large number of beds and other facilities are also available here in this university. All the COVID-19 positive patients will be treated here" he added. The administration has geared up itself after six positive COVID-19 cases were reported in Rampur. The boundaries of Tanda Tehsil have been sealed after 5 COVID-19 positive cases were reported from the area. The administration has also sealed and sanitised Indra village after a youth, who came from Delhi, tested positive for COVID-19. An FIR has been filed against the village head for hiding the information. There are 452 coronavirus positive cases in Uttar Pradesh, including 45 cured and discharged and 5 deaths. With 918 new positive COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours and 31 deaths, the total number of coronavirus cases in India on Sunday climbed to 8447, including 764 cured and discharged, one migrated and 273 deaths, said 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.) Seven people, who came in contact with 16 Tablighi Jamaat members staying at a mosque in Katghora town of Chhattisgarhs Korba district, have tested positive for the coronavirus disease, taking the number of Covid-19 cases in the state to 25, officials said on Sunday. The rise in numbers come a day after Chhattisgarhs chief minister Bhupesh Baghel suggested extending the restrictions on the 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 during a video conference call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhupesh Baghel also demanded an early economic package from the Centre to boost the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. 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 Prime Minister held the video conference with chief ministers to take feedback on whether the ongoing lockdown is extended after April 14 to contain the spread of the coronavirus infection. Also read: Jamaat members hiding travel history could incur murder charges in Chhattisgarh Some of these people met the 16 Tablighi Jamaat members who were staying at a mosque in Purani Basti locality and then spread it (Covid-19) to others. They are from a nearby locality and tested positive late on Saturday night, Dipanshu Kabra, Bilaspurs inspector general of police, said while speaking to HT. These seven people who tested positive on Saturday night are not Jamaatis, Kabra said. A 16-year-old boy from this Jamaat group had tested positive for Covid-19 on April 4, after which another eight others in the area got infected, he added. Dr Karan Peepre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences medical superintendent, said that all of the seven people tested positive for coronavirus late on Saturday night and were brought to AIIMS Raipur. They are stable and their health is good, Peepre added. Katghora, around 200km from state capital Raipur, has been sealed and samples of all people in the area are being taken for screening for Covid-19. Twenty-five people have tested positive for the infection in Chhattisgarh so far, out of which 10 have recovered and discharged from hospitals. The Chhattisgarh government has made wearing face masks mandatory in public places in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus infection. The health and family welfare department has warned of legal action against those not wearing masks in public places. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Delivering lifesaving protective gear to frontline health staff has become hand to mouth, an NHS leader has revealed. The Government is airlifting in crates from China on a daily basis but some are being removed from planes before take-off by officials who want to test them. Other boxes are reaching the UK only for NHS officials to discover that they have been wrongly labelled. Rather than containing much needed protective gowns, they are filled with masks. Even worse, much of the kit from China the worlds main supplier is unusable because it fails UK safety checks. The astonishing revelations come from Chris Hopson of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, ambulance services and mental health trusts. He said: Its all been a bit hand to mouth. Delivering lifesaving protective gear to frontline health staff has become hand to mouth, an NHS leader has revealed, with a high dependency on supplies coming in from China The heart of the problem is that getting that stock that was ordered weeks ago from China is proving somewhat erratic. He said China was the only country with access to the right materials and manufacturing capacity to produce protective equipment. More than 30 NHS staff are believed to have died from coronavirus and campaigners say some of the deaths were a direct result of a lack of personal protective equipment, or PPE. As Health Secretary Matt Hancock promised to look into these deaths to establish how the victims caught the virus: Boris Johnson revealed his battle with the disease could have gone either way; Britains death toll rose by 737 to surge past 10,000 with one expert warning it was set to be the highest in Europe; It emerged the Cabinet is split over when to end the lockdown, with growing concerns about the impact of school closures; Michael Gove revealed he had been granted special dispensation to have his daughter tested for the virus so he could get back to work; The Archbishop of Canterbury urged that the dead be treated with dignity; Ministers admitted that only 4,200 of 300,000 small firms had been given loans; The Royal College of Nursing told its members to refuse to treat patients if they didnt have adequate protective clothing; The Royal College of Surgeons said a third of members did not have enough PPE. Protective clothing should be worn by anyone including doctors, nurses, care home workers and paramedics within two metres of a suspected coronavirus patient. It includes gowns, masks, gloves and visors and is vital for preventing individuals from contracting the disease and passing it to patients or their own families. At least 30 NHS staff have died during the outbreak after testing positive although it is not known how many contracted the virus due to inadequate supplies of PPE. Victims include Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, who died in Romford, east London, last week, five days after urging Mr Johnson to make sure staff had appropriate PPE. The extreme shortage of PPE is adding increasing strain to NHS staff across the nation, as guidelines state protective clothing should be worn by anyone including doctors, nurses, care home workers and paramedics within two metres of a suspected coronavirus patient Chris Hopson (pictured speaking on the Andrew Marr show), whose organisation represents 217 NHS trusts with more than a million staff, said China was the worlds only supplier of gowns which the UK now relies upon Ministers claim they have delivered 761million items of protective clothing to the NHS and care homes in recent weeks but in the past few days hospitals have reported severe shortages of gowns. Chris Hopson, whose organisation represents 217 NHS trusts with more than a million staff, said China was the worlds only supplier of these gowns, which must be water-resistant. He said the Government had arranged daily airlifts, mostly from Shanghai, which were being overseen by the Foreign Office helped by the Department for Trade and Industry. But explaining the logistical problems that led to these supplies being held up, he added: We understand the Chinese are pulling off stocks to test them before they leave the country. So even if youve got the plane there, the consignment there, you cant actually guarantee it actually gets on the plane. The second issue is that when the plane arrives in the UK there have been some boxes which say on the outside gowns but actually when you open them up have masks. We also have to test all of the garments when they come over and some consignments have failed tests. Everybody in the NHS is incredibly frustrated about the fact that we cant get the supply. The reality is that its probably only China which has got the volume and the manufacturing capacity and access to fluid repellent material. Mr Hancock said the circumstances of the deaths of NHS staff would be investigated to understand as much as possible how they caught the virus. Mr Hancock said he knew of 19 healthcare employees that had died after contracting the disease although the Mail has identified at least 32, from surgeons to doctors, nurses to porters. He told the Downing Street press conference: We are looking into each circumstance to understand as much as possible how they caught the virus, whether thats at work, outside of work, and making sure we learn as much as we possibly can and, therefore, of course protect our health workers as much as possible. Sara Trollope (pictured with Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year), 51, was just months away from retiring when she became yet another hero to been named a victim of the deadly virus Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, pictured left, passed away in hospital after a 15-day battle against the virus - five days after urging Mr Johnson to make sure staff had appropriate PPE But he insisted it would be impossible to commit to a timescale to getting PPE to everyone who needed it, including many millions of people across the NHS and social care. Meanwhile the Royal College of Nursing issued guidelines to members saying that if they hadnt been given adequate PPE, they could refuse to treat patients. The recommendations state: Ultimately, if you have exhausted all other measures to reduce your risk and you have not been given appropriate PPE ... you are entitled to refuse to work.' A survey by the Royal College of Surgeons found that a third of surgeons do not believe they have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment. More than half 57 per cent of the 1,978 members who took part in the poll said their trust had experienced shortages within the past 30 days. One described the lack of masks as scandalous and said he had caught the disease from a patient who had gone on to infect six other members of staff. A survey by the Royal College of Surgeons found that a third of surgeons do not believe they have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment Sue Hill, vice president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: We have been working with Government to ensure surgeons and their teams have the right advice about what level of PPE they need for different surgical procedures, but the overall picture from our survey is that there is still a lot more work to do to get adequate equipment to the front line. In the meantime we have urged our members not to risk their health, and that of their patients carrying out risky procedures. An NHS source said the reason Chinese officials were taking some protective clothing off the flights for testing was in case they got blamed if the shipments were found to be unsafe. The Foreign Office is understood to be co-ordinating the flights with some input with the Department for Trade and the Department of Health. The military is not involved. STEPHEN GLOVER: Why ARE we relying on China for vital gowns? When did the authorities first become aware that this country would face a deadly contagion that would cost the lives of many thousands? It must be at least two months back. Six weeks ago tomorrow, Boris Johnson delivered what then seemed a shocking statement in which he warned of a serious pandemic. At that stage, there had been only 51 recorded UK cases of coronavirus. Now there are nearly 20 times that number of deaths every day. No one knows when or how this will end. But it is clear that a lack of basic equipment, in particular gowns, is putting the lives of NHS staff at risk. The question which doctors, nurses and others on the front line have every right to ask is why with at least two months notice the Government has not made better provision for something so comparatively basic. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has boasted that 761million of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been produced for the NHS. Fine. But why is there nonetheless a shortage of gowns, and why are doctors and nurses dying for lack of them? Three nurses, who had been forced to wear bin bags on their shift because of a shortage of gowns, have contracted coronavirus. Isnt that disgraceful? NHS Providers, which represents all hospital trusts, has warned that supply of gowns is hand to mouth. Leaked memos warn of a national shortage of long-sleeved gowns. And, as the Mail reports today, 57 per cent of doctors in a survey conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons said their trusts have experienced PPE shortages within the past 30 days. Meanwhile, the Royal College of Nursing has issued guidelines to its members saying that if they havent been given adequate PPE they can refuse to treat patients. Who could blame them? At least 19 NHS workers have died so far, and some relatives believe they were infected due to a shortage of equipment. What has gone wrong? There have been bottlenecks in shipments from China our main supplier of gowns so that critical supplies are being held up. Now, Im going to say something which during the present climate when everyone, including the Prime Minister, now mercifully recovered, is praising the NHS to the skies may seem controversial. The organisation is not perfect. Its doctors, nurses and other workers are exemplary, and we owe them an incalculable debt. But they are not the health service. The NHS along with its quango little sister, Public Health England is a vast lumbering and often inefficient bureaucracy. It does not respond quickly to the rapidly developing demands of this cunning virus. Already we have seen how cumbersome the NHS has been in grappling with testing, where the daily rate is still far below what experts agree is necessary. This slowness appears to have been at least in part the result of suspicions harboured by health service jobsworths over private laboratories. Of course, I can appreciate that proper testing is a complicated issue. It is undeniably true that many other countries have also not covered themselves in glory. But is providing enough basic gowns, and other fairly straightforward PPE equipment, really so much of a challenge for a country that is supposed to have the fifth or sixth largest economy in the world? With at least two months notice, it surely would have been possible to ramp up the manufacture of gowns in the UK, instead of relying on fardistant China. There have even been appalling stories of health workers cutting up curtains. Slow-footed though the NHS and Public Health England are, the buck stops with Mr Hancock. No one envies the Health Secretary in his job at the moment. Ive no doubt he is working 18-hour days, and doing many good things. But the shortage of PPE equipment is finally his responsibility. Im afraid he was wrong-headed to imply that medics have been wasting equipment. It looks as though he is trying to shift the blame. It is immoral to ask doctors, nurses and other health workers to take bigger risks with their lives than they have to. No wonder some of them have said they feel like lambs to the slaughter. Action is needed. Bottlenecks must be cleared. More gowns and other vital PPE equipment must be found. It feels, not for the first time, that no one is fully in charge of this terrible crisis. - additional reporting from Digital Desk staff Bono has written to the South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, asking him to help Ireland tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. The U2 frontman has asked for personal protective equipment and said he will pay for them himself. The Asian country was initially one of the worst affected by the global outbreak, but its strong medical response has limited the number of deaths and confirmed cases. It is understood Mr Moon has agreed to look into the request with health authorities in his country. 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. It comes after U2 said it was contributing 10m to the purchase of PPE. The money will be used to source and buy personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff. A spokeswoman for the band confirmed the move to the PA news agency. Earlier today, South Korea reported 32 additional cases of the coronavirus over the past 24 hours, a continued downward trend in new infections in the country. The Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the additional cases increased the countrys total to 10,512. It said 7,368 patients have recovered and been released from quarantine, while 13,788 are undergoing tests to determine whether they have contracted the virus. The centre said that South Koreas death toll from the coronavirus increased by three to 214. On Saturday, health officials confirmed 553 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, the biggest increase since the outbreak began. The Department of Health also said a further 286 older cases of Covid-19 have been reported by a laboratory in Germany. There are 8,928 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, and another 33 people have died, taking the total to 320. Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti falls on April 14 - the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar or BR Ambedkar, who is known as the Father of The Indian Constitution. On this day, BR Ambedkar, the Dalit icon is honoured as the person who did so much for the upliftment of women, labourers and untouchables. Not only did Dr BR Ambedkar give us the Constitution, but he also played an integral part in the formation of the Reserve Bank of India. He was a social reformer who was responsible for the Dalit Buddhist Movement in India. ALSO READ: Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar: Father of our Constitution Right from his childhood, BR Ambedkar was sensitive to the condition of Dalits, who were ostracized from society. As a Dalit child, he would notice the way he and other Dalit children were treated. The Dalit children were made to sit on gunny sacks which they would bring from their homes. They were also not allowed to touch the water containers, and could only drink water when a person from the higher caste would pour water for them. In Ambedkars case, it was the school peon who would do this for him, and Ambedkar also wrote about this incident in his writings, titled No peon, No water. It was in 1956 that he started a socio-political movement called the Dalit Buddhist Movement. Nearly half a million Dalits from India joined the movement. At a later stage, the movement was converted to the Navayana Buddhism or Neo-Buddhism, which is a reinterpretation Of Buddhism. In 1990, BR Ambedkar was posthumously conferred with the Bharat Ratna, which is Indias highest civilian award. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter After pleas directed at Prime Minister Modis Twitter account, a Mumbai-based mother celebrated as the Indian Railways transported 20 litres of camel milk to her family - helping support her three-and-a-half-year-old autistic child, who is allergic to goat, cow and buffalo milk. The issue originally came to light in a tweet written by the mother, Renu Kumari. @narendramodi Sir I have a 3.5 yrs old child suffering from autism and severe food allergies . He survives on Camel Milk and limited qty of pulses. When lockdown started I didnt have enough camel milk to last this long. Help me get Camel Milk or its powder from Sadri(Rajasthan). neha kumari (@nehakum79798495) April 4, 2020 The order seems to have been picked up by the ministry and further coordinated by IPS Officer Arun Bothra, whose strong online presence has earned him over 60k followers on the microblogging site. Pl send me contact details by DM. Will do anything and everything possible for your child. Arun Bothra (@arunbothra) April 6, 2020 Soon, Rajasthan-based camel milk provider Aadvik foods stepped up to take responsibility. You are good people. Thanks so much for helping even in a situation of personal grief. Arun Bothra (@arunbothra) April 7, 2020 While procuring the camel milk itself wasnt a problem, the true logistical challenge arrived once Officer Bohra managed to loop in officials from Indias North-Western Railways. "The matter came to our notice when Bothra tweeted about it, said Chief Passenger Traffic Manager, North Western Railway (NWR), Tarun Jain to PTI. I discussed the issue with senior DCM, Ajmer, Mahesh Chand Jewalia. We decided that parcel cargo train no. 00902, running between Ludhiana and Bandra in Mumbai, will be stopped at the Falna station in Rajasthan, although it does not have a scheduled halt there, the package will be picked up from Falna and delivered to the woman in Mumbai. He said that through Jewalia, instructions were sent to Chief Commercial Inspector Akhil Taneja to coordinate with the operating department and the supplier to ensure that the camel milk is loaded at Falna. "After taking permission from the appropriate authority, the train was stopped and the camel milk was delivered to the woman at Bandra. For us at the Indian Railways, this is not the time to look at commercial gains. We have been asked to help out wherever possible in whichever way we can. Our (NWR) trains run through 18 districts of the country and we will do whatever is needed to help people out," Jain said. Finally, after several hours of coordination, the milk was delivered to Mumbai, and was even shared with another family in need. Final update 20 lts. camel milk reached Mumbai by train last night. The family has kindly shared part of it with another needy person in the city. Thanking Sh.Tarun Jain, CPTM, North-West Railways who ensured an unscheduled halt to pick the container.@RailwaySeva@RailMinIndia https://t.co/fCxI6EJTrX Arun Bothra (@arunbothra) April 11, 2020 Truly wholesome. While several users stepped up to congratulate the Railways and Officer Bohra for their hard work, That was an amazing statement...I am more proud of my Khaki now. Arun Bothra (@arunbothra) April 11, 2020 Amazing to see how to simply make things happen! When there is a will, things are made to happen. Kapil Negi (@negikapil) April 11, 2020 This is by far an unbelievable accomplishment of duty. Just thinking, sitting at Bhubaneswar,arranging milk, make it reach to station, ordering driver to make a halt, have it delivered at Mumbai, get it picked up & finally served. Definitely a #Mannkibaat event @skilledinodisha Impatient Optimist (@JaydevDas19) April 11, 2020 However, a skeptical Lt. Colonel voiced his disapproval - considering the matter to be beneath that of the PMO and Ministrys attention - although he was quickly corrected by Officer Bohra, They didn't run a special train. It was a regular parcel train. Container was packed with ice. Railways has actually earned some freight also. Relax Arun Bothra (@arunbothra) April 11, 2020 As well as an army of inspired Indians. Not more a wastage than the resources went into making you an officer. Bare (@Bare2Flare) April 11, 2020 One can never repay the debt of what a veteran has given to this country throughout his service. But I just have a question? How come some of them turn out to be so (what could be a nice word for it) weird maybe? Pulkit Bhatia (@9PulkitB) April 11, 2020 While we havent yet seen a statement from the family, were sure that they - and especially their child - are overjoyed that Indias officials helped make her request a reality. New Delhi, April 12 : Doctors at a leading Delhi hospital will request the Health Ministry to keep the data of the number of healthcare workers affected by coronavirus. A source on the condition of not disclosing the name of the hospital, told IANS that the doctors' association is going to write to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to keep such data for the purpose of transparency and better training management. "There are reports almost every day that a number of doctors and healthcare workers are infected with the COVID-19, but there is no official data. The Health Ministry or any government agency has not confirmed existence of such data," the source told IANS, adding, "this creates panic among healthcare workers. In many countries such as Italy, US and China, they have separate data for the number of healthcare workers affected by the disease. "Hygiene, PPEs and sanitisers are not new for the medical community -- we have been using them even before this pandemic. But if the doctors are still getting infected, that means either some of them are not following hygiene and distancing measures properly or they lack good quality personal protective equipment (PPE) or, maybe, they are not using them properly," the source said. "Therefore it is very important to address the issue by a reliable source of information. The ministry can keep it without making it public, but it should track the data on healthcare workers". He also said that the data may help in streamlining the training better. The Health Ministry, when asked on the number of healthcare workers infected with COVID-19, had earlier said that for them, there was no difference between an ordinary person or a healthcare worker getting infected by coronavirus. "For us a patient of COVID-19 is a patient, be it an ordinary person or a healthcare worker -- we don't differentiate," a Health Ministry official had said earlier during a press briefing. (Sfoorti Mishra can be contacted at sfoorti.m@ians.in) Kabul, April 12 : The Afghan government is preparing to release the third group of 100 Taliban prisoners, the National Security Council spokesman Jawed Faisal said, but without provide details on when it would taken place. The remarks by Faisal on Saturday comes after the government started the process on April 8 by releasing the first batch of 100 prisoners, followed by another 100 inmates the following day, reports TOLO News. The government has vowed to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners to move the peace process forward. "We are sparing no effort within the framework of the law to encourage the Taliban to begin negotiations. Both sides should make efforts to move the process forward," said Najia Anwari, a spokesperson for the State Ministry for Peace Affairs. Based on the US-Taliban peace agreement signed in Doha on February 29, 5,000 inmates of the group should be released by the Afghan government, and 1,000 prioners held by the militant group, to begin the intra-Afghan negotiations. On Friday, Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, said "unidentified" prisoners were released by the Afghan government while their delegation had already left Kabul after meetings with government team that ended with no result. The Presidential Palace recently said the High Council of Peace and Reconciliation will be established for the leadership of the peace process. The Afghan government says efforts are underway to form the council. "The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has taken basic steps for achieving peace. Now the Taliban should act on their promises," TOLO News quoted Latif Mahmoud, a presidential spokesman, as saying. On Friday evening, Gen. Austin S. Miller, the commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, met the Taliban leadership in Doha to discuss the peace process. Col. Sonny Leggett, spokesman for the US forces in Afghanistan, said the meeting was "part of the military channel established in the (US-Taliban) agreement", and "the meeting was about the need to reduce the violence". "Gen. Miller has gone to Doha to assure the leaders of the Taliban political office that the US is committed to the (US-Taliban) agreement and that no violation will happen in the future," said Jalaluddin Shinwari, a former Taliban member. Being pushed into staying at home for weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic is not an ideal situation for most people. For many South Carolina residents, it's testing their mental health. Attending group therapy sessions for addictions or seeing a general therapist or counselor in person are no longer an option for an indefinite amount of time. And for many people, both on a local and national level, circumstances like this and other factors have created more problems. This is putting a lot of stress on them for a lot of different reasons," said Dr. Christopher Pelic, a psychiatrist with the Medical University of South Carolina. In March, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported more than 22,000 calls and messages to their Disaster Distress Helpline. Less than 6,000 calls were received by the helpline after Hurricane Irma, Harvey and Maria in 2017, according to the Center for Public Integrity. In response to the new isolated circumstances, mental health providers are attempting to readjust ways to provide services to their patients. MUSC is home to the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance and for the past couple of years the university has worked in developing its telehealth initiatives. In January, it was announced that state employees covered by the State Health Plan could access free virtual urgent care through MUSC. Since the rise of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been large statewide shift in providing more telehealth services. Even some veterinary clinics have started providing virtual care visits. And with more insurance companies covering and reimbursing telehealth appointments, including for mental health counseling, more options are available. Experts say that residents just need to ask about them. Pelic has worked in overseeing the development of MUSC's virtual and remote programs in his role as the director of telepsychiatry. For around a year, MUSC has sustained a telepsychiatry program catered to patients they otherwise could not reach in person. With the coronavirus, they've had to push all outpatient services to the telehealth service. Were seeing people all over the state," he said. They have over 100 providers doing psychiatry through telehealth. And if it weren't for having an already established telehealth program, Pelic said it would've taken longer to adjust to the situation. One thing he hopes is that after the pandemic slows, some of the things they've been able to accomplish with telehealth will continue. He also hopes there will be a greater statewide push in organizing and solidifying telehealth protocols since there was a time when remote psychiatry services were not covered by insurers. "I really do think that all of this is going to evolve," he said. But he and other experts know that even with available resources there are likely still going to be a lot of people struggling. Managing addiction Joshua Smith, the clinical director of MUSC's Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, said he worries about there being increased barriers for people obtaining alcohol during the pandemic. Alcohol is typically used in combination with medication to help people recovering from an alcohol addiction, and a lack of access would also force some people to go into withdrawal who otherwise aren't ready to. I'm not sure anyone wants to increase the number of people going into the emergency room," Smith said. While most people are feeling more stress and anxiety with dramatic changes in their daily lives, simultaneously battling an addiction complicates that. For this particular group of people, routine is important, Smith said. Some like the American Addiction Centers even argue that the increased lockdown orders could trigger a noticeable increase in relapses. But with that data not being available yet, Smith said it's hard to be sure. Relapses are so common it's hard to really measure," he said. There are a ton of reasons why people relapse. In response to the pandemic, MUSC's program does everything via telehealth, including managing medication treatments. Smith said families may be feeling more tension now since more remote services mean a lot of treatments that would otherwise be done in a center now have to be done at home. MUSC also can't provide any drug testing now. Most recovering addicts end up relapsing, and that's OK, Smith said. The important part is that they master recovery so that the time between relapses are greater and the path to sobriety is shorter. Many therapy and recovery groups have also shifted to online group conversations. Some have even set up 24/7 online sessions. That's one of the few benefits of this pandemic being so large scale, Smith said. Mental Health Resources Here are resources for those struggling with managing their mental health or addiction recovery: Disaster Distress Helpline Residents can reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 1-800-985-5990. MUSC Health Institute of Psychiatry Patients can call 843-792-9888 to get connected with telepsychiatry services or talk with their primary care physician about reaching out for mental health assistance. They can also visit the institute's website to learn more information. S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services resources Residents can visit the department's website at www.daodas.sc.gov/covid19/ to learn information about recovery organizations providing remote or virtual group recovery sessions and online resources in general. Suicide Prevention People can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Group therapy Residents can email FAVOR Lowcountry at FavorLowcountry@gmail.com to connect with other people in the area managing recovery. "It's a world community," he said. Sara Goldsby, director of the S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, said they contacted all of the county licensed treatment centers to make sure they are capable of supplying cellphones to patients who need to engage in remote treatment. They worked with different organizations in helping them develop their remote programs. The department also reached out to all of the pharmacies in the state to ensure that they had a steady stock of Suboxone, a medication used in helping people manage an addiction to opioids. Around 7,000 people in South Carolina need that medication, Goldsby said. "They can't go without it," she said. But for those who are afraid of relapsing, Smith said that one thing that is helpful for people is reminding themselves why they decided to get clean in the first place. That's often times where group therapy sessions help the most. He said most people make the decision to get clean after a serious situation happened because of their addiction. So that reminder can help, and talking through it with someone is even more important. He and other experts worry that many residents may not reach out to inquire about remote services. Many of the programs they were already working with have likely set up virtual programs or can connect them to something that already exists. The important thing is to ask. A new normal One of the biggest things experts said South Carolina residents can do with managing their overall mental health at this time is being forgiving to themselves. Nobody really has it nailed down, and that's OK," Smith said. Anne Frazier is a licensed professional counselor based in Charleston. Many of her colleagues, including herself, have moved to virtual and phone sessions with their patients. She said many people who may have had themselves together in the beginning may be struggling now since the isolation periods have gone on longer than initially expected. Developing a routine and finding balance is the best way to help anyone through this crisis, she said. "It allows you to have a sense of power," she said. Maintaining personal connections with people is vital. That could mean a daily phone call with a friend or family member if they are social distancing alone. But for people living with family members or friends in a home, she said it's also important to designate alone time. For those who worry that their mental health may be deteriorating, a red flag to look out for is if their stress and anxiety level are keeping them from taking care of themselves or their family. "Then you need to reach out for help," she said. Residents are encouraged to reach out to their primary care physician or a helpline. While so much is unknown about the future, experts note that it's important for people to stay connected with resources and reach out to people they know to inform them about those services. Pelic said that during this unique situation it is especially important for providers to stay connected with their patients. It sends a really important message to patients that their providers are there for them," he said. Post-virus America can be a decentralized, more accountable country in school, business, and government. My parents' generation, that of the War of 193945, looked forward to the peace with wistful ballads like "When They Sound the Last All Clear" and "When the Lights Come On Again." I doubt if our time will hear "When I Go Back to the Office Again" or "When We Go Back to School Again." After all, home confinement doesn't match spending nights in crowded basements or Tube stations during Luftwaffe bombings. Nevertheless, the Coronavirus Crisis is likened to a war, and many relate to Thomas Paine's words, "These are times that try men's souls." Paine's pamphlet, "The Crisis," appeared two days before Christmas 1776, the low point of the American Revolution. The day after Christmas, though, Washington led the Continental Army in his surprise attack on Trenton. The ensuing battle ended the Christmas Crisis of 1776, and it was a turning point in the War of Independence. It is possible that COVID-19 may soon be defeated as decisively as the Hessians at Trenton. The Lenten Crisis of 2020 also tries men's souls. After it, many lives will have been ended; survivors' lives are being changed, temporarily at least, and perhaps permanently. Life may return to a semblance of normal by summer. Will The Normal be identical to The Before? The Coronavirus Crisis may, like wars, bring about changes, often radical social and political changes, that would not have occurred in "normal" times. More adults, for example, have been telecommuting. More children have been engaged in "distance learning." These changes may not be temporary. Businesses may find that employees working at home, not burdened with the inefficient use of time and dollars in commuting, can be as productive as they are in the office. Students from pre-K to university may benefit from learning via computer rather than in a classroom, where learning is geared to the lowest common denominator, often flavored with ideological indoctrination. Many students and their parents will find that online instruction resources are far more informative, flexible, and rewarding than teachers like the one who bored Ferris Buehler's classmates or those who are soul mates of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. When kids return to school, parents might be far more attentive to their classrooms. As parents become increasingly aware that their school tax dollars have gone to fraud, waste, abuse, and propaganda, homeschooling becomes increasingly attractive. Many would prefer pure homeschooling, others the hybrid model (mixed classroom and homeschooling). The upward thrust of school budgets will end. The future of K12 education could well be the kids of Little House on the Prairie learning on laptops. Kids made aware of the critical role of medicine and science will immerse themselves in STEM subjects. College-level distance learning has made inroads. It unchains students from lectures by Professor Dry-as-Dust who cannot compete with well produced videos in which a renowned expert is accompanied by graphs, pictures, maps, and other visuals. The student can replay the lesson to achieve 100% comprehension. Parents will find their offspring learning more by keeping their noses to the grindstone seven days a week, concentrating on the basic lesson but also following links to related content. Junior and Missy can achieve far greater subject-matter mastery at home. Brick-and-mortar college has distractions like gourmet-level cuisine in the cafe and a climbing wall in the rec hall. At home, they can't begin "party weekend" after the last class on Thursday. Learning at home helps parents to become aware of the bias at "prestigious" institutions that costs five figures annually. When Mommy discovers why Missy has become a Trotskyite, she can take remedial actions. Changes to American life can illustrate Friedrich Engels's "law of passage of quantitative changes to qualitative changes," which he elaborated in his screed Dialectics of Nature, read today by perhaps only tenured liberal arts professors. Engels "borrowed" the concept from Hegel, who stole it from Aristotle, who took it from Anaximines, etc. To illustrate, a quantity change (in temperature) produces the quality change (converting water into ice); another temperature change converts water into steam. To Marxists, there has always been a proletariat, but at a point, it expands to become the majority; it ceases to be the enslaved, becomes the ruling class instead. Here, incremental changes in American life caused by the coronavirus, which originated in communist China, may bring about qualitative changes that transform America into a freer country. When circumstances force people to distinguish between the critical and the superfluous, the process is truly "radical": it trims away all obstructing the root of things. The pie-in-the-sky thinking of the past will be replaced by recognizing the need to make hard choices. This will impact consumer demand for goods and services. Reduced demand for some social and consumer goods and services can bring increased demand for others. Less on-road commuting reduces demand for cars and fuel; less commuting reduces the need for road and rail transportation expansion plans (that usually come with out-of-this-world cost overruns). New consumer psychology could increase personal savings, especially for people who realize that they have failed to put aside enough for a rainy day (or year). This "radicalism" applies to organizations as well: need for all employees to be physically present for five days a week allows downsizing brick-and-mortar facilities; businesses can reduce real estate expenses by relocating away from crowded metropolitan areas; already decentralized, multi-location organizations could reduce travel costs by increasing the use of electronic meetings. If metropolises are no longer necessary for business in a high-technology world, small-town America could be revived. Manhattan's Upper West Siders might not welcome relocating to Peoria or Butte, but it is what it is. In a decentralized, less stressed out, mentally healthy America, people would be better able to distinguish among the important, the insignificant, and the in-between. Governments will also have to make hard choices. After-action analyses must address strengths and weaknesses of crisis responses. Business-as-usual government practices that caused unnecessary harm to physical and economic health to individuals and to the public at large must be remedied by reformation and debureaucratization. Governments will certainly have to address temporary reduction of tax revenues from incomes and sales and adapt to this reality. To improve accountability, steps have been taken to relocate segments of the D.C. bureaucracy to the boondocks. That could be the wave of the future, especially if we move the capital. The Constitution mandated a territory under the sole jurisdiction of the federal government; it did not specify the location. The Residency Act (July 16, 1790) resulted from a bargain between Treasury secretary Hamilton and secretary of state Jefferson. Jefferson's support for Hamilton's bill for the new government to pay off the Revolutionary War debts of the Confederation and the states was exchanged for locating the capital on land ceded by Virginia and Maryland. A revised Residency Act could relocate the capital to Peoria, Butte, or a field in the center of the country. A few weeks ago, some unctuous "celebrities" appeared in seriatim in a video of "Imagine." These secular materialists want a borderless, moneyless, godless world in After-Virus Life. The real Americans of flyover country don't cherish that vision. They might welcome a post-quarantine high-tech version of pre-urban America. Image: Marco Verch Professional Photographer and Speaker via Flickr. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said "we succeeded some days ago and freed this money from the Americans' grasp" Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said "we succeeded some days ago and freed this money from the Americans' grasp" (AFP Photo/-) Tehran (AFP) - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday the country had won a legal "victory" over $1.6 billion of its assets that had long been frozen on a US request in Luxembourg. Tehran and Washington have long been arch enemies and tensions have risen sharply since President Donald Trump in 2018 withdrew from a nuclear accord and reimposed stinging sanctions. In a separate dispute, a New York court in 2012 ordered Iran to pay $7 billion in damages over the September 11 attacks, arguing that it had aided Al-Qaeda by allowing its militants to travel through its territory. Iran has rejected the accusation and refused to pay the money. Rouhani said in a televised cabinet meeting Sunday that "our central bank, our foreign ministry [have] recently won a very good victory in a legal battle". "$1.6 billion of our money was in Luxembourg and the Americans had put their hands on it," he said. After trying for months, "we succeeded some days ago and freed this money from the Americans' grasp," he declared. The Luxembourg Court of Cassation had devoted a hearing in April 2019 to the case of Iranian assets frozen there on a US request, according to the news site Paperjam. The court is yet to make its decision public. But Rouhani hailed a victory in a "difficult situation" for Iran, which has been battling the Middle East's most deadly novel coronavirus outbreak. COVID-19 has so far killed over 4,400 people and infected more than 71,600 in the Islamic republic, according to official health ministry figures. Sanctions-hit Iran has requested a $5 billion emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund to battle the outbreak. But the US, which effectively holds a veto at the IMF, has signalled it has no intention of allowing the loan, alleging that Iran would use the money to fund "terror abroad". Tehran in 2017 unsuccessfully attempted to repatriate the $1.6 billion frozen in the Clearstream clearing house, a financial company based in Luxembourg. Story continues A judge denied the demand at the time and ruled that the assets would remain temporarily frozen in the small EU nation. Billions of dollars in Iranian assets were also frozen in the US and Europe as part of efforts to push Tehran into a nuclear deal with world powers, which was finally signed in July 2015. Trump in 2018 withdrew from the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and reimposed tough sanctions that have severely damaged Iran's oil sector and its wider economy. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 15:34:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARBIN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The city of Suifenhe, at the China-Russia border in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, has seen the number of confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continue to rise. As of midnight Saturday, Suifenhe had reported 194 confirmed cases and more than 100 asymptomatic coronavirus carriers. Experts said the number may continue to increase. "The proportion of COVID-19 patients has been very high at between 10 percent to 20 percent in each batch of inbound personnel," said Yu Kaijiang, head of the local medical treatment team. "The ratio in some batches was even higher," he added. Official data showed that so far a total of 2,497 people have entered Suifenhe from Russia. Ge Hong, deputy director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Health Commission, said they have been monitoring the body temperature of inbound personnel who are put under immediate isolation every day, and he believed the number of patients might rise further in the coming days. According to Yu, all severely ill COVID-19 patients were cases that had developed fever or cough in Russia and returned after a long journey. The Suifenhe port, a major land checkpoint at the border, has shut down its passenger inspection channel and tightened checks on the freight inspection channel. All personnel entering the border from Suifenhe are required to undergo nucleic acid tests and be quarantined in designated facilities. Those deemed by the UK Government 'particularly vulnerable' are struggling to book online supermarket delivery slots, despite being promised they are a priority. Numerous shoppers have taken to social media to complain about not being able to easily book home delivery slots with various major supermarkets amid the coronavirus pandemic. This, despite receiving an official letter from the Government guaranteeing them access to the online delivery service, and after being classed as vulnerable. In frustration, many took to Twitter to vent their concerns. This Twitter user said they were told they are in Morrisons' database but could not place an order One Twitter user calling out Morrisons wrote: 'Received an email yesterday confirming I am on your database of vulnerable customers. 'Have now had to queue twice and both times been thrown out to the back of the queue. 'I was told I would bypass this stage. How am I supposed to place an order?' Another, again targeting Morrisons, also took to Twitter, writing: 'Can you help please, I have had an email from yourselves saying because I am on the vulnerable list I don't have to queue on the website. This isn't the case as I'm still queuing.' Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a public statement on 22 March outlining 'special steps to protect the particularly vulnerable'. The PM told some 1.5 million people deemed most at risk to isolate for 12 weeks and encouraged them, including the elderly, to stay at home while the Government rolled out a food parcel delivery scheme. This Twitter user @MPlucknett claimed to be held in an online queue with Morrisons on 6 April Days later on 10 April @MPlucknett claimed they had been forced to queue up at Sainsbury's despite showing their Government letter The same person also called out Sainsbury's just days later complaining they had been made to queue up despite showing their Government-issued vulnerable letter, and an ID. 'Went to your store in Witney at 7:50am with my vulnerable letter and ID and was told I had to wait in the normal line which stretched back as far as the eye can see, no point getting these letters,' they wrote. One Twitter user, whose 80-year-old mother has a chronic inflammatory lung disease, took to social media to tell Asda they were staying at home and could not get an online delivery slot with the supermarket. 'My mum is 80 and high risk with copd (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). We cannot shop for her as we are isolating due to husband health. 'I cannot get a delivery for her at all. How do you identify the vulnerable in Scotland,' they wrote. @Nickyanddan struggling to get an online slot via Asda. Their 80-year-old mother is chronically ill Author Matt Haig was also critical of Sainsbury's on Twitter, saying his 'vulnerable' mother-in-law who suffers with respiratory problems could not book a slot for three weeks. 'My vulnerable mother-in-law with a severe lung condition is on the priority list for @sainsburys. And yet there are no slots for three weeks. 'Anyone else had this issue?' he wrote. His tweet was answered by someone who wrote: 'I too am on the vulnerable list & got an email to say I could get priority slot. 'Went to log in and password expired! They say to ring to update, tired ringing - busy taking calls call back. 'I tried Morrisons - waited 40 mins in queue then no slots.' Author Matt Haig's Twitter exchange with @suzisnowflake10 who was struggling with online bookings Many major UK supermarkets have been asking people who are well enough and not vulnerable to travel to the physical shop to relieve pressure on online bookings. Many shops have also limited those who can use the online service to the elderly and people with health conditions. Supermarkets have a list of people deemed most vulnerable and therefore eligible for priority delivery slots from the Government. Those names are checked against their own information to ensure the right people are notified. Despite these measures people are still struggling to receive groceries, according to a report in The Sun. Shoppers queuing using social distancing measures outside an Asda shop in Gateshead Asda also said it was working through the Government's list of vulnerable people and those it identifies will be 'offered a regular delivery slot', according to The Sun Dave Lewis, chief executive of Tesco, said: 'On Thursday (April 2), we were given an initial list of 110,000 clinically and socially isolated people by the Government. 'From these, we were able to match 75,000 existing customers and we've already contacted them to let them know we're making home delivery slots immediately available to them. 'As we receive more data from the Government, we'll make even more slots available.' He added Tesco had increased online delivery slots by 145,000 in the past 14 days and that 'hundreds of thousands more' were due shortly. Mr Lewis acknowledged it is 'difficult' to book an online delivery slot due to 'high demand', asking 'those who are able to safely come to stores to do so'. A Sainsbury's spokesperson told The Sun it too was working through the Government's vulnerable list, adding: 'We know there's still work to do'. The supermarket told The Sun it 'recognised the need for the Government to help' it prioritise those who are vulnerable. Adding: 'That's why going forward, they will identify customers who they consider the most vulnerable, and we'll give those people priority access to home delivery slots.' Asda also said it was working through the Government's list of vulnerable people and those it identifies will be 'offered a regular delivery slot', according to The Sun. Morrisons has yet to comment on The Sun's story, it said. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly Drone company Draganfly announced it will work with the Australian Department of Defense and the University of South Australia on "pandemic drones." The drones will use sensors and computer vision systems to monitor people's temperature and heart rates. The system is also able to detect people coughing in crowds. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Canadian drone company Draganfly announced a collaboration on "pandemic drones" with the Australian Department of Defense and the University of South Australia Robots and drones are being used around the world to fight COVID-19, the coronavirus disease, from taking temperature to preparing meals and sanitizing surfaces where the virus may live. In video demonstrations sent to Business Insider, the drones use computer vision systems to monitor temperatures and heart and respiratory rates of people from above and single out people sneezing or coughing. Here's what they look like. The drones are equipped with cameras and sensors with special health monitoring capabilities. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly The drone can narrow in on a person to collect information about heart rate, temperature, and respiratory conditions. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly It can detect when someone is coughing, a symptom of COVID-19. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly In a statement, Draganfly said that these drones would likely be used for crowds like at convention centers or cruise ships. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly Draganfly also sees a possible security use around borders or critical infrastructure. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly It could also be used with vulnerable populations, like nursing home facilities. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly The drones are remotely controlled by operators. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly The drones sending reading information back. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly The project has an initial budget of $1.5 million. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly "We had imagined the technology being used in a future relief expedition to some far-away place. Now, shockingly, we see a need for its use in our everyday lives immediately" Dr. Javaan Chahl, defense science and technology chair at the University of South Australia said. Story continues Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly Draganfly says it is working on distribution and securing a supply chain for commercialization as soon as possible. Draganfly pandemic drone. DraganFly Read the original article on Business Insider The Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) has decided to donate Rs 1 lakh to PM-CARES Fund to fight the coronavirus outbreak. The students' body held an Executive Council meeting and discussed the issues plaguing the students during the ongoing lockdown. The council has decided to form five committees each comprising seven representatives including a DUSU office bearer, three Executive Council Members and four college students' union presidents to look into the issues concerning semester examinations, university entrance procedure, evaluation, syllabus reforms and review committee. The council also pledged to donate Rs 1 lakh from the union's annual fund towards the PM-CARES fund to fight the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. DUSU also appealed to all affiliated college unions and student representatives of all the universities to make contributions to the PM-CARES fund. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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 Everything coming to Now TV in April Amazon Prime Video UK: The biggest April releases Everything coming to Disney+ in April Follow TopFilmTip on Twitter for daily film recommendations. Some films may require a Sky subscription. Binita Jaiswal By Express News Service CHENNAI: Their peers in Bangladesh and China working without a lockdown has made Tirupur textile units owners jittery, for there is a serious threat of losing out on international orders. Speaking on their behalf, the Tirupur Exporters Association has requested Central and State governments to allow the textile cluster to reopen, so that they can send samples to clients in US and Europe. If we do not send the samples on time, we could lose business with many foreign brands forever, the association has warned. We have to send the samples by April 10. Only then would we get orders for spring-summer collections, says Raja M Shanmugam, president of the association. If we miss this opportunity, countries such as China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia will grab the orders. Factories in China and Bangladesh are currently functioning, and they will miss an opportunity to grab these orders, adds Shanmugam. We are already suffering heavy losses, to the tune of Rs12,000 crore. There have hardly been any orders since January. If we lose the spring-summer order, our losses will double up in the next three months. The association has already held talks with the Centre, and is awaiting a positive decision in this regard.There are over 10,000 garment manufacturing industries in Tirupur, employing over 6 lakh people. The cluster on an average exports textiles worth Rs 2,500 crore a month. Cotton knitwear sent from here are in much demand in European countries. Most exporters have already procured raw materials. Now, we only need permission to produce the samples. We assure to begin manufacturing of samples only after putting in sufficient safety protocols and measures. We will not risk the lives of our workers, says Shanmugam. 10,000 garment manufacturing industries in Tirupur, employ over 6 lakh people, and exports Rs 2,500 crore worth textiles in a month Following a record 149 tornadoes in Oklahoma last year, no one is really sure what this year could bring as the state enters the peak of severe storm season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I always get this question: How bad is it going to be this spring? said Ed Calianese, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Tulsa. He made the remarks during one of several recent storm spotter training sessions, before the coronavirus pandemic forced public meetings to shut down. I dont know. Anybody who thinks they know is not really too serious when they say that. It literally, from one year to the next, can be drastically different. This years season will have the additional staggering challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials have said people need to have a plan now for sheltering when in the path of a tornado, and that safety from severe weather should take priority over social distancing. There were talks of hope, faith, gratefulness and courage -- but some complaints too. The stories and experiences shared by coronavirus survivors from Haryana when Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar spoke to them over phone on Sunday will give strength to those who are still battling COVId-19. Strong will power and faith in the doctors, and they will get well soon, said a male patient from Faridabad who has now recovered, Khattar spoke to the survivors during his televised address to the people of the state when he also updated them about the COVID-19 situation in Haryana. He said the survivors had shown strong will power and determination to battle the infection. They were fighting battle against the life threatening disease, but they did not let this disease dampen their spirit, he said. Khattar said that of 180 positive cases in the state so far, 36 have recovered. The Faridabad patient said he had tested positive on March 28. I was treated in Safdarjung hospital in Delhi, I was treated very well by doctors. I was discharged after two weeks. The doctors used to come for checking on me twice a day, he said. He said he was still in the mandatory post-discharge home-quarantine, but he was getting full support from the people in the area he lives. People need not feel scared, they should have faith in themselves, strong will power and faith in the doctors and they will get well, he said. Khattar told him that he wants to assure that in Haryana as in the rest of the country, doctors are putting their best efforts to give best treatment to COVID-19 patients. Another male patient from Gurgaon, who showed symptoms two days after his return from abroad on March 7, said he was admitted to the Safdarjung hospital in Delhi after testing positive. On March 25, I was discharged and later my home-quarantine period is also over now, he said, adding he was the second patient to test positive from Haryana. Another male patient from Gurgaon said that on March 22-23, he had slight fever and when it did not improve over three days, he got admitted to a private hospital in Gurgaon. On April 2, he was told he had pneumonia and later tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. Four members of his family were tested for the virus, but their reports turned negative, he told the CM. A mother from Gurgaon shared the story about his UK-returned daughter testing positive on March 17, two days upon her return from the European nation where she is pursuing her higher studies. The woman's son also tested positive and both were initially admitted to Civil Hospital in Gurgaon. However, both children have been discharged now and their home quarantine is also complete, she said. A woman patient, who did not share the place from where she belonged to, said that even after being cured the attitude of her neighbours towards her was not good. I have recovered but neighbours in my village are not treating me well and accuse me of bringing disease in the village, she said. At this, Khattar said that they have appealed that everyone should cooperate and sympathise with the people who have recovered after fighting the battle against coronavirus. I will ask the administration people and the Deputy Commissioner concerned to look into this. We will ensure that you do not face any difficulty at the place where you live or work, Khattar assured her. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) T he woman who had two children with Julian Assange while he was holed up inside the Ecuadorian embassy has pleaded for the Wikileaks founder to be released from prison amid the coronavirus outbreak. Assange, 48, is being held in Belmarsh prison in south east London and is fighting extradition to the US on national security charges. His partner Stella Morris is pleading for his release as part of the Government scheme to let 4,000 prisoners out temporarily. He has a chronic lung condition made worse by the years he spent in confinement in the embassy in London, Ms Morris told the Mail on Sunday. She added that his mental health had also declined during his years in the embassy. Julian Assange - In pictures 1 /30 Julian Assange - In pictures 2019 Julian Assange on his arrival at Westminster Magistrates court on April 11 Jack Taylor/Getty Images 2019 Julian Assange made a defiant gesture with his fist as he arrived at court AFP/Getty Images 2017 Julian Assange puts his fist in the air as he steps out to speak to the media from the balcony of the Embassy Of Ecuador Getty Images 2012 Protesters gather outside the Ecuadorian Embassy, where Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks is staying Getty Images 2012 Masked supporters of Julian Assange outside the Embassy of Ecuador in Knightsbridge Dominic Lipinski/PA 2010 Photographers hold cameras to the windows of a Serco prison van believed to be carrying WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange Reuters 2016 ulian Assange's cat, is adorned with a tie and collar inside the window of the Ecuadorian Embassy PA 2016 Pamela Anderson delivers lunch to Julian Assange at Embassy of Ecuador Getty Images 2010 Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is pictured through the heavily tinted windows of a police vehicle as he arrives at Westminster magistrates court in London AFP/Getty Images 2010 Jemima Kahn leaves the City of Westminster Magistrates Court after offering to stand as surety for Julian Assange Getty Images 2010 Julian Assange of the WikiLeaks website speaks to reporters in front of a Don McCullin Vietnam war photograph at The Front Line Club in London Getty Images 2010 Wikileaks founder Julian Assange gestures inside a prison van with red windows as he arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice Getty Images 2011 WikiLeaks website founder Julian Assange arrives at The High Court Getty Images 2011 Julian Assange, founder of the WikiLeaks website, shakes the hand of a supporter as he leaves Trafalgar Square after addressing the crowd during the 'Antiwar Mass Assembly' organised by the Stop the War Coalition Getty Images 2011 Journalist John Pilger and Julian Assange, founder of the WikiLeaks website, chat before addressing the crowd during the 'Antiwar Mass Assembly' organised by the Stop the War Coalition at Trafalgar Square Getty Images 2012 Placards are left by supporters of Julian Assange, the founder of the WikiLeaks whistle-blowing website, outside the Ecuadorian Embassy Getty Images 2015 WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with Reverend Jesse Jackson outside the Embassy of Ecuador in London PA 2016 People attend a video conference of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at the International Center for Advanced Communication Studies for Latin America (CIESPAL) auditorium in Quito AFP/Getty Images 2016 WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange holds up his new kitten at the Ecuadorian Embassy in central London WikiLeaks 2017 WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during a press conference from inside the Ecuadorian embassy AP 2018 Supporters of Julian Assange outside Westminster Magistrates Court, London where a court decision is due on whether a UK arrest warrant against the WikiLeaks founder is still valid PA 2018 British hacker Lauri Love and his girlfriend Sylvia Mann are surrounded by media after visiting Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy in London on 6th February 2018 AFP/Getty Images 2018 A cat named 'James' wearing a collar and tie yawns by the window of the Ecuadorian Embassy where WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been for over five years on 6th February 2018 AFP/Getty Images Assange had two sons with Ms Morris while in the embassy, she said. She was part of his legal team in the US extradition case. They have been engaged since 2017. She said: "Julian's poor physical health puts him at serious risk, like many other vulnerable people, and I don't believe he will survive infection with coronavirus. "Mentally, I do not think he will survive further enforced isolation either." She added that he is in his cell for more than 23 hours every day and is not receiving the mental health treatment she says he needs. Julian Assange with his legal team, including Ms Morris / PA Media Nine prisoners are believed to have died in British prisons since the coronavirus outbreak began. One is reported to have died in Belmarsh. The advocacy group the Prisoners Advice Service called on the Government in March to release temporarily all prisoners awaiting extradition, all non-violent prisoners over 50, and everyone over 75. But Assange failed in a bid to be temporarily released from prison last month over concerns he would abscond. His mother and father have both expressed fear for his life in prison. Stella Morris and her children with Julian Assange / PA Media Ms Morris added: "Julian has been fiercely protective of me and has done his best to shield me from the nightmares of his life. "I have lived quietly and privately, raising my sons on my own and longing for the day we could be together as a family. "Now I have to speak out because I can see that his life is on the brink." Assange spent seven years in the embassy before being handed over to British authorities in 2019. He faces an extradition hearing in May this year for 18 US charges - including the unauthorised disclosure of national defence information. and computer misuse. If found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars in the US. Ms Morris says she tried to keep the identity of the children's parents a secret - but alleges that US intelligence agencies tried to steal one of their son's nappies to run a DNA test. Julian Assange / AFP/Getty Images A security guard working for the embassy told her about the plot, and warned her not to bring the child to the embassy again, she said. Ms Morris brought the children to see their father in Belmarsh last year, but due to coronavirus restrictions cannot visit Assange now. She said: "For a long time I have feared I will lose Julian to suicide if there is no way in which he can stop his extradition to the US." Melbournes long population and construction booms have come to an abrupt end, with the state economy facing its biggest slump since the Great Depression almost a century ago. In a research report prepared exclusively for The Age, analysts SGS Economics and Planning have forecast that the coronavirus pandemic will shrink the Victorian economy by up to 10 per cent in 2020, the biggest contraction since the Depression and, before that, the first year of World War 1. This recession will be unprecedented apart from these couple of historical events, said SGS economist, Terry Rawnsley. Its going to be ugly, that's for sure. Leading economists and migration experts told The Age that Victoria was especially vulnerable to economic damage from the pandemic because it is geared to construction and international education, which have boomed from high immigration and population growth. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 16:01:14|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close Hao Tiedan (1st L) has dinner with his family at home in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, April 11, 2020. When Hao Tiedan left on Feb. 5 as a member of the third batch of medical team from Shanxi Province to help fight against the COVID-19 in Hubei , his daughter had been born just two days. After 53-day work in Hubei and 14-day quarantine in Shanxi, Hao finally stepped on his way back home to reunite with his dear family who have been expecting and preparing for his return for days. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) The incident was reported on April 10. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is probing into an emergency landing of a MiG-29 jet fighter of the Air Force of Ukraine. "According to preliminary information, a pilot of a military unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is deployed in the city of Melitopol, violated the flight rules during a planned landing of a MiG-29 at 21:00 Kyiv time on April 10, as a result of which the aircraft was damaged. No one was injured," the SBI said on its website on April 11. Read alsoTwo Ukrainians in critical condition, six stable after bus accident in Hungary The pretrial investigation is under way to probe into the violation of the flight rules, which entailed grave consequences (Article 416 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The punishment is imprisonment for a period of five to 15 years. As was reported, the incident happened at Melitopol's airfield, Zaporizhia region. The aircraft made an emergency belly-landing on the runway, one of its wing was damaged. The pilot survived. The jet fighter, built in March 1990, was used by the 168th flight test center in Crimea until 2001 and mothballed after disbanding. In 2014, it was relocated from the Russia-occupied peninsula. In 2016, it was repaired at Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant and transferred to the 204th Lutsk-based tactical aviation brigade. Advertisement Eminent virologist, Dr Akhil C Banerji who had an opportunity to work with legendary infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci of the US, says that if temperature is around 39 or 40 degrees, then it helps in deactivating the virus."However, if any person is standing too close to a COVID-19 patient, then he can be at risk of inhaling the virus. Temperature plays a role but still in science every conclusion, every study has to be based on data. We actually require more data on this subject," said Dr Akhil Banerjee, who has been associated with National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi.Though in depth study of COVID-19 is required to conclude on the effect of the temperature on the virus, research conducted on other types of coronaviruses showed "marked winter seasonality." In simpler words coronaviruses are more volatile between December and April. Several virologists are hinting that by June this year, the impact of COVID-19 would be less than what it appears at present."Yes, some scientists are talking about June theory which obviously relates to rise in temperature. I have spoken to some of our Chinese collaborators and they told us that its (COVID-19) resistance power cannot tolerate high temperature," Professor Pratyoosh Shukla, former General Secretary of Association of Microbiologists of India(AMI) told IANS."Usually all types of viruses including SARS or Flu, have maximum impact from October to March. The reason being that temperature plays an important role in the spread of viruses," said Prof Pratyoosh Shukla.A detailed study conducted by the Centre for Infectious Diseases, Edinburgh University, found that three types of coronaviruses obtained from patients of respiratory tract infections showed winter seasonality. The viruses, study revealed, seemed to cause infection between December to April, a pattern observed in spread of Influenza. The microbiologists are of the view that there are early hints that COVID-19 may also vary with the seasons. The outbreak of the new virus suggests that it has preferences over cool and dry regionsSource: IANS New Delhi, April 12 : Rapper Badshah was caught off guard with the plagiarism accusations against him over his new single "Genda phool", with regard to Ratan Kahars Bengali folk song "Boroloker biti lo". The rapper wants to set things right by doing a song with the veteran folk artiste to "do justice to it". He also plans to get him registered on the copyright bodies and register all his work, so that he can get royalties. Living far away from spotlight in poverty-stricken condition in Birbhum district's Siuri town with his family, Kahar found himself in the limelight because of his all-time Bengali folk pop hit "Boroloker biti lo", which he created in 1972 -- all thanks to Badshah and the virtual world. Badshah used portions of the song in his new single, "Genda phool". Soon after the song was released, netizens pointed out portions of the song have been lifted from the popular Bangla folk hit of the seventies. Acting swiftly, the rapper reached out to Kahar and deposited Rs 5 lakh to the veteran folk artiste's bank account. Asked if the controversy caught him off guard, Badshah told IANS: "Yes, of course, it did. But my team and I had done our complete research on the sample before using the sound, done our due diligence and everywhere it was mentioned as a traditional folk song." "There was no existing record on any of the past releases of shri Kahar as the lyricist and which is why we went ahead and used the sound in the first place. However, in a couple of days, we started getting tagged in a lot of articles and posts that suggested otherwise according to just popular belief and still with no documented proof. But when I saw and heard his story, irrespective of the credits, I think he is one of the gems that should have been preserved and taken care of. My team reached out to him through some of the people who had run his story, as I definitely wanted to get him the recognition that he deserves," he added. Badshah continued: "A lot of work has obviously been difficult because of the current lockdown, but as soon as things are back on track, I intend to visit him and request him to do a song with us that Sony Music India will release and do whatever I can do being from the same fraternity, financially or otherwise. But I really wish and hope that he had been taken care of, being the traditional legacy that he is. I come from Punjab and we really nurture and celebrate our legends here and it was sad to see shri Kahar in a situation that he is right now. Hopefully, this will change things." Due to the lockdown, Badshah spoke to him on a video call. "He is like any of our elders -- lovable and extremely affectionate. He sang a few of his songs for me, blessed me and I have promised him I am going to be seeing him and do whatever I can in my strength to celebrate and take care of his legacy... Make a new song with him and do justice to it. If required, get him registered on the copyright bodies and register his works and whatever else is required for him to receive his royalties. It was sad to see that an artist of his stature has been in such a situation." As a "basic gesture", Badshah deposited Rs 5 lakh in his account, and wants to do more. "Once I visit him after the lockdown, I will try and understand exactly where his difficulties are, in health or his children's education, and take necessary measures to help him further. That is the least and a matter of honour and pride, I can do is, from the new generation of musicians for one of our traditional legends of music," said the rap star. Though he started his career in 2006 alongside Yo Yo Honey Singh with band Mafia Mundeer, Badshah has paved a way for himself in the industry by giving chart toppers and party numbers. When it comes to Bollywood, there's "Saturday Saturday", "Kala chashma", "The humma song", "Kar gayi chull", "Tareefan" and "Abhi toh party shuru hui hai". In the section of non-film chartbusters, there are "Proper patola", "DJ Waley Babu", "Mercy" and "She move it like". As Badshah 2.0, he released "Genda phool", the video of which features actress Jacqueline Fernandez. The song, which comes with a Bengali touch, is themed around Durga Pujo, and is directed by Sneha Shetty Kohli. It has got over 150 million views on YouTube. Pranab Mondal By KOLKATA: At a time when the whole country is focused on fighting the coronavirus pandemic, a 16-year-old girl in West Bengals Murshidabad district had an entirely different battle to fight the one to stop her premature marriage. Her father, Akram Sheikh, is a migrant worker who had recently returned from Odisha after work dried up there as a result of the lockdown. Akram feared that he wouldnt be able to get a job in the near future due to the ongoing crisis. He thought that he would end up spending all his savings and soon wouldnt have any money left for his daughters marriage. So, he secretly fixed her marriage. The daughter came to know about it from a neighbour just two hours before the groom was to arrive on Friday. FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES HERE She immediately dialed the local block development officer and informed him about her plight. "I came to know from one of our neighbours that the arrangements were made for my wedding. I was shocked. I somehow collected the number of the local BDOs office and informed them. It was because I want to continue my studies," said the teenage girl who is a student of Class X. Block development officer Saurav Ghosh said when he and his team arrived, the groom and his relatives fled the scene. "The father of the girl gave a written declaration that his daughter would not be forced to marry," said Ghosh. "I dont know when I will start working and earn money again. I learned that labourers like me would not job for the next six months. I feared all the money that I earned in Odisha would get spent during the crisis. As there is no hope of getting a job soon, I wanted to spend earning for my daughters wedding," Akram said. The man was on home quarantine Girls father Akram Sheikh returned home from Odisha on March 27. Doctors at a local healthcare centre examined him and suggested that he quarantine himself at home Coronavirus response: NATO Support and Procurement Agency assists Italy, Spain and Norway NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 11 Apr. 2020 The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) continues to play an important role in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, by assisting NATO Allies and partners with key relief acquisition and transport. NSPA has recently delivered to Italy the first two of sixteen acquired Intensive Care Units ventilators. It has also delivered the first batch of personal protective equipment to Spain and various medical supplies to Norway, including masks, gloves, goggles and other protective medical equipment. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) brings together NATO's logistics support and procurement activities, providing multinational support solutions and integrated capabilities for the Alliance, its nations and partners. NSPA is a customer-funded agency, operating on a "no profit - no loss" basis. NSPA is headquartered in Luxembourg, with main operational centres in France, Hungary and Italy and outstations in Kosovo and Afghanistan. The Agency employs around 1,550 staff and oversees over 2,500 contractors in NATO's missions across the world. The NSPA is the executive body of the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Voters put at risk Wisconsin held its primary election in the middle of a deadly pandemic. Photos show hundreds of people standing in line, close to each other, for hours. The Wisconsin Supreme Court denied the Democrats request to move the election date and for mail-in ballots for everyone. On MSNBC, Joe Scarborough said, Of all the things that Ive seen in my 25 years of politics and being associated with politics and reporting on politics, I dont know that Ive ever seen anything as reckless and irresponsible with the public health. Republicans arranged this election, risking the lives of countless voters in their state. In 2018 in Wisconsin, Democrats won 190,000 more votes for the State Assembly than Republicans, but because of gerrymandering, the GOP held a 64-35 advantage. This recent election included a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat, and it will make a huge difference. As in places like Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Texas, Republicans maintain dominance on the courts. In Wisconsin, like in Texas, voters find restrictions to voting. Sadly, we can expect the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court will not remedy this injustice. Adam Castillo, Leon Valley On ExpressNews.com: Wisconsin voters wait for hours, others stay home amid virus Captain the scapegoat In firing Capt. Brett Crozier for writing a letter of concern about the poor handling of a coronavirus outbreak aboard his ship, former acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly accused him of being too naive or too stupid to command the USS Theodore Roosevelt. And then President Donald Trump said, I dont want to destroy somebody for having a bad day. What? Croziers firing is seen among the aircraft carriers crew as an attempt to muzzle any leaks of information about the situation that could become politically inconvenient for top officers and civilian appointees in Washington. Crozier was not the problem he was a scapegoat for the failure of the American powers that be who did not take serious steps in the early days of the virus to contain its spread. Crozier wanted to do things differently and take early action to protect his sailors. When his superiors failed him, he wrote a letter, which was then leaked to the media, making the top military officials and civilian appointees appear impotent. Along with 230 of his sailors, Crozier was COVID-19 positive. As with all great leaders, he placed the greater good of his roughly 4,000 sailors above all else, and thus the letter was written. Modly can call Crozier disparaging names, and Trump can say he was having a bad day. But I think he is a courageous leader who made a tough decision to protect the health and welfare of his crew because the chain of command was unresponsive. I ask you: Who would you want to be the captain of your ship Mobly, Trump or Crozier? JoAnna Strong Stein, Boerne Moment to moment Its interesting to note how life can dramatically change from one instance to the next when a life-threatening virus hits the world. Everything has come to a grinding halt. One minute everything was life as usual, and the next minute everything is life being lived in an unusual way. We all take so very much for granted. And only when we are confronted with our own immortality do we stop and take the time to put life in its proper perspective. What truly matters, and what is merely superfluous, becomes a stark reality. There are no longer any large gatherings; everyone is told to stay home; students no longer go to a school building to learn. The cost of gasoline is at an all-time low, but there is nowhere to go with the ominous virus lurking everywhere. We are advised to stay home, to slow the spread, to stay safe. Hopefully we will learn our lessons, not to be dependent upon foreign countries for our safety and well-being. Not to rely on cheap foreign manufacturing and low-cost foreign trade to keep our country going forward. Look how quickly all the open borders slammed shut across the world because a deadly virus was being brought into their countries. The virus is truly an equal opportunity infector. It does not discriminate. No matter your race, your religion, your politics or your profession, if you are wealthy or you are on welfare. Marian Casillas, Del Rio On ExpressNews.com: 21 things to cure quarantine boredom besides going for a walk Wont happen to you? What is going on, people? Do you think it cant happen to you? Well, to all those who are hitting the beaches and/or gathering to worship, what you are doing sends a negative message to every person in this country who is sacrificing so much to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. I would love to gather my family and friends around me. But beating this deadly virus is far more important than my desire to be with those I love, especially since my children had to cancel a 50th anniversary party for me and my husband. But, again, in the grand scheme of things, the pandemic takes precedence over all. I also love my parish family and miss gathering in worship and community with them, particularly during Holy Week and Easter, remembering and honoring the greatest event in my faith. I would have loved to celebrate the great Triduum Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil with my parish family, but it is better to stay home and celebrate by livestreaming it. The sacrifice of staying home and not gathering together which we, as a nation, are asked to do is little price to pay when the alternative is the death of someone I love or myself. Opening beaches and encouraging people to gather at church are frivolous actions in light of what is happening around the Earth. Have we grown too unimaginative to think of safer ways to pass our time during quarantine? Hey, take it from someone who has spent the last year and a half spending a majority of my time confined to my home because of health challenges. You do what you have to do. Staying in self-quarantine and maintaining social distancing when grocery shopping and performing other essential needs are the responsible things to do until the pandemic runs its course. Cherryl A. Sagan Lack of technology, divisive labor talks and a shortage of know-how have delayed learning or more importantly teaching during coronavirus closures, with many Bay Area schools launching instruction Monday, four weeks into closures. So far, teaching and learning vary greatly within and among school districts, an educational hodgepodge plagued by administrative delays and technological inexperience. Parents in many districts, including Mill Valley, San Francisco and Tracy, are frustrated and angry that until now districts have only officially offered links to online sites and optional educational activities to complete rather than actual instruction. Yet in other districts and at many private schools, students are attending classes online every day, interacting with peers and their teachers, studying the Civil War or discussing Jane Eyre. We know this is the biggest challenge weve ever faced, said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond in an online town hall. There is no playbook for this. While there has always been variability in teacher quality, class sizes and funding for schools, the closures have highlighted those gaps as well as bureaucratic barriers that have resulted in some districts lagging weeks behind in educating students from afar. Parents say despite the closures, they still believed teachers who continue to get paid would teach during the closures. Instead, moms and dads have become their childs teacher, trying to help their kids use educational websites, complete paper worksheets or other assignments while working from home, like reading 30 minutes a day. In some cases, no one is able to teach given the parents jobs or other responsibilities. I want kids to be taught by their teachers, said Lauren Goodman, parent of a Mill Valley second-grader. Teachers are only instructing online where they see fit. Mill Valley teachers are providing daily assignments for students, but not necessarily providing direct instruction through recorded videos or live sessions with students, which puts the burden on parents, Goodman said. Many districts are also still working out agreements with the local teachers union to determine how to adopt distance learning. San Francisco still has not reached an agreement, but will launch distance learning for all schools on Monday anyway. A few schools in the district started this week. Since the closure of San Franciscos schools on March 16, officials told students to work on their own or with adult support on learning activities, with sample schedules and ideas provided to them. As is the case in many districts, some city teachers have initiated contact and instruction with students on their own, but the effort has been scattered and dependent on the initiative of each educator and whether students have the technology. The district has distributed 8,771 Chromebooks to students in recent days, but access to devices and Wi-Fi is not universal. On Monday, San Francisco teachers will begin to teach and communicate with students regularly in various ways, according to the districts website Friday, adding printed materials will be available for those who dont have computers or internet access. More information to come! the advisory said. In Tracy (San Joaquin County), the district distributed optional paper packets of work for students in the weeks since the closure. During that time, teachers were supposed to reach out to families to check in. They were also told to experiment with different online learning sites to see what they liked, said teacher union President Jacqui Nott. District officials, in agreement with the teachers union, have not required them to teach students since the closure. Starting April 20, after spring break, the teachers will plan and distribute online and paper packet lessons, with two weeks of activities, officials said. They will be required to also be available by phone, email or video conference for two hours each day, Nott said, adding some teachers are also using online video conferencing to teach, but not all. I appreciate that teachers can sort of teach in a way that is their strength, she said. Not all of the districts 15,000 students have a way to log in to online learning anyway. The district has one computer device for every four students and it wasnt practical to buy more, said Tracy Superintendent Brian Stephens. You can have a device for every student, but if you havent trained your staff and students for online learning, it really doesnt matter if you have the device or not, Stephens said. Im not just going to be somebody who goes out and buys a bunch of devices. I dont believe thats necessarily the answer. Parent Leticia Flores-Leckbee said her two kids dont have a computer and she asked the district to provide one, which was denied. Shes worried that paper packets wont be enough for her son, who wants to work for Google, and daughter, who dreams of working in health care. 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. Im afraid that this method will leave them behind, she said. I dont know. The approach in Tracy and other districts stands in stark contrast to Santa Clara Unified, where officials distributed Chromebooks and trained teachers, who launched universal online learning eight days after the closure, starting with middle and high schools. District officials said early attendance numbers indicated 98% of those students were participating in online classes. Not all districts and teachers were as prepared or able to jump in like those in Santa Clara. Many were unable to distribute enough computers or track down students and persuade them to keep learning. Oakland Technical High School English teacher Brennan Nicholas has seen less than half his students show up for online classes. They know grading wont be punitive during the closure because not all students have the ability to participate in instruction or learning, he said. The word has circulated that theyre really not going to be held accountable, Nicholas said. He anticipates hell be able to cover maybe 60% of the content that he otherwise would have during the rest of the school year but with a fraction of the students. In Pittsburg, sixth-grade teacher Geannine Fernandez had never heard of Zoom until two weeks ago. The 22-year veteran educator has since posted a schedule of Zoom office hours and created a YouTube channel to provide videos of her teaching content. There were 50 students who logged on to her last office hours, and, after spring break next week, there will be official class schedules, she said. When you love what you do, she said, you do whatever you need to. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker Kylie Jenner and her two-year-old daughter Stormi didn't let the coronavirus pandemic prevent them from celebrating True Thompson! The sweet mother daughter duo adorably serenaded Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson's little girl, as she rang in her second year of life, with a virtual performance of Happy Birthday to Jenner's 170 million Instagram followers. 'Sing,' the 22-year-old billionaire prompted her toddler, as she began to mutter the words with her mom's help. Sweet singing: Kylie Jenner and two-year-old daughter Stormi sang Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson's little girl Happy Birthday on Instagram, as the toddler celebrates under quarantine In the heart-melting footage, Stormi shyly smiled in a white and green floral dress, which she paired with white trainers. Despite struggling to get the words of the birthday classic, Jenner shared a few additional videos of her little one singing the nursery rhyme Rain, Rain, Go Away and carrying a pink Minnie Mouse umbrella. Jenner's older sister seemed to love the birthday tribute, as she reposted it on her Instagram Story and joined in the growing number of family members celebrating her little girl. Thoughtful: Jenner's older sister seemed to love the birthday tribute, as she reposted it on her Instagram Story and joined in the growing number of family members celebrating her little girl 'Happy Birthday to our precious True!!! You are such a blessing in our lives and we love you so much!!!! You are such light and sunshine and we cant wait to celebrate you very soon!!! Happy Birthday Angel bunny,' Kris Jenner wrote Quarantining: Kris is currently spending Easter with her youngest Kylie Jenner, Travis Scott and their daughter Stormi in Palm Springs Like the Kylie Cosmetics mogul, the family's matriarch Kris Jenner uploaded a series of snaps on her Instagram. 'Happy Birthday to our precious True!!! You are such a blessing in our lives and we love you so much!!!! You are such light and sunshine and we cant wait to celebrate you very soon!!! Happy Birthday Angel bunny,' the momager wrote. Kris is currently spending Easter with her youngest Kylie and Travis Scott, Stormi's father, in Palm Springs. Lots of love: Khloe's older sister Kim Kardashian, 39, was one of the first to send her love to baby True, as she wrote about wishing she could be there to celebrate 'I love you so much precious girl!' the SKIMS founder wrote. 'Looking through pictures to post made me so happy, this cousin bond is so special and will last forever' Khloe's older sister Kim Kardashian, 39, was also one of the first to send her love to baby True, as she wrote about wishing she could be there to celebrate. 'I love you so much precious girl!' the SKIMS founder wrote. 'Looking through pictures to post made me so happy, this cousin bond is so special and will last forever.' In addition to sharing a picture of just her holding True in a sweet embrace, the reality star choose a number of cute throwback photos of the birthday girl and her children North, 6, Chicago, 2, Saint, 4, and ten-month-old Psalm. Happy mama: The Good American founder kicked back the trip down memory lane with a picture of her and Kylie working their baby bumps, one at her baby shower and working her look at eight months Unforgettable: The proud mother-of-one went on to share the moment she held True in her arms for the first time in a hospital bed and playing with snapchat filters Perfect pair: The longtime aunt has been loving motherhood and has mastered co-parenting with ex Tristan Thompson In addition to executing a lavish Trolls-themed bash with her ex-boyfriend and baby daddy Tristan Thompson, Khloe shared over a dozen photos of her little one on her Instagram Story, including some from her pregnancy to sweet father daughter moments. The Good American founder kicked back the trip down memory lane with a picture of her and Kylie working their baby bumps, another at eight months and one smiling at her baby shower. The proud mother-of-one went on to share the moment she held True in her arms for the first time in a hospital bed and playing with snapchat filters. As India nears the 10,000 cases mark Covid-19 infections touched 9,191 on Sunday, and there have been 326 deaths so far it is clear that the virus is still following its own trajectory in India. Many scientists expected that this would change at some point. It hasnt (and to celebrate, this column is going to be repetitive, but with fresh numbers). Click here for Covid-19 updates Till March 23, there were 499 Covid-19 cases in India. The number rose to 2,543 till April 2. On April 12, the count stood at 9,191. The death toll rose from 10 to 72 to 326 in this period. Consider the US. Till March 8, there were 541 cases in the US. The number rose to 9,296 till March 18 and 124,256 till March 28. On Sunday, the count was 545,830. The death toll rose from 22 to 150 and then 2,222. On Sunday, it stood at 21,474. Or Italy. Till February 27, the number of cases in Italy was 593. This rose to 5,061 till March 7 and 26,062 till March 17. The death toll rose from 17 to 233 to 2,503 in this period. On Sunday, the count was a total of 156,363 cases and 19,899 deaths. There is no need to get into the math the Indian curve is a lot shallower, in terms of both infections and deaths. One explanation is that India is not testing as much as some of these countries have done. Click here for full Covid-19 coverage Italy has tested 15,935 per million of its population; the US 8,138; and India 137. To be sure, both the US and Italy were laggards in testing to begin with, and then aggressively ramped up as they realised the danger posed by the pandemic. All the numbers, other than the India tally as of Sunday evening are from the website worldometers.info The latest Indian numbers are from HTs dashboard. It is a fact that India has tested far too few people (the numbers will increase once the rapid test kits arrive). This could mean that there are a lot of infected people out there. Many of them may be symptomatic, but at least some will require hospitalisation, advanced care, perhaps in critical care units, and, some of them may even die. Anecdotally at least, theres no sudden surge in non-Covid mortalities in India that suggests that the disease is silently stalking people in the countrys hinterland. Clearly, Indias trajectory is mystifying and needs deeper scientific research. This column has previously pointed to at least three themes being studied by scientists the impact of temperature and humidity on Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19; the strain of the virus; and the relationship, if any, between immunity to the coronavirus disease and the BCG vaccine. The coverage of the vaccine is almost universal in India, and Indian children have been given it since the late 1940s. Theres more anecdotal evidence about the seeming immunity of those given the BCG vaccine to Covid-19. Spain (163,027 infections 16,606 deaths and 7,593 per million tested) gives the vaccine to children in only one region. The vaccine is universally given in Portugal (15,987 infections, 470 deaths, and 15,966 tests per million). The results of a large experiment involving frontline health care workers in Australia are awaited (they have been given the BCG vaccine). The findings will be closely studied especially in India, where the government is working to find a way to protect lives as well as livelihoods affected by the ongoing lockdown. That wont be easy a quarter of Indias cases are from its two most important cities from the perspective of business, Delhi and Mumbai. Gurugram, home to the local HQs of many Fortune 500 companies, has several hot spots too. It will be a while before it is business as usual in all three. California authorities have recaptured an inmate who fled from a treatment center for imprisoned mothers with her five-month-old son. Christa Ann Marie Ramirez, a 28-year-old serving a three-year sentence for robbery, left the Community Prisoner Mother Program in Pomona with her infant son at around 10.30am Saturday, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Officers tracked the pair down 20 miles away in Pico Rivera at about 5.30pm. They were in the company of Ramirez's boyfriend, who was not named. Ramirez was promptly transported to the California Institution for Women in Chino while her baby was placed in the custody of the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services. California authorities recaptured inmate Christa Ann Marie Ramirez after she fled from a prison treatment center with her five-month-old son (pictured together) on Sunday It's unclear how Ramirez managed to escape and travel all the way to Pico Rivera. Officials said the case has been turned over to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, which will determine whether to charge Ramirez or anyone else in connection with the incident. Ramirez, 28, is serving a three-year sentence for robbery. She is pictured in her mugshot CDCR said Ramirez was sentenced to three years in prison for second-degree robbery last August. She arrived at the Community Prisoner Mother Program (CPMP) in Pomona on January 21 and was set to be released on parole in December of this year. The CPMP facility offers substance abuse treatment to up to 24 female offenders designated as 'non-serious' and 'non-violent' who are serving sentences of less than five years, according to CDCR. 'Women in the program are pregnant or have two or fewer children under age six living with them at the facility,' the agency said in a statement. 'Since 1977, 99 percent of all offenders who have left an adult institution, camp, or community-based program without permission have been apprehended.' Charlie Riedel/Associated Press The U.S. stepped up pressure on Saudi Arabia to seal a historic deal to cut oil production as negotiations that President Donald Trump himself has brokered dragged on for a third day. Talks aimed at ending a price war thats savaging the U.S. oil industry and threatening petrostates budgets continued Saturday as Mexico and Saudi Arabia refused to budge. In an attempt to move negotiations along, a group of Republican senators from oil-drilling states such as Texas spoke to the Saudi oil minister by conference call. The Saudis spent over a month waging war on American oil producers, all while our troops protected theirs. Thats not how friends treat friends, said Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota. Saudi Arabias next steps will determine whether our strategic partnership is salvageable. Some Republican senators have raised the prospect of cutting off aid to Saudi Arabia if the kingdom doesnt pare its output, and end the price war it started last month even as the coronavirus pandemic had already crushed demand for oil. An unprecedented reduction of about 10 percent in worldwide crude output had looked all but certain, and Russia said it considered the deal done. But Mexico balked at the terms, and talks with Saudi Arabia have since failed. Trump announced a potential compromise on Friday, but his diplomatic solution still hasnt been accepted by all sides. With Trump now personally involved, the stakes appear too high for the deal to fail. But even the U.S. president acknowledged on Friday that he wasnt sure if an agreement could be reached. We are trying to get Mexico, as the expression goes, over the barrel, Trump told reporters at the White House. OPEC+ has made a commitment to cut a record 10 million barrels a day conditional on Mexicos agreement. Most OPEC+ countries back the Trump compromise, according to delegates, but Saudi Arabia and Mexico continue to negotiate bilaterally. The survival of thousands of oil 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 their budget. Oil prices continued to plunge despite talks of a global accord. West Texas Intermediate crude slid more than 9 percent on Thursday, settling below $23 a barrel, on speculation that a deal to cut production would fail to keep the glut of crude in global markets from swelling as the pandemic paralyzes travel. The OPEC+ alliance initially met on Thursday via video conference, followed on Friday by a virtual gathering of energy ministers of the Group of 20 -- while markets were closed. The talks on Saturday are largely bilateral between Saudi Arabia and Mexico. Saudi Arabia insists that Mexico cut its production as much as everyone else, while Mexico has refused. Trump offered a compromise whereby cuts made in the U.S. would count toward Mexicos quota -- but Riyadh objects. Trumps Role After its meeting on Friday, the G-20 said it would take all the necessary measures to maintain a balance between oil producers and consumers, but it made no commitment toward specific steps on production cuts. The communique was watered down from earlier drafts after diplomatic wrangling, notably removing language that said the group would do whatever it takes to ensure that the energy sector is contributing to the global recovery from the pandemic. The OPEC+ coalition, comprised of members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers including Russia, had been voluntarily curbing output since 2017. The alliance began to crumble last month when Saudi Arabia and Russia couldnt agree on deeper production curbs in response to the virus crisis, triggering an oil-price war between Riyadh and Moscow. In recent days, after Trump held calls with Russias Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the two rivals were ready for a deal. Then Mexico thwarted it. Mexicos Energy Minister Rocio Nahle insisted her country could only cut output by 100,000 barrels a day, 300,000 less than its fair share of 23% reductions by everyone in the OPEC+ group. On Friday morning, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a leftwing populist who has pledged to revive Mexicos oil-production prowess, 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 suggested output cuts American producers have started making to weather the price crash could be counted toward Mexicos share of the pact. Last week, U.S. production fell by 600,000 barrels a day from a near-record 13 million as shale explorers idle rigs in the Permian Basin of West Texas and elsewhere in the country. Thats almost the equivalent of wiping out Venezuelas current output. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette predicted, at the G-20 meeting, a decline of nearly 2 million barrels a day in U.S. output by the end of this year. Rather than orchestrating actual production cuts, as OPEC+ does, the U.S. is dressing up as cuts what is in reality a market-driven pullback due to the impact of low prices. All the major military contracts, including the deliveries of S-400 air defence missile systems, between Russia and India will be on schedule and the coronavirus pandemic will have no effect on their timeframe, according to India's top diplomat here. "I don't think there will be any impact. There has been slight dislocation of a couple of weeks but all the major contracts will be on schedule, we don't anticipate any problem on that," Indian Ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma was quoted as saying by the TASS agency on Saturday. In October 2018, India had signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions. Last year, India made the first tranche of payment of around USD 800 million to Russia for the missile systems. In February, Deputy Director of the Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), Vladimir Drozhzhov, said that Moscow will begin the delivery of the S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to India by the end of 2021 and there will be no delay in execution of the project. "We will fulfil our delivery commitments," Drozhzhov had said, adding that the defence cooperation between the two countries is very robust. The 'Triumf' interceptor-based missile system can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. Russia plans to complete the delivery of the fifth regimental set in the first half of 2025. The US had imposed sanctions on Russia under the stringent Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The law also provides for punitive action against countries purchasing defence hardware from Russia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NEW DELHI/MUMBAI/CHANDIGARH: When rainfall in Maharashtra continued till January this year, Shivdas Patil, a chilli farmer in states Jalgaon district, thought that by the end of May when harvesting would end, he would laugh all the way to the bank. In normal years rainfall rarely crosses December and the yield of chilli is 15-20 quintals per acre. This year with bountiful rain he expects a bumper crop, with more than 25 quintals of yield per acre. Yet, Patil does not know whether to laugh or cry. Thats because it is barely mid April and harvesting is yet to peak, but the lockdown has resulted in the lack of transportation of his produce and very few buyers at mandis. We take our produce to the market but there are hardly any buyers. The other day I sold four quintals of chilli at Rs 10 per kg. In better times I sell at Rs 30-40 per kg, Patil said. Shyam Dwivedi, a wheat grower in Madhya Pradeshs Umaria district, too expects a bumper crop. But unlike Patil, grain farmers such as Dwivedi who have larger land holdings are faced with another problem: lack of farm labour. Dwivedi has 40 acres of land and needs at least 50 labourers to harvest the wheat. But as most of the farm workers have left for their native places in Bihar and eastern UP, he faces the prospect of crop loss. Scarce labour is delaying the harvesting, which we wanted to complete by April 15. Even those labourers who are available are demanding up to Rs 300 daily, which is double the normal daily wage, Dwivedi said. From Kerala to Punjab, Odisha to Maharashtra, rural India is in distress owing to the lockdown, threatening to deal a body blow to the farm and allied industries sector, which accounts for over 16 per cent of Indias GDP and employing, directly and indirectly, over 40 per cent of the Indian workforce. The cruel irony is that farmers had been hoping to reap a rich harvest this season owing to the good rainfall, which raised the water table in even parched regions. There is no official data on the number of migrant farm labour as it falls in the informal sector, but according to the International Labour Organisations estimates, which is based on Census 2011 figures, around 24 lakh migrants work in fields across India. FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES HERE Labour deficit states likely to face impact of shortage Balbir Singh Rajewal, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union in Punjab, said as labourers from UP and Bihar are yet to return to cut the wheat, they would have to depend on combine harvesters, which is expensive. Farmers sort wheat crops after harvesting during the nationwide lockdown in Mathura on Saturday | pti Nanasaheb Patil, a former chairman of Asias largest onion market in Maharashtras Lasalgaon, also flagged the problem of lack of labour. He said the arrival of onions in the market was near normal but because there were no workers to load them on to trucks for their transportation, the supply chain was getting affected. Every day the market receives 15- 20,000 quintal of onion from farmers. But we are facing shortage of labour. Most of the workers here belong to the Konkan region and they have left for their native places so our produce is not reaching the cities, Patil said. Special efforts needed With rabi harvesting either underway or about to begin in a few days, former Union Agriculture Secretary S K Patnaik said the Centre and state governments should consider running special buses to ease the problem of lack of migrant workers in the fields. If the lockdown continues rabi harvesting will be affected. Running trains may not be feasible but buses can be run after relaxing the lockdown norms, he said.NITI Aayog adviser JP Mishra also expressed concern over the rabi crop. As a solution, he said the Punjab model could be replicated in other states. In Punjab, which along with Haryana contributes about 65% of the foodgrain for the national food security scheme, district collectors have been authorised to share the few labourers who are still in the state by rotation. For instance, after workers have harvested the crop in Jalandhar district, they could be sent to say Ludhiana district if there is requirement for the labour there, a senior official said.Labour deficit states such as Maharashtra, Delhi and Punjab may feel the impact more. Already, rabi harvesting is being impacted and perishable agricultural and allied products are being destroyed due to lack of transportation, demand and storage facilities, said Sujan Hajra, chief economist at the Anand Rathi Research. This was echoed by Saju R, a farmer in Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram. I am unable to sell my crops because I couldnt harvest it on time because of the lockdown. Now I have no other option but to destroy them. I have lost Rs 90,000 because of this, he said. Lack of demand The lack of demand has also hit the farmers severely. With most industrial and restaurant activity grinding to a halt, demand has crashed, resulting in prices plummeting, especially of perishable goods. In Karnataka, a key tomato producer, mandi prices of the vegetable crashed by over 50 per cent, from Rs 1,290 a quintal last year to Rs 560 now. Ladies finger rates are also down by nearly 40 per cent. In Punjab, green chillies, cucumber, capsicum and cabbage are lying dumped at mandis for lack of buyers. Retail vendors and hawkers, who sell to consumers, buy only 20 per cent of the total vegetable output. The rest 80 per cent is bought by wholesale buyers such as hotels, restaurants and caterers. But because they are shut, demand for vegetables has fallen drastically, said Puneet Singh Thind, national director of the Vegetable Growers Association of India. Lack of transportation Lack of transportation has also resulted in the price crash. The Ministry of Home Affairs allowed the movement of trucks carrying agriculture and essential supplies on March 27. Subsequently it issued at least two advisories to state governments, stressing the need to keep the supply chain uninterrupted. But the reality on the ground is far different. The All-India Motor Transport Congress said drivers face several issues because of which only a fraction of the total trucks are on the road. About 1 crore truck owners are registered with the AIMTC but only 20 per cent of them are plying.Truckers are able to ply only one way. For instance, if a truck is transporting produce from Himachal Pradesh to Delhi, it has to come back empty. The police are stopping such trucks and they get stranded, said Naveen Kumar Gupta, secretary general of the AIMTC. 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. Follow @News18Movies for more K'taka govt will not ask IT companies to open offices, WFH may continue: Minister By sending ministers back to office, Govt aims at instilling confidence in people India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Apr 12: The decision to ask all ministers to return their offices starting Monday is aimed at get the machinery running and also instil confidence in the people. This is aimed at sending a message to the people that the government establishments are returning to normalcy. However the government has made it clear that social distancing and other health protocols would be firmly in place. Senior officials told OneIndia that officers of the joint secretary rank and above will be working from office. One third of essential staff too would report to work. The non-essential staff have however told not to come to office. In the case of the essential staff, they would operate on a rotational basis, the officer cited above said. Several ministries have been working at 3 or 5 per cent of its actual strength ever since the lockdown was announced by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on March 24. During the lockdown, officials held meetings through the NIIA promoted video conference platforms. The files were moved and cleared through the e-office tools. Top officials however went to office since the financial year was coming to an end. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, April 12, 2020, 8:12 [IST] If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit A Russian weapon which claims to be the world's most deadly sniper rifle is being hailed as a 'game-changer'. The Lobaev Arms SVLK-14S is able to kill from a distance of nearly two miles. The weapon costs 30,000 and weighs 10kg and fires one round at a time due to its single-shot bolt action. The Lobaev Arms SVLK-14S, which claims to be the world's most deadly sniper rifle is being hailed as a 'game-changer' The weapon costs 30,000 and weighs 10kg and fires one round at a time due to its single-shot bolt action The weapon is said to be accurate up to 3,000m, according to The Mirror, double the effective range of the L115A3, the sniper rifle used by the British Army which is accurate up to 1,500m. Yuri Sinichkin, chief engineer of the company which produces it, said: 'This weapon was made piece by piece, just like a Ferrari or Porsche, for people who appreciate high-precision guns as well as for professional snipers.' It fires a 408-inch Cheyenne Tactical round at 900m per second from the barrel, almost triple the speed of sound. It fires a 408-inch Cheyenne Tactical round at 900m per second from the barrel, almost triple the speed of sound Sinichkin said: 'Such a bullet can pierce a rail that is 3cm thick. Imagine what will happen to an enemy. No bullet-proof vest will help him.' A member of the Royal Military Police's Weapons Intelligence Section said: 'If this rifle really can take out a target at two miles it could be a game changer. 'A sniper has to make a whole series of judgment calls before he pulls the trigger and the rifle has to be robust.' ALBANY Women won the right to vote 100 years ago, and New York had big plans to celebrate. It is the centennial an anniversary that people will only live to see once. State leaders had been building up to the August commemoration of the passage of the 19th Amendment, the culmination of a long, hard-fought battle by female trailblazers, many of whom had connections to the Empire State. But then COVID-19 swept through the nation, shutting down businesses, schools and social gatherings as well as museums, conferences and other events where New York organizers had hoped to celebrate womens suffrage. Now, state leaders are helping move exhibits online and creating virtual tours to make sure the pandemic doesnt erase history. Without some observance, it would be an area of huge disappointment, said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who chairs the states Women's Suffrage Commission. The commission has a full calendar of events planned for the rest of the year, many of which have now been thrown into question because its unclear when the state will return to some semblance of normalcy. The most recent event was a conference discussing women of color in the suffrage movement. It had been scheduled for March 24 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which closed to the public in mid-March as coronavirus fears grew. The next event on the calendar is a May 28 tour and discussion of womens suffrage at the Walter Elwood Museum in Amsterdam, but Hochul said its unlikely that any events will be held next month. Instead, the New York State Museum and several other facilities have agreed to move their displays online for virtual tours and exhibits, Hochul said. In an interview last week, Hochul said she had a conference call with members of the suffrage commission a short time ago, and members talked about how we rethink reshaping this incredible history with New Yorkers in a different way. Many museums and other exhibits are run by a small group of volunteers, and the state is working with those individuals to fund the transition online. Details will be released in the coming weeks and months. Organizers are directing their attention to events scheduled for July and August, when gatherings will hopefully be safe to host, Hochul said. The pandemic has also put a crimp in events celebrating the countrys leading suffrage team Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Both women have local roots Anthony in Greenwich and Stanton in Johnstown. While many of the August festivities that mark the signing of the 19th Amendment are still on the calendar, the spring celebrations are canceled and postponed over concerns about the virus. The first to go was the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Women's Consortium on March 28. Sandy Maceyka, vice president of the group that organized the event, said she is still hoping that the dedication of the life-size bronze statue to Stanton in her hometown will happen on Aug. 20. The group is also planning a birthday bash for Stanton on Nov. 14. But, Maceyka admitted: Everything is still up in the air. Hubbard Hall in Cambridge, which for months has developed a theatrical production about its founder, Mary Hubbard a friend of Anthony has postponed the debut of its show until October. David Snider, the executive director of Hubbard Hall, said the play will describe Hubbards role in the movement, including hosting a Suffrage Convention with Anthony there in 1894. In some ways, its exciting, as this will be closer to the November elections and so a more immediate call to action, Snider said. He added that social distancing still may be important, so he is trying to figure out how to play to a smaller audience about 40 rather than the halls normal 150. Hes also thinking of condensing the show so there can be multiple performances per night. The premiere, set for Oct. 16, will coincide with a William G. Pomeroy Foundation historic marker, describing the hall as an important center for womens rights. Just down the road in Greenwich, the Susan B. Anthony bus tour that includes her childhood home and other locations where she spoke and taught, is still on the calendar. Debi Craig, the immediate past president of the Washington County Historical Society, said on Thursday she thinks the May 31 tour will likely be postponed. Im thinking it shouldnt happen, she said. The divisional commissioner of Indore, Akash Tripathi, visits the Taat Patti Bakhal locality where health workers were attacked by local people last week. (PTI) Bhopal: There has been a sudden spurt in the number of burials in Muslim graveyards in Indore, the hotspot of the Covid-19 pandemic in Madhya Pradesh. At least 183 bodies were buried in five Muslim graveyards in Indore in the first nine days of April, records available with the officials of graveyards show. In a majority of the cases, the records cited high blood pressure, diabetes and other ailments as the cause of death. While 64 bodies were buried in the Mahu Naka graveyard during this period, 34 were buried in the Tatpatti Barkhal and Khajrana graveyards. Similarly, 19 bodies were buried in the Sirpur graveyard and 56 in the Lanipura graveyard during the same period. There has been a sudden spurt. The majority of the deceased are over 60 years old, a graveyard supervisor in Indore told this newspaper. Indore has so far reported 249 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The intelligence agencies have alerted us to the development. We have begun a probe into it, a senior police officer posted in Indore told this newspaper requesting not to be quoted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a discussion with chief ministers on extension of 21-day lockdown, which is scheduled to end on April 14. The lockdown was imposed on March 25, a day after PM Modi addressed the nation on coronavirus pandemic. During the four-hour-long discussion, PM 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. 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. So what are these zones, and how will they impact the economic activity in the country: Red Zone: According to news agency PTI, no activity will be allowed in the red zone - the districts where sizeable number of cases were detected or areas which were declared hotspots. Orange Zone: Minimum activities like opening of limited public transport, harvesting of farm products will be allowed in orange zones where only few cases have been found in the past, PTI reported. Green Zone: It will see further relaxation. Some MSME industries falling under the green zone will be allowed to function with in-house lodging facilities for employees with proper maintenance of social distance, according to PTI. 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. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Senator Sherrod Brown believes there should be more than just jelly beans, chocolate eggs and peeps filling the Easter baskets of essential workers on the front line in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. On April 18, Sen Brown and other Democratic Senators called for hatching a golden egg of hazard pay for grocery store, transit and health care workers, letter carriers, building cleaners and all others deemed essential. Sen Browns plan would increase pay for those essential workers by up to $25,000. It equates to a raise of $13 per hour from the start of the public health emergency until December 31, 2020, according to the Senators website. The Senator from Ohio is also calling for a $15,000 incentive to recruit more essential workers for the pandemic battle. Theyre the ones who keep our society together during this pandemic allowing others to stay home. Theyre the ones that people dont notice until theyre not doing theyre work. If were going to tell these workers who are essential to our country you have to go to work during a public health emergency, then their paycheck should reflect that, " said Sen Brown On March 31, Senator Brown sent a letter to President Donald Trump calling for premium pay during the pandemic for all essential workers after it was reported the president was considering hazard pay, but only for health workers. The Brookings Institute had also called for essential worker hazard pay on April 10. Its also essential that I wish everyone a blessed Easter during a difficult time for all. Nurses at a hospital in Scranton told the Washington Post that they have been asked to care for patients from both coronavirus floors and other patients in the hospital despite a lack of necessary protective equipment. Despite concerns having been raised earlier in April, nurses at the Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton said they have not received adequate protective equipment from the hospital, and only receive gear after tests have come back positive, the Washington Post reported. In addition to the lack of protective equipment, nurses told the Post that they have been asked to care for patients on different floors in the same day, going from floors with coronavirus patients to other floors caring for cancer patients and babies. One nurse told the Washington Post that only after a test for a patient came back positive would she be provided with the proper protective gear. In total, 11 medical staff and union representatives at the hospital spoke to the paper, with seven speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. None of us has experienced a health crisis of this magnitude before, Moses Taylor CEO Michael Brown said in a statement to the Washington Post. We are adjusting and improving our response every day, and I am incredibly proud of all of the ways our physicians, nurses and team members are working together to care for our patients and each other. Moses Taylor reportedly had more than 2,500 births last year and has been known for pediatric and neonatal care, and nurses said they are concerned with risking infecting mothers if the nurses are coming from a coronavirus care floor. The same concerns were shared for nurses coming from a floor that administers chemotherapy to cancer patients, the Washington Post reported. Protective gear used was often limited to one-use masks that would require cleaning with rubbing alcohol between uses, according to the Washington Post. Nurses expressed concern about going public with the information to the Washington Post after several had reportedly been threatened with being fired over health privacy laws, as well as written warnings about speaking out. The Washington Post reported that the hospital is owned by Community Health Systems, one of the largest for-profit health groups in the country that has a total of 99 hospitals across 17 states, including six in Pennsylvania. CHS has struggled in recent years, however, and the pandemic dropped the companys share price in half back in February. Workers in other CHS hospitals also told the Washington Post that there had been a shortage of protective gear and concerning policies in place. First and foremost, we recognize that protecting our caregivers is critically important, and we are doing everything possible to create the safest work environments possible," Tomi Gallen, head of corporate communication for CHS, said in an email to the Washington Post. 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. -- Follow Ed Sutelan on Twitter, @EdwardSutelan 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. Hong Kong: Arrivals' health tests expanded Asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving on flights from the US and other areas in Europe will be required to proceed to the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre at the AsiaWorld-Expo for their deep throat saliva sample collection and wait for the COVID-19 test results there from Monday. The Department of Health announced the new arrangement based on the assessment that among the imported cases confirmed locally most have been to the UK, followed by the US and European countries. From April 9, asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving on flights from the UK must proceed to the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre and wait for the test results there. The arrangement has been running smoothly. If the number of passengers on flights from the UK, the US and European countries exceeds the centre's maximum capacity, they will be allowed to go home or a designated place after specimen collection for compulsory quarantine. If they test positive, they will be arranged for admission to hospital as soon as possible for treatment, while the close contacts who travelled with them will be sent to designated quarantine centres. Those who test negative can go home or to a designated place to continue completion of the 14-day compulsory quarantine. This story has been published on: 2020-04-12. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. That $1,200 coronavirus stimulus check most of you are getting is worth less in New Jersey than in other parts of the country. Indeed, to buy the same amount of goods that $1,200 buys in Mississippi, the state with the lowest cost of living, New Jerseyans should have gotten $1,581, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The $2 trillion federal stimulus law, however, did not account for regional differences. Residents of New Jersey, which the St. Louis Fed says has the fourth highest cost of living among the 50 states, got the same amount as residents of Mississippi. In addition, the payments began phasing out at higher income levels, and New Jersey had the second highest median income of the 50 states in 2018, behind only Maryland, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage As Congress prepares to write a new coronavirus stimulus bill, New Jerseys federal lawmakers are pushing for any future checks to account for regional costs of living, especially in the state with the second highest number of COVID-19 cases. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., and Mikie Sherrill, D-11th Dist., have gotten the entire New Jersey congressional delegation Democrats and Republicans alike to ask House leaders to ensure that the next stimulus bill gives equal help to everyone, as compared to equal amounts. This health-related economic slowdown threatens the ability of New Jersey residents to pay for their housing, afford food, or purchase necessary products to protect their health during the pandemic, all 12 of the states House members wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy of California. They must be provided with the same functional assistance all Americans deserve. The $1,200 direct payments headed to NJ residents are vital, but that $ doesn't go as far as in lower-cost states like Mississippi & Arkansas! I'm leading the call w/ @RepSherrill for cost-of-living adjustments to rescue payments in the next package to help NJ even more: pic.twitter.com/UKjRq63nV3 Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) April 10, 2020 Congress rejected earlier efforts to adjust the stimulus checks to reflect higher costs of living in different states. In addition, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has talked about trying to remove the $10,000 cap on deducting state and local taxes that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans imposed in the 2017 tax law, a provision that falls heaviest on the states most hit by the coronavirus. One of those states, New Jersey, sent $11.5 billion more money to Washington than it received in services, second only to New York, according to the State University of New Yorks Rockefeller Institute of Government. Another reason why New Jerseyans should receive more money is because we give a lot more tax dollars to the federal government, but its an uphill battle to convince politicians in other states to go along with our proposal, said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th Dist. Even so, Ben Dworkin, director of Rowan Universitys Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship, said he wasnt willing to entirely shut down the idea. You want to be in the discussion, Dworkin said. If youre in the conversation, you at least have a chance. Thats the key here. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. With the world fighting a pandemic that has claimed several lives over the past few months and with reports of deaths and rise in cases, people are surely looking for some positive news to consume. Google trends revealed that good news searches are at an all-time high. Since January 2020, the search rate for good news started exponentially rising and is currently at its peak. Therefore, in the wake of what internet users are calling 'dark times', here are five best stories to lighten up the mood. Man dresses up to cheer neighbourhood Pictures of a former Royal Marine from the United Kingdom are making rounds on the internet for his unique gesture to cheer up his neighbours as people are locked down in their homes due to the pandemic. Each day, the former Marine from Weymouth wore different costumes to cheer his neighbourhood where he dresses up like a warrior, a sailor, and Batman among other characters. My mate has been dressing up everyday to cheer the neighbourhood up while he takes the dogs out pic.twitter.com/r2CDWRuvc3 Jack (@jackp593) April 8, 2020 READ: Good News: Man Dresses Up In Different Costumes To Cheer Neighbourhood Amid COVID-19 Cat and dog crossing obstacles A new video of a cat and dog has added to the old age argument of which of them are better pets. In the 25-seconds long video clip shared on Twitter, the pet owners create an obstacle outside the door using everyday household items and leave them one by one to cross it. The black cat uses its agile body to carefully cross the obstacle without knocking over any of the items kept as obstruction. Later, the owners leave the white-and-brown coloured dog to cross the obstacle. READ: Video Of A Cat And Dog Crossing Obstacle Created By Their Owner Leaves Netizens In Splits Kitten and baby monkeys adorable relationship On the occasion of Siblings Day, IFS Officer Susanta Nanda shared an adorable video of a kitten and a baby monkey having a lovely relationship. In the video, one can see the baby monkey putting his hands around the kitten. The best siblings step down the stairs and then sit in front of a lawn, while admiring nature. The baby monkey then puts its arm around the kitten and cuddle with the kitten. Its not biology alone which makes Siblings. On world siblings day, appreciate a lovely relationship fit enough to be one of the best siblings pic.twitter.com/ws92oyVGhQ Susanta Nanda IFS (@susantananda3) April 11, 2020 READ: Best Siblings: Adorable Video Of Baby Monkey, Kitten Leaves Netizens Awestruck Cat saves toddler In a surprising incident, a pet cat has saved the life of a toddler. A recent video that surfaced on Twitter shows a cat jumping to rescue a toddler who was about to fall down a flight of stairs. The video was shared by IFS officer Susanta Nada on April 11 and has received nearly 10 thousand views and one thousand likes till now. Pet cat saves the life of the kid. See the end to visualise where the child would have landed And this reminds me of my German Shepard, twice keeping the cobra away from my kids. pic.twitter.com/0T5EOJ2N29 Susanta Nanda IFS (@susantananda3) April 11, 2020 READ: Video: Cat Saves Toddler From Tumbling Down The Stairs, Netizens Amazed US Embassy in Delhi receives 'unexpected visitors The United States Embassy in New Delhi hosted unexpected visitors on April 10 while India is under complete lockdown barring essential services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. US Ambassador Ken Juster shared the photographs, on his official Twitter account, of two peacocks roaming around Roosevelt House, the envoys residence. In the four pictures shared by the ambassador, the two peacocks can be seen wandering on the campus. 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 READ: US Embassy In Delhi Receives 'unexpected Visitors' Amid COVID-19 Lockdown Preeja Prasad By Express News Service BENGALURU: Although many multinational companies such as SAP, Morgan Stanley, Salesforce, Palo Alto Networks, PayPal, Citigroup, JP Morgan, Bank of America and Booz Allen Hamilton, have taken a 90-day no-layoff pledge to protect employees from the economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 situation. Indians working in Bengalurus IT tech parks are staring at salary cuts and layoffs. Kumaraswamy AC, president of the Information TechnologyEmployees Union, told The New Sunday Express that those who were laid off had been employed on contract. Some companies have announced salary cuts of around 30 per cent. Others have given 15-day unpaid leave and the rest have given paid leave. Sooraj Nidiyanga, secretary of Karnataka State IT/ITesEmployees Union (KITU) said the Union had received complaints from employees of 11 companies in the city. We observed 496 employees were terminated. Hence, we sent the data to the general secretary of our union Tapen Sen, to intervene and address this issue with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, he told TNIE. The letter calls the move a violation of the Ministrys order on March 20 on dos and donts by employers of both public and private sector establishments. Legal action will be taken against companies under theDisaster Management Act and then the Industrial Disputes Act, in the labour department, Sooraj told TNSE. Labour secretary P Manivannan, said the government was yet to receive complaints. We are yet to get reports on layoffs. We did not receive many last month but expect to get it this month. I will be reissuing an order on Monday with a strong warning to establishments. However, it will be only for blue-collar workers, he said. The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the broadcast of pornographic material by GHOne TV on Thursday, April 9. The Association describes it as ethically reprehensible, culturally repulsive, and morally repugnant. It can be recalled that on Thursday, April 9, 2020, GHOne TV, a private television station under EIB Network showed a pornographic video on its DUVET program [a late-night show rated X]. The video which was showed some minutes before President Akufo-Addo's 6th update on covid-19 measures to Ghanaians subsequently attracted backlash from the public. In a statement from the GJA, it has expressed great concern over what happened while noting that it is unacceptable. The GJA is deeply concerned about the broadcasting of the said pornographic material on live television programme, as it is ethically reprehensible, culturally repulsive and morally repugnant, the statement dated April 11, 2020, and signed by the General Secretary of the body Kofi Yeboah said. It added, Although it is an adult show, broadcasting images of naked sex on live television with wide coverage across the country is offensive to the sensibilities of viewers and totally unacceptable. Moreover, the timing of airing the programme to coincide with the Nation Broadcast by the President to give an update on Ghanas fight against the coronavirus pandemic, was absolutely wrong. The GJA is urging GHOne TV and all other media outlets to make it a priority to uphold the ethics of the profession. The body is also drawing the attention of all media houses to Article 24 of the GJA Code of Ethics, which provides that: A journalist shows good taste, avoids vulgarity and the use of indecent language and images. Read the full statement from GJA below: PRESS RELEASE April 11, 2020 Broadcast of Pornographic Material By GHOne is Ethically Reprehensible The attention of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has been drawn to the broadcasting of pornographic material by Accra-based GHOne, a television station belonging to the EIB Group. The television station reportedly broadcast the pornographic material on Thursday, April 9, 2020, on its late night adult show, Duvet. The GJA is deeply concerned about the broadcasting of the said pornographic material on live television programme, as it is ethically reprehensible, culturally repulsive and morally repugnant. Although it is an adult show, broadcasting images of naked sex on live television with wide coverage across the country is offensive to the sensibilities of viewers and totally unacceptable. Moreover, the timing of airing the programme to coincide with the Nation Broadcast by the President to give an update on Ghanas fight against the coronavirus pandemic, was absolutely wrong. The GJA urges the television station and other media outlets to always uphold the ethics of the profession. In the context of the GHOne case, we wish to particularly draw the attention of media houses to Article 24 of the GJA Code of Ethics, which provides that: A journalist shows good taste, avoids vulgarity and the use of indecent language and images. We further urge media houses to abide by other ethical codes of the profession, including Section 7(e) of the National Media Commission (NMC) Broadcasting Guidelines, which provides that: Actual sexual intercourse between humans should at no time be transmitted. The GJA has noted the apology rendered by the management of the EIB Group to the NMC and the general public, as well as assurance given by management to sanction the erring staff in that regard and a promise to sin no more. These proactive steps taken, demonstrate good faith by management to accept blame and mend the trust and credibility damage the station may have suffered in the eyes of the public as a result of such indiscretion. We hope the measures being taken towards ensuring administrative sanction and production sanctity will be thorough and encompassing in order to curb the recurrence of such ethical breaches in the future. The traditional functions of the media are to inform, educate and entertain, which ultimately help to promote national development. However, the GJA insists in the discharge of those functions, the media must uphold the ethics of the profession and serve the best interest of the public. The GJA wishes to state categorically that the incident on GHOne however distasteful it may be, is by no means a justification for media censorship as advocated by some people. Apart from being an affront to Article 162(2) of the 1992 Constitution, the contemplation of media censorship is also a deadly virus intended to kill freedom of speech and expression, which is a fundamental human right upheld explicitly in the 1992 Constitution and by the good conscience of humanity. SIGNED: Kofi Yeboah (General Secretary) Published on 2020/04/12 | Source All bars in Seoul have been ordered closed for the next 12 days since Wednesday. The Seoul Metropolitan Government made the snap decision because a hostess in a large bar in upscale Gangnam came in contact with some 100 people after she was infected with coronavirus. Advertisement Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon announced the ban in a press briefing Wednesday. It is effective till April 29, the provisional last day of strict social distancing. On Tuesday, the hostess, who worked in a bar in Yeoksam-dong, tested positive for the virus, and according to the city government she had been in contact with a total of 118 people, including other hostesses, waiters, customers, and her roommate. Unless bars are ordered shut, "It's virtually impossible for anyone to comply with quarantine guidelines, since there is almost always close contact in such places", Park said. A total of 422 bars and nightclubs were still open across Seoul on Tuesday, according to the city government. The city checked up on 2,146 bars and nightclubs and told them to suspend business temporarily, but only 80 percent complied. The city government is going to file complaints with police if any bar or nightclub opens regardless. Violators face a fine of up to W3 million (US$1=W1,222). The city is also planning to file claims for any quarantine costs if infections occur because they disobey the order. Read this article in Korean More than 500 deep-sea divers are answering the NHS' call for help to deal with coronavirus demand as they have experience in dealing with breathing difficulties. On Saturday night 10 divers began working on the intensive care ward at the Royal Free Hospital in London. 'Although they are not used to dealing with people who are ventilated, they are very used to dealing with people using masks under pressure,' Dr Michael von Bertele, a doctor and formerly the Queen's Honorary Surgeon in charge of the divers' response, told the Sunday Times. Trusts have been advised to calculate exactly how many patients can be treated using oxygen machines at once. Pictured, oxygen tanks being delivered to the new NHS Nightingale hospital at the ExCel centre He added: 'These are people who usually go off shore and they'll do four weeks on and four weeks off. 'they are used to working in PPE. So we hope they will provide a really robust reinforcement for the NHS.' It's hoped that divers' expertise in dealing with oxygen flow during high-pressure situations mean they will be able to help doctors in the use of oxygen tanks and fix any problems before they become critical. Ten divers started working in a London hospital on Saturday night, around 500 more are ready to deployed in intensive care units around the country as part of the NHS' coronavirus response Last Monday NHS England wrote a letter to NHS Trusts warning oxygen levels were a 'critical safety concern'. It came after one London hospital, which has not been named, almost ran out of oxygen for coronavirus patients because so many had been admitted. The hospitals' liquid oxygen storage tanks, known as vacuum insulated evaporators (VIEs), have limited capacity. The letter said that if the demand from multiple wall-mounted CPAP machines exceeds the maximum capacity of the VIE delivery system, there is a risk of 'rapid pressure drop in oxygen supply pipes', which are kept at a safe level for patient treatment. 'This could lead to a failure of oxygen delivery systems throughout the hospital, including to patients on face masks, CPAP, ventilators and [in] operating theatres', the letter said. Current ventilator systems in British hospitals are highly sophisticated pieces of equipment that are both mechanical and electrical Mr Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospital trusts, said the NHS was right to warn of oxygen depletion during the pandemic. 'This is a very serious matter,' he said. 'The particular characteristics of coronavirus mean that hospitals are likely to be using many more ventilators and much more oxygen than they normally do. 'We understand that the usage of CPAP machines on a systematic basis can use up significant amounts of oxygen. So it makes sense to highlight the risk of both how quickly oxygen supplies might be depleted and if that happens the potential risk to the core oxygen flow system. 'No hospital would want to knowingly run the risk of having all its oxygen throughout the hospital fail at once, because of the impact on the patients using the oxygen, because oxygen treatment is so central to life-saving care.' Last week, two female doctors in South Delhi were assaulted when they stepped out to buy groceries, sparking outrage across the nation. According to reports, the doctors, who worked at the government-operated Safdarjung Hospital were heckled by a man who allegedly harassed them saying they were spreading Coronavirus. When the doctors confronted him, they were attacked. This incident did not go unnoticed, as it joined the list of atrocities being committed on medical professionals in the country amid the Coronavirus-outbreak and now, Bollywood star Ajay Devgn has come forward with his thoughts on these disturbing developments. Taking to Twitter, the Singham start did not hold back in lashing out at the attackers, stating how he was utterly disgusted by their actions. DISGUSTED & ANGRY to read reports of educated persons attacking doctors in their neighbourhood on baseless assumptions. Such insensitive people are the worst criminals#StaySafeStayHome #IndiaFightsCorona Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 12, 2020 Immediately, his fans flooded the comment thread, expressing their complete support towards the actors strong choice of words. Educated no, they have just read some books. Prince Raj Singh (@ShivaayTweets) April 12, 2020 These people should be arrested immediately Ranjan Das (@RanjanD79101063) April 12, 2020 At times when the only functioning God is #Doctors & #HealthCareWorkers for humanity, attacking them is attacking the Gods of your own faith. These are times when they need maximum kindness & support. #Police should be stringent on such hoodlums. #coronavirus #COVID__19 #Corona Raju (@nbrengaraju) April 12, 2020 Last week, a group of doctors, including a woman, who were returning after their shift at the AIIMS in Bhopal, reportedly were injured when the police beat them up for staying outside during lockdown. We showed them our IDs and we had our aprons on. There were some more colleagues. The policemen were abusive and said we were the ones causing the viral infection, they said. Also, in a video that went viral, a mob was seen pelting stones at two female doctors in Indore, who had gone to check on a woman suspected of having Covid-19. Any human with a seemingly-decent IQ would know that in no way, is it okay to attack the very person who is out there, selflessly doing their job, while putting their own lives in danger. Medical professionals around the world are helping countless infected patients, risking their own lives in the process, and they deserve nothing less than respect for that. 'He has a gift none of his eight predecessors, from Manmohan Singh to Rajiv Gandhi, had: Being able to speak directly and convincingly to a large enough section of Indians who will take his word for gospel,' notes Shekhar Gupta. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi interacts with leaders of political parties, April 8, 2020. All Photographs: Press Information Bureau The wretched coronavirus story overshadows everything else in the news environment and it is not about to go away any time soon. But you know what, I am done with it. At least for this week. Give me my old-fashioned politics any time. But then, much of politics, barring the odd barb traded here and there is also under suspended animation. Therefore, we seek refuge in politics with a touch of coronavirus. On how Narendra Damodardas Modi has handled the messaging on the biggest challenge of his public life. Let us begin with the messenger in him. He has a gift none of his eight predecessors, from Manmohan Singh to Rajiv Gandhi, had: Being able to speak directly and convincingly to a large enough section of Indians who will take his word for gospel and his order like a papal bull. He is more than a worthy rival to Indira Gandhi on his ability to read the popular mind, especially that of his voters. No surprise that he has chosen to do all the messaging of his government by himself. He makes a bunch of statements, some platitudes, some shrewd nudges, and the rest then dutifully take over. Within the hour of his finishing a speech, or even a half-speech like on Friday, April 3, morning for the Sunday, '9 minutes at 9 pm' event, his entire Cabinet, top party functionaries, social media warriors, RSS and BJP-linked intellectuals all start tweeting passages from it. In fact, after each of his four speeches to us in the coronavirus season, you could collate almost the entire text by just adding up the tweets of these key handles. When he speaks, they echo him, and nothing else. It ensures the 'purity' of the message. Everybody speaks in his voice. That sorted, we come to the message itself, and how it has kept its central thread but changed in nuance. Helped along, of course, by his belief that no matter what he says or does, a critical mass of his people, and his core voters -- which is a lot of voters -- will believe him anyway. And even if he messes up, as with demonetisation, they will forgive him. Imagine what effect would it have when he went on air with his Mann Ki Baat on March 29 and apologised to the country's poor for 'inconveniencing them'. Millions of hearts would have melted immediately. Next, he will almost never say what he is going to do for you. Run your mind over his most significant speeches, and definitely the last four: Two addresses to the nation, and then Mann Ki Baat and Friday morning's short Diya Jalao message. Instead of telling people what he will do for them, he tells them what he wants them to do for themselves, and him. IMAGE: Modi lights a lamp at 9 pm on April 5, 2020. From Swachh Bharat to withdrawal of LPG subsidy to the better-off, to demonetisation and now COVID-19, through all the other initiatives he has unveiled, he has invariably asked people to do something. Immediately, it makes them feel wanted, and responsible. Who doesn't enjoy being taken seriously, and that too by such a powerful leader? He's got the gift of seeking a sacrifice from people and pleasing them instead of dispensing favours. In these coronavirus speeches, he has done exactly this. In the first one, he said he was going to ask them for a few weeks of their lives, but left it there. It was like a little inoculation to sensitise public opinion for what was coming. He asked for a day's Janata Curfew, which some of us had noted immediately was like a dry-run for a longer lockdown. He also asked for clapping and cheering for doctors, medical personnel, police and others providing essential services. He spiced it up with the idea of ringing of bells and clanging of thalis. You can laugh at this as much as you wish. Can you, at the same time, discount that tens of millions across the country did exactly that and ended up grateful for it. If at all, too many of them overdid it, for loudness as well as time, scaring poor birds and animals. The virus, in any case, isn't even a fully live being so can't be bothered with noise. Mr Modi had neither promised, nor delivered anything. The people, if anything, had over-delivered on his call. There is a pattern to Mr Modi's 'apologies' too. There was one in a speech in Goa when demonetisation had thrown the country into chaos, in suitably choked voice, that said, give me 50 days. Just 50 days. If any fault is found in my intentions or my actions, I am willing to suffer any punishment given by the country. Of course, who would punish a leader for such 'humility'. Demonetisation was a blunder comparable with Mao's assault on China's sparrows. But here was such a powerful prime minister taking such a big risk -- obviously with good intentions -- and asking you to endure a little bit of suffering for his and the nation's sake. The Mann Ki Baat apology on coronavirus was more nuanced. He wasn't saying sorry for a mess he might have created, but for the inconvenience unleashed by such a bold step, to 'save India from annihilation by corona'. Please note that there wasn't a mention of the migrant labourers's exodus and crisis. IMAGE: Modi interacts with ministers over COVID-19, April 6, 2020. So, three lessons: First, Mr Modi promises you nothing in his messaging. Second, he always asks you to do something for him and thereby the nation. And third, that he never regrets anything he has done. Never. Never a word like, I know we could have done this better. The fourth lesson is the most important denominator of his style. That he knows who he needs to speak to, who he should toss, and who he can't ignore but can address in kind. Translated, this means his critics, the commentariat, the so-called liberal upper crust and elites will ridicule him for the juvenility of his ideas. There will be hundreds of memes and funny social media mentions about 'taali and thaali', 'diya and mombatti', and so on. He couldn't care less. That is not the audience he is addressing. The other audience he isn't addressing but can't ignore is the poor. He gets his majorities because they vote for him. But they do not control the discourse. Plus, the poor are smart, politically irreverential and more questioning. Why risk it with them? The middle-class voter isn't any of this and she sets the agenda. If she was more questioning, why would she be out on her 'balcony' with a thaali or a candle? For the poor, Mr Modi's outreach is through direct and efficient delivery: Cash, LPG, toilets, housing and there must be more to come. The message is not needed when money can work. His direct delivery of benefits to the poor has been phenomenally better and less leaky than anything in the past. A criticism we hear, and in fact express often, is that Mr Modi is infantilising India's people. How else do you describe this taali, thaali, diya, mombatti, go-corona-go and other stuff we feel embarrassed about? But you know what, Mr Modi knows who we are. Or, why would we rush out on the streets with thaali-chimtas and bands celebrating the humiliating retreat of corona? We even circulated WhatsApp links believing that this mass clanging would kill the virus. On April 3, an eminent doctor, a former head of the Indian Medical Association no less, spoke some mumbo jumbo about how the diya-mombattis would empower our ACE2 receptors to crush coronavirus into chutney. This obviously went too far for Mr Modi too. In his next speech, therefore, he made a strong pitch against superstition. He brought in caution on people herding together on balconies and streets, reminding them of the need of social distancing. Anyone who says he can read Mr Modi's mind is either a liar (most likely) or avatar of Einstein. See this from where Mr Modi sits. If I were to see this, here is what I'd say: Oops! These people are infants. But obedient infants. Every now and then they might go too far in their zeal to obey, but I can caution them. Mr Modi is winning. Why should he be complaining? Or bothering with usual suspects accusing him of infantilising his voters when they are happy being just that: Obedient infants. By Special Arrangement with The Print Has self-isolation due to the coronavirus outbreak put a damper on your Easter brunch plans? Whether youre used to a big bacon-and-egg buffet with the kids or a more elegant, mimosa-laden brunch setup, these YouTube cooking channels will give you some ideas about how to recreate the fun of Easter breakfasts, brunches, and desserts at home in quarantine. Easter candy | Anjelika Gretskaia/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Christy Carlson Romano Christy Carlson Romano, the iconic voice of Disneys Kim Possible, has become popular on YouTube recently for her lifestyle, cooking, and parenting videos. Her family-friendly Easter brunchquiche Lorraine, berry banana fruit salad with honey and lemon, and homemade hash brownscan be whipped up in just an hour. The dishes are made with common ingredients, too, so you probably wont have to venture out on a shopping trip during the COVID-19 outbreak to make your Easter special. Tia Mowrys Quick Fix Tia Mowry won our hearts with her twin sister Tamera Mowry on Sister, Sister, and shes turned into quite the cooking and entertaining expert over the years. Her Easter brunch eggs in a basket idea uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchenlike dinner rolls, butter, bacon, milk, salt and pepper, cheddar cheese, and, of course, eggsand takes less than an hour to make. This brunch dish is kid-friendly, cute, and easy to prepare at home. Food & Wine If youre used to a more elegant Easter brunch at a nice restaurant, complete with springtime cocktails, dont despair. Even in quarantine, you can recreate the atmosphere at home with Food & Wines brunch menu. These decadent brunch dishes include a blood peach Bellini, poached eggs with red wine sauce, grapefruit cornmeal cake, roasted vegetables with fresh herbs, and more. MissLizHeart The cooking, hosting, decorating, DIY, crafting, and entertaining ideas on MissLizHearts popular YouTube channel are always fairly simple and aesthetically pleasing. Her Easter brunch menu (candied sausage, baked cheesy eggs, and French toast with cream cheese butter) is easy enough to be quarantine-friendly, but she includes fancy plating ideas to give it that special something extra. Theodore Leaf If you want to create an elegant atmosphere for yourself and your family (or whoever youre quarantining with), Theodore Leaf has some perfect inspiration for an at-home Easter brunch. This YouTuber will teach you to make a pie crust from scratchwhich isnt as hard as it looksas well as a tasty quiche. He also includes springtime table setting ideas to make the morning special. The Scran Line Are you all about the sweet treats on Easter? Then you have to check out the gorgeous, ultra-Instagrammable Easter dessert ideas at The Scran Lineespecially if you were really looking forward to the brunch dessert table before the coronavirus outbreak happened. These cute treats range from fairly simple to much more involved and advanced, so you can pick your poison accordingly. The video includes Easter classics and brand-new ideas, like iced bunny rabbit cookies, a rainbow Easter cookie pie shaped like a giant egg, no-bake Oreo Easter egg cheesecake, an Oreo Easter egg cupcake, and a stunning speckled egg layer cake. The Family Fudge If you have little ones at home who are tired of being cooped up in quarantine, The Family Fudges Easter breakfast ideas are perfect. They dont take long to make, and theyre on the healthier sidebut still festive enough to be holiday-ready. The Easter breakfasts in this video include fruity Easter pancakes, topped with whipped cream and shaped like eggs; ham-filled egg muffin cups in the shape of bunnies; and Easter bunny oatmeal bowls with giant banana ears. The coronavirus infection rate at the Holyoke Soldiers Home has remained relatively stable overnight, with one new death and no new infections reported by the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services Saturday. EEOS spokesperson Colleen Arons said in a press release that the number of veterans who have died from the coronavirus pandemic at the facility increased to 31. Six other veterans died due to non-virus-related causes. Of the veterans at the Cherry Street campus, 76 have tested positive for the coronavirus and 99 had negative results. Seventeen veterans are awaiting final test results. Staff members tested shows78 employees have tested positive and 221 negative. Three veterans were transferred from the Soldiers Home facility on Cherry Street to a satellite unit established at Holyoke Medical Center one week ago. The Holyoke Hospital unit was set up to accept veterans who had tested negative for the virus to isolate them from infected residents as the management disbands wards and is moving infected residents into semi-private and individual rooms. Initially, 29 veterans were transferred and as of Friday night, there are now 44 veterans being cared for at the hospital. State officials said they are now using a partnership created with the Holyoke and Baystate medical centers to access 24-hour turn-around testing, speeding the diagnosis of infection. Staff testing has been completed and testing for off-site employees and those on medical leave is now available. Families and health proxies may contact the Family Hotline at 413-552-4764, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information will only be released to those registered as a veterans health proxy. A 40 year-old COVID-19 positive patient was on Sunday booked for "attempt to murder" after he allegedly spat on a doctor treating him at the government hospital here, police said. It was a serious crime under the present conditions with so many restrictions in force to prevent the spread of coronavirus, they said. The patient, admitted to the hospital's coronavirus ward on Saturday, also removed his mask and threw it at the doctor, enraging the hospital staff and other patients. Eversince his admission in the ward, he has not been cooperating with the medical staff, they added. Meanwhile, reports from Nagapattinam district stated that a 65-year-old doctor, running a private clinic at Kadambadi in the district has tested positive for the virus after his return from the US three weeks back. The district administration has appealed to the people who received treatment from the doctor to voluntarily come forward and subject themselves to medical examination. People could contact the officials on9751425002 and 9500493022 to pass on information in this connection, it said. Tamil Nadu has reported the third highest number of positive coronavirus cases in the country after Maharashtra and Delhi, with a total of 969 confirmed cases, and 11 deaths so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the United States went from one coronavirus death on February 29 to more than 20,600 Sunday, media accounts are growing of the Trump administrations response beset by unheeded warnings, delays and the presidents own reluctance to acknowledge the seriousness of the crisis. The New York Times added to the growing litany of these accounts Saturday reporting that President Donald Trump and his administered squandered precious time over January, February and up until mid-March when mitigation efforts went into full force. He had focussed on other things, it said, in a long report, despite the fact that 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.. Associated Press reported Sunday a similar state of paralysis in the administration as it failed to stockpile medical supplies, impose travel restrictions in time and as the president seemed consumed by the impeachment trial and the White House was low to act, riven by infighting and turnover of personnel. The Washington Post nailed the dysfunction in the administration way back on April 4, and reported that because of the missed warnings, in echoes of the failures leading up to the 9/11 attacks, the United States will likely go down as the country that was supposedly best prepared to fight a pandemic but ended up catastrophically overmatched by the novel coronavirus, sustaining heavier casualties than any other nation. The United States on Monday had the highest number of fatalities at 20,646, with 1,920 reported in the last 24 hours; and the most confirmed cases with 530,000. It now accounts for a fifth of the global toll of 110, 052 and nearly a third of all the confirmed cases, 1.7 million. New York state remained the worst hit with 1818,825 confirmed cases and 8,650 death, up by 758. The toll in New York City, the epicenter of the American outbreak, went up to 6,367. Federal and state officials have, however, pointed to a drop in hospitalization and flattening of other metrics to express optimism the situation may be improving. New York city mayor Bill de Blasio announced the schools and educational institutions will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year and will reopen in September. But Governor Andrew Cuomo has other ideas and told reporters there was a need for a state-wide decision on the issue. New Jersey, Michigan, Massachusetts, Louisiana were among the other states with high incidence of infections of fatalities. As a reflection of the magnitude of the crisis confronting the country, Wyoming on Saturday became the last state to go under disaster declaration, a federal measure that paves the way for enhanced federal help. All 50 states are under these disaster provisions now, for the first time in US history. Essential medical supplies such as masks, gowns and ventilators remain an issue, despite ramped up production at home and purchases abroad. The defense department is jumping in with $133 million to manufacture 40 million N-95 masks over the next three months. The MS Rotterdam was sent to rescue passengers on the MS Zaandam. Marco Bello/Reuters When Holland America's MS Zaandam cruise ship was stricken with a coronavirus outbreak onboard, the MS Rotterdam was dispatched to provide aid. But crew members on the Rotterdam told Business Insider they felt blindsided when they were tasked with taking on hundreds of Zaandam passengers and risking exposure to COVID-19. "The Rotterdam was told it was on a humanitarian mission to bring supplies to the Zaandam," the crew member said. "Days later, while at sea, it all changed." A Holland America spokesperson told Business Insider that crew members were "offered the chance to not go and stay in a shoreside hotel" before the Rotterdam left Puerto Vallarta. "The new plans were presented to crew and anyone who did not want to assist didn't have to with no repercussions," the Holland America spokesperson said, referring to the decision to bring Zaandam passengers onboard the Rotterdam. A total of 250 individuals mostly crew members and passengers on the Zaandam have experienced COVID-19-like symptoms since March 22. Five people, including one Zaandam crew member, have died. The cruise line is still working on ensuring "the repatriation of crew that are not required to remain on the ship for essential operations during this period," a Holland America spokesperson told Business Insider. Are you a cruise ship crew member or passenger? Email acain@businessinsider.com. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The MS Rotterdam slipped away from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico around 3 p.m. on March 22, departing on what would become a rescue mission. The Holland America cruise ship, with around 611 crew members on board, had been tasked with sailing to meet its sister ship, the MS Zaandam, off the coast of Panama. The Zaandam was stricken with a then-undiagnosed coronavirus outbreak, and the Rotterdam had been assigned to provide the ship with medical supplies and COVID-19 tests. At that time, there were 13 guests and 29 crew on the Zaandam, suffering from influenza-like symptoms. Those numbers would swell in the coming days. And, according to a leaked March 25 memo, Holland America's initial plan to supply the Zaandam with additional supplies would begin to morph as the Rotterdam drew closer and closer to its destination. Story continues Now, Rotterdam crew members many of whom are still stuck onboard the ships say they are unhappy with the way that Holland America handled the rescue operation. Three crew members onboard the ship told Business Insider they felt they had been kept in the dark about the Rotterdam's mission, and left feeling unsafe. These concerns from crew members come about at a time where cruise line employees around the world are experiencing more uncertainty than ever about their personal safety and job security, due to the coronavirus. "Holland America Line is working on final details as to where the ships will lay up until operations resume and the repatriation of crew that are not required to remain on the ship for essential operations during this period," a Holland America spokesperson told Business Insider, regarding the crew members still on board the Zaandam and the Rotterdam. The Zaandam and the Rotterdam. LUIS ACOSTA / Contributor / Getty Images Ultimately, hundreds of guests and crew members would fall ill on the Zaandam. Four elderly male passengers died on the vessel, with three of those deceased individuals testing positive for COVID-19. The Associated Press reported that 50-year-old Indonesian crew member Wiwit Widarto also died Wednesday. Widarto is the first confirmed casualty among the ship's crew members. He had been transported to a Florida hospital on April 2. "Holland America Line can confirm that, sadly, a Zaandam crew member who was taken to a local hospital on April 2 passed away April 8," a Holland America spokesperson told Business Insider. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow crew members." Initially, Rotterdam crew members said, Holland America characterized the rendezvous with the Zaandam as a chance to resupply the ship. "Before the ship left Puerto Vallarta crew were offered the chance to not go and stay in a shoreside hotel," a Holland America spokesperson told Business Insider. "No one did. The needs aboard Zaandam changed after Rotterdam was underway and additional support was needed." Later, on March 26, it was announced that the Rotterdam would also be taking on the Zaandam's still healthy passengers. Rotterdam crew members became concerned, given that the coronavirus has an incubation period of up to 14 days in which victims can remain largely asymptomatic. Roger Frizzell, the chief communications officer for Carnival Corp., said that "the company's goal was to protect guests and crew alike." But Rotterdam crew members said tensions flared on board, with Holland America President Orlando Ashford and Capt. Rik Krombeen, the director of nautical operations, singled out for criticism because of what one crew member characterized as "misinformation and non-transparency." One crew member spoke of a feeling that the cruise line was taking "healthy crew members from all over the world" and dropping them "in the middle of the virus." 'The priority is the guest' Holland America released a memo to Rotterdam crew members, detailing why it had initially claimed that the rendezvous with the Zaandam would simply involve an exchange of medical supplies. "At the time Rotterdam left Puerto Vallarta, the situation on board Zaandam was not as severe as it is now," the March 25 memo reads. "Unfortunately, it escalated very rapidly, and because it is impacting our fellow crew members a lot more than our guests, our ability to operate the ship with guests in quarantine is at serious risk." For that reason, the memo said, crew members were not "given an option to transfer to the Eurodam" at Puerto Vallarta. The memo went on to say that Rotterdam crew members would not "be asked to do something that they don't want to do," although Rotterdam crew members speaking to Business Insider expressed skepticism. One crew member said that they felt they would be jeopardizing their job by isolating in their quarters. "The new plans were presented to crew and anyone who did not want to assist didn't have to with no repercussions," a Holland America spokesperson " They were asked to remain in their staterooms out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with their concerns to protect their health. The majority of crew volunteered to participate with assisting Zaandam. A small number elected not to." "We would like you to think about your fellow team members on board Zaandam and the guests who are elderly and need your help, and what one would hope they would do for the Rotterdam team if you ended up in the same situation as that could have been easily been the case," the memo read. One Rotterdam crew member said that they watched as colleagues fell ill in the days after the transfer of passengers. "My friends have fever, the doctors said they may have Corona," the crew member said. They added that they felt that COVID-19 tests were not being given to crew members. There are nine confirmed cases of the virus on the Zaandam so far, but Holland America has not specified whether the COVID-19-positive individuals are crew or passengers. The Zaandam docks in Port Everglades. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Holland America and its parent company Carnival successfully negotiated for "fit to travel" passengers to disembark the two ships in Port Everglades, and now the majority of passengers have been allowed off the vessels. But that agreement specifically did not apply to crew members, with the exception of the critically ill Widarto. The vast majority of the crew members on the Zaandam and the Rotterdam are not from the United States. A Holland America spokesperson told Business Insider that citizens of the Philippines and Indonesia make up a large portion of the crew, along with individuals from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and other European countries. A Rotterdam crew member said that, as of April 10, there have been no announcements about when or where the remaining crew will eventually disembark. "Nothing was mentioned about where we are going after all the guests disembark," one crew member said. The Rotterdam and the Zaandam have since left Port Everglades, according to the website VesselFinder.com. And crew members still onboard the ships say it is unclear where they will end up. A Holland America spokesperson confirmed that the Zaandam has sailed from Port Everglades in order to "complete extensive sanitation measures and under-go a 14-day quarantine as approved by the US CDC." "This includes crew maintaining isolation who are not required for essential ship operations," the spokesperson said. One Rotterdam crew member said there has been frustration over a "lack of communication from the ship staff" that they said has characterized the atmosphere on the vessel since it departed from Mexico. "The Rotterdam was told it was on a humanitarian mission to bring supplies to the Zaandam," the crew member said. "The crew were behind this mission, as it did not put us in harm's way. Days later, while at sea, it all changed. None of the concerns for the crews safety had been listened to." Read Holland America's full statement: "Holland America Line can confirm that, sadly, a Zaandam crew member who was taken to a local hospital on April 2 passed away April 8. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow crew members. "Before the ship left Puerto Vallarta crew were offered the chance to not go and stay in a shoreside hotel. No one did. The needs aboard Zaandam changed after Rotterdam was underway and additional support was needed. The new plans were presented to crew and anyone who did not want to assist didn't have to with no repercussions. They were asked to remain in their staterooms out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with their concerns to protect their health. The majority of crew volunteered to participate with assisting Zaandam. A small number elected not to." Are you a cruise ship crew member or passenger? Email acain@businessinsider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider Delhi: Inside the world's largest lockdown, there are no flights, no passenger trains, no taxis and few functioning industries. But one thing is remarkably abundant: cleaner air. India is engaged in a desperate bid to "flatten the curve" of coronavirus cases before they overwhelm the creaky health system in this nation of more than 1.3 billion people. In the meantime, the lockdown, which authorities have reportedly agreed to extend by another 10 days, is flattening something else - India's notorious air pollution. The speed of the change has surprised even experts, who say it is proof that dramatic improvements in air quality can be achieved, albeit at an enormous human and economic cost. A bull stands in the middle of a deserted road on the outskirts of Delhi during the lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19. Credit:AP Days after the lockdown began on March 25, the level of particle pollution considered most harmful to human health fell by nearly 60 per cent in Delhi, India's capital, according to an analysis by experts at the nonprofit Centre for Science and Environment. Similar drops have occurred in other major Indian cities. A Georgia man was charged with fraud after attempting to sell millions of nonexistent respirator masks to the government as it struggles to shore up supplies of vital medical equipment during the coronavirus pandemic, the authorities said. The man, Christopher Parris, 39, of Atlanta, was arrested on Friday and charged with wire fraud in federal court in Washington, the Justice Department said in a statement. Mr. Parris was accused of making a series of fraudulent misrepresentations to secure orders that would have totaled more than $750 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs for 125 million face masks and other personal protective equipment. Mr. Parris promised that he could obtain millions of genuine 3M masks from domestic factories when he knew that fulfilling the orders would not be possible, the authorities said. More than half of the coronavirus infections reported by China on Sunday stemmed from a Russian flight to Shanghai the day before, underscoring the possible severity of the outbreak in Russia. Shanghais Municipal Health Commission said 51 of 52 imported cases on Saturday were of Chinese nationals who were diagnosed to have Covid-19 after they landed in the city. The travellers accounted for more than half of 97 imported infections China disclosed on Sunday morning. No other information was provided about the flight. Russia has emerged as a fresh source of imported virus infections for China, which seems to have tamed its own outbreak and has now pivoted toward staving off cases from elsewhere. China has grounded all but one inbound flight per week for foreign airlines in a bid to limit imported cases, but new infections have also found their way back to the country through land borders, especially the one with Russia.Chinas northeastern Heilongjiang province has reported more than 100 imported infections from Russia at its land borders so far this month. Russia is tightening a lockdown of its capital amid a worsening spread of the virus that is straining local health systems. Russia on Sunday reported the number of new coronavirus cases in the country increased by 31% overnight to 2,186. That took the total to 15,770. Twenty-four deaths related to Covid-19 were reported, double the count in the previous period and bringing the nations total to 130. The coronavirus pandemic poses a huge global challenge to auction houses large and small, but those that have embraced technology could prosper as nervous investors seek a safe haven, according to experts. Major London-based house Sotheby's has closed its London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Geneva, Milan, Paris and New York offices, throwing their marquee May auctions into doubt. Main rival Christie's, meanwhile, said it was "working swiftly" to reschedule postponed auctions. "It's a threat to all of us, but I do think we'll get through it," Giles Peppiatt, director for modern and contemporary African art at fellow London-based auction giant Bonhams, told AFP. Although no longer able to hold live auctions, the pandemic has accelerated the move to online sales. "We thank our stars that we have online bidding," said Peppiatt. "When online sales first started, all the auctioneers thought it would suck the life out of the auctions. "But it's amazing that the thing we feared most at the time is probably going to be our saviour." Jen Zatorski, president of Christie's America, told a media conference call that the company had responded by accelerating the reprogramming of its online sale platform using its own technology developed over the last decade. "The art market and our clients are ready and wishing for this type of digital engagement and transaction," she explained. The outbreak poses different challenges for various sized auction houses, and for different segments of the market, experts said. "I think small auction houses... will really struggle through this because they just don't have the... liquidity to ride it out," Clare McAndrew, CEO of Arts Economics, told AFP. But Pierce Noonan, the chairman and CEO of London-based auction house Dix Noonan Webb, said that nimble smaller firms could thrive. "Number one: It's going to be technology," he said. "This is a defining moment." His house, which specialises in small collectibles such as watches and jewellery, is planning to hold a live online sale next week, with the auctioneer presiding from home, if necessary. A cut of the proceeds will go to Britain's National Health Service. "Our website traffic, it's never been busier," he added, explaining that people were stuck at home with little else to spend their money on. Having tangible assets could also become more attractive as other investment options collapse. A "sad truth is that art survives disaster," art economics expert Kathryn Brown, from Britain's Loughborough University, told AFP. "People continued to buy art during the First World War. You can look at correspondence between the poet Guillaume Apollinaire, writing from the trenches to a dealer in Paris, telling him what art to buy." Christie's president Jussi Pylkkanen said they had not experienced "falling appetite from our buyers." A bigger issue could be supply, explained McAndrew. "The problem is people might perceive it as a poor time to sell." So those in search of a cut-price Picasso could be disappointed. "This idea of panic offers is a little bit rubbish," she said. "They tend to sell from the bottom of the pile." This seemed to be borne out by Christie's US chairman Marc Porter, who explained that "we have not seen, yet, people who need to raise capital immediately". The outbreak could hit different parts of the market more harshly, believes Peppiatt. "It's the areas where the market money... is a little bit more 'hot' -- in the sense this is a bit more speculation -- that could be a bit more vulnerable," he said, pointing to the mainstream contemporary market. Live auctions could even shift to Asia as it eases lockdowns. "As long as all the correct people have been made aware and all the correct people have seen the works, you should get pretty much the same price," he said. Despite shifting business online and the creation of virtual galleries, there will still be a crucial role for live auctions after the dust settles, according to the experts. "There's no doubt also that with a live auction, buyers tend to bid a bit more freely because they get wrapped up in the auction, in the heat of the moment, the drama, the theatre," said Peppiatt. "I think for major works of art -- when you're talking over ?100,000 ($120,000) -- people do like to try to get in front of the picture themselves. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 20:33:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHENGDU, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The forest fire that recently scorched about 270 hectares in southwest China's Sichuan Province might have been accidentally started by a boy with a lighter, local authorities said Sunday. At around 2:00 p.m. on March 28, an 11-year-old boy in Muli County under Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture used a lighter to ignite pine needles and branches to smoke a squirrel out of a hole, said the police. The fire began to spread and finally broke out at 7:30 p.m. The provincial forest fire brigade sent over 600 professional firefighters to aid the local efforts. The fire was put out on April 6. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 21:18:00|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close Daowuran plays the Kalimba he just obtained in the basement of his home in Tacheng, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 1, 2020. Accordion makes an important part of people's life in Tacheng, a city where diversified cultures meet and mingle. Daowuran, an accordion repairer, has ardent love towards the instrument. To seek for and learn about different accordions, Daowuran had been doing part-time jobs in pubs while traveling around since 1991. He even traveled to Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan for accordions. Daowuran set up a studio in his basement to repair accordions. "Summer is the most pleasant season in Tacheng. My friends and I are going to play the accordions, sing and dance in the beautiful season." he said. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge) You boys don't look RSS Its back to basics. The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sanghs (RSS) much-talked-about change of uniform from the traditional khaki shorts to a pair of trousers has been temporarily suspended. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, RSS volunteers in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and the rest of the country are trying to do their level best to check the spread of the coronavirus. However, in the absence of the signature khaki shorts and black cap, the optics of the RSS cadre giving their 100 per cent were somehow getting blurred. So at an informal level, many local shakha pramukhs have reportedly sanctioned the trademark khaki shorts to reinforce the Sanghs image-building. Nobody is complaining. Congress in full-on corona mode The Grand Old Party is proving to be a surprise during the Covid-19 pandemic. The chief ministers of Congress-ruled states, namely Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan), Bhupesh Baghel (Chhattisgarh) and Capt. Amarinder Singh (Punjab), are doing well to curb the menace. More significantly, their PR machinery is doing its job. Not a day passes when one of the Congress CMs does not do a video press conference. In Maharashtra, the Congress former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan is going from village to village to propagate social distancing. Chavan is heading a Sonia Gandhi-appointed panel on the coronavirus in Maharashtra. Sonia is herself using technology to the hilt, talking to chief ministers, state unit chiefs and other notables through video conferencing. However, her suggestion asking prime minister Narendra Modi to ban government advertising on TV and in newspapers has not gone down well with most media proprietors and journalists. Sources close to Sonia insist that the proposal was screened and vetted by Dr Manmohan Singh, Ahmed Patel and other senior AICC functionaries. Spoilt for choice Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is facing a problem of plenty. He is poised to expand his council of ministers but for each portfolio he has three serious contenders. Ministers who worked with him till December 2018 are claimants. Among the 22 MLAs who resigned from the Congress and defected with Jyotiraditya Scindia, six were ministers in the Kamal Nath council of ministers and another dozen fancy their chances. Chouhans own party MLAs who had missed being minister previously want their work and talent to be recognised as well. The commissar speaks like a yogi Representatives of various faiths in Lucknow have been pleasantly surprised to hear Yogi Adityanath speak in a conciliatory tone so unlike him. The occasion was the chief minister's initiative of consulting religious leaders on tackling the coronavirus. In his remarks, the Yogi reportedly underlined the need for unity and frowned upon a campaign to hold the Tablighi Jamaat responsible for the coronavirus spread. While Yogi did not name the Jamaat, his pronouncements were measured and could have been easily passed off as that spoken by a non-BJP CM. As if taking a cue, the Uttar Pradesh police have cracked down on fake news. In one instance, it went public exposing a Delhi-based news agency known for its right-wing flavour. Waqt's Afghan connection It has been nearly 55 years since Manna Dey sang 'Aye meri Zohra Jabeen' in the film Waqt. Picturised on Balraj Sahni, the song is sung by on-screen character Lala Kedarnath in praise of the blushing mother of his three sons (Achala Sachdev). The song is actually based on a musical composition by Afghanistans Abdul Ghafoor Breshna (1907-1974), a famous painter, poet, director, and musician who also composed the national anthem for the Republic of Afghanistan. The word, breshna, implying lightning, was added by the artist himself. Abdul Ghafoor Breshna's 113th birth anniversary was celebrated in Afghanistan this week. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With coronavirus an ever-present threat, Easter celebrations were transformed on Staten Island, and throughout the world. St. Peters Square, where tens of thousands would normally gather to hear Pope Francis, was empty of crowds, ringed by police barricades and Francis celebrated Easter Mass inside the largely vacant basilica. In his address, the pope called for global solidarity to confront the epochal challenge of the pandemic. He urged political leaders to give hope and opportunity to the millions laid off work. On Staten Island, churches held Easter services online. The Rev. Jerome of St. Charles R.C. Church in Oakwood Heights held a morning service on Facebook. Our Lady Star of the Sea in Huguenot posted their Sunday Mass on YouTube. The NYPD even got in on the celebration and posted on Twitter a photo of officers from Patrol Borough Staten Island traveling to Shoprite with the Easter Bunny to deliver eggs while practicing social distancing. DISTANCE AT DINNER TIME And Easter dinner looks different this year for many Staten Islanders. Stacey Lopez of Rossville will still be making an Easter dinner for her family of five. Shell be whipping up pasta, roast beef, rack of lamb and all the obligatory sides. Ill make plates for my parents who live right up the block from me and of course bringing them dessert too, Lopez shared. [This] wasnt the Easter we are used to but we make the best with what we are given. My husband was in the hospital close to 9 days (not COVID related) so I really wanted to give him and our sons a delicious meal. We will Zoom with my husbands family in Queens and Long Island. Cheryl Gundacker Accornero will be cooking for her immediate family. Theyll be feasting on ham, scalloped potatoes and asparagus with key lime pie for dessert. Keeping in line with social distancing guidelines, Ellen Abbate of Fort Wadsworths family stopped by her backdoor to say happy Easter. Luckily, her door is glass and she did not have to open it. Using Zoom to connect with family appears to be a common trend. Carole Bowers Fried of Annadale will be using the platform to connect with family members throughout the nation. We will be using Zoom to connect with our family in New Jersey, Washington DC and Hawaii as well as Staten Island, Bowers Fried said. The hard part will be for all of us not to talk at the same time. Its going to be emotional but we are all in this together and we will get through this. Some are also celebrating, or trying to, while having the virus. Kristin Irizarry of Oakwood has tested positive for coronavirus and wore gloves and a mask while making baskets for her daughter, nieces and nephews. She called the holiday a bit sad. First time ever [I] was not able to give my daughter her basket in person, Irizarry said before adding that she had to drop off the other baskets at the door and wave from her car. I cant stay in the same room as my mother or daughter who I live with, so no Easter dinner. Its just been a sad day and sad times. We will celebrate bigger and better next year. Together. A woman reportedly threw her five children, including a three-year-old boy, into the Ganges near Jahagira Ghat in Bhadohi district on Sunday following an altercation with her husband. All children are feared drowned, police said. Police said that Mridul aka Munna, a resident of Jahagira village, had an altercation with her wife Manju who reportedly asked him for money to meet domestic expenses. After sometime, she along with her five children went to the ghat and allegedly pushed the children into the river, before jumping herself. While the children- Shiv Shankar (8), Keshav Prasad (3) and Puja aka Saraswati (6) and two others aged 10 and 12- are all believed to have drowned, the mother is alleged to have changed her mind after jumping into the river and swam back to the shore. She sat on the bank of the river after the incident. Watch: Woman throws her five children into river after argument with husband Some locals, who were working in the nearby fields, rushed to rescue the children but didnt succeed. District magistrate Bhadohi Rajendra Prasad and superintendent of police Rambadan Singh soon reached the spot and engaged two teams of divers to look for the children. The DM confirmed that it was due to the quarrel with her husband that the woman took the decision to throw her five children into the river. According to some locals, the mental condition of the woman was not sound, but her husband claimed that she was mentally fit. He said he couldnt understand why his wife had to take such an extreme step. COVID-19 pandemic has hit Latin America at one of the worst possible times, when the region is facing slow economic growth and, in some countries, a recession. The coronavirus pandemic has hit Latin America at an already vulnerable time for the region. Public health services are severely lacking, and some countries are already in a recession. While some governments are trying to prepare for the worst, others are ignoring the World Health Organizations warnings on the need for social distancing and self-isolation. Al Jazeeras Lucia Newman reports from Santiago, Chile. - Christopher de Leon recently expressed his gratitude towards the health workers after his successful recovery from the virus - The actor thanked the frontliners through a video message where he also commended them for their bravery - It can be recalled that the veteran actor made headlines after he tested positive for COVID-19 - The said video garnered various reactions and comments from netizens on social media afterwards PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Kapamilya actor Christopher de Leon recently sent a heartfelt message to the medical staff at The Medical City after they took care of him during his treatment for COVID-19. It can be recalled that the actor made headlines after he shared online that he tested positive for COVID-19. Following this news, KAMI learned that the veteran actor posted a video of himself thanking the health workers for their bravery against their fight with the virus. Watch the video below: According to Christopher, Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat ng mga frontliner. Sa lahat ng mga pinapakita niyong tapang. "Dedication sa inyong sinumpaan, to save lives, sa inyong kabayanihan, maraming salamat po. To all the doctors, nurses, staff at yung mga nagdi-disinfect ng mga areas, salamat po. In the video posted by GMA News, Christopher also expressed his gratitude towards the health workers at The Medical City for providing their utmost care during his treatment for the virus, "When I was in the hospital, in Medical City, nakita ko ang inyong dedication, kindness, love, and compassion sa akin at I'm sure ganun din sa iba." It can be worth noting that on March 25, Christopher's wife, Sandy Andolong welcomed him home after his full recovery. The said video also garnered reactions and comments from netizens on social media as well. "God is good! God bless you!" "Buti naman at nakarecover na si idol." "God bless you, Sir Boyet. Masaya ako nakarecover ka na." PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! As reported earlier by KAMI, Christopher de Leon shocked the nation when he revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19. The veteran actors wife, Sandy Andolong, also took a test to see if she has been infected. Sandy recently posted on social media that she tested negative for COVID-19. Christopher de Leon is a veteran actor, considered one of the best in the Philippines. He is currently one of the cast members of the Kapamilya drama series entitled Love Thy Woman. POPULAR: Read more news about Christopher de Leon 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 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 The capital outflow in March was the highest withdrawal ever since FPI data has been made available on National Securities Depository Ltd Overseas investors pulled out a net Rs 9,103 crore from the Indian markets in April so far. (PTI Photo) New Delhi: Overseas investors pulled out a net Rs 9,103 crore from the Indian markets in April so far as the Covid-19 crisis triggered a return to safe haven assets like gold and dollar-denominated securities. As per latest depositories data, foreign portfolio investors (FPI) withdrew a net sum of Rs 2,951 crore from equities and Rs 6,152 crore from the debt segment between April 1-9. The total net outflow stood at Rs 9,103 crore. In the previous month, FPIs had withdrawn a record amount of over Rs 1.1 lakh crore on a net basis from the Indian markets (both equity and debt). The capital outflow in March was the highest withdrawal ever since FPI data has been made available on National Securities Depository Ltd. As Covid-19 pandemic worsens across geographies, the disruption to the global economy is inevitable. The pandemic has adversely impacted investor sentiment and infected the markets globally. "Emerging markets have been worst hit with foreign investors marching out from there to take shelter in safer investment avenues. India has been among the worst hit in the emerging market basket, " said Himanshu Srivastava, senior analyst manager research, Morningstar India. Harsh Jain, co-founder and COO at Groww noted that FPI investments in the equity category have been positive in the last two trading sessions of April and this can be explained by the sentiment in European markets changing on hopes that the virus is nearing its peak. He further said an inflow of around USD 7 billion is likely as the weight of Indian stocks has increased in the MSCI index. Net outflows continued from the Indian fixed income markets with investors preferring safer dollar denominated asset classes, or safe havens like gold, as against fixed income securities of emerging markets like India where risks are relatively higher, Srivastava added. FPIs are exiting emerging markets at every level. However, once there is semblance of control over Covid-19 virus, foreign portfolio flows are bound to return to emerging markets in general and India in particular. London: The Church of England has moved valuables worth millions of pounds to the Tower of London amid fears of looting during lockdown. All places of worship have been closed in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus. However, the items were gathered and transported securely to the Tower of London over the past few weeks, according to the London Telegraph. They included "rare and unusual" silver, paintings, art and artefacts from London's 400 churches. The valuables have been stored at the historic Tower of London. Church officials confirmed that "valuables from London's churches have been moved to a number of secure locations" to "ensure their safety, away from our churches, while church buildings remain closed". Australian residents forced into hotel quarantine across the country on their return from overseas are emerging to a new challenge: getting back to their home states. Some of those on last-minute mercy flights into Australia have found themselves essentially stranded a second time, along with cruise ship passengers offloaded into mandatory isolation in Western Australia. Returning passengers from a special Nepal Airlines flight repatriating Australians and New Zealanders arrive at Brisbane Airport on April 2. Credit:Dan Peled/AAP After flying into Brisbane on a mercy flight from Nepal earlier this month, Perth-based IT consultant Eric Sweet said he was unsure how he would make it back to Western Australia. "Pretty much everyone in quarantine who needs to travel interstate has no way home," he said. Washington Post journalist Darran Simon was found dead in his Washington apartment on Thursday, 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. From The Epoch Times The Palestinian ambassador thanked Egyptian authorities for their constant and tireless efforts to alleviate the burdens on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip Egypts Rafah border crossing will open from Monday to Thursday for Palestinians seeking to return to the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian embassy in Cairo said. In a statement issued on the embassys official website late on Saturday, Palestinian ambassador to Cairo Diab Allouh thanked Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and the Egyptian authorities for their constant and tireless efforts to alleviate the burdens on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. The Rafah border crossing is the main gateway to the outside world for around 2 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip, and is the only crossing point not controlled by Israel. Egypt opens the crossing periodically for humanitarian purposes. In March, Hamas, which controls the enclave, said it would allow only patients requiring urgent medical treatment to cross into Egypt or Israel. Israel also closed its borders with Gaza and the occupied West Bank to commercial traffic, with only patients and humanitarian staff allowed to cross. At least 13 people have so far been infected by the coronavirus in the Palestinian enclave and 255 others in the West Bank, including two deaths. Search Keywords: Short link: China sends medical experts, emergency supplies to bolster Russia's COVID-19 fight Global Times Source:Global Times Published: 2020/4/11 11:25:46 A team of 10 medical experts, hailing from Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, along with donated medical suppliesleft for Russia on Saturday to help combat the COVID-19 epidemic in the country. The team of medical experts has been arranged by China's National Health Commission. The experts are from hospitals, institutes, and disease control centers of Heilongjiang, with expertise in diagnosis, infectious disease prevention, respiration, intensive care, and traditional Chinese medicine. The team also carried a shipment of medical supplies, including medical masks, gloves, and protective clothing for Russia. The experts will share coronavirus prevention and treatment experiences with the Russian side. They will also give out supplies to the Chinese residents, students, and companies based in Russia. As of Friday, Russia has reported 11,917 COVID-19 cases, with a single day spike of 1,786 confirmed cases. Veronika Skvortsova, the head of Russia's Federal Biomedical Agency, predicted Tuesday that the country is likely to hit its COVID-19 peak in the following two weeks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany's foreign minister has condemned aggression towards French people in the border areas between the two countries that has risen up during the coronavirus pandemic. "Coronavirus knows nothing of nationality. It's the same for human dignity. It hurts to see how some of our French friends have been insulted and attacked because of COVID-19," Heiko Maas wrote on Twitter on Saturday. "Such behaviour is completely unacceptable. And besides: we are in the same boat." Germany introduced border controls on 16 March, and since then, only goods are allowed through, and commuters who work on opposite sides of the border. Police have turned back other travelers. The French region on the German border, Grand Est, has been the country's hardest hit by Covid-19, with more than 2,000 confirmed deaths. Across the border, in Germany's Saarland state, only 41 deaths have been registered Germany's nationwide death rate of 2,544 is is below France's 13,800. 'Isolated' incidents The French consul in Saarland, Catherine Robinet, told the AFP news agency that the incidents against French people are isolated, and date back to March, when the border was being closed. She gave the example of several French housekeepers who were working for a cleaning company on the German side of the border were banned from coming to work from one day to the next. Anke Rehlinger, Saarland state's economy minister, Tweeted last week that there have been reports of French people insulted, and being pelted with eggs. People doing such things are sinning against the friendship between our nations," she wrote. "I apologise to our French friends for these isolated incidents." France and Germany have been working closely to come up with a European response to the coronavirus crisis. Pope Francis gave his annual Easter address on Sunday to an empty basilica, as hundreds of millions of Christians celebrating the holiday have been ordered to stay home and traditions have been upended. In his speech, the Pope directly addressed the coronavirus pandemic and laid out his vision for a contagion of hope." Today my thoughts turn in the first place to the many who have been directly affected by the coronavirus: the sick, those who have died and family members who mourn the loss of their loved ones, to whom, in some cases, they were unable even to bid a final farewell, he said to an empty church. Image: Mr. and Mrs. Stewart watch Pope Francis deliver Easter Mass at their home in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on April 12, 2020. (Jason Cairnduff / Reuters) Saying this is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing, the Pope broadcasting the address on the internet to the world's 1.3 billion Catholics called for solidarity and prayer during these difficult times. He also called on politicians to work actively for the common good and to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life. The world was already facing epochal challenges before the pandemic. Now, the pandemic is severely testing our whole human family, he said in his speech, live-streamed across the world. His address produced stark visuals. Vatican City, usually festooned with flowers to celebrate Easter, was bare and empty, as police stood next to barricades blocking visitors from St. Peters Basilica. "Let us not lose the opportunity to give further proof of solidarity, also by turning to innovative solutions," the Pope said. "The only alternative is the selfishness of particular interests and the temptation of a return to the past, at the risk of severely damaging the peaceful coexistence and development of future generation." This is not a time for division, he continued. May Christ our peace enlighten all who have responsibility in conflicts, that they may have the courage to support the appeal for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world. In the U.S., some congregations still planned in-person Easter services, despite warnings from officials about the coronavirus. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said anyone who violates the state's stay-at-home order to attend services will be subject to a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine. Fran Ruchalski/The Enterprise The daily list of facts and figures being provided by the six-county body coordinating the regions response to the coronavirus is helpful. The numbers provide a snapshot of how the virus is affecting Southeast Texas the infection count and, sadly, the death toll. But these one-dimensional numbers are not enough. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick, who leads the Regional Operations Center, and other public officials must do more. They should hold at least one or two briefings a week so that radio, television and print journalists can inform their listeners and readers in greater detail about what they need to know. The last joint public session was March 27. In the human sense, Southeast Texans want to see and hear their elected officials at a time like this. They want the feeling inside that they are doing as much for us as possible. Urns are piling up in a crematorium in COVID-19 hit Morena town in Madhya Pradesh as a lockdown in place to stall the outbreak has meant people cannot carry out funerary rituals and immerse the ashes in nearby rivers. Ironically, the coronavirus transmission in the two began after a man, who returned from Dubai and later tested positive, and his wife organised a "mrityu bhoj" for several hundred people in the vicinity on March 20, leading to ten of the attendees catching the infection over the next few days. "The kin of at least 20 people who have died due to various reasons since the lockdown was announced have not been able to carry out post-cremation rituals. Some 10 urns containing the ashes of the deceased are kept in our lockers," Morena Badokhar crematorium managing committee functionary Suresh Gupta told PTI. "Since the borders of the district are sealed due to the lockdown, people are unable to take the urns to sacred rivers close by to immerse the ashes. People mostly used to go the Ganga flowing past Seron in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh," he said. Local resident Deepak Sharma said his mother passed away on March 27 but he was turned away by priests at Seron despite getting permission from authorities to make the journey during lockdown. "The priests were afraid of legal repercussions. I returned with the urn containing my mother's ashes and have kept it in the locker at Badokhar crematorium," Sharma said. The authorities have banned all kinds of functions as part of social distancing norms to fight the virus outbreak. Morena has been under curfew since April 2 when the Dubai returnee and his wife tested positive for coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As countries around the world starting urging people to stay at home amid the coronavirus outbreak, and India announced its 21-day lockdown, priests and other clergy had to suddenly befriend that familiar beast, technology, ahead of Easter. | Joanna Lobo writes in our #SummerWithout series This essay is part of our 'a summer without...' series. Read more here. *** Goa is hot in the summer. Sweltering. The humidity claws at your face, sends rivers of sweat down your back. It is worse when youre out in the sun or when youre wearing your stuffy Sunday best and are packed in a room with a few hundred people. You fidget in your seat, unable to fan yourself with a book or a handkerchief because of the solemnity of the occasion. Jesus suffered for our sins. He died to give us life, says the priest. Your mother nudges you with her elbow giving a look that says, if Jesus could be beaten and crucified, surely you can handle a little heat. You subside in your seat, trying to focus on the priests voice, inwardly telling god this is your penance for the day. The Good Friday service continues on. You leave the service after two hours, drenched in perspiration. It is cooler now in the evening; the sun is gone, and the Mass is over. You have the prospect of raisin-studded hot cross buns to savour, and break your fast. The sweat is worth it. Easter is typically a summer festival in India. The mandatory 40 days of fasting and penance, Lent, ends in one of Indias hottest months, April. April has always been my favourite month. As a child, it meant summer holidays, no school or homework, days spent at either of my grandparents homes, eating and playing (or reading), the onset of mango season, a birthday celebration and of course, Easter. Easter is the holiest of festivals for Catholics, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again so we could have eternal salvation. These arent my wordsthe Bible says so. Ive grown up in Goa and live in Mumbai, both places known for their heat and humidity. The summer heat and the stifling quiet lends Holy Week services an air of gravitas that goes well with the Church-prescribed solemnity. Holy Week follows Jesus journey into Jerusalem, the Last Supper where he washed the feet of his disciples, his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. It begins on Palm Sunday, and the most important days are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Or what non-Catholic people call a long weekend! Though Easter Mass is typically held at midnight, or early evening in cities that have sound restrictions, Holy Week services happen during the day early afternoon and evening. Easters in Goa were memorable. It meant stitching or buying a new dress to wear to church, which would later become my birthday outfit. It meant failed attempts at making a cross using the palms handed out on Palm Sunday. It meant three visits to the church on Good Friday: for Stations of the Cross (following Jesus journey to Calvary where he was hung on a cross), for a three-hour agony in the afternoon, and for Mass later in the evening. It meant carrying candles to midnight Mass, and ensuring we didnt spill the melting wax or burn holes in our clothes. It meant drinking sweet coffee and eating crumbly cake after Mass, while playing Housie, and taking breaks to wish the senior folk in the village and hear every one of them say, youve grown so big. The celebrations were similar to Christmas, minus the decorations and the sweets. Easter, instead, had mangoes and cake, a lot of cooling food and dessert like tender coconut souffles, and fewer spicy/heavy dishes. When I moved to Mumbai, my Easter celebrations changed drastically. The family was missing as was the solemnity. I would rush to attend Holy Week services from work and then rush back to work media folk dont have the luxury of long weekends. I chose chapels and churches that were within walking distance from office, sometimes ending up listening to Mass in Marathi and not understanding anything. I was usually done with Easter Mass it begins at 7pm in Mumbai even before my family was heading out for their service. Over 12 years, I accepted that my Easter celebrations wouldnt rival those in Goa. Enter 2020. Nothing couldve prepared me for how I would be celebrating Easter this year, indoors, with a laptop for company. The first sign that things would be different was when the Vatican cancelled public participation in Easter services, back on 15 March. At the time, Italy was the worst hit by the coronavirus outbreak and the country had been on lockdown for a week already. The announcement, a month before the actual festival, felt ominous. Catholics protested. Things were definitely bad if an institution that was notably reluctant to change and which relied on century-old traditions, was ready to bend them. As countries around the world starting urging people to stay at home, and India announced its 21-day lockdown, priests and other clergy had to suddenly befriend that familiar beast, technology. The sermons preaching the vices of technology had to change to sing its praises. Masses were live-streamed, or recorded and released later. As priests changed, so did the laity (lay people). Some turned to humour, sharing memes about how even Jesus doesnt want to rise this year, or how we should wash our hands like Pontius Pilate (inside Bible joke). Other, like me, had to reconcile ourselves to listening to Mass at home, from our laptops or TVs, trying very hard to imagine we were in a Church. In Goa, my family is tuning to cable TV to watch Mass and pray. Its a change I was underprepared to embrace. I had so many questions: do we place the laptop/ TV below the altar? Do we dress in our Sunday best? Can I sit on my bed instead of a chair? Do I need to place flowers or a cross near the laptop? Do I answer the door if someone rings the bell? And where can I find hot cross buns? Is spiritual communion a good enough replacement for actual communion? The first Mass I heard at home felt surreal. I was alone. In the absence of a nudging arm and anyone to shush me, my attention wandered. I fidgeted a lot we have an AC but I felt it appropriate to replicate Masses in church. My dog interrupted me several times, wondering why I keep standing up and sitting down. Am I allowed to pet her? This Holy Week, I decided to embrace the change. In the absence of rules, I created my own. I had the luxury of choosing what services I could attend: English or Konkani, finding a priest who could grab my attention during his sermon, and picking a time of my convenience. I shuttled between priests and churches for different Masses. I got out of pyjamas and wore something comfortable and in the required mourning colours. Yesterday evening, I dressed up, and lit a candle during the Easter vigil service. Today, I will eat good food, and a cake that my friend has baked so we can celebrate. I will wish the family and friends over call: video call so they can blow kisses to me and so I can see my 111-year-old grandmother and take her virtual blessings. I did everything, and yet, it doesnt feel like a proper Easter celebration. There is no confession, mandatory before the festival; or palm crosses. The sense of community is missing. Watching people raise their candles in a dark church to welcome the risen Christ, their voices united in song, is missing. The only constant is the heat. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) Health workers in the country should be afforded higher incentives if the government is to ban them from working overseas, Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration earlier signed an order temporarily restricting health workers from leaving the country to work abroad until the national state of emergency is lifted. However, Robredo said that instead of implementing a deployment ban, the government should consider giving health workers higher compensation that will convince them to stay. Kaya ba nating mabigay sa kanila iyong dine-deserve nila na compensation? Kasi kung hindi, hindi natin iyon mapipigilan [umalis], Robredo said. [Translation: Can we give them the compensation they deserve? Because if not, we cannot stop them from leaving.] The vice president cited government efforts in other countries to entice more medical workers amid the coronavirus outbreak. In America, they do not require nurses and doctors from other states to work in New York which has the highest number of COVID-19 infections and deaths in the country, Robredo said. Instead, they offer attractive packages, such as free transportation, free accommodation, and higher pay to medical frontliners. So ito, isang paraan ito para ma-hold mo dito sa atin iyong mga health workers, she said. [Translation: So, that is one way to make health workers stay in the country.] Robredo also mentioned that officials in the United Kingdom thank Filipino nurses, as they are among those at the forefront of battling the health crisis. The vice president added that Filipinos only leave the country out of necessity as there are not much opportunities offering high compensation in the Philippines. If given the choice, they would not leave their families, she said. In the Philippines, nurses receive an average monthly income of 8,000 to 13,500, according to data from the Department of Labor and Employment. Doctors, on the other hand, receive a monthly income of around 20,000 to 35,000. Meanwhile, Western countries have been offering expedited visa processes and significantly higher incentives to attract health workers from the Philippines and other countries during the pandemic. So sa akin, dapat maging turning point ito sa kung papaano natin i-treat iyong ating health workers, Robredo said. [Translation: So for me, this should be a turning point as to how we treat our health workers.] The country has so far recorded 4,648 confirmed COVID-19 infections, with 297 deaths and 197 recoveries. Globally, there are over 1,778,500 people who have contracted the viral disease. Of this number, over 108,900 resulted in death, while some 404,800 patients have already recovered. Scientists say a new age estimate for the skull of an early human is raising questions about modern human ancestry. The fossilized skull was considered a major discovery when it was found in Zambia in 1921. It was the first fossil of an extinct human species to be discovered in Africa. The skull was named after the area in which it was discovered: Broken Hill. Researchers say a new examination of the fossil suggests that it is much younger than previously thought. The fossil was difficult for scientists to date. That is because the skull was recovered in a mine that later became completely destroyed from mining operations. Researchers now say that two new complex dating methods have estimated the Broken Hill skull to be about 299,000 years old. Past scientific examinations had estimated the fossil was likely about 500,000 years old. The team of researchers said their examination efforts involved years of work that included direct dating of the skull itself as well as other human and non-human materials found near the discovery area. Rainer Gruen of Australias Griffith University led the examination efforts. He was also the lead writer of a study on the process, which recently appeared in the publication Nature. Gruen said in a statement that the new age estimate changes earlier opinions on both the tempo and mode of modern human ancestry. Gruen and his team believe the findings show that human evolution in Africa around 300,000 years ago was a much more complex process than other evidence has suggested. Scientists now believe the process involved the co-existence of several human lineages. Instead of linear evolution, in which each new species replaced the old one, Africa may have been a place where different human species mated with each other. The new estimate means the species represented by the skull was unlikely to have been a direct ancestor of Homo sapiens, the species of human that exists today. Our species first appeared in Africa more than 300,000 years ago before spreading worldwide. Scientists first thought the skull belonged to a new species they named Homo rhodesiensis. But most scientists now believe it is part of the Homo heidelbergensis group. This species is thought to have appeared about 600,000 years ago in parts of Africa and Europe. Chris Stringer is an anthropologist with the Natural History Museum in London. He told the Reuters news agency the latest research suggests that the facial shape of Homo heidelbergensis fossils does not fit an ancestral pattern for our species. Stringer said the age of the fossil suggests that at least three human species lived in Africa around 300,000 years ago. Homo sapiens, he said, were likely present in places like Morocco and Ethiopia. The Homo heidelbergensis is thought to have lived in south-central Africa. The third is called Homo naledi, and was recently discovered in South Africa. We already knew that Eurasia contained diverse human lineages about 300,000 years ago, Stringer said. Now, the same applies to Africa. When the skull was discovered in 1921, it provided the first evidence of a prediction that British naturalist Charles Darwin made 50 years earlier. Darwin theorized that Africa was the place where humans broke off from other animals, because African apes are our closest living relatives. Prehistoric human fossils until that time had all been found in Europe and Asia. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from Reuters, Nature, Griffith University and the Natural History Museum in London. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Quiz - New Age Estimate for Early Human Skull Produces Surprising Discovery Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz __________________________________________________ Words in This Story skull n. the part of the head that is made of bone and protects the brain fossil n. part of an animal or plant from thousands of years ago, preserved in rock extinct adj. no longer living or existing tempo n. the speed at which something happens mode n. a way of doing something evolution n. the way in which living things gradually change and develop over millions of years species n. a set of plants or animals in which the members have similar characteristics to each other anthropologist n. a person who studies human development and society or different societies pattern n. a particular way something is done, is organized or happens diverse adj. including many different kinds Many of the women who have married into the royal family have been forced to deal with the whirlwind of paparazzi that awaits. These days, Meghan Markle seems to be the one in the fiercest battle with the media, though Princess Diana and Kate Middleton both dealt with it as well. And Kates difficult relationship with the paparazzi actually contributed to Prince William ending things with her back in 2007. Prince William and Kate Middleton announce their engagement in 2010 | Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince William and Kate Middleton have nearly two decades of history together The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been together for 18 years, and a lot has happened in that time. The two first met at University of St. Andrews in 2001, and they became close friends quickly. By spring 2002, they had made their relationship official. Through the years, they had their share of ups and downs. They took a break in 2004 but got back together quickly. However, by 2007, things had fallen apart once more and there were a few factors that played a role. William seemed to drag his feet a bit when it came to proposing By the time William and Kate graduated college, they had been together for three years. And as time passed, the pressure started to mount for William was he going to propose or not? By 2007, the public was expecting that the two could announce an engagement at any point, but William decided to call the whole thing off. Those close to the royals said that William had had a conversation with his father about how he wasnt ready to settle down. And Prince Charles is the one who advised him to break up with Kate if he wasnt entirely certain that she was the one (Charles reportedly did not want William making the same mistake he did in rushing to marry Diana). Prince William and Kate Middleton hit some road blocks on their way to happily ever after. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images Kates harsh relationship with the press contributed to the couples breakup The truth was, Kate was also putting some pressure on her boyfriend not because she was in a rush, but because life with the paparazzi had become increasingly difficult. Kate was followed relentlessly by the press; she couldnt go anywhere without cameras chasing after her. But since she and William were not engaged, the royal family wouldnt pay for any kind of security. Kate reportedly told William that more of a commitment would help her deal with the paparazzi, since shed then have a security team. Instead, though, William went in the opposite direction. He broke up with Kate in April 2007, saying its not fair for her to deal with the press if he wasnt certain she was the right one for him. Though he didnt necessarily blame her for voicing concern, he didnt want her to be berated by the paparazzi when he was already having second thoughts about the relationship. At the time, breaking up seemed like the best choice. It didnt take William long to realize hed made a mistake Not long after William ended things, he began to regret his decision. Less than two months after their split, William reached out to Kate and told her that he wanted to get back together. They took things slow, but the two eventually worked everything out. They only ended up separating for about four months. William proposed in 2010, and the two finally got their happily ever after. A consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India has reached the US, days after New Delhi lifted a ban on the export of the anti-malarial drug. The ban was lifted for the US, the latest global Covid-19 hotspot, and some other countries, on humanitarian grounds to help them combat the coronavirus pandemic. More than 1.7 million people have tested positive and 108,867 people have died from the novel coronavirus globally. The US has so far recorded 20,000 deaths and nearly 530,000 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University data. America has replaced Italy as the country with the ... The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat has gone up to 493, with 25 new patients being found in the state, a health official said on Sunday. The state has so far reported 23 deaths, including a 75-year-old man who succumbed to the disease at a hospital in Ahmedabad late Saturday night, principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi told reporters. The man also suffered from hypertension, she said. Out of the 25 new cases, 23 are from Ahmedabad and two from Anand district. Ahmedabad has reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases at 266, and 11 deaths. Besides, Vadodara has reported 95 cases, Surat-28, Bhavnagar 23, Rajkot-18, Patan-14, Bharuch- eight, Anand- seven, Kutch- four, Porbandar and Chhota Udepur- three each, Mehsana and Gir Somnath- two each, and Panchmahal, Jamnagar, Morbi, Sabarkantha and Dahod-one each. Total 44 patients have been discharged so far after recovering from the infection. The state has till now tested 10,995 samples, out of which 2,663 were tested in the last 24 hours. The results of 116 samples are pending, the official said. Out of 426 active cases, the condition off 422 patients is stable, while four are on ventilator support, she added. The number of patients who contracted the infection through local transmission has gone up to 428. Besides, the number of patients with inter-state travel history stands at 32, while 33 other patients have foreign travel history, the state health department said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) From Monday 15 June, Anglican churches are reopening to allow funerals, and all places of worship are reopening for private prayer. Communal worship will not be allowed before 4 July at the earliest. And many families have already had to endure saying goodbye to their loved ones from a distance. *** The first Kevin Quigley, 54, learnt about his younger brother Paul Quigley, 49, having contracted coronavirus was when he received a message shared in the family Whatsapp group on 11 March. It was a photograph of Paul in a hospital bed wearing an oxygen mask. Paul had been unwell for days already but, as he had mild symptoms and no underlying health conditions, had self-isolated at home before eventually going to Lewisham hospital. The day after he messaged his family he deteriorated rapidly, was taken to intensive care and put on a ventilator. He died nine days later. Paul lived in a houseshare in London, far from his elderly parents in Scotland and his brother in Shropshire (they also have siblings in Australia) so when he died suddenly no one was with him. Even if they had lived closer, they would unlikely be permitted to visit Paul in ICU and besides, Kevins mother had said no one else was to travel for fear another child would get ill. She was already so upset, we had to respect her wishes, Kevin tells me over the phone two weeks after his brothers death. While the family understood the risks involved in going to see Paul, how do you have a funeral when youre hundreds of miles away from the body? Most people, regardless of religious belief, see a funeral as a rite of passage after death. According to UK funerals online approximately 600,000 funerals take place in the UK every year, which roughly matches the 616,014 deaths (2018, latest ONS data available). But during the age of coronavirus with the country under nationwide lockdown and the halting of mass gatherings funerals simply cannot be business as usual. The government has not outright banned funerals but has closed all places of worship and stopped weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies. Official guidelines say that only members of the deceased persons household or close family should attend the funeral and mourners should practice social distancing. Recommended How it feels to have your husband in intensive care with coronavirus Other bodies have taken a stronger stance: Public Health England (PHE) issued specific guidelines telling organisers to limit the number of attendees to five and stand two metres apart. The Church of England banned funerals in Anglican churches and in some places local councils stepped in; on 4 April Bradford, Leeds and Kirklees councils said families will no longer be able to attend services. A former Welsh Assembly member, Lorraine Barrett has also said funerals should be outright prohibited in Wales. But the lack of an explicit government order to stop funerals has left some families in limbo; feeling the pressure of wanting to physically attend but wondering if they should stay at home to minimise risk of others succumbing to the same fate. Some have had to make heartbreaking choices in London 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, who died of the coronavirus, was buried alone because his whole family had to self-isolate following his illness. Kevin and his family were told they could only have one household group attend the crematorium. But faced with both the impossible task of choosing who gets to go, and his mothers instructions to not travel, they decided instead to livestream the funeral on Zoom. I havent had that stark realisation yet. This is a sanitised version..." Only months ago the idea of watching your sibling being cremated online would have felt like something out of a Black Mirror script but today it seems like a reasonable solution given it allows you to watch the proceedings in real time but without the added risk of being physically present. It also allows family and friends from all over the world to join during an international ban on travel. The 20-minute video, which is now on YouTube, shows Paul's coffin, a photograph and a candle and is set to Michael Bubles rendition of "Ave Maria". It was like any presentation, you have to be organised, says Kevin who was in charge of setting up the technology and ensuring all 85 guests, including his brothers colleagues and friends in different time zones, could participate. We did a practice the night before with my mum and dad to test the connection. While a Zoom call allows family and friends to acknowledge the passing, it doesnt allow for the physical comfort of being together, giving a hug or sharing a drink together. It let us experience some form of celebration it gave us something at this time, some recognition when we needed it. Of course it is not going to replace things but it can world quite well; it is not the end of the world. Were quite a pragmatic family, I dont need to see my brother lying in a coffin I prefer to remember him the way he was. And to be honest standing at a cold graveside in the pi***ng rain doesnt give you much closure either. Miriam Berger, a rabbi from north London has also been part of a coronavirus funeral over Zoom. The 40-year-old, from the Finchley Reform Synagogue, had already decided there would be no physical funerals in her community during the ongoing lockdown but she didnt expect the first digital one to be for her own grandfather. Ronald Bayfield, 96, died on Sunday 29 March after being diagnosed with Covid-19. Telling my community they cant go to a funeral on the surface felt like a very harsh decision but I came to realise it is full of compassion, were doing what is best for everyone. Instead Miriam went to the graveside herself with her iPhone and filmed as the coffin was lowered into the ground. They were joined by more than 200 people on Zoom. It had its advantages, for example, my cousin who is a marine biologist on a boat in the North Sea was just as present as everyone else, she says. But like Kevin struggled with the lack of physical intimacy. Nothing will replace the hug when someone dies, there arent words, the physical contact is most comforting. 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 They are also not able to take part in the traditional Jewish Shiva the week-long period of mourning. Miriam also thinks not having a physical funeral changes the way you are able to mourn. It is protecting us from the difficult reality, later on there is going to be a really hard moment. I havent had that stark realisation yet. This is a sanitised version. Rhea Mccolls dad died, aged, 56, on Monday 16 March. He did not have coronavirus, he had long-term brain cancer and had been told in December that his condition was terminal. The 21-year-old from Glasgow was able to be with him when he died unlike many losing loved ones in the current climate but the funeral was still impacted by Covid-19 regulations. They were able to attend the crematorium in person, and had 20 guests, but were not allowed within two metres of another household. The whole experience was bizarre and very uncomfortable to be honest. We were on seats two metres away from everyone else. Not being able to hug your loved ones at that time is really distressing and you felt very alone. The whole experience was bizarre and very uncomfortable. We were on seats two metres away from everyone else. Not being able to hug your loved ones at that time is really distressing..." We were lucky enough to still be able to carry the coffin, have flowers and an order of service, which I know is not happening in most funerals. I also know numbers have been cut to 5 in most cases, I dont know how these people are dealing with it. But she still says the family werent able to give him the send off that he deserved which she found deeply upsetting. It has also impacted her ability to mourn her father. If you had asked me last week I would have said it has been fine but this week the prospect of not being able to see anyone is really starting to take its toll. To make things worse, current measures mean her fathers hospital bed wasnt collected for a week after his death, leaving a constant reminder in their living room. Estelle Milne, 19, from Scotland, attended her grandmothers funeral after she died from a chest infection on 28 March, and had to adhere to the same social distancing guidelines. We had to sit two metres apart, use hand sanitiser when we went in, werent allowed to hug and my mum couldnt come because she is a care worker. It was very awkward, all I could say to my grandad was hello and goodbye even though he was really upset and his wife had just died. I dont have a way with words and you cant do what comes naturally and just hug them. As the Covid-19 death toll in the UK continues to rise (7,000 at the time of publication), some estimates are now predicting Britain will be the worst-hit country in Europe with as many as 66,000 deaths in the next few months. For those who are left behind there is no end in sight to the lockdown and indications that the rules around funerals will become even more stringent suggest many more people will have to say goodbye to their loved ones over the internet or from a socially-safe distance; unimaginable pain in unprecedented times. Pandit Bhajan Sopori By On the occasion of the sitar maestros 100th birth anniversary, composer and santoor player Pandit Bhajan Sopori shares some interesting aspects of the virtuosos music that he came across on his many meetings I met Panditji way back in 1970s on several occasions in Delhi, Kashmir and Kolkata but somehow he had never heard me perform live. He then invited my wife and me for lunch and also to hear my santoor at his residence in Lodhi Estate, Delhi, in the winters of 1986. He knew my father, the great master musician Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori, since 1954 when he had come to Kashmir for a concert. He had great reverence for my 300-year-old Shaivite-Sufi santoor tradition, which was visible from his fatherly love for me. He would call my wife bahu (daughter-in-law). I still remember he asked me to leave Kashmir and shift to Delhi for better accessibility and movement, but I had a lot of responsibilities regarding music and culture of Kashmir on my shoulders and I couldnt neglect it at that time as that was the phase of cultural development of Kashmir. We again met in Kolkata where my wife shared with Panditji that she had not ever witnessed his recital. He immediately invited us to his Bhaitak Concert at Victoria Memorial and when he saw us entering the venue, he from the stage invited us to sit closer to him near the stage. Panditji and I shared some common aspects and music created this special bond between us. While I was the youngest conductor of the National Orchestra, the Vadya-Vrinda of All India Radio in 1970s, a symphony-style orchestra with Indian instruments, he was the founder and the first conductor of the same having done landmark compositions, which were influenced by his early exposure to Western orchestra as a member of his brother Pandit Uday Shankars dancing troupe. While my santoor recital is immensely enriched with complex laya and chhand patterns, his mastery over laya was legendary and he played even the intricate patterns with great ease on the sitar. His dynamism extended beyond his instrument and Hindustani classical music, and it formed the core of his consciousness. While I introduced the Dhrupad Ang (style) on the santoor, he was the pioneer in introducing this system on the sitar decades ago with beautifully enriched technicalities. He was well-versed in both khayal and dhrupad gayaki, and it was evident from his recitals. He was one of the leading stalwarts and pillars of the sitar of his time. Panditjis work as a composer also is unparalleled. As the 13th century Indian musicologist Sharngadeva says, a composer is expected to be a competent performer who knows his audience and understands their minds, and rises above his own likes and dislikes in order to bring delight to everyoneI consider Panditji a complete composer. He had immense knowledge with deep insight into regional, national and international musical genres, be it Indian folk music traditions, Hindustani classical music, or world music. He went on to compose beautifully structured ragas and compose music for commercial movies as well. The greatness of his composition was that even in films they had a distinct identity. Panditji enlightened the West about Hindustani classical music with the great cross-cultural fusion experiments that he carried out in his collaborations with musical greats such as the violinist Yehudi Menuhin, George Harrison and The Beatles, or jazz legend John Coltrane and made them play Indian music retaining the distinct identity of our music and instruments thereby globalising our music yet not homogenising it. Panditji, having learnt from the great Baba Allauddin Khan sahib, represented the Maihar Gharana but went on to create a trend of his own. He even modified his sitar giving it a unique tone which was different from his contemporaries. Since Panditji had composed and conducted Taal-Vadya-Kacheri a number of times featuring Indian percussion instruments both from the north and the south, his solo playing also reflected that aspect with rhythmic elements of Carnatic style in his recitals. His understanding of a raga was very clear with regard to its shartra (grammar) and its practical and aesthetic presentation. This was the reason that in a couple of strokes itself he would bring out the essence of a raga. In this process, he could beautify and decorate the raga with thrilling layakari (rhythmic variations) and other requisite technical aspects forming a melodious flow of his rendition. His performances displayed his virtuosity with a sense of completeness that was influenced by his work as a composer. Though he never named it as a new baaj (style), I call it the Ravi Shanker Baaj of sitar-playing, which stands tall in its individualistic uniqueness. Pandit Ravi Shankarji will continue to live through his music and we shall celebrate his life and music forever. Paris Hilton is keen to make a difference while self-isolating at her California home. The DJ, who is set to perform for charity virtual music festival TRILLERFEST, told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday that she's 'making the most' of lockdown. 'I'm used to being on a plane 250 days out of the year and travelling all the time for my businesses, so I've really taken this time to appreciate my time at home and making the most of it,' she said. EXCLUSIVE: 'I'm used to being on a plane 250 days a year!' Paris Hilton (pictured in January) is 'appreciating' time at home with boyfriend Carter Reum, amid the coronavirus pandemic The reality TV icon revealed she's splitting her time between philanthropy and catching up with loved ones including boyfriend Carter Reum. Paris confirmed her romance with the 39-year-old businessman in February, after they attended a Golden Globes after-party together in January. 'I've been focusing on my businesses and also my family's Hilton Foundation to help give back to those in need,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Going strong: The reality TV icon told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday that she's been enjoying cooking and having movie nights with the businessman (pictured) Official: Paris confirmed her romance with the entrepreneur and author in February, after they attended a Golden Globes after-party together in January. Pictured on another occasion 'I also love to read, be creative, write music, make art, spend time with my pets, FaceTime with my family, cook with Carter and have a movie night together.' Paris, who boasts an 11.8million Instagram following, added that it's 'so important' for her to use her 'platform to raise awareness and make a difference'. 'Social media is such an important tool to use for the greater good of the world, and I'm so grateful that I can use my voice to help make a difference, and bring awareness to causes and people that are in need,' she said. Family: 'I also love to read, be creative, write music, make art, spend time with my pets, FaceTime with my family,' Paris told Daily Mail Australia. Pictured with sister Nicky Hilton Paris will perform as a DJ at TRILLERFEST this Sunday April 12 (LA time) with the festival accepting donations for those affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). The lineup for the weekend event also includes Pitbull, Snoop Dogg and Wyclef Jean. Paris' family's Hilton Foundation has also announced $10million (USD) in additional funding toward relief efforts, and support for vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19 in Los Angeles and abroad. Of the $10million, around half will go toward protecting the homeless population in Los Angeles, with the other half focused on helping African countries prepare for a pending outbreak. Worthy cause: Paris will perform as a DJ at TRILLERFEST this Sunday April 12 (LA time) with the festival accepting donations for those affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) A college graduate attends an online job interview. [Photo/Xinhua] China's top legislature has warned against discrimination toward laborers from regions hard-hit by the novel coronavirus epidemic in a bid to ensure fair employment. The behavior of some employers who refuse to hire those from Hubei, the province hardest hit by the novel coronavirus, or fire these people should be inspected and rectified in line with the law, according to Guo Linmao, an official with the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body. "Labor is a basic constitutional right of citizens, and the Chinese Labor Law is also clear on guaranteeing fair employment and prohibiting job discrimination," he said. Guo made the remarks on Friday, as some laborers from Hubei were found having difficulties in finding a job or being fired without a reason after the outbreak has been controlled in the Chinese mainland and many industries have been gradually recovering. "People from Hubei, especially those from Wuhan, capital of the province, were tenacious and brave during the outbreak, and they followed the epidemic-related control rules and gave extremely great efforts when fighting against the disease," he said. Several Chinese laws stipulate that any kind of discrimination in employment must be banned and that employment equity must be guaranteed, according to him. For example, the Chinese Employment Promotion Law upholds the expansion of employment in the country's economic and social developments, stipulating governments at each level should create a fair employment environment and expand jobs in various ways, he said. Meanwhile, employers who terminate contracts on the grounds of where employees come from are also identified as disobeying the Chinese Labor Contract Law and should be bear legal liability, he added. "Regional discrimination in job seeking, which damages laborers' equal employment rights, is neither legal nor good to consolidate results of the epidemic control and promote economic development," he said. While calling for governments to take measures against employers refusing to hire laborers from Hubei or firing them in an untimely manner, he urged departments of human resources and social security at all levels to do an inspection on whether the laws have been enforced. The authorities should deter and correct behaviors of employers found to have disobeyed the laws, he said. "In addition, the laws need to be further popularized to guide employers in recruitment to effectively protect laborers' rights in employment equity," he added. A couple of days ago, two engineering students hailing from the Northeast were barred from entering a supermarket in Hyderabad due to their 'resemblance' to Chinese people, even after they produced Aadhaar cards to establish that they were Indians. The issue was resolved only when the authorities, alerted on social media, intervened. This is not a one-off case. There have been several incidents in the city, where people are being discriminated against because of their 'Chinese looks' in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. William Kan, who runs a Chinese restaurant (Chung Hua) recalls an incident that took place before the lockdown. My brother was visiting from Hong Kong and we went to the zoo. Kids there called us Coronavirus... Coronavirus. What could we tell them? They were too small to understand, sighs William. Citing another incident of racism, he says a woman who came to his restaurant before the lockdown had asked his staff whether they had recently come from China. As much as I understand her vulnerability, we want to clarify that we have been staying here for several years and that we prepare our food from the ingredients we buy from here, stresses William. Christina Chen, who has been running a beauty parlour named Womans World in Secunderabad for over 25 years, says her staff have been victims of racial abuse. My staff (from the North-eastern states) are abused when they go out. People yell Corona Corona... You guys go back to your country. Naturally they are hurt when people run away from them, says Christina, adding that its time people stood united in this fight. We are all Indians. I was born and raised here and my kids were also born in Hyderabad and speak Telugu too. Since I am in the beauty industry, I take care to maintain hygiene I have been doing so even before the Coronavirus spread in India, adds Christina, whose father is from China, while her mother is from Sikkim. In light of the current situation, it is feared that business at outlets run or staffed by people from the North-eastern States or with Chinese blood will be drastically affected. A Chinese Indian who runs a restaurant in the city, who did not wish to be named, admits that sales took a sharp dip since February. Definitely it will take some time before life and business come back to normal; we are just hoping it will happen at the earliest, he says. Yuking Yu, the public relations officer of the Overseas Chinese Friendship Association, says it is unfortunate that Chinese people are being targeted. Several Chinese are married to Indians and have been staying here for several years. Our children, businesses, friends and communities are Indians. We only hope that solidarity is shown in this fight against the Coronavirus, he says. It isnt just civilians who are subjected to racism. Even celebrities are prey to it. Badminton player Jwala Gutta has expressed anguish at being the target of discriminatory comments. Born to a Chinese mother and a Telugu father, Jwala revealed that she was called half-corona on social media. Meiyang Change of Indian Idol fame too recalled a disheartening incident when a few people called him Coronavirus because of his looks. Aparna Rayaprol, Professor and Former Head, Department of Sociology, University of Hyderabad, explains this irrational behaviour against a few individuals, saying, in the current climate of a global crisis, people need a target to blame. Despite India having been a colonial nation, We have inherited racism from the colonisers, which we are unable to shake off, she says. "A failure to recognise that people from the North-Eastern region of India are just as Indian as the rest of us, and instead, seeing them as Chinese, is the problem", she says, and adds "prejudice and ethnocentrism make people insult others. We can't blame a nation or a community for a pandemic. Scientists have called for urgently revisiting the discharge protocol for Covid-19 patients after recent international studies showed people can test positive for the virus even after two consecutive negative results. The research comes at a time when South Korean authorities reported 91 patients who were previously cleared of the coronavirus had tested positive again, with experts saying the scare of reinfection was yet unproven, and that a more plausible reason was the unreliability of two RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) tests to conclusively prove a patient cured. RT-PCR testing is most useful when it is positive, said Dr Priya Sampathkumar, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, US. It is less useful in ruling out Covid-19. A negative test often does not mean the person does not have the disease, and test results need to be considered in the context of patient characteristics and exposure. The first study, by Chinese medical experts in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal, found that 14.5% of 172 patients discharged from the Shenzhen Third Peoples Hospital between Jan 23 and Feb 21 tested positive again. Their hospital discharge protocol was four-pronged: Normal body temperature for more than three consecutive days, significant reduction of respiratory symptoms, improvement in chest CT, and two consecutively negative results of RT-PCR testing separated by a 24-hour interval. This is the common global standard, including in India, for patient discharge. But within an average of roughly 5-9 days from their discharge, 25 patients returned positive tests. According to our study, it is probably that two negative RT-PCR tests 24 hours apart may not be sufficient for viral clearance evaluation. Repeated viral RT-PCR testing separated by prolonged duration like 48 hours is essentialwe suggested that some immunological parameters such as D-dimer and absolute lymphocyte count, and even antibody test should be combined with RT-PCR negative test, the study added. A second study, by doctors at the Tongji hospital in Wuhan, found that 15 out of 70 patients between Jan 21 and Feb 12 with confirmed Sars-CoV-2 infection tested positive after two consecutive negative results. But the doctors cautioned that this was likely not a case of recurrence, but one of false negative test and prolonged viral clearance period, which can throw the RT-PCR test off. Traces of virus detected by RT-PCR were not necessarily correlated with the ability of transmission. However, longer observation period should be considered for certain group of COVID-19 patients, the doctors concluded. But why is the RT-PCR test, which relies on identifying the viruss genetic material, unreliable when it comes to discharge? A third study, by Chinese doctors in the Journal of Medical Virology, offers some clues. In this study, of 610 hospitalised patients from Wuhan between February 2 and 17, the scientists reported a potentially high false negative rate of the RT-PCR tests. The doctors conducted six tests on the patients, and found that in a number of cases, tests of a particular patient, turned from negative to positive and again negative indicating the high fluctuating nature of the tests. Eighteen patients tested positive after two consecutive negative tests. Only after five rounds of tests did all patients consistently test negative. To reduce the number of new cases, strict adherence to discharge criteria is needed. In addition, it is recommended that patients should be isolated for several days after discharge to reduce the risk of transmission, the study concluded. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A high school student has thrown support to his local New Jersey community despite living thousands of miles away from it. Chenxi Mark Bao, a junior at Donovan Catholic High School in Toms River, shipped 10,000 face masks to his school last week after returning home to unite with his family in China during the coronavirus pandemic, said Donovan Catholic spokeswoman JoAnn DAnton. The high school administration, currently educating its student body virtually, proceeded to donate the masks to the Community Medical Center, a division of Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, in Toms River. Everyone at Community Medical Center is extremely grateful for the donation of masks from Donovan Catholic, Patrick Ahearn, Chief Executive Officer of Community Medical Center, said. "As healthcare workers continue to face incredible challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed strength, compassion and above all, kindness from our community." Community Medical Center thanks Chenxi Mark Bao, his family and the entire Donovan Catholic family for their generosity, which will help to keep our team safe as they care for our patients, he added. DAnton also expressed her gratitude for the donations on behalf of the school. Thank you to the Chenxi Mark Baos family and their generous donation to our community," DAnton said. "Once a Griffin always a Griffin! 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. Have a tip? Tell us.nj.com/tips. Caroline Fassett may be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Thirteen new or expanded COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites including in Bay City and Saginaw will provide greater access to residents across Michigan and a new lab will speed up test results under a plan announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Expanded testing is available through a partnership involving the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Primary Care Association, 11 health centers, and NxGen MDX Laboratory. The Bay City testing site is at Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, 3884 Monitor Road, 989-671-2000, and the Saginaw site is at Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, 501 Lapeer Ave., 989-293-3492. People are asked to call the site before arriving for a pre-test evaluation. These efforts will increase Michigans daily COVID-19 testing capacity by about 40 percent when fully operational. They include: Nine new drive-through testing locations and expansion of three existing centers where residents can be tested for COVID-19 without leaving their vehicles, plus additional testing at a location yet-to-be-determined in Detroit. Use of a new commercial laboratory in Grand Rapids that can run upward of 3,000 tests per day, which would increase Michigans average number of results every day by about 40 percent. The State of Michigan is working with our healthcare partners to step up COVID-19 testing, Whitmer said. Better access to testing and quicker results are critical to our public health officials who are fighting coronavirus and to our residents who have symptoms of COVID-19 and need answers, treatment and peace of mind. More testing will save lives. The new drive-thru capacity will include two large-scale sites in Detroit and Flint. The sites will aim to serve at least 750 and 250 people per day, respectively. Additional site details are in progress and will be announced soon. "The key to beating the coronavirus is to make testing available to everyone who needs it, said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. The Governor's announcement today is a huge boost in Detroit's arsenal against this disease." The new Flint site is in partnership with Hurley Medical Center. I would like to thank Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Hurley Medical Center and all of our partners for stepping up so that we can fill this critical need in our community, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neely said. We know our community has been especially hard hit, and testing is an important tool to combat this deadly virus. New drive-thru sites will also operate in Atlanta (between Gaylord and Alpena), Bad Axe, Battle Creek, Bay City, Benton Harbor, Jackson, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City. The partnership will significantly expand drive-thru test sites currently operating in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Saginaw. Each site will aim to serve 100 or more individuals per day beginning Monday, April 13, with the exception of the Detroit and Flint sites that will begin operations on later dates. Individuals should call before coming to these drive-thru sites for pre-test evaluation and additional information. Increased testing is the only way we will know where COVID-19 is in Michigan, and will guide our public health response, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigans chief medical executive. Along with social distancing practices such as staying home and keeping 6 feet between yourself and others if you must go out, more testing will help Michigan slow the spread of COVID-19. MDHHS will partner with the Michigan Primary Care Association and NxGen Laboratory, a commercial laboratory in Grand Rapids, to operate these testing sites. Were grateful to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and MDHHS for recognizing the pivotal role that community health centers can play in providing care for residents without a regular doctor, opening new drive-thru testing locations, and alleviating some of the burden on our hospital partners, said Dennis Litos, interim chief executive officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA). MPCA is incredibly proud of the care community health centers have been providing during this crisis, and they will continue to serve on the frontlines of COVID-19 relief efforts. People must meet Michigans coronavirus testing priority criteria to be tested at the sites. They should first contact the sites patient screening telephone line or their health care provider if seeking testing. Michigans testing priority criteria include: hospitalized patients, symptomatic healthcare workers, patients in congregate facilities with symptoms, including those at long-term care or elderly living facilities, Jails or prisons, homeless shelters, residential foster care facilities and other group living settings; patients age 65 and older with symptoms; patients with underlying conditions with symptoms; first responders with symptoms; critical infrastructure workers with symptoms. Other drive-thru test locations opening on a rolling basis through out the week are: Atlanta (between Gaylord and Alpena): Thunder Bay Community Health Service, 11899 M-32, 989-733-6827. Bad Axe: Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, 876 N. Van Dyke Rd, 989-623-0137. Battle Creek: Grace Health, 181 W. Emmett St., 269-441-3463. Benton Harbor: InterCare Community Health Network, 800 M-139, 855-869-6900. Flint (Open beginning on Wednesday): Atwood Stadium, parking lot entrance off West 1st Street, details to come. Grand Rapids: Cherry Health, 200 Sheldon Street SE, 616-965-8347. Jackson: Center for Family Health, 505 N. Jackson St., 517-748-5363. Kalamazoo: Family Health Center, 117 W Paterson St., 269-488-0804. Lansing: Ingham Community Health Centers, 2316 S. Cedar St., 517-887-4517. Traverse City: Northwest Michigan Health Services, 10767 Traverse Highway, 231-642-5292. Mt. Sinai nixes field hospital at cathedral as Samaritans Purse steps back amid LGBT tensions Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment NEW YORK CITY A day after the Franklin Graham-led Samaritans Purse revealed they were stepping back from work on a second field hospital to be housed at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Mount Sinai Hospital, which was leading the effort, informed the cathedral Thursday that they will no longer be using the churchs space. "We were notified this morning that Mount Sinai will not be pursuing its plans to build a field hospital at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine at this moment. Our commitment to Mount Sinai and to the city, our longtime partners, stands firm, and we will do whatever is in our power to aid the medical workers heroically putting themselves on the front line to help the sick, a statement from the cathedral to The Christian Post said Thursday. As we continue to stand ready to support all in this crisis, we reaffirm our core mission and staunch belief in the worth and dignity of all people, and open our virtual doors to all those who want to participate in Holy Week services, the church added. The decision comes as Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that New York state was continuing to see a slowdown in the rate of hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions as social distancing efforts being taken to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus continued to work. Thursday saw the states lowest hospitalization rate yet with a 200-patient net increase in hospitalizations and 64-patient net increase in ICU admissions. The state, however, also saw its highest number of deaths in a single day. A total of 799 people died of complications from the coronavirus in 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths to 7,067. More than 149,000 infections have been confirmed in the state and nearly half of those are in New York City. In an interview with CP on Wednesday, Melissa Strickland, Samaritans Purses senior director of communications, said they would be pausing work on the field hospital as they were not sure if it would be needed. At this point we have taken a pause on the work as we assess whether this is a needed site or not, Strickland said. We are looking at very large tents that we would be putting up and so that would be a lot of manpower and a lot of work if we have to take it back down. And so weve taken a pause at this point in doing that. And thats not for any reason except that were wanting to make sure this is even a needed expansion before we move forward. Prior to this development, there had been concerns about possible tensions in the proposed partnership between Mount Sinai and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine stemming from Samaritans Purse being introduced as a partner on the project. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, which is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. The Episcopal Church, which has about 1.6 million members nationwide, is an LGBT inclusive denomination. Samaritans Purse is an evangelical Christian humanitarian aid organization whose staff adhere to biblically based Christian beliefs and values. While none of the parties publicly acknowledged any tensions about the arrangement prior to the nixing of the project, officials connected to the cathedral privately told CP that there were concerns over the hiring practices of Samaritans Purse, which is limited to practicing Christians who agree with the organizations statement of faith. ABC News reported that a cathedral spokeswoman said "staff had 'a really hard time' dealing with past comments from the organization about LGBTQ people and decided not to move forward." In a statement to CP on Wednesday, Mount Sinai said while the three parties did not share the same worldview, they were committed to saving lives. And all workers at the field hospital would adhere to Mount Sinai principles and guidelines when it comes to not discriminating against patients or staff based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, disability, marital, partnership or parental status, sexual orientation, alien or citizenship status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. "In short, while our organizations may have differences of opinions, when it comes to COVID-19 we are fully united: we will care for everyone and no patients or staff will be discriminated against, Mount Sinai said. "Ultimately, this virus kills people of every religious beliefs, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation. New York has lost over 5,000 people already, and more are dying every day. Mount Sinai, St. John the Divine and Samaritan's Purse are unified in our mission to provide the same world-class care to anyone and everyone who needs it. No questions asked. We are all focused on one thing saving lives. When asked if Samaritans Purse staff would be operating under the guidelines of the hospital as stated, Strickland, who said she was on site at the cathedral when she did the interview, told CP that was not the case. What they are referring to in their statement is their staff. There will be Samaritans Purse staff if we decide to expand anywhere including the cathedral. Our Samaritans Purse staff would be our staff and it would be the same as Central Park. If they would be staff, they would be onboarded by Samaritans Purse. They would be paid by Samaritans Purse, and so they would go through the human resources procedures of Samaritans Purse so that there would be no difference between Samaritans Purse staff here and Samaritans Purse staff at Central Park as far as our HR policies and procedures go. "Now Mt. Sinai staff, we would not have any authority over them or speak into their hiring process for their staff that they would have on site, she said, while noting that Samaritans Purse was focused on saving lives and not theological or political differences. The thing is, right now in New York City, we are all fighting for the same cause. Were all fighting to save lives and reduce suffering. We may not agree on every single issue but we do agree that there is a critical need for the Samaritans Purse field hospital in New York City to save lives. "I think the good news story in this is that organizations that may not always see eye-to-eye on political issues, on theological issues completely, the cause is greater than those issues. We are coming together to save lives. Mount Sinai and Samaritans Purse are coming together to save lives and setting that aside and focusing on what holds us together, she emphasized. Strickland also noted that as far as she was aware, there were no tensions with the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. What I can tell you is that Ive personally met with Dean Daniels and other staff. We are so thankful that they are wanting to jump into the fight against COVID-19. And the discussions we have had with them about this possible location has been warm and friendly and cordial. We understand from the Samaritans Purse perspective just as we understand with Mount Sinai that we may have different worldviews in some areas but the same as Mount Sinai, we have been able to have friendly conversations, discussions, she said. Were just very thankful to them. I personally have not had anyone be rude or unkind. Its about being able to see where the differences lie and focus on saving lives. I believe the leadership of the cathedral understands that. Everyone that I have met here at the cathedral understands that. They have been gracious and warm and good candid discussions. No one is trying to pretend that there is not some disagreement on certain issues, but at the same time those conversations have been warm and friendly and gracious, Strickland said. On Tuesday, The Washington Post cited a statement from Franklin Graham that he was expected to fly to New York City that day and meet with officials at the cathedral. Strickland confirmed that Graham did indeed visit New York City on Tuesday but did not meet with St. John the Divine officials because he had traveled to the city for a specific purpose then had to leave again. When CP asked about The Washington Post's report that Graham reportedly confirmed he would meet with officials at the cathedral, Strickland said his plans changed. That was prior to his arrival. He was thinking that was something he might do but because of his schedule on the ground being a little tighter than he had anticipated, it just didnt happen, she said. Weve been very transparent about who we are and theyve been very transparent about who they are. But we all have this common cause to save lives At the end of the day, thats what matters. The Mount Sinai hospital network and Samaritans Purse have already successfully established a 68-bed field hospital on the East Lawn of Central Park. In addition to a federal investigation, Iowa lawmakers might soon be looking into issues surrounding the Department of Human Services. In the meantime, the new DHS director is getting praise over her response. (Adobe Services) Universities have welcomed a funding guarantee from the federal government but warn it is not enough to prevent significant job losses and plug the "big hole" blown in their budgets by the COVID-19 crisis. Education Minister Dan Tehan announced the government would guarantee funding for domestic students based on expected enrolment levels before the pandemic hit. Under the relief package for higher education providers, the government is also creating cut-price online courses for Australians to re-skill at home. Education Minister Dan Tehan said the package would be "ballast" for the besieged university sector. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Tehan said the guarantee of $18 billion for domestic undergraduate education would provide "ballast" for the sector to see out the crisis. Ordinarily, the funding would be revised down throughout the year if enrolments dropped. But university sector leaders immediately said the package would not address the billions of dollars in lost revenue from international students. An estimated 21,000 jobs could still be lost in the next six months, Universities Australia chair and Curtin University vice-chancellor Deborah Terry warned. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has rolled-out a four-week COVID-19 public education campaign in the Eastern Region as means to contain the spread of the virus. The Campaign is being undertaken with the Church of Pentecost, which has provided a mobile cinema van to sensitise citizens within the Region. Mr Alex Sackey, the NCCE Eastern Regional Director and Head of the Campaign Team, in a statement to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Saturday, said the Commission was targeting 4,164 communities by the end of the campaign. It would educate the public on the need to observe precautionary measures to help curb the spread of the COVID-19. Regular and thorough handwashing with soap under running water; use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers; and practicing respiratory hygiene by covering ones mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing are central to the campaign. Mr Sackey said the public were also being educated on the need to avoid the touching of eyes, nose, mouth and the face generally and adhere to social distancing. He urged the public to remain calm and comply with the safety measures advocated by government and health experts and suspend all public gatherings including funerals, religious and sporting activities with the exception of private burials limited to 25 persons. Residents are to reach out to the Eastern Regional Health Directorate with any COVID-19 information through the hotlines: 0591249361; 0591249331; 0591248474; and 0591246589. Anytime you find any person with fever, cough, and shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, which are some of the common signs of COVID-19, please call the hotlines, Mr Sackey said. He, however, warned the public against prank calls to the centre as it would attract severe sanctions. 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 A senior Government minister has refused to apologise for shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS staff treating coronavirus patients. Business secretary Alok Sharma told Sky News he was "sorry for the loss of any life during this pandemic", after it emerged 19 NHS staff had died of suspected coronavirus. But Mr Sharma stopped short of saying sorry for the ongoing issue of getting enough PPE to frontline NHS staff. Appearing on Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky News, Mr Sharma was asked if he would like to apologise for the shortages. When Mr Sharma began apologising for "the loss of any life in this pandemic", he was pressed again on whether he wanted to say sorry specifically to healthcare workers "who feel that they dont have the right protective equipment to do their jobs". He replied: It is our job to make sure we get that health care equipment, that PPE, out to them. Priti Patel addresses the nation at the daily Covid-19 press conference on Saturday / Sky News Right now, your viewers will be asking: does the Government have a plan to get this PPE out to the frontline? And the answer is, yes we do have a plan. We are putting that in place, with millions of pieces of PPE kit going out to the front line. Of course, we need to be doing even more. Mr Sharma's comments come after Home secretary Priti Patel also appeared to refuse to apologise for shortfalls in PPE. She told reporters on Saturday: "I'm sorry if people feel that there have been failings. I will be very, very clear about that." NHS staff in masks and visors / Getty Images NHS staff have been warning of PPE shortages for weeks, with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) issuing guidance to say that staff should refuse to treat Covid-19 patients as a last resort if they are not given adequate equipment. A spokesman for RCN said: For nursing staff, this will go against every instinct. But their safety must not be compromised. The union said it would provide legal assistance to those making what it acknowledged was an enormously difficult decision. Responding to that advice, Mr Sharma said health workers should not be put in such a position. He told Sky News: It is absolutely right that no medical professional should be placed in a position where they have to make that choice. That for me is self-evident. That is why we are making sure we get the equipment to the front line. Health secretary Matt Hancock has been under fire for PPE comments / 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty British Medical Association chief Dr Chaand Nagpaul said on Friday that healthcare staff faced "heart-breaking decisions" over whether to carry on treating patients without PPE. "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 added. This followed several other warnings, including an open letter from 4,000 medics to the government in March pleading for more equipment to help them fight coronavirus. Health secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC's Today programme on Saturday claimed that none of the NHS deaths were linked to a lack of PPE. Loading.... Mr Hancock was earlier criticised for describing PPE as a "precious resource". He said on Friday that there is enough PPE to go round if used in line with official guidance, and his goal is that everyone working in a critical role gets what they need. But Royal College of Nursing general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair dismissed his comments. Ms Kinnair told the BBC's Today programme on Saturday that no PPE was more precious a resource than a healthcare workers life, a nurses life, a doctors life. A Lagos motorist who was a victim of police extortion has gotten back his N40,000. The extortion was captured in a video posted on Twitter on Saturday. The police spokesperson in Lagos State, Bala Elkana, said in a statement on Sunday that the money was handed to the man by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, on Sunday. The police posted a photo on Twitter showing the man receiving the money. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the officer, Taloju Martins, alongside other police officers arrested the unidentified victim and confiscated his car on Friday along Ago Palace Road, Okota, apparently for violating the Lagos State government stay-at-home order to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus. He was allegedly forced to pay N40,000 before he could get back his car. The inspector, said to be the station officer at the Ago police station, Okota, is seen in the video collecting wads of naira notes in N1,000 denomination, and counting them to confirm how much the money was. The officer was arrested by the police on Saturday. He is to face an orderly room trial. The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Criminal Investigation to carry out an in-depth investigation into the activities of Ago Police Station as a whole, said Mr Elkana, a deputy superintendent of police. Commissioner of Police has reaffirmed his stance against corrupt practices and impunity. Members of the public will be updated on the outcome of the investigation. Political leaders cutting across party lines on Sunday condemned the brutal attack on police by a group of Nihangs in Punjab's Patiala and sought strict action against perpetrators of the crime. An officers hand was chopped off with a sword and two other Punjab policemen injured when a group of Nihangs attacked them after being asked to show curfew passes at a vegetable market in Patiala district. Seven people, including five attackers, were arrested hours later after an exchange of fire at a gurdwara where the group fled after the 6.15 am incident in Sanaur town. Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh asked police to take strict action against law-breakers. Track live updates on coronavirus here Police Party on Naka duty was attacked today in which one ASI's hand was cut off & 6 were injured. Police cornered the culprits & have taken them into custody. Have given instructions to the @PunjabPoliceInd to deal with anyone breaking the law in strictest possible manner, the CM tweeted. Akali stalwart and former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal too condemned the attack. There is no place for violence in a civilised society, Badal said in a statement here. Also Read: Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases He said police throughout the country have been performing a difficult task most selflessly. The five-time CM urged people to cooperate with the Centre and the state government against the coronavirus outbreak. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Gobind Singh Longowal also flayed the brutal attack and asked people to follow the curfew restrictions. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal described the incident as barbaric and sought action against those who break the law. Track live updates on coronavirus here The barbaric attack on cops by anti-social elements at Subji Mandi in Patiala is condemnable. All necessary steps should be taken to maintain law & order & everyone should cooperate with authorities. Those taking law into their own hands like this should be dealt with severely, Sukhbir tweeted. Aam Aadmi Party state unit chief and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann demanded strictest action against the accused. Senior advocate and AAP's former Dakha MLA H S Phoolka sought exemplary punishment for the accused. Also Read: Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases As culprits are arrested now, file charge sheet in 2 days & request court to complete trial within a week. It's attempt to murder with injury, Life Imprisonment is maximum punishment. Culprits should be awarded life imprisonment to send a message, Phoolka tweeted. Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal demanded strict time-bound action against the accused and urged people to cooperate with the authorities amid the lockdown. The shocking #attack on cops by anti- social elements at Sabji Mandi in #Patiala has shaken everyone. Strict time bound action & punishment should be given to these goons. I appeal to everyone to cooperate with the civil & police admn in these difficult times, she tweeted. Iraq's new choice for Prime Minister suggests defeat of US pressure Iran Press TV Saturday, 11 April 2020 3:31 PM Iraq has designated a new Prime Minister that, contrary to his two predecessors, apparently enjoys inclusive support from the various political blocs in a development that suggests the defeat of the United States' attempts at forcing its choice on the Arab nation. On April 9, President Barham Salih tasked Mustafa al-Kadhimi, director of Iraq's National Intelligence Service, with forming a new government in a month. The president said Kadhimi was a "fighter and intellectual who is well known for his integrity, moderation, and keenness [to honor] the rights of the Iraqi people." The presidential ceremony was attended by several high-ranking politicians and public figures, something that reflected Kadhimi's across-the-board popularity with Iraq's political groupings. The New Arab or al-Araby al-Jadeed, a London-based pan-Arab media outlet, interpreted the broad guest list as "a sign that Kadhimi will likely find success at forming a government." Among the participants, there was Hadi al-Ameri, secretary general of the Badr Organization, which leads the Fatah (Conquest) Alliance at the Iraqi parliament. The US has blacklisted Ameri's organization as "terrorist," apparently in response to Ameri and his followers' staunch disapproval of any US-led military interference in the Arab country. Iraq's pro-government Kata'ib Hezbollah group, part of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) anti-terror force which has been a constant target of Washington's military and political attacks also did not oppose Kadhimi's nomination. The Washington Post, meanwhile, cited an Iraqi official as pointing to the US's yet-unannounced displeasure at Kadhimi's nomination. "They don't fully trust Kadhimi," the official said. The Prime Minister-designate was tapped for the job hours after the former nominee Adnan al-Zurfi, which The Post identified as "Washington's favored candidate," withdrew his bid. Zurfi cited "domestic pressure" among other things for backing down, as well as his failure to garner uniform support from Iraq's political blocs. Zurfi had been appointed after his predecessor Mohammed Allawi likewise said he had given up on forming a government after facing opposition from some Iraqi political factions. The New Arab said both previous candidates had been found to be "too close" to Washington. Reuters, though, described Kadhimi as "a political independent." Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi called his designation "a right step in the right direction." "The Islamic Republic has invariably supported independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political stability in Iraq, and considers formation of consensus among all of its political movements through democratic pathways to be the only peaceful solution out of differences." Iraj Masjedi, the Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad, also said Tehran had a "positive view" of the nomination, saying the choice represented one by the entire Iraqi society. Kadhimi's potential success in forming a government for a country that has been without one since last November when the last incumbent Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi resigned amid protests against alleged corruption and misuse of national resources would translate into even further unity among Iraqi ethnicities and political actors, which have traditionally comprised a mixture of Shias, Sunnis, and Kurds. "With my mandate to lead the Iraqi government, I pledge to my honorable people to work to form a government that puts the aspirations and demands of Iraqis as the top priority," he tweeted shortly after his appointment was announced. He also denounced armed violence, which the country has been pestered with since a 2003 US-led invasion, asserting that all weapons should only be in the hands of the government. 'Iraq sovereignty red line' "Iraqi sovereignty is a red line," Kadhimi added in a reference to unauthorized foreign interference as represented by a US drone strike against Baghdad in early January. On January 3, a US drone strike assassinated Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of the PMU, or Hashd al-Sha'abi, and a number of others, targeting their vehicle in Baghdad. At the time of the attack, General Soleimani was on an official trip in the Iraqi capital at Baghdad's request. Prior to his martyrdom, General Soleimani would provide indispensable contribution to the regional fight against Takfiri terrorism, which has largely been suspected of being the brainchild of Washington and its allies. The assistance empowered Iraq and Syria to defeat the Takfiri terrorist Daesh outfit in late 2017. The overall role played by the commander has earned him hero status as the region's most decisive and revered counterterrorism figure. The assassinations were followed by thousands-strong funeral processions and protests across both Iran and Iraq in honor of the commanders and condemnation of the US's nearly two decades of deadly interference in the region. Only days after the atrocities, the Iraqi parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of a law mandating complete withdrawal of all US-led forces from the country's soil. Ever since, the US forces are reported to have left a number of its military bases across the country. An Iraqi security source said in early April that a group of US troops had withdrawn from al-Taqaddum Airbase in Anbar, and moved to Ain al-Assad Airbase in the western Iraqi province. There have been other reports that US forces are handing over more military bases to Iraqi forces and taking their troops to more secure facilities elsewhere in Iraq. Last June, various Western media outlets alleged that a US missile-launching cruiser had been put on a 72-hour standby "to attack Iran," with a Pentagon official saying the Ticonderoga-class vessel USS Leyte Gulf has been mobilized "for a possible strike." Observers, however, began downplaying such repeated acts of American military adventurism after witnessing Washington's desertion of its Iraq-based outposts following the Iraqi parliamentary vote. Speaking to Press TV on Saturday, former US Senate candidate Mark Dankof, who is also a broadcaster and pastor in San Antonio, Texas, said he believed that the developments in Iraq today "suggest that the American enterprise of taking over other people's countries is largely about to come to an end." As cases in point, he referred to the vote by the Iraqi legislature in favor of a US-led withdrawal and the Iraqi Prime Minister nominee's insistence on "national sovereignty" as his red line. "He will not tolerate any further violations of the national sovereignty of his country," Dankof said. The American public too, he added, had grown weary of Washington's military adventurism abroad "as they see all of these massive supplies and shipments in monies being directed to something that they have no stake in when their pressing concern is for their own lives and the lives of their family members and their community members at home." "The American publicis sick of this stuff and should insist that [US President] Donald Trump abide by his own word and get out of these places," he said, pointing to Trump's admitting at one point that Washington had "foolishly" spent $8 trillion in the Middle East for nothing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A large consignment of an antimalarial drug, which President Donald Trump has promoted as a potential game-changer in the fight against the coronavirus, arrived here from India on Saturday. The United States has become the country with the highest number of deaths, overtaking Italy, and confirmed cases of infections. More than 20,600 people had died of coronavirus in the United States till late Saturday evening, surpassing Italys toll which was 19,468. The number of cases was up to 529,740. Crates of Hydroxychloroquine covered in blue protective wrapping were offloaded from a cargo flight from India at the Newark international airport in New Jersey which is also among the hardest-hit states in the country. Ordered by the United States in March, the drugs were possibly headed for the federal stockpile from which they will be distributed. Supporting our partners in the fight against #Covid19. Consignment of hydroxichloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today. pic.twitter.com/XZ6utQ6JHr Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) April 11, 2020 Supporting our partners in the fight against #Covid19. Consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today, Taranjit Sandhu, Indian ambassador to the United States wrote in a tweet with a picture of the packages being carted away at the airport. India lifted restrictions on the export of Hydroxychloroquine and a bunch of other drugs earlier in the week at the request of President Trump in a phone call last Saturday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thanking India for the HCQ decision, he has since said it will not be forgotten. The American president has been advocating the use of Hydroxychloroquine to treat the coronavirus disease despite no evidence that it works. He has argued that it has been used to treat malaria for decades and is proven to be safe and patients have nothing to lose by trying it. Medical experts have warned, however, of side-effects that can be fatal. The Food and Drug Administration, the US drug regulator, first allowed it to be prescribed by physicians to severely ill patients under compassionate use guidance and then sanctioned a large-scale trial among the ailing in New York, the epicentre of the American outbreak. India is one of the worlds largest producers of Hydroxychloroquine but it had ordered an export ban on it and two dozen other medicines to shore up its own reserves in the wake of the epidemic. Those restrictions were removed earlier this week. A Newcastle woman has been fined $5,000 for allegedly spitting on a paramedic twice after she reportedly mooned the citys light rail. The 47-year-old was found wandering on Hunter Street on Saturday night about 9pm. Police said she had reportedly been mooning the light rail, and concerned for her welfare, police requested assistance from NSW Ambulance paramedics, who arrived a short time later. While they tried to load her into the gurney, its alleged the woman spat at a female paramedic twice. An empty Newcastle tram pictured during the coronavirus pandemic. Source: Getty Images The woman was taken to hospital for assessment but will later be issued with the fine, police said in a statement. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on Friday anyone who coughs or spits on a doctor, nurse, cleaner, or any frontline health care worker would be fined $5000. It is absolutely disgusting that anybody could think it's OK to cough or spit on a health worker, or any of the other workers, he said. It comes as two men in NSW were earlier fined $5,000 over the Easter long weekend for spitting on police officers. NSW Police said on Sunday officers had issued 111 COVID-19 related infringement notices in the past 24hours. Since March 17, NSW police have issued 53 Court Attendance Notices, and 406 on-the-spot fines for breaches of the Public Health Act, totalling more than $400,000. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. The newly detected cases are all Egyptians, except for one foreigner, the health ministry said. Ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said in a statement that 21 Egyptians have fully recovered from the virus and left isolation hospital on Sunday. He noted that the number of people who have retested negative so far has reached 589, of whom 447 have fully recovered and left isolation hospital. Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed held a meeting on Sunday, via video conference, with the administrative and medical staff of six isolation hospitals: Negela, Baltim, Kafr El-Zayat, Tama El-Amid, Mallawi and Qaha. Egypt has allocated 94 hospitals across the country to deal with the coronavirus virus. They include 12 isolation hospitals and 82 fever and pulmonology hospitals, which will carry out triage and referral of coronavirus patients. According to the Sunday statement, the minister ensured during the meeting the availability of strategic necessities for medical staff, such as single-use protective suits, gloves, and face masks. She responded to their requests to provide high-speed internet to facilitate their mission and also gave directives to accommodate their other needs and act immediately on any challenges that they may face, in recognition of their exceptional efforts. She called on the mental health team to be continually present in the isolation hospitals to provide the staff with active psychological support. The health ministry has previously trained 150 mental health specialists to provide psychological support to health care workers, patients and members of the public. The minister also instructed the Preventive Measures Follow-up Committee to appoint a representative to be continually present at those hospitals. The committee was formed to enhance the protection of medical staff at isolation hospitals and was tasked with supervising the infection control measures. Search Keywords: Short link: Los Angeles, April 12 : Hollywood actor Tom Hanks returned to the small screen for the first time after he tested positive for the coronavirus in March. He said he and his wife are doing great. The 63-year-old served as host for the first-ever "Saturday Night Live at Home" episode, reports people.com. Hanks opened the show with a "Tiger King" reference, speaking to the camera from his Los Angeles home. "Hey all you cool cats and kittens," he said. "It's me, your old pal. Don't be afraid, this shaved head was just for a movie. My hair is growing back very slowly," Hanks shared, referencing the Baz Luhrmann-directed film about Elvis Presley he was filming in Australia, where he was self-quarantining. "Hey, it's good to be here, though it is also very weird to be here. Hosting Saturday Night Live from home. It is a strange time to try and be funny, but trying to be funny is SNLas whole thing. So we thought, what the heck? Let's give it a shot," Hanks said. "But why me as host? Well, for one, I have been the celebrity canary of the coal mine for the coronavirus, and ever since being diagnosed, I have been more like America's dad than ever before since no one wants to be around me very long and I make people uncomfortable," he said. His monologue was not one without a joke. "Now I was diagnosed back in March with the coronavirus. I was first diagnosed down in Australia. Now the folks in Australia are fantastic in every way but they use Celsius instead of Fahrenheit when they take your temperature," he said. "So, when they come in and they say, 'You're 36,' which seemed very bad to me. But turns out 36 is fine, turns out 38 is bad. So basically it's how Hollywood treats female actors." Speaking about his quarantine attire as of late, Hanks said he had some help from his wife Rita Wilson. "But now my wife and I are doing fine, doing great. We're hunkered down, like all of us should be. In fact, this suit, this is the first time I've worn anything other than sweatpants since March 11. My wife had to help me put it on," he said. President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday appealed to Nigerians to continue to stay at home in view of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world. Buhari in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, assured Nigerians of the federal governments plan to provide more interventions to cushion the effects of the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun states. He thanked all Nigerians for their patience, resolve and strong determination to defeat the virus. He said: 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. No elected government would ask more of the citizens of the country that elected them than today we ask of you. But we must ask you once more to observe restrictions on movement where they are in place, and follow the instructions of our scientists and medical advisers stay home, wash your hands, save lives. The freedoms 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. For those who suffer most egregiously, the government has announced multiple measures to assist: 70,000 tonnes of grains is being released from the National Strategic Grain Reserves for distribution to those most in need, distribution of small cash payments are also being made, and will continue to be made by the federal government in the states and local government areas. We ask you 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. But at this darkest hour, it remains our duty to offer you the full and unvarnished truth. This is a global pandemic. 210 countries and territories across the globe are affected. We cannot expect others to come to our assistance. No one is coming to defeat this virus for us. 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. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12 Trend: The Declaration of Cooperation on reducing the daily oil production has been approved at the tenth meeting of ministers of OPEC and non-OPEC countries held in the format of videoconference, Trend reports citing Azerbaijans Energy Ministry. During the meeting, OPEC+ countries agreed with Mexicos proposal on reducing its output by 100,000 barrels per day. At the same time, the paragraph making the entry into force of the agreement from May 1 conditional on Mexicos consent to the quotas proposed by OPEC+ during the 9th meeting has been removed from the Declaration of Cooperation. According to the amendments to the Declaration of Cooperation, Mexicos quotas for May-June are now 100,000 barrels instead of 400,000 barrels. In order to offset the remaining volumes of Mexicos quotas, the US has agreed to reduce its production by additional 300,000 barrels. The meeting participants have thereby agreed to reduce their production by 9.7 million barrels per day from May 1. Azerbaijan has also supported the OPEC+ agreement. Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov praised the position of oil producing countries aimed at stabilize the oil market. Todays meeting and the resolute position of OPEC+ allowed to eliminate the obstacles and uncertainties related to the implementation of the output cut agreement. The mechanism of balancing the oil market with production interventions is supported globally and this support will contribute to the stabilization of the oil market, he said. At the same time, this decision will encourage the countries, which do not participate in OPEC+ to cut their output, the minister added. During the meeting held April 9, OPEC and non-OPEC countries agreed to reduce oil production in three stages from May 1 to April 2022. Major metropolitan areas such as New York, Seattle, and Detroit have dominated news of the COVID-19 outbreak, but rural hospitals and health care systems must also prepare for a surge of coronavirus patients. Surgeons at one rural health care system on both sides of the New York-Pennsylvania border have reported on their preparedness response plan for dealing with the COVID-19 surge in an "article in press" appearing on the website of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons ahead of print. This rural surgery plan takes into account challenges unique to a rural population and geography, and it includes greater utilization of telehealth and coordination of resources and communications at affiliated centers spread over a large geographic area. We have an older patient population, and they have more comorbid conditions than what you might find in an urban area. Our population is also very spread out, with about 77 people per square mile, and some of the research shows that up to 35 percent of the people in rural areas don't have Internet access. Some of our staff doesn't even have Internet access." Jean Miner, MD, MHA, MMEL, FACS, general surgeon at Guthrie Clinic/Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa., and article coauthor By comparison, New York City has about 27,500 people per square mile. Robert Packer Hospital is a 267-bed tertiary care teaching hospital in Sayre, a town of about 5,400 people, 270 miles northwest of New York City. It is the primary institution of the Guthrie Clinic, a nonprofit system of five hospitals that serves an area of about 770,000 people in 12 counties in northern Pennsylvania and the southern tier of New York State. "Our older patients are at risk of not only complications from COVID-19 and the higher mortality rates, but also have chronic diseases that we must also take care of to try to keep them out of the hospital at this time," Dr. Miner said. Key components of the preparedness plan include: Implementation of a screening process for visitors and employees (which began in early February) and tightening that process as more information about the coronavirus became available Having nonessential staff work at home before such a mandate was in place from governors in either state Conserving personal protective equipment (PPE) Postponing elective procedures Having a contingency plan to redeploy a pool of volunteer physicians and advanced practitioners to cover areas where they're needed during a surge of COVID-19 patients A centerpiece of the response plan is a rapid expansion of telehealth. Like many health systems, Guthrie Clinic has limited the number of in-person clinic visits. With the recent approval for telehealth expansion by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Guthrie Clinic saw its number of providers participating in telehealth soar from 12 before the COVID-19 outbreak to 252 providers performing remote office visits and 450 having access to the platform after the outbreak began. The telehealth system works despite the limits of Internet access in rural areas, explained coauthor Burt Cagir, MD, FACS, a general surgeon. Most outpatient clinics within the system have telehealth kiosks, and the system is flexible to fit each patient's needs. "We allow all of our patients to communicate with any and every modality available to them, such as cellphones so they're able to do video conferencing," he said. Landline telephone calls are also handled and documented in patient records. The system now has the capability to do 1,000 video visits daily, he said. Another important element of the response plan is what Dr. Cagir called "the patient safety huddle" first introduced in 2016. Senior leadership staff meets for a half hour each weekday morning to review patient safety issues. By 2018 a second huddle was added to identify trends from the previous day or week and to extrapolate forecasts for the next day or week. "We converted our forecasting and trend huddle to a COVID-19 huddle immediately in February, and the patient safety huddle system became the patient safety and personnel safety huddle," Dr. Cagir said. Huddles were added for Saturday and Sunday. Dr. Miner explained the huddle works on four staffing levels: front-line, department, hospital, and systemwide. Joseph Scopelliti, MD, a gastroenterologist and president of Guthrie Clinic, explained that for the huddles to work effectively, they must be blame-free zones. "It means that everybody has to expose their challenges, so the second series of huddles we have every day is the patient safety huddle," he said. "Think of it as the huddle where you have to answer the question, 'What is impeding you from doing your job today?'" Dr. Cagir explained that the processes the Guthrie Clinic adopted were developed using the Lean Six Sigma and the PDCA cycle (for plan, do, check, act) principles that industry has used to improve efficiency and quality. "Without a doubt this approach is scalable to every urban and rural center," Dr. Miner said. "Frequent communication has been key." She noted that staff gets a daily e-mail with that day's news, trends and expectations and that there are multiple ways staff can exchange ideas, including a Workplace from Facebook portal. Delhi Police on Saturday arrested Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC) media incharge Safoora Zargar for her alleged involvement in violence which erupted in some parts of Delhi due to anti-Citienship Amendment Act protests in February 2020. Sources said that Safoora is accused of leading a mob to Jaffarabad metro station and she provoked a group of women to stage a anti-CAA sit-in near Jaffarabad metro station. Delhi Police sources said that Safoora was very active in the protest which took place near Jaffarabad metro station. Safoora is a M Phil student of Jamia Millia Islamia. It may be recalled that communal violence had erupted between protestors and CAA supporters after the sit-in at Jaffarabad and the riots resulted in the death of at least 53 people including Intelligence Bureau staffer Ankit Sharma and Head Constable Rattan Lal. On April 2, another student of Jamia Milia Islamia was arrested by Delhi Police for his alleged involvement in inciting communal riots in northeast Delhi. The 35-year-old Meeran Haider, a PhD student at Jamia, is the president of RJD youth wing's Delhi unit. Rajya Sabha MP and RJD leader Manoj Jha tweeted, "Delhi Police called him for investigation and then received orders from above and arrested Meeran Haider, who has been helping people during the time of coronavirus outbreak." The JCC, a group comprising students and alumni from the varsity, had condemned Haider's release and demanded his immediate release. THE Rukwa Regional Commissioner(RC) Mr Joachim Wangabo has appealed to the citizens to fully participate in preventive measures in concerted efforts to check the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the RC urged citizens living close to the border as well as shoreline of Lake Tanganyika in Kalambo and Nkasi districts to report immediately aliens who enter the country through illegal routes. Mr Wangabo was speaking to local functionaries and councillors from Kipili, Kirando and Kitete at a brief meeting held at Nkasi Secondary School in Nkasi District. Our region has a porous border as well as more than 50 illegal ports on Lake Tanganyika.....this makes very difficult to assign immigration and police officers to each area, added the RC. He emphatically appealed to citizens to wash their hands regularly with water and soap as well as sanitizing themselves. Citizens should cover their nose and mouth with disposable tissues or a flexed elbow when they cough or sneeze; they should also avoid contact with people who are unwell and stay home and self isolate from others in the house once any individual feels unwell. We should not relax because the pandemic is real and is a global emergency, stressed the RC. Milla Jovovich and filmmaker Paul W.S. Anderson's 12-year-old daughter Ever Gabo Anderson chatted about following in her parents' footsteps by landing two major movie roles. 'I like that feeling I get when I'm being someone else,' the pre-teen starlet - wearing Tiffany earrings - told Flaunt in her first cover spread. 'Growing up on my parents' sets and watching the way films get made has always excited me. I have always found it cool that my parents work in a world of make-believe. The challenging part is having to prove myself. Starlet: Milla Jovovich and filmmaker Paul W.S. Anderson's 12-year-old daughter Ever Gabo Anderson chatted about following in her parents' footsteps by landing two major movie roles 'I feel like when your Mom is an actress and your dad is a director, those are some pretty big shoes to fill. I want to work hard and make my own path so that people don't only see me as their daughter, but also as someone who has worked for it, and that I really know what I'm doing and it wasn't just all handed to me.' Ever loves being a big sister to her sisters Dashiel, 5; and Osian, 2 months. 'Knowing that there is a best friend that will always be there for you that you'll see every day at home, even if they annoy you at times!' Anderson explained. 'I also like feeling that I'm responsible for my sisters when my parents aren't home - that I'm the one they look up to.' The pre-teen starlet - wearing Tiffany earrings - told Flaunt: 'Growing up on my parents' sets and watching the way films get made has always excited me. I have always found it cool that my parents work in a world of make-believe. The challenging part is having to prove myself' Ever said: 'I like that feeling I get when I'm being someone else...when your Mom is an actress and your dad is a director, those are some pretty big shoes to fill' Anderson continued: 'I want to work hard and make my own path so that people don't only see me as their daughter, but also as someone who has worked for it, and that I really know what I'm doing and it wasn't just all handed to me' Role playing: Curiously, the Flaunt team opted to style the trilingual (English, French, and Russian) tween like a rock star for the shoot even though she's an actress The trilingual (English, French, and Russian) tween might still afraid of the dark and 'the monster under my bed' but she feels 'strong' when she 'beats the boys' while sparring in Taekwondo class. Ever felt especially 'invincible' after landing the role of Wendy in Disney's upcoming live-action movie, Peter Pan & Wendy, last month. 'I just feel like Wendy, the girl that doesn't ever want to grow up! I wanted this part so bad, it's all I could think about,' Anderson gushed. 'I was having a sleepover at my best friend's house when my parents called me on FaceTime. My mom asked if I was alone, so I took myself into a closet where I could have some privacy. My mom stared at me for a long moment with a very serious face and then broke into a huge smile and said, "You got the part!" 'I'm the one they look up to': Ever loves being a big sister to her sisters Dashiel, 5; and Osian, 2 months (L, pictured March 19) 'I'm responsible for my sisters when my parents aren't home': Anderson pictured on April 1 celebrating sister Dashiel's fifth birthday with parents Milla Jovovich and Paul W.S. Anderson 'Girl power!' The privileged ingenue might still afraid of 'the monster under my bed' but she feels 'strong' when she 'beats the boys' while sparring in Taekwondo class (pictured in 2018) 'I screamed at the top of my lungs, and my best friend immediately knew why I was so excited. I worked really hard perfecting my British accent and I can't wait to start filming. I'll be shooting all summer.' The privileged ingenue made her acting debut, age 9, playing Young Alicia/Red Queen in her parents' 2016 film Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. Ever will next be seen by audiences as the young Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) in Marvel spin-off Black Widow, but the US release was postponed to November 6 due to coronavirus concerns. Anderson's famous 44-year-old mother - who starred in the Resident Evil franchise and Fifth Element - felt the need to defend having her child get into show business at such a young tender age. 'I worked really hard perfecting my British accent and I can't wait to start filming': Ever landed the role of Wendy in Disney's upcoming live-action movie, Peter Pan & Wendy, last month Double duty: Anderson made her acting debut, age 9, playing Young Alicia/Red Queen in her parents' 2016 film Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 'Some people are very judgmental and say "Oh of course it's so easy for her being the daughter of an actress and director,"' Milla wrote on Instagram on Saturday. 'Well for sure it's easier as she has us to guide her and she's been raised on film sets her whole life. Connections are important in this industry and she's got a leg up in that sense for sure. But as the old adage goes: you can bring a horse to water but you can't make them drink. 'If Ever wasn't extremely talented in her own right, no one would be putting her in movies because we're her parents. In perspective, out of 22 auditions, she's gotten two films so far. It's not so easy to land a role. She's got IT.' '#setlife': The I Love Lucy fan will next be seen by audiences as the young Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) in Marvel spin-off Black Widow, but the US release was postponed to November 6 due to coronavirus concerns (pictured February 12) The latest: NJ law school grads can temporarily practice law without passing bar, state SC rules The New Jersey Supreme Court is allowing 2020 law school graduates to temporarily practice law after the July 2020 bar exam was postponed to the fall due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to an order signed by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner, court rules will be relaxed so that 2020 graduates who havent completed the bar exam can practice under supervision of an attorney in good standing with a three-year license. "At this challenging time, the public has a continuing and growing need for legal services in many critical areas," Rabner stated in the order Monday. Newly admitted lawyers can help meet that need. The graduates must apply to take the first exam scheduled after graduation, or qualify for an extension, and must also earn certification from the Supreme Court Committee on Character before they can practice. Under the order, 2020 law school graduates will be able to: enter appearances. draft legal documents and pleadings. provide legal services to clients. engage in negotiations and settlement discussions. provide other counsel consistent with the practice of law in New Jersey "The temporary ability to practice law will lapse if the graduate does not sit for the first bar exam scheduled after graduation, unless granted an extension, or if the graduate does not pass the exam," the release said. France records lowest daily increase in coronavirus deaths since early April France recorded 561 new coronavirus deaths on Sunday, according to the nation's Health Ministry, bringing the countrywide total to 14,393. This is the lowest recorded daily increase in deaths since the start of April. We are seeing the start of a very high plateau, the French Health Ministry said in a statement. While the outbreak continues to leave the country "hard hit," containment efforts, including drastic social distancing efforts, are starting to have an impact, the Health Ministry said. Containment measures ... physical distancing of a minimum of one meter, social distancing and a drastic reduction in contact are producing their first effects," the statement said. We must remain vigilant because hospital and intensive care services are taking care of a very large number of patients. We must not relax our efforts and continue to reduce the number of contacts every day to curb the transmission of the virus all together." There are 6,845 patients in intensive care, a drop of 38 overall, the Health Ministry said. Walt Disney World to furlough 43,000 employees amid coronavirus Walt Disney World will temporarily furlough 43,000 employees at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando effective April 19, President of Unite Here Union Eric Clinton said in a video address on Sunday. Clinton is president of one of six unions in the Service Trades Council Union that represents 43,000 cast members at Walt Disney World. This is a decision that the union doesnt like, however, its within the companys right to lay-off and furlough employees in this situation, he said. Disney has reached agreements with several unions for hourly cast members that will maintain members health insurance benefits coverage, educational support and additional employee assistance programs during a temporary furlough effective April 19, a statement from a Disney spokesperson reads. Clinton explained that the union secured a historic agreement that provides healthcare for 12 months to any Disney cast member that currently has healthcare at no cost to them at all. These agreements provide an easier return to work when our community recovers from the impact of COVID-19. We are grateful to have worked together in good faith to help our cast and members navigate these unprecedented times, the statement from Disney reads. US would see virus rebound if social distancing is relaxed, expert says Dr. Christopher Murray, the director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, said Sunday on CBS that if the social distancing measures and closures were relaxed May 1, the country would see a rebound of coronavirus cases. "We dont think the capability in the states exists yet to deal with that volume of cases and so by July or August we could be back in the same situation we are in now if there was premature opening of the country, Murray said. Murray noted states on the West Coast that are farther along in the pandemic will still need weeks of closures beyond the peak for the opportunity to conduct proper testing and contact tracing. Citing Dr. Anthony Faucis statements on CNN that some states would open up in mid-May, relaxing closures and social distancing measures on a rolling basis poses a new set of questions that have not been addressed, Murray said. Of course theres a big issue if states are on different timings of their epidemics, which we know is the case. How are they going to control importation from other states into their state," Murray added. States try new approaches to religious gatherings on Easter Easter Sunday is dawning across America like none before it. States are trying new approaches to religious gatherings as the coronavirus compels social distancing to fight its spread. Many congregations are celebrating online, but others have vowed to continue to gather, despite efforts to get them to stop. All 50 states are under a federal disaster declaration for the first time in U.S. history. On Saturday night, the Justice Department said it will take action this week against regulations on religious institutions, as states and local governments try to curtail gatherings. Various courts are already hearing cases about the regulations, but the department said it may file lawsuits alongside churches. Updates from states reducing religious gatherings In Kentucky, authorities said they will record license plates of those who show up to any gatherings and hand that information over to the local health department. That will require those people to stay quarantined for 14 days, Gov. Andy Beshear said. In New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the state amended a public health order banning mass gatherings to include houses of worship. The mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, tried to stop a church from holding a drive-in Easter service, even though drive-in liquor stores are still permitted under the state's stay-at-home policy. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Saturday that overturned the effort. Efforts to contain virus continue across states President Donald Trump approved a disaster declaration Saturday for Wyoming, the final state to get one. It makes federal funds available to supplement state and local efforts to deal with the pandemic. A state declaration of disaster also focuses the entire state government on the emergency and heightens awareness. Declarations also allow governors to sidestep certain laws and regulations. Most emergency responses in the U.S. come from the bottom up. They typically filter from local authorities to state governments to the federal government. In addition to the states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Washington, D.C., Guam and Puerto Rico have also been declared disasters. States are feeling the impact of the pandemic in many ways. Illinois announced its second highest day of deaths Saturday, with 1,293 new reported cases and 81 additional deaths. In South Florida, families lined up for up to five hours before food distribution even began outside Magic City Casino, according to CNN affiliate WPLG. And in New Jersey, the state with the second highest number of coronavirus cases, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is asking all businesses even those deemed essential to shut down for "Be Still Mondays." The goal is to further limit the spread of the virus as the death toll rises in the state and, according to Baraka, "We can get everything else back. What we can't get back is people's lives." Pushes to reopen and the risks Trump said Saturday night that he hopes to make a decision "fairly soon" on when to reopen the country currently shutdown by the coronavirus pandemic. He said he will set up a council to examine the issue and will base his decision on "facts" and "instinct." Two weeks ago, Trump said he wanted to open the country by Easter, but Friday he said he wouldn't do anything until he knew the country was healthy again. Internally, officials are pushing to reopen the country by next month, with specific discussions underway about May 1, a person familiar with the talks told CNN. But government projections obtained by the New York Times show that if stay at home orders were lifted after a month, there would be a bump in demand for ventilators and the U.S. death toll could see a dramatic increase to 200,000, the Times reported. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington projects that if the country keeps social distancing measures until the end of May, about 61,500 Americans will lose their lives to the virus by August. "If we were to stop at the national level May 1, we're seeing (in models) a return to almost where we are now sometime in July, so a rebound," IHME Director Dr. Chris Murray told CNN. "There's a very substantial risk of rebound if we don't wait to the point where most transmission is near zero in each state." On an Easter Sunday like no other, politicians took to social media to wish the public a Happy Easter while encouraging them to abide by social distancing rules. First Minister Arlene Foster chose to echo the sentiments of the Queens first ever recorded Easter address, telling her Twitter followers that we need the occasion now more than ever. In a special address recorded to mark the Easter weekend, the Queen spoke of light overcoming darkness as many spend the occasion apart from their loved ones. It comes as the coronavirus crisis makes church services impossible on a day when many would normally gather to commemorate the resurrection. By keeping apart we keep others safe, the Queen said in her message recorded on Good Friday. We know that coronavirus will not overcome us May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future. The DUP Leader welcomed the royal address, sharing on Twitter: Such a poignant message of faith and hope from our sovereign. As the Bank Holiday weekend continues, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood urged the public to be selfless this Easter by staying at home. Marking the occasion, which coincides with the 22nd anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, the Foyle MP said a new partnership is needed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. I know that Easter will be a particularly difficult time when most of us are used to celebrating with the people we love. This time of year also has a particular meaning for people on this island. 22 years ago we reached an accommodation that ended violence, laying the foundations for peace, partnership and reconciliation. This period of isolation will not go on forever. And while we find the familiar ease of the Easter season clashing with the raw reality of lockdown, we should all be comforted by the fact that by making these sacrifices, were bringing forward the time when we can be reunited with family, friends and those we care about." Green Party Deputy Leader Mal OHara, meanwhile, spent Easter Sunday delivering soup to isolated and vulnerable people across Belfast. Happy Easter - another 200 soups out across N&W Belfast for vulnerable & isolated people, he shared on Twitter. Key workers at the Southern Trust chose to mark Easter Sunday by partnering with Unison NI to urge people to stay at home and follow social distancing measures. In a message featuring healthcare staff and representatives of the public service union, the trust said: We hope everyone is having a lovely Easter Sunday and a very special shout out to all of our staff who are working today. We are all united in this together. We are staying at work for you so please follow government advice and stay at home for us. On behalf of everyone in Unison I am sending love and condolences to all the family of those who have lost loved ones. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 20:27:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli President Reuven Rivlin denied on Sunday a request by Benny Gantz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main rival, for a two-week extension to form a new coalition government. In a statement released by the president's office, Rivlin announced he will not change the April 14 deadline given to Gantz to try to put together a coalition government following inconclusive elections on March 2. The decision means Netanyahu and Gantz have until midnight on Monday to reach an agreement to form a unity government. If they fail, the country may face a fourth elections after three rounds of votes in less than a year produced inconclusive results. Gantz, who has been negotiating an "emergency" unity government with Netanyahu for more than two weeks, asked Rivlin for an extension on Saturday. He said his centrist Blue and White party and Netanyahu's rightwing Likud party were "very close" to achieve an agreement. However, on Sunday, during a talk with Rivlin, Netanyahu denied such an agreement was in sight, according to Rivlin's statement. Later, Blue and White party announced it was continuing its talk with the Likud. The party said in a statement that it agrees to form "an emergency" unity government in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, adding that the main principles of such a unity were agreed last week. Such a government is expected to leave Netanyahu as prime minister for at least a year and a half before he would rotate with Gantz. OTTAWAParliament has approved a massive $73-billion wage subsidy program aimed at helping businesses and workers survive the economic ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bill to implement what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the most significant economic program since the Second World War was passed Saturday by the House of 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. But sources in other parties, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about confidential, behind-the-scenes negotiations, suggested the Conservatives insisted on the final vote being on division as part of an agreement to let the bill sail through the Commons in a matter of hours. In the Senate later, it was Conservative Senate leader Don Plett who called for the bill to be passed by that chamber on division as well, after which it received royal assent late Saturday. Plett accused the government of being asleep at the wheel and doing too little, too late throughout the crisis and asserted that, by consistently fumbling its management of the health crisis, this government has led the country straight into an economic crisis. Plett also took a sharp jab at Trudeau, who went into self-isolation at his home, Rideau Cottage, after his wife fell ill with COVID-19. Essential workers get up every day and leave the safety of their home to serve their country. Perhaps the prime minister should have done the same and gone into the office to pick up the phone and properly consult with Canadians, instead of choosing to stay at his cottage long after his 14-day isolation had ended, Plett told a handful of senators in the upper house. Despite the Conservatives apparent lingering misgivings about the content of the bill, they agreed to allow it to pass quickly and dropped their previous attempt to tie the bill to the longer-term question of how Parliament should function in the midst of the crisis. At a morning news conference just hours before the Commons met for a rare emergency sitting on the Easter long weekend, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said his party agreed to continue discussions later on the future of Parliament. The bill 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. The subsidy 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. 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 Conservatives won some improvements to the bill over the past week of negotiations and argued that 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 sit with reduced numbers four days a week. Trudeau has argued that in-person 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 sittings like Saturdays sitting of just 32 MPs who are primarily within driving distance of the capital would 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 in-person sittings should be held until virtual sittings can be implemented. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said hes open to discussing either virtual sittings or limited in-person sittings. But Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet said he would never agree to regular, in-person sittings. For the past couple of weeks, the Commons finance and health committees have been meeting weekly via teleconference. As part of the deal struck with opposition parties to speedily pass the wage subsidy bill, government House leader Pablo Rodriguez said more committees industry, government operations, human resources and procedure and House affairs will also begin virtual meetings. The latter committee will be specifically tasked with exploring the best ways for the Commons to function in the weeks ahead. It is to report back by May 15. Senators separately agreed to have two Senate committees begin meeting to examine government measures to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and to set up a special committee once the pandemic is over to review lessons learned. To satisfy the NDP and Bloc Quebecois, the government promised in the motion to speed the bill through the Commons that it would implement measures without delay to fill some of the gaps left by emergency aid programs. It promised specifically to ensure financial support for Canadians who dont currently qualify for assistance including seasonal workers, students, owner-operators, those whove exhausted employment insurance benefits and those earning modest incomes from part-time work, royalties and honoraria. It also promised to ensure essential workers who are earning low wages will receive additional support. At the behest of the NDP, the motion was amended to add a promise that the government will not unjustly penalize anyone who in good faith applies for and receives emergency benefits but is subsequently found to be ineligible. The government also promised in the motion to provide partially non-repayable loans for small and medium-sized businesses to help them cover fixed costs, such as rent. For the most part, the sitting was notable for its lack of partisanship, with New Democrat, Green and Bloc MPs thanking the government for being open to their suggestions for improvements and ministers thanking opposition MPs for their collaboration Conservatives, however, characterized the bill as a fix, required after the government botched its first emergency aid legislation two weeks ago $107 billion worth of tax deferrals and direct financial aid, including just a 10 per cent wage subsidy. Trudeau, who has addressed the nation daily at briefings outside his home for 26 days, spoke instead Saturday in the Commons, where he delivered a Churchillian speech invoking the heroic battles fought by Canadian troops in the First and Second World Wars. This is not a war. That doesnt make this fight any less destructive, any less dangerous but there is no front line marked with barbed wire, no soldiers to be deployed across the ocean, no enemy combatants to defeat, he said. Instead, the front line is everywhere. In our homes, in our hospitals and care centres, in our grocery stores and pharmacies, at our truck stops and gas stations. And the people who work in these places are our modern day heroes. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2020. Albuquerque Academy junior Melinda Modisette was watching the movie The Fellowship of the Ring, based on the first volume of the epic fantasy trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, when she was struck by an exchange between heroic hobbit Frodo Baggins and the wizard Gandalf. As written by Tolkien in the second chapter of Fellowship, it goes as follows. I wish it need not have happened in my time, said Frodo. So do I, said Gandalf, and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. It was like a trumpet call to arms for the 17-year-old Modisette, who had been despondent since an injury a few months back cost her a place on Academys girls wrestling team and whod been lost since the COVID-19 pandemic derailed her school routine. After school let out, I realized my whole life was devoted to getting assignments done, Modisette said in a phone interview. That fell away and I had torn my ACL (knee ligament) and was recuperating from surgery. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. But then I remembered all the people around me who picked me up when I was low, and I realized this was my time to help people who are alone and isolated (because of coronavirus), to remind people we are in this together. So she started a nonprofit website, ABQ Fight COVID-19. Very cool thing The website, accessible by going to abqfightcovid19.com, launched on March 26. It welcomes every one to Join the Fight on its home page, which also includes the pivotal dialogue between Frodo and Gandalf. In fact, quotes from Tolkiens books or the movies based on them are sprinkled throughout the site, which offers sections titled The ABQ Exchange, MakeAMask, Good News and Schedules. I came up with the main elements of the website, Modisette said. My family helped a little. Modisette said The ABQ Exchange, which allows people to request and/or contribute much-needed products toilet paper, hand sanitizer in the Albuquerque community was her initial idea for the website. Thats the notion she took to fellow Albuquerque Academy junior Andrew Spears. I decided we had to do this and we discussed it, Modisette said. Andrew is the practical one. He is the one who said how will this work, who will look at it. Spears, 17, is a member of the Academy track team and chess club and a student with a keen interest in mathematics. I was struggling with how to get people to exchange information safely online, Spears said. We had to make some compromises, but I think it is a very cool thing and I think that it has worked out. On the website, Modisette is listed as web creator and administrator and Spears as editor and administrator, but at least a half dozen others fellow Academy students, parents, even Modisettes cousin in Germany have joined in as contributors and authors. It is not really my website but the website of people in the community who want to display that we are not in this alone, Modisette said. Early birds and Triscuits You have to believe that the Schedules portion of the website was conceived by Modisette, as dedicated as she is to regimen and getting things done. But is also easy to see the value of this aspect of the website to those of us forced to stay home when we are accustomed to being up and off to work. Our discipline eroded by circumstance, we might spend all day in our pajamas, staring at the TV. This is to get myself up and going and other people as well, Modisette said. The websites schedule for a productive day starts with getting up and dressed at 6:30 a.m., but there is also a schedule for active early birds that starts at 5 a.m. and one for students that starts at 7. The sites Good News section is just that, stories about people doing positive things to tackle the problems of the pandemic or just pieces about birdsongs or how Triscuit, the 100 percent whole grain wheat cracker, got its name. Mask tasks Along with ABQ Exchange, the most significant element of the website now is MakeAMask, which offers tips for using everyday materials to make face masks designed to limit the spread of the virus, and instructions for cleaning and caring for the masks. This section includes an amusing and helpful video that shows Modisette actually only her hands making a mask. I made that video using a tripod, a table top and duct tape, she said. I found a design that was the easiest to make because some kids, like me, dont know how to sew. And it is here that the public can learn about the websites campaign to donate the more sophisticated face masks needed by medical personnel to local hospitals. My mother was born in China, Modisette said. Most of the specialized masks that have been donated to local hospitals through the website have come from friends of family in China. Nearly 1,000 of these specialized masks have been donated so far, 820 to Presbyterian Hospital and 175 to the University of New Mexico Neurology Center. Carrying on Modisette and Spears are back to schoolwork now, taking classes online, tending to the website when they can and looking ahead to better days for everyone. One of these days, Modisette wants to be an electrical or mechanical engineer. I like to build things, she said. Shes also a talented artist. Her watercolor painting of an Albuquerque Academy scene livens up the About Us page on the website. Spears dreams of attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and carving our a career related to some aspect of mathematics. But now, both find satisfaction in carrying on the campaign against COVID-19. Right now the website is more about being hopeful and enthusiastic, finding something happy in all the bad news and working together, Spears said. As things go on, I think more people will start to take advantage of the site. I think a lot of people feel helpless right now, but the website makes us feel like we are doing something. Dont adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story. Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, The Fellowship of the Ring For a follow-up visit after her recent cancer surgery, Gail Rae-Garwood opted for a video consultation with her specialist, avoiding a long journey -- and potential exposure to COVID-19 in medical offices. "I am so thankful not to have to go out that I've enrolled my grumpy husband into tele-visits, too," said the 73-year-old Arizona woman who was able to upload data from a blood pressure cuff and glucose monitor to her physician. The coronavirus outbreak has severely strained the health system, but telemedicine is being seen as a vital way of coping including for those impacted by the outbreak. "COVID-19 is very conducive to telemedicine," said Omar Khan, a family physician and head of Delaware Health Sciences Alliance in Wilmington, Delaware. Khan said doctors can make a preliminary diagnosis by evaluating symptoms such as fever and cough, and the patient's travel and contact with others. A lab order to confirm an infection can be transmitted electronically to minimize contact. "Eighty percent of people with coronavirus don't need to go to the hospital," Khan said. If an infection is detected, "they move from quarantine to isolation" and many still don't need to leave home. Khan said he has been handling all his consultations remotely for the past two weeks, and that patients are handling the shift well. "They know the danger," he said. "They don't want to put themselves or health care workers at risk, and don't want to come to the hospital unnecessarily. At a time like this a hospital is a scary place." - Highlighting value - The crisis has highlighted the value of telemedicine, long touted as a way to deliver medical care to people in underserved areas and to deal more efficiently with issues ranging from minor emergencies to mental health. "A crisis sometimes ends up giving you an incentive to change things," said Preeti Malani, a University of Michigan professor of medicine who led a 2019 survey of telemedicine for older adults. A year ago, Malani said, the survey showed many older adults had little knowledge or interest in telemedicine, but the situation has now changed dramatically. "In a matter of days we've completely switched and particularly older adults who may be vulnerable to complications are being told not to come to clinic," said Malani. - Easing of regulations - With the virus raging, regulatory barriers to telehealth services have quickly come down. US authorities last month waived restrictions that had prevented telemedicine for government-sponsored Medicare and Medicaid and a rescue package passed by Congress included some $200 million to help providers establish remote care. Many US states have lifted restrictions and insurance companies have waived co-payments for these consultations. Privacy regulations which limited the kinds of technology for video consultations have also been eased, making it possible to use consumer-friendly services like Skype or FaceTime. "I've been pleasantly shocked to see (regulatory moves) which would have taken five to 10 years," said Courtney Joslin, a researcher following regulatory issues with the R Street Institute, a public policy think tank. "We're going to come out of this with a lot of evidence on how well telehealth works." - Insurance on board - Gary Berman, a New Jersey cardiologist, began remote consultations as part of an effort to protect his practice and his patients during the outbreak. Berman would have offered telehealth consultations before, but until last month the visits were not covered by private or government insurance, or by his own malpractice coverage. "I've been interested in telemedicine for a long time, but I didn't want to expose myself to legal risks and not get reimbursed," he said. The physician said he may continue offering remote consultations if insurance coverage is extended. "There are some things you can't do -- you can't reliably take someone's blood pressure, you can't hear a heart murmur," he said. "But I would continue for some people. I have 90-year-old patients who can't get to the office." - Shaping the future - Joe Kvedar, president-elect of the American Telemedicine Association, said the pandemic is likely to help shed light on the kinds of services that need to be in person versus those handled remotely. Many urgent care needs, mental health, post-operative follow-ups and diabetes management are among the areas that are handled easily by telemedicine, he said. Telemedicine is becoming easier with devices such as internet-connected thermometers, pulse oximeters and other technology to monitor vital signs. "Up until this crisis the only service delivery option was to come to the office," Kvedar said. "I don't think we'll go back to that system. After this is over, there will be tapestry of options that are high quality and convenient." An Italian doctor checks in on patients infected or with symptoms of Covid-19, in a growing trend of remote care during the pandemic Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, US officials have allowed popular apps including Skype, Google Hangouts and Facebook Messenger to be used to medical consultations. Remote tools like this pulse oximeter measuring a patient's oxygen levels can help boost telemedicine by giving doctors data without in-person visits Doctors speak with patients during online consultation sessions at a telemedicine center in Moscow to treat and support coronavirus patients who are well enough to stay home In what seems like a big set back in the global fight against COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea on Friday, April 11, reported that at least 91 people who had recovered from novel coronavirus infection have positive for the disease again. As per international media reports, the South Korean authorities have questioned health experts about their research on COVID-19. The resurgence of the virus in the patients has raised international concerns. South Korean health officials have reportedly said in a statement that they're conducting a preliminary investigation into the COVID-19 positive cases in Daegu, the epicenter of the outbreak in the country. The reports, due to be released next week, have elevated the fear of retention of coronavirus strain in the bodies of the patients for a longer period of time than previously anticipated by health experts. Earlier, 51 recovered patients were tested positive in the medical facilities, the figures then surged to 91 on April 11. Read: 5 St Stephens Hospital Staff Move Delhi HC Against Their Sacking During Coronavirus Outbreak Read: Oklahoma Adds 6 More Coronavirus Deaths, Pushing Toll To 94 Faulty kits could be responsible Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) has said that a few among the relapsed patients of COVID-19 showed symptoms such as high temperature, fevers, and respiratory distress, while some were asymptomatic cases, according to media reports. South Korea has recorded over 7,243 patients as recovered, and at least 10,480 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Kim Woo-Joo, professor of infectious diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital was quoted saying that the number was expected to increase, and 91 was just the beginning. He further added saying that the resurgence raised the possibility that the virus might as well be reactivated. Jung Ki-suck, professor of pulmonary medicine at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital told the local media that there could be multiple interpretations and many variables for the relapse of the disease. Some of the health experts even claimed that faulty test kits could be responsible, according to media reports. Read: Here's Why Coronavirus Will Not Be Fatal For India Read: Spain Records 510 More Coronavirus Deaths Within 24 Hours, Lowest In 19 Days GOVERNMENT on Saturday received 30 tractors that are part of the US$50 million deal it signed with global tractor manufacturer, John Deere, in November 2018. The deal which will see John Deere supplying 1 300 tractors, 80 combine harvesters and other related agricultural equipment was cemented following President Mnangagwas engagement with John Deere Agriculture Worldwide president Mr Mark von Pentz who expressed his willingness to partner the Government in boosting the agriculture sector through mechanisation. The tractors were shipped from Germany to Zimbabwe via Durban, South Africa. President Mnangagwas historic meeting with Mr Pentz culminated in negotiations paving way for John Deere to re-enter the Zimbabwean market after a 20-year absence. The deal has long been touted as a milestone to farm mechanisation in Zimbabwe, with a private financier CBZ Bank being identified by Government to ensure its sustainability. John Deere local representative Mr Graeme Smith said his company was committed to working with the Zimbabwe Government to ensure food security through the provision of farm equipment. More equipment is on its way and will be assembled at the Institute of Agriculture Engineering where training will be conducted to prospective farmers, he said. The country requires 40 000 tractors, but only has 12 000 of which 9 000 are functional, while 3 000 require repairs. This deficit of farm machinery and implements has been affecting agricultural production and productivity, hence Governments intervention. Under the John Deere deal, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement will assist in the selection and training of beneficiaries. Vedantas alumina refinery in Odishas Lanjigarh on Sunday said its initiatives to ensure safety and preventive measures to fight COVID-19 has touched the lives of over 1 lakh people, a top company official said. The district administrations COVID hospital in Bhawanipatna has been given 60,000 surgical gloves, 25,000 surgical masks in addition to surgical gowns, and 6,000 bottles of sanitisers, a statement issued by the company said. The companys hospital with a capacity of 20 beds is in a state of preparedness to support the district administration. More than 40,000 cloth masks have been distributed free of cost to people, while self-help group members are being trained so that they have a regular source of income. In a statement, Rahul Sharma, CEO-Alumina Business said, "Our communities are at the heart of everything we do. We have galvanized all possible resources to protect our communities from COVID-19 and we seek their support to ensure social-distancing and all precautions, to collectively combat COVID-19. "We are firmly standing together in the face of this pandemic." The plant is running operations with minimum workforce and limited resources, adhering to all the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the central and state authorities, the statement said. Over 1,100 workers are being provided meals twice a day along with other essentials while around 500 employees of Vedantas Lanjigarh refinery have voluntarily contributed one days salary for COVID-19 relief. The organisation has marshalled all its resources to undertake preventive measures for its employees, business associates and community around and far beyond its plant area. The company's initiatives undertaken with the support and guidance of the district administration are varied, the statement said. More than 1,00,000 washable cloth masks are under preparation through local self-help groups of which 40,000 have been distributed. Over 100 self-help group members are being provided free of cost training, sewing machines and raw materials as required, so they have a regular source of income to support their families at this time, when sources of livelihood are scarce. Over 20,000 soaps have been distributed to villagers, while Vedantas CSR team, Mobile Health Units, employee volunteers along with aanganwadi workers and health workers are covering over 70 villages to spread awareness on COVID-19 prevention and social-distancing, in addition to distributing masks and soaps, it said. Fumigation and disinfection of all prominent public places, local areas, public offices and township are also being carried out. Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs), social- distancing, frequent hand-washing and other preventive measures have been undertaken for all personnel entering and working in the plant. The company operates a 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity alumina refinery in Lanjigarh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cairo, April 12 : Egyptian Public Prosecutor Hamada al-Sawy has ordered an investigation after citizens attempted to prevent the burial of a doctor who died from COVID-19, state-run TV reported. The police fired tear gas and arrested 20 people in Dakahlia province who protested against the burial process out of fears of the virus spread, Xinhua news agency quoted the state TV report as saying on Saturday. The 64-year-old doctor, who tested positive for the virus after returning from Saudi Arabia, passed away in an isolation hospital in Ismailia province last week. The images of the crowds who stopped the burial in the victim's village of birth went viral on social media and caused public uproar. Finally, the authorities intervened to allow the burial to be held in the hometown of the doctor's husband under strict security measures. This was not the first time in recent days that people have opposed the burial of coronavirus victims over the concern that this would allow the virus to spread. "The Health Ministry is adopting strict guidelines in washing and enshrouding the deceased," Ayman Fouda, chief of forensics medicine of Egyptian Health Ministry, said on Saturday. He added that the dead body is placed with charcoal inside a sealed bag and the cemetery will be sterilized and closed following the burial for 60 days to avoid possible infections during the process. Egypt has recorded 1,939 coronavirus cases, with 146 deaths. By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 25 times, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry on April 12. The Armenian armed forces were using sniper rifles. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Julian Assange secretly fathered two children while living inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London, his partner has revealed in a plea for him to be released from prison. The Wikileaks founders partner, Stella Morris, made the revelation to the courts supporting an application for bail from HMP Belmarsh in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Morris said has gone to great lengths to shield the children from the climate surrounding their father, but was making the statement now because their lives were on the brink and she feared Mr Assange could die. He has been held in the London prison since being dragged out of the embassy a year ago, and is awaiting an extradition hearing on behalf of the United States, where he faces 18 charges over the activities of WikiLeaks which could theoretically amount to 175 years in jail. He has also been in poor health for months, but friends say coronavirus is now spreading through Belmarsh. Key moments for Julian Assange Show all 9 1 /9 Key moments for Julian Assange Key moments for Julian Assange The situation today Assange was arrested after Metropolitan Police officers were invited into the Ecuadorian embassy on April 11 2019. How did it come to this? Ruptly TV Key moments for Julian Assange The break Assange shows the front page of the Guardian on July 26 2010, the day that they broke the story of the thousands of military files leaked by WikiLeaks AFP/Getty Key moments for Julian Assange Wanted A warrant for Assange's arrest was issued in August 2010 for counts of rape and molestation in Sweden AFP/Getty Key moments for Julian Assange Ruling The UK's Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that Assange should be extradited to Sweden to face trial Getty Key moments for Julian Assange Sanctuary Following the ruling, Assange was given asylum by the Ecuadorian governement over fears that his human rights would be violated if he were extradited, he has since remained in the embassy in London Getty Key moments for Julian Assange A friend in Pam Friend Pamela Anderson delivers lunch to Assange at the embassy in October 2016. She has since spoken against his arrest Getty Key moments for Julian Assange Arbitrarily detained A UN panel found in 2016 that Assange had been arbitrarily detained and that he had not been able to claim his full right to asylum. It urged Sweden to withdraw the charges against him Getty Key moments for Julian Assange The cat ultimatum Last year, the Ecuadorian embassy threatened to revoke Assange's internet access unless he stopped making political statements online and started taking better care of James, his pet cat. Assange accused Ecuador of violating his rights Reuters Key moments for Julian Assange Arrest Assange was arrested on April 11 2019. Ecuador revoked his asylum status and invited the Metropolitan Police in to the embassy to arrest him. Reuters One inmate is reported to have died and several others are thought to be infected. Several prison officers are off work and are suspected of having the virus, Mr Assanges friends claim. In a statement to the courts, Ms Morris reveals that she met Mr Assange in 2011 when she was a legal researcher, and was asked to look into Swedish legal theory and practice. Over time Julian and I developed a strong intellectual and emotional bond. He became my best friend and I become his, she wrote. The friendship developed, and despite the extraordinary circumstances, a close relationship began in 2015, she said. The couple now have two young children, Ms Morris said three-year-old Gabriel and Max, who is one. Mr Assange sought refuge in the London-based embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over rape allegations, which he denied and were later dropped. Ms Morris was reported to have been one of his most frequent visitors, as a member of his legal team. He and Ms Morris managed to keep their relationship and the birth of their children secret from Ecuadorian officials, according to the Mail on Sunday, which published an interview with the South African-born lawyer. Both children had visited their father in children, the paper reported, adding that Mr Assange had watched the birth of both children at London hospitals via live video link. He is now in isolation for 23 hours a day and all visits have stopped, Ms Morris said. My close relationship with Julian has been the opposite of how he is viewed of reserve, respect for each other and attempts to shield each other from some of the nightmares that have surrounded our lives together, Ms Morris said. (PA) (Juan Luis Passarelli/PA Wire) The extradition hearing is fixed for 18 May. A Westminster Magistrates Court judge rejected calls for an adjournment until September over what his legal team said were insuperable difficulties preparing his case due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the preliminary hearings, Mr Assanges lawyers claimed Donald Trump had offered to pardon him if he said that Russia was not involved in a leak of Democratic party emails ahead of the 2016 US election. Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham called the allegations a complete fabrication, adding: This is probably another never-ending hoax and total lie from the DNC. Campaigners and friends have warned of Mr Assanges deteriorating health for some time. His father, John Shipton, recently told the BBC that an extradition to the US would be akin to a death sentence. Additional reporting by PA A heartbreaking image of an Atlanta elderly couple shows them holding hands while in the hospital, just days before they died after catching coronavirus at their long-term care facility. Eddie Johnson Jr. passed away on April 5 and his wife, Blanche Johnson, died on April 8. The Johnsons had caught coronavirus while living at Arbor Terrace at Cascade in Atlanta, Georgia. Eddie Johnson Jr (right) and Blanche Johnson (left) are seen here in their last photo together before they died three days apart after catching coronavirus The elderly couple were seen holding hands while at the hospital in their last photo together The Johnsons caught coronavirus while living at a long-term care facility in Atlanta, Georgia Daughter Jennifer McWhorter told Fox 5: 'They were struggling. They both developed pneumonia. They both had that cough and could hardly breathe and they talked about the pain.' She shared a final picture of her parents together, before they passed away at the hospital. In the picture, a surgical face mask-wearing Eddie can be seen lovingly holding Blanche's hand as he sits by her bedside. Blanche appears to be wearing an oxygen mask. McWhorter told the news station that she was in self-quarantine because she was unaware that her father had caught coronavirus when she picked him up to take him to the hospital the week prior. She also said that she was upset about the lack of a response from Arbor Terrace at Cascade. 'No one called. Until I had to call them and tell them, "you ought to be ashamed of yourself." All of sudden, Ive gotten two or three calls today,' she told Fox 5. Health officials told Fox 5 that 48 of the 61 of the facility's residents have tested positive - nearly four out of five residents. Health officials said that 48 of the 61 of the residents at Arbor Terrace at Cascade, where the Johnsons lived, had been diagnosed with coronavirus The Johnsons' daughter, Jennifer McWhorter (pictured), said her parents had developed pneumonia, had a cough, could hardly breathe and spoke about having pain The Johnsons were reported to be among the 10 per cent of the residents at Arbor Terrace at Cascade who have died. The news station reported that 15 of the long-term care facility's staff members have tested positive for coronavirus. 'We have to assume that its most likely caretakers that are transmitting the virus to the residents, so were trying to make sure that all caretakers are tested,' Fulton County Interim Board of Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Ford said. McWhorter said that she believes that there was a lack of proper care and protective gear at the facility. The facility told Fox 5 that that they have asked its residents to quarantine in their apartments and that they are in 'regular communication' with them. 'We have maintained communication with our local health department and they assure us we are taking all the appropriate measures,' the facility said. 'We also have supplies of protective equipment, which includes masks, goggles and gloves. We will continue to monitor our supplies and stay in communication with our suppliers and staff to meet their needs.' The facility also noted that professional cleaners have sanitized 'all common areas in the building' using an EPA-approved disinfectant. They said that they are continuing to 'focus on sanitizing and cleaning throughout the building.' McWhorter said her family plans to have a graveside funeral for her parents next week. On March 29, retired educator Ernestine Miles Mann, 84, died after catching coronavirus at Arbor Terrace at Cascade, where she lived. The CDC had cut off family members' visits to the facility around March 12, Mann's daughter told Fox 5. They were able to celebrate her birthday through a distant window visit at the end of March, however. Later that night, Mann was taken to the hospital where she battled her COVID-19 complications for four days, before dying. Facing unprecedented odds, automobile dealers are seeking immediate financial support from car manufacturers and the government to tide over the current challenging business environment. Already, facing heat due to a prolonged slowdown in the industry and a sizeable unsold BSIV stock, the dealers are now faced with the challenge of retaining their workforce and sales infrastructure with coffers running dry due to the ongoing nationwide lockdown. Automobile dealers' body Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) President Ashish Harsharaj Kale told PTI that they are counting on support form the OEMs to sustain their businesses in this difficult situation. "The OEMs have taken care to refund our outstanding dues in an urgent manner. We have also received some upfront advances. Few OEMs have also announced some extra financial support to us and we are sure that others would also help us in the coming days," Kale noted. Support is important to maintain and retain the workforce employed at the dealerships, he added. "We have not cut salaries or manpower in March and it is going to be tough to give salaries in April with zero earnings, zero cash flow," Kale said. If the OEMs do not come forward to support at this juncture then they are going to face major issues in their sales network when lockdown is over and normalcy is restored, he added. "These are extraordinary circumstances, they will have to dip into their pockets and support because they will need the sales network as well as manpower to return to normalcy when the lockdown is over," Kale said. He added that recent announcement by Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India to buyback unsold BSIV stock is a much-needed relief to the dealers. He hoped that other OEMs would also come forward to help their community. Former FADA President and President Automotive Skills Development Council ( ASDC) Nikunj Sanghi said OEMs have given support packages that were already due to the dealers. "Till now there has been no additional support. How do we get through this zero cash flow situation. There is fixed cost component like salaries, electricity bills, rentals, bank interest, security etc... "So we are clueless on how with the kind of margins that we have and with absolutely nothing left in our coffers, how are we going to do business," he said. Already the government has come up with strict instructions to pay full salaries and not to remove any manpower, Sanghi said. He said that OEMs were also facing pressure due to zero sales but they were still in a much better position to take care of dealers as well as component makers. "Unless they come forward and support the dealers, just government support is not going to help. I think OEMs will have to act as parents for both component makers and dealerships and will have to be large hearted and come out with packages which go beyond just giving us money, which is due to us," Sanghi said. FADA is seeking help from the government for working capital support along with extension of MSME benefits. It is also seeking GST cut on automobiles for a temporary period after the lockdown is lifted in order to revive growth in the sector. Besides, it has also sought interest subsidy for vehicle purchase for limited time and extension of depreciation benefit announced by the Finance Minister for 2020-21 as well, while extending it to individual buyers too. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Airstrike in Southern Afghanistan Kills Three Taliban Militants Sputnik News 09:20 GMT 11.04.2020(updated 09:49 GMT 11.04.2020) KABUL (Sputnik) - Three Taliban militants have been killed and four more suffered injuries after an airstrike in the southern Afghan province of Zabul, the country's military said in a statement on Saturday. According to the Afghan National Army's 205th Corps, the operation was a preemptive strike on militants who planned to carry out an attack on military posts in the Mizan district of the province. Mullah Abrar, a Taliban commander, was among those killed in the airstrike, the 205th corps said. The Taliban has yet to comment on the incident. The Afghan National Army announced on Wednesday that six Taliban militants had been killed in Zabul province in another preemptive strike. Clashes in Afghanistan continue despite the signing of a peace deal between the Taliban and the US on 29 February. The agreement was set to pave the way for the beginning of intra-Afghan talks between the militant group and the government, following the mutual release of prisoners. On Thursday, 100 Taliban prisoners were released from jail as part of efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The flight is fully booked now. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine have arranged a special chartered flight for U.S. citizens and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents departing on Wednesday, April 15, from Kyiv's Boryspil Airport direct to Washington, DC, Dulles Airport (IAD). The departure is scheduled for 17:00 Kyiv time on April 15, yet, the departure time may change, according to the Voice of America media outlet. Read alsoOver 8,800 Ukrainians abroad want to return home MFA Ukraine The flight is fully booked, however, the State Department notes that all those who did not have time and still want to leave Ukraine during the coronavirus crisis should inform the agency by e-mail. They will be listed for a potential next flight, or they will be provided with special instructions for action. Passengers will need to reimburse the U.S. government for the flight after their return, and they must sign a promissory note before boarding, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said. They will also be responsible for any arrangements or costs (lodging, onward destination from Dulles or local transportation, etc.) beyond their initial destination in the U.S. Bengaluru, April 12 : As many as 11 patients tested positive for coronavirus in Karnataka, taking their total number to 226 in the southern state, a health official said on Sunday. "Since Saturday evening till Sunday noon, 11 new positive cases have been reported across the state, taking the total number of Covid-19 patients to 226 till date in the state," a health official said in a statement here. Of the total cases, 47 have been discharged while 6 died. As the novel coronavirus spreads throughout the nation, reports of sirens blaring throughout the night have become a sullen reminder of the times. Venezuela's President Nicols Maduro has extended a nationwide quarantine for another 30 days to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus throughout the crisis-stricken South American nation. Maduro announced the measure Saturday, the same day a fourth shipment of medical supplies arrived from China to fight the virus. So far officials say 175 people in Venezuela have fallen ill and nine have died from the virus. Medical workers say Venezuela is vulnerable given the rampant malnutrition and poor condition of hospitals that lack basic supplies such as soap and water. Once it was first detected, officials quickly ordered its 30 million residents to stay home, also suspending schools and international flights. Maduro said that in Venezuela the biggest threat of more infections now comes from thousands of Venezuelan migrants returning across the land border from Colombia, a political foe. At least 4.5 million Venezuelans have fled their homeland, most into neighboring Latin American nations in recent years escaping the growing economic and political crisis and shortages. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bill Gates has said 'we weren't ready' for the coronavirus and criticised governments for not doing enough to prepare for a global pandemic. The Microsoft co-founder has slammed world leaders for not investing in testing and equipment sooner when the virus first came to light in China last December. In an interview with BBC Breakfast's today, Gates said that 'very few countries are going to get an A-grade' for the way they responded to the threat posed by the disease that gripped the world just three months. Globally, at least 1.7 million people have been infected, 102,000 have died and 404,000 have recovered from the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University. Those reported numbers underestimate the true scope of the outbreak, due to limited testing, uneven counting of the dead and some governments desire to hide the scope of their outbreaks. Billionaire Bill Gates criticised word leaders for not preparing for a pandemic despite warnings a serious outbreak could occur A medical staffer tending to a patient in the ICU unit of the COVID 3 hospital in Casalpalocco, near Rome, yesterday. Italy is one of the hardest-hit counties by the coronavirus Speaking from Seattle today, Gates, who along with his wife Melinda have worked to fund the development of vaccines around the world, slammed governments for not preparing for a pandemic by simulating possible scenarios and stress-testing their infrastructure. As a result of this lack of preparation, Gates said 'we find ourselves in uncharted territories'. Chairing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has donated more than $45 billion towards vaccination research in the hope of tackling pandemics including coronavirus and Ebola. The couple have long spoken about the fears of a pandemic and had warned that the world was not prepared to respond at a global level. Many administrations, including Boris Johnson and President Trump, have been criticised for not procuring enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for hospital staff, virus tests particularly for frontline workers, and ventilators for ICUs. Today Gates told BBC Breakfast host, Charlie Stayt, that country's 'scrambling' response to the crisis was not good enough. The Microsoft co-founder said countries around the world did not invest enough in equipment and testing to prepare for an outbreak US Army Major Shandel Panneton and 1st Lieutenant Autumn Kruse, both from the 11th Field Hospital deployed from Fort Hood, Texas, to New York. President Trump has been criticised for not making tests and ventilators available soon enough The billionaire philanthropist told the BBC: 'Well, there is the period when I was saying that this was greatest potential downfall the world faced.We will definitely look back and wish we had invested more so that we could quickly have all the diagnostics, drugs and vaccines.Then there is the period that the virus showed up - what were the tests prepared? 'Did the countries think through getting their ICU and ventilator capacity up? There'll be time for those post-mortems. Very few countries are going to get an A grade for what that scrambling looked like. 'Now here we are, we didn't simulate this, we didn't practice, so we find ourselves in uncharted territories.' Gates, who is the second richest person in the world, identified a lack of investment being behind a shortage of testing that has seen countries rushing to develop diagnostics in time. He added: 'The investments [could have ensured] that diagnostics would have been essentially immediately available, drugs in less than half the time, the vaccine in less than half the time most of those investments were not made. 'Now we are scrambling and it's taking us much longer to get these pieces together even though scientists are doing heroic work. Bill Gates said most countries around the world failed to properly prepare for the possibility of a global pandemic such as the coronavirus A plane carrying medical equipment to cope with the coronavirus outbreak in the Valencian region, being unloaded at the Manrises airport in Valencia today 'Unlike the defence project that prepares us for wars, where we simulate the problem and make sure we are good at it, for this risk that I viewed as even greater than the risk of war, there was very, very little preparation' 'I do think now, because this has been so dramatic, that we weren't ready for this pandemic, but I do think we will be ready for the next pandemic using the new tools of science that is very, very do-able.' Yesterday Melinda Gates said the world is likely to be permanently changed by the pandemic and predicted there could more similar outbreaks in the future. Bill Gates today said therapeutic treatments should have been available within four months if the right preparations were made. He said: 'Some countries jumped on this faster than others. They were really checking if there was community spread, they got the diagnostics capacity up quickly. Melinda Gates said yesterday that the world will be permanently changed by the coronavirus and that a similar pandemic could happen again 'We should be able to have diagnostics within a month, we should be able to have therapeutics within four months and a vaccine in less than a year if we were on standby with the right factories and the right science.' 'We should have rehearsed how we deal with all these shortages, with working together for a really good system for seeing these early before the curve gets to a meaningful part of the population.' Coronavirus-related restrictions have varied by country, with many enacting strict lockdowns in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus. While most European nations have imposed strict constraints on movement, others such as Turkey and Sweden have only advised the public to practice social distancing but schools, bars and restaurants are open and only gatherings of more than 50 people are banned. Gates said that even though he previously warned about the dangers of a global pandemic, he still 'finds it shocking'. Road police officers at an entrance to Moscow in Leninsky Prospekt Street. Police are not letting cars registered in other regions, except for the Moscow Region, to enter the city as part of the measures to counter the spread of the coronavirus He said: 'Everyone's life is completely disrupted. Your normal pattern; go to meetings, watch sport events etc. This thing, in my lifetime, is the most dramatic thing. We have to think through how do we rise to the occasion and get the scientists working together. 'I'm doing video meetings. I hardly see people at all. I ask myself every morning did this really happen and even though I worried about it I still find it shocking how tough it is and how hard it is going to be to get back to the normal life that we had before.' Gates went on to say that the global effort to develop a vaccine is 'the most urgent tool that has ever been needed'. He added: 'The thing that will get us back to the world that we had before coronavirus is the vaccine and getting that out to all 7 billion people. 'The efforts to test those, to build the factories, to understand ''is it safe and ready to go?'' - that's a global problem, so I'm glad people are coming together. This is the whole world working on probably the most urgent tool that has ever been needed.' But Gates said he agrees with Dr Tony Fauci, the US director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, that a vaccine was likely to be around 18 months away. He told the BBC: 'We want to get back to the life we had before coronavirus. People are seeing the economic destruction, the psychological stress this is such an unprecedented, very tough thing to deal with. The people like myself and Tony Fauci are saying 18 months. 'If everything went perfectly, we can do slightly better than that, but there will be a trade-off. 'We will have less safety testing than we would typically have and so Governments will have to decide if will they indemnify the companies and say, ''let's go out with this'' when we just don't have the time to do what we normally do - 18 months is what we would expect.' BBC Breakfast is on BBC One every day from 6am. The government must be honest with the public that lifting of the coronavirus lockdown will be a process of trial and error, a former governor of the Bank of England has said. Mervyn King, who oversaw the bank during the 2008 financial crisis, said the best weapon in the governments arsenal was to be honest and open with the public over the way forward. He said it was impossible to say how long the current lockdown should last and suggested that some element of social distancing would need to remain in place. It comes amid reports of deep splits in the cabinet over when to ease lockdown measures, with some ministers pushing for the restrictions to last until the end of May. Boris Johnson originally pledged to review the measures after three weeks, a deadline that will pass on Easter Monday. However Dominic Raab, deputising for Mr Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus in hospital, said on 9 April that the lockdown would not be lifted until it was clear the UK had passed the peak of the outbreak. Lord King urged ministers to be clear about the difficulty of an exit strategy, telling Sky Newss Sophy Ridge On Sunday: I dont think its sensible to just tell us all to stay indoors. He said the government had a difficult balancing judgement between keeping people safe and the damage to the economy. I think that given that a vaccine is a long way away, an exit strategy is going to be a process of trial and error, he added. Lord King said it makes sense to adopt measures which reflect the need to keep some element of social distancing, potentially a large element, while recognising it is not the same thing as a total lockdown. He went on: If we can allow schools, young people, some businesses to start up, while maintaining social distancing then I think we achieve our objectives, but its bound to be a process of trial and error. Lisa Nandy, the shadow foreign secretary, said the government must publish its exit strategy from the lockdown or risk damaging public trust. Now this [strategy] may change, they may have to revise it as the science changes, as we see the progression of this awful virus, she told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show. But what we know from countries like South Korea is that in a public health crisis, public confidence is everything. You have to be as open and transparent as possible with the public so that people understand why theyre being asked to do the things that they are and that they can see some kind of light at the end of the tunnel. 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 So I think right now what the government ought to be doing is setting out very clear plans about how they plan to get us out of this lockdown and just levelling with the public about that so we can all prepare. Asked if Labour would support continuing the lockdown into the autumn, Ms Nandy said of course the party would back an extension if the scientific advice deemed it necessary. Ms Nandy also called on the government to name an interim foreign secretary to replace Mr Raab, while he deputises for the prime minister. Ministers are reported to be divided over when to lift the lockdown, with chancellor Rishi Sunak among those said to be pushing for restrictions to be eased from 8 May. But Matt Hancock, the health secretary, wants the date to pushed back towards the bank holiday weekend at the end of the month, The Sunday Times reported. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri demanded an exemplary punishment for the members of a Sikh sect who chopped off a policeman's hand with a sword and injured two others on being asked to show curfew passes in Patiala on Sunday. Condemning the inhuman attack, the Union housing and urban affairs minister said such criminals and anarchists should be brought to justice at the earliest. Read: Coronavirus Lockdown: 'Nihangs' attack policemen in Punjab, ASI's hand chopped off The Nihangs severed a hand of an assistant sub-inspector and injured two of the policeman's colleagues after their vehicle was stopped outside a vegetable market and they were asked for curfew passes. "The inhuman attack on policemen in Patiala needs to be condemned in the strongest of terms. Such criminals & anarchists should be brought to justice at the earliest. They deserve exemplary punishment. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured policemen," Puri tweeted. The inhuman attack on policemen in Patiala needs to be condemned in the strongest of terms. Such criminals & anarchists should be brought to justice at the earliest. They deserve exemplary punishment. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured policemen. Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) April 12, 2020 Hours after the incident, police arrested seven men, including five of the attackers, from a gurdwara in Balbera village in Patiala district. Punjab Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta described the incident as unfortunate. CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL COVERAGE ONLY ON DH "In an unfortunate incident today morning, a group of Nihangs injured a few police officers and a mandi board official at sabzi mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh," Gupta tweeted. A court of Houthi rebels in Yemen sentenced four journalists to death for allegedly collaborating with the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the Houthis since 2015, according to the journalists' lawyer. The court sentenced four journalists to death for "treason" and "espionage", Arab News reported. The four were among a group of 10 journalists who were detained by the rebels on accusation of them collaborating with "the enemy". Their lawyer said that Abdel-Khaleq Amran, Akram al-Walidi, Hareth Hamid and Tawfiq al-Mansouri were the four journalists who were sentenced to death. According to their lawyer, the other six journalists were also charged for the same reasons and an additional charge of spreading fake news to aid the coalition. However, they were ordered to be released after serving the time. Amnesty International last year had 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. Nine journalists were arrested in a raid on a hotel in Sana'a in June 2015 while the tenth was nabbed from his home in the Yemeni capital that August. Yemen has been engulfed in a civil war since 2014, when the Houthis took control of the country's north, including its capital. The Houthi rebels according to Saudi Arabia are Iran-backed militias who are loyal to the ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh who was forced to quit after the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. The situation in Yemen is getting out of control as the coronavirus cases peak in the war-torn region. The United Nations (UN) envoys in the Middle East have urged all parties involved in different wars in the region to immediately cease the hostilities to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak. In a statement on Saturday, the envoys for Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have stressed the need for solidarity required to fight a pandemic of this magnitude. There are more than 134,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Middle East, including over 5,300 fatalities. Some 4,100 of those deaths are in Iran, which has the largest outbreak in the region. Authorities there have recorded more than 66,000 total cases. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Just weeks ago, many American cities and states were enforcing restrictions on the use of plastics in stores and restaurants. Shoppers were required to bring reusable bags to food stores or pay a small amount of money to receive a bag. Restaurants in some areas were told not to use some plastic takeout containers. The efforts are part of a widespread U.S. movement to remove one-use plastic bags from everyday life. But the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything. In just a few days, U.S. bans to reduce the use of plastics, mostly shopping bags, have been ignored by a public afraid of getting coronavirus. Governors in Massachusetts and Illinois have banned or urged against the use of reusable cloth bags often brought to food stores. Oregon suspended its new ban on plastic bags this week. And cities from Bellingham, Washington, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, have announced a temporary halt on plastic bag bans as the coronavirus crisis continues. There is an increase in takeout food and a ban on reusable cups and straws at the few coffee stores that remain open. Many environmentalists worry that COVID-19 could end their successful efforts to reduce plastic pollution. People are scared for their livesthe economy, feeding their loved ones, so the environment is taking a back seat, said Glen Quadros. He is owner of the Great American Diner & Bar in Seattle, Washington. Quadros has lost 15 employees and seen a 60 percent decrease in business since Seattle shut down to slow the virus. Now, he is using biodegradable containers for takeout, but they are costly -- up to three times more than plastic. They are also getting difficult to find, he said, because of demand. The plastics industry sees the current situation as a chance to get U.S. officials to reconsider the restrictions. The industry is asking states to remove bans on plastics by arguing that plastic one-use bags are safer in the current crisis. California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon and Vermont have all banned plastic bags statewide. New Yorks ban has not yet started because of legal action. The Plastics Industry Association recently sent a letter to Alex Azar. He is head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The association asked him to speak out against plastic bag bans, arguing that the rules are putting people at risk. In Oregon, a union representing food store workers is asking the state government for a ban on reusable bags. A Chicago union called for an end to the disease-transmitting bag tax. Critics say people who use reusable bags do not often wash them. A study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health found the virus can stay on plastics for up to three days. It also can stay on cardboard material for up to one day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it appears possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching their face. But experts have said that is not the main way the virus spreads. More studies are needed to really know if reusable bags are in fact dangerous, says Dr. Jennifer Vines. She is the lead health official for Portland, Oregon. Vines said that currently, it is not clear whether a virus found on a surface including cloth or something else - can actually give someone the virus. Some food stores are letting shoppers use their own bags if they put the food inside, so the worker does not have to touch the bag. Others have banned them. Environmental groups have pushed back strongly against arguments by the plastics industry that banning one-use plastic bags could worsen the pandemic. John Hocevar of Greenpeace USA said, the movement is not going to be that easy for the plastic industry to stop. Im Jill Robbins. The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story shopper n. one who buys things in stores pandemic n. an illness that spreads around the world cup n. a thing to hold liquid to drink straw n. a plastic tube used for drinking liquid biodegradable adj. capable of being broken down into small parts by natural processes transmit v. to send cardboard n. a thick, stiff paper that is used to make boxes John and Pam Arnold should have been exploring South Georgia Island in the southern Atlantic Ocean, but quarantined on their cruise ship outside the port of Montevideo, they created their own adventure. John Arnold. By moving the furniture in their cabin, the Newcastle couple made a loop of 13 paces from the door past the bed and around a little table. The person nearest the sliding door to the balcony had to give way to the person coming past the bed. When the ship rollicked on the lumpy sea, sometimes they had to walk uphill. Sometimes they had to run. "One time I bent over to pick up our meals from outside the door and the ship rolled the wrong way and I nearly went rolling down the corridor," Mrs Arnold said. Through rain, sleet, hail, and even a pandemic, post workers serve every address in the United States, but the coronavirus crisis is shaking the foundation of the US Postal Service (USPS) in new and dire ways. The Postal Service's decades-long financial troubles have worsened dramatically as the volume of the kind of mail that pays the agency's bills first-class and marketing mail withers during the coronavirus pandemic. The USPS needs an infusion of money, and Donald Trump has blocked potential emergency funding for the agency that employs around 600,000 workers, repeating instead the false claim that higher rates for internet shipping companies Amazon, FedEx and UPS would right the service's budget. Mr Trump threatened to veto the $2.2 trillion (1.8 trillion) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or Cares Act, if the legislation contained any money directed to bail out the postal agency, according to a senior Trump administration official and a congressional official who, like others in this report, spoke on the condition of anonymity. We told them very clearly that the president was not going to sign the bill if [money for the Postal Service] was in it, the Trump administration official said. I don't know if we used the v-bomb, but the president was not going to sign it, and we told them that. Instead, senators Gary Peters, and Ron Johnson added a last minute $10bn (8bn) Treasury Department loan to the Cares Act to keep the agency on firmer ground through the spring of 2020, according to a Democratic committee aide. 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 Congress originally agreed to a $13bn (10.4bn) direct grant the Postal Service would not have to repay. That effort was blocked by Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, who warned such a move could blow up the relief bill. A committee aide said Mr Mnuchin told the panel during negotiations: You can have a loan or you can have nothing at all. Only the $10bn loan to the Postal Service made it into law, over Mr Mnuchin's objections. Without the loan, which awaits approval by the Treasury Department, the Postal Service would be financially illiquid by 30 September, according to estimates provided to members of Congress. Advocates for the Postal Service worry the agency is in a vulnerable position. As its main funding source dwindles, the Postal Service could be seen as ripe for a makeover; conservatives have long talked about privatising the mail delivery in the United States. The Postal Service projects it will lose $2bn each month through the coronavirus recession while postal workers maintain the nationwide service of delivering essential mail and parcels, such as prescriptions, food and household necessities. That work often comes at great personal risk. Nearly 500 postal workers have tested positive for the coronavirus and 462 others are presumptive positives, USPS leaders told Congress members. Nineteen have died; more than 6,000 are in self-quarantine because of exposure. While the Trump Administration and Mr Mnuchin pushed through private-sector bailouts in the Cares Act - $350bn (281bn) to the Small Business Administration loan program, $29 billion to passenger airlines and air cargo carriers, and economic incentives for the construction, energy and life sciences industries, among others - Mr Mnuchin has signalled any postal relief funds in a Phase IV stimulus package under negotiation would amount to a poison pill. Postmaster general Megan Brennan asked Congress on Thursday for another $50bn (40bn) - $25bn to offset lost revenue from declining mail volume due to the coronavirus and $25bn for modernisation - plus another $25bn Treasury loan and a mechanism to pay down $14bn in existing public debt. House Democrats, led by representative Gerald Connolly of Virginia cautioned that without the funding, the Postal Service may not make it past September without missing payrolls or service interruptions. Senate Republicans insist the $10bn loan from the Cares Act provided sufficient short-term liquidity, the staffer said, and the Senate would not vote to extend more money to an agency unlikely to make good on its borrowing. Nearly 500 postal workers have tested positive with the virus (AP) I'm so frustrated at how difficult it has been for a long time to galvanize attention and action around an essential service, Mr Connolly said in a phone interview. And maybe the pandemic forces us all to refocus on this service and how essential it is and how we need to fix it while we can before it gets into critical condition. Mr Trump has long been antagonistic of the post office, calling it once in a tweet Amazon's delivery boy. The Postal Service often serves as a vendor for Amazon, UPS, FedEx and other shipping companies, delivering the last mile service to often rural and remote areas. It is a crucial service for the Postal Service, for which package delivery is a growing part of its business. Much of Mr Trump's invective on the Postal Service is aimed at Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post. Mr Trump has advocated for increasing the prices on Amazon deliveries, against the recommendation of shipping experts and the agency's own Board of Governors, a majority of whom Mr Trump appointed. They should raise, they have to raise the prices to these companies that walk in and drop thousands of packages on the floor of the post office and say: 'Deliver it,' Mr Trump said at a news conference on Wednesday. And they make money, but the post office gets killed. OK? So they ought to do that, and we are looking into it, and we've been pushing them now for over a year. Raising rates too much would lead private-sector competitors to develop their own cheaper methods to deliver packages, said Lori Rectanus, director of physical infrastructure at the Government Accountability Office. Even if a rate increase generates revenue, that money would be marginal to the total Postal Service debt, almost all of which comes from a congressional requirement to prepay pension and retiree health care costs for all employees, even those who haven't yet retired. Under normal market conditions, the Postal Service nearly breaks even, save for the pension account debt, despite cratering volume on deliveries in recent years. In 2010, it delivered 77.6 billion items of first-class mail. In 2019, it delivered only 54.9 billion first-class items. The service handled 3.1 billion packages in 2010 and 6.2 billion in 2019, although processing packages doesn't earn the agency as much revenue as first-class mail delivery. The coronavirus has completely upended consumer behavior and the quantity of items in the mail. Volume in the first week of March declined 30 per cent, postal agency officials told members of Congress. At the end of June, the agency projects volume to be down 50 per cent, and it could lose $23bn (18.4bn) over the next 18 months. We are at a critical juncture in the life of the Postal Service, Ms Brennan, the postmaster general, said in a statement. 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. The Postal Service has faced financial troubles for more than a decade, as digital communication morphed and took off, giving members of Congress many opportunities to debate its future. The Postal Service is so foundational to the country that it is enumerated in the Constitution. The agency's troubles have renewed conservative conversations about structural changes that would force the Postal Service to act more like a corporation, with steps such as eliminating the prepaid pension requirement and easing its universal service obligation to deliver to every address in the United States, including ones so remote. If we're concerned about the Postal Service and its workers, said Romina Boccia, an economist at the right-leaning Heritage Foundation, the best thing we can do is to free up the Postal Service to operate like a business so they can try to get back into the black. The Washington Post Negotiators raced to clinch a historic deal to cut oil supply and stem a devastating price rout, with just hours to go before the market opens. As diplomatic wrangling between Mexico and Saudi Arabia entered a fourth day, a group of OPEC+ ministers were due to speak at 5 p.m. London time. Delegates said some progress had been made and a compromise solution proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump last week initially rejected by Saudi Arabia would be discussed again on the OPEC+ call. The stakes are high: Prices are already collapsing under the weight of an oil glut that amounts to about a third of the markets usual size, after the coronavirus pandemic shut down the global economy. Thats threatening the U.S. shale industry, wrecking the budgets of oil-dependent nations and making it harder for central banks to respond to the virus shock. The Kremlin warned of unmanageable chaos if negotiations fail. The whole world needs this deal, Dmitry Peskov, spokesman of President Vladimir Putin, said in comments broadcast on Sunday. The OPEC+ alliance on Thursday agreed a plan to cut its output by 10 million barrels a day equal to a 10th of global supply. The deal would end the month-long price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. However, it still needs the approval of Mexico, which is part of the alliance, but so far hasnt endorsed it. Negotiations have escalated to the highest level, with Trump intervening to speak to leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A deal looked close last week until Mexico raised objections. Populist president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has pledged to restore his countrys oil-pumping prowess with its politically symbolic state oil firm, and so he is reluctant to cut output. Trump offered a compromise, but it was rejected by Saudi Arabia. Talks between the kingdom and Mexico continued through the weekend. Even if a deal is reached, it may not be enough to put a floor under oil prices. While a 10 per cent reduction in worldwide crude output would be unprecedented, it would barely dent the surplus that continues to build as the virus lockdown spreads. West Texas Intermediate crude slid more than nine per cent on Thursday as a deal looked likely settling below $23 a barrel. Markets were closed on Friday. Traders will inspect any agreement for details of where real cuts are coming from, and how much of the headline figure might come from moving baselines and reductions that have already been forced on producers by the market. The tentative OPEC+ deal for a 10 million-barrel cut requires Mexico to reduce its own output by 400,000 barrels a day. The Latin American country has rejected the proposal, instead offering to cut output by just 100,000 barrels. In an attempt to break the impasse, Trump offered a diplomatic solution that includes some creative accounting, with Mexico counting some of the U.S. market-driven supply decline as its own. According to delegates, most OPEC+ countries back the Trump compromise even if they acknowledge its a face-saving mechanism that doesnt translate into actual cuts. But Saudi Arabia insisted that Mexico cut its production as much as everyone else. The OPEC+ alliance initially met on Thursday via video conference, followed on Friday by a virtual gathering of energy ministers of the Group of 20. The G20 said it would take all the necessary measures to maintain a balance between oil producers and consumers, but it made no commitment toward specific steps on production cuts. Riyadh had wanted the G-20 meeting to yield at least five million barrels a day of cut commitments from producers outside OPEC+. The OPEC+ coalition, comprised of members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers including Russia, had been voluntarily curbing output since 2017. The alliance began to crumble last month when Saudi Arabia and Russia couldnt agree on deeper production curbs to offset the impact of the virus. Saudi Arabia responded by launching the price war, and one month on, all sides are seeking a truce. Read more about: Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday (April 12, 2020) has planned to distribute over 16 crore face masks to the people of the state amid the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak in the country. During a review meeting held here, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy instructed the officials to distribute 3 masks each to the 5.3 crore people in the state. A total of 1.43 crore people were mapped during the third survey out of 1.47 crore people. During the survey, 32,349 people were referred to a medical examination by field staff. The doctors were asked to carry out tests on 9,107 among them. However, the Chief Minister directed the officials to conduct tests on all the 32,349 members. "There should be a special focus in the zones where COVID-19 is prevalent," the Chief Minister said and sought details on the clusters, red zones, and hotspot areas in the state. CM Reddy also instructed the officials to prioritize high-risk patients such as senior citizens, BP, diabetic, and other patients with ailments. To assess the level of virus infection in the state, the health department is going to conduct 45,000 tests across the state prioritizing the COVID-19 prevalent zones. The Chief Minister further directed the officials to ensure fulfilling qualitative treatment and train every medical and paramedical personnel in the treatment of the fatal coronavirus. As of 9 AM on Sunday, 417 positive COVID-19 are active in the state. Among the active cases, 13 are foreign returnees, 12 are infected from the foreign returnees, 199 are Markaz returnees, 161 are those who came in contact with the Markaz returnees, and 32 cases are of those who returned from other states. India has reported over 909 coronavirus confirmed cases in last 24 hours which have surged the total count of the positive cases to 8,447. Out of the 273 COVID-19 deaths across the country, at least 34 deaths have been reported since Saturday. By Express News Service CHENNAI: A batch of 50,000 rapid test kits that Tamil Nadu had ordered from China, has been diverted to the United States, Chief Secretary K Shanmugam revealed on Saturday. As only a few Chinese companies are producing these test kits, theres massive demand in the global market. The consignment that left for the US was actually supposed to reach Tamil Nadu on Thursday. Officials are hoping that at least the next consignment would make it to India. Public health experts say rapid test kids are crucial in testing large clusters. It is the second-best thing after PCR tests, says infectious diseases expert T Jacob John. This is like additional proof, and thats how its mainly used. John, however, says IGG tests are as important as rapid ones. IGG would certify if the patient has become immune to the virus. This would help hospitals make easy decision on discharge. The most important thing is that IGG test kits arrive before the lockdown is lifted. Doctor Ram Gopalkrishnan of Apollo Hospitals says rapid tests are important for checks in hotspots. There could be carriers who are asymptomatic, some with minimal symptoms. Blood test is the best way to identify these people. If kits are delayed, efforts to test them are also delayed, says Gopalkrishnan. This means that before the situation can get out of control, rapid testing kits have to be sourced for damage control. The Chief Secretary, however, has assured that the State government's procurement team is efficient and will get the job done. According to the health bulletin, 51,996 people are under active home quarantine while 165 are in government hospitals. 49,963 people have completed the quarantine period of 28 days. Out of the 58 cases on Saturday, four had inter-state travel history while the rest were contacts of people already infected. By 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz P ope Francis broadcast his Easter Sunday Mass live to Catholics around the world from a near-empty St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, with coronavirus rules forcing worshippers to stay away. The head of the Catholic Church usually delivers Easter Mass to a congregation of tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square. The service is considered the most important in the Christian calendar and is usually joyful, as Christians are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. But, with Italy one of the hardest-hit countries by the global coronavirus pandemic, social distancing measures have made public gatherings off limits. Pope Francis celebrating Easter Sunday mass (VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Images) / VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag Police formed a barrier on the outside of the square to stop any worshippers who might try to come in for the occasion. Delivering the service, Francis called for solidarity across the world to confront the epochal challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic. He urged political leaders in particular to give hope and opportunity to laid-off workers. Francis recalled that Europe rose again after the Second World War thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past. He said: This is not a time for self-centeredness, because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons. Pope Francis celebrating Mass in St. Peter's Basilica / REUTERS Francis also offered special prayers for the sick, the dead, the elderly, refugees and the poor. He also offered thanks and encouragement to doctors and nurses who have worked to the point of exhaustion and not infrequently at the expense of their own health. During the Easter vigil on Saturday night, Francis told viewers that it was important to keep hope during the pandemic. He said: Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope. It is a new and living hope that comes from God. Pope Francis livestreamed the service (VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Images) / VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag The Good Friday procession, another important part of Easter celebrations, was also muted this year. The Pope is usually joined by around 10,000 pilgrims in the Colosseum to commemorate Jesus' trial and execution in Rome. But this year the Pope livestreamed the event from St Peter's Square. Police guarded St Peter's square to stop worshippers getting in / AP The Pope's Easter mass mirrors Christian celebrations around the world as worshippers under lockdown take part in online services instead. The head of the Catholic church in England, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, reminded listeners of reasons for optimism in his service on Saturday evening. He said: We know that the Holy Spirit continues to hover over our world. In the work of creation, gifts are given of scientific genius, selfless service, enlightened business practice, compassion and generosity in so many hearts. We know, too, that these gifts, energised by the Holy Spirit, will bring us forth from this pandemic, which seems so like a tomb. For it is through this same Spirit that the tomb of Jesus is broken open. The small congregation in St Peter's was socially distanced / VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England, livestreamed his Easter service from his kitchen. Mr Welby talked about inequality in British society, saying in a pre-recorded sermon: "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." Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby holding his virtual Easter service / The Church of England The Archbishop linked the suffering felt by many during the coronavirus outbreak with the suffering that Christians believe Jesus underwent on the cross. He added: "In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have a hope that is surer than stone; than any architecture. 12.04.2020 LISTEN Sometimes entrepreneurship isnt planned for, it emerges. For Kator Hule, entrepreneurship emerged at age 10 when he was a sales representative and at 11 years as a professional photographer in the small town of Lessel, Benue State Nigeria. But after he graduated from university, Kator moved from Benue, his home state to Abuja, the nations capital. In his word, I left Benue for Abuja with nothing but a pair of trousers and two shirts, I was broke with no accommodation but I was living in a friends office. It was the darkest time he can ever remember, marked by social and economic challenges. Kator didnt own any property in his name. He didnt have collateral or credit history. He was left with a mindset of possibility. But he managed to turn it around in 2013 after he emerged among top 50 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises that were sponsored by Diamond bank Plc under the Building Entrepreneurs Today 3 (BET3) programme. Kator was also selected as a Semi-Finalist (amongst 26 others) in an international competition that attracted more than 1000 entries from 32 countries. Kator is educated and resourceful, but he knew that many young people like him find themselves in difficult circumstances without access to productive assets. I saw that there were other young people like myself, some of them had not been to school like I had been and they were less privileged than I had beenand I thought: How are they managing? In Africa, entrepreneurship, economic independence, and ability to contribute to economic growth is often restricted by a lack of opportunities and financing regulations that require tangible collateral. In Nigeria, where 69 percent of the population live below the poverty line, people struggle to open and grow businesses without the collateral needed to qualify for loans. More than 90 percent of the population do not own property, this exclusion propels many of the countrys population into a cycle of poverty. Kator saw an opportunity to circumvent the restrictions that limit young people and people in the rural areass economic participation. He redesigned the traditional model of micro-finance to work for Nigerian entrepreneurs. In 2012, he founded KATOR HULE ENTERPRISES (K.H.E) in Abuja and began loaning and goats farming. Under this initiatives, Mr Hule created a FinTech called FIGI, a platform that enable users gain access to financial products such as loans and investment windows using mobile technology gateways. The FIGI loans platform are offered to members of the public at no interest, without collateral and financial history reviews. Eight years later, Kator and his team have provided loans to over 2,000 businesses, impacted more than 100,000 people and created 55,000 jobs. A repayment rate of 85 percent enabled the company to keep growing; to serve more women and their families. KATOR HULE ENTERPRISES (K.H.E) has been a catalyst for startup businesses in Nigeria, responsible for the launch of a range of small businesses and enterprises. FIGI is just about everything the flexible loans offer ranges from the lowest amount required by a client up to 10 Million Naira [USD$28,000] repayable in 12 months. The facility is accessible to all people (aged 18 years to 70), who are using mobile technologies/gadgets and have a bank account with a Bank Verification Number. INVESTMENT, Each FIGI beneficiary automatically becomes an investor at the period of cashing out. The profit from the investment can be withdrawn anytime and the principal withdrawn once your loan has been repaid. TRANSFER MONEY, On the FIGI platform, users can make savings, transfer monies to other FIGI account holders (called Figiants), pay for house rents (on House9ja), buy fresh food or cooked food, pay for laundry, medical insurance and other services available on the integrated Apps. A majority of Kators clients, 60 percent, live in rural areas. Many are widows and young farmers who wouldnt otherwise have access to the opportunity FIGI provides. Kator has designed a solution that meets his communitys needs, and he has built a model recognized by the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan after emerging top in a business plan writing competition, Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN!). Mr Hule was also acknowledged for ground breaking effort in driving business changes that build organizational effectiveness and propel revenue growth. His entrepreneurship fuels bigger dreams, bigger goals. If I can change the life of one person it makes a whole difference because behind that person there is a whole family. Its a family, its a society. Kator plans to open offices across Nigeria and has his sights set on expanding to other countries in West Africa. Goats farming is the other business interest of Kator Hule, Im a goats farmer, he said with excitement during this interview with PLEASURES MAGAZINES Faith Kirian. Kator never gave up and to add to his achievements, his success story made it to the cover of the Pan African Entrepreneurial and Luxury magazine, Pleasures Magazine. In some parts of the world, farmers are viewed with respect and cultivating the land is seen as an honorable trade. But in a region where most agriculture is still for subsistence relying on cutlass, hoe and a hope for rain farming is a synonym for poverty. But Mr. Hule is among a growing number of young, college-educated Africans fighting the stigma by seeking to professionalize farming. They are applying scientific approaches and data-crunching apps not just to increase yields, but to show that agriculture can be profitable. They call themselves agripreneurs. Its a steep challenge. Undeveloped distribution networks, poor roads and fickle water supplies are difficult hurdles for even the most competent farmer, and many of these would-be farmers have little training or experience. However, these agricultural entrepreneurs hope to make money and to tackle the confounding calculus of a continent that holds about 65 percent of the worlds most arable uncultivated land, but which imports over $35 billion in food a year, according to a report by the African Development Bank. In Nigeria, theyve been bolstered by the government, which is in the midst of an ambitious national rollout to increase agricultural capacity and entice young people back to the farm. As seen from the rest of the continent, Nigerias farmers are aging, even as young people pour into cities in search of jobs amid skyrocketing youth unemployment. Rolling up sleeves and bucking convention, some young farmers have left behind cushy jobs. They tend to be people who have the means to lease or buy large tracts of land, and afford a loss. They often have little more training on how to rear chicks and till soil than from YouTube videos. But underscoring their work is a sense that whats at stake is Africas economic future. For Mr. Hule, 37, the future is goat farming. Both are rare delicacies here, and are typically harvested from the wild. Mr. Azumah, who has a bachelors degree in engineering from the University of Agriculture, Markudi, Nigeria and a certificate in entrepreneurship management (CEM) from Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos , spotted a missed opportunity: captive breeding. When he told his mother, Martha Amuzu, she wept. We have to make farming sexy and KHE GOATS are here to stay, said Kator Hule, who has a bachelors degree in engineering from the University of Agriculture, Markudi, Nigeria and a certificate in entrepreneurship management (CEM) from the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos has laborers on his farm in Gwagwalada area of Abuja, rearing hundreds of his goats. Goats provide one of the most proteinous meats. Mutton ranks among the highest consumed of animal protein in Nigeria and Kator Hule Enterprises (KHE) is leveraging on the huge market gap and enabling environment to tailor solutions in price stability and quality meat supply. A commercial farm, KHE is professionally managing goats using advanced technologies and available raw materials. Beyond farming healthy/ strong/ affordable breeds of goats, the farm makes supplies to restaurants, abattoirs, events and local goat merchants. Market access, advanced breeds, good transport system, insurance and good farm security are the farms advantages. Goat business is safe as the mortality rate of goats is low. In todays dynamic society, effective management of a business requires expertise ranging widely from administrative to technological areas. Conscious of this, our farm is administered by a solid team of professionals, including Agricultural Engineers, ICT and financial experts, vet and animal scientists. Yearly, KHE Goat Farms opens a unique opportunity for investors to partake by owning goats or sheep in our farm and make profits when we sell them. Investors also enjoy benefits such as free goats/ sheep and free bags of rice at festive periods such as Christmas, Easter, Sallah and during special times such as birthdays and wedding anniversary. In year 2019, we gave out lots of live goats, cooking oil, chickens and bags of rice to our investors in Abuja, Lagos, Benue and Oyo. Mr. Hule now opens his doors to investors to come in, and according to world bank report, investments in this sector are estimated to be two or three times more effective at reducing poverty than investing in other sectors. Doors are wide open for potential investors to invest with us as we are looking to expand our loans and goat farming initiatives, even beyond Nigeria to other West African countries. The government has made agriculture a priority, and has provided an enabling environment for investment in the sector, said Kator Hule. Since President Muhammadu Buhari took office in 2015, Nigeria made raising the productivity of its agricultural sector a key initiative. And with government placing agricultural transformation at the centre of the countrys economic modification, I believe the most achievable pathway to raising the efficiency and productivity within the sector to the necessary standards for sustainable economic growth is an investment in farming, Mr Hule informed Pleasures Magazine. ---Pleasures Magazine India on Sunday shipped the first consignment of 5,022 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat to Afghanistan to ensure food security during difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic. "251 containers carrying the first consignment of 5,022 MT of wheat out of the total gift of 75,000 MT from India to Afghanistan set sail from Kandla port to Chabahar port today. The remaining consignments will follow in the weeks ahead," the Indian embassy in Afghanistan announced. Last year, India Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar had said that India would gift 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan. The Indian embassy here also announced that New Delhi will send 5,00,00 hydroxychloroquine tablets soon. India has cleared the first list of 13 countries for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) export, which includes Afghanistan. HCQ tablets play a crucial role in the treatment of coronavirus patients "This humanitarian gesture of Indian people to our Afghan brethren will ensure food security during difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic. India is gifting 500,000 tablets of HydroxyChloroquine to AFG for health professionals and COVID-19 positive cases," the embassy further said. Afghanistan on Sunday reported 52 new cases of coronavirus, taking the number of cases in the country to 607. Eighteen people including two health workers have succumbed to the disease so far. Afghanistan's Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz in late March had expressed concerns that unless drastic measures were taken, the country's tattered healthcare system may not be able to prevent up to 80 per cent of the population from contracting the virus and as much as 1,10,000 people dying. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Our Midland Mayor, Patrick Payton, has recurrently used the story of Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl to illustrate how our power and control over events is simply based on how we react. Everything can be taken from a man, but one thing: its the last of human freedoms -- to choose your attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose ones own way, Payton said in a forum. Between stimulus and your response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. When I first heard these words from our mayor, I wondered how an individual, treated so inhumanely, can still have a grip on their humanity. What does that person look like? How do they carry themselves? How do they treat people or total strangers? Are there Viktor Frankls among us? It turns out, there are. I recently met a Viktor Frankl. His name is Bawi Cung pronounced boy-chung the father of three who was attacked in a local Sams Club alongside his children on March 14, the date which commemorates the start of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Texas. Deemed a hate crime by government officials, the suspect believed the Burmese family was Chinese and that the Cungs were spreading the virus to the community despite the well-known fact that this virus attacks without prejudice or regard to race or ethnicity. On April 1, my wife and I went to give Cung a check from a GoFundMe fundraiser I had set up by the request of his childrens teacher, who was also there, and we were met by District Attorney Laura Nodolf, who was there to guide him legally. When the four of us arrived, he walked outside with a big grin, which concurrently took me by surprise and eased me. We caught our natural impulse to shake hands or embrace, tapping elbows in effort to be conscious of our current state of social distancing. Cung is a well-fit man of average height, with caramel-colored skin and a short-cropped haircut. The fresh scar across his cheek had barely begun to blend into his natural skin tone. He invited us into his home, and we all took seats inside the living room, keeping as much distance as possible. We had learned more of the family, and Cung, who immigrated to America about five years ago. Since the beginning of his arrival, he had worked as a stocker for Walmart before attending a program to become a certified commercial truck driver, hoping to find employment in the oil industry. I learned about his children. The older two, who attend a local elementary school, are highly intelligent and speak English fluently. The youngest, a toddler, is an adorable burst of energy. Through these personal conversations, I learned more about the man, with a similar character to Frankls, who chose to react based on his principles and his faith. As Nodolf walked him through the process, he would interject with a question or comment. He said it hurt to know his children were severely injured that he himself could take any injury, but to see his own child with the most vicious of scars hurt. One child was sliced from the right side of his eye, through his ear, ending two inches passed it. The other received a wound in his lower back. As a result, he said that he struggled early-on with the desire to seek revenge, while also knowing his faith would expect differently. Nodolf agreed that he was doing the right thing by not retaliating. After that comment he asked questions, hoping to understand the man who committed such an act. He said he thought it was a terrible way for a young person to lose their freedom. He said he never thought this would happen in America. He had left Burma for freedom of choice and safety. To address his question as to the why this happened to his children, I could only reference Scripture, as we both are followers of Jesus Christ. I told him my son has autism and when I was confronted with the why question, John 9:1-12 was my comfort. As I was finishing the Scripture, he completed the lines before I could utter them. To display the glory of God, he said with a grin stretched across his face. That glory has begun its display with the generosity of our local community and nation with the GoFundMe. It has also been displayed by Asian-American associations, which have donated medical supplies to their local hospitals. After an hour and a half of discussion, I stayed to assist with paperwork for the victims compensation. As he described how his son received his wound, I could see how upset he was. He didnt cry or shake but he grabbed a bottle of water and took long gulps after describing what he witnessed. Weeks before, I had asked a friend, Jessica McClure, if she had words to share with him. McClure was the worlds first 24-hour news story in the world: the Midland toddler who had fallen down a water well in 1987, was unable to be retrieved for 56 hours. She had many years of surgeries and the scars for proof. I shared her story with Cung and showed some pictures. The advice she had wanted to share was: Lean into God and their families and trust that all will work out as it should. She added that he and his children should never let the scars be an embarrassment to themselves. They proved they fought, and they lived, McClure said. Another one of his now-signature grins stretched across his face, and he immediately asked me to send her a message. Thank you for your words and God Bless you! I typed on the keyboard and sent. She replied immediately, Thats sweet to hear and thank you. As we departed, he thanked me for my help, though I was still hoping that he understood this is not how we treat our neighbors here in Midland. We are a people of faith who try our best to live out that faith perhaps imperfectly, but not without a lot of effort. I now hope if am ever confronted by a circumstance similar to Viktor Frankls or Bawi Cungs, I hope I can carry myself with the same amount of grace and become a better version of myself as I have witnessed with this first-hand example. Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill on Sunday questioned the Centre why Indian students stranded abroad are not being evacuated, while the government is in "active mode" to help foreign nationals stuck in India. He said the central government should give a definitive timeline for evacuation of Indian students stuck abroad. "The BJP government is in 'active mode' for foreign nationals and is in 'sleep mode' for Indian students stranded abroad in this hour of global crisis," Shergill said in a statement. The Congress leader said as per the Ministry of External Affairs, over 20,000 foreign nationals have been evacuated to different parts of the world by the Government of India on request of various nations in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. "When Air India can be deployed to send German nationals and other foreigners back to their home country then why is Air India not being used for children of India? Why is the BJP-Government in India not giving the same 'helpful' treatment to Indian students abroad?" he asked. Shergill questioned the MEA for "not giving a definitive reply to the worried parents of students stranded abroad with respect to the strategy and timeline of their evacuation". The Congress leader said there are approximately two lakh Indian students studying in the US. "When will they come home? When the Government of India can facilitate evacuation of 20000 foreigners then why not the same approach to Indian Students stranded abroad? Shergill asked. "When the UK and the US are sending special flights to evacuate their citizens stuck in India, then why is the Government of India not evacuating Indian children stranded abroad? he asked. He said 300 hundred students were stranded at the Heathrow airport as on March 18, 16,000 were studying in the Philippines, a huge number of students were stranded in Australia, Canada, Malaysia and other countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Officers in Brigantine were called to help a seal in distress on the town's beach. They finally found the mammal crawling around a nearby neighborhood. Read more Last week, as social-distancing restrictions kept beachgoers off the sand in Brigantine, officers in the Jersey Shore town were asked to lead a mission to track down one of the quarantine busters. And after hours of searching, and two 911 calls, they found the culprit, lying in the sun and waiting for a belly rub. The four officers then helped the happy, and intrepid, seal found on a roadway return to the ocean. The department detailed the April 2 rescue mission on Saturday as part of the Atlantic County Prosecutors Offices Random Acts of Copness campaign, helping to spread some cheer amid the bleakness of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first call came in early that morning, describing a seal in distress on the towns beach. But Officer Corey Sprague spent a half hour looking for the animal with no results. It was definitely not the first time that we got a call for a seal," Sprague said. So the squad goes out and it was a really nice day and we drove on the beach to see if we could locate the seal. But we didnt see this seal. Not long after, Sprague received another call, this one directing him to a residential neighborhood nearby: The seal had been spotted in the roadway. The officers soon saw the 4-foot animal crawling across the front yard of a home, and after a call to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the seal was taken to safety. This seal was trying to cross the street and it was not deterred by the police cars or the officers, Sprague said. This seal was on a mission to get somewhere. This article contains a correction to note the the Random Acts of Copness program is run by the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office. Thousands of Christians across the globe celebrated Easter on Sunday and attended the Easter mass through live-streaming as all religious places remained shut to curb the spread of coronavirus. In India, all churches have been closed due to nationwide lockdown to prevent spread of the virus. Religious gatherings and processions too have been banned by the government. Unprecedented scenes of empty churches emerged from Italy and other countries of the world, as religious leaders found creative ways to address parishioners marking the holiday weekend from the confines of their homes. More than half the world -- over four billion people -- are in lockdown worldwide as governments scramble to halt the pandemic's deadly march. Here's a glimpse of Easter celebrations in the time of pandemic. IMAGE: Pope Francis celebrates Easter Sunday Mass in St Peter's Basilica with no public participation due to an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Easter Sunday at the Vatican. Photograph: Vatican Media/Handout via Reuters IMAGE: Pope Francis reads his 'Urbi et Orbi' ('To the City and the World') message in St Peter's Basilica with no public participation. Photograph: Vatican Media/Handout via Reuters IMAGE: Christian devotees maintaining social distancing offer prayers at a church on the occasion of Easter amid the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, on Sunday. Photograph: PTI Photo IMAGE: Christians sing a Gospel hymn during a special Easter fellowship outside their house, amid the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, in Dimapur, Nagaland, on Sunday. Photograph: PTI Photo IMAGE: An Orthodox Christian worshipper wearing a mask holds a palm frond outside the closed doors of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Orthodox Palm on Sunday, in Jerusalem's Old City. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters Ministers faced fresh calls to publish their exit strategy for the coronavirus lockdown today. The former bank of England Governor Lord King said that a 'trial and error' reopening of schools and some businesses should be considered to help re-start the economy. The crossbench peer called for the Government to be clear about the obstacles it faces in lifting the current showdown, saying: 'I don't think it's sensible to just tell us all to stay indoors.' Meanwhile Labour urged the Government to set out what it plans to do in the next 12 months amid conflicting fears it could take that long for a vaccine to be ready for mass use. The new moves came as ministers continued to row behind closed doors over the exit strategy and its effect on the economy. 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. Lord King, who led the Bank of England between 2003 and 2013, told Sky's Ridge on Sunday: He explained: 'If we can allow schools, young people, some businesses to start up, while maintaining social distancing then I think we achieve our objectives, but it's bound to be a process of trial and error.' The former bank of England Governor Lord King said that a 'trial and error' reopening of schools and some businesses should be considered to help re-start the economy Labour leader Keir Starmer urged the Government to set out what it plans to do in the next 12 months amid conflicting fears it could take that long for a vaccine to be ready for mass use The independent crossbench peer said the Government 'can rely on the common sense of people' and should outline the challenges faced given the lack of a vaccine and treatment. Lord King went on: 'We do run a risk that there'll be more infections spreading. 'It's sensible to try this amongst those groups of the population that are not apparently as adversely affected as the elderly and those with existing health conditions, in order to start a process of trial and error. 'Because to maintain the lockdown has its own costs, not just economic costs but costs in terms of the health and wellbeing of those affected by it.' Sir Keir, who has been pushing the Government since last week to tell the British public how the lockdown might end, said it needed to go further and map out the year ahead. He told Ridge: 'We all know that a vaccine, which is the sort of end exit strategy, is probably 12 months away so the question is, what happens in that intervening 12 months? 'The reason this matters is that firstly, we need to have the trust of the public so they know what is going to happen in these 12 months. 'People are really frightened, frightened for their health, frightened for the economy, so they need to know but also, we need to plan. If the plan is mass community testing ... that tells us that we need to ramp up testing far beyond what the government is already planning, if that's the right route, so I'm pushing the government on this because what I don't want to happen is that in a number of weeks we arrive at the situation and we haven't got a clear plan.' Splits within the Cabinet over when to lift the lockdown were laid bare last night. 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 Hyderpora encounter: SIT warns of legal action over speculative remarks about probe Salim Parray gone: Cops gun down Kashmirs most dreaded terrorist Former Jammu and Kashmir CMs to lose SSG security cover Shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara, 3 civilians killed India oi-Deepika S Srinagar, Apr 12: Three civilians have been killed in cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. "Pakistani troops initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation around 5.00 pm, targeting civilian population," an official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The shelling in Kupwara's Rangwar area came after similar incidents were reported from Poonch and Kathua districts earlier in the day. In Poonch, a 45-year-old woman was injured as Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked mortar shelling and firing district's Qasba and Kirni sectors, the Army said. Earlier in the day, the Army recovered a live mortar bomb that failed to explode in Balakote sector, officials said. On Saturday night, Balakote and Mendhar sectors witnessed heavy firing and shelling, damaging several houses were damaged in the Pakistani shelling, they said. Pakistan has repeatedly violated the ceasefire for a week despite the challenges faced by the two countries due to the coronavirus outbreak. Most of the top commanders have been wiped out and Home Ministry data for January-February show that 24 terrorists were killed while 48 were arrested. Lets be clear: If we dont know who is immune and we just open up the doors, and we all had out, that virus is still out there and the people who have not contracted it will still be at risk of contracting it, getting complications and dying," Ezike said. The idea is that we want to be able to identify which percentage of people in the community have had the infection. For various reasons, Kenya Moore is a main focal point of The Real Housewives of Atlanta this season. Season 12 is more than 20 episodes in, and viewers have watched her marriage unravel and her relationships with several of the women crumble too. But week after week, her dynamic with husband Marc Daly has garnered the most attention and shade from RHOA fans and Moores castmates. Inquiring minds want to know where the pair stand. Kenya Moore and Marc Daly | Paras Griffin/Getty Images Moore opens up about relationship status During a guest appearance on Fox Souls Out Loud with Claudia Jordan this weekend, Moore was asked about the current state of her marriage to Marc Daly. Moore was very frank when discussing it with former RHOA cast member Jordan who said some fans are hopeful they reconcile. Hes in New York and since this show started airing actually no after Brooklyns birthday, which was in November, things just turned around. He has been very kind, very respectful, very loving, and he wants his family to stay together. And I dont know what the end result will be but hes definitely working on the marriage. Moore affirmed that things are getting better and Fox Soul host/fellow RHOA castmate Mike Hill chimed in to say he was happy to hear it since he believes Daly is a good guy. Moore is focusing on her daughter As Hill commented on Daly and sent well wishes to Moore, she mentioned how her focus is really on baby Brooklyn right now. Thats the paramount concern for me; its Brooklyn at this point. I think becoming a mother just shifted how I look at things. Moore acknowledged that she and Daly have a long way to go to repair their relationship, but she wishes people had the chance to see a different side of him. Being on camera was a problem for Daly Season 12 wrapped filming but the show took a toll on Moore and Dalys marriage, which is something fans suspected all along. While chatting with Jordan and Hill, Moore admitted that her husband was resentful about appearing on RHOA and that was evident in the scenes. I really wish that people could have seen Marc how he really is, not how hes angry. Hes very resentful about the fact that hes on television. He doesnt want to be there but in his mind, Im supporting Kenya. But youre not supporting me if youre coming on the show angry and youre being an a** every time youre in a scene. That, I wish he could understand. Moore noted that theyre fixing things in reverse but Dalys attitude and behavior about being on TV contributed to a lot of their issues. According to her, theyre working on it, but she said if things dont pan out between them, shell do whats best for her and her daughter. On a lighter note, Moore shared that Hill, Kandi Burruss, and Todd Tucker spent time with Daly off-camera and know that theres more to him than what viewers see. He is so funny and sweet and hes so playful and quick-witted. And that is not who you guys have seen on the show. The Marc youve seen Im sure everyone is saying Why is she with him? They dont see who he really is. Moore thinks that can be attributed to Daly digging his heels in and resisting what is reality TV buffoonery as she called it, saying its been to their detriment. Theyre continuing to work on their relationship, but Brooklyn comes first. Pope Francis on Sunday celebrated Easter Mass in St. Peters Basilica, empty of faithful and assisted by a handful of attendants. The Mass, which was livestreamed and sung mostly in Latin, was celebrated for the tens of thousands who could not attend in person. New York Times reported that last year, an estimated 70,000 faithful crammed into St. Peters Square on Easter morning to hear the Pope deliver his Urbi et Orbi (To the City and to the World) message after Easter Mass. This is not the same this year as people are prohibited to gather in the square because of the coronavirus outbreak. In his message, the Pope preached hope as the world is suffering from physical and economic difficulty in the pandemic. He acknowledged that 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 his thoughts were with those directly affected by the virus, most importantly doctors and nurses, the sick, those who had died and family members in mourning. A world already faced with epochal challenges and now oppressed by a pandemic severely testing our whole human family, Mr Francis spoke of the contagion of hope. God is with us, he said, firmly reassuring us: Do not be afraid, I have risen and I am with you still. He acknowledged the concerns of many people who face an uncertain economic future and fears surrounding unemployment. He called on political leaders to work actively for the common good and to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life. This is not a time for indifference, Mr Francis said, because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic, he said. In Britain, Queen Elizabeth II in her Easter message on Saturday night said the holiday was a time of light overcoming darkness. We know that coronavirus will not overcome us, the queen said. 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, she added. A middle-aged Asian woman wearing a mask was going for a walk when a woman screamed at her to get away from her. A man spat on an Asian man waiting for the subway. A man spat on an Asian woman walking to her gym. A woman refused a coffee from a barista because she thought the barista was Chinese. When the Asian man behind her started telling her how irrational that request was, she snarled, Are you Chinese? He retorted, No, but your ugly-ass knockoff purse is. I never would have thought that the word Chink would have a resurgence in 2020. The word was supposed to be as outdated as those sinister little Chinamen saltshakers I saw in thrift shops. It still thrived among bottom feeders on the internet, but I hadnt heard it directed at me since I was in my 20s. But now I was encountering that word every time I read about an anti-Asian incident or hearing about its use from friends. I couldnt process the fact that Americans were hurling that slur at us so openly and with such raw hate. In the past, I had a habit of minimizing anti-Asian racism because it had been drilled into me early on that racism against Asians didnt exist. Anytime that I raised concerns about a racial comment, I was told that it wasnt racial. Anytime I brought up an anti-Asian incident, a white person interjected that it was a distraction from the more important issue (and there was always a more important issue). Ive been conditioned to think my second-class citizenry was low on the scale of oppression and therefore not worth bringing up even though every single Asian-American I know has stories of being emasculated, fetishized, humiliated, underpaid, fired or demoted because of our racial identities. After President Trump called Covid-19 the Chinese virus in March, the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council said more than 650 incidents of discrimination directed against Asian-Americans were reported to a website it helps maintain in one week alone. Even after seeing that number, I wondered if anti-Asian racism would be taken seriously. On Twitter, when the novelist R.O. Kwon talked about the surge, an in-law asked doubtfully, Is it really happening? Do the reports have to rise to 1,000 a week? 2,000? How many is enough so that the hate will be seen? Since the coronavirus, what has been happening is a different strain of anti-Asian racism than the kind to which Im accustomed. Not the kind in which we are invisible or were seen as efficient cyborgs. Racism never disappears but adapts to new circumstances when old strains rise from the dark vaults of American history. The recent rise carries the stench of late-19th-century xenophobia. In 1882, the government passed a federal law that banned Chinese laborers from entering the U.S. because of fears they were taking jobs away from whites. They were portrayed as a degraded race, a contagion that would stain the morals of white Americans. If black and indigenous people were systematically enslaved, killed and dispossessed of property, the Chinese were excluded from the U.S. altogether, an immigration ban that was essentially a form of global segregation. Chinese immigrants remaining in cities were segregated into squalid quarters. The scholar Joan B. Trauner writes that whites were repulsed by San Franciscos Chinatown with its foul and disgusting vapors and health officials blamed the enclave for spreading every epidemic. One physician said at the time: The Chinese were the focus of Caucasian animosities, and they were made responsible for mishaps in general. A destructive earthquake would probably be charged to their account. The anti-Chinese campaign was widespread, reaching less densely populated areas as well, where Chinese immigrants were afraid to leave their homes because they would be assaulted, even shot at. In 1885, in what is now Tacoma, Wash., white people terrorized the Chinese community by setting fire to their businesses. The xenophobia culminated in a riot in which a white mob drove 300 Chinese immigrants out of their homes. Using clubs, poles and pistols, writes the historian Beth Lew-Williams, the mob chased the weeping immigrants out of town in a freezing rain. Bangladesh on Sunday 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 high profile massacre. IMAGE: A girl pays tribute to the mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka. Photograph: Andrew Biraj/Reuters 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 A K M 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 had gathered in front of the jail at midnight, defying COVID-19 restrictions, he said, adding that Majed 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 near 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. 12 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 Zia-ur 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. By Pardis and Frank Stitt, owners and operators of Highlands Bar & Grill, James Beard Award winner for Best American Restaurant (2018), Bottega, and Chez Fonfon in Birmingham To walk into the kitchen and no one is trimming vegetables, no one fileting fish, the walk-in is mostly emptied (we made a few days of meals for our restaurant family, our staff). Now Pardis and I feel we would endanger ourselves and our team by the close contact of preparing food, so we wait. We wait until the coast is clear, and we can return to those long days and nights filled with action, with people, decisions, food from farmers we love; dishwashers who have worked with us for decades; captains and servers who are so knowledgeable and graceful you, our guest, might feel like being part of a playa grand theater. There is a bit of magic when you enter a good restaurant, one where everything is clicking from the moment you walk in when you are greeted by a welcoming smile, an eye-to-eye glimmer of genuine hospitality. As you are seated you notice the way the staff glides through the room, acknowledging you and the other staff members. Your server explains the spring menu has strawberries from a favorite Cullman farmer, Trent Boyd; the watercress was foraged from a clear, cold spring; the seafood just came in from Greg Abrams of Panama City, Florida; and the crab claws are a good way to start, and the gigged flounder an option to consider, or the Poulet Rouge chicken, a heritage breed from France but raised in North Carolinamuch slower growing but the flavor is unparalleled. You notice a recurring theme: produce from soil that is cared for; varieties of vegetables grown for flavor not the commodity ones that grow fast and are easy to harvest but lack that special flavora more difficult and expensive way to farm but produced with care, love and respect. As the night continues the stage-like feeling growsthere are stories about a particular dish originating from the Southwest of France, but tonight is transformed by our Southern crawfish and Bentons country ham. If we are on our game, its a bit like watching Hamilton on Broadway from the front row. But now our team is hurtingunsure of when we will get back to work; worried about bills that are due, coupled with conflicting messages from our government; and all hoping we do not get sick. Our team is temporarily disbanded and there are tears when we realize how much we miss each other and how much we miss the work we do. This band of individuals who come together to provide a great experience for you, our guestsWE MISS YOU. Thank you for the kind notes, letters and emailssome of you have contributed to our staff support fund, and we sincerely thank you. To learn more about what you can do to help support your local independent restaurant community, please go to the Independent Restaurant Coalition website at saverestaurants.com. This is a group of restaurant owners and chefs who mobilized about three weeks ago to help formulate legislation to assist independent restaurants and the more than 10 million industry workers. Hopefully, we will soon return to the work we love, and hopefully, you will be there with us. Congratulations, drinkeat.com got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Drinkeat.com scored 70 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 3.5/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 3 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. drinkeat.com is very popular in Facebook. Furthermore its facebook page has 507 likes. The total number of people who shared the drinkeat homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the drinkeat homepage on Twitter + the total number of drinkeat followers (if drinkeat has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the drinkeat homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the drinkeat homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if drinkeat has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the drinkeat homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. Basic Information PAGE TITLE Hong Kong Restaurant Reviews DESCRIPTION Hong Kongs independent website of in-depth reviews on restaurants KEYWORDS , , , , , Hong Kong Restaurants, Hong Kong Cuisine, Fine Wine and Food, Hong Kong French restaurants, Hong Kong Chinese restaurants, Hong Kong top restaurants, Hong Kong good restaurants, Eating in Hong Kong, Eating out in Hong Kong, Din OTHER KEYWORDS The title found in the head section of the homepage. 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. Domain and Server DOCTYPE CHARSET AND LANGUAGE BIG5 DETECTED LANGUAGE SERVER Apache (PHP/5.2.17) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux Character set and language of the site. 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 drinkeat.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for drinkeat.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/pages/xiang-jiang-shi-ping-DrinkEatcom/248554597424 DESCRIPTION ompany_overview': ' LIKES 507 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT 1 PAGE TYPE Website TIMELINE PAGE TIMELINE The URL of the found Facebook page. 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. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The type of Facebook page. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport here will facilitate operation of three relief flights. Ahmedabad: The British Airways will operate three flights from here in the next few days to take back 900 UK nationals stranded in Gujarat due to the lockdown, the Ahmedabad Airport authorities on Sunday. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport here will facilitate operation of three relief flights of the British Airways for transporting the British nationals who are standard in Gujarat, the airport said in a release. Flight numbers BA9113C, BA9117C and BA9117C will operate on April 13, 15 and 17, respectively, it said. "It is estimated that approximately 300 passengers will board each of these flights from Ahmedabad," it said. Two aircraft will arrive here from the Heathrow Airport in London and leave for the UK capital on April 13 and 15. The third aircraft will arrive in Ahmedabad from Hyderabad on April 17 and depart for London the same day, it said. "Special care will be taken for the facilitation of passengers and social distancing, in line with directives of the Government of India," the release said, adding that the SVPI Airport has requested all the passengers to follow instructions of the staff on duty. SVPI Airport Director Manoj Gangal is in constant touch with the British High Commission to ensure no inconvenience is caused to the passengers, it added. Sri Lanka's Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said on Sunday that the Roman Catholic Church had forgiven the suicide bombers who killed 279 people and wounded nearly 600 others on Easter Sunday in 2019, in one of the deadliest attacks in the island nation's history. "We offered love to the enemies who tried to destroy us. We forgave them," Cardinal Ranjith told an Easter mass which was broadcast from a TV studio due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 279 people and injuring 593 others on the Easter Sunday on April 21, 2019. "The attackers may have had some anger towards Jesus, but, they caused a big damage to us Catholics and Christians. In those bomb attacks, it is not only the Catholics who died. A lot of others - Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Christian also died," said Ranjith, who conducted the mass to an empty All Saints Church here this morning. The blasts targeted St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and a church in the eastern town of Batticaloa when the Easter Sunday mass were in progress. Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury in Colombo. The ISIS terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jammath for the bombings. The island's Christian religious minority marked the Easter Sunday without attending the traditional mass as many churches remained closed due to the coronavirus which has killed 7 people and infected nearly 200 others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The climbing route was fairly straightforward: Starting from the breakfast bar, it was a big jump to the opposite counter, then a drop down past the dishwasher and under the sink to come back up onto the counter, ending with a triumphant summit of the stove. But there was an unexpected challenge of this brand new climbing route: Finding things to hold onto. Your counters are not the best thing to hang onto for support, says Mel Lausch, a climber who lives in Invermere, British Columbia. Its slippery. You cant tug too hard on the ropes, and the helmets are mostly for show, but the recent kitchen climbing excursion scratched a crucial itch for Lausch and her two roommates. As people around the world stay home in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus, its presented a unique challenge to those who can usually be found hiking, biking or climbing. In addition to the need to stay home to slow the spread, national parks and many provincial recreation areas have closed to vehicle traffic to cut down on crowds. Rescue groups in the Rocky Mountains have pleaded with backcountry users to play it safe, lest unnecessary accidents further stress the medical system already pushed to the brink by COVID-19. But as it turns out, with much cabin fever comes great creativity. Filmmaker and photographer Phillipp Klein Herrero amazed fans this week with a new ski movie posted to YouTube shot without ever leaving the house. Famed survival expert Bear Grylls has launched a new initiative called The Great Indoors to teach kids outdoor skills, like making hot air balloons, while staying home. Its definitely a struggle to try to adapt your lifestyle when youre so used to being out and doing everything outdoors, Lausch said, adding that the key is staying positive and busy. After climbing the kitchen, she and her roommates tackled the stairs. This week theyre planning an obstacle course through the house. Invermere is small enough that she says that theyre still hoping to get out for the odd outdoor climb, but spending this much time at home is definitely new. Do your best to do the activities you enjoy, tweak them for the situation. Also scaling his kitchen these days is Jay Johnstone, a climber and carpenter in Vancouver. He built his own wall out of recovered materials a few years ago, but didnt use it much until now. Its no substitute for the social benefits of the climbing gym, he says. I kind of just have to be satisfied with whatever Instagram likes I get, he joked. I dont even get a fist bump when I do something good. But now hes spending time working on techniques and learning how to plan routes, even if it is just around his kitchen. Im sure everyone goes a bit stir crazy, but some of us also see it as a unique challenge, he said. Stevin Tuchiwsky posted a photo of his latest adventure to a Facebook group for Alberta hikers this week. One of my most gruelling objectives to date, he wrote. The picture, featuring a tiny figure gazing up at arches of backlit ice, didnt look out of place for the Calgary-based outdoor photographer, who often spends his downtime on skis or snowshoes. Except the figure was plastic, the snow drifts were a carefully arranged bedsheet and Tuchiwsky hadnt actually left home. Its been interesting to see all the comments on it, Tuchiwsky said. There have been a few people who said theyve scrolled back a second time like Oh, I didnt even realize this was fake, and then I had one person that didnt get it completely and was like, this just looks like a figurine and a bed sheet to me. Which of course, it is, though the making of it was a bit more complicated. First, he filled bowls with water and food colouring to make a series of frozen domes, propping them up on boxes and draping a bedsheet over the whole thing to mimic snow. Then he lit the scene with a combination of fairy lights and his phone. I think it turned out all right, he said. Its been pretty well received. Like many people stuck inside, Tuchiwsky says hes just trying to stay busy and take his mind off things. Hes also started baking and going for walks around the neighbourhood. Everyone wants answers, or some assurances, but theres none of that right now because we dont know how long this is going to last, and its a situation weve never been in, he said. As hard as it is to stay away from the mountains, Tuchiwsky says theres no question its important to be considerate of everyones health and stay home. The more we work together, the more helpful well be. Hopefully we have a summer to enjoy, he says. But now that hes figured out how to make realistic ice domes, he plans to keep shooting photos that at least look like hes outside. It kind of lets you live in that world a little bit. Teenage girls have filmed themselves spitting and coughing on an Uber driver during the coronavirus pandemic. The disgusting video, believed to have been shot in western Sydney, was posted on Facebook showing an Asian driver being abused by his female passengers. The driver, wearing a face mask, tells the girls he cannot drive them due to coronavirus before the girls retaliate. 'We've already paid for the Uber,' the filmer replies. 'I'm actually going to f**king punch you in the head. 'I'll bash you and take the car myself.' The driver tells the passengers they haven't paid for the trip and refuses to take them, before the girls begin coughing at him. 'Well guess what? I've got the coronavirus anyway,' one says before spluttering at the driver. A passenger in the backseat can be heard spitting at the driver while he makes a phone call. One of the teenage passengers threatens to steal the car, while the other threatens to bash him. 'I'm not getting out I already paid for the Uber,' the filmer says. 'Take me you dumb f**k or I'll bash you.' A New South Wales police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they were unaware of the incident. Comments on the post were scathing towards the teenage passengers. The girls coughed and spat at the driver (pictured) after he refused to accept their trip 'Anyone joking around about that s**t in this day and age needs to be made to understand that its not acceptable,' one said. 'Another of Australia's finest ladies,' another post reads. 'Appalling. The poor guy may be trying to support his family and get through these tough times,' a third said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang Sun, April 12, 2020 16:24 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd160ea5 1 National Semarang,Central-Java,health-worker,nurse,Ganjar-Pranowo,COVID-19,coronavirus,outbreak-in-Indonesia,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,Ungaran Free The funeral of a nurse who succumbed to COVID-19 in Sewakul village, West Ungaran, Semarang regency in Central Java was met with rejection on Thursday afternoon from several residents due to concerns over the risk of possible infection. It is the latest in a growing string of cases that shed light on the stigmatization of those who have contracted the disease in the province. The nurse, identified only as NK, 38, was to be laid to rest next to her fathers grave upon her familys request. As a medical team from Kariadi Hospital where NK used to work prepared for the burial, dozens of Sewakul residents arrived at the scene and collectively rejected the funeral. Local neighborhood unit (RT) head Purbo spoke on behalf of the residents that afternoon. Read also: Authorities assure safety as locals protest burial of people with coronavirus Consequently, NKs body was later moved to Bergota Cemetery, the largest public cemetery in Semarang. Amateur footage of Thursdays event has since circulated and sparked controversy on social media platforms, with many claiming that the locals actions reflected their supposed disrespect toward health workers who had sacrificed their lives for COVID-19 patients. Ini video warga yang menolak perawat meninggal dunia karena Covid-19 di Ungaran Kabupaten Semarang, yang akhirnya di makamkan di Bergota, Kota Semarang. Seng nyocot kui manusia tapi rak berperikemanusiaan! Piye nek goro2 iki, perawat e do mutung melu2 #dirumahaja pic.twitter.com/q9iSOzRfOj ForzaPSIS (@ForzaPSIS) April 9, 2020 They claim to be humans, but theyre not at all humane, Twitter user @ForzaPSIS wrote in Javanese on Friday, alongside a video depicting an ambulance and other vehicles exiting Sewakul on Thursday. An onlooker who recorded the footage could be heard expressing his gratitude that the burial was canceled. Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has since apologized for the furor, reassuring the public that they had no reason to fear the burial of those who had died of COVID-19. Id like to say once again that the bodies of COVID-19 patients are handled in accordance with safety standards, Ganjar said in a video posted on his official Instagram page @ganjar_pranowo on Saturday. Nurses, doctors and other health workers never rejected a patient. How could we reject them, who have sacrificed their lives to save us? Ganjar went on to say he had issued a circular that aims to prevent similar issues from happening again in the future, as well as to educate regents and mayors across the province on the proper handling of bodies of deceased COVID-19 patients. Purbo, the RT head in Sewakul who voiced the rejection on behalf of several residents, has since apologized publicly for the blunder. I sincerely apologize. As an RT head, I only voiced the will of the residents, he said at the Indonesian Nurses Association (PPNI) office in Central Java on Friday. Read also: COVID-19: Tensions arise between residents, officials over burials in Depok, Medan As of Sunday, Central Java had recorded at least 200 confirmed COVID-19 patients and 25 deaths. In response to the rapid spread of the coronavirus, provincial capital Semarang shut down several major thoroughfares last month in the hope that residents would remain indoors and help flatten the curve of infection. The Central Java Police, in cooperation with the Semarang Police, have since apprehended three residents of Semarang regency who had allegedly rejected NKs burial in Sewakul. They were charged under articles 212 and 214 of the Criminal Code and Law No. 4/1984 on infectious diseases. Theyre currently being detained at the Central Java Police headquarters for questioning, said Central Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Iskandar Fitriana Sutisna on Saturday. A local resident walks near Sasanalaya Girilayu public cemetery in West Ungaran, Semarang regency, Central Java on April 11, 2020. Semarang regency's COVID-19 task force has prepared a 3.4-hectare plot of land owned by the regency administration next to the cemetery as a burial site for deceased COVID-19 patients. (Antara/Aji Styawan) Governor Ganjar said he had coordinated with several agencies, including the Central Java Social Agency, to build a number of heroes cemeteries meant for medical staff members who had died of the coronavirus disease across the province. The move was expected to provide more dignified treatment of those who had dedicated their energy to treating COVID-19 patients, he said. Read also: Jakarta buries 639 bodies according to COVID-19 protocols Weve prepared the locations and administrative permits, said Ganjar on Saturday, stopping short of revealing the locations for future cemeteries. [Health workers] are aware that their jobs pose a great risk to their safety. We have to give them our utmost respect. I believe heroes cemeteries would serve as the most respectful memorials for the fallen ones. (rfa) New Delhi, April 12 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said the government will initiate the process of providing relief assistance to gramin and 'phatphat sewa' drivers, taxi drivers and auto-rickshaw drivers from Monday. Addressing the media, Kejriwal said the government is taking all measures for the security of the most vulnerable and poorest sections of society. "We are providing food for these people. Around 71 lakh beneficiaries are provided ration and 23 lakh beneficiaries, who do not have ration cards, have applied and they will also be provided ration through our schools," he said, listing the welfare schemes of the government. Kejriwal said the construction workers were provided Rs 5,000 as relief assistance. He said the public vehicle drivers with a valid driver's license and valid driver's badge, will get the relief assistance from Monday. The benefit will be given to all PSV badge holders who have been issued the badges till March 23. In case of persons whose driving licences have expired on or after April 1, will also be considered for grant of the benefit. A helpline service -- 011-23930763 & 011-23970290 -- will be available for answering the queries of PSV badge holders between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Kejriwal said the lockdown has affected thousands of public service transport drivers. "We are providing them relief assistance of Rs 5,000 each to help their families in these distressing times. From Monday, all the drivers will be able to submit their applications on the Transport Department's website. I would like to appeal to them to register on the website of the Delhi Transport Department," Kejriwal added. The drivers can apply on the website 'transport.gov.in' by filling the driving license number, PSV Badge number and contact number on the website. "The applicant will then receive an OTP, and after putting the OTP, a new screen will appear asking details such as applicant's Aadhaar number, Date of Birth, and gender. The application process will then be completed and the relief assistance will be transferred to the applicant's Aadhaar linked bank accounts," the Transport Department said. Assistance will be given to drivers of auto rickshaws, taxis, gramin sewa, phatphat sewa, maxi cab, eco-friendly sewa, e-rickshaws and school cabs, it added. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said the amount will help the drivers "in these times of distress". The passenger transport services in Delhi have been stopped to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The restrictions are in force since the announcement of the 21-day lockdown. As a result, a large number of persons including the drivers of public service vehicles were adversely affected financially. India Clears First Set of Hydroxychloroquine Tablets for 13 Countries, Including US - Sources Sputnik News 02:04 GMT 11.04.2020 New Delhi (Sputnik): Last week, as many as 30 countries, including the US, approached India for a supply of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug. Earlier, the export of the drug had been banned by India but following Trump's threats of economic retaliation, the ban was lifted. India has cleared its first list of 13 countries, including the US for a supply of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a few days after lifting a ban on its export, according to sources in Indian External Affairs Ministry. The country has also released 13.5 million tablets of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). The 13 countries are the US, Spain, Germany, Bahrain, Brazil, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, the Maldives, Bangladesh, the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Dominican Republic. "We are in the process of providing humanitarian aid in the form of pharmaceutical and other items, including HCQ & paracetamol, to SAARC countries and to Mauritius and Seychelles. We would also be providing these items as humanitarian aid to some countries in Africa and Latin America," sources in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said. "We are processing requests for medicines from other countries based on availability. These would be supplied on commercial basis," the sources added. The US had asked for 4.8 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine, of which India has allowed 3.5 million tablets. India has also sent 9 million tablets of API to the US, per request. Brazil will receive 0.53 MT API in the first consignment and Canada is expected to get 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine in a second consignment. Bangladesh will get 2 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine, Nepal one million, Bhutan 200,000, Sri Lanka 1 million, Afghanistan 500,000, and the Maldives 200,000. Germany will also get 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine and 1.5 million API tablets. On Tuesday, India lifted a ban on the export of the anti-malarial drug after receiving requests from over 30 countries to purchase a supply. US President Donald Trump has claimed that the drug can be a game changer in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, following independent studies in France and China. India claims that it has enough of the drug to serve its own population. The nation's Health and Family Welfare Ministry said on Friday that India has a stock of 328 million hydroxychloroquine tablets, while the projected requirement until the end of April is 160 million. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rachael Ray started her career demonstrating cooking techniques and recipes in grocery stores and has, basically, become a brand. The petite celebrity cook is an Oprah-blessed business woman with books, kitchenware, and even pet food bearing her name. Rachael Ray | Raymond Hall/GC Images She is, as well, an extraordinarily compassionate person, as evidenced by her generosity this week. Rachael Rays recent donation to families in need during pandemic The current pandemic gripping the world has all but stopped life as we know it. And that has meant devastating financial losses for countless businesses, employees, and families. Food banks have become overrun with people from all walks of life needing meals, but are understaffed, and low on resources. Ray and her husband, John Cusimano, have pledged $4 million to bring relief to those in need during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Half of their donation is being funneled through her nonprofit, Yum-o! The pair is joining forces with Feeding America, Share Our Strength, World Central Kitchen, The National Restaurant Association, City Harvest, Hunger Free America, Wholesome Wave, and ReThink Food to feed anyone in need, and specifically most recently, those affected by unemployment. The 50-year-old Food Network star said in a statement on her website, My overall goal with these donations is to support American families affected during the Covid-19 crisis with assistance for two-legged and four-legged family members. The couple isnt just worried about humans in need Rachael Rays fans know that she and Cusimano are devout animal lovers and just as distressed about pets needs right now, since animal shelters are hurting as well at this time. With so many out of work, the plight of abandoned or sick animals falls in priority and the power couple wanted to be sure to address that need. We felt it was important to help offset the decline in donations organizations have experienced, from a combination of the cancellation of fundraising events and reduced private donations, the cookbook author said on her website. The couples $2 million animal welfare donations were made to the North Shore Animal League, Best Friends Animal Society, Austin Pets Alive, Big Dog Ranch, San Antonio Pets Alive and Lost Our Home Rescue. Rachael Rays been broadcasting from her upstate home recently The Rachael Ray 50 author, as so many television show hosts lately, has been broadcasting from her home due to the pandemic. Home, for Ray and her husband of late, is her upstate New York home, from which shes been doing shows, with Cusimano serving as cameraman. Her show producers said in a statement that the 51-year-old culinary star would be cooking in her home kitchen for an hour of new recipes made with pantry staples, solutions for cooking dilemmas, and bit of fun along the way as shes joined by her husband, John Cusimano. Ray mirrored the emotions of so many right now saying in her first broadcast from home, This is a weird time, right? I cant say theres a silver lining; thats just a wild exaggeration. But there are found moments every day, and this is our found moment for myself, John, and [their dog] Isaboo that we get to share our home and some time with our viewers. Read more: Rachael Ray: Her Celebrity Crush and Favorite Moment from the Daytime Show By PTI LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has thanked the medics and staff of the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) for saving his life after he tested positive for the coronavirus, saying he owed them his life. In his first public statement since being moved out of the intensive care at St. Thomas' Hospital in London on Saturday, the 55-year-old Johnson said, I can't thank them enough, I owe them my life. Downing Street has said that Johnson, who completes a week in hospital on Sunday after being shifted there with persistent COVID-19 symptoms, continues to make very good progress while on the ward. He has been able to take short walks as his doctors monitor his recovery after being moved out of the intensive care and has been watching films and doing puzzles in his hospital bed. Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant with their first child, is said to have sent him letters and baby scans to lift his spirits during his time in the hospital. Thousands of get-well soon cards have also poured in for the prime minister since he went into self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus over two weeks ago. Asked about plans for his return to work, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Saturday that the UK PM needed "time and space to rest, recuperate and recover". The Indian-origin Cabinet minister, who led the daily Downing Street update on the pandemic on Saturday, revealed that the UK had recorded 917 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total deaths in the country to 9,875. According to the Johns Hopkins University data, the country has nearly 80,000 cornavirus cases. Patel urged people to stay at home over the Easter weekend to curb the spread of the virus, despite warm and sunny weather across parts of the UK. We have given the police powers to enforce the necessary measures we have put in place, including through enforcement fines," said Patel. "If you don't play your part. Our selfless police will be unafraid to act. You will be endangering the lives of your own family, friends and loved ones," she said. Meanwhile, an Easter message posted on the official 10 Downing Street Twitter account on behalf of the prime minister also urged people to stay at home to save lives. It read: Wishing everyone a very happy Easter from Downing Street. This year across the country churches will remain closed, and families will spend the day apart. But by staying home, remember, you are protecting the NHS and saving lives. - Kibe has been angered by his fans who made him a trending topic because of his dirty dishes - The controversial presenter said he was trying to learn how to cook from co-host, Kamene Goro - He questioned why people focused more on the few dishes in his kitchen at a time there was a greater problem of coronavirus - According to Kibe, he thought he would trend because of going to the kitchen to cook but that was not the case Radio presenter Andrew Kibe has hit back at Kenyans who made fun of his kitchen after spotting dirty dishes. An angry Kibe, who plies his trade at urban radio Kiss 100 responded to the critics telling them to focus on serious matters through a video he posted on his social media pages on Friday, April 10. READ ALSO: Njugush's cute son rocks a woman's wig and fans can't keep calm READ ALSO: Mommy-daughter goals: Hamisa Mobetto, daughter stun in electrifying matching outfits on her 5th birthday In the video shared on his Instagram account, the vocal presenter said he was being assisted by breakfast show co-host Kamene Goro to cook in the video that exposed his dirty kitchen. The controversial radio host used harsh words as he addressed the matter sitting at the comfort of his car. "The other day, I said, let me do a video. Let me know how to cook and who do I know that was going to teach me? Mitchelle Kamene Goro. So we did a live video in my house showing how am cooking," he said. READ ALSO: George Magoha ni lazima kuufanya mtihani wa COVID-19, virusi hatari According to Kibe, he thought he would trend because of getting into the kitchen to prepare a sumptuous meal. However, that was not the case with his fans who were quick to notice the dirty dishes in the sink rather than laud him for getting into the kitchen to cook. "I knew I would trend because of getting into the kitchen to cook. But what did you people make me trend for? A pair of dirty dishes? Who even trends because of dishes?" he asked. Kibe even went ahead to challenge his critics to focus on serious issues like the coronavirus pandemic, not a "small mess" in his kitchen. The radio host became the topic of discussion on Wednesday, April 8 after his Instagram live feed left him with egg on face. In the live feed Kibe had tagged Kamene and fans were excited until they noticed the dishes had not been literally sanitised. Many who commented, especially women, could not help but point out how dirty his kitchen was. 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. My husband left me for our househelp - Justina Syokau of Twendi Twendi | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke FSI, a key provider of software for facilities management (FM) solutions, has joined the fight against Covid-19 by providing purpose-built computer-aided FM solutions to deliver a high volume of tasks and allow rapid mobilisation. The company is supporting its FM clients who are managing the facilities, services and associated maintenance of Nightingale field hospitals, which are being swiftly constructed across the UK, in the fight against he deadly coronavirus. As part of the companys commitment to battle Covid-19, FSI have configured a free, purpose-built SaaS deployment of the Concept Evolution Enterprise CAFM/IWMS solution. The deployment has been configured to address the specific requirements of the range of services to be provided, which includes reactive tasks, portering, cleaning and catering, said a top official. "We have provided a built for purpose solution which is linked into our FSI GO range of mobile workforce solutions and our Integrated Service Module (ISM) which is designed for the delivery of a high volume of tasks in a short space of time," stated Adrian Jarvis, the director of FSI Middle East. FSIs team configured a system with all the necessary data to allow rapid mobilisation, he noted. "Given the shoulders to the wheel nature of this unique requirement, FSI drew on the expertise of all areas of the organisation in order to meet the challenge," he added. FSI has provided a ring-fenced Concept Evolution environment, focused solely on this specific and unprecedented requirement, free of data from the business as usual Concept enterprise environments used by each of these clients. We are very pleased to report that the speed of our response and tailored deployment has been acknowledged with praise and gratitude from our loyal clients who already use the FSI system for their major health contracts, remarked Jarvis. Whilst we are all looking for an early solution to this global challenge, FSI have ensured the solution we have built is capable of scaling to encompass any requirement and we look forward to playing our part in getting us all back to a normal existence, he added.-TradeArabia News Service In various regions across New Jersey, homebound seniors need more than just their meals delivered. That is the message being spread by two Meals on Wheels organizations based in the state, both of which are seeking donations of cleaning and toiletry supplies to deliver to elderly and invalid clients during the coronavirus pandemic. These Meals on Wheels programs serve homebound seniors living in Ocean County and Greater New Brunswick, respectively. While continuing to regularly deliver meals to them including extra emergency supplies of shelf-stable foods in the event that the delivery rate becomes affected by COVID-19 these organizations are striving to also supply their clients with hygienic products, which have become increasingly difficult to acquire due to hoarding in grocery stores. Meals on Wheels of Ocean County packed approximately 10,000 meals between Mar. 21 and 22.Courtesy - Meals on Wheels of Ocean County Jim Sigurdson, executive director for Meals on Wheels of Ocean County, said that the over 1,000 clients served by the organization on a daily basis are in need of supplies, including toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, and sanitizing and disinfecting wipes. Our homebound people are disadvantaged to begin with, Sigurdson said. Many of them dont have any kind of an informal community support in place to assist them. Many of them relied on caregiver shoppers to get basic essentials for them, and theyre finding themselves now in need of just those basic essentials. Hesitant to utilize funding reserved for providing meals to the seniors, Sigurdson said that he has sought support from the Ocean County Board of Freeholders and has received donations from both the Causeway Family of Dealerships in Manahawkin and Lester Glenn Auto Group in Toms River, as well the Grunin Foundation in Toms River, the Hovnanian Foundation in Tinton Falls, and the United Way of Ocean and Monmouth Counties in Wall Township. Nonetheless, Sigurdson emphasized that the need for these products still exists and is likely to grow more urgent as the pandemic continues. This is a growing need. The longer this crisis remains in effect, the more likely were going to have to increase the distribution of these things," Sigurdson said. Adding that Meals on Wheels of Ocean County effectively functions to keep over 1,000 individuals in good health and out of the hospital, Sigurdson described the organizations request for help from the community as the right thing. So were asking the community to do the right thing too and people that have an overabundance of these things, were asking them to donate them so that we can give them to people who truly are at need and really cant get out of their own homes to secure these items, he said. Shareka Fitz, the executive director of Meals on Wheels in Greater New Brunswick, has, like Sigurdson, been seeking hygienic supplies to deliver to the organizations approximately 70 homebound clients, including bleach, lysol, dish detergent, and paper towels. Last week, we got around 10 calls about cleaning supplies," Fitz said. We were trying to find a place that would donate cleaning supplies, because weve already stretched out our budget getting emergency (shelf-stable) meals. (Our clients) are looking for all kinds of things because they cant get out." The organization has also lost about 95 percent of its volunteers since the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, its numbers dwindling from 120 regular workers to approximately six. Nonetheless, support from new volunteers, including medical students from the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, and adjustments to the organizations schedule have alleviated problems caused by the decline in volunteerism, Fitz assured. Former New Brunswick coucilwoman Betsy Garlatti delivered meals to the homebound seniors in New Brunswick in 2012.Courtesy - Meals on Wheels in Greater New Brunswick Reflecting upon her desire to give more to homebound clients than is typical of Meals on Wheels, Fitz emphasized that such a pursuit is written into the motto of the organization itself. Our motto is Meals on Wheels is more than a meal," Fitz said. "And whatever assistance they need to stay in the house if we can help them do that, we do that. Meals on Wheels of Ocean County has the following mailing address: PO Box 610, Stafford, NJ 08050-0610. Individuals may contact the organization by calling (609) 978-6869 or emailing info@csimow.org. Meals on Wheels in Greater New Brunswick has the following mailing address: 211 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Individuals may contact the organization by calling (732) 249-3488 or emailing mowgnb@aol.com. 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. Have a tip? Tell us.nj.com/tips. Caroline Fassett may be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook. In crime-ridden Rio de Janeiro, killings by guns in the past month were a third of the same period a year ago. In El Salvador, one of the deadliest countries, March saw the fewest homicides in its history. And in Caracas, the often lawless capital of Venezuela, crime has fallen to near zero. In Latin America, as in most of the world, coronavirus has driven people into their homes, disrupting patterns of work and school. One change has been welcome -- a huge drop in the burglaries and killings that mar daily existence across much of the region, the global leader in crime. Unfortunately, there are countervailing trends: like in the U.S., a spike in domestic violence as abusive men beat partners and children cooped up with them. And -- unique to the region -- gangs, which run vast swathes of territory, are entrenching control, often enforcing government lockdown or food distribution as self-appointed guardians of civic responsibility. "Criminal gangs are seeing what they can get away with," noted Falko Ernst of the International Crisis Group in Mexico. In Michoacan state, he said, some gangs are extorting businessmen or robbing semitrailers to distribute food and goods, Robin-Hood style. "It might be a renaissance of benevolent displays," he added. In Medellin, Colombia 18 murders were recorded in March, down 46% from a year earlier and the lowest in 40 years. Shootouts in Rio have halved since the quarantine began. And in El Salvador, the 65 homicides last month were the lowest ever registered. Mexico's crime data for March contrast with those of most of the region -- they were up, including drug-related murders and lootings. But Mexico bucked international trends in March by keeping markets and shops open, shutting society down only toward the very end of the month. In San Salvador, gangs have enforced quarantines and also extorted crowds that rushed government offices to collect the $300 promised them as part of a stimulus and recovery project. "The intelligence chief in San Salvador said he sent agents to infiltrate the crowd that was seeking its payments and they recognized multiple criminal gang members," said Paul Consoli, a U.S. law enforcement intelligence specialist working as a consultant there. He said his house cleaner couldn't come to work because the gang that rules the streets around her house (she calls its members the "muchachos," or guys) barred anyone from leaving home to reduce infection rates. In Colombia, dissidents from the terrorist group that signed a peace deal with the government in 2016, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, remain active. A pamphlet dated March 23 and claiming to come from a group of such dissidents instructed those living in the areas where they operate to stay inside, threatening sanctions to those who disobey. Bearing the photo of a smiling guerrilla, the leaflet tells citizens to "please stay inside with husbands, wives, parents, children and cousins" or "we will be forced to impose sanctions on violators of these instructions." A smaller Colombian guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army, or ELN, that wasn't a part of the peace accord, issued a declaration of cease-fire for April due to the virus, saying it expected the same from government forces. It took the opportunity to urge the government of President Ivan Duque to free prisoners, provide free testing and offer a range of relief efforts to small businesses the elderly, poor and those in debt. Domestic abuse has also risen. Colombian Vice President Marta Lucia Ramirez said this week that the government is using dozens of properties seized from drug traffickers and money launderers, including warehouses, buildings and hotels, to house women escaping the mistreatment at home. Official data show that during the last week of March and first week of April calls to report domestic violence in Colombia doubled to 1,221 from 602 over the same period a year earlier. Argentina, where crime has plummeted during the lockdown, is also using property seized from drug dealers for the crisis, transporting coronavirus patients in their luxury vehicles and housing the patients on seized estates and hotels. Guatemala, another of the world's deadliest nations, saw its lowest number of killings in March in at least a decade, according to the coroner's office. But Anthony Fontes, a scholar at American University in Washington D.C. who specializes in gangs and violence in the region, said it will not take long for things to turn dark again. He notes that policing at Guatemala's ports has fallen off, making drug trafficking easier, and there are signs of car thefts creeping up. "So many people lost their jobs in March and most Guatemalans have virtually nothing to fall back on," he said. "Right now, the streets are empty after 3 p.m., making them easy to police. But this is the calm before the storm." Political leaders cutting across party lines on Sunday condemned the brutal attack on police by a group of Nihangs in Punjab's Patiala and sought strict action against perpetrators of the crime. An officer's hand was chopped off with a sword and two other Punjab policemen injured when a group of Nihangs attacked them after being asked to show curfew passes at a vegetable market in Patiala district. Seven people, including five attackers, were arrested hours later after an exchange of fire at a gurdwara where the group fled after the 6.15 am incident in Sanaur town. Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh asked police to take strict action against law-breakers. Police Party on Naka duty was attacked today in which one ASI's hand was cut off & 6 were injured. Police cornered the culprits & have taken them into custody. Have given instructions to the @PunjabPoliceInd to deal with anyone breaking the law in strictest possible manner, the CM tweeted. Akali stalwart and former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal too condemned the attack. There is no place for violence in a civilised society, Badal said in a statement here. He said police throughout the country have been performing a difficult task most selflessly. The five-time CM urged people to cooperate with the Centre and the state government against the coronavirus outbreak. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Gobind Singh Longowal also flayed the brutal attack and asked people to follow the curfew restrictions. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal described the incident as barbaric and sought action against those who break the law. The barbaric attack on cops by anti-social elements at Subji Mandi in Patiala is condemnable. All necessary steps should be taken to maintain law & order & everyone should cooperate with authorities. Those taking law into their own hands like this should be dealt with severely, Sukhbir tweeted. Aam Aadmi Party state unit chief and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann demanded strictest action against the accused. Senior advocate and AAP's former Dakha MLA H S Phoolka sought exemplary punishment for the accused. As culprits are arrested now, file charge sheet in 2 days & request court to complete trial within a week. It's attempt to murder with injury, Life Imprisonment is maximum punishment. Culprits should be awarded life imprisonment to send a message, Phoolka tweeted. Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal demanded strict time-bound action against the accused and urged people to cooperate with the authorities amid the lockdown. The shocking #attack on cops by anti- social elements at Sabji Mandi in #Patiala has shaken everyone. Strict time bound action & punishment should be given to these goons. I appeal to everyone to cooperate with the civil & police admn in these difficult times, she tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) OTTAWA, April 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadas unions welcome todays quick passage of the federal governments bill to legislate wage subsidies. With unanimous consent of all parties, Bill C-14: A second Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19 passed during a special sitting at the House of Commons. The bill will now pass the Senate and receive Royal Assent by the end of the day. The wage subsidy aims to make it easier for employers to retain staff during the COVID-19 crisis. Not only will it ease the financial strain on employers, it aims to help expedite the eventual economic recovery. Parliamentarians are clearly sensing the need to act decisively to protect jobs and to help keep Canadian households afloat, said Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Hassan Yussuff. This bill ensures that workers will continue to receive wages and also have access to workplace benefits in the short term. This subsidy will be made available to eligible companies, non-profits and charities, providing a benefit of up to $847 per week or 75 per cent of the employees prior weekly paycheque, whichever is less. The CLC is urging the government to enforce the expectation that employers make every effort to top up wages so that workers receive 100% of their pre-crisis pay. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy will also provide employers with a refund for certain contributions to Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan, and the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan. The CLC has been urging employers who have laid off workers to quickly reinstate them using this subsidy. Air Canada, for instance, is already working to rehire 16,500 employees. The next step is stronger support for essential workers, part-time employees and gig workers, so no one falls through the cracks, said Yussuff. Philip--; ? Philip--, PhilipPhilipPhilipPhilipPhilip PhilipPhilip' PhilipSally: Philip...... 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. , 2020, (literally): Ipad cool 2020-04-21 15:40:20 '' : ! 2020-04-21 14:17:28 cool 2020-04-17 18:14:38 '' : ?:):)) ! cool 2020-04-17 18:12:27 '' : 2020-04-17 16:40:35 :) 2020-04-17 16:10:37 2020-04-17 16:05:19 2020-04-17 16:02:41 'yy56' : cool 2020-04-17 13:42:56 '' : ! 2020-04-17 00:41:00 cool 2020-04-14 10:58:26 '' : ! ! 2020-04-14 08:29:40 cool 2020-04-13 22:07:29 'Once-always' : Oncemm(debatable)Oncemm:) mm! Once-always 2020-04-13 19:42:57 mmmarketmmPhilipmm cool 2020-04-13 09:29:28 '' : ! ! 2020-04-13 08:40:43 :-) 2020-04-13 08:24:21 :-):-) cool 2020-04-12 21:42:52 '' : ! 2020-04-12 18:35:11 cool 2020-04-12 16:49:44 '' : / cool 2020-04-12 16:22:29 'yy56' : ! 2020-04-12 11:58:59 yy56 2020-04-12 11:37:09 The Razors Edge cool 2020-04-12 10:50:18 '' : cool 2020-04-12 10:49:02 'spot321' : ! 2020-04-12 10:02:25 spot321 2020-04-12 09:42:32 cool 2020-04-12 08:44:10 '' : ! cool 2020-04-12 08:40:43 '' : Philipliberating! cool 2020-04-12 08:24:20 '' : ! :) ! 2020-04-12 06:18:26 2020-04-12 05:59:47 Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free 2020-04-12 05:49:40 cool 2020-04-11 20:59:38 '' : Philip"This is a novel, not an autobiography; though much in it is autobiographical, more is pure invention." cool 2020-04-11 20:52:25 '' : cool 2020-04-11 20:49:51 'ziqiao123' : somehow cool 2020-04-11 20:13:11 '7grizzly' : HI, my friend. Of course, we can always counter-argue with any great writer or philosopher, however wise he/she is. I think to Philip, it was liberating and it helped pull him through the difficult time when he could console himself that life is meaningless in the end. But of course life has a meaning, with each person and each stage different definitions:) And like everything transitory or ephemeral (thank you for the word) in this world, so is happiness. I learn from your "D is for Dictionary" like a second-hand learner, and I am glad that I save you some precious time by highlighting some quotes. Actually after I finished the review, I realized that I missed an interesting part in which the author compares the life to a Persian rug. I will see later. Thanks, my friend. Enjoy your weekend! 2020-04-11 19:10:38 mu 2020-04-11 18:14:09 "People ask for criticism, but they only want praise.", 2020-04-11 18:09:14 'ziqiao123' : cool 2020-04-11 17:41:39 """"PhilipPhilip 7grizzly, I will respond later. Thank you. ziqiao123 2020-04-11 17:30:59 7grizzly 2020-04-11 17:20:53 I like the selected quotes as they deliver some powerful arguments and observations. But as good as they are, there are always counter-arguments. The other side of the coin, so to speak. I'd like to argue with the author just for fun. The idea that life has no meaning can be liberating and crushing at the same time, depending e.g. on the stage of life one's at. For Philip, it was the former but many others would feel lost and even depressed by such a notion. Isn't it another powerful argument that the meaning of one's life is how one defines it through his living? "He was born, he suffered, he died." sounds contrary to the idea that one has the choice on the things he can control, including subjective suffering. Happiness is just one state of mind that won't last, a buddhist might say. So when Philip was said to be happy, I wonder if the author realized how ephemeral that was. You wrote a spoiler but it saves me time. I decide not to read the book now:-) cool 2020-04-11 17:19:02 'cxyz' : C! C, cxyz 2020-04-11 16:58:12 Philip...... cxyz 2020-04-11 16:01:57 Chinese police officers observe three minutes of silence to mark the country's national day of mourning for CCP virus victims at Beijing Railway Station in Beijing on April 4, 2020. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Disinformation, COVID-19, and the Power of the Press Commentary A lot of ink has been expended trying to assign blame for the spread of COVID-19. While most people now acknowledge that the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, originated in Wuhan, China, theres still debate about whether it came from a biological lab or a wet market. Much of the early confusion about the viruss origin can be traced to government reporting thats designed to minimize the apparent impact of the virus and to deny responsibility for it. As cited in the Los Angeles Times, European Commission spokesman Peter Stano called these early inaccurate reports an infodemic of misinformation and disinformation. Much of the impactful fake news about the virus comes from China, Russia, and Iran, where the governments control the media. They provide no protection for a free press. Without that, the press becomes a propaganda arm of the government, and trustworthy news disappears. The world is now seeing firsthand the ramifications of not having independent news reporting. The most significant and most destructive misinformation came from the Chinese communist regime. It started as soon as the CCP virus began appearing in Wuhan. Chinese state-sponsored Twitter accounts soon promoted conspiracy theories, while state authorities censored critical social media posts that used phrases such as unknown Wuhan pneumonia or new Wuhan flu. Anyone who wrote unapproved stories or accounts was punished for spreading rumors and fomenting social unrest. Many readers will be familiar with Chinas whistleblower, Li Wenliang, the ophthalmologist whose early warnings about the coronavirus were suppressed by the communist regime. The 34-year-old doctor was punished by local authorities for spreading rumors when he tried to warn others about the virus in early January. He died in February from complications related to his exposure to the virus. By then, the outbreak had claimed hundreds of other lives as well. Early in the process, President Donald Trump was among those who sometimes referred to the Wuhan virus or the Chinese virus, and, in late January, he issued serious restrictions on travel from China. Former Vice President Joe Biden said, This is no time for Donald Trumps record of hysteria and xenophobiahysterical xenophobiaand fearmongering to lead the way instead of science. Chinese officials jumped right in, supporting such criticism. The state-controlled media even suggested that the virus was brought to Wuhan by U.S. military athletes or that it originated in Italy. In mid-March, the CCP decided that control over the domestic media was not enough. It expelled foreign journalists from China and Hong Kong, further depriving the Chinese people and the rest of the world of access to true information about the virus and its effect in China. From that time on, judgments were based on highly suspect authorized information and occasional snippets that made it past the censors. Russia has also been accused of waging a disinformation campaign, which, according to the European Unions European External Action Service (EEAS), used contradictory, confusing and malicious reports that made it hard for Western governments to communicate their responses to the crisis, and this generated panic and doubt. The overarching aim of Kremlin disinformation [was] to aggravate the public health crisis in Western countries in line with the Kremlins broader strategy of attempting to subvert European societies, the EEAS wrote, according to Reuters. The Russian news outlet Sputnik asserted that biologists and pharmacists in Latvia invented the virus. Others close to the Kremlin advanced the idea that it was developed by the British military. Russian lawmakers authorized the Kremlin to call a nationwide state of emergency and prescribed long prison sentences for anyone who spread fake news about the coronavirus. Put another way, just like in China, anyone who published anything other than government-approved stories and statistics could be jailed. According to the National Review, people have been fined for merely for discussing rumors about coronavirus on social media. While prosecuting its citizens and misleading the world, Russia also did some image-building by offering humanitarian aid to Italy, but as EU vs Disinfo explained, it set forth many false claims along the way. Russian media put forth both that Italy was favoring Russia over the EU and that Poland was interfering with the delivery of the aid. It also started an influence operation in Italy that, according to the media outlets La Stampa and .Coda, would be unimaginable under normal circumstances. It certainly played well in Russia, where a video that was broadcast frequently on Russian television (but which no longer seems to be available on the internet) showed an Italian man taking down an EU flag and replacing it with a Russian one, then holding up a sign that said, Thank you, Putin. Thank you, Russia. Iran, which was hit particularly hard by the virus, blamed the United States and Israel for its creation. The head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that a biological attack was being conducted against Iran by the United States. (Iran also blamed Russia, not for creating the crisis, but for failing to help as that nation needed assistance.) Before things had gotten out of hand, Iranian leadership encouraged large public gatherings to bolster the regimes legitimacy, totally disregarding the threat to public health. Later, as the results of those disastrous decisions began to be seen, the regime declined humanitarian aid and assistance that was offered by the United States and other nations. Apparently, it was deemed better to let people suffer and die than to acknowledge earlier mistakes by the government. As the virus spread across that nation, Iranian leadership suppressed information about its impact. State authorities imprisoned dozens of Iranians simply for telling the truth about the outbreak. In late March, the nation banned the printing of all newspapers, citing the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, Iranians lost so much faith in their government and the press that rumors began to circulate about drinking industrial alcohol to prevent the virus. Now thats become a crisis, leading to hundreds of deaths and even more illness. A lot of people, including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have accused China, Russia, and Iran of intentionally spreading disinformation. Technically, though, disinformation is agenda-driven fake news that is planted and advanced in believable outlets. These stories in state-controlled media dont meet that standard. As the State Department has noted (regarding the impact of U.S. sanctions on virus news), The [American] media should know better than to believe and propagate Chinese and Russian propaganda that misleads the public. News outlets from China, Russia, and Iran are arms of the government and cant be trusted to report accurately. They spread propaganda, misinformation, and fake news to support their governments perceived self-interest. Western media outlets should know better than to rely upon the information they set forth. The Epoch Times was founded in 2000 by a group of Chinese Americans who were responding to censorship in China and a lack of international understanding about the Beijing regimes repression of religion and spiritual practices. It has decided to refer to the virus that causes the disease COVID-19 as the CCP virus, adopting the name because of the CCPs coverup and mismanagement that allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. It isnt racist or xenophobic; it simply does what good journalism should do and accurately puts the blame where it belongs. Ronald J. Rychlak is the Jamie L. Whitten chair in law and government at the University of Mississippi. He is the author of several books, including Hitler, the War, and the Pope, Disinformation (co-authored with Ion Mihai Pacepa), and The Persecution and Genocide of Christians in the Middle East (co-edited with Jane Adolphe). Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Two gunfire incidents resulted in damaged property early Sunday morning in Portland. Officials dont know if the two incidents were related. About 60 or more shots were fired during the incidents, Portland Police Bureau said in a release Sunday, but there are no known injuries as a result of the early morning gunfire. Officers were called to the first incident in the area of North Vancouver Avenue and Sumner Street at 1:47 a.m., where, according to officials, they found evidence of gunfire. That evidence led them to believe there were at least 21 shots fired. Police said so far they have found two buildings, including occupied homes, and two vehicles that were hit by bullets. In one of those homes, according to police, a bullet came to rest on a blanket that a resident was sleeping in. The Gun Violence Reduction Team took over that investigation. Evidence found on Southeast Stark Street. A little later, at 2:59 a.m., officers responded to Southeast Stark Street and Southeast 28th Avenue where shots were reported. Police said they found shell casings on Southeast Stark Street along almost five blocks and the evidence indicates almost 40 rounds were fired. Police didnt offer a number of buildings struck in that incident but only said multiple buildings, including occupied homes, and multiple parked vehicles were struck. The Gun Violence Reduction Team also assumed the investigation of that incident. Police said they do not know if the two gunfire incidents were related but are asking anyone with information about either one to call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 or the Gun Violence Reduction Team at 503-823-4106. That team is also available by email at GVRT@portlandoregon.gov. The Portland Police Bureau said earlier this month that shootings were up in Portland during the first week of April, even as the city remained largely shut down. -- Lizzy Acker 503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Seven people have been arrested for allegedly setting ablaze three shelter homes near Kashmiri Gate, police officials said on Sunday. A fire broke out at the shelter homes near Kashmere Gate around 6 pm on Saturday following which five fire tenders were rushed to the spot and they managed to douse the flames. Officials said that no one got injured in the incident. Police had on Saturday stated that six people were arrested in connection with the incident, but later revised the figure to seven. A case was registered for rioting, assault on public servant and damage to public property, a senior police official said, adding the seven arrested have been sent to 14-day judicial custody. The people who were staying at the shelter home have been shifter to other facilities. According to the police, those arrested were among the people who created ruckus earlier on Saturday over the death of a man who stayed in one of the shelter homes. The man had allegedly jumped into the Yamuna on river Friday after he, among others, was asked 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. A day before the fire incident, the residents at the shelter and civil defence volunteers had clashed over "food distribution", they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. Sinn Fein's online National Easter Commemoration 2020 https://t.co/NOaRpnGTUT Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) April 12, 2020 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. Marking the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, Ms McDonald said she sent greetings to the families and friends of our patriot dead. Our people look beyond the concern for themselves to the safety and the well being of others Mary Lou McDonald This year we remember them in a different way, but with the same sense of pride and gratitude and admiration, she said. In an online broadcast, Ms McDonald added: We gather together online, all over Ireland and across the world, to pay tribute to them all. 104 years ago history was made. Irish separatists, republicans, socialist feminists, and Irish language activists, coalesced in a great revolutionary effort to liberate Ireland, to establish a democratic republic on this island. Ms McDonald also said that Irelands values are seen in cities, towns, and villages throughout the health crisis. Our people look beyond the concern for themselves to the safety and the wellbeing of others, she added. I want to express my admiration and my thanks to everyone who takes time to check on the elderly and others at risk in our communities because nobody is safe, unless we are all safe. Every act of selflessness, no matter how small, helps in our fight against this virus, every act of kindness brings us closer to the shore. We should never forget the lessons we have learned in these weeks, that unequal societies are vulnerable societies, economically, as well as socially. Ms McDonald also said that the Covid-19 crisis highlights the negative impact of partition. She added: In the North, Sinn Fein ministers are delivering for the community. We worked hard to see the establishment of an Executive in the North, and our ministers are now to the fore in creating new politics, working with their ministerial colleagues from other parties to protect lives and livelihoods. I welcome the recent Memorandum of Understanding agreement between the Northern Executive and the Irish Government to tackle Covid-19 and to protect the lives and welfare of everyone on our island. This agreement commits health services, North and South, to developing agreed, public health measures. This is essential work. This deadly virus doesnt recognise borders and working together in common action is in everyones interests, and is vital now and in the time ahead to save lives. Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle ONeill said that Easter is a very special time for Republicans. Today, we remember the sacrifices of the men and women of 1916, and every generation since who have played their part in the cause for Irish freedom, she added. From Wednesday, Denmark children aged 11 and younger will return to schools and nurseries, after a month of closures. Denmark, Norway, Czech Republic and Austria are the first European countries that are slowly lifting lockdown. They are re-opening some stores and schools. Austria some shops reopen this Tuesday and other stores, restaurants and hotels will open in May. Children go back to Norways kindergartens on 20 April and junior schools a week later. Bulgaria farmers markets are reopening. In the Czech Republic, shops selling building materials and bikes are back in business and rules have been relaxed for open-air recreation areas. Spain, which along with Italy has been hardest hit by Covid-19, will allow non-essential workers back to work from Monday and will hand out protective masks at stations. Denmark Closed Early Denmark was an early closer in Europe. Denmark coronavirus restrictions were started on March 11. This was 12 days before measures in the UK. Denmark limited gatherings to 10 people, the workforce told to stay home, and the borders were shut. Denmarks hospitals are in good shape with a lot of capacity. Opening up will take time, and there will be lots of new rules. SOURCES- BBC News Written By Brian Wang, nextbigfuture.com Erik Cowie, one of the stars of Netflix documentary Tiger King, has hit out at Joe Exotic in a brand new aftershow. The streaming service has released The Tiger King and I, a special episode in which Joel McHale interviews people from the series. First up to speak on the special from coronavirus lockdown is head zookeeper Cowie, who refused to hold back when the subject of Joe Exotic arose. After admitting he is yet to watch the series, he opened up about his regrets working with the eccentric tiger trader, claiming that he feels guilty after being instructed to put down animals for no good reason. Its been in the back of my head, he said. "I think about it a lot a lot of times when we put cats down, they used me because just my appearance or my voice [meant] I could get a cat up the side of the cage where we can dart it and tranquilise it. Those cats trusted me up until the end. Sometimes, I swear theyre like Dude you let me down When McHale asks if the tiger was always put down for medical reasons, Cowie hesitates, adding: Hmm you would think. But no. He had stronger opinions on Exotic and his prison sentence, which hes serving for hiring someone to kill animal rights activist Carole Baskin as well as for putting down tigers to make room for more animals at his Oklahoma reserve. After being asked if he thinks Exotic should be released, Cowie said: No. Not no, but f*** no. He added, with a laugh: |Twenty-two years doing federal time that guys gonna die in there. Good riddance. 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Show all 31 1 /31 29 most underrated TV shows to watch 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Ben and Kate One of the short-lived comedies that, in hindsight, had one of the most A-list creative teams imaginable, Ben & Kate is worth seeking out. Starring a pre-Fifty Shades Dakota Johnson, Oscar-winning screenwriter Nat Faxon and ludicrously funny British comic Lucy Punch and featuring Lorene Scafaria (Hustlers) on its writing staff, Ben & Kate revolved around two adult siblings living under one roof. From a simple sitcom premise it evolved into a rich, human and wonderfully silly ensemble comedy. That it was cancelled after 16 episodes, despite the talent at work, must have left Fox Television kicking themselves. AW 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Casual If youre on the hunt for a quick and easy watch with impressive credentials, might we suggest the Jason Reitman-directed Casual? The sitcom, following a newly-single mother living with her brother and daughter, might not be the most transgressive, but it retains the laughs and charm throughout the entirety of its four seasons. JS 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Champions A cruelly curtailed comedy from Mindy Kaling, Champions lifted the sprightly silliness of her work on The Office and her own series, The Mindy Project, while boosting the heart. Anders Holm, Andy Favreau and Josie Totah were the unlikely trio thrown together in an uneasy living situation, sparking inevitable comedy. It took a played-out premise and revitalised it, and truly should have lasted longer than it did. AW 29 most underrated TV shows to watch The Comeback It was a brave move for Lisa Kudrow to make this meta gem her first starring TV role after the end of Friends. The mockumentary follows a washed-up sitcom star, Valerie Cherish, as she desperately tries to regain relevance with a new TV show. It is excruciatingly awkward so much so that it makes Ricky Gervais The Office feel like a comfortable watch but its full of pathos and profundity, too. It was cancelled after just one season, but a growing cult status led to a second, equally brilliant, outing a decade later. AP 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Dark Dishing out Nordic noir-style grit with Lost-sized cliffhangers, Dark is a Rubiks cube of mystery masterfully combining two genres the case of a missing child and time travel. Netflix rolled the dice with this high-concept drama that will be concluded with a third and final season. JS Netflix 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Detroiters Tim Robinsons bizarre sketch show I Think You Should Leave was a big hit for Netflix last year; his short-lived sitcom, in which and Veeps Sam Richardson played two incompetent advertising salesman, deserved just as much praise. Its a blast. LC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Enlightened Before everyone else caught on, Laura Dern was almost exclusively beloved in the post-Jurassic Park, pre-Big Little Lies age for her work on HBOs Enlightened. She gives one of televisions all-time great performances as a troubled businesswoman in the aftermath of a breakdown. Having emerged from a health retreat convinced she has been healed, she is determined to be morally good and ultimately save the world, but must contend with her own self-loathing and disappointments beforehand. From tragicomedy genius Mike White, Enlightened is rage-inducing and brilliant but ultimately incredibly hopeful. It combined all of the painful monotony and crushing blows of life in a succinct two-season run, and little has reached its melancholy wonder since. AW 29 most underrated TV shows to watch The Eric Andre Show Eric Andre is the undisputed champion of nihilistic comedy. The Eric Andre Show is the perfect platform for his brand of absurd chaos to flourish. Playing both victim and perpetrator of violent skits, bizarre monologues and disastrous interviews (with celebrities and suspect lookalikes), he created a show like no other. JC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Flowers Who wouldve thought a sitcom about depression could be this fun? Well, fun might be a stretch, although this tragicomedy is often disturbingly funny. Opening with a failed suicide attempt, the show gets darker and more amusing as it goes on. Starring Julian Barratt and Olivia Colman, Flowers is a refreshingly original work. JC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch The Girlfriend Experience The first season of this Starz original series is daring TV, telling the story of an attorney in training (Riley Keough) who moonlights as a high-end sex worker. Asking tough questions about desire, sexuality and power, The Girlfriend Experience is smutty in the best, most unsettling ways. LC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Green Wing OK, watching a series set in a hospital might not be what youre desiring right now, but Green Wing could be the medicine youre after. Beloved when it first aired in 2004, the zany sitcom has unfairly dropped off the radar in recent years. Theres nothing quite like it thanks to madcap creations played by Michelle Gomez, Mark Heap and Pippa Haywood. JS 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Halt and Catch Fire Despite not yet having the A-list status she deserves, Mackenzie Davis is one of the finest actors of her generation. Her role as a spiky coding genius in Halt and Catch Fire, alongside an equally stellar cast of oddballs, is proof of that. This wonderful drama is ostensibly about the 1980s computer revolution though in actuality, it is about so much more than that. AP 29 most underrated TV shows to watch High Maintenance Adapted from a webseries by Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld, High Maintenance is a vibrant anthology series focusing on the clients of an eccentric New Yorker weed dealer. The writing, acting, music and direction are all first-rate, and its also one of the most racially, sexually and culturally diverse shows on TV. LC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Last Tango in Halifax All hail Sally Wainwright. Nobody makes TV with more warmth, wit and insight than the Yorkshire director, whos also responsible for the fantastic Happy Valley. Anne Reid and Derek Jacobi play Celia and Alan, a couple reunited in their seventies after 60 years apart but this is an ensemble piece through and through. As Celias formidable daughter Caroline, a headteacher coming to terms with the fact shes a lesbian, Sarah Lancashire gives one of the finest performances of recent years. And Nicola Walker shines, too, as her shirty, sheep-farming stepsister Gillian. If you think Last Tango in Halifax is only for older viewers, youre robbing yourself of a lot of joy. AP 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Looking A low-key triumph set within San Franciscos gay community, Looking was likely felled by its lack of spectacle. This was a show with little soapiness or glamour, its dramatic stakes admirably ordinary. It felt wonderfully human, though, with Jonathan Groff revelatory in the leading role and strong support from the likes of Russell Tovey and Raul Castillo. AW 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Lovesick Lovesick has a lot going for it, namely the indelible plot, which sees Dylan (Johnny Fynn) forced to contact all of his previous sexual partners after being diagnosed with chlamydia (hence the series original title: Scrotal Recall). The way creator Tom Edge plays with linearity means what would ordinarily be just another sitcom becomes the source of the kind of analysis usually reserved for complex dramas. JS 29 most underrated TV shows to watch The OA The OA was very much a series that danced to its own tune a high-concept series that blended the cerebral with the magical in a way that we can only assume made David Lynch smile. Be warned: Netflix swung the axe on this show far earlier than deserved. JS 29 most underrated TV shows to watch The Others A short-lived fantasy series from Glen Morgan and James Wong X-Files alumni who would go on to create the Final Destination franchise The Others is the greatest show youve never heard of. Revolving around a group of amateur psychics, it was shown in a late-night timeslot on Channel 5 two decades ago, and was enjoyably high concept from the off. Episodes involved Jack the Ripper, haunted wallpaper and ghosts on airplanes, each hour possessing that chilly, made-in-Canada and perpetually autumnal spookiness. AW 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Phoneshop This quirky comedy had a simple set-up, following four workers and their boss during the day-to-day of working in a phone shop. Our protagonist Christopher negotiates the boisterous behaviour of colleagues Ashley and Jerwayne, the awkwardness of co-worker Janine, and placates a particularly challenging boss. All while trying to sell some phones. JC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Rectify One read of Rectifys premise will lure you in: Daniel Holden (Aden Young), imprisoned as a teenager for the rape and murder of a young girl, spends 19 years on death row before fresh DNA evidence throws the verdict into question. His release and ensuing assimilation back into society, however, wont be easy; many of the townsfolk are convinced hes guilty. Ray McKinnons little-seen drama is one of televisions best kept secrets. JS 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Roots An updated version of the 1977 series, which proved a watershed moment in American television, the new Roots retains the shock and brutality of its predecessor. Telling the tale of Kunta Kinte, a tribesman from The Gambia who is sold as a slave in America, Roots tells the history of millions, framed in the story of a family tree. Unflinching, horrendously graphic, and a deeply affecting portrayal of human suffering, the updated Roots is an essential watch. JC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch The Shield This critically lionised cop drama remains largely unknown, most likely because all of its seven seasons ran on then-little-known cable channel FX. Taking inspiration of real-life Rampart scandal of the 1990s, The Shield follows a four-man Strike Team who take advantage of the war on drugs to get rich. AL 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Shrill This taboo-smashing comedy follows aspiring journalist Annie as she rallies against nasty bosses, non-committal boyfriends and fat-shaming trolls. You might come for the laughs, but some of the more emotional storylines will leave you in tears. AL 29 most underrated TV shows to watch The Sinner A pulsating, captivating detective series, now in its third iteration. The premise is simple enough: what makes seemingly ordinary people commit terrible crimes? The answer, however, is always complicated. A slow burner, twisting and turning as each season progresses, The Sinner consistently delivers engrossingly gripping finales. The performances of Bill Pullman, playing a troubled detective, and Jessica Biel, a woman charged with murder in the first series, are particular highlights. JC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Skam This Norwegian teen drama series think Skins, with fewer drugs and better acting is phenomenally successful in some corners of the internet. It was set at exactly the same time, to the minute, as it aired, and fans could see each character's social media accounts update as the plot developed. It wasn't just a gimmick, though even if you didn't follow along with all the tertiary Tumblr drama, this show offered a smart and unflinching look at the messy lives of contemporary teens. AP 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Top of the Lake This Jane Campion drama is an eerie, dark crime story about missing women. It requires patience, but the moody thriller is worth the wait. Elisabeth Moss is mesmerising as an entirely dysfunctional, but ruthless detective and the finale is one of the most explosive in TV history. AL 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Treme The slow pace of this fiercely humanistic series about post-Katrina New Orleans has become something of a running joke among TV writers inspiring gently disparaging jokes in 30 Rock and BoJack Horseman. Theyre wrong: David Simons music-infused drama is a brilliant work of art and a worthy follow-up to The Wire. LC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Undone Devastated that BoJack Horsemans finished? Hitch your wagon to Undone, the new series from its creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg. Just like BoJack, Undone refuses to shy away from the tough questions, this time following a girl named Alma (voiced by Rosa Salazar) who gains the ability to manipulate time after a near-fatal car crash. JS 29 most underrated TV shows to watch Unforgotten Forget Broadchurch this crime drama not only delivered a breathtaking first season, but capitalised on its success with not one, but two worthy follow-ups. It follows two detectives played by Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar as they solve murder cases in London. Its about time Walker got Olivia Colman-levels of recognition. JS 29 most underrated TV shows to watch The West For fans of immersive, deeply informative documentaries, Stephen Ives The West is a must-see. Ken Burns is executive producer, but the 1996 PBS documentary has enjoyed far less attention than any of his own directing work. Peter Coyote narrates an edifying history of the American West, featuring the tragic plight of the Native American people, the battles with conquistadors and then Mexicans, the effort to connect the two coasts, and stories from civil war. The West paints a vivid picture of a land steeped in natural beauty and violent upheaval. Its the definitive story of the American West. JC 29 most underrated TV shows to watch What We Do in the Shadows The TV spin-off of Taika Waititis similarly underrated film of the same name uses the same set and mockumentary-style shooting. Jemaine Clement (a star of the film) adapts it for the small screen and writes (alongside Waititi) a deadpan script layered with genius pop culture references, regularly ridiculing tropes of the vampire-horror genre. Three typical vampires and a daywalker energy-vampire share a house in Staten Island. A documentary crew follows them in their doomed attempts to adapt to 21st-century American life. JC Other stars to appear on the special episode include Jeff Lowe, who shared his candid views on Exotic and Baskin, as well as former zoo manager John Reinke, who is shown making a startling allegation against Exotic. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up TV producer Rick Kirkham also came forward with a disturbing alleged story about Exotic that didn't make it into the documentary. Find a transcript of everything that was said about Exotic in the new episode here, Last week, Baskin revealed she has had multiple death threats since the documentary was released. The Tiger King and I is available to stream on Netflix now, and here are seven other bizarre Netflix documentaries you can watch if you liked Tiger King. Bored Brits may be running out of films and TV series to watch during the coronavirus lockdown - but writers are drawing inspiration from the global pandemic. Director Mostafa Keshvari already wrapped production on his film, Corona, 10-days before Covid-19 sent North America into lockdown, his film is expected to appear on streaming services in a matter of weeks. 'It's more about the xenophobia than it is about the virus. The film will help audiences to look at each other in a different way. I hope it will make us more united in a way,' the Persian-Canadian director told the BBC. Corona - Fear is a Virus, the world's first coronavirus film, could be on streaming services by the end of the month Mostafa Keshvari, the director of Corona - Fear is a Virus, told the BBC he hoped the film would unite audiences in spite of the global pandemic Filming for the movie wrapped on February 14 and could be on streaming services by the end of the month, Mr Keshvari said. Writers in the US and the UK are both coming to terms with a world changing in the wake of the killer virus. 'Anyone who has been writing stories set in the now, their material is borderline redundant,' Stephen Garnett, the producer of Spooks and The Night Manager, told the Sunday Times. The Sunday paper says a televsion adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand is going through last-minute changes to mention Covid-19. It also claims NBC's executives are considering a miniseries based in coronavirus hotspots in New York. The Stand, which tells the story of a virus devastating the world's population, has already drawn parallels to the global pandemic. The Shining writer said: 'It's not very comfortable to be me right now. I keep having people say, "Gee, it's like we're living in a Stephen King story,"' King told NPR. 'And my only response to that is, "I'm sorry."' Speaking to the Sunday Times, Mr Garnett suggested writers would need to be careful when weaving the killer pandemic into their stories. He said: 'We now don't spend our lives talking about 9/11 or the economic crash. 'The great storytellers will find a way.' Former Nickelodeon series Blues Clues gets a reboot with Blues Clues & You! in May. Filipino-American actor Joshua Dela Cruz stars in the new-look preschool series joined by past hosts Steve Burns (Steve) and Donovan Patton (Joe). Children engage with the world through play. Their sense of wonder, curiosity and experimentation drive the learning and development needed in order to thrive, says play expert Catherine Sewell. By leading the viewers through a series of clues, Blues Clues and You! taps into the natural curiosity of children and helps them develop problem solving skills. Blues Clues and You! delightfully takes children on a journey where they learn through play, song, drawing and imagination. When children play, their brain lights up with new connections and they develop important physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills. Play increases engagement, and engagement increases learning! With a little help from old friends, Joshs first puzzle is to follow Blues clues to discover what Blue wants with her snack! Blues Clues & You! will feature brand-new elements alongside refreshed iconic items from the original series, including: New CG-animation for Blue and Magenta An updated Handy Dandy Notebook equipped with a new blue crayon and smartphone technology, allowing Josh and Blue to receive emails and video calls An all-new Handy Dandy Guitar The return of fan-favourite characters: Tickety Tock, Slippery Soap, Shovel, Pail, Mr Salt, Mrs Pepper, Cinnamon, Paprika, Felt Friends, Sidetable Drawer and Mailbox, plus the original Thinking Chair And the introduction of Mr Salt and Mrs Peppers newest additionstwins Sage and Ginger A remake of the groundbreaking, curriculum-driven interactive series Blues Clues, Blues Clues & You! follows Blue as she invites viewers to join her and Josh on a clue-led adventure and solve a puzzle in each episode. With each signature paw print, Blue identifies clues in her animated world that propel the story and inspire the audience to interact with the characters. The original Blues Clues series launched in September 1996 to critical praise from educators, parents, and preschoolers and ran for six groundbreaking seasons. Created by Traci Paige Johnson, Todd Kessler, and Angela C. Santomero, Blues Clues drew acclaim and high ratings for its unique interactivity that helped change the way kids watch television and has remained one of the most popular preschool shows of all time. The landmark series also raised the bar in preschool television by exploring advanced subject matter such as sign language, geography, physics, emotions, and anatomy. 8am Monday May 11 on Nick Jr. We also had services (outside) for Palm Sunday, Griffith said. My sense is it was just a great way to bring a little joy. As much as it could be with social distancing, it felt like Easter. The church held two parking lot services on Palm Sunday, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The staff started planning for three Easter services, but the interest led them to schedule services at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Vehicles, mostly SUVs and minivans, began rolling through the rain into the parking lot for the 9 a.m. service about 8:30 a.m. Volunteers in orange and lime-green ponchos were spaced throughout the parking lot waving flashlights as if guiding airplanes into position. About 140 vehicles were admitted for each service. The vehicles were parked at least 6 feet apart, and the congregation, for the most part, kept their windows rolled up. The volunteers walked between the vehicles with signs telling everyone to tune to 95.5 FM to hear the hymns, readings and the sermon. At one point, a church security vehicle was summoned to jump-start the battery of a car belonging to a reporter who had foolishly let his battery run down. British gov't thank Turkey for medical aid Turkey sent masks, N95 masks, and protective suits to UK on Friday. Wendy Morton, British MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for European Neighbourhood, thanked Turkey on Saturday for medical supplies sent to the UK. "THIS GIFT DEMONSTRATES OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES" "I want to express thanks to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca for 250,000 items of PPE for the NHS - 14 tonnes of which delivered to Royal Air Force Brize Norton yesterday. This generous gift demonstrates strength of friendship between Turkey and the UK," she said on Twitter. The delivery of the aid was covered extensively in the foreign press and Turkey received thanks from British Twitter users. "They did the same thing for Ireland in1845 in the days of Great Famine. Well done Turkey," said a user on the platform, referring to the Ottoman Empire's aid to Ireland. Health workers have complained about the lack of medical equipment in the UK and criticized the government as 19 health officials have died because of of coronavirus. "Im sorry if people feel that there have been failings," Home Secretary Priti Patel said at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing. Is humanity trapped by faith, hit by bad luck for its sins (to paraphrase Gandhi)? by K Natwar Singh Human beings are, at the moment, living in acute fear. They are faced with a deadly and catastrophic ailment called coronavirus. This has infected almost the entire globe. No cure has been discovered. On Thursday, 9 April, 799 people died in New York. The city is short of ventilators, medicines, food, doctors, nurses, beds and masks. One recent survey shows that non-whites are more susceptible to the virus than whites. Were the pandemic to spread in Africa, the continent would become a wasteland, with tens and thousands of men, women and children dying each day. Health and medical facilities are inadequate and primitive or not available. Doctors and nurses are in short supply as are medicines and hospitals. Is humanity trapped by faith, hit by bad luck for its sins (to paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi)? Can astrologers help? Why have Bhagwan, Christ, and Allah inflicted this health horror on their children? Does the Almighty exist? If so, we desperately need him now. Life is changing, has changed and will change further. We will have to make the unavoidable adjustment. That will be no easy task. What memories will toddlers convey of their childhood? Spending their days in a small room with no friends to play with? Man has landed on the Moon and returned to Earth. Rockets have photographed Mars; outer space is no longer unapproachable. Yet medical science is unable to find a reliable cure for this sheathing virus. Will we win the race with coronavirus sooner rather than later? The self-appointed wise men are, each day, offering solutions, suggestions, schemes for controlling the virus. These are well meaning people but panacea eludes them. India has so far avoided a large number of deaths. We woke up in time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acted with commendable speed. The nation in lockdown paid dividends. Obviously Shri Modi found his Hanuman. Myths have their uses. Lockdown cannot last indefinitely. But where is the escape route? It remains elusive. One American doctor, close to the White House establishment, has warned that in the United States alone, two lakh will die. That is a fearsome prediction. How will existing international and national institutions respond to the post-virus situation? What shape will governments, schools, colleges, air-travel etc., take? Will inequality increase, will work ethics and habits alter? What about unemployment? As of today, 16 million Americans are asking for unemployment relief. With economies taking a beating worldwide, how will the daily-wage workers, orphans and widows make both ends meet? No solutions are in sight, except the arrival of social unrest. Italys Prime Minister said the other day that if the European Union did not come up with a common virus tackling policy, the European Union would disintegrate. The UN, the IMF, the World Bank, the WTO etc., will need drastic reforms. They are all outdated. Most resemble exhausted volcanoes. All are over-staffed, underemployed and their officials overpaid. Their pensions are tax free. I spent nearly five years with the permanent mission of India to the UN in the York. That was in the mid 1960s. One day I asked a Mexican friend of mine, How many people work in the UN Headquarters in New York? Answer: About half. * * * To pass time I have started writing a book, Brief Lives. I have selected 31 very prominent Indians; the book will not exceed 100 pages. Here is the list of the eminences: Married At First Sight's Mishel Karen revealed her post-show makeover on Sunday. The 49-year-old police worker admitted to getting Botox injections after filming the show last year. She has also swapped her dirty blonde hair for a sleek brunette style. The glamorous mother-of-two made the confession while sharing a makeup-free selfie to Instagram. Looking good! Mishel Karen has admitted to getting Botox after spending months filming Married At First Sight last year with much younger brides. Pictured left in 2019, right in 2020 Mishel turned to the anti-wrinkle treatment after spending so much time around her younger co-stars, the majority of whom use Botox and fillers. She wrote: 'Yes I did have Botox as soon as I left filming for MAFS! Being surrounded by so many naturally attractive women, that are younger and had Botox and fillers, I did get some and I think I will get a bit more. 'That's if we are ever allowed out again! I really liked how it opened my eyes and I look fresher. It is a very personal decision, but I give it a huge tick.' Age-defying: The mother-of-two made the confession while sharing this makeup-free selfie to Instagram. She also outlined her skincare routine and the products she uses to look so youthful In addition to disclosing her Botox use, she outlined her daily skincare routine and the products she uses to look so youthful. The reality star recommended Synergie Skin and also admitted to having her eyebrows, eyeliner and lip colour tattooed on. She wrote: 'This is my brief overview with a picture of me with no filter, no makeup. Endorsement: 'I liked how it opened my eyes and I look fresher,' Mishel said of her Botox use 'Of course, I have my insecurities about how I look without makeup! I see my pigmentations on my cheeks, dark circles under my eyes. 'I think it is important to show you that we don't just wake up perfect and we all have insecurities about how we look.' On Friday, Mishel announced she had signed with Melbourne-based PR and marketing agency Modern Currency. In Downton Abbey, Lady Mary Crawley wouldnt dream of drinking tea out of anything but the finest bone china. So imagine my surprise when she was spotted wandering the streets of North London clutching a common mug! Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary was on a mission to buy essentials for herself and boyfriend Jasper Waller-Bridge, the brother of Fleabag star Phoebe. Michelle and Jasper moved into a 1.7 million London home in December. But with virtually every cafe closed, the 38-year-old actress had to make do with a homemade hot drink for the journey. Where is Carson when you need him? Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary was on a mission to buy essentials for herself and boyfriend Jasper Waller-Bridge, the brother of Fleabag star Phoebe. Michelle and Jasper moved into a 1.7 million London home in December MR OBNOXIOUS: Steve Coogan Poor Steve Coogan is moaning that many of the stage characters he came up with before Alan Partridge became a curse. I stopped enjoying doing impersonations, it was like a curse, like an albatross, complains Steve, left, who has made a reported 9 million from his creations. I wanted to get away from them, so I did a show that led to me doing Alan Partridge. That was a new kind of albatross, but at least it was a different one. Im like an aviary. A multi-millionaire complaining about the burden of his hugely successful career and comparing his life to an aviary? Sounds like Steve, 54, didnt have far to look for inspiration for Alan Partridge... Fire and Rescue said the home was 'a complete write off' and will be destroyed It's believed the family was all in the same room, possibly the kitchen, at the time The father, aged 38, and two children, aged eight and 12, sustained minor burns Five fled themselves but the two older people had to be carried out by police Seven people were in the home at the time aged between eight and 73 The house exploded at around 7am in on Fifth St in Ashbury, in the inner west A family of seven are lucky to be alive after escaping from their Sydney house when it exploded on Easter Sunday. The house on Fifth Street in Ashbury, in the city's inner west, blew up at around 7am. Two children, aged eight and 12, their 41-year-old father and 38-year-old mother, and three grandparents in their 60s and 70s were in the home at the time. Five people were able to escape the collapsed structure themselves, but two of the grandparents had to be rescued by police. One child and one of the grandparents suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital in a stable condition. Police said seven people were in the home at the time aged between eight and 73. Three members of the family suffered minor injuries Five were able to escape the collapsed structure themselves, but the two older people had to be carried out by police Four others were transported to hospital with minor injuries. It's believed the family were all in the same room - possibly the kitchen - when the explosion happened. Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Superintendent Scott Dodson said some of the family members were found on top of the rubble, and were 'extremely lucky to have survived'. Mr Dodson said the home was 'a complete write off' and will have to be destroyed. 'There was no major earthworks required to remove the people, but it was quite dangerous for the firefighters entering the building,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald. Neighbours said the explosion sounded like a clap of thunder, followed by a rumbling noise. Around 90 per cent of the home was destroyed in the incident. The cause of the explosion has yet to be determined with fire fighters still assessing the site. They are being assisted by technicians from energy authorities. Fire and Rescue NSW said the incident looked like a 'gas explosion' but there was no smell of gas at the scene and no fire. The area surrounding the home has been cordoned off while police interview residents. The area surrounding the home has been cordoned off while police interview residents After AIIMS, doctors at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi, and Lady Hardinge Medical College have rejected a mandatory donation of one-day salary to PM CARES Fund. As per information, more than 6,000 doctors from these top hospitals of Delhi have unanimously refused to donate one day salary to the fund set up to provide relief to those affected due to the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, the AIIMS RDA had also written to the hospital administration, demanding that donations to PM-CARES Fund be made a voluntary exercise/opt-in and the money collected to be used locally for procuring protective gear for them. However, the AIIMS administration rejected the Resident Doctors' Association's proposal, saying there is no mechanism in place for an opt-in donation in the institute. Reacting to it, AIIMS RDA General Secretary Dr Srinivas Rajkumar T said, "Regarding contribution to the PM-CARES fund, the administration is saying no to the provision of opt-in. Also, that fund will not be used for PPE from this institute. RDA AIIMS is left with option either to reject it completely or choose individual opt-out." Also read: Coronavirus India Lockdown live updates: Country's active COVID-19 cases cross 7,000 mark; death toll at 273 The AIIMS RDA on April 4 said the notice for donation without consulting them violated an individual's right to support the country in the way they prefer. The setting up of the PM CARES Fund for providing relief to those affected by COVID-19 has invited another controversy after people questioned the need for a new fund when the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) is already in existence. The PM CARES, or the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund, has been set up as a public charitable trust. The Prime Minister is the chairman of this trust and its members include Defence Minister, Home Minister and Finance Minister. Also Read: Coronavirus in India: State-wise COVID-19 cases, deaths, list of testing facilities Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to announce a lockdown extension soon as the COVID-19 cases are increasing every day. According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of active novel coronavirus cases stand at 7,367, while the death toll is at 273 as on April 12, 8am. Edited by Manoj Sharma Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 16:53:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have developed a disease detection strategy based on a microbiome data search for rapid diagnosis. The strategy can determine whether the microbiome samples being tested are healthy by figuring out the abnormal degree between them and the healthy samples in the database, as well as recognizing specific diseases by comparing the samples with the disease samples in the database. More than 3,000 tests on intestinal flora samples showed that the strategy can detect multiple intestinal diseases with an accuracy above 80 percent. The detection can be completed within half a second. The reference database of the strategy collects over 230,000 samples of intestinal, skin, oral, indoor environment, ocean and soil ecosystems. The search-based strategy shows promise in building a microflora diagnosis system and intervention methods of chronic diseases or ecological disasters, according to the research article recently published in the journal mSystems. The research was jointly conducted by the Qingdao Institute of BioEnergy and Bioprocess Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of California San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation. POLICE in Bulawayo yesterday arrested congregants of the Revival of Jesus Miracles Ministries in Nketa suburb for conducting public services in violation of lockdown regulations, as most churches resorted to conducting virtual services in compliance with the ban on public gatherings. Nine congregants were arrested yesterday morning shortly after the church service and taken to Tshabalala Police Station where they each paid $500 admission of guilt fines. When Chronicle visited the police station, congregants were being taken out of the cells where they had been detained to pay fines at the charge office. Reverend Thompson Nyathi defended his congregants, arguing that their arrest was illegal as we maintained hygienic standards and practised social distancing during the entire service. We are fully aware of the proclamation by the President of a total lockdown and ban on public gatherings, but we believe the raid was unlawful as our gathering had less than 30 people, some of whom were arrested after the service. Everyone had their hands sanitised in line with Ministry of Health and Child Care guidelines and regulations, he said. Members of the Revival of Jesus Miracles Ministries at Tshabalala Police station yesterday. (Picture by Nkosizile Ndlovu) Rev Nyathi claimed that they were not the only ones who violated lockdown regulations. We were not the only church around that opened for service, but there are other churches some of which discreetly conducted services in houses, but unfortunately, we have just been targeted after police received a phone call from someone in the locality who notified them of our so-called illegal gathering, he said. However, when police and soldiers came, they found that we had finished the service and most of the congregants had left the premises save for a few who were later arrested and taken to Tshabalala Police Station. Under the 21-day lockdown regulations, all public gatherings are banned, except for funerals where there should not be more than 50 people. A Chronicle news crew moved around the city and observed that a number of churches had their gates under lock and key in compliance with lockdown regulations. President Mnangagwa recently announced a nationwide lockdown as the country steps up efforts to confront the deadly Covid-19. Before the announcement that left only a few essential services running, most churches had already announced the cancellation of services. Several churches in Zimbabwe this year cancelled their traditional Easter retreats and resorted to live streaming their services during the 21-day lockdown. Easter, also called Pascha (Greek, Latin) or Resurrection Sunday, is a festival and holiday when Christians will be commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary. The cancellation of Easter church meetings follows a directive by President Mnangagwa banning gatherings and declaring the lockdown as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country. During the lockdown period all citizens are required to stay at home, except for essential movements to seek health services, buy food, medicines, other essentials and critical services. Church leaders said the cancellation of public services during the Easter holiday is in compliance with lockdown regulations to combat the spread of the deadly global pandemic, which has so far claimed more than 110 000 lives with more than 1,8 million people infected globally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has since declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. Some that took to live streaming services on Facebook are struggling to keep the numbers as worshippers cannot afford data to watch services. A majority of churches have resorted to opening groups for services and using the cheaper WhatsApp platform. Chronicle observed some families following sermons on social media. Rev Jabulani Mafohla, who is the District Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene (Zimbabwe West District) and a pastor at Emganwini Church of the Nazarene, said they cancelled Easter gatherings and resorted to virtual services. He said sermons on WhatsApp have enabled congregants to observe the most important services on the Christian calendar, Easter, marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We delegated each other duties a week ago and this means we have someone who will record voice notes to deliver the sermon, teach Sunday School and conduct the devotion. These people are given ample time to prepare their sermons and teachings and they then record them on their phones before sending them to our church secretary who will in turn share them on various social media platforms with our congregants, he said. On Sunday like this one, we have just finished our services for the day. We sing and then record that singing and share with others and we are doing these as families because of the lockdown, which was necessitated by Covid-19. He said it was important for Christians to continue partaking of the word despite the lockdown as the bible clearly states in Matthew 4 verse 4 that man cannot live on bread alone, but needs every word that comes from Gods mouth. Rev Mafohla said virtual services were so successful that they could be adopted even beyond the lockdown for congregants who could not make it to church for various reasons. Through social media, our services have included members in UK, Binga and remote parts of the world. Everyone has received edification from Gods word. This Covid-19 could be a blessing in disguise as Gods word has reached people who were normally excluded from physical services, he said. Mr Samson Mukondo of the Apostolic Faith Church and his family of four conducted a family worship service at his home in Tshabalala. We are conducting this family worship service as we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our gate is locked and we are not allowing our children to go outside as part of the measures to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus, he said. When the news crew arrived at Mr Mukondos house, journalists were sanitised at the entrance and the principle of social distancing was constantly maintained. Mr Samson Mukondo of the Apostolic Faith Church and his family of four conducted a family worship service at his home in Tshabalala. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) leader for the Western Diocese, Bishop Michael Dube said their Easter virtual services, which were livestreamed and shared on various social media platforms progressed well. We smoothly conducted our services and everything went according to our plan. However, sadly our congregants in rural communities missed out largely because of lack of access to modern communication tools, he said. Bishop Dube said they urged their followers to open WhatsApp groups for the purposes of sharing the sermons, scriptures and songs during the Easter holiday. Harvest House International Church Leader Bishop Dr Colin Nyathi said they ran their virtual church services without any hurdle. We conducted our virtual services and shared them on YouTube and Facebook and our congregants also had an opportunity to listen and watch the sermons and bible teachings via livestreaming. The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church said it adopted a lengthy period of long-distance worship with congregants encouraged to turn to digital platforms. To promote social distancing and minimise the spread of the virus, members worshipped privately in their homes with the necessary support in the form of livestreaming, downloading or printed worship packages and sermons, which were availed to members through their pastors. The Apostolic Faith Mission of Portland Oregon in Southern Africa urged its members to participate in its Easter meetings via WebEx, an application for web conferencing and videoconferencing. Pope Francis and other Christian leaders gave their annual Easter addresses over the internet as churches stood empty and countries around the world continue to extend lockdowns to stop the spread of coronavirus. The pontiff broke with centuries of tradition and livestreamed his Easter Sunday mass to allow the worlds 1,3 billion Catholics to celebrate their holiest holiday. The church has also indefinitely suspended obligatory Mass for the vulnerable and banned some traditional church rituals such as shaking hands and receiving communion with ones tongue to contain spread of coronavirus. The Catholic Church regards the Easter period as obligatory, meaning congregants are compelled to attend every Mass and gathering during the period which starts with six weeks Lent until Easter Sunday. The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) hosted its annual Easter Celebrations from small decentralised locations across the world in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and not from its Mbungo pilgrimage at the Mbungo shrine in Masvingo province. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced there are now 2,173 cases of coronavirus in South Africa. This is an increase of 145 from the previous day. The total number of tests conducted to date is 80,085. We are also seeing an increase in tests conducted at public laboratories, Mkhize said. Of the 5,032 tests conducted in the past day, 3,192 were done in public laboratories. Mkhize did not announce an updated figure for the total deaths of patients who had tested positive for the coronavirus. The latest figure for coronavirus-related deaths in South Africa is 25, according to the official coronavirus portal. The provincial breakdown for coronavirus cases in South Africa is detailed below: Gauteng 865 Western Cape 587 KwaZulu-Natal 443 Free State 96 Eastern Cape 88 Limpopo 23 Mpumalanga 21 North West 19 Northern Cape 16 Unallocated 15 As at today, the total number of confirmed #COVID19 cases in South Africa is 2173. This is an increase of 145 from the previously reported cases. pic.twitter.com/iOI2wFr4bA Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) April 12, 2020 Lockdown extended President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 9 April that the national lockdown will be extended by 14 days, and will now stay in effect until the end of the month. 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 reached a plateau. Mkhize said the government had initially expected between 4,000 and 5,000 cases by around 2 April. by Wilhelm Furtwangler Dmitri Shostakovich Arturo Toscanini A new podcast, produced by The American Interest (TAI), translates my article on Furtwangler and Shostakovich: Bearing Witness in Wartime into a 30-minute podcast with tremendous musical examples. The distinguished historian Richard Aldous, as interlocutor, expands my purview to include Arturo Toscanini a topic of which Ive steered clear since the publication in 1987 of my Understanding Toscanini (the most discussed and reviled classical music book of its time). But Richard got me started re-comparing Furtwangler and Toscanini conductors who say we and I, respectively and I took the bait. To hear the podcast, click here To subscribe to TAIs free daily newsletter, with considerable essays on politics, government, and culture, click here. A novel feature of the newsletter are the always surprising listening advisories from editor-in-chief Jeffrey Gedmin, whose recent posting on Abraham Lincolns musical affinities included an aria sung (in Russian) by the incomparable Pavel Lisitsian. The connection was A Masked Ball.. Lincoln attended this Verdi opera in which an American ruler is assassinated at New Yorks Academy of Music in 1861. Googling the event to refresh my memory, I was amazed to discover that I had written about it for The New York Times in 2001 and that the President-elects appearance at an opera house, in troubled times, inspired an impromptu performance of The Star-Spangled Banner by the entire company. Does such patriotism survive today? I learn from my friend Pedro Carbone, in Spain, that the daily ovation for health workers in Zaragoza includes singing: the Spanish national anthem and the EU anthem (set to Beethovens Ninth). Here on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the daily 7 pm tribute, while stirring, is songless. Here is what I wrote in 2001: Lincoln and A Masked Ball furnish a memorable snapshot of New York operatic life a century and a half ago. Imagine such a thing today as any presidents being spotted during the first intermission at the opera and exciting an ovation (President Bush would excite stupefaction) after which the curtain would rise on a performance of The Star-Spangled Banner. That is what happened when Lincoln attended A Masked Ball. Isabella Hinkley, the soprano playing Oscar, sang the anthems first stanza half-turned toward Lincolns second-tier stage box. Then the entire company joined in, while a huge American flag, all 33 stars blazing, dropped from the proscenium. Verse No. 2 was taken by Adelaide Phillips, the evenings Ulrica, to deafening applause. Then came Hail, Columbia, more cheering, and the resumption of A Masked Ball. Lincoln left quietly before the last act and so never witnessed the killing of Riccardo. By many accounts, EIA crude oil forecasts appear tame compared to what other independent analysts are predicting, and the deal-no-deal that has so far come out of Thursdays virtual OPEC meeting wont offset anyones predictions. The EIA expects global liquid fuels inventories to increase by an average of 3.9 million b/d in 2020 compared to 0.2 million b/d decline in 2019. The agency expects inventory builds to be highest during the first half of the year as the world continues to grapple with a serious lockdown and severely limited air travel. It also expects crude builds to jump from 5.7 million b/d in the first quarter to builds of 11.4 million b/d in the second quarter. Near-term predictions by the IEA and trading houses are much worse. The IEA sees global oil demand falling by about 20 million barrels per day while Trafigura and Vitol see April demand dropping a staggering 30M bbl/day. Even worse: JPMorgan is now calling a 40% dip in GDP for Q2, along with job losses that will hit 25 million. Those are numbers that will decimate fossil fuels demand. Demand falling by anything like 20-25M bbl/day for just three months could have devastating consequences because it could mean increasing global inventories by ~2,200 million barrels, about two-thirds of OECDs current stockpiles of 3,000 million barrels. Mind you, the 3,000 million barrel figure by OECD is what is known as minimum operating levels, which means unusable oil that serves as pipeline fill or tank bottoms and so on. Available inventories are much lower than that. In other words, available storage could fill up much sooner than we think. And available floating storage is in dire straits: At 100 million barrels tops, it wont really matter much at that juncture. Viewed from that perspective, oil producers might not have much of a choice whether to cut production in as little as six weeks from now. The market will decide for them, and no agreement will be necessary. Premium: Where Does Oil Go After The Largest Production Cut In History? Yet, the window to act before everything gets really dire could be much narrower than many might imagine, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic expected to continue causing an unprecedented collapse in global oil demand. Indeed, during the virtual OPEC meeting on Thursday night, OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo noted this: To put this in some context, the OPEC Secretariats assessment of available global oil storage capacity stands over 1 billion barrels. Given the current unprecedented supply and demand imbalance there could be a colossal excess volume of 14.7 million barrels a day in the 2Q20. This oversupply would add a further 1.3 billion barrels to global crude oil stocks, and hence exhaust the available global crude oil storage capacity within the month of May. The problem is that we dont have a crystal clear picture of the storage situation. We can only cobble together a general idea. Speaking to MarketWatch, Geoggrey Craig, a global energy analyst at Ursa, said that while his company uses satellites to track global storage levels, it looks like global storage capacity still has about 40% left, or around 1.5 billion barrels, which could be reached in a matter of months. He also noted that oil inventories are mimicking the pattern of the outbreak and how it spread, with China inventories starting to drop somewhat, now that China is relaxing lockdown restrictions in the origin city of Wuhan, though there are fears of a new wave of infections. By mid-May, U.S. commercial oil storage could be full, says Plains All American Pipeline, one of the largest midstream companies in the United States. Premium: Missiles Fired In Iraq As Proxy War Heats Up In a Thursday filing with the Texas Railroad Commission cited by Argus, Plains said U.S. refinery demand for crude would decline by at least 30% (around 5 million barrels per day), while crude exports would fall by about 1 million barrels per day. In the meantime, Trump has been trying to push through funding to buy up American oil to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to alleviate some of the pressure on storage capacity in the overhang. So far, those efforts have failed. The U.S. Congress rejected a plan to spend $3 billion of the economic stimulus package to buy up oil to fill the U.S. strategic reserve in an effort to relieve the storage capacity problem. That funding would have purchased some 77 million barrels of oil for the SPR. Instead, the Department of Energy will acquire the oil through solicitation rather than purchasing, which means it will buy oil on contracts for temporary storage in the SPR. In other words, the government will be renting out space in the SPR. And while all attention is focused on the global output cut deal that now apparently hinges in Mexico, even if that deal hits 15 million bpd, it wont be enough to offset the supply glut/storage crisis. Most analysts say we need upwards of 18 million bpd to even put a dent in sentiment and keep prices from crashing further. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Jalen E. Grier, 26, of 34 Gettysburg Drive, Apt. B, was arrested at 1:30 a.m. Friday on a charge of domestic battery after witnesses said he struck his girlfriend in the face with his elbow. He also was charged with resisting a peace officer after police said he did not cooperate during his arrest. ACCIDENTS A 7-year-old bicycle rider was taken to Passavant Area Hospital as a precautionary measure after he was knocked down by a car backing out of a driveway in the 100 block of West Walnut Street at 5:24 p.m. Thursday. THEFTS, BURGLARIES A swing set was stolen from the backyard of a residence in the 300 block of North Fayette Street, according to a report filed at 1:14 p.m. Friday. VANDALISM A rock was thrown at the door of a house in the 300 block of North East Street, causing a dent, about 9:30 p.m. Thursday. A vehicle was damaged while it was parked in the 100 block of West Chambers Street between 10:30 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 a.m. Friday. Several vehicles were damaged overnight while parked in the 1000 block of Doolin Avenue, according to reports filed Friday. OTHER REPORTS A resident of the 700 block of South Main Street told police a man walked into the house at 12:10 p.m. Thursday, then simply left. Compiled by David C.L. Bauer Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 16:06:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CANBERRA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has announced a higher education relief package focused on domestic students. The package, announced by Minister for Education Dan Tehan on Sunday, includes 18 billion Australian dollars (11.4 billion U.S. dollars) in funding for universities regardless of any fall in enrolments and 100 million Australian dollars (63.4 million U.S. dollars) in regulatory relief for education providers. The government will subsidize 20,000 places in nursing, teaching, health, science and information technology diplomas delivered remotely, when the online courses will start at the beginning of May and initially will run for six months. Tehan said these reforms would incentivize students and universities to align with the needs of industry to "meet the skill demands for the new economy that will emerge from the pandemic." "This plan will help Australians who have lost their job or are looking to retrain to use their time studying nursing, teaching, counselling, allied health or other areas considered national priorities," Tehan said in a media release. "It will also provide a revenue stream for universities and private providers to assist their financial stability." Australia's tertiary education sector has been among those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with international students not able to enter the country. Peak body for Australian Universities has estimated that revenue across Australia's 39 universities will decline by up to 4.6 billion Australian dollars (2.9 billion U.S. dollars). According to the Department of Health, there had been 6289 confirmed cases of the virus in Australia as of Sunday morning -- a recent record low increase of only 0.8 percent from 6238 on Saturday morning. A traveler at Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, China. (Aleksandar Plavevski / EPA-Shutterstock) My family is certainly abiding by social distancing rules. At the moment, its farthest-flung members are about 7,000 miles apart. Mom, grandma, two brothers and I are scattered around Los Angeles Virgil Village, Northeast L.A., Monterey Park. Dad is in Guangzhou, China, two hours by air from Wuhan, the initial epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic. Given the current state of travel between China and the U.S., we dont know when my father will be able to come to Los Angeles or when my mother might be able to join him there. COVID-19 has brought with it fears of sickness and health; it has also brought fear of China and the Chinese. Those fears have fueled assaults on Asians and Asian Americans: A woman was spat on in San Francisco; a father and his children were stabbed in Texas; friends of a friend were cursed at outside a Washington state hospital. We should have closed the borders on you people, the attacker said to the Seattle couple, who were there for their infant's checkup. I am a product of open borders, and I hope xenophobia doesnt keep them closed after the coronavirus threat ebbs. In the 1990s, my father was one of the first U.S.-based attorneys granted a license to open a firm in China. Guangzhou and L.A. are sister cities, economic and social partners. He leapt at the chance to help bring them closer together in business. When my parents told us we were moving from Los Angeles to China, I was so young, I thought China was a friends house. I was born in L.A., but from the ages of 5 to 17, I lived in Guangzhou. Since then, my family has split its time between Southern California and southern China. My childhood friends, international students like me, are also far-flung, living, working and starting families on different continents. When loved ones are in so many places, the planet doesnt feel quite so vast. But even before this pandemic, the oceans and mountain ranges between us seemed to be expanding. Xenophobia has grown and there are calls for higher walls between us. Story continues Right now, were all isolating in our homes in our respective countries. When the outbreak is over, will we remain isolationists? Maybe it's helpful to think of China as a friends house. Seven thousand miles notwithstanding, were neighbors in this fight. Allison Hong is a page designer at the Los Angeles Times. Filming precautions for COVID-19 have upped the stakes for MasterChef Australia challenges, according to Poh Ling Yeow. Steps taken to keep cast and crew safe will hit the screen mid-season, with around 8 more weeks of filming still to be completed. The challenges have had to be modified to accommodate all the regulations. But I just feel like it hasnt affected anything at all. If anything, its amped up production to create more intense, fun challenges, Poh tells TV Tonight. I think thats really important right now because everyones just feeling so uncertain about the world. I think its nice to give people that little bit of respite from their daily lives. The Endemol Shine production continues filming at its Melbourne Showgrounds kitchen, able to continue as a workplace. Contestants this year are all living in apartments of 2 persons, while producers have implemented plenty of new standards on set. The crews have been reduced to half, so that the kitchen is a safe space. Theres hand-washing stations all along the side of the studio and were all practicing social-distancing, she confirms. The food is divided into three plates, we have to be a lot more careful running into the pantry. Were all 1.5 metres away from each other at any given situation. The judges are standing at a really long table now with distance between them. The food is divided into three plates, we have to be a lot more careful running into the pantry. We have to wear gloves when were touching the ingredients. Were one of the lucky ones that have been able to keep filming. It would just be so terrible to get halfway through and have to shut down. The Back to Win season sees former contestants returning for a second shot at the title that eluded them all. Poh Ling Yeow was famously runner-up in Season 1 in 2009, and has since gone on to success with her own television series on both ABC and SBS, as well as having her own cafe and career as an artist. I have secretly been waiting the last 11 years that they might do an All Stars show and it happened. Once youve been bitten by the MasterChef bug, and youve gone through that experience of being in that highly-charged environment, where you do things that you dont think are possible its just a really inspiring environment to be around, she continues. I think Ive always enjoyed a good fight. So it really it fits with that competitiveness in my personality. Ive always had the philosophy of big risks, big gains. MasterChef absolutely launched my cooking career and I think with life, Ive always had the philosophy of big risks, big gains. Its like a great pendulum of life. So gotta be in it to win it. The other thing is for me, I dont need to be perfect or flawless. Im all about showing everyone that its just about having a red hot go. My biggest doubt going on the show is I wonder how far I can go on it. Im such a traditional home cook and after having been in the industry for so many years I realised that is where I find my joy in cooking. Im not really interested in deconstructing dishes or reinventing. My love for food comes from love of stories, culture and history. Im really recipe-driven or as a lot of people are invention-driven and ingredient-driven. Were going to provide a lot of people with a little bit of joy I think we do have a lot more to lose coming back because weve all sacrificed so much to be here. I feel that during this strange COVID-19 world that were living in, its really the best thing we could do. Were going to provide a lot of people with a little bit of joy every night on telly. Poh faces serious competition including successful alumni including Callum Haan, Hayden Quinn, Reynold Poernomo, Ben Milbourne, Simon Toohey, Tessa Boersma and Courtney Roulston. But she is confident she is a well-rounded cook. I love Italian, I love French Ive got the baking side. Pastry and cakes are one of my specialties. So all thats covered, Ive got Chinese, Ive got Malaysian, she explains. I just have a lot of recipes in my head that Ive cooked over the years and I know well. So thats how Ill get by. Weaknesses for me are related to the choices that I make when Im under pressure. Ive never seen a judge eat every single plate of food Joining the familiar contestants are three new judges, check Jock Zonfrillo, food writer Melissa Leong and chef and former winner Andy Allen. Jock trained under Marco Pierre White so I think everyone was expecting him to be super-scary. But he just really enjoys his food. Ive never seen a judge eat every single plate of food completely in a tasting. Its astounding to watch. Melissa is the storyteller, shes incredibly knowledgeable. So she gives a fantastic feminine energy to the set and she speaks very eloquently about food. Very emotive, very empathetic. Even if youve made a dish that falls short, she always understands the story and thats really nice. Its going to be a ripper season. Andy has an incredible amount of energy, and has gone to do fantastic things -hes hatted actually. He has a very relatable touch I think Aussies will really enjoy. Its going to be a ripper season. Everyone is just a delight and thats been one of the joys to make all these new friends and join in this crazy fight! MasterChef Australia returns 7:30pm tonight on 10. Canadian lawmakers passed a wage subsidy program Saturday heralded as the largest economic measure in the country since World War II, to help businesses and their employees get through the coronavirus crisis. Parliament is suspended but held an exceptional session in the middle of Easter weekend to adopt the USD 52 billion program, which aims to pay companies 75 percent of their employees' salaries to avoid massive layoffs. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the session. He had been in isolation in his home for a month after his wife contracted the virus. Apart from leaders of the main parties, only about 30 MPs out of 338 sat in order to comply with social distancing orders. The House of Commons passed the bill in the afternoon, following in the evening by the Senate. Trudeau, referring to Canada's sacrifices in both world wars, stressed that the fight against the virus "is not a war," but "that doesn't make this fight any less destructive." "The front line is everywhere, in our homes, in our hospitals and care centers, in our grocery stores and pharmacies, at our truck stops and gas stations. "And the people who work in these places are our modern day heroes," he said. This was the second financial assistance bill proposed by Trudeau's government since the beginning of the crisis. Its purpose is to "enable Canadians to keep their jobs and get a paycheck," the prime minister said, adding it is "the largest Canadian economic policy since World War II." The 75 per cent wage subsidy, which is for three months and retroactive to March 15, is for businesses that have suffered or will suffer a 15 per cent drop in revenues in March or 30 per cent in April and May, finance minister Bill Morneau said. The Canadian economy lost more than one million jobs last month. Canada had 23,197 cases of coronavirus and 678 deaths due to the disease as of Saturday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lucknow, April 12 : Muslim scholar and former Samajwadi Party spokesman, Abdul Hafiz Gandhi has criticized the efforts being made by the Yogi Adityanath government to identify coronavirus patients on basis of religion. Talking to IANS, Gandhi said, "The WHO and the central government have clearly stated that corona patients should not be identified but the state government is more interested in communal profiling of the patients." He said that the coronavirus was not religion specific and efforts made to link the pandemic to a particular religion should stop forthwith. "This is the time to unitedly fight against Corona but our government is trying to communalize the situation which is unfortunate. We must make efforts to bring all sections of society together in the battle against corona, instead of linking it to one religion," he said. Gandhi also tweeted on this issue and shared screen shots where the government press releases mentioned the number of patients related to the Tablighi Jamaat. He said that the state government, in every press statement, was identifying the number of persons linked to Tablighi Jamaat which was unfortunate. If anyone has broken rules, action must be taken under the law but why play communal politics on the issue, he added. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its non-OPEC allies, led by Russia, are holding another crucial meeting on Sunday to take a final decision on oil output cut. The Sunday meeting is holding about 72 hours after the previous one on Thursday. The previous meeting ended without the full support of Mexico, a non-OPEC oil producer. PREMIUM TIMES reported how, at the end of the Thursday meeting, the countries agreed to cut crude oil output by an initial10 million barrels per day. The decision was necessitated by the sharp drop in crude oil prices, to lowest level in 18 years, since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Schedule of the deal During the meeting, members resolved to cut their production in three phases between May 1, 2020 And April 30, 2022. From May 1 2020, an initial 10 million barrels per day would be cut within two months until June 30, 2020. Another eight million barrels per day would be cut from July 1, 2020, over a six months period till December 31, 2020. The final cut would be by six mIllion barrels over a 16 months period, between January 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022. Mexico opted out of deal But, the resolution ran into stiff opposition, with Mexicos surprise decision not to adhere to the deal. Mexico was expected to cut about 400,000 barrels per day from its current production figures between May and June. However, President Andres Obrador announced that the countrys national oil company, Pemex, would not be committed to its share of cuts agreed by OPEC+. Mr Obrador said Mexico would cut just 100,000 barrels of oil per day. Fresh overtures The decision jolted the earlier resolution, warranting fresh overtures to Mexico to attempt to convince it to change its position and join the effort in the overall interest of the global oil market unsettled by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. An official at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday in a telephone interview that the group had to convene another round of online meeting with Mexico, Canada and the United States in attendance. OPEC+ virtual meeting, the second in 72 hours after the one on Thursday is currently ongoing, the source said in a telephone interview Sunday evening. He requested that his name should not be mentioned, as he was not authorised to speak on the issue. The source, however, confirmed that Nigeria was represented at the meeting by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and Nigerias National Representative to OPEC and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mele Kyari. He said both officials are participating in the discussions from their bases in Abuja. The meeting is expected to help the group take a final decision that would be binding on all OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers. The Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba, the Northern Tip of Red Sea has shown resilience in increasing sea temperatures, and is now being considered to play the role of the coral reservoir of the world. (Photo : Wikimedia Commons) The Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba, the Northern Tip of the Red Sea, has shown resilience in increasing sea temperatures. The reefs are now considered "to play the role of the coral reservoir of the world", Fuad Al-Horani, a professor of coral biology and ecology at the University of Jordan, said. In 2005, Moaz Fine, professor at Bar-Ilan University, leads a laboratory study on the reefs; he noticed that there was something different about the Red Sea reefs after researching reefs in Australia. He expected to see degrading one like that in Australia, but interestingly, the corals of the Gulf of Aqaba were unaffected by increasing sea temperatures and ocean acidification. This finding led Fine to design a prototype Red Sea Simulator (RSS), a large scale, multiple aquarium system that can simulate future ocean conditions and perform experiments that might provide an understanding of the distinctiveness of the corals in the Red Sea. The RSS allowed Fine's team to study corals and water from the Gulf, and adjust the acidity and temperature in the tanks simultaneously to be able to understand the physiology and genetics of the reef ecosystems. Coral reefs are biodiversity reservoirs and are vital sources of food, income, and medicines. With this development, Karine Kleinhaus, a professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University, said that there is now a window of opportunity to apply science to be able to rescue the world's degrading reefs. However, unless they can understand the biology and physiology of the Gulf of Aqaba corals that are tolerant to warming sea temperatures, this knowledge could not be used elsewhere, Kleinhaus added. She is particularly interested in any essential ecological factors in the reef that "amplify any innate coral resilience or potential to recover from bleaching." A coral normally dispels their algae as temperature increases at 1-2 degrees celsius beyond the maximum summer temperature. The Red Sea corals, according to their unpublished research, suggests that while resilience varied between the corals that they tested, the corals were able to tolerate 4-5 degrees celsius above the current summer maximum. Some have even withstood as much as 7C above the summer maximum. The corals are notably resilient, and appear to do better in increased temperature. In some cases, the oxygen produced by the symbiotic algae doubled and revealed a 51 percent increase in primary productivity. Scientists believe that this is because of the product of their past. This population of corals migrated over thousands of years ago from the south, where there is a higher temperature to the north where the temperature is lower. The corals seemed to have retained their capacity to thrive at higher temperatures, says Anders Meibom, a geochemist running the Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL). Andrea Grottoli, a professor in the School of Earth Sciences at Ohio State University, said Red Sea Coral "could serve as a model for restoration once climate change stress is mitigated". He adds that "we start being able to actually reintroduce coral... it could serve as a model for what a normal reef might look like." Fine, Meibon, Kleinhaus, and several scientists and diplomats are calling on UNESCO to declare the Red Sea Reef as a Marine World Heritage Site to ensure the protection of the reefs from local threats that would endanger the coral's resilience. TDT | Manama Bahrains foreign policy is longstanding and is based on the values of national identity and human culture, as well as different civilizations and cultures, said Assistant Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Faisal bin Jabr Al Dossari. He paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who established the principles of Bahraini foreign policy and direct diplomacy to build firm political alliances and partnerships with various countries of the world, and contribute to promoting stability and world peace. He also noted that the Kingdoms foreign policy is based on a balanced diplomatic approach and flexible policies in facing the most difficult challenges. The Christian community of Sri Lanka, together with their brethren all over the world celebrates Easter, the commemoration day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, with utmost devotion. The intend of the devoted commemoration is to purify the mind and soul. The Christian devotees spend the lent period indulging in religious activities recalling the crucifixion, suffering, sacrifice, the death and resurrection of Jesus. I believe that peace and harmony attained in the mind due to these pious activities help the Christian community to spread the message of love, peace and harmony among the brethren in the country. The devotees are shocked and saddened by the corona pandemic faced by the world community today. Their desire is to provide relief to the suffering people with the blessings of the divine Father and Son. The Easter festivities in the past were full of joy and delight. However, last year it left a sorrowful memory of pain and loss. Even today the shock has not been fully erased. The commitment of the government is to ensure justice for the people who suffered. Furthermore, the government is determined to ensure complete eradication of such tragedies from the Motherland. At this moment when the country is faced with a grave challenge to the health of the people, the government expects the Christian community to stay at homes in accordance with the advice of the Government and health officials and pay obeisance to Jesus Christ. I wish you, your family and the entire society would be able to absolve yourselves from sins by faithfully recalling the message of Jesus. Gotabaya Rajapaksa April 9, 2020 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gemma Holliani Cahya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, April 13 2020 Silent Easter: A priests assistant holds a holy communion in a house in Banyuwangi, East Java, on Sunday, after watching a livestreamed Easter Mass. During Easter this year, the Maria Ratu Damai Catholic Church in Banyuwangi did not hold a Mass at its church building because of COVID-19. (Antara/Budi Candra Setya) This years Easter has been like no other. Christian communities in Indonesia have seen it all in the past, from natural disasters, to terrorist attacks and persecutions, but the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented in how it has changed the way Christians celebrate holy days. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Myanmar & COVID-19 Doctor Who Treated COVID-19 Patient Tests Positive in Myanmar A COVID-19 receiving center at Yangon General Hospital. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy YANGONA doctor who treated a COVID-19 patient has tested positive for the disease, becoming the first victim among the frontline health workers fighting the coronavirus in Myanmar. The 58-year-old anesthesiologist was part of the medical team that treated a COVID-19 patient at Pyay General Hospital in Bago Region. The patient died of the disease last week. According to Myanmars Ministry of Health and Sports, she is one of three people who tested positive for the coronavirus on Saturday. As of Sunday morning, the Southeast Asian country had detected 38 confirmed cases with three deaths since late March. Known and highly respected among her colleagues for her outspokenness and professionalism, the anesthesiologist was actively involved in the Black Ribbon Movement in 2015 during the previous quasi-civilian government. The campaign, in which health care practitioners donned black ribbons in photos posted online and adopted the catchcry, Say no to the militarization of Myanmars Ministry of Health, opposed the appointment of military officers to positions within the ministry. She also joined public campaigns last year to demand justice for a toddler who was raped in Naypyitaw. The doctor was transferred to Yangons Waibargi Specialist Hospital for Infectious Diseases early on Sunday morning. She wrote on her Facebook account: Just arrived. Safe trip. SFSG [so far so good]. Thanks for all of your kindness. According to a note she posted late on Saturday night before her referral to Waibargi Hospital, she had no cough or fever and was not in distress. Now leaving and going to sleep. Thk to all, she wrote. You may also like these stories: In Myanmar, Its Time to Stop the Senseless War and Fight COVID-19 Myanmar Citizens Face COVID-19 Prosecutions for Breaching Rules By William Schwartz | Published on 2020/04/11 The opening sequence of "Ghost Ship" is crudely and deliberately animated such as to avoid showing anybody's face. While this is done in part because director Kim Ji-young-V is obviously working on a budget, the stark anonymity of this scene is critical. Kim Ji-young-V doesn't explain why right away but the curious story of an unknown tech pirate working in Shenzhen is just a metaphor for the greater ominous information blackout surrounding forensic data relevant to the Sewol ferry tragedy. Advertisement Six years after the fact "Ghost Ship" is yet another documentary about Sewol. It's a deliberate follow up to Kim Ji-young's previous documentary "Intention", which provided a compelling argument that the South Korean government manipulated international tracking data in order to lie about the exact route the Sewol ferry took that fateful night. "Ghost Ship" still doesn't have an explanation for why exactly they did that, though the theory presented at the documentary's end is suitably horrifying. But first, context. The titular "Ghost Ship" refers to an imaginary Swedish boat which was fraudulently registered with international boat tracking websites for reasons unknown. That's what our mysterious Shenzhen hacker is doing in the opening scenes, is just registering the ship's existence. When Kim Ji-young-V contacted Swedish maritime authorities for information on the boat, they confirmed that no such boat with this tracking number had ever been registered with them. The mystery hacker's activities only grow stranger. Director Kim Ji-young-V goes on to explain how the entire impetus for "Ghost Ship" was the discovery of some strange forensic information uncovered while "Intention" was being researched. Basically, global positioning information for boats is typically registered internationally to keep boats from running into each other. This information is modified as it is registered by the ships, sent to the database, and then returned to verify receipt. "Ghost Ship" quantifies this with an extended parent/child analogy. This information is labeled differently depending on what point in the process it is. What Kim Ji-young-V discovered was that much of the information regarding Sewol's positioning is simply wrong. We know this because several lines of code are formatted the wrong way. Almost as if someone had been entering in extant data from a different stage of the process, and manually altering the formatting to make the code adhere to the right format. And Kim Ji-young-V also demonstrates that, for reasons unknown, all of this data alteration can directly be traced to an IP address in Shenzhen. In a way "Ghost Ship" is frustrating. The documentary quite literally ends the moment it gets to its most explosive point, just because Kim Ji-young-V hadn't gotten that far yet in his research. But I can see why he decided to make a documentary that wasn't really finished yet. If his theory regarding the actual reason Sewol sank is true, the implications are horrifying, suggesting a massive criminal conspiracy at the highest level of the South Korean government of which the Sewol ferry itself was only random collateral damage. I can only hope that he has another follow-up. Review by William Schwartz ___________ "Ghost Ship" is directed by Kim Ji-young-V, and narrated by Park Ho-san. Release date in Korea: 2020/04/15. Joe Biden, the longtime Delaware senator and former vice president whos now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, faces a sexual assault allegation from former aide Tara Reade. Reade, one of several women who last year accused Biden of uncomfortable kissing, hugging or touching, made the new allegation during a podcast interview last month. This is an excerpt of the audio interview regarding what happend to me inBidens office. There is graphic discussion of sexual assault. Full interview up soon.#BernieIsOurFDR #TimesUp #MeToo # https://t.co/d85Jy7ljQw taratweets ( Alexandra Tara Reade) (@ReadeAlexandra) March 25, 2020 On Sunday, The New York Times reported that it had interviewed Reade on the alleged assault. The newspaper also spoke with a friend of Reades who was told details at the time, and another friend and a brother of Reades who were told over the years about an incident involving Biden. She filed a sexual assault report with Washington, D.C., police on Thursday, claiming that Biden, in 1993, pinned her against a wall, kissed her and placed his hand under her skirt. Reade alleged that he propositioned her but stopped after she pulled away. Bidens team told the Times that the assault never happened. Kate Bedingfield, a deputy campaign manager for Biden, said in a statement that the former vice president had dedicated his public life to changing the culture and the laws around violence against women," including his writing and push for passage of the Violence Against Women Act. "He firmly believes that women have a right to be heard and heard respectfully, she said. "Such claims should also be diligently reviewed by an independent press. What is clear about this claim: It is untrue. This absolutely did not happen. The Times said it interviewed almost two dozen Biden staffers during the 1990s, including many who worked alongside Reade, with several saying they did not recall any discussion of the incident or similar behavior by Biden toward her or other women. A pair of interns who worked directly with Reade told the Times they were unaware of her accusation or any concerns about Bidens behavior. The Times found no pattern of sexual misconduct by Biden; no other allegations of assault surfaced and no former staff members corroborated Reades allegation. Reade said she complained to Marianne Baker, Bidens former longtime executive assistant, following the alleged assault. But Baker said in a statement that she "never once witnessed, or heard of, or received, any reports of inappropriate conduct, period not from Ms. Reade, not from anyone. I have absolutely no knowledge or memory of Ms. Reades accounting of events, which would have left a searing impression on me as a woman professional, and as a manager. Reade told The Times she came forward on her own and not to help Democratic rival Sen. Bernie Sanders or President Donald Trump. Trump, whos faced sexual assault and other allegations by more than a dozen women, has not yet referenced Reades allegations against his likely foe in the general election. The Intercept reported that Reade reached out to nonprofit Times Up, which helps assault and harassment victims share their stories. Reade said she was provided a list of attorneys with Times Up Legal Defense Fund, but none took her case, the Times reported. Related Content: The Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM) has advised market women to heed the advice to practice social distancing and good hygiene to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Mrs Mavis Kitcher, President of AWSIM, urged the market women to regularly wash their hands with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based sanitizers. Speaking at a public education programme, organised by ASWIM, with the support of the Information Services Department (ISD) at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, Mrs Kitcher said the pandemic was no respecter of persons, hence the need for them to observe all the protocols spelt out by the Ghana Health Service. She said the disease spread very fast and if they refused to observe good sanitation practices it could claim many lives. Mrs Kitcher said in view of their regular engagement with the public, if any of them contracted the virus, she could speedily infect her family members, customers and fellow traders. Hence, she said, the need for them to strictly adhere to good sanitation practices at the market and in their respective homes. She said when ASWIM secured more hand sanitizers, it would make them available to the traders to help protect them against infection. Mr Kofi Effah, Communication Officer of Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), which donated hand sanitizers to ASWIM to be presented to the women, said they were elated to play a role in fighting the pandemic. Mr Effah said HFFG had distributed more than 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizers to various organizations and social groups countrywide. Madam Hannah Naa Borkai Addy, Market Queen of Agbogbloshie Market, commended ASWIM, HFFG and ISD for their respective roles in the fight against the pandemic. Madam Addy pleaded with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA to assist the market to mobilise all traders to sell their wares in the main market. She said traders who failed to adhere to social distancing and good sanitation practices would be asked to leave the market. Nana Oguamena I, the leader of the Vegetable Sellers Association at the Agbogbloshie Market, said he would ensure that all the protocols initiated to limit the spread of COVID-19 were strictly adhered to. Mrs Kitcher presented the 270 bottles of hand sanitizers donated by HFFG to Madam Addy to support the traders' fight against COVID-19. Ghana's total confirmed COVID-19 cases stand at 408, with eight deaths and four recoveries. ASWIM is a professional association of women media practitioners dedicated to the cause of professional advancement, the protection of the rights of girls and women and their empowerment to play their roles meaningfully towards the holistic development of Ghana. 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 New Delhi, April 12 : Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi is an Advocate-on-Record practicing at the Supreme Court. He has been practicing law for 15 years and is now representing the Tablighi Jamaat, which is at the centre of a massive controversy for defying prohibitory orders and becoming human carriers as a result of the congregation at the Markaz in Nizamuddin. Ayyubi has previously been the counsel in various high profile cases including that of Assam NRC. Recently, on his petition, the apex court issued notices to all State/UT governments to respond to the plea seeking establishment of community kitchens across the country. In an extensive conversation with IANS he details what exactly happened at the Markaz. Excerpts: Q: The allegation against Tablighi Jamaat is a serious one that they held this congregation despite prohibitory orders and now the Chief Maulana Saad is not coming out to join investigations? The congregation of TJ existed much prior to the issuance of any prohibitory orders. Pursuant to the orders, steps were taken by Markaz to disband and disperse the congregation. The people got stranded in Markaz as they belonged to places outside Delhi. They cant go back to their homes due to the sudden lockdown announced by the Delhi government and subsequently by the central government. Rail services were shut down and eventually domestic flights were also stopped, thus eliminating any possibility for the participants to return. It is wrong to say that Maulana Saad has not joined investigation. Police authorities have sought information from him in terms of Section 91 of the CrPC. He has duly submitted the requisite information to them, very much complying with such notice and with the investigation. The investigation is underway, therefore nothing much can be said at this stage. Q: Is he running away from the law? Markaz Nizamuddin has an impeccable record of abiding by the law, and assisting the authorities whenever needed.Maulana Saad is a responsible citizen and head of this global movement, therefore, such a question does not arise. He is in self quarantine as advised by his Doctor. The Police authorities know this and are following the medical protocol.As I have said, the notice seeking information has been duly replied to as well. Q: Many foreign TJ members have been booked in Uttar Pradesh for flouting visa norms, what legal recourse will you take? Earlier it was said that visas of around 900 foreigners TJ members is revoked and accordingly they will be deported back to their countries. But now it has come to light that FIRs are being registered against foreign TJ members and they are being sent to jail like in Bahraich, UP. We are trying to get in touch with the authorities so that legal aid can be provided to such foreigners. Q: There are many suggestions that markaz chief should come out and speak on the issue to offer clarity? People can give suggestions as they like, but a movement like TJ operates in a certain way. People outside the Muslim community aren't familiar with Markaz Nizamuddin and they want to know about it but it should also be respected that TJ has never been associated with the media, it has never sought any publicity, and has not used media or TVchannels ever in its history and has remained apolitical.That's how they have conducted themselves over the last century and perhaps may want to continue that way only. Q: There are reports in public domain that many members of TJ have been involved in terror activities in various parts of the globe? What do you have to say on this? This allegation is completely misplaced and mischievous. Markaz Nizamuddin has been around since 1926 and serves as the global headquarters of Tablighi Jamaat, which is a purely apolitical socio-religious movement. Volunteers and participants from across the world come to the Markaz to learn about Islamic teachings with emphasis on building a good moral character so that as Muslims they refrain from all that's evil and espouse all that's good. The effort started as a response to the moral degeneration of Muslims, and over the last century has benefited millions of Muslims, enabling them to lead a life of responsibility and respect across the globe.Therefore any connection with such inhuman activities like terror is contrary to the very purpose for which TJ exits. This is a global movement, and security agencies in India and across the world are fully aware of its existence and how it works. TJ is perhaps the largest social reform movement in the world, and is respected for the extraordinary effort they have undertaken. Q: Do you think media has been biased towards you while reporting on the Markaz issue. At the time when humanity is facing its biggest challenge, it is sad and unfortunate that an immature section of the media portrayed the Markaz issue in a very biased and dishonest manner. Nevertheless police authorities have now started taking action against fake news. Since this is a global movement which is respected worldwide we should not do anything which may bring bad name to our great country. For instance, there are repeated reports of Maulana Saad allegedly being away from law, when in fact, he has replied to the notice given by the police, despite being under quarantine. However, the latter aspect has not been reported equally when compared to the former. Media reportage on any issue must take into account all facts and must in any case not give the slightest reason for sensationalize any issue. Unfortunately, certain sections of media have failed on that front. Outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in San Francisco, California (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton) The US 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. With the New York area still deep in crisis, fear mounted over the spread of the scourge into the nation's 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. 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. 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. 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 outbreak'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 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. 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 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 Wisconsin's presidential primary Tuesday. Michigan's governor extended her state's 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. It's 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, not in church, 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. 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) - Cities in the regions are reporting more COVID-19 recoveries this week. In a social media post on Sunday, Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco announced that the city's first COVID-19 patient has tested negative and has been discharged. Zamboanga City recorded its first COVID-19 case on March 24, a 29-year-old male from Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City, who traveled from Manila. READ: Zamboanga City reports first COVID-19 case The local official expressed gratitude to the medical team who took care and aided the patient in his recovery. As of April 12, Zamboanga City has reported seven confirmed COVID-19 cases. Over in Eastern Visayas, the second COVID-19 patient also tested negative for the disease. The Department of Health regional office announced this after the result of the second swab sample turned out negative for the disease. "All of the 28 swab specimens comprising the 7th Batch of samples sent by DOH8 to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City tested negative," the statement said. The patient, who is a doctor from Calbayog City, is expected to be discharged from the hospital but he will undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine. The region has two remaining COVID-19 patients, both of whom were in close contact with the patient from Calbayog City. The two are health workers at Tarangnan Community Hospital in Tarangnan, Samar. As of April 11, Eastern Visayas has a total of 278 persons under investigation (PUIs), 28 of which are admitted in hospitals while 250 are on home isolation. Stringer Wil Mark Amazona contributed to this report. United States Agency for International Development (USAID) administrator Mark Green speaks to members of the press during a briefing at the Munich Security conference in Munich Germany. Read more LOS ANGELES Its an obscure U.S. government bureau with many missions, including this vital one: hunting down viral diseases like COVID-19 that spill over from animals to the human world. But in late 2019 it found itself without a permanent leader, and squarely in the Trump administrations budget-slashing sights. That all changed with the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 20,000 Americans and more than 100,000 people across the world. Now, the Global Health Bureau, part of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has abundant government support. Congress and President Donald Trump have agreed to multiply the budget for the bureaus activities that can support global health security and related efforts as much as fivefold, to more than half a billion dollars. And its top leadership position left empty for three years by the White House and a plodding Senate confirmation process finally was filled in late March. The funding boost, along with new leadership, will enhance the agencys ability to respond to the immediate crisis and bolster foreign health systems to protect against future outbreaks. It also could reboot stalled efforts to have the U.S. help lead a global quest to corral an estimated 1.6 million animal-borne viruses that threaten to leap to human hosts. With support from policymakers and the scientific community, we can do this we have all of the tools and just need to harness the energy and the resources to get it done, said Jonna Mazet, executive director of the One Health Institute at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, who headed USAIDs previous initiative to track dangerous viruses. Outside experts caution that they have seen the U.S. beef up global health programs during past emergencies, like the 2014-16 Ebola epidemic, only to see funding wither when the crises subsided. The U.S. government funding for this kind of work is completely episodic. There will be another outbreak thats a given and funding that comes in fits and starts doesnt allow for any real preparations, said Jennifer Kates, who heads global health policy research at the Kaiser Family Foundation. Right now, were just in response mode. The money is really important, but if the outbreak is as devastating as it could be, it wont go very far. READ MORE: World Health Organization on defensive after Trump slams it on virus The injection of new funds increases the budget USAID devotes to this work to as much as $535 million, dwarfing 2019 funding of roughly $100 million for the programs. (Its unclear how much of the $535 million will be spent in the coming year.) That advance is even more notable given that the Trump administrations budget team previously proposed trimming global health security funding at USAID by 10% to a maximum of $90 million, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The new money would be enough to allow the agency to extend the kind of work done by one of its key virus-hunting programs, called PREDICT. That program to allow early warnings about dangerous viruses had been allowed to go fallow, just two months before the deadly new coronavirus burst onto the world stage. The failure to fully renew PREDICT dismayed infectious disease experts, who said chasing down the pathogens was a key to preventing future pandemics. FAQ: Your coronavirus questions, answered. A Times story reporting on the demise of PREDICT created a furor and, like much of the responses to the coronavirus pandemic, quickly took on political overtones. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden tweeted that the ending of the PREDICT program had been a mistake, adding: Donald Trumps shortsighted actions left our nation ill-prepared to deal with this outbreak. Dr. Alma Golden, the newly confirmed head of the Global Health Bureau, did not respond to a request for comment. The White House also did not respond to a request to discuss why it previously moved to trim USAIDs budget for global health security or why the top job at the bureau was allowed to remain open for nearly three years. In defending the demise of PREDICT, a USAID spokesman previously said that it was just one component of USAIDs global health security efforts and accounted for less than 20% of our global health security funding. Dennis Carroll, the former head of the agencys Pandemic Influenza and Other Emerging Threats unit, said in an interview that the demise of the PREDICT project was the result of a variety of factors, including inattention from the Trump administration and excessive caution from some bureaucrats within USAID. Carroll said he hopes the bureau will see the value in virus early-warning programs, like a start-up effort called the Global Virome Project, which he helps lead. PREDICT and the fledgling Virome Project focus on identifying viruses, in bats and other wild creatures, that could trigger epidemics or pandemics. What we are saying is that we have found Ebola and we can deal with Ebola, said Carroll, a renowned authority on infectious diseases. But Ebola is just the tip of a very large large iceberg, and its that unknown, what other viruses are in that iceberg we need to get a better handle on that. And what PREDICT, and now the Global Virome Project, are about is trying to move from the unknown into the known, so that we can manage these risks. The benefit to the U.S. and to other nations of Viromes work would be the creation of a worldwide database of potentially dangerous pathogens, said Carroll. At some point, there will be a nice handover from the Global Virome Project, identifying clear, high-value, high-risk, newly identified viruses that are circulating in wildlife, he said. Then we will know [the viruses] that have the pedigree to wreak havoc among human populations. READ MORE: Trump sidelines watchdog tapped for coronavirus rescue oversight The Global Virome Project incorporated in February, with Carroll as its chair. Its leadership team includes infectious disease authorities like Mazet, who was the PREDICT global director for a decade. Carroll blamed the lack of support for the virus-hunting work in the past in part on the Trump administrations wider disdain for foreign aid. A review of recent budgets by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service showed that the Trump team had proposed a 21% overall slashing of programs at the State Department and related agencies, like USAID. Congress generally has fought off such moves, including proposals last year that would have cut one-quarter of the funding for environmental protection and slashed more than 60% of funds for clean water, sanitation and related micro-enterprises. The Trump administration, meanwhile, proposed an 80% increase in funding for the Womens Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, a $100-million program rolled out in 2019 by Ivanka Trump, according to the Congressional Research Service. PREDICT discovered about 1,200 new viruses. And the initiative that USAID plans to launch this fall, dubbed the STOP Spillover Project, will work to cut off the amplification, and spread of these so-called zoonotic pathogens. Experts estimate there may be 1.6 million in the animal world with at least a potential to be some threat to humanity and STOP Spillover does nothing to hunt down and catalog those unidentified threats, Carroll said. That was the mission envisioned by Carroll for the new Global Virome Project. But the proposal ran into obstacles inside USAID on several fronts before the current pandemic, said Carroll, who left the agency in August. READ MORE: Trump administration waited two months after learning of coronavirus before ordering needed equipment The Global Health Bureau lacked a permanent leader for most of the time since Trump took office. The White House did not name Golden to head the bureau until April 2019. It then took almost a year, until March 20 as the pandemic was exploding for the Republican-controlled Senate to approve Golden, a respected physician who ran a string of clinics for the poor in Texas. Carroll, who studied the molecular mechanics of viral infection at the acclaimed Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York, said that he was cautioned by lawyers within USAID about his intention to help lead the new Global Virome Project. I couldnt create the Global Virome Project while Im a U.S. government employee, Carroll said. That was a serious legal issue. U.S. agencies, by law, are not allowed to establish NGOs [nongovernmental organizations]. They were very cautious about that, and rightfully so. Carrolls retirement eight months ago cleared the way for him to launch the Global Virome Project, which obtained its nonprofit status in February, Carroll said. He said the organization hopes to land about $20 million in funding from the U.S. government. Experts agree the U.S. must be better prepared for the next pandemic. Its a feature of global health security that we dont do preparedness well, said Kates of the Kaiser Family Foundation, and theres no clear road map to set out and change that. We need to be shoring up for future defense. Commuters in the Taipei metro station heading home from work in Taipei, Taiwan, on March 19, 2020. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) US Lawmakers Defend Taiwan Against WHO Chiefs Claims TAIPEI, TaiwanU.S. officials are voicing support for Taiwan following claims by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that he was the target of racist insults and death threats that originated from Taiwan. The WHOs leader on April 8 also accused the islands foreign ministry of knowing about the attacks and also criticizing him. Response to WHO In response to the accusations, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stated that Taiwan opposes all forms of discrimination. She extended an invitation to Ghebreyesus to visit Taiwan so he could see for himself the islands efforts to fight COVID-19. Taiwan opposes all forms of discrimination. I want to take this opportunity to invite @WHO Director-General @DrTedros to visit Taiwan & experience for himself how committed the Taiwanese people are to engaging with the world & combating #COVID19. Statement:https://t.co/C6ZCEeJDxB pic.twitter.com/YL5yxBqDPN Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) April 9, 2020 On April 10, Taiwans Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau held a press conference to call out a Twitter smear campaign by mainland Chinese netizens who had posed as Taiwanese citizens and wrote apologies to Ghebreyesus for the purported attacks. Many Twitter accounts posted the exact same message. I applaud [Taiwan President] @iingwens response to baseless claims that Taiwan is fueling racist attacks against @DrTedros, U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote in a tweet the next day about the spat, in defense of Taiwan. I encourage him to check out #Taiwans recorddespite its exclusionso we can collectively advance @WHOs critical global health work, he added. Taiwan has earned international accolades for its efforts in containing the spread of the CCP virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, despite the islands close proximity to mainland China. As of April 11, the island has reported 388 confirmed cases and six deaths in connection with the virus. Taiwan isnt a member of the WHO, as the international health agency has refused to offer the island a seat on the World Health Assembly (WHA), WHOs decision-making body. Moreover, the organization hasnt extended invitations to Taiwanese health experts to join recent meetings related to the pandemic held by the WHO Emergency Committee. Taiwans exclusion from the WHO is the result of the Chinese regimes objection, which claims the island as its own, despite the fact that Taiwan is a de facto independent country, with its own military, democratically-elected government, and constitution. On April 9, Washington-based Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), a lobbying group that promotes U.S.-Taiwan relations, also called out the CCP, pointing to a tweet by Chinese state-run media Global Times, which called the attack from Taiwan a shame. #ChineseCommunistParty and @DrTedros helping each other out of a disaster they created, FAPA commented on Twitter, adding that it was a campaign aimed at driving a wedge among pro-democracy people. After Ghebreyesuss accusation, many Taiwanese Twitter users, including local Taoyuan city Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan, shared sarcastic social media posts with the hashtag #ThisAttackComesFromTaiwan, along with photos of Taiwans scenic spots and cuisine. Brilliant the way #Taiwan is responding to the crisis and to @WHO's @DrTedros ridiculous false accusations based on #CCP lies and propaganda I love the #ThisAttackComesFromTaiwan hashtag Taiwan is a role model and is helping the world#IloveTaiwan #TaiwanCanHelp https://t.co/lXMlIMnG3I Benedict Rogers#StayHomeSaveLives (@benedictrogers) April 10, 2020 Chinas Coverup U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) also voiced support for Taiwan by reposting Tsais tweet. Leave it to the @WHO to ignore Taiwans warnings about the Chinese COVID-cover-up, only to accuse Taiwan of racism without a shred of evidence, Norman said in his tweet on April 9. Beijings initial coverup of the virus has been well-documented, most notably its decision to silence eight doctors, among them ophthalmologist Li Wenliang, after they posted on Chinese social media about a new form of pneumonia in late December. Li was subsequently summoned to a local police station for rumor-mongering. Taiwan officials said they first warned the WHO about the viruss risk of human-to-human transmission on Dec. 31 last year. The WHO initially repeated Beijings claim that there was no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission on Jan. 14. Beijing didnt admit the virus was contagious until Jan. 20. On April 10, the WHO said in a response to AFP that it did not receive such a warning from Taiwanese health officials. The following day, Chen Shih-chung, Taiwans minister of health and welfare, spoke at a daily press conference and sought to clear up the incident by revealing the content of the email. News resources today indicate that at least seven atypical pneumonia cases were reported in Wuhan, China, the email stated. Their health authorities replied to the media that the cases were believed not SARS; however, the samples are still under examination, and cases have been isolated for treatment. Chen said: If being isolated for treatment is not a warning, then what is? He called on the WHO to be honest in dealing with the issue and stop seeking to shift blame. 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. New Delhi, April 12 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has joined hands with other government agencies to feed the poor and help the needy during the nationwide lockdown. It has also decided to help the migrant labourers stranded at temporary shelters, the CBI said in a statement here on Sunday. The CBI officials in Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabnad are also providing food to these workers. "The CBI will continue to reach out and help the poor in this difficult situation," it said. Lakhs of migrant workers are stranded in over 3,700 shelter homes amid the lockdown. They had started moving towards their villages from cities after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 announced a three-week shutdown to break the Covid-19 transmission chain. The pandemic has claimed 273 lives and infected over 8,000 people in the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern over possible intentions by countries to end their restriction of movements too soon. Many countries have imposed movement restrictions on citizens to check the spread of the coronavirus which has caused over 100,000 deaths globally and infected almost two million people. The director-general of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, at a press conference Friday said lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence. He said the coronavirus appears to be slowing in some of the hardest-hit countries in Europe like Spain, Italy, Germany and France; however, lifting stay-at-home orders too soon could lead to a deadly resurgence. WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone. At the same time, the way down can be as dangerous as the way up, if not managed properly, he said. According to Mr Ghebreyesus, there has been an alarming acceleration of cases in other countries, especially in Africa. He said that the WHO is now seeing clusters of cases and community spread, where the virus spreads without a known source, in more than 16 countries in Africa, which poses a threat to already overstretched health-care systems. Before social distancing restrictions can be lifted, Mr Ghebreyesus said each country needs to consider whether the virus transmission is controlled, if sufficient medical services are available and if outbreak risks in special settings like long-term care facilities are minimised. He said preventive measures must also be in place at respective workplaces and schools. Countries who relatively have the strongest health system have been actually surprised by this pandemic, he said. It shows that any system could have gaps and we should have the humility to see to what extent our system is prepared, where are the gaps and how we can improve it for the future. READ ALSO: Like the WHO, the Nigeria Medical Association has also cautioned state governments against early lifting of movement restrictions. In a statement jointly signed by its President, Francis Faduyile, and Secretary, Olumuyiwa Odusote, the NMA warned against early relaxation of such directives. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the federal government imposed a lockdown on Lagos, Abuja and Ogun, while many state governments did something similar in their states. However, some of the state governments have been relaxing the order, some because of this weekends Easter celebration. While appreciating the prime place of religion in our national lives and especially the value Christians place on Easter, we place on record that there is now the evidence of community transmission of COVID-19. As such, relaxing any guidelines that promotes mass gatherings in any part of our nation Now can only heighten and not flatten the curve of transmission dynamics, the doctors association said. The association called on law enforcement agencies to help prevent any mass gatherings that will take place in the period of the lock down. The decision by some state governments to relax the lockdown in their states coincides with a reported plan by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to advise President Muhammed Buhari on the possibility of having a nationwide lockdown. The president on Saturday urged Nigerians to continue to abide by the restriction orders in their states. He is also expected to announce an extension of the restrictions in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja. Since its importation into the country, the confirmed cases of coronavirus have been on the increase in Nigeria. The number stood at 318 as of April 11, according to the data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Ten people have died from the disease in the country while over 70 have recovered and have been discharged. A Dutch newspaper reported on Saturday that several cellular broadcasting towers across the Netherlands have been damaged by arson or sabotage -- by opponents of a rollout of a new 5G network. De Telegraaf said there have been four incidents in the past week-- citing the director of The Monet Foundation-- an industry group that oversees placement of cell towers in the country. De Telegraaf reported that arsonists had left an anti-5G slogan spray-painted at the scene of one attack. A range of groups in the Netherlands have been opposed to the the introduction of 5G for some time-- mostly over concerns that radiowaves could damage human health. Others fear the technology could infringe upon privacy. Major telecommunications providers in the Netherlands are in a testing phase with 5G.. and have not yet begun a nationwide rollout pending a spectrum auction due to conclude in June. Last week, a woman residing in Navi Mumbai lost her dog, Joey. Ms. Chandran wasn't granted a pass by the police authorities to take her ailing pet to the veterinarian during the lockdown. Chandran's neighbour, Harish Iyer, an activist, said that the dog had been taken sick and they had repeatedly tried reaching out to the police for help. Navi Mumbai Police is giving out an e-pass to anyone who needs to go out during the lockdown for emergency situations. Chandran, realising that her dog was critical, filled in requisite details on the Navi Mumbai Police website at least four times. Each time she was told that her cause was "irrelevant or needless" following which she was denied a pass, Harish told News18. This comes after the Centre directed state governments to allow normal functioning of veterinary hospitals and clinics after the lockdown was imposed. Without a pass, she frantically reached out to her dog's veterinarian who told her what no pet parent ever wants to hear - that her dog might get a cardiac arrest and would not survive it. She got the prescribed medicines which could help buy time. The next day, the dog collapsed. "When I reached, Joey was about to collapse and I knew he wouldn't survive. I tried to resuscitate the dog but failed," said Harish. Harish also tweeted about the same and tagged Navi Mumbai Police in the tweet. "Extending deepest sympathy for you in your loss. We are sensitive in such situations. We are always there for our Citizens to serve our best in extreme emergencies," the official Twitter handle for Navi Mumbai Police replied. Dear @Navimumpolice Joey passed away this morning due to cardiac arrest. His human had tried procuring a pass from you to visit the doctor, but you denied them the pass because you thought it was "irelevant or needless". Had Joey found help in time he would have lived. pic.twitter.com/WlCLE12Sqq harish (@hiyer) April 10, 2020 Extending deepest sympathy for you in your loss. We are sensitive in such situations. We are always there for our Citizens to serve our best in extreme emergencies. Navi Mumbai Police (@Navimumpolice) April 10, 2020 Harish says that the worst part about the tragedy has to be the fact that people are calling him to find out if Joey had contracted COVID-19 and had died consequently. The website for Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention clearly mentions that there is no evidence to suggest that pets, like dogs, may be susceptible to coronavirus. A few days ago, a man in Kerala was denied a pass to go out and buy specialised food for his kittens. Outraged, the man then took the matter to court. The court after going through his petition, gave him the green signal to proceed and also stated that an order would be issued to make things easier for pet owners. This is not the first time pet parents have complained about being denied access to food for their furry friends or even taking them out to walk during the lockdown. Some have even reported that they were beaten up and harassed for simply going out to buy food for their pets. EUGENE, OR. -- In a time where physical health is at the highest priority, its important to not overlook our mental health and well being. People are struggling," said program coordinator Nicole Miller. "I think that when you already have some difficulties, it can be harder." Thats when the Center for Family Development comes in. These experts are continuing to provide essential mental health and substance abuse treatment services and theyre doing so virtually. You dont have the same intimacy as when you are in the same room as somebody. But the individuals that weve been hearing back from feel like its pretty useful for them, said Nicole Miller. A lot of communication comes from that comfort you have when you are sitting with somebody. Now more than ever its important to reach out and talk about any level of grief. All of us are experiencing loss right now to a varying degree, whether that be our jobs, our social lives, graduation or friends, said therapist Jordan Winter. Its okay to really take time to feel that and talk about it. Being quarantined and isolated at home for long periods of time can build up a lot of tension and anxiety, so experts suggest doing an activity that can be as easy as going outside and taking a walk or trying yoga. The center also offers a mind body awareness group to relieve stress through the body. Whether its a walk, a hike in the woods or practicing yoga, its an opportunity to release stored tension. When we move our bodies, even if its very gentle, its just such a great opportunity to let go and quiet ourselves. People seeking treatment can reach the Center for Family Development at www.c-f-d.org or at (541)-342-8437. On the morning of Oct. 29, 1999, a student came to the campus to meet with his estranged girlfriend,who had filed an order of protection against him. Because they both were Black Hawk students, the order did not prohibit him from coming on campus. It did prohibit him from coming within 200 feet of her while on campus. When she saw his car in the parking lot, she called campus police. Boysen responded to the call. He met her, and planned to escort her to her car. He notified Engle and Johnson to look for the suspect. They found and stopped the suspect, and explained the order of protection. The man told officers he was on campus to meet with an instructor. The officers convinced the man to leave campus and return after his former girlfriend had left. When he was driving out of the lot, the man saw the woman and her mother, who had come to pick up her daughter after class, walk out of a building with Boysen. The man, who had been driving out of the lot, turned his car around and drove toward his ex-girlfriend and her mother. He stopped and got out, shouting at the young woman she had ruined his life. Boysen walked toward the man to keep him from moving toward his ex-girlfriend, and then the man retrieved a shotgun from the back seat of his car. He pointed the gun at Boysen and began yelling again at the young woman. Boysen drew his weapon and told the man to drop the gun. Engle and Johnson also pulled their weapons and flanked Boysen. The man then swung the shotgun around and pointed it at his ex-girlfriend and her mother. Boysen placed himself directly between the suspect and his ex-girlfriend, and continued to shout at the suspect to distract him long enough for Engle to remove the two women from the scene. The young man then pointed the shotgun at himself, and started backing away from the officers. He took up a position between two rows of parked cars. Johnson continued to provide cover for Boysen, while Engle cleared students from the parking lot and called Moline police for help. Boysen continued to talk with man for the next 20 to 25 minutes. Moline police negotiators eventually began talking with the suspect who, about 90 minutes later, killed himself. New Delhi, April 12 : "Do attend this class of our young Corona Warriors of CRPF soldiers", was an appeal Prime Minister Narendra Modi made after he attended the new form of A-Z lessons from an anti-COVID-19 'Pathsala' (class) being run by the children of the paramilitary force. The 'Pathsala' concept clicked in the mind of a mother of a four-year-old Aadiv and two-year-old Anaya when she was teaching them English alphabets. Ashwariya, the mother and the wife of an Assistant Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who is deployed in Kashmir, then shared the thought with others and it turned into reality on April 11 with the help of the children of other CRPF personnel of class three to 12. "The genesis of the anti-COVID Paathshala is the young mother teaching her child the rules to be followed to prevent COVID-19. She then tried to teach ABC to her children and the idea was born," CRPF DIG (Jammu and Kashmir Zone) Nitu told IANS. "The thought is floated to the older children who then make an interesting way to remember the basis. The CRPF family bonds together." The officer specifically mentioned that it was a joint effort of several children of the CRPF personnel. Not only the Prime Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) also suggested to join the 'Pathsala', tweeting: "Let's learn about COVID-19 from the "Anti-Covid Pathshala". Let's keep ourselves and others protected." The first-of-its-kind initiative was taken by a group of children of the CRPF personnel -- a 3.5 lakh force which is mandated to provide internal security in Jammu and Kashmir, and Maoist-affected areas -- that has earned applause even from the Indian Embassy in Turkey for "helping the nation to fight COVID-19". The online Pathsala recommends fighting the pandemic together by following the dos and don't which keep everyone safe. All the 26 letters in the alphabets teach a precaution necessary to contain the pandemic, which almost crippled every sector across the world causing deaths to over 1 lakh people and infectioins to more than 17 lakh. "Anti-Covid Pathshala by children of CRPF personnel: A-Z of dos & don'ts to keep yourself safe from COVID-19. Let's fight corona together. For any assistance 24x7 call CRPF Madadgaar on 14411," the CRPF said. So, it has: avoide gathering, be alert, conquor covid, distance of three feet, exercise daily, fake news alert, greet with namaste, handwash regularly, increase immunity, joint activity at home, keep busy, learn new things, masks are important, no to going out, online contact, practise your passion, quarantine, relax, sanitaize everything, take care of your elders, untilize time, volunteer work at home, wear a mask -- and x expresses extra precaution, y yoga and z zero face. So far, the 'Pathsala' on social networking site YouTube has attracted over 1,326 viewers, and over 8,000 retweets on Twitter. CRPF Director General A.P. Maheshwari calls it an adorable initiative taken by the children of the CRPF personnel, asking all to "let's learn the A B C of the fight against corona". (Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in) Turkey continues to send medical aid to foreign countries Turkish spokesman also said that Armenias medicine demand was also approved by President Erdogan, and it was currently in process by the Health Ministry. Turkey will send medical aid to Israel and Palestine to help them battle coronavirus, the countrys presidential spokesman said on Sunday. "IT WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN DAYS" There was a demand for medical aid from Israel, and it will be completed within days. We will simultaneously send medical supplies to Palestine, Ibrahim Kalin told CNN Turk. Kalin said Armenias medicine demand was also approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and it was currently in process by the Health Ministry. Ankara is helping multiple states to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. So far it has sent aid to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, as well as Libya, Italy, Spain, and the UK, among others. Turkey, Kalin said, has strong infrastructure in many areas including agriculture, healthcare services, communication, and security. I believe that we will overcome the recovery process very quickly. Turkey is in a good position in terms of medical supplies, cyber security, and food security, he added. MOSCOW - After a Russian military contingent with medical equipment arrived in Rome last month, the Kremlin's English-language media outlets RT and Sputnik found video gold. They highlighted an Italian man replacing an E.U. flag with a Russian one - deriding how Italy's European partners "failed" to provide assistance to the coronavirus-stricken country while Russia "filled in." But when questions were raised about Russia's aid, the state-funded outlets went on the defensive. Italian newspaper La Stampa reported that roughly 80 percent of the supplies were "useless," citing high-level political sources. RT called the story "ingratitude" and "ripping a page straight out of the U.S. media's 'Russiagate' playbook." Another RT headline read, "How disinformation really works: Activists linked to pro-NATO think tank smear Russian covid-19 aid to Italy." As the novel coronavirus pandemic has forced people across the globe to stay inside - and spend more time scanning the news - state-sponsored media outlets have tried to spin it to their advantage, according to an Oxford Internet Institute report. The study - which analyzed coronavirus-related news from state-backed English-language media in Russia, China, Iran and Turkey - found some common themes that have the potential to cloud and complicate global efforts to tackle the pandemic. Among them: portraying responses by others to the pandemic as "incompetent," pushing conspiracy theories about the origins of covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and positioning their country as a world leader in the fight against the virus. Some of the narratives are far from limited to media in those four countries. Fox News has provided an ample platform for President Donald Trump's touting of hydroxychloroquine as a coronavirus treatment despite no consensus from health experts on the drug's effectiveness. In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has described the outbreak as a "fantasy" and a "little flu," and Twitter even deleted two of his tweets for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus. Philip N. Howard, director of the Oxford Internet Institute, said that criticism of the World Health Organization is also prevalent in the content the report studied - something that's been boosted by Trump's own attacks on the U.N. agency in recent days. "If you can generate some headlines that are a little click-baity and pretend to be giving you the truth or looking under the hood or exposing some conspiracy, then if you're online late at night trying to figure out what's going on, those are the headlines you'll click through on," Howard said. The intended audience for English-language media in China, Turkey, Iran and Russia is the country's diaspora as well as "people who like conspiracy theories in the West," Howard said. The majority of the content has heavy political spin rather than outright lies. During a Wilson Center online video panel, Nina Jankowicz, who studies disinformation at the think tank, said that the most successful propaganda is grounded in "emotional truth" and that the lack of knowledge about the coronavirus is what's made it fertile ground. "We're not talking about fakes," she said. "We're talking about things that are very, very real to people. And that's what draws them in and manipulates them." China's state-backed media largely focused on distancing the country from the coronavirus' origins. One story from the China Global Television Network cited a quote from an Italian doctor who told NPR that the virus might have been circulating in some elderly Italians as far back as November, before news of an outbreak in China. The China Global Television Network then used that statement to argue that the virus could have come from "China, U.S., Italy or anywhere else." "Asking questions is a way of inserting doubt," Howard said. Iran's Mehr News Agency and PressTV pushed conspiracy theories that the virus was created by the United States, which has crippled Iran's economy with sanctions. Russian and Turkish media largely stayed away from conspiracy theories but instead sought to strengthen the appearance of their countries' responses to the coronavirus by scrutinizing how Western governments have handled it. The Kremlin-backed outlets emphasized Russia's offer of medical equipment to Italy, the United States and other countries. And any outside skepticism of the aid was then seized on as anti-Russia sentiment. "RT, Sputnik and Kremlin media highlight public fear, the shortage of Western medical supplies and spread confusion with disinformation while widely publicizing that Russia and its system of government is capable of providing urgently needed humanitarian aid to the U.S., Italy and Spain - despite the West's hostilities and sanctions," said Heather A. Conley, director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "In other words," she added, "Russia should be viewed as a benevolent hegemon." A YOUNG man was charged with public order offences after a confrontation between two groups of teens in Cork which resulted in a 19 year-old being stabbed. Cillian Wolfe (21) of The Fairways, Little Island, Cork appeared before a special sitting of Cork District Court in relation to the matter. Wolfe was charged with violent disorder and attempting to intimidate a witness. Both offences relate to alleged incidents on April 7 and April 8 last. The violent disorder charge followed an alleged incident at Pearse Square in Ballyphehane in Cork on April 7. Gardai were called to Pearse Square that evening when two groups of youths were engaged in a confrontation. Later, a 19 year old had to be taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for the treatment of stab wounds. The young man, from the Togher area, remains in a stable condition in hospital. He underwent emergency surgery in CUH last Tuesday evening for treatment of stab injuries to his side. Wolfe was arrested and charged with violent disorder at Togher Garda Station. He was later charged with attempting to intimidate a witness on April 8. Judge Olann Kelleher was told by Detective Garda Brid Norris that gardai were objecting to bail for the defendant on a number of grounds. Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer said his client was seeking bail and was willing to adhere to conditions required by the State. However, Judge Kelleher refused bail and remanded Wolfe in custody to appear before Cork District Court on April 15 next. In a separate but related matter, gardai arrested a 19 year old man on Saturday and questioned him at Togher Garda Station in relation to the Ballyphehane stabbing. The teen, who is from the Ballyphehane area, was later released without charge. Gardai are now preparing a file on the matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast President Donald Trump and his allies are leaning heavily into a new 2020 strategy tying Democrats and their presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden not just to China but to its role in spreading the coronavirus. Democrats are increasingly worried that the strategy will work. The Trump re-election campaign released a new ad this week going after Biden over his opposition to restrictions on travel from China designed to control the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. That was followed with a fundraising solicitation on Saturday that hammered home the point: I am TOUGH ON CHINA and Sleepy Joe Biden is WEAK ON CHINA, it declared. Theres a Huge Hole in Bidens Coronavirus Plan Inside the campaign, the strategy is simple: make China the villain of a global pandemic that has complicated well-laid electoral plans and sparked growing criticism of the president. [Chinas] among many weaknesses, but when people learn about Bidens attack on the presidents China travel ban, his other weak positions on China, and his conflict with Hunter Bidens business deal with China, voters are horrified, John McLaughlin, a Trump pollster, told The Daily Beast on Friday. Other Trump 2020 officials said that the campaign had always intended to hammer Biden on China until the election in November, and the coronavirus angle was merely another way to go after the Bidens and China simultaneously. In one sense its simply an extension of Team Trumps months-long strategy to tie Biden to a country increasingly viewed with suspicion by American voters. The campaign and the Republican National Committee have been hammering Biden for months over his youngest son Hunters past business dealings in China. But the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has made the country a far more potent political villain. And the massive disruptions in daily life caused by the virus virtually guarantee that China will remain in the headlinesand on the minds of American votersfor months as election day approaches. Polls already indicate that Americans of both parties overwhelmingly blame China for the virus initial spread. Story continues For a Trump campaign thats a potential political goldmine. China was an effective wedge issue for Trump in 2016, said one Republican strategist close to the campaign. Now that its at the top of everyones mind, and Biden has a long record of being weak on China, just imagine how much more effective it will be in 2020. They Said They Were Bernie or Bust. Then They Talked Themselves Into Biden. The new tactic from Trump has not gone unnoticed by Democrats who fear that it may be the type of opening that a cynical president could effectively useeven one who has made a point of going soft on Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, whom Trump routinely praises as an incredible guy whos doing a great job handling the virus. Navigator Research, a progressive polling outlet that has taken the lead for the party in public opinion surveying around the virus, included an alarm bell nugget in its Friday dispatch. Warning the item read, Trumps China rhetoric may be resonating and gaining traction. As evidence, the firm noted that 43 percent of respondents in its survey said China bears more responsibility than the federal government for the way coronavirus has spread in the U.S. A lot of times people on the left tend to have a knee-jerk reaction to Trump's racism and xenophobia that disallows them from taking it as seriously as a messaging tactic as it is, said Ian Sams, a consultant for Navigator. The public is pretty anti-China right now. And I think there is validity to the idea that theyve been less than transparent and hid information on this virus. And Trump is seizing on that We cant just let Trumps lies be the only thing out there. To that point, Democrats have largely stopped pushing back against Trumps anti-China push on grounds that its xenophobic and adopted the posture that its all a big lie, pointing to, among other things, the fact that his administration sent China medical supplies as it was battling coronavirus, only to then have a shortage of them when it hit the U.S. Democratic National Committee talking points, obtained by The Daily Beast, say that Trumps claim to have acted early with his China travel restrictions, was in reality too little too late. The Democratic Partys top think tank, Center for American Progress, put together a memo that encouraged officials not to concede a thing on Trumps travel ban. The reality is, Trump was slow in instituting the ban, it reads. And the ban was so leaky that 40,000 more people entered from China after the ban was in place. But Sams conceded that it likely would not be good enough to merely call Trump a liar on China. The case needed to be made, he said, that the president had coddled Beijing at a time when the country should have been warning the U.S. about the seriousness of COVID-19. Top Democratic officials said that they were gearing up to more proactively make that point in the days ahead. And Bidens campaign, for its part, seems to be there already. Trumps Sick Reality Show Is Built on Coronavirus Corpses Despite repeated warnings from the U.S. intelligence communityand public warnings from Joe Bidenthat he shouldn't take China's word about containment of the outbreak, Donald Trump praised China's response for weeks while downplaying the threat to us, said Andrew Bates, a Biden campaign spokesman. Now we have the most coronavirus cases in the world and were losing millions of jobs. Any time Donald Trump says the word China, he accomplishes one thing: reminding the American people of his historic failure to prepare our nation for the worst public health crisis in generations. Indeed, this comes at a time when Trumps poll numbers on his handling of the coronavirus crisis have seen significant dips in recent days. In late March, major public polls showed a spike in how the American people judged the presidents response to the pandemic and collapsing economy. White House officials were delighted that they were able to print out and slip into Trumps reading materials some favorable coverage, including this Fox News article titled, 60 percent of Americans approve of Trumps handling of coronavirus: Gallup poll, said a senior administration official. White House staff knew how much this would please the president and were confident he would incorporate the news into his daily messaging. However, as Trumps poll numbers on the virus slumped, these aides quickly stopped including the newer data in the presidents daily batches of articles and reading material, for fear it would upset him, the official added. Some Trump allies, though, are convinced that they can both ding Democrats presidential nominee and boost their own public profilesand standing with the president himselfby invoking Chinas role in the coronavirus spread. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) even went so far as to buy television ads in Ohio ahead of that states Democratic presidential primary attacking Biden on the China issue. Cotton and other Senate Republican China hawks, such as Missouris Josh Hawley and Texas Ted Cruz, have found China-bashing to be an effective strategy in its own right. All three have taken out Facebook ads criticizing the country for its role in the spread of the coronavirus. Outside advocacy groups have gotten in on the action as well. Stand Up to China, a new dark money outfit, has spent about $36,000 on Facebook ads hammering Beijing on issues from the coronavirus to its mass internment of Uyghur Muslims. Its not clear who, exactly, is behind the group, which has targeted the vast majority of its anti-China ads at Facebook users in Florida. Perhaps the most dramatic China-themed advertising, though, has come from Kathaleen Wall, a Republican House candidate in Texas. In a video ad that began airing last week, she dubs China a criminal enterprise masquerading as a sovereign nation, which has poisoned our people. President Trump has the courage to call it what it is, the 30-second spot says, with a clip of Trump referring to the Chinese virus. The ad promises, Kathaleen Wall has his back. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Help India! TCN News All Manipur Muslim Organizations Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC), the apex Muslim organization of Manipur called for an urgent meeting on April 11 at its headquarter in Hatta, Imphal, to demand immediate release of Md Chingiz Khan. Support TwoCircles AMMOCOC has objected the arrest of Phd Scholar at JNU, Md Chingiz Khan, considering it baseless, as one without any conditions on humanitarian grounds. The move came after a local Manipur daily published one of Khans articles titled The Identity Crisis of Manipuri Muslims in its April 7 edition, deliberately giving it a political angle while Khan himself has stayed away from any political affiliation in his meritorious career as a scholar from the State. AMMOCOC claims that this article had already been posted long before and only to flame communal tensions after the Nizamuddin Markaz incident, the editor, without prior intimation to the author, has republished it. The state Muslim organization supports Khan, simultaneously questioning the intention of the newspaper to create misconception to the general public at this situation, adding more problems at a time of a global pandemic. AMMOCOC firmly believes that the sudden resurfacing of this article is actually misinterpreted in terms of language, tone and sense so as to create intentionally a misconception among the various communities. Maintaining that Md Chingiz Khan is a renowned scholar to have published more than 40 papers, and having several national as well as international conferences to his credit, AMMOCOC has appealed the Government of Manipal to look into the matter afresh and immediately release Khan who is not indulged in any political color in life. 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. A s the total UK death toll of Covid-19 surpassed 10,000 on Sunday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock did not offer an update on the total number of fatalities amongst NHS workers. The Government confirmed 19 deaths on Saturday, but announcements from NHS trusts and tributes from loved ones indicate the true number is higher still. It comes as ministers launch an inquiry into the deaths of healthcare workers across the UK. Here are the NHS workers confirmed to have died during the coronavirus pandemic so far: 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 Kevin Smith, plaster technician Doncaster Royal Infirmary confirmed the death of plaster technician Kevin Smith on April 12, following a "brief, but courageous, battle with Covid-19". He worked at the hospital for more than 35 years, and was "renowned for his warm personality, diligence and compassion", the trust said. Oscar King Jr, hospital porter Aged 45, Oscar King Jr, a Filipino porter at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, passed away on April 11. He was said to have worked for the hospital for more than a decade, "always doing his job with great enthusiasm and joy". Elbert Rico, hospital porter A colleague of Mr King Jr at John Radcliffe, Mr Rico worked as a porter there since moving to the UK from the Philippines in 2004 "and loved the work that he did", according to a fundraising page published by his family. Sara Trollope / Family handout Gareth Roberts, nurse The death of the "extremely popular" Mr Roberts, who came out of retirement in 2015 having worked since the 1980s, was confirmed by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board on April 11. Donna Campbell, health care support worker Described by colleagues as "beautiful and kind-hearted", the healthcare support worker from the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff passed away at the University Hospital of Wales on April 10. Sara Trollope, nurse A 51-year-old matron for older adult mental health services in Hillingdon, west London, Ms Trollope died at Watford General hospital on April 10 after testing positive for the virus. Julie Omar, nurse Aged 52, the trauma and orthopaedics nurse at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, in Worcestershire, died at home while self-isolating with symptoms on Friday morning. Amor Gatinao, nurse The nurse is reported to have died on the morning of April 10 having worked at St Charles Hospital, West London. Aimee O'Rourke, 38, is believed to have died after contracting the coronavirus (Aimee's family) / Aimee's family Aimee O'Rourke, nurse Aged 39, the nurse and mother died at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQMH) in Margate, Kent, where she worked, on Thursday April 9. Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, consultant urologist The 53-year-old wrote a Facebook post asking Prime Minister Boris Johnson to urgently provide every NHS worker with PPE just five days before he died on the night of Wednesday April 8. Dr Edmond Adedeji, doctor The 62-year-old worked as a locum registrar in the emergency department of Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Wiltshire, and died "doing a job he loved" on April 8. Fayez Ayache, GP The 76-year-old general practitioner and grandfather died in Ipswich Hospital on April 8, having been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and coronavirus. Elsie Sazuze, care home nurse Dr Chowdhury was concerned about the lack of PPE for NHS workers / PA Mrs Sazuze, who worked for Wolverhampton-based agency Totallycare, died on April 7 at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, according to the BBC, who spoke with her husband Ken. Leilani Dayrit, nurse Described as a "ray of sunshine", Ms Dayrit, a Filipino nurse who worked at St Cross Hospital in Rugby, died on April 7. Donald Suelto, nurse The 51-year-old, who worked at Hammersmith Hospital in west London, died on April 7 after going into self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms. Alice Kit Tak Ong, nurse The 70-year-old, originally from Hong Kong, died on April 7 after 44 years of working for the NHS. She was described by her daughter Melissa as "generous to everyone else before herself". Janice Graham, nurse The 58-year-old healthcare support worker from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) became the first nurse in Scotland to die as a result of the coronavirus pandemic on April 6. Walsall Manor Hospital nurse Areema Nasreen has died after contracting the coronavirus / PA Syed Haider, GP The family doctor worked in Dagenham east London and died in hospital on April 6 after it is believed he developed coronavirus symptoms. Barbara Moore, Patient discharge planner Described as an "unsung hero", the 54-year-old grandmother died on April 6, the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said. Dr Alfa Saadu, doctor The 68-year-old, who had returned to work from retirement, died on April 6 at the Whittington Hospital in north London. Jitendra Rathod, surgeon Rebecca Mack, 29, died while self-isolating at home / PA A "highly regarded" associate specialist in cardio-thoracic surgery at the University Hospital of Wales, Mr Rathod died on the morning of April 6. Lynsay Coventry, midwife Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex announced the death of 54-year-old - the first involving a serving NHS midwife after testing positive for the virus - on April 5. Glen Corbin, nurse The 59-year-old had worked at the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in Harlesden, north-west London, for more than 25 years and his Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust announced his death on April 4. Rebecca Mack, nurse The 29-year-old died on April 5, after going into self-isolation with symptoms. Her friend Sarah Bredin-Kemp said she was an "incredible nurse". Amged El-Hawrani (PA), Thomas Harvey (PA), Areema Nasreen ( PA ) Aimee O'Rourke (Aimee's family ), Dr Habib Zaidi (NHS SOUTHEND CCG), Adil El Tayar (Facebook ) Liz Glanister, nurse Aintree University Hospital said the staff nurse died on Friday April 3, with her family describing the loss as "simply beyond words". John Alagos, nurse The Mail On Sunday reported that the 27-year-old nurse - who treated coronavirus patients at Watford General Hospital - died after a shift on Friday April 3. Areema Nasreen, nurse Aged 36, Ms Nasreen died on April 2 in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands - where she had worked for 16 years. Sami Shousha, researcher The professor, 79, who had worked at UK cancer research laboratories at London's Hammersmith and Charing Cross hospitals since 1978, died on April 2. Thomas Harvey, nurse Cardiff and Vale University Health Board published a tribute to Jitendra Rathod / PA/ Google Maps The healthcare assistant, 57, a father-of-seven who worked at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford, east London, died at home on March 29. Dr Amged El-Hawrani, consultant An ear, nose and throat consultant with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), the 55-year-old died at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester on March 28. Pooja Sharma, pharmacist Ms Sharma, a pharmacist at Eastbourne District General Hospital, died unexpectedly on March 26 according to a JustGiving page created in her memory. Dr Habib Zaidi, doctor The GP in Leigh-on-Sea died in intensive care at Southend Hospital, Essex, on March 25, aged 76. Thomas Harvey with wife Marcia at the graduation of son, Thomas Harvey Junior / PA Dr Adil El Tayar, transplant surgeon The 63-year-old died at West Middlesex University Hospital in Isleworth, west London, on March 25, working as a locum surgeon before his death. Dr Anton Sebastianpillai, consultant BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7 Trend: Today, humanity is facing a serious disaster - the coronavirus pandemic, Azerbaijani MP Nagif Hamzayev said. "Unfortunately, it also covered Azerbaijan," the MP said. "As a result of Azerbaijan's serious approach to this issue at the beginning of the process, it became possible to control the situation in the country by taking timely preventive measures." "In such a difficult period, due to the spread of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev paid attention to the prisoners older 65 who need special care because of their age and health," Hamzayev added. "President Aliyev signed a decree to pardon 176 prisoners, setting an example of high humanism and care, which will serve as an example for the whole world," the MP said. "According to the decree, the release of 165 men and 11 women from the part of the sentence was another manifestation of the humanitarian policy pursued by Azerbaijan." "Traditionally, the president signed pardon decrees on holidays and significant dates,"Hamzayev said. "This time, when Azerbaijan faced the coronavirus pandemic, the pardon decree once again demonstrated that every citizen of the country, regardless of his/her status or position, does not remain out of sight of President Aliyev." "The continuation of the traditions of humanism laid down by Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev and the release of 176 people on the basis of a pardon decree is the result of the political will and determination of the president and a clear example of the humanism policy pursued in Azerbaijan,"Hamzayev said. "At the same time, this is a confirmation of the fact that the goal of President Ilham Aliyev is to ensure material well-being, living conditions and people's safety," the MP said. SV Krishna Chaitanya By Express News Service CHENNAI: People with compromised lung function are prone to infections like COVID-19, and theres a high prevalence of respiratory illnesses in severely polluted areas such as Ennore, say experts. A study done by the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) in Ennore -- which is a pollution hotspot due to the presence of a cluster of thermal power plants -- indicates a serious threat of COVID-19 spread in the area. The NIE final results have not been made public. The study was conducted last year simultaneously in Ennore, Korba in Chhattisgarh, Udupi in Karnataka and Ropar in Punjab - by different institutions, and coordinated by the New Delhi-based Centre for Chronic Disease Control. When contacted, Poornima Prabhakaran, an epidemiologist and consultant with the CCDC, said the report was ready and is currently under review. The sampling was done in mid-2019. So, it has no direct connection with COVID-19 outbreak. But yes, people in these clusters where a large population is suffering from compromised lung function, are prone to infections like COVID-19, she said. The preliminary analysis shows a high prevalence of respiratory illnesses in people of Ennore. The health study conducted by Chhattisgarh State Health Resource Centre in Korba found that asthma symptoms and bronchitis were 11.79 per cent and 2.96 per cent among the exposed group. Chhattisgarh government issues official order recognising vulnerability to coronavirus and directed departments to take action to control emissions in Korba. Officials in Thiruvallur district health department told Express that Block Development Officers were instructed to keep a watch over possible spike in asthma and pneumonia cases in areas in Ennore like Kattukuppam, Mughathwara Kuppam, Athipattu, Ernavur and Seppakkam villages. People in these areas have respiratory illnesses, but we havent see major COVID-19 scare. The major problem in Ennore is pollution from coal ash, which contains trace quantities of several toxic heavy metals, and also contains respiratory irritants including silica. A phenomenological study conducted in 2018 by Healthy Energy Initiative (India) in Seppakkam village highlight health crisis in Ennore. In Kuruvimedu, chest X-ray results of 19.2 per cent of people examined by Huma Health Foundation showed abnormalities. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Sunday took a dim view of what he called the spreading of hatred in society by certain groups amid the coronavirus outbreak, and demanded strict action by government. In a video message posted on Twitter, Patel said it was regrettable that some groups are trying to raise sensitive issues at the time of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. "In such a time the administration needs to be very cautious. I feel that those groups or individuals trying to spread sensitive issues should be identified and action taken against them," Patel said in a message posted in Gujarati. Though he didn't take any names, the Congress veteran was apparently referring to instances wherein some right wing groups have targetted a particular community over the Tablighi Jamaat meet held at the Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi last month and its connection to the sperad of the novel coronavirus. "If we are going to fight with each other then we cannot defeat coronavirus. Many use social media for spreading good messages, but some use it to spread hatred. Government should curb such usage," Patel said. He also appealed to leaders of various political parties against doing politics over the current crisis triggered by the coronavirus. Patel, a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, also criticised the government over the alleged shortage of the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for frontline health personnel. "The government has made available PPE for doctors and nurses, but they are not enough. All those fighting on the frontline should be given PPEs," he said. Patel also demanded PPE kits for conservancy workers. "It is the duty of the government and us to ensure that sanitation workers get PPE kits," he said. The Congress leader further said that migrant labourers have been very badly affected due to the lockdown and that it is the duty of the affluent section of society to help such poor people. "Migrant workers are stranded at many places. At the start of lockdown they started their journey on foot to reach their homes. Some of them reached their homes, some were stopped mid-way while others remained stuck at their work places," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In these emotionally and physically trying days of COVID-19 quarantines and social distancing, many people are increasingly turning to iconic parks, trails and green spaces for solace, exercise and restorative access to nature. And thats great news. But our current situation is showing us, loudly and clearly, that we need more of them. In just the first two weeks, so many people converged on the same popular spots that crowds have tipped past social distancing thresholds and some of these places have been closed or severely limited to access as a result. The value of open space, within each and every local community in Virginia, is now more evident than ever before. Today, communities are relying on their local parks and greenways to help combat the feeling of isolation, to get exercise and breathe fresh air, and to engage their children in life around them. But the need for these places will far outlast the COVID-19 pandemic. For even under normal circumstances, every person needs and deserves the health benefits of places to walk and recreate within their own community, places they can get to easily and quickly, regardless of means or mode available. As we converge on our parks and trails like never before, we must remember that these places dont happen by accident. Parks, open space, trails and greenways distributed throughout local communities must be a goal for every county and town and a regular, committed area of local and state capital investment. We must understand how critical these places are to health and wellness, and we must plan and budget for them in each and every comprehensive plan and county capital improvement plan. Smart land-use policies will plan urban-rural development to include the creation of public access to parks and green spaces. They are a key to thriving communities where people want to live and can live well. Moms and dads, kids and dogs, friends and family, runners and walkers and bikers alike will always benefit from local public access to trails, parks, and open spaces, close to home. The Piedmont Environmental Council has for years advocated that community-based parks, trails and open spaces should be a goal for every local comprehensive plan and a regular area of local and state capital investment. In the northern Piedmont, we have been working with local communities to create such places, including: Bicycle and pedestrian connectivity in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Multi-use trail access between the Town of Gordonsville and James Madisons Montpelier via the Town to Trail initiative. Interconnected linear parks and trails in Loudoun County via the Emerald Ribbons initiative, ranging from greenway links to Silver Line Metro stations to access to the Potomac Heritage Trail and the Appalachian Trail. A national capital trails network throughout Northern Virginia. The Warrenton Branch Greenway; Rappahannock Landing Park in Remington, with links to trails. Increased public access to the Rapidan River in Orange, Culpeper and Madison. Donation of public land for a pocket park near Orange High School in the Town of Orange. The new public access trail in Loudoun County along the Old Carolina Road, in partnership with NOVA Parks at Mt. Zion Church Park; Transfer of land to the Appalachian Trail next to the Sky Meadow State Park and hiking trail at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook. Integrated public access (sidewalks, trails, parks) to development projects like data centers and technology companies to provide new access opportunities for non-traditional commuters; Rural historic districts and scenic road designations highlighting community resources and providing pleasant drives to local parks. Areas like these areas are needed throughout Virginia. The PEC supports state and local funding for parks, open space, trails, greenways and water access. We also deploy our own funding through the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, local bond issues and private donations. We have donated land and invested financially toward national parks and trails that generate tourism revenue for local counties. And currently, Congress is considering the Great American Outdoors Act, which would provide federal matching funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support recreational facilities in local communities across the country. Other organizations throughout Virginia also advocate for these locally-based places, including the many members of the Virginia United Land Trusts working throughout the commonwealth. But local governments need citizens to stand up and make their voices heard, to ensure publicly accessible parks, trails and green spaces are prioritized at the local level. During this time of social distancing, please consider reaching out to your local elected officials to advocate with us for the creation, promotion, and protection of local, nearby parks and green spaces that you, your family and neighbors, and all in your community can easily access. Christopher G. Miller is president of The Piedmont Environmental Council, a 501(c)3 nonprofit working to protect the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia Piedmont. He is a founding member of both the Coalition for Smarter Growth and the Choose Clean Water Coalition, and serves on the boards of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, the Virginia Conservation Network, the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership. This commentary first appeared in The Virginia Mercury. Christopher G. Miller is president of The Piedmont Environmental Council, a 501(c)3 nonprofit working to protect the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia Piedmont. He is a founding member of both the Coalition for Smarter Growth and the Choose Clean Water Coalition, and serves on the boards of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, the Virginia Conservation Network, the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership. This commentary first appeared in The Virginia Mercury. Patiala: Personnel of Special Operation Group (SOG) in action to flush out the 'nihangs' from the Dera Complex at village Balbera in Patiala district on Apr 12, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Patiala: Personnel of Special Operation Group (SOG) in action to flush out the 'nihangs' from the Dera Complex at village Balbera in Patiala district on Apr 12, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Patiala: Personnel of Special Operation Group (SOG) in action to flush out the 'nihangs' from the Dera Complex at village Balbera in Patiala district on Apr 12, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Patiala: Personnel of Special Operation Group (SOG) in action to flush out the 'nihangs' from the Dera Complex at village Balbera in Patiala district on Apr 12, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Chandigarh, April 12 : An Assistant Sub-Inspector's (ASI) hand was chopped off and six others were injured in clashes between the police and the Nihang Sikhs in Patiala on Sunday. Eleven people, including a woman, were arrested after several hours of stand-off and many rounds of talks between the police officials and Nihang Dera head Baba Balwinder Singh, asking them to surrender. It all started with a group of five armed Nihangs, who were travelling in a vehicle, were stopped at a vegetable market and were asked to show their curfew passes. "This angered them and they attacked the police personnel and government employees with sharp-edged weapons," a police official told IANS. A video of the crime, that has gone viral, one can see Nihangs breaking barricades and attacking policemen. The chopping off of hands of ASI Harjit Singh's can also be seen. After the crime, the Nihangs fled. They were arrested from the Nihang Dera Complex that also houses Khichdi Sahib Gurdwara after a stand-off with the police party, led by Inspector General Jatinder Aulakh and Senior Superintendent of Police Mandeep Sidhu. One Nihang, Nirbhav Singh, was also injured, the police said. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta, Baba Balwinder Singh, the Nihang head, was the main perpetrator of attack. He had come to the market with four others in a Tata Zenon vehicle. Condemning the attack, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said anyone violating the curfew, imposed since March 23 to check spread of Covid-19 pandemic, would be strictly dealt with. The police personnel were risking their lives to save the people of Punjab, he said and added. any attack on them would not be tolerated. He asked the DGP to come down heavily on those trying to disturb the law and order. The DGP said a cache of weapons, 'barchhe' and 'kirpans', some used cartridges, two petrol bombs and LPG cylinders, five bags of poppy husk and other drugs and Rs 39 lakh in cash were seized. Some bottles with chemical substances were also found at the premises, he added. ASI Harjit Singh was undergoing a plastic surgery at the PGI, Chandigarh, for suturing back his hand, said the DGP. Three other police personnel -- Inspector Bikkar Singh, ASI Raj Singh and ASI Raghbir Singh -- were also injured. Mandi Board official A.R. Yadwinder Singh too suffered some injuries. Gupta said the accused had set up 'morcha' inside the dera and had placed LPG cylinders along the perimeter to set off blasts. Despite appeals, they refused to surrender. They abused the police and threatened them with serious consequences if they tried to come closer. The police then sent Sarpanch and some villagers inside to persuade them to surrender. But they failed. Soon thereafter, the police heard loud shouts from inside the gurdwara premises, suggesting some innocent people might have got caught in the trouble. A police team, comprising the Special Operations Group, led by ADGP Rakesh Chandra, entered the premises to flush them out. The Nihangs fired at the police, but were overpowered, said the DGP. The operation was conducted in a manner as not to disturb the sanctum sanctorum of the Gurdwara. Condemning the incident, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal urged people to cooperate with the government to contain coronavirus. The police and the healthcare personnel were selflessly performing a difficult task, he added. Any attempt at overcoming the current pandemic situation calls for commitment, strong will and selflessness, even as we throw everything we have at controlling the deadly Coronavirus. This exemplary behaviour was displayed by G Srijana, serving as the Commissioner of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), who put her duty before herself. Being a true frontline warrior that she is, Srijana, who was in office working till just before her delivery, has now returned to work within 22 days of giving birth to a baby boy. Young #IAS Officers leading #fightagainstcorona. GVMC Visakhapatnam Commissioner, Ms Gummalla Srijana @GummallaSrijana joined back on duty with one month old baby without maternity leave to serve the City.#CoronaWarriorshttps://t.co/DyP3s0uU2z pic.twitter.com/2HlpvZU9pC IAS Association (@IASassociation) April 11, 2020 The Commissioner gave birth a month ago. However, shortly after her baby boy was born, the central government announced a countrywide lockdown in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19. According to a report in HT, when the commissioner was asked about how she was able to care for her newborn along with her official duties, she said that she had ample support from her lawyer-husband and her mother. Srijana would go home every four hours to feed her son and get back to work, during which time her husband and mother took turns to look after the baby. Being a true hero, she said she was aware of the significance of being at work during these trying times and how much her services were required at a time like this. GVMC is taking all efforts to ensure sanitary work was being done at the field level. Providing essential needs to the poor and coordinating with district officials at all levels to ensure that virus was contained in Visakhapatnam is part of her work, Srijana said. In addition to that, as per the report, the Commissioner also pointed out that there was a need to take charge of duty during the emergency and ensure people had safe drinking water. My role is just a small part in this humongous effort, rather modestly. My whole family gave me the strength to work towards this commitment, she added. Her efforts didnt go unnoticed on social media and this is how people reacted to her commendable gesture: Hats off to you madam, u r the real soldier of our nation Shailaja Reddy (@ShailajaReddi) April 11, 2020 Ye hai women power ... Sonia_home_qurantine (@Sonianaveen2411) April 11, 2020 This is real "Feminism" Pratibha Sharma (@Pratibh70095849) April 11, 2020 Salute you mam Divya Bhan (@DivyaBhan5) April 11, 2020 salute Vivek Chaubey (@Chaubey1008) April 11, 2020 Great respect for her, kindly direct the administration to take special care of her and the baby. Shobhit Chauhan (@chauhanshobhit_) April 11, 2020 Heartfelt Salute Pramod Kumar Agarwal (@pramod_prr) April 11, 2020 Respect Bhavesh Swami (@bhaveshsw) April 11, 2020 Srijana has proved that she is a true corona warrior and the world needs more of such real heroes. Where you live matters is one of the most common phrases heard in fair housing trainings across the country in any given year. Today, our state is currently in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and we are suddenly required to work, attend school, worship, and connect to the outside world within the confines of our homes. The walls of our home have become our best defense in a war on an invisible enemy and the concept of home as a sanctuary has never been more relevant. High Plains Fair Housing Center is committed to ensuring equal access to housing in North Dakota regardless of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability status, familial status, or because you receive public assistance. Being blocked from housing due to an innate characteristic or because of someones perception of who you are also means being blocked access to your chosen community. Where you live determines your access to healthcare, education, employment, and transportation. Home is the foundation for everything in our lives and having access to stable, safe, and accessible housing is how we keep our communities and economy strong. Each April we commemorate National Fair Housing Month to remind every American that all persons have equal access to housing and that fair housing is not an option; it is the law. This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which protects people from discrimination based on personal characteristics and importantly promotes residential integration In this era of COVID-19, it is especially important to fight for housing rights of North Dakotans. It is important to help someone file a complaint against someone blocking access to their housing or harassing them because of their national origin or race. It is crucial to advocate for the tenant whose mental or physical disability is exacerbated by a Covid-19 infection or concerns of a community spread infection. It is necessary to advocate for the newly unemployed to have time to access public assistance so they do not lose their housing as they navigate life with sudden income loss. High Plains Fair Housing Center launched a campaign in the middle of 2019 to end sexual harassment in housing. It is important to protect North Dakotans who may feel they should not speak up about unscrupulous housing practices in fear of losing their housing or feel it is necessary to succumb to quid pro quo requests in order to keep their housing. Families in North Dakota are especially reliant on secure housing as they are being asked to work and school in the same environment while facing financial uncertainty. Like everyone, North Dakotas children feel unsettled and insecure in the face of this pandemic they should not have to worry about losing or being denied housing because of discrimination. It has been our honor to fight for fair housing rights for North Dakotans since we were founded in 2013. It is especially humbling this year as we work with amazing community partners to make sure North Dakota remains committed to available, secure, and accessible housing free from discrimination. Where you live matters. Lets continue to work to make housing in North Dakota matter for us all. Michelle Rydz is executive director of the High Plains Fair Housing Center with headquarters in Grand Forks. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 TASHKENT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th April, 2020) A total of 102 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Uzbekistan over the preceding 24 hours as the overall number of positive tests confirmed in the country surpasses 790, the Health Ministry said on Sunday. "As of 10:00 [05:00 GMT] on April 12, 2020, the number of cases of the coronavirus disease is 796," the ministry wrote on Telegram. On Saturday evening, medical authorities in Uzbekistan confirmed the death of one more person who had tested positive for the disease, raising the COVID-19 death toll in the country to four. The individual, a 59-year-old woman, had recently traveled to Saudi Arabia on pilgrimage. Uzbekistan confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 15, identified as a woman who had recently returned from France. Lockdown measures have been in force in the country 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. The Minister of Health, Ehanire Osagie has warned health workers against treating suspected cases of Coronavirus privately. The health minister made this statement at the Presidential Task Force daily media briefing on Friday April 10, while directing 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. 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. Meladul Haq Ahmadzai is a Global Health practitioner and CEO of Taleam Systems based in Ottawa, Canada and says that Vitamin C should be used in treating and preventing COVID-19. OTTAWA, April 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It is well known that Vitamin C such as Oranges, Kiwifruits and Strawberries are used to treat common symptoms in the body in many situations especially when humans are sick. Today, the world is faced with Coronavirus or COVID-19 infection. The virus is believed to be originated in China sometime in late 2019 and has already infected more than 1.2 million people. Currently, there are no studies to confirm whether Vitamin C helps to treat COVID-19 patients. According to Meladul Haq Ahmadzai, a Global Health practitioner and CEO of Taleam Systems, When you go to the hospital, the doctor would likely recommend to you to drink juice or eat fruits to remedy common symptoms such as cough. In the market there is a wide variety of Vitamin C products which are advertised to remedy cough or cold symptoms. Ahmadzai says, Vitamin C should be considered in clinical trials to see if it can treat and or prevent Coronavirus in the overall response. Ahmadzai adds, Coronavirus has that same symptom such as cough. Health experts and businesses in Canada and around the world have started developing ventilators and masks for the prevention and treatment of Coronavirus; however, the overall picture of remedying the disease through Vitamin C fruit products seems to be absent according to Ahmadzai. Ahmadzai concludes, We should listen to the doctors and accept their advice about Vitamin C juice healing the body quicker. Meladul Haq Ahmadzai is the CEO of Taleam Systems which provides computer support via remotely to hospitals and medical clinics in Ottawa, Canada. Visit www.taleamsystems.com to learn more. Militants on Sunday shot at and injured a retired Army man in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. The militants shot at Abdul Hamid, a retired Army jawan, near his house at Bachroo in Kulgam district, a police official said. Hamid was rushed to a hospital in Kulgam, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Bloomberg) -- Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said the country is making progress to contain the spread of the coronavirus after an increase in testing showed limited contagion. The number of confirmed cases reached 378 after the government tested 14,000 samples, Akufo-Addo said Thursday in an address on national television. Travelers and their contacts who entered the country after the implementation of border restrictions in March made out 79% of the cases, he said. The West African nation had 141 confirmed results on March 28, out of about 2,500 screenings, before a mass roll-out of testing began. Authorities are expecting the outcome of a further 10,000 tests over the next week after taking a total of 37,405 samples, said Akufo-Addo. A 14-day lockdown of Ghanas biggest cities, including Accra, the capital, will be extended by another week until April 20, he said. Difficulties It appears that our common efforts have been modestly successful in containing the virus and minimizing the spread, said Akufo-Addo. It is important that we stay the course and bear with the difficulties. While Africa accounts for less than 1% of the global tally of almost 1.6 million confirmed virus cases, containment measures have wreaked havoc on the continents economies. After growing by 6% or more over the past three years, Ghanas economic expansion may slow to 1.5%, the least since a contraction in 1983. (Adds capital city in fourth paragraph. A previous version of the story corrected the global tally in the final paragraph) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Voters wait in line to cast ballots at Washington High School while ignoring a stay-at-home order over the coronavirus threat to vote in the state's presidential primary election, Tuesday, April 7, 2020, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) Read more TL;DR: The coronavirus has left election officials in Pennsylvania and New Jersey scrambling to prepare for short staffing, health hazards at the polls, and high demand for mail-in voting. Also, the Inquirer takes you inside Temple University Hospitals COVID-19 facility. Make sure you check Inquirer.com/coronavirus for the latest news, and please feel free to tell your family and friends to sign up. Enjoy getting our journalism through email? You can also sign up for The Inquirer Morning Newsletter to get the latest news, features, investigations and more sent straight to your inbox each morning Sunday-Friday. Sign up here. Allison Steele (@AESteele, health@inquirer.com) What you need to know Dr. Anthony Fauci said a "rolling reentry of the U.S. economy is possible for parts of the country in May, but said he couldnt guarantee it will be safe to vote in person by the November election. Nursing home deaths from the coronavirus have surged from 450 nationwide to more than 2,600 in less than two weeks. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from the hospital after battling COVID-19. A loss of revenue from fuel, tolls and other traffic-related fees could delay thousands of road and bridge projects around the nation. Archbishop Nelson Perez wrote a column asking Catholics to keep the faith, and look to God with renewed hearts and minds. Local coronavirus cases As of Sunday evening, there are more than 14,700 reported cases in the Philadelphia area. Track the spread here. PHILADELPHIA: 6,386 confirmed cases (up 234 since yesterday) SUBURBAN PA: 5,490 confirmed cases (up 288 since yesterday) SOUTH JERSEY: 2,897 confirmed cases (up 201 since yesterday) When Wisconsins primary election went forward as planned last week, resulting in long lines, masks and voters who were forced to weigh safety risks against their right to vote, it sent a vivid warning to local officials about what could go wrong in the primary elections still to come. Those hoping to avoid a repeat in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have much to do and little time. States are increasingly turning to mail-in voting, but the shift isnt easy. Changing habits, processing and counting mail-in ballots, while also keeping polling places open and safe, requires expensive equipment, training, and new staffing. It makes for a long to-do list, with not much time before Pa.'s rescheduled June 2 primary and New Jerseys on July 7. Less than two months ago, Temple University Hospitals Esther K. Boyer Pavilion was an office building for departments like cardiology, neurology, and surgery, linked to the hospital building by a covered bridge. Last month Temple redeployed the building as its coronavirus hospital. Were doing a lot of things that we wouldnt normally do before, Claire Raab, associate chief medical officer, told reporter Lisa Gartner. You never think youre going to be FaceTiming peoples families to say goodbye." Helpful resources Lets take a quick break Are the Eagles comfortable with Nate Sudfeld being an injury away from the starting QB job? When writer Brad Aronsons wife got sick with leukemia, the couple was overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from friends, family, and complete strangers. Remembering Phyllis Snider Foreman, who created the Flyers nickname and helped design the team logo. Social distancing tip of the day: Take a porchrait of your neighbors When his photography work abruptly dried up a few weeks ago in the wake of the pandemic, a Collingswood photographer began capturing local residents for a project he calls Drive-By Porchraits. Have a social distancing tip or question to share? Let us know at health@inquirer.com and your input might be featured in a future edition of this newsletter. What were paying attention to Some criticized San Francisco Mayor London Breed for shutting down the city before COVID-19 emerged there. But according to The Atlantic, the city is now a model for how early, aggressive action can prevent a major outbreak. Many of the nations largest farms are destroying millions of pounds of food they cant sell. The Detroit News profiled a Michigan woman who lost her husband and son to the virus over three days. Its not all horrible In Chestnut Hill, a church turned to bagpipes to reach those who were forced to stay inside on Easter. "I was just trying to find a way to say, What can we possibly do?' We want to follow the rules, and keep people safe, explained the Rev. Jarrett Kerbel, the rector at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. And so I just thought, well, bagpipes! Theyre loud. You can hear them inside your house. News about coronavirus is changing quickly. Go to inquirer.com/coronavirus to make sure you are seeing the newest information. More people are recovering from coronavirus than battling the deadly illness for the first time since the pandemic struck Australia. The nationwide case total rose to 6,311 on Sunday, with corrections to previous totals meaning the curve has flattened even further than first thought. There are currently 3,044 patients battling COVID-19, while 3,267 people have made a full recovery. Australia nosed in front in the confirmed cases to recovered cases battle for the first time last week, a far cry to February and March when the number of active cases sat thousands ahead of recoveries. Scroll down for video Australia has made significant progress in the fight against coronavirus, with a clear flattening of the curve on the graph that measures the daily infection rate Australia has recorded more than 6,300 confirmed COVID-19 cases, but the positive news is that most of those have fully recovered Fewer active cases means less pressure on hospitals and doctors, and allows them to focus on treating seriously ill patients and cut the death rate. There were concerns just a few weeks ago that the number of cases would overwhelm the health system like those overseas. But this statistic is the latest sign that Australia has flattened the curve of coronavirus infection even while case numbers skyrocket in Europe and the U.S. Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy admitted Australia is in a 'position of strength'. 'There is no place in the world I would rather be than Australia at the moment,' Mr Murphy told reporters in Canberra on Sunday. 'That is why we have to keep our pressure on and make sure that we don't end up like countries in the world that you have all seen on the news.' We have got to take the medical advice... I think it is very dangerous and unrealistic to move ahead of medical advice that has served Australia well Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg 'We are in a good place... but we have to maintain that good place'. Despite the promising improvements to the coronavirus rates, the government was quick to rule out removing any isolation restrictions. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said it would be 'very dangerous and unrealistic' to remove social distancing measures too soon. 'We have got to take the medical advice,' he told ABC television. The improvements have come off the back of restrictions put in place by the government, such as the forced quarantine of returned overseas travellers, some of who were allowed back into the world on Sunday (pictured) for the first time in 14 days Returned travellers such as Mykayla MacNamara (left) were thrilled to be allowed out of forced isolation on Sunday, with one woman (right) embracing her mother who arrived to pick her up More than 100 Australians arrived back in Melbourne on Sunday morning on a chartered flight after being stuck on a cruise ship off the coast of Uruguay for two weeks. Up to 70 per cent of those onboard the cruise are believed to be suffering from COVID-19. Those who arrived early on Sunday will be forced to spend 14 days in isolation Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenber (pictured right, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison) said that it was crucial to continue 'taking the medical advice' - such as not shaking hands with friends 'I think it is very dangerous and unrealistic to move ahead of medical advice that has served Australia well.' Earlier on Sunday morning, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews extended the 'state of emergency' that is currently in place until at least May 11. The four week extension could be taken further if there is a change to the trend, with Victoria recording just three new positive coronavirus patients on Saturday. 'These are positive, albeit fragile numbers,' Mr Andrews said. 'These things can change very quickly.' New cases dropped below 100 last Thursday for the first time since March 17, a long way below the peak of 460 on March 28. The infection rate plummeted from more than 25 per cent to just a few per cent in the space of less than three weeks. Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy (pictured) said Australia is in a 'position of strength' but warned it was not the time to become complacent Police continue to patrol parks and popular outdoor areas, moving on anyone who is not doing physical activity or issuing fines if they refuse to cooperate Some surfers hit the water at Bronte Beach despite large signs indicating it was closed to all Australian health experts say the infection rate has been steadied due to widespread testing, the tracing of carriers, self-isolation of those at risk and strictly-enforced social distancing rules. Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed on Tuesday the country was flattening the curve that appears on graphs representing daily recorded infections of COVID-19. He said the modelling and coronavirus's relatively slow rate of growth in Australia 'proves the theory of flattening the curve'. 'It confirms, based on that data, that by taking the measures we are taking, you can make a difference,' he said. 'And indeed, that is what we are experiencing in Australia. We are on the right track.' CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement 'We have bought valuable time, but we cannot be complacent.' University of NSW professor Bill Bowtell said recovered cases overtaking active cases showed Australia's measures to stop the spread of coronavirus were working. That recovered cases have caught up meant Australia had slashed the infection rate, instead of the exponential growth of cases still seen overseas. 'If you told me three weeks ago this is where we would be today, I would have laughed. The number of cases was threatening to go straight up,' he said. Professor Bowtell said those recovering were Australians who returned from overseas last month and before, and the focus was now on preventing community transmission. He said Australia's flattened curve was due to social distancing measures the public was following, and it would become clear over the next two weeks if they were enough. 'It's entirely up to the public adhering to physical distancing over the next two or three weeks as to whether this trend continues,' he said. 'Nobody wants to be doing this and people have made a lot of sacrifices to get us to this point, so you don't want to throw those gains away.' Mumbai, April 12 : Actor Rohitashv Gour feels that watching comedy shows at this time of distress, is great. "I agree that corona has taken a toll on the whole world, but if in this time we take too much stress and panic, then our lives will become a mess. So it would be better to keep a positive attitude and try to spread positivity around through the medium of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram," he said. "Watching comedy shows at this time is very helpful because we get to laugh, which is a good thing. We become stress-free for some period of time and our minds get diverted," he added. His comedy show "Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai" is being telecast now. "This is a good thing as people who have missed the old episodes will catch up and we are getting very good responses on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. People are very happy," he said. The actor has also been seeing some of the episodes. "After seeing myself in the show, I feel that I would have done a little better and will try to improvise in the coming episodes," he said. On what he is watching now, he said: "I always try to watch comedy shows. I would recommend shows such as 'Lapataganj', 'Malgudi Days'. Movies such as 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro' is a good option. In old shows, you can see 'Mr. Yogi', 'Wagle Ki Duniya' and 'Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi'." South Africa: Minister condemns looting of liquor stores during lockdown Police Minister Bheki Cele has condemned the burglary and looting of at least 16 liquor outlets in the Western Cape since the COVID-19 nationwide lockdown. Minister Cele visited the province on Saturday and was accompanied by Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Kehla Sitole and Deputy National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sandile Mfazi, Cele commended the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Yolisa Matakata and her team, for the swift arrest of 21 suspects, four of whom were allegedly behind the first looting incident at a Shoprite Liquor Store in Langa, Cape Town over the first weekend of the lockdown. The Minister also noted with concern the alleged involvement of police members in some of the liquor related crimes during the lockdown. This follows the arrest of two Warrant Officers from the Delft FCS Unit in the Western Cape. The officers were arrested together with a liquor store manager and a cashier in Strand on Thursday. The arrest follows a tip-off that saw police pounce on the suspects inside the store, buying liquor that was allegedly going to be resold illegally elsewhere. Meanwhile in Mpumalanga, two members stationed at SAPS Pienaar were arrested on Friday night, 10 April 2020 for defeating the ends of justice after the state vehicle they were driving was stopped and found to have been illegally escorting three bakkies, each loaded to capacity with liquor. The three vehicles allegedly belong to a tavern owner who was also arrested with two other drivers for contravening the lockdown regulations in relation to the restriction on the movement of liquor. In line with the SAPS Anti-Corruption Strategy, the National Commissioner, General Sitole sanctioned urgent departmental investigations into the two incidents through which, if found guilty, the members could face dismissal from the service. An urgent meeting between Minister Cele and SAPS management is on the cards where together the police leadership will engage liquor retailers to address this problem and work out a collaborative strategy towards mitigating this emerging risk. The Minister issued a stern warning to those who continue to undermine the efforts of government to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. "The general crime picture since the COVID-19 lockdown continues to reflect a decrease and such incidents must therefore be intercepted and the perpetrators arrested. Our law abiding citizens must continue to work with law enforcement against criminals as we together ensure the survival of the human race against the COVID-19," said the Minister as he acknowledged the cooperation by the public who continue to give tip-offs. Updates on other arrests and statistics on crime during the lockdown, will be given by the Minister of Police at a later stage. Wrapping up the visit to the Western Cape, Minister Cele commended businesses in Mbekweni and Kraaifontein for playing their part in ensuring that shoppers observe social distancing and have access to sanitisers as they enter and exit the stores. The Minister also noted with concern the high risk of exposure to infections in relation to the positioning of street hawkers who were stationed too close to each other on the pavements, with little attention to the protocols set down for the lockdown. The Provincial SAPS will engage with the provincial government towards finding a solution to ensuring that licensed vendors operate within the confines of the COVID-19 Disaster Management Lockdown Regulations, said the Minister. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-04-12. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Workers featured in Dove's "Courage is Beautiful" short film. Dove US Dove released a 30-second video called "Courage is Beautiful," featuring photographs of frontline workers with marks on their skin from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). "'Courage is Beautiful' features images of people fighting for our safety every day, demonstrating self-sacrifice and putting their patients and community first for the greater," the Dove US spokesperson said. Dove has partnered with Vaseline to donate to a fund that helps get ventilators, PPE, and medicine to healthcare centers in need. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Dove, the personal care brand known for promoting "Real Beauty," has adjusted its tag line to show gratitude to doctors, nurses, and care providers. Dove's "Courage is Beautiful" video shows powerful photos of medical professionals with visible marks on their skin from their protective gear symbolizing the grueling hours that healthcare providers and essential workers are dedicating to their communities during the coronavirus outbreak. Related: How to Help Healthcare Workers Fighting Coronavirus Dove partnered with the agency Ogilvy to create the video. Ogilvy's team in Canada was inspired by pictures of front-line workers taken by Italian photographer Alberto Giuliani, according to Alessandro Manfredi, executive vice president of the global Dove brand, who spoke about the campaign in an interview with Ad Age. "There was a feeling we got that courage is beautiful," Manfredi told Ad Age. "We thought, 'Why not try to show people who were doing this and also ask people to join us to thank these people who are risking their lives?'" A Dove US spokesperson told Insider in a statement that the video is meant to "recognize the incredible healthcare workers on the front lines and raise awareness for the realities of their heroic daily acts." "'Courage is Beautiful' features images of people fighting for our safety every day, demonstrating self-sacrifice and putting their patients and community first for the greater," the Dove US spokesperson said. Story continues The 30-second ad was first broadcast on social media and TV on Wednesday, according to Dove US. In addition to the video that's continuing to garner shares and reactions on Twitter and Facebook, Dove partnered with Vaseline to donate $2 million to Direct Relief, which supports the distribution of PPE, ventilators, and medicine to hospitals in need. Insider President Hassan Rouhani insists on ending the coronavirus-related restrictions and advocates resumption of economic activities in opposition to the Health Ministry which has kept warning the deadly virus outbreak cannot be controlled without such restrictions. Critics accuse the administration of putting the economy before people's health. President Rouhani dismisses this allegation and insists that imposing strict lockdown regulations will harm more people with subsistence problems than coronavirus infection. According to a recent poll by the Iranian Students Polling Agency (ISPA), 70 percent of Tehran residents say they were already not able to cope financially or could only last for a maximum of two months on their savings. On Sunday Rouhani said traveling within the borders of each province -- but not between provinces -- was now allowed and that governors of provinces and cities have no authority to impose their own lockdowns. Speaking at the meeting of the National Coronavirus Management and Combat Taskforce, Rouhani also promised that from April 20 roads connecting provinces will be opened to traffic. He advised people to use private transportation or taxis instead of public transport in larger cities. Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi on April 11, had said more than 25% of all coronavirus victims in Iran contracted the virus in public transport such as buses and the metro. Rouhani has maintained that the next step will be "smart social distancing", a plan devised in conformity with "the Iranian lifestyle and domestic patterns" and the principles formulated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Details of the plan have not been revealed yet. A report published by the Epidemiology Committee of the Health Ministry has predicted that the next wave of infections in Iran may occur in fall and winter and may even be stronger than the current wave. The report predicted that if Iran reached the peak in early April, the death toll until mid-June could reach 16,000 while if the peak happened in early May as a result of relaxing the current social distancing regulations, as many as 30,000 could die by mid-June. Speaking to the state-run Television on April 11, the Planning Deputy of the Coronavirus Combat Taskforce of Tehran said the Rouhani government has been vacillating between two different approaches against the spread of the virus, one of herd (mass) immunity and the other of implementing lockdowns. "There is no middle path," Dr. Ali Maher said. The first will result in many deaths, including those who make up the workforce of the country, while the second meaning strict lockdown for between 14 to 20 days when at least 80% of the population stays home -- will help identify all infection cases and control the situation. The problem is that the Iranian government lacks the authority to impose a full lockdown and a unified policy does not exist, the Coronavirus Combat Taskforce Deputy said. In an Instagram post on Sunday, March 29, the Spokesman of the President's Science and Technology Deputy, Parviz Karami, said that with no government intervention at all, coronavirus could kill at least 11,000 Iranians until mid-July. According to a model that Karami quoted, if the government keeps its intervention to a minimum level the death toll will be at around 33,000 while if it intervenes at an intermediate level -- that is if it enforces social distancing, closure of sports, cultural and religious events, universities and schools, and the restriction of human mobility -- the figure maybe around 11,000. On Sunday the Chairman of Tehran City Council warned that opening businesses will result in a second wave of the pandemic in the capital Tehran, a city of 8.7 million. Mohsen Hashemi was referring to the decision to go back to normal business next week. Government offices have already opened but have limited the presence of the staff to two-thirds. Iran announced its first coronavirus cases on February 19 and has officially announced a death toll of 4,474 and a total of 71,686 as of April 12. Haiti - ALERT : UNICEF warning against a scam UNICEF became aware in early April of actions by malicious people who use its logo in order to scam and steal money from people. "These criminals present to populations and to certain institutions a spurious document of pledges, which leads one to mistake a UNICEF header, with a "UNICEF donation"insert at the bottom of the page. According to the false letter, the organization would donate food inputs, sanitary kits and other items of personal protection, as part of the fight against Covid-19. In return, the individuals animated in bad faith ask that a sum of money intended to pay the transport costs, be deposited in a bank account. This letter is not from UNICEF and the information is false and this whole operation is a scam. The people who signed the false document are not UNICEF staff and do not represent the organization. UNICEF is making this formal denial through the press, to alert people and warn public opinion against this type of scam that multiplies in times of crisis." S/ HL/ HaitiLibre An all-party meeting called by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday decided to proceed unitedly to tackle the challenges posed by COVID-19 and offer gratitude to the frontline personnel in this battle, including the health workers and police. Apart from the BJP and its ruling alliance AGP and BPF, all major opposition parties such as the Congress, AIUDF and CPI(M) participated in the meeting and put forward suggestions in combatting the coronavirus outbreak. "Hosted an all-party meeting in Guwahati and discussed our united fight against #COVID19. I thanked them for their participation and valuable suggestions. We are all together in this fight. #TogetherWeCan," Sonowal said in a tweet after the meeting. Talking about the outcome of the discussion in another tweet, he said, "I am glad to share that leaders of all the political parties have taken a joint resolution to thank frontline health workers, security forces and all those who are leading our fight against #COVID19. "In this hour of crisis, we are together as #TeamAssam, serving the people." Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed the gathering about the state's preparedness and steps taken to prevent the outbreak of the disease. "At an all-party meeting convened by HCM @sarbanandsonwal a collective decision was taken to extend our heartfelt gratefulness to frontline health workers, police, and all support staff who have displayed exemplary dedication in our battle against #Covid_19. We remain indebted," he said in a tweet. Former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Assam BJP chief Ranjeet Kumar Dass, senior Congress leader Rakibul Hussain, Independent Lok Sabha MP Naba Sarania and AIUDF MLA Hafiz Bashir Ahmed were among those who attended the meeting. AGP president and state Agriculture Minister Atul Bora and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary represented the party at the deliberations. Assam has reported 29 COVID-19 cases so far, including a death. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) B oris Johnson has been discharged from hospital and will continue his recovery at Chequers, Downing Street has said. Number 10 said the Prime Minister would have a break from work while he recovers following the decision to discharge him from St Thomas' Hospital in central London. He had been admitted to hospital on Sunday and spent three nights in intensive care during that time. Atfer he was discharged, Mr Johnsons pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds, 32, said she cannot thank our magnificent NHS enough. In an emotional statement posted on Twitter, she wrote: The staff at St Thomas Hospital have been incredible. I will never, ever be able to repay you and I will never stop thanking you. Boris Johnson spent three nights in intensive care at St Thomas' hospital with the coronavirus / AP "There were times last week that were very dark indeed. My heart goes out to all those in similar situations, worried sick about their loved ones." Mr Johnson later shared a five-minute video, paying tribute to NHS staff and naming the nurses who looked after him. He said: It is hard to find the words to express my debt to the NHS for saving my life. Boris Johnson thanks the NHS and British public on release from hospital 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. Mr Johnson will now recuperate at Chequers, the British PM's country retreat in Buckinghamshire but will not be returning to work yet. First Secretary of State Dominic Raab will continue deputising for him by chairing meetings of the 'war Cabinet' that leads the country's virus response, as ministers face an escalating row over personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages on the NHS front line. The PM's father, Stanley Johnson, told Sky News: "It's marvellous news, I'm thrilled and delighted." The PM will recover at Chequers, his country retreat / PA Archive/PA Images He added: I realise now I think the whole country realises how close he came to a crisis situation and it is wonderful he has come out of that crisis. It is wonderful that the national health service was able to help him and I think he has also paid tribute to them. Our thoughts are with everybody, not only those who are fighting the battle against coronavirus, but those who are suffering from it. Liz Truss, the Secretary of State for International Trade, was the first Cabinet colleague to react to the news, tweeting: "Delighted to hear PM is out of hospital and now recuperating." It comes as Britain's coronavirus death toll surged past 10,000 on Sunday after England alone recorded 657 more deaths in 24 hours. The PM required oxygen treatment when he was admitted to intensive care on Monday night after his symptoms worsened, ten days after he tested positive. He did not need a ventilator but privately aides and ministers were said to be shocked at the dramatic downward spiral in his health. No 10 said on Saturday that he was making "very good progress" and watching the 1987 comedy Withnail and I, and playing sudoku. His father said earlier this week that his son "almost took one for the team" but that he must now "take time" to fully recover. The PM is understood to be determined to bounce back to lead the country's exit from lockdown. Dominic Raab is deputising for Boris Johnson while he recovers / PA It comes as experts warned the UK's death toll could be the highest in Europe if it continues along its current trajectory. Dr Ian Abbs, chief executive at Guy's and St Thomas', sai he was "incredibly proud" of the staff who treated Mr Johnson. 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. A Strictly Come Dancing star has reportedly had their nude pictures leaked online. The unnamed person allegedly had their x-rated snaps exposed after being targeted by internet hackers. According to The Daily Star, 11 images of the individual have been uploaded to a rogue website showing the TV favourite in a number of racy poses. Hacked: A Strictly Come Dancing star has reportedly had their nude pictures leaked online The publication reports that some of the images, stolen from the star's iCloud account, see the person completely naked, while in others they are wearing skimpy underwear. The website even claims that the unnamed person had their photos stolen from their iCloud, which is an internet storage facility by Apple. It is said that numerous people have already seen the photos, with the saucy snaps garnering several comments including 'amazing buns' and 'very nice.' The Daily Star further reports that the individual is said to be planning legal action against the website in a bid to prevent the images from being shared on other websites and social media platforms. Shock: The unnamed person had their x-rated snaps exposed after being targeted by internet hackers An industry insider told the publication: 'Now the photos are in the public domain, this could escalate very quickly indeed. 'People who spot them can easily keep copies and then share them. If the images end up on Twitter they could be seen by millions of people in just a few days.' It is not known who the individual is. Strictly Come Dancing representatives have declined to comment. Elsewhere, in October last year, contestants were reportedly asked to contact their former partners over fears of leaked sexting pictures and videos. Stars from the 2019 series of the hit BBC Show had been advised by bosses to take the measures so as to 'safeguard themselves' against anything 'embarrassing', The Sun reported. It is said that producers took time to brief the dancers about the 'dangers' of awkward and embarrassing images being shared online, with show bosses keen to fulfil their 'duty of care'. Private pictures: According to The Daily Star , 11 images of the individual have been uploaded to a rogue website showing the TV favourite in a number of racy poses A source told the publication: 'Obviously everyone has a history, and many of the celebs have probably done things in the past that they wouldnt necessarily do now. 'Sexting - the sending of saucy pics - is obviously a big deal right now, and very prevalent.' They added that it wouldn't take much for an individual to send a private video or text to someone, with the next thing seeing the photo 'circulated and being 'leaked online.' The insider continued: 'Duty of care is foremost in productions minds, so one of the things execs have told contestants is to safeguard themselves against anything potentially embarrassing.' Speaking further about the warning, they added that friends, partners and exes have all be 'asked for their discretion' so as avoid anything 'mortifying' coming out of the woodwork during the 2019 series. CBI chief outlines banking plans to control COVID19 consequences IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, April 11, IRNA -- Governor of Central Bank of Iran Abdolnaser Hemmati referred to banking system supportive plans to control negative economic consequences of coronavirus, saying CBI will spare no efforts for the economy to pass through difficult situation. Government and CBI's request and hope are to present more extensive and gratuitous aid, but US' unfair sanctions, reduction of oil price, anti-coronavirus expenses have put the budget in dire situation, Hemmati wrote in an Instagram post. He added that the Iranian banking system is ready to provide facility for vulnerable layers of society. He went on to say that the central bank will grant loan to affected jobs and institutions. Earlier, Hemmati in a letter to International Monetary Fund on Thursday elaborated on Iran's rights to enjoy IMF's financial aid followed by US' obstructions. About a month ago after IMF' announcement to provide quick and unconditional aid to those countries which are involved with coronavirus, I declared Iran's request to take advantage of its right, but some people from outside the country have been after to reverse the efforts, Hemmati wrote in an Instagram post. "I publicly announce that Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) and even Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA) which are as US claimed exempted from unilateral sanctions are available channels for doing some humanitarian aid transactions and among resources provided by IMF for Iran," he added. 9376**1430 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's president rejected Benny Gantz's request for more time to put together a government, throwing the country's dysfunctional political system into even greater turmoil and improving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's chances of holding on to power. President Reuven Rivlin took the rare step of refusing an extension on Sunday after understanding from Netanyahu that he and Gantz weren't close to the power-sharing agreement they committed to pursue to help the country weather the coronavirus outbreak. Unless both men jointly request to extend Gantz's coalition-building brief before it expires at midnight Monday, then Rivlin has said he'll give parliament three weeks to nominate someone for the task. Netanyahu would assuredly be that person because no one else in Knesset can draw the kind of support he can. Under those circumstances, three alternatives exist, and all of them favor Netanyahu, despite his looming trial in three graft cases: - The prime minister could keep trying to form a government with Gantz's centrist Blue and White party, whose leverage to extract concessions - including a stint as premier - has shrunken dramatically. - Netanyahu can try to peel off more defectors from the opposition camp after successfully wooing one lawmaker on Sunday, allowing him to build a coalition without Gantz, a former military chief. - If his powers of persuasion fall short, snap elections have become a go-to solution ever since Netanyahu first dissolved Knesset in December 2018. "A couple of weeks ago we felt quite certain that we were going to get a government and avoid another election," said Reuven Hazan, a political science professor at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Now, " we are back to the multiple-option waiting game instead of waiting for a government to be formed." If Israel heads to its fourth election since April 2019, then polls show Netanyahu strengthened enough since last month's vote to win the election outright. Surveys haven't favored the prime minister this much since the inconclusive election cycle began, and now he has no serious challenger. By agreeing three weeks ago to team up with Netanyahu in government despite the bribery and fraud charges against him, Gantz broke up a broad political alliance that fought the prime minister to a draw in each of the votes. Yoram Meital a professor Middle East Studies at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, gives equal odds to a unity government and another round of balloting. "Rivlin's decision reflects political reality: Gantz cannot form a government," Meital said. "Prime Minister Bibi was once again revealed in his full capacity to dismantle a political opponent," he added, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. Talks on a power-sharing deal broke down last week after the prime minister demanded veto power over the appointment of judges, a tool he could use to control which justices are involved in his corruption cases. Over the past two days, the prime minister has called on Gantz to restart negotiations. The urgency to form a coalition and avert a fourth round of elections has grown as the toll from the virus mounts. The number of confirmed cases has neared 11,000, with more than 100 dead. A near-lockdown has crippled the economy, which is forecast to shrink by 5.3% this year, according to the Bank of Israel. With the clock running down, Netanyahu supporters in parliament have asked Rivlin to assign the coalition-building task to the prime minister after Gantz's mandate expires. Tasking someone with indictments hanging over his head may be an obstacle to Rivlin, whose ties with the prime minister are already tense. In the meantime, a group of about 120 academics and security experts petitioned the High Court of Justice to bar Netanyahu from forming a new government because of his legal entanglements. The court in January declined to hear a similar petition, deeming it a hypothetical case. About 156 people on a German rescue ship off Sicily must undergo health checks on another vessel. Italy has ordered 156 migrants on board a German rescue ship off the western coast of Sicily to be transferred to another vessel and quarantined. The migrants, mostly from Africa and the Middle East, must then undergo health checks, Italian officials said. The German rescue vessel, Alan Kurdi, has been refused access to Italian and Maltese ports over coronavirus fears. Italy's transport ministry said the move was necessary because Sicily's health services were already stretched. Allowing the migrants to disembark from the Alan Kurdi ship, operated by the German humanitarian group Sea-Eye, would put too much pressure on the island's local authorities, Italy's civil protection chief Angelo Borrelli said. As of Sunday, Italy as a whole had reported 19,899 coronavirus deaths and more than 156,363 confirmed infections. The country reported 431 deaths over a 24-hour period - the lowest daily rise in more than three weeks. Mr Borrelli signed a document on Sunday ordering the Coast Guard, with the assistance of the Italian Red Cross, to provide a ship "in the next few hours" to quarantine and test the 156 migrants near Italian territorial waters, local media report. No decision has been made about the final destination of the migrants, who were rescued from small boats in distress off the Libyan coast, officials said. Italy has previously said that migrants rescued and brought to its shores become the responsibility of the European Union (EU) and should be fairly distributed among member states. Sea-Eye has also called on EU leaders to find a more permanent solution to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean. Earlier this month, the EU's top court - the European Court of Justice - ruled that Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic had broken EU law by refusing to take in refugees under an agreement to ease the burden faced by Italy and Greece. In Greece, a number of migrant facilities were recently quarantined after residents tested positive for coronavirus. Aid groups have warned that an outbreak of Covid-19 at overcrowded camps - where sanitation is poor - could allow the virus to spread quickly. There have so far been no confirmed cases of the virus in camps on five Greek islands, where roughly half of all EU asylum seekers live. BBC The Rivers State Government has reversed its decision to allow churches in the state hold services on Easter Sunday. The Commissioner for Information in the state, Paulinus Nsirim, in a statement issued on Saturday, said instead of the churches having their full congregation, they should stick to the 50 persons per service to maintain social distancing. Mr Nsirim said the Rivers State Government took the decision after due consultations with eminent clergy men, well-meaning Nigerians and civil society groups. The governor, Nyesom Wike, and his counterparts in other states such as Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Bayelsa, Katsina, Kogi, and Bauchi have been criticised by many Nigerians for relaxing the stay-at-home order they had introduced in their states to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus. The relaxation of the restriction order, the state government said, was to allow Muslims to participate in their Friday prayers and Christians, their Easter celebrations. Federal authorities were said to be alarmed by the development, and were said to be making frantic efforts to reach out to the state governors to abandon actions that could worsen the nations health crisis, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. One group with a focus on health reforms in Nigeria issued a statement on Friday, warning the governors that it was not yet time to lift the ban on public gathering. The group, the Health Sector Reform Coalition, said it was shocked that some states were lifting the ban on public gathering because of the Muslim Friday prayers and the Christian Easter celebration. READ ALSO: The lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and similar decision by some governors across the country was a welcome development. It is important for containing the spread of COVID-19, avoiding the high number of deaths that might follow and the disastrous effects on the health system and economy, as we are seeing with countries like US, Italy, Spain, UK, amongst others, the group said. The coalition said it recognises and respects the importance of worship and religious celebrations to Nigerians. But that scientific evidence and experience from developed and developing countries have shown that avoiding crowds, physical distancing, handwashing and respiratory hygiene remained the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus and halt associated deaths. It appealed to the governors to cancel the directives to lift the ban on religious and other gatherings in their states until the NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health advise otherwise. With the high number of people living in poverty, high prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes (underlying diseases) and very weak health systems, it will be catastrophic if the virus spreads widely in Nigeria, the coalition said. The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, in response to the relaxation of restriction in Rivers State, issued a statement saying it preferred to have its members stay isolated at home, instead of congregating in churches for Easter. The Bishop of the diocese, Camillus Etokudoh, in a statement, Thursday, therefore, directed priests and faithful in the diocese to continue to pray from home. In the wake of the lockdown in the states, some churches in Nigeria began running online services for their members, using Facebook, YouTube, and other internet platforms. The war-weary nation faced a great deal of uncertainty, but, Truman concluded, the people, in whom Jefferson had such great faith, will not fail. Roosevelt closed his presidency with this final dose of assurance: The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. There is a notable nuance in the tone of the two speeches. Truman drew a sharp contrast between the parties: The Democratic Party, he wrote, has always been the champion of all the people. In contrast, the Republican Party usually represents the privileged and the few. Though such a statement may appear to cast Truman as a staunch partisan, his underlying message was one of unity. He called on his fellow Democrats to help create not only party unity, but national unity. He saw the two-party system as the very essence of American democracy, with the parties functioning as a means for preserving that democracy. Roosevelt was even more expansive, calling Jefferson one of the greatest of all democrats; and I want to make it clear that I am spelling that word democrats with a small d. One can hear the echo of Jeffersons first Inaugural Address, after one of the most bitter elections in U.S. history (even to this day), We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. There is no escaping that our political era feels like a crisis of identity, of ideology, of ignorance which blinds us to the reality of a shared future and a mutual past. One wonders whether we could muster the perspective and clarity Roosevelt once invoked: Generations which understand each other across the distances of history are the generations united by a common experience and a common cause. The question for our time is to what degree are we, too, a parallel generation? What are the principal threats that define our moment in history, and more important, will we find a Jefferson, a Roosevelt or a Truman to confront our challenges? Whereas Roosevelt and Truman saw the parties as a vehicle for preserving the democratic process, we see the democratic process as a means for preserving our parties. In this sense, the nature of modern politics is an affront to an important aspect of the legacy of Thomas Jefferson, who wrote, If I could not go to heaven but with a party, I would not go there at all. Jefferson occupies a uniquely useful and powerful position in the pantheon of American founders. We all but worship Washington, rap about Hamilton, and marvel at Madison, but Jefferson is the blank slate on which we write our political narrative. It is his soaring rhetorical strains of equality, liberty, and happiness that define the American creed. Maharashtra recorded 221 coronavirus cases and 22 deaths on Sunday, taking the state closer to the 2,000-case mark at 1,982. The death toll has reached 149, state figures revealed. The state had crossed 1,000 cases just last Tuesday, but the past nine days reported more than 100 per day, including three days that saw more than 200 cases. Mumbai has 1,298 cases and 92 deaths. The state has tested 41,109 people and has kept 5,064 suspected patients in government quarantine facilities, while 61,247 are quarantined at home, said health officials. Senior officials have indicated that the rate of the viruss spread will be arrested, but it could take a couple of days. The rise is on and for two days, the number of new cases had even crossed the 200 mark, but on Saturday, it came down to 187. We have taken adequate measures to curb the spread and are hoping that the decline in new cases will start in the next couple of days, said a senior official, requesting anonymity. The rising numbers had forced chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday to extend the lockdown till April 30, so as to prevent the state from slipping in to phase three community spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, said the official. He has also said they may have to extend it further if people did not co-operate. However, the state is also mulling relaxing restrictions in areas where there are no cases. There is a meeting with the chief minister on Monday where the issue is likely to be discussed. We have suggested areas completely unaffected should be given some relaxations, said another senior official, on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, the state medical education department on Sunday directed all government and private medical colleges to send their proposals to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for starting Covid-19 tests. There are eight government and 33 private medical colleges, where the facility is yet to be started. We have asked all of them to send their proposals to ICMR so that the facility can be started there as well, said Dr Tatyarao Lahane, director, Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER). The testing facility for Covid-19 is currently available at 17 government and 15 private medical colleges across the state. Meanwhile, the state government decided to cancel this years geography paper of Class 10. It has further decided to cancel the second semester examinations of Classes 9 and 11. The results will be declared based on performance of the students for the entire year, said school education minister Varsha Gaikwad. Geography paper of Class 10 was supposed to be held on March 23, but was postponed following the outbreak. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) will come out with a fair marking formula for Class 10 students, said the education minister. To curb practice of overpricing and black-marketing in the lockdown period, state food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal also directed the legal metrology department to form squads with the help of police, revenue officials and inspect godowns, shops of retail and wholesale traders and take action accordingly. They can be booked for violating Commodities Act and can face imprisonment up to seven years, said an official from food and civil supplies department. Meanwhile, the district administration of Wardha in Vidarbha has decided to disinfect the vehicles entering the district for supplying essential commodities. Wardha collector Vivek Bhimanwar issued orders on Sunday. He has also directed to stop vegetable supplies from the districts affected by the epidemic. Wardha has no case of coronavirus so far. The state health department has found 37 coronavirus patients who have attended the international congregation of Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin in Delhi last month. A total of 755 people from the state had attended the religious gathering. Of them, eight are from Latur; seven from Yavatmal; six from Buldhana; three from Mumbai; two each in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Ahmednagar; one each in Ratnagiri, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Hingoli, Jalgaon, Osmanabad, Kolhapur and Washim, said state health officials. In addition, seven people, who have come in contact, have also tested positive. Six are in Ahmednagar and one in Pimpri-Chinchwad, said an official. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON IN A refreshingly candid admission, Vice President Kembo Mohadi says the government should do more to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Speaking in an interview with the Daily News On Sunday after a meeting with doctors in Harare on Friday the usually introverted Mohadi said bluntly that he was not happy with what the country had done to prepare for the lethal disease. efforts to combat the global pandemic. He also conceded that the number of people who have so far been tested for the virus in the country, at less than 500, did not reflect well on Zimbabwesefforts to combat the global pandemic. This comes as Zimbabwe has registered its third death from coronavirus, from the 13 people who have so far tested positive for the deadly disease a development that has made the countrys Covid-19 mortality rate among the highest in the world, at 27 percent. It also comes as health experts have also raised the red flag over Zimbabwes preparations for Covid-19, citing a glaring lack of testing kits, intensive care units, ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE), among other critical things. Tests should be done expeditiously and they (doctors) said we should also move out of Harare and go to other areas. Even before the lockdown, we did not know who had been where and who they had visited and met. We need to do more testing using facilities that are there. I am equally not happy myself that we have only tested over 400 people. We need to have tested more, Mohadi said. The same with Bulawayo, we have an international airport there. So, there is a possibility that we might be having people that might have been somewhere who might have sneaked into the country without us knowing. We need to do the necessary sampling, the VP added. Mohadi also disclosed that the government would soon dispatch teams to hunt for possible cases at busy ports of entry such as Victoria Falls and Beitbridge. The other area we will soon look at is Victoria Falls, as well as areas like Buffalo Range Doctors believe that if many people test positive, Wilkins will be overwhelmed. Its a small place. They said we must refurbish Parirenyatwa and I agree with them. But there must be an area that must deal specifically with coronavirus since the hospital also admits people who are not Covid-19 patients. As I am talking to you now, members of the ad hoc committees are in the provinces establishing structures. We want to decentralise operations even up to the district level, Mohadi said. We have some areas we think might be having people that have the virus, especially in places like Beitbridge and Matabeleland South in general, where most people go to seek employment in South Africa. Usually they will be working in Johannesburg, where there is a high possibility of infections. We are also looking at areas like Masvingo and Chipinge from where many people go to South Africa. A number of these people are deported and I dont think they were screened enough. So, we need to have tests in those areas now, Mohadi said further. Just before South Africas national lockdown a fortnight ago, more than 13 000 Zimbabweans returned home through Beitbridge Border Post. Although these people were screened before they were released, the government says it is following up on them after the 14-day incubation period to check for coronavirus symptoms. But fresh doubts were raised on the countrys testing thoroughness following the death of a 79-year-old Bulawayo man last week, who succumbed to the lethal virus but whose results were only released four days after his death. He had been treated and held in a general ICU, where health experts say he may have exposed other patients and health care workers there to the deadly disease. The patient was treated at a local hospital. Is this an infectious diseases hospital or a Covid-19 designated facility? The inability to diagnose on time is a clear sign that health professionals attending the deceased were exposed as they lack essential protective equipment. The patient was first seen on March 23 and was not advised to self-quarantine What is the state of preparedness in centres outside Harare, the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights said after the man died. And as concerns grow over the countrys rising coronavirus death toll, Mohadi told the Daily News On Sunday that these deaths revealed weaknesses in the countrys healthcare system. We are worried about the death rate as government. Even if it was one percent, we would still be worried. Its a new thing (coronavirus),and we are still learning from other countries doctors raised concerns about their safety and that of their families. They dont have enough personal protective equipment. Psychologically, it affects everybody if you attend to someone who is Covid-19 positive. If he or she dies, and you dont know if you contracted the disease so, doctors need to be equipped, Mohadi said. Its like taking soldiers into battle without ammunition. What do you expect? You should expect a defeat. So, we need to equip them, he further told the Daily News On Sunday. Mohadi also said committees that were set up to mobilise resources to fight coronavirus were still seeking essential equipment and funding. Every day we are getting something from our friends around the world and within Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans have responded well against this virus, he said. The VP also revealed that Zimbabwe was yet to train more health practitioners on how to handle the deadly virus. Doctors and nurses need to be trained and that training has got to be done now. We must make it a point that they are trained. On the issue of incentives for doctors, the government is looking into that. Doctors have had those grievances for a long time, but now, coupled with the dangers that come with the virus, the situation has to be looked at differently, because we need our patients to be attended to, Mohadi added. This comes as the government has taken a lot of flak from a large cross section of Zimbabweans for the manner in which it has been preparing for Covid-19. Presently, Zimbabwe does not have adequate quarantine centres, with most parts of the country remaining uncovered as the cash strapped government struggles to mobilise resources. In cities like Gweru, the government has set up a makeshift centre which has copped a lot of criticism to quarantine possible positive cases of the virus. The country is currently in the middle of a 21-day lockdown that was imposed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last month in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19. Coronavirus has killed about 105 000 people around the world as of yesterday, with infection rates fast hurtling towards the two million mark globally. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the coronavirus comes from a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 36 suspects who allegedly used the lockdown period to perpetuate crime in the state. Their arrest was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, and made available to newsmen on Saturday. Elkana said 20 suspects were arrested on Friday within Ilaje and Ajah communities for allegedly engaging in gang violence. He also said seven were arrested on Saturday at Burma/Creek Road, Apapa for allegedly engaging in a battle for supremacy on the street by Area B Command. Their mission on the street is mainly to steal and loot under the guise of supremacy battle, he stated. According to Elkana, nine suspects were also arrested along Abule Egba and Ifako Ijaiye areas for robbery attempts on residents in communities under Ogun State, neighbouring Lagos State. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will soon be charged to Court, he stated. Elkana said the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Hakeem Odumosu, ordered the immediate deployment of operatives of the Commands Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants, Anti Robbery Squad, Anti Cultism Squad and Raiders to various parts of the state. He said: This is to support the efforts of Area Commands and Divisional patrol teams already deployed to the fields to tackle the menace of social miscreants and violent crimes perpetrated by hoodlums. Operatives of the Commands Rapid Response Squad are positioned in strategic locations to promptly respond to distress calls. Patrol teams have been deployed to the various communities and streets and the teams have been intensified around markets and stores to prevent hoodlums from stealing and looting. Elkana assured members of the public of adequate protection of their lives and property during and after the lockdown period. In case of emergency, call the following numbers 09010512285, 09010512286, 09010512287, 09010512288, he said. Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Sola Subair, said the state was on top of the situation. Subair said in a statement on Saturday: The attention of the Ogun State Government has been drawn to incidences of violence, alleged robberies and related crimes resurfacing in the State, especially in the Sango-Ifo axis. The Government has not only moved swiftly into action, the affected towns including but not limited to Sango, Ijoko, Ifo, among others are currently under substantial security surveillance. The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this, as he disclosed that he had communicated with all relevant agencies and mandated them, especially the State Command of the Nigeria Police to ensure law and order in all the affected areas, as well as the entire state The Government had earlier seen to the arrest of some suspects, as carried out by the Police, is in connection with the chain of unrest in the affected localities. Initial arrests notwithstanding, the State Police Command yesterday is not leaving any stone unturned as the command has arrested more suspects, and investigation is currently ongoing. Suspects in custody continue to provide helpful information. The State Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to the security of lives and property. We wish to assure the entire citizenry of adequate security and our dedication to safety of the people, and we urged everyone not to panic, as the situation is under control. More than 22,000 Queensland children will have free access to community kindergartens and schoolchildren stuck at home during the coronavirus crisis will have television as a new teaching aid in the remote classroom. Queensland confirmed 12 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the state's total to 983 as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned the government was a "long way from lifting restrictions" aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. While announcing the $17 million kindergarten plan on Sunday, Ms Palaszczuk dropped a hint of the governments plans to educate children who stay at home after the Easter holidays. The Queensland Teachers' Union later confirmed the plan to use TV as part of the teaching solution. One Australian state has tightened its coronavirus lockdown while another has extended its state of emergency - but another is already planning for life to return to normal within a month. Retail businesses across north-western Tasmania will be forced to close their doors from midnight on Sunday. The heightened measures in eight different areas have been added to existing social distancing rules after 38 people - including 26 staff - at the North West Regional Hospital and North West Private tested positive for the virus. Both hospitals will close from 7am on Monday to be deep cleaned, with patients being treated at the facilities to be transferred elsewhere. Victoria's state of emergency has also been extended by a month to May 11 - despite just three new cases being confirmed overnight. Scroll down for video Pictured: Police officers patrolling Cottesloe Beach in Perth on Friday. Western Australia's premier Daniel Andrews has said coronavirus restrictions in the state could be eased as soon as next month There are 1,268 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Victoria and 6,325 nationally. Premier Daniel Andrews said he has not ruled out keeping the strict social distancing rules for 'well beyond that'. But Western Australia's premier Mark McGowan has hinted at relaxing some restrictions in the state. The state has only 517 infections - also with a growth rate of three cases overnight - and Mr McGowan said if community transmission stayed low 'tweaks or adjustments to restrictions' may be on the horizon for WA as early as May. 'WA's response has been remarkable, something we can all be proud of, but we can't let our guard down,' he said. 'The actions we have taken so far have been unprecedented, but necessary and sensible.' A near-deserted Flinders Street Railway Station in Melbourne on Saturday. Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has extended the state's state of emergency to May 11 - despite an overnight growth in cases of just three 'If we consistently see low numbers and no ongoing community spread it will give us the best opportunity to possibly make some tweaks or adjustments to our restrictions.' The tough restrictions in Western Australia include the state being split up into nine separate regions - with the threat of $50,000 fines for crossing their borders without an essential reason. Regardless of an easing of restrictions within Western Australia though, Mr McGowan said the state's borders would stay shut to reduce the chance of transmission from outside WA. A woman wearing a surgical mask walks through Adelaide on April 1. Australia's number of cases has reached 6,325, but the growth in cases in states across the country has slowed dramatically TASMANIAN HOSPITALS IN CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK FORCED TO CLOSE Tasmania will close and deep clean two hospitals at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak in the state's northwest. The North West Regional Hospital and North West Private Hospital in Burnie will shut from 7am on Monday with patients to be transferred elsewhere. All hospital staff and their households, more than 1000 people in total, will be forced into quarantine for two weeks. 'I am sorry we need to do this but at the end of the day we need to get on top of this,' Premier Peter Gutwein told reporters on Sunday. 'We need to ensure that we can crush this virus at its source, and with this outbreak we need to take these steps.' Tougher restrictions have been imposed in north-western Tasmania after 38 people - including 26 staff - at the North West Regional Hospital (pictured) and North West Private tested positive for the virus There has been an increase of 11 COVID-19 cases, bringing the overall state figure at 144. A total of 72 cases have been recorded in the northwest, including the 11 latest cases. Cases linked to the hospitals have spiked in recent days with dozens of health workers among them. The majority of patients will be transferred to the Mersey Community Hospital at nearby Devonport, which has been provided with additional personal protective equipment. Specialist teams will then conduct a deep clean of the two closed hospitals. The state government is aiming to reopen the hospitals after two weeks but it is hoped emergency department and maternity, cancer and ICU services will return after 72 hours. Further restrictions have been placed on retailers in the northwest to mitigate the outbreak. From midnight on Sunday all shops not providing essential services or goods will be closed, including giants Kmart, Target and Harvey Norman, Mr Gutwein said. Exemptions include pharmacies, supermarkets, service stations, newsagents, banks, vets and takeaway food. Police will continue to strictly enforce stay-at-home rules and pay special attention to northwest communities, Mr Gutwein said. 'At the moment we are in front of the curve but if this gets away from us, then we are in real difficulty,' he added. Tasmania recorded its fifth virus death on Sunday, an elderly woman at the North West Regional Hospital. Advertisement NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian, like her Victorian counterpart, has not entertained discussion of relaxing measures but said she recognised the toll the restrictions were having on everyday life. 'Some families are finding innovative ways to do things,' she told Weekend Sunrise. 'That's OK for week 2 or 3, but what does it feel like after a couple of months? We have to think of mental health issues.' Victoria has extended its state of emergency by another month. Pictured is a Melburnian getting some fresh air at St Kilda on Friday Victoria premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday declared the current stage three restrictions will now remain in place until at least midnight May 11. 'This is unprecedented, but these powers are passed by the parliament, they are the law of our state and they are designed to deal with challenges just like those that we face, even though none of us in our lifetime had ever had to deal with this sort of crisis,' Premier Andrews told reporters on Sunday. 'Basically, those powers, as you know, mean that authorities can enforce and make sure that our strategies in place right across the state, a strategy I remind everyone is working.' 'I am deeply grateful to every Victorian doing the right thing. I am very impressed to think so many people are heeding the warnings and following the advice on staying home and protecting the health system, and ultimately saving lives.' Victorians will face tough restrictions until at least midnight May 11. Pictured are Easter Saturday crowds at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market Premier Andrews later tweeted: 'Now is not the time to take our foot off the brake and undo all our hard-won gains. 'It's been a hard slog. But we have to keep going. Keep staying home. Keep protecting our health system. Keep saving lives.' He said a decision about a possible further extension will be made based circumstances closer to May 11. 'We know it is deeply inconvenient, and it is frustrating we can't give people an end date,' Premier Andrews said. Just three new cases were recorded in Victoria overnight. Around 28 patients are in hospital, including 16 patients in intensive care. While Melbourne's Queen Victoria Markets were busy with crowds on Saturday, it was a different story down the road in Flinders Street, which was deserted (pictured) There's been no rise in the state's death toll, which still stands at 14. But Premier Andrews said now is not the time to become complacent, adding that the tough restrictions in place were 'fundamentally working'. 'We are aggressively tracing our outbreaks, and making sure this virus does not get away from us. If it does, our health system will simply be overrun and people will die,' Premier Andrews said. 'It is protecting our health system and saving lives.' 'Our strategy is fundamentally working. The alternative, of course, if we look at places like New York and some parts of Europe, is not something that we want to see repeated here, and that is why it is so important to go hard and then maintain those settings stop that is exactly what we have done.' There were few surfers at Victoria's Bells Beach in Torquay on Good Friday, which is usually packed with crowds at Easter for the traditional Bells Beach Classic competition The Premier's announcement comes as Australia's Chief Medical Officer warned against the easing of restrictions in the near future. 'There is a huge risk in doing so and we have certainly said that it is not the right time now,' Professor Brendan Murphy said. 'We want to spend the next few weeks looking at the framework with the national cabinet and helping them to make a decision.' 'While this pandemic is across many other countries, we're going to need some form of border measures. [Easing travel restrictions] would be a decision for the national cabinet and government until we get a vaccine or this virus moves through the community.' WFH for Private offices in Delhi, restaurants & bars to be shut as Omicron-led to sudden rise in Covid cases Coronavirus patient booked for 'spitting' on doc at govt hospital in TN India pti-PTI Tiruchirappalli(TN), Apr 12: A 40 year-old COVID-19 positive patient was on Sunday booked for "attempt to murder" after he allegedly spat on a doctor treating him at the government hospital here, police said. It was a serious crime under the present conditions with so many restrictions in force to prevent the spread of coronavirus, they said. The patient, admitted to the hospital's coronavirus ward on Saturday, also removed his mask and threw it at the doctor, enraging the hospital staff and other patients. Eversince his admission in the ward, he has not been cooperating with the medical staff, they added. Meanwhile, reports from Nagapattinam district stated that a 65-year-old doctor, running a private clinic at Kadambadi in the district has tested positive for the virus after his return from the US three weeks back. The district administration has appealed to the people who received treatment from the doctor to voluntarily come forward and subject themselves to medical examination. People could contact the officials on9751425002 and 9500493022 to pass on information in this connection, it said. Tamil Nadu has reported the third highest number of positive coronavirus cases in the country after Maharashtra and Delhi, with a total of 969 confirmed cases, and 11 deaths so far. President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his advice to Nigerians on avoiding the coronavirus. He said the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygiene and sanitary practices as well as social distancing. Mr Buhari stated this in his Easter message on Friday. The Easter celebration, which symbolises the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross, in Christianity, is now blighted by the coronavirus pandemic which has affected most countries in the world to close down and caused about 100,000 deaths. Major states in Nigeria are already on lockdown as the federal and state governments strive to curb the spread of the virus which has caused ten deaths in the country and infected at least 318 people. As Nigerian Christians join their counterparts globally to celebrate the annual festivities holding between Friday and Monday, Mr Buhari urged Nigerians to emulate Jesus Christ by imbibing the spirit of sacrifice and perseverance to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Jesus Christ represented mans ability to withstand temporary pains in the hope of everlasting glory. READ ALSO: I urge you to imbibe and live the values of humility, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice and obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated during His stay on earth, he said. He said there is no better opportunity than now for all Christians in particular, and Nigerians in general, to remain faithful and hopeful that, with intensified prayers backed by personal and collective responsibility, the nation would pull through the trying time. I am very much aware of the personal and collective inconveniences suffered by our people due to measures such as restriction of movements and closure of business premises. Being a matter of life and death, these sacrifices are in everybodys interest to save our country from calamity, Mr Buhari said. Similarly, a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, enjoined Christians and all Nigerians to keep the hope alive as the current public health crisis is reminiscent of the tribulations, trial and suffering of Jesus Christ when he set out to fulfil his mandate of saving mankind. A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar In his Easter message, signed by his spokesperson, Mr Abubakar said as Jesus triumphed over the machinations of his enemies; the end of the pandemic is near. He, therefore, called on the faithful to share love and continue to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate despite present difficulties. Christians, and indeed Nigerians in general should remember to always be their brothers and sisters keeper in spite of the lockdowns, self-isolation and concern with individual safety and try to lend support to the next-door neighbour who might be in need, he said. Also, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, in his personally signed message, urged Nigerians to strictly observe the public health protocols of social distancing, regular washing of hands and the rules of hygiene in our homes as we mark the joyous occasion. Senate President Ahmed Lawan (Photo Credit: Punch Newspaper) Mr Lawan further enjoined the faithful to be fervent in their prayer for divine intervention to vanquish the pandemic, heal the sick and renew the world and Nigeria. On his part, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, said this years festivity called for sober reflection amid the novel coronavirus pandemic ravaging most parts of the world. While expressing his heartfelt condolences to families of those who have lost their loved ones to the disease, Mr Omo-Agege called on Nigerians to make sacrifices and renew their commitment towards God and building a better society. Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Delta-APC. [Photo credit: THISDAYLIVE] He said: Much unlike before, this Good Friday as well as our Easter celebration this year calls for sober reflection in our individual journeys and collective efforts towards Gods total redemption, healing and love. Like others, he also called on the citizens to strictly obey set out guidelines issued by the Nigerian authorities to stop the spread of the pandemic. For former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, praying and taking responsibility by staying safe is important to live through the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu I also enjoin all Nigerians to take responsibility at this critical time, adhering religiously to the precautionary measures, protocol, and guidelines released by the various strata of government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in order to prevent community spread of the virus, he said. Julian Assange 12.04.2020 LISTEN It should not be a matter of distinction, but Julian Assange is a figure who is becoming the apotheosis of political imprisonment. This seems laughable to those convinced he is an agent without scruple, a compromiser of the Fourth Estate, a figure best packed off to a prison system that will, in all assuredness, kill him. Thats if he even gets there. Having spent a year at Her Majestys Belmarsh prison, the WikiLeaks publisher faces the permanent danger of contracting COVID-19 as he goes through the bone-weariness of legal proceedings. Even during the extradition hearings, he has been treated with a snooty callousness by District Court Judge Vanessa Baraitser, which does not bode well for a favourable finding against the US submission. As he endures them, he suffers in a facility that is succumbing to the misrule caused by the coronavirus. On April 9, Assanges friend Vaughan Smith gave a description of conditions that gave little cause for Easter cheer. Julian is now confined alone in a cell for 23.5 hours every day. He gets half an hour of exercise and that is in a yard crowded with other prisoners. Smith also had a shot at the running of the prison. With over 150 Belmarsh prison staff off work self-isolating, the prison is barely functioning. The UK Department of Justice has adopted a mild approach to the issue of releasing prisoners in the face of the coronavirus epidemic. Despite the Prison Governors Association suggesting the release of 15,000 non-violent prisoners, the Department of Justice has opted for the lower total of 4,000. To date, a meagre 100 have been released. Assange insists that the situation is graver at Belmarsh than is otherwise advertised. Official figures put the number of COVID-19 deaths at one in the maximum security facility. There are at least two, with the possibility, argues Assange, of more. By any reasonable assessment, Assange fits the bill of a non-violent prisoner, and one with genuine political credentials. He was granted asylum by Ecuador, a point of little interest to Baraister. His condition both physical and mental has appalled friends, acquaintances and a number of officials. Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, has spent much time beating the drum of awareness about his plight. Since 2010, he stated in May last year, there has been a relentless and unrestrained campaign of public mobbing, intimidation and defamation against Mr Assange, not only in the United States, but also in the United Kingdom, Sweden and, more recently, in Ecuador. Rather than turning their attention to this state of circumstances, news outlets prefer to gorge themselves on other details, such as the newly revealed identity of his partner, which Judge Baraitser refused to keep concealed. The writing on this subject is needlessly though predictably tawdry. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange fathered two sons while hiding in embassy, has been a favourite formulation. The Daily Mail can barely resist stirring the sauce pot, giving Assange the appearance of an international man of fornicating mystery. Gabriel, aged two, and his one-year-old brother Max were conceived while their father was hiding out to avoid extradition to America, where he faces espionage charges over the leaking of thousands of classified US intelligence documents. But the man who sowed his oats was also, the Mail is thrilled to remind us, wanted in Sweden where he was accused of rape. It was rather good of them to also tell readers that Swedish prosecutors dropped the investigation, though it does so with customary scepticism. The old hacks can barely resist regarding the entire matter of Assange having a partner and children as peculiar. The Mail seemed to think it had uncovered a stunning morsel of information that would shock all. The news will come as a bombshell to Assanges friends and enemies since he was widely understood to have led a near-monastic life since entering the embassy in 2012. Monks would surely disagree with that flawed assessment, as would his friends. The theme of oddity has also made it across the Atlantic. The New York Post, for instance, considered it an even odder twist that British rapper M.I.A. is a godmother to the children. Hardly M.I.A, along with a large clutch of celebrities, has been a vocal supporter and barracker. This mixture of lazy scribbling, creepy curiosity and saccharine interest will do little to aid Assange. His partner, now revealed as lawyer Stella Moris-Smith Robertson, attempted to take some of the edge off perceptions of the publisher in a court statement supporting bail. My close relationship with Julian has been the opposite of how he is viewed of reserve, respect for each other and attempts to shield each other from some of the nightmares that have surrounded our lives. Retaining that shield will be an increasingly difficult matter now. Assanges scalp is precious. The application for bail made by his defence team on March 25 was denied. Access to him from his legal team is limited, hobbling the case. Even during a raging pandemic, where entire states have mobilised their resources, there is always room for little bit of vindictiveness. Scores need to be settled; the balance sheet ordered. To that end, Judge Baraister and the UK justice system, have not disappointed. Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: [email protected] Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-13 06:06:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRUSSELS, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Europeans observed a less festive Easter Sunday, as their attention is still grabbed by the coronavirus, which, according to the data from the World Health Organization, has infected 839,257 people across Europe. BLEAK EASTER Watching religious services online, ordering Easter meal deliveries, Italian residents are settling into the "new normal" under the rules of the national lockdown during what may be Italy's biggest religious holiday. "Easter 2020 will be remembered due to the closure of over 95 percent of hotels across Italy and ... a loss of turnover of 300 million euros (328 million U.S. dollars) between Saturday and Monday," the National Federation of the Travel and Tourism Industry (Federturismo) said in its recent forecast for the holiday weekend. To encourage the nation as it spent this major holiday in a less festive way, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte posted a message on Facebook wishing a happy Easter to all Italians. "We miss the smiles of our relatives, the hugs of our friends, the beautiful traditions of our towns ... The sacrifices each of us are making on this important Sunday are a gesture of authentic attachment to what really matters and what we will soon recover," said Conte. British people are not in a very festive mood for Easter either, as the coronavirus-related death toll in their country surpassed the grim 10,000-mark. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said during a daily press conference at Downing Street that Britain had joined the ranks of the United States, Spain, Italy and France, which "have seen more than 10,000 deaths related to coronavirus." Describing Easter Sunday as a "somber day" for Britain, Hancock said, "The fact that over 10,000 people have now lost their lives to this invisible killer demonstrates just how serious this coronavirus is and why the national effort that everyone is engaged in is so important." SIGNS OF HOPE Despite the dampened festive mood, some inspiring news from the anti-virus battle continued to reach Europeans. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson "has been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery at Chequers," a Downing Street spokesman said Sunday. Johnson was moved to a general ward on Thursday evening after spending three days in intensive care. He was taken to the hospital on April 5, 10 days after testing positive for the novel coronavirus. In Italy, one of the hardest-hit European countries, the overall numbers of hospitalizations and patients requiring intensive care are trending downwards. Similar trends are also seen in several other European countries grappling with the pandemic, such as France and Spain. France reported 561 new single-day deaths on Sunday, down from Saturday's 643, while it registered a decline of serious cases for the fourth straight day. Spain has seen a continued trend for a daily reduction in both the number of new cases and the death rate. CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM The downward trending shines a ray of hope on the anti-virus fight, but European countries are cautious in easing restrictions too soon. In Cyprus, Leondios Kostrikis, a University of Cyprus professor of virology who advises the Health Ministry, said new cases recorded in the last 24 hours reflected the downward trend of the previous days. "This indication strengthens the optimism of the scientific team for the effectiveness of the strategy followed, "said Kostrikis. In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Sunday that his country had not yet reached a "phase of de-escalation" in its fight against COVID-19. "We are not in a phase of de-escalation, the State of Alarm continues and the lockdown continues, all that we have ended is the hibernation of non-essential activities," said Sanchez in a televised press conference after a video call with leaders of Spain's 17 autonomous regions. As of Monday, the Albanian government will begin easing restrictive measures, with banks, markets and pharmacies being allowed to remain open until 5:30 p.m. local time. Despite the easing, social distancing is still urged to be respected. According to Albania's Public Health Institute, a majority of the new cases in the country came as a result of a lack of social distancing. [April 12, 2020] Huawei and UNESCO IITE & UNESCO-ICHEI Organize Webinar for Online Higher Education to Practice Its Learn ON Program SHENZHEN, China, April 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 11th, Huawei held a live webinar for online higher education to help ensure continuous online education during the suspension of schools and universities. The webinar, as a special part of Huawei's Learn ON Program, was jointly organized by Huawei and its partners including UNESCO IITE and UNESCO-ICHEI. Leaders and experts from global enterprises and universities were invited to share their practice and challenges in online education during the COVID-19 crisis. They also discussed feasible solutions that can ensure both education continuity and online education quality when schools and universities are closed. More than 1.5 billion students around the world are affected by the educational institution closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To mitigate the immediate impact, UNESCO launched the Global Education Coalition, in which international organizations, civil society, and enterprises are engaged to ensure that "Learning Never Stops". As one of the Coalition members, Huawei has been dedicated to bringing the benefits of technology to everyone. It developed TECH4ALL, a long-term, digital inclusion initiative for using technology for good, and the accessibility of quality education is one of the important focuses of TECH4ALL. In response to UNESCO's invitation, Huawei launched the Learn ON Program with global partners, using innovative ICT technologies to make good education accessible for various groups in different areas during the COVID-19 crisis. Wu Lintuo, Director of Education Partnership, Talent Ecosystem Development Dept. Huawei, introduced an all-round solution to the new requirements of global Huawei Academies during COVID-19. The following actions will be taken: 1. A total of US$5 million Huawei ICT Academy Development Incentive Fund (ADIF) will be provided to partner colleges for activities such as online course, online training, and online experiment. 2. More than 130 MOOC resources will be opened up, covering advanced technical fields such as Artificial Intelligence, big dat, 5G, and Internet of Things. 4. 50,000 students are expected to be trained through online self-learning, courses, and classes. "We are delighted to work with Huawei, the member of UNESCO COVID-19 Global Education Coalition, on the Webinar for 'Online Higher Education during COVID-19', and other projects as part of joint actions." said Zhan Tao, Director of UNESCO IITE. He continued: "As an integral part of UNESCO, IITE is working closely with partners from the global under the initiative 'Combat COVID-19: Keep Learning Together, We Are on the Move! ' for experience and resources sharing and collective efforts. Let's continue working together to support millions of students, teachers and parents in needs with passion, innovation and collective strength. Let's work together! Go Digital, Go Universal, Go Far!" "During the crisis, Huawei will provide funds, open platforms, and free, high-quality education resources. We will also carry out multiple activities, including teaching, examination, training, communication, and resource development. By fully supporting the operations of Huawei ICT Academies worldwide and promoting online learning, we aim to minimize learning disruption for students at home." said Bradd Feng, Director of Huawei's Talent Ecosystem Development Dept. During the sharing session, Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director for the Bureau of Education in Africa, UNESCO; Xu Xiaofei, Deputy Director, the MOE Expert Advisory Group of Online Education for International Platforms and Courses Development, Vice President of Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT); Liu Shubo, Deputy Dean of School of Computer Science, Wuhan University; Samuel Kinuthia from Zetech University of Kenya; Weng Kai from School of Computer Science of Zhejiang University; Zhao Jianhua, Senior Expert of UNESCO-ICHEI as well as other experts from global higher educational institutions introduced their experience in developing online education schemes, organizing online learning, providing suggestions on mental health management for students and teachers, and using HUAWEI CLOUD WeLink in online teaching during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to the special teaching methods, these experts also shared the challenges they had faced with and corresponding solutions. Svetlana Knyazeva, Expert of UNESCO IITE, suggested that universities, enterprises, and educational organizations should open up learning resources, and produce and share MOOCs to help more educational institutions with online education. Education disruption due to the crisis might further widen the educational gaps between regions and countries and aggravate the digital divide. To solve this problem, distance online education is one of the important and effective measures. Smooth communication platforms, appropriate teaching resources, as well as prompt, convenient supporting services will all serve as the key to large-scale online education. Huawei is willing to continuously share online education experience with universities and education organizations. It will increase investment, enhance digital resource construction, and promote education digitalization to ensure the accessibility of high-quality education. For more information, please visit https://www.huawei.com/minisite/tech4all/en/live-learning-never-stops.html?ic_medium=hwdc&ic_source=corp_sbanner_tech4all [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By John L. Micek If there's one sad truth about every tragedy, it's that people will look around for someone to blame. In 2001, American Muslims found themselves singled out for abuse in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. Two decades into the endless war on terror, they're still the subject of groundless hatred. American Jews have felt the same hatred, most recently and horribly, in the Tree of Life killings in Pittsburgh in 2018. Black Americans have endured that hatred for generations, dating back to the country's founding. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian-Americans have found themselves the targets of fresh abuse by those including President Donald Trump who continue to incorrectly call the global pandemic a "Chinese virus." "This pandemic has unleashed a torrent of hate and violence by bigots who blame Asian Americans for the global pandemic we have been intimidated, spit on, physically attacked," Marian Lien, president of the Pittsburgh chapter of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, said in a statement. "Hundreds of people have come forward, but we know hundreds more go unreported." Recently, the FBI warned against a "surge" in hate crimes as infections and deaths continue to mount. Trump, in typical fashion, initially doubled down on his rhetoric, defensively telling journalists questioning him about the impact of his language that "it did come from China. It is a very accurate term." Two days later, Trump wisely backed off, saying in a Tweet that, "We have to protect our Asian Americans," adding that the pandemic was "NOT their fault in any way, shape, or form." Weeks into the pandemic, Rep. Scott Perry pointlessly deployed similar rhetoric in a tweet in the wake of the House vote approving the coronavirus stimulus package. "The coronavirus emanated from China is here," the Pennsylvania Republican said, despite the fact that the virus had long since spread worldwide. "We can't stop that. We can't go back." That kind of talk doesn't help. Those at the top, as we all know, set the tone. And Asian-Americans across the nation have felt the sting of hate as a result. Here in Pennsylvania, Democrats in the state House and Senate stepped up to denounce that cruel bigotry, even as they urged Asian-American residents who think they've been targeted because of their ethnicity to report abuse to the Pennsylvania State Police. "It truly saddens me to hear that the Asian-American community has been the target of such painful attacks. I would like to urge members of the Asian-American community and people of the commonwealth to report these crimes so they can be addressed," state Rep. Patty Kim, an Asian-American Democrat from the capital city of Harrisburg, said in a statement. " Even though we need to keep a safe distance from each other, it's incredibly important that we stand with the community and show our support." Pennsylvania state Rep. Dan Frankel and state Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, both Pittsburgh Democrats whose districts include the Tree of Life synagogue in the city's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, said they want to make it clear to Pennsylvania's Asian community that "we have your back." "We are hearing, both locally and as part of a nationwide problem, that our Asian-American communities are being attacked and maligned as somehow responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic," Frankel said. "While ridiculous on its face, this line of thinking is dangerous, and we unfortunately know very well in my district what can happen when a community is made to be a scapegoat for society's problems. We are here today to say to the Asian communities throughout Pennsylvania: 'We are taking this seriously, and we have your back.'" Last year, on the anniversary of the Tree of Life shootings, Frankel stood on the dais of the state House to call on his colleagues to help fight hate in the commonwealth. House and Senate Democrats later rolled out a package of hate-crimes legislation. At the time, Frankel, who is Jewish, was realistic about the challenge facing him and his colleagues: "We know that this has to be bipartisan. I am optimistic, but I am also realistic." So here we are again, facing an implacable enemy that, unlike the human beings it is killing, is utterly non-discriminating. Its victims are young and old; American and foreign; male and female. Unlike us, it is blind to bias. And it won't be stopped unless all of us men, women, white, black, Asian, old, young come together to make it stop. At this time of great need, scapegoating wastes both time and lives. So let's do as Frankel recommended, and just look at each other and say, out loud: "I have your back." An award-winning political journalist, John L. Micek (jmicek@penncapital-star.com) is editor-in-chief of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star in Harrisburg, Pa. His commentary was distributed by Cagle Cartoons Inc. As the total tally of coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose over 5000, Imran Khan-led country said that will make a decision on nationwide lockdown and on easing existing restrictions on Monday. Speaking at a press conference, 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. However, he added that also said that the country would suffer about Rs 1,400-1,500 billion shortfall in revenues due to the nationwide shutdown. READ | Pakistan demands extradition of regional ISIS chief captured by Afghan intel; Kabul denies Khan'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. Meanwhile, Pakistan 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 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. Imran Khan rules out lockdown possibility Ruling out the possibility of lockdown, Imran Khan had earlier targeted the Indian government for its implementation of a pan-India lockdown. Claiming it to be a 'hasty decision', Imran Khan said that 'Indian government apologised for their unplanned decision.' He said that his country is taking its lesson from India and it will fight the war against coronavirus with all the 'wisdom' it has. Imran Khan went on to call his country 'most charitable', he said that Pakistan's young population can fight the pandemic. READ | Pakistan extends ban on domestic, international flights as coronavirus cases reach 4,695 Coronavirus in Pakistan 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. Authorities 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. READ | 'Jaan bhi aur Jahan bhi': PM Modi shares new mantra with chief ministers on COVID-19 fight 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. 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. (with PTI inputs) READ | Pakistan Prez says 'was re-using N-95 masks given by China' amid criticism of 'misuse' - A wedding was brought to an abrupt end in Obuasi as the police stormed the venue to make arrests - The police intervened because of the flouting of the ban on public gatherings - In all, 49 people were arrested for breaching the protocols on social distancing and public gatherings Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana Reports reaching YEN.com.gh indicates that some people have been arrested in Obuasi in the Ashanti region for breaching the ban on public gatherings. The suspects numbering 49 were reportedly arrested for attending a wedding without regards to the ban and social distancing protocols. According to a report by local-based radio station Shaft FM, the wedding was being held at a suburb called Akaporiso. Following the first incidence of the Coronavirus virus disease in Ghana in March, President Nana Akufo-Addo placed a ban on public gatherings of more than 25 people. READ ALSO: Video of the plush mansion of NPP's Sammy Awuku pop up on his birthday He also urged for the adherence of the social distance protocols, the at is the maintenance of a one-metre distance any two people in public. From the number of people arrested, it is obvious the wedding breached the directives by President Akufo-Addo. Renowned broadcaster Abeiku Santana of Okay FM has shared photos from the police swoop on his official Twitter page. The photos show the busted people lined up and made to sit on the floor at the police barracks after their arrest. READ ALSO: Joe Mettle finally speaks on Berla Mundi wedding reports Ghanas COVID-19 case count has now climbed to 408, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said in its latest update. READ ALSO: Meet Kennedy Agyapong's beautiful 2nd wife Christy (photos, video) The GHS' update on the afternoon of Saturday, April 11, 2020, also revealed that two more deaths have been recorded, taking the total number of deaths to 8. The GHS statement said over the past twelve (12) days (since the introduction of the enhanced surveillance), a number of measures have been introduced to control and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Ghana. Ghanaian-born England international Danny Welbeck has donated to the people Nkawiepanin in the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality in the Ashanti region, the hometown of his mother. The items which included food and sanitary items worth GHC70,000 come amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Danny Welbeck's donation was presented on his behalf by his aunt. Only God can save Ghana from the Coronavirus outbreak - Pastor declares | #Yencomgh: Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page Source: YEN.com.gh They dont want us going to their houses because they say we can bring them the virus, said a 30-year-old woman from El Salvador. She hadnt worked in a month, yet her $1,100 rent was still due. She had heard landlords werent supposed to evict anyone during the crisis, but, as with so many things, she feared there were other rules for undocumented people. Asked if she had enough in her savings to get by, she scoffed. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 15:37:46|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close A staff member waits for passengers on a train at Chongqing West Railway Station in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 12, 2020. A high-speed rail loop that connects major cities in China's southwestern region started operation on Friday, according to the local railway operator. The route, extending 1,290 km, connects Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, Chongqing Municipality, and Guiyang, capital of Guizhou Province. One trip takes around eight hours. The first train from Chongqing Municipality in the loop pulled out of Chongqing West Railway Station on Sunday. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Daniel Acker/Bloomberg Smithfield Foods Inc. said it will idle its Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pork-processing plant indefinitely, the latest disruption in the U.S. food supply chain as manufacturers close facilities to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The plant is one of the largest pork-processing facilities in the U.S., accounting for at least 4% of production in the country, the Smithfield, Virginia-based company said in a statement. Smithfield says it will reopen the plant when it receives further direction from local, state and federal authorities. With increasing worry and stress among employees as well as rising loneliness, thanks to prolonged remote working, the organisation's role in sustaining the well-being of employees has become more important than ever. The issue has become more complicated with the kids at home and intersecting with their parents' work day. As employees prepare to return to work when the is lifted, how are business leaders preparing for the months ahead? What measures are they adopting to keep productivity and morale high while making the most of the dwindling resources? Mahesh Vyas, chief executive officer of Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, offers two scenarios. If the is indeed lifted around April 30, the priority will be to get a firm's operations, including internal processes, cash flow and the supply chain, back on track. The challenge is, while consumer demand had been weakening even before, it has been hit really hard by the Maintaining top-line revenues will mean a market share struggle as the pie is not growing. In the second scenario, says Vyas, if the lockdown goes deep into May, the first priority will be organising finance as most have cash to survive only for about a month or two. The next task would be to revive demand and the third, to get the operations back on track and that can be done only if there is demand and finance. A tightrope walk, to put it mildly. Vyas says most services sector have kept their operations going by enabling employees to work from home. More than half of CMIE is working from home and we have kept most of our activities running. For us the top three priorities are revival of demand, finance and operations. Being a B2B company, the financial health of our institutional clients has an impact on our financial health, he says. Heading out, large in the non-durable consumer goods will have to be aggressive in their growth strategy, while smaller ones will fight for survival, notes Vyas. On the other hand, large companies in heavy industries will help the smaller ancillary companies survive because the industries are more integrated vertically. Sumit Joshi, vice-chairman and managing director (MD) of Signify Innovations India Limited (formerly Philips Lighting India Limited), says efforts to localise production and in India to reduce dependence on other countries will gather pace. Ganesh Natarajan, chairman of 5F World, a platform to nurture start-ups, says that in the and retail industry the most important link is the supply chain for raw materials and other shop floor inputs and the demand chain of distributors, dealers and stockists. Business leaders will have to check out the entire chain and replace any part that may have stopped functioning in the lockdown. Disintermediation and enabling supplies to directly reach the factory and also direct dispatch to end customers could be an option to be evaluated. He adds that the immediate strategy should also be to ensure that business partners are comfortable and costs are managed so that there is no alarming decline in top and bottom lines. Make sure that cash outflows are minimised while assessing the ability of customers to pay on time. Till there is certainty that the virus has been overcome, leaders should remain on guard to ensure there is no sudden cash crisis. to demand and not just for inventory and sourcing would be a wise strategy to adopt. For the hospitality industry, one of the worst affected, the return journey will be a bit different. Smita Jatia, MD of Hardcastle Restaurants (that owns and operates McDonalds restaurants across South and West India), says all costs, including fixed and variable, will have to be revisited and a new break-even will have to be defined for the new normal. She says it would be safe to assume that consumers will continue to be apprehensive about stepping out for some time and the trend in food will move more towards home deliveries. Additionally, they will carefully choose places they are confident of, that are safe and hygienic. Given this, one of our focus areas will be doubling down on our customer-first approach. She adds there are various consumer sentiment reports that indicate that people are going to be extremely cautious about discretionary spending because of economic uncertainty. Given this, we will be focusing more on affordability and value for money. But consumer demand, finance and operations is 50 per cent of the story. Ensuring physical and mental well-being of employees is the other major concern and would be key to an organisation's survival. Natarajan says one of the top priorities for business leaders should be to ensure that people stay safely socially-distanced as they get back to a more "normal" working style. Companies that have taken knee-jerk lay off, furlough or salary reduction decisions will find it difficult to reinstate trust among people, he says. That said, as corporations struggle with their cash flows and with keeping their operations going, the fear of job loss and pay-cuts would loom large. Many are trying to keep their staff motivated with measures like e-counselling by specialists and web seminars on topics such as managing uncertainty and change. This crisis has also underlined the importance of employee engagement and communication. We are also conducting regular virtual coffee corners, wherein leaders engage with team members over a video chat on a variety of issues, says Joshi of Signify Innovations India. Observers say smart companies will try to retain their key staff even as new recruitment will halt. Vaibhav Aggarwal, founder and CEO of FabHotels, agrees: We expect that team additions would stop for some time as the need to conserve cash is paramount. That said many industries, particularly construction and agriculture, will find it difficult to get labourers to come back to work. Many such workers would have returned to their villages, their safe heavens. Pradeep Bakshi, MD & CEO of Voltas, has a different take. He believes employees will come back better motivated. They would have utilised their time to accumulate knowledge digitally, invested in and training sessions to operate in a new deeply digitally-connected world. So will "digital" be the make or break for corporations? Is work from home going to be the new normal? As Vaibhav Aggarwal, founder and CEO of FabHotels, says, many businesses can't afford to have all workers working remotely so most corporations will try to bring employees back to office in a staggered manner. Zubin Saxena, Radisson Hotel Groups South Asia MD and vice-president (operations), says when employees do come back it would be payback time for their bosses. Many of our service staff took additional duties. Ensuring that we do enough to make them feel safe to return to work is an important consideration for us. Regular health screening for employees will be a key responsibility for employers, he says. The government's newly launched campaign to help domestic abuse victims amid the coronavirus crisis has been fiercely criticised by frontline service providers for failing to tackle the scale of the problem. Priti Patel, the home secretary, launched a campaign on Saturday to highlight the fact support services are still available to help victims cooped up with their abusive partners during the lockdown. The campaign comes after visits to the UKs online national domestic abuse service surged by 700 per cent in a single day in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, and calls rose 120 per cent on the same day. Ms Patel pledged 2m to boost online support services and helplines for victims a small proportion of the 48.2m emergency cash injection which Womens Aid has been campaigning for the government to implement to help services buckling under the strain of the pandemic. The governments campaign, which uses the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, urges people to share a "handprint embossed with a heart" on social media or in the windows of their home with a link to the support on offer for domestic abuse victims. Critics on Twitter have poked fun at the idea for a handprint embossed with a heart. Frontline service providers in the domestic abuse sector hit out at the government's campaign and argued it failed to help cash-strapped refuges which are already operating on a shoestring due to Conservative Party austerity measures. 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 Charlotte Kneer, chief executive of Reigate and Banstead Womens Aid refuge in Surrey, told The Independent: During this lockdown the scale of abuse happening in homes across the UK is enormous. I strongly caution anyone who thinks a social media campaign with a small amount of funding for the first line of response is anywhere near enough. It doesnt even come close. What really concerns me is that victims may get the telephone answered when they first call but there is no long term strategy here. Specialist services that support and provide safety for victims of domestic abuse are already on their knees after years of funding cuts and are struggling to cope with demand as it is. "If six out of 10 women on a normal day cant even get a refuge space, what will happen to all the deserving victims coming forward after being imprisoned during weeks of lockdown with their abuser? I do not want to be part of a system that fails anyone who has the courage to come forward hoping for help. I want to be part of a system that has capacity and has thought out a proper strategy for helping those that need it. Ms Kneer, a domestic abuse survivor whose violent partner was jailed for seven years in 2011, said the rise in reports of domestic abuse amid the coronavirus crisis was heartbreaking but not surprising. Mandu Reid, leader of the Womens Equality Party, also hit out at the governments campaign and said the additional 2m for online services and helplines is a "drop in the ocean". 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. 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. Womens Aid 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 in a survey of 45 local domestic abuse services. Around 70 per cent of services voiced fears around future loss of income from fundraising. Local authority spending on refuges for domestic abuse survivors was cut from 31.2m in 2010 to 23.9m in 2017 meaning several were forced to shut. Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, the UKs biggest domestic abuse charity and largest provider of shelters for victims, said: Last week, following a targeted media push, on Monday 6 April, calls to Refuges National Domestic Abuse Helpline soared by 120 per cent and visits to our Helpline website rose by a phenomenal 700 per cent compared to the previous day. This demonstrates the sheer scale of need for frontline domestic abuse services. What is needed now, more than ever, is to ensure every woman experiencing domestic abuse is aware of the confidential support available. Women are not alone. Refuge stands with you today, tomorrow and in the future. Chief nursing officer refuses to say how many NHS workers have died of coronavirus Ms Patel has previously drawn attention to the fact domestic abuse victims are permitted to leave home to escape their partners or ask for help despite the governments social distancing rules. Charities recently told The Independent they are offering online support to domestic abuse victims forced to isolate with their partners, while frontline service warned a perpetrators abuse may be magnified by the turmoil unleashed by the Covid-19 emergency. Campaigners around the world say domestic abuse has rocketed as social isolation measures have been rolled out. Police in the UK have reported a rise in domestic violence incidents directly linked to coronavirus chaos, while China saw a threefold increase in cases of domestic abuse reported to police stations in February in comparison with the year before. 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/ Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao said that with an increase of 28 new COVID-19 cases on April 12, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Telangana has reached 531. This includes 412 active cases, 103 patients who have been cured and discharged. 16 deaths have also been reported due to the infection. The CM also urged the government machinery to be more vigilant and the public to stay cautious as the COVID-19 situation continues to worsen in the country. "If we observe world-wise, country wise, and state-wise developments, it is clear that coronavirus is spreading and not stopping. On Sunday, positive cases have increased considerably. In Telangana, besides 28 new cases, two have also died. The situation is scary in neighbouring Maharashtra. The death toll has also increased. Precisely due to this reason we have decided to extend the lockdown period," KCR said according to a release by the CMO. "People should understand the intensity of the situation and keep confined to their homes as much as possible. In case if people need to go out, maintain social distancing strictly. Personal hygiene is a must. In case if anyone has any doubts go for the tests," he added. The CM also reiterated his appeal to all people from the state who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat gathering in Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi to come forward for testing. Earlier the CM had held a high-level review meeting on Sunday at Pragathi Bhavan, which went on from 3 pm to 9:30 pm, on the measures taken to prevent COVID-19 spread, implementation of lockdown, assistance given to the poor, and policies on procurement of agriculture produce. Medical and Health Minister Etela Rajender, Chief Advisor Rajiv Sharma, Chief secretary Somesh Kumar, DGP Mahender Reddy were among the others who took part in the meeting held on Sunday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gujarat has received five companies of paramilitary forces to enforce the lockdown in place for the coronavirus outbreak, and they will be deployed in Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara, state Director General of Police Shivanand Jha said on Sunday. These five companies comprise two each from the Border Security Force and the Central Industrial Security Force, and an all-women one from the CRPF, he said. "Two each will be deployed in Ahmedabad and Surat while one will be stationed in Vadodara. The women's company will be posted in Ahmedabad," he said. Jha said three of 26 Tablighi Jamaat members traced in Bharuch have tested positive for the coronavirus, and an FIR has been lodged against three members of the outfit for travelling to Bhavnagar during the lockdown. He said nine members of the outfit tested positive in Ahmedabad. Jha said vehicles seized during the lockdown will be returned to the owners as per the directive of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. An ambulance each in Morbi and Anand were intercepted while ferrying people, he added. "We have lodged 496 FIRs using drone footage, with a total 4,463 FIRs lodged so far using such footage, and 9,920 people arrested. On the basis of CCTV footage, 88 FIRs were lodged on Saturday and 149 arrested," he said. "So far, 706 FIRs have been lodged and 1,194 persons held, while 365 people have been held and 36 FIRs filed in connection with fake and rumours, and nine account have been shut," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pope Francis holds his homily during the Easter Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday. (Getty) Pope Francis said in his Easter message that now is not a time for self-centeredness as the world struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. The pontiff called for solidarity the world over to confront the "epochal challenge" posed by the virus as he held a mass in St Peters Cathedral attended by only a handful of worshippers. Police checkpoints in Europe and closed churches around the globe forced the faithful to watch Easter services online or on TV. Outside the famous church on Sunday, St Peter's Square stood empty except for Police barricades blocking the tens of thousands who would normally flock to hear the pope's Mass and Urbi et Orbi speech. A handful of worshippers were allowed into the famous church. (Getty) In his Easter address, Francis urged political leaders to provide hope and opportunity to the millions of newly jobless and urged the European Union in particular to step up to the "epochal challenge" posed by Covid-19, which has ravaged Italy, Spain and other EU countries. "After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again, thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past," he said. This is not a time for self-centeredness, because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons." Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice He urged the faithful to pray for the sick, the dead, the elderly and the alone. He also called for sanctions relief, debt forgiveness and ceasefires to calm conflicts and financial crises around the globe. The Church of England shuttered its churches, prompting the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to lead the Easter Sunday service from his kitchen in London. A journalist wearing a protective face mask outside St Peter's. (Getty) The spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide, Mr Welby delivered his sermon in full robes behind a makeshift altar on his dining room table. Story continues "Welcome to the kitchen of our home on Easter Day," he said. "Once this epidemic is conquered here and elsewhere, we cannot be content to go back to what was before as if all was normal." At Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified and entombed, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa urged the faithful to not be discouraged. "The message of Easter is that life, despite all, will prevail," said Archbishop Pizzaballa during a Mass attended by a few clerics, with the streets of the surrounding Old City devoid of pilgrims and vendors. Coronavirus: what happened today? Click here to sign up to the latest news, advice and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter It was a day of horror for residents of Abule-Egba, Alagbado, Alakuko, Meiran, Sango areas of Lagos and Ogun States on Saturday as hun... #OgunUnrest pic.twitter.com/jslH4emkKJ We open by 11pm close by 5am.. No security we protect ourselves. Imagine youths and teens even kids 10 yrs and above holding Cutlass while some hold daggers, sticks all sorts of tools to protect themselves. Is this the Nigeria we crave for April 11, 2020 also gathered that a yet-to-be identified landlord was also feared killed after suspected robbers attacked Micon area in Ahamadiya, a Lagos suburb.The boys numbering over 100, were alleged to have also raided Mao Junction at Kola, Adenola Abiola, Adeneka, Dalemo fleacing traders and residents of their money.It was gathered that the attacks commenced since Thursday after rival cult groups clashed in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State which spiraled into Lagos.The hoodlums said to be between ages 19 and 27, were alleged to have taken advantage of the supremacy tussle to attack innocent traders and residents, fleecing them of their money and other valuables.It was learnt that they move around with different weapons which they used to threaten their victims to surrender their money and allegedly rape women in some places, a development that forced most of the residents to pick up sticks, cutlasses and storm the street in self defence.Raising alarm on the robbery through his Twitter account, a researcher Olagoke Sunday said: Confirmed! Boys have started street to street robbery around Alagbado, Alakuko up to Sango axis. This might spread to other locations if drastic measure is not taken by the government.Please stay under lock and key indoors, be careful with movements around your hood. Avoid lonely areas and please keep safe. The next few days might obviously be more challenging.Corroborating his post, another resident @mayurz2007 said it was not a joke as a landlord has been killed at Micon area and the hoodlums were continuing their acts of looting shops and houses with no security presence.Many residents have also turned to their own local security of their communities as they now stay up late to secure their homes and streetsA woman who said her family lives in Alagbado, disclosed that she contacted her mother who confirmed robberies were ongoing.I am scared. My family stays in Alagbado. I just spoke with my mum now and she sounded really frightened. She explained that the robberies have been ongoing very close to our street and places where our family friends live, she said.Although the Ogun State Police Command deployed operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Anti-Cultism unit and detachments from the Sango-Ota Area Command to quell the unrest occasioned by rival cult clashes that commenced Thursday, there are complaints these operatives were arresting anyone insight.According to one Cypher, some of the policemen operating in a blue bus with no registration number were stopping buses and apprehending young men inside them.He said: Along Kola Alagbado side going to Sango and Toll Gate, SARS and Anti-cultism officials are jumping into random buses and forcing guys into that blue bus in the picture. They took me too.They are two guys not wearing uniform and the bus doesnt have a plate number. The ones without uniform grabbed me and forced me into the back seat of the bus and threatened to slap me if I didnt stop talking. I kept saying I didnt do anything but they told me to shut up.I saw two other guys in the bus terrified and I was scared to my balls. They asked me for my phone and I said please, check it. They were surprised I told them to check it and I didnt show my fear. I told one of them well done and I relaxed in the back seat.I use a galaxy S8 plus but I dont have buttons on my home screen. It was frustrating for them to check my phone because he couldnt use it. He gave it back to me and let me go. The other guys are still there and as I type this they are jumping in buses and pulling guys out of them.Police spokesman in Ogun Abimbola Oyeyemi denied reports of robbery incidents in Sango, noting that the people were apprehensive and raising false alarms.He said the police have been on that issue for several days and have even made many deployments to the area but no resident has come forward to confirm he or she was a victim of the robbery.As I speak to you, we have large deployment SARS, Anti-Cultism and policemen from all the divisions in Ifo as well as the Area command to nip the crisis in the bud. We have been receiving alerts of robbery but till this moment, we have not identified a single robbery victim. I think the people are apprehensive and are just raiding alarms because of fear, he said.However, Oyeyemi on Friday confirmed there was cult clash in Ifo Local Government Area (LGA) which metamorphosed into robbery and other criminal activities and warranted the massive deployment of police operatives.He also confirmed that the team commenced aggressive and intelligence based patrols of Ifo, Owode Ijako, Joju, Ijoko and Agbado areas, adding that their efforts yielded positive results as five of the hoodlums were apprehended in Ijako.They are Ekunoye Lucky, 22, Badmus Sodiq, 27, Showumi Femi, 21, Adeagbo Adewumi, 22, and Agboola Femi, 21. The patrol team also moved to Winners Church area along Idiroko Road where another suspect Adekunle Okeoye, 23, was arrested with a brand new locally made short gun loaded with five live cartridges and assorted charms.Also, the operatives extended their operation to Araromi community in Agbado where three other suspects namely Sulaiman Ogunbiyi, aka Absorver federal, Saminu Adamu and Nasiru Umar were arrested with face mask and assorted charms. Earlier, 10 of the hoodlums have been picked up at various locations in Ifo, Kajola and Ososun areas of Ifo local government by SARS operatives.The Commissioner of Police Kenneth Ebrimson has ordered that all the arrested suspects be transferred to SARS for discreet investigation. He equally ordered the continuation of the operation until the last of the hoodlums is arrested.The CP therefore appealed to members of the public not to be unnecessarily apprehensive as the command will continue to do everything within its power to ensure that the good people of Ogun state enjoy adequate security during and after this trying period of our dear country. He also enjoined them to reach out to the command through the control room number 08081770416 whenever they are in distress, said Oyeyemi in a statement.Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Lagos Command, Bala Elkana denied there were robbery attacks in the areas under the state, insisting that it was cult clashes between rival groups.He said: It is not true that cultists robbed people. They had rival cult clashes in the area and as I speak with you, arrests have been made. The operation is still ongoing and so, I do not have the complete information at the moment. An emergency notice posted on social media says Chinas Sichuan province plans to add 52,000 quarantine rooms. Residents are panicking as the situation worsens inside Heilongjiang province, which borders between Northern China and Russia. A new study has revealed more information on how the CCP virus is mutating, and how it spread in the early stage. The CCP viruss transmission between humans is obvious now, but it wasnt in the early days. Taiwan says it alerted the world health organization about it as early as Dec. 31, but the WHO denies it. But what really happened? The White House criticized Voice of America for repeating the Chinese regimes propaganda. A former VOA employee talked with us about the struggle to counter Chinese infiltration. 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 For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter Ex-FBI boss James Comey has hit out at Donald Trump amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying that leadership doesn't mean 'faking it so people don't freak out'. Comey, who Trump controversially fired while the FBI was investigating his administration's ties with Russia, said the American people will 'get through this pandemic crisis' in spite of the lack of 'effective national leadership' from the president. The former FBI director and former deputy attorney general made a series of thinly-veiled digs at the president's response to the US outbreak in a column he penned for the Washington Post, published on Saturday. 'People crave leadership when they are afraid. But leading well during a crisis does not mean "faking it so people don't freak out,"' he wrote. Ex-FBI boss James Comey has hit out at Donald Trump amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying that leadership doesn't mean 'faking it so people don't freak out' 'It doesn't mean promising people all will be fine or lecturing them for being frightened.' At no point did he name Trump in the piece, but he made many allusions to the US facing a lack of leadership while it grapples to bring the deadly outbreak under control. 'Like this horrible virus, fear and anxiety are contagious. People in crisis watch closely and over-interpret a leader's every word, gesture and tone,' he wrote. 'They spot exaggeration or a lack of authenticity. Good leaders try to tell their people the truth always, but especially in crisis. They correct the inevitable misstatements during an emergency and they admit when they don't know an answer. They are honest about the current crisis but clear-eyed about the path out of it.' Comey pointed to Queen Elizabeth II and former President Franklin D. Roosevelt as examples of strong leaders steering their nations through times of crisis. Comey and Trump in 2017 before the president controversially fired him while the FBI was investigating his administration's ties with Russia Comey made a series of thinly-veiled digs at the president's response to the US outbreak in a column he penned for the Washington Post, published on Saturday He said the Queen's response to the crisis has been 'calm' and 'dignified' and 'offered a master class in leadership'. He wrote: 'She was calm, dignified, and above all, candid about the present, yet optimistic about the future. These are very hard times, she said, but we have been through hard times together in the past, and we will be okay if we unite around the values that have long sustained us.' Comey cited Roosevelt's speech after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, in which he praised his 'candor' and 'honesty' that Americans "'must share together the bad news and the good news, the defeats and the victories"'. Comey pointed to Queen Elizabeth II as an example of a strong leader amid the crisis saying she has been 'calm' and 'dignified' and 'offered a master class in leadership' 'That kind of honesty about the present is what makes possible reassurance about the future. Because the indispensable part of crisis leadership is this: No matter how pessimistic the leader is feeling about the present, the leader relentlessly communicates that we will be okay in the long run,' wrote Comey. The ousted FBI boss carried on laying into Trump, by reeling off a number of good leadership qualities that he suggests the president lacks. 'Ingredients' of leadership include 'authenticity, honesty and relentless, reasoned optimism' and 'candor as opposed to sugarcoating the situation,' he said. This comes just days after Comey tweeted that he will run for president as an April Fool's joke Comey ended with a powerful speech telling readers the US will come out of the crisis and know what it means to have a good leader when it does. 'Even without effective national leadership, we will get through this pandemic crisis. We will meet again and, when we do, the United States will be a better country, with a much deeper appreciation for what leadership requires,' he wrote. This comes just days after Comey tweeted that he will run for president. On April 1, he posted a tweet suggesting he was joining the 2020 race for the White House saying: 'I'm in. We need someone in the middle. #2020'. While it was touted as an April Fool's joke, Saturday's column adds to the illusion that he has his sights set on a new job. There's been no love lost between Comey and Trump ever since the president controversially fired the FBI director. Trump turfed out the head of the FBI in May 2017 while Comey was leading the investigation into whether Trump's presidential campaign had colluded with Russia. However the president claimed the move was over Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email probe. The shock firing made Trump only the second president in US history to fire his FBI director. Not that Nigerians are not interested in staying at home any nanosecond further, the issue with staying at home any further is that we are not certain of how our individual stomach will react to the recent plea from PMB, for us to spend extra days at home, so as to fight the COVID 19 pandemic ravaging us. For those who have strong savings accounts and food at home, they may not be bothered by this plea from the president. But for those 95 millions wallowing in extreme poverty, this kind of plea from the president is a threat to their survival. Over the last 13 days, how. the latter category of Nigerians survived the deadly coronavirus lockdown in places like Lagos, Ogun and Abuja can only be best imagined. The images of the governments' relief packages shared online and on television screens are a mockery of our sovereign nation in the comity of developing nations. The contents of these relief packages are appalling and unbelievable. Even the video clips of how these relief packages were shared and distributed among the people: first, negate the principle of social distancing in fighting the deadly virus; secondly, highlight the magnitude of poverty in our land; thirdly, show that Nigeria is not good at planning and organising largely due to lack of efficient and reliable database system; and finally, show the kind of love and care our leaders have for the vulnerable and the poor people in Nigeria at a perilous time like this. Within this period, a huge sum of naira had been used to procure these relief materials by government authorities across all levels without substantial impact being seen in the lives of the beneficiaries of this largesse. From the press statement released by Mr Garba Shehu, the media aide of President Muhammadu Buhari, the issue of expecting more interventions from Federal Government is not a problem, the bigger challenge should be how to ensure that the next phase of relief packages targets the right people and reaches the poor ones in our society. Our experience over the management of the last set of or ongoing social interventions from governments clearly raises questions of accountability, transparency and prudence. I have a strong feeling that secrecy, lack of proper coordination and corruption didn't allow Nigerians to enjoy the last set of social palliatives from government authorities at all levels. So, how government authorities will ensure that the next batch of their social palliatives do not suffer in the hands of another virus called 'COVIC 4 1 9'( apology to Faruq Kperogi) is something concerned government authorities must first address squarely. Otherwise, we would just be pouring another cup of water inside basket while the citizens lament in a pool of anger and hunger. Let me add that Nigerians are eager to connect with their loved ones, return to work, as earliest as possible. The idea of extending the ongoing lockdown without specific timeframe makes the whole process more scary and unpalatable. Are we in an endless war? I believe we cannot lockdown the nation indefinitely. A timeframe must be given. This is the practice elsewhere. Nigerians should know how long they would be staying further at home for them to adjust and plan themselves. Canvassing a subtle call for lockdown extension without definite time is not a good one. This might bring no sense of urgency, laxity, complacency and relentlessness on the part of the people managing this crisis. Thus, I strongly suggest that Federal Government should inform us when the next phase of lockdown extension would last. Truth must be told. Our process of contact tracing of suspected people with coronavirus in Nigeria has not been utterly effective, partly due to paucity of funds and personnel and mainly due to our failure in adopting the right approach of tracing and tracking down suspected people with this virus. The other day, the Director General of Nigerian Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) said that more than 80% of the coronavirus cases in the country are from people who returned to Nigeria, most likely some days before our international airports were closed for foreign travels. This means that Nigeria can get the details of all the people who came into the country during this period. I therefore feel that Federal Government should reach out to all these people and put them in our isolation centres across the country. Those who cannot be reached should be told to report at designated places within a stipulated time, and their failure to comply voluntarily, government authorities should publish their details for people to see and possibly assist in tracking them down. If possible, an international travel ban should be placed on any erring person, who fails to report voluntarily for government to conduct the necessary observations, screenings and test on him/her. This is the way I feel government should go in the next phase of lockdown. NCDC is overwhelmed, this is because there are reports that not all the people who called their toll free lines get their immediate attention. People have to call and call, or wait for days before they receive attention from the NCDC officials. Something must therefore be done to track all the suspected cases to reduce the pressure on the NCDC officials. I do not think we should go the way of South African government where they had made it clear to test all their citizens for COVID 19. This will be too costly for Nigerians and Nigeria as a nation. Ten thousand naira per COVID 19 test is not a child's play for a country like Nigeria. Do we even have enough test kits or laboratory centres for testing COVID 19? The answer is simply NO! Above all, government's palliatives must be better managed now. Those who could bear the first phase of lockdown without expecting or receiving or asking for any support may not be able to do so as we enter the next phase of lockdown. This will definitely increase the pressure on governments across all levels and add to the existing and ceaseless cries for supports. Already we know that when people are hungry, they become angry and restless. They may lose their gentleman status and behave irrationally. I therefore call on our leaders to be more realistic with the people and show better concerns towards the welfare of the people. We are aware that elsewhere, some governments are paying their citizens to stay at home to enforce social distancing and lockdown order. Shamsudeen Ayeni, wrote this piece from Akute, Ogun State Border guard officers of southern Soc Trang province present face masks as support for Khmer monks in the COVID-19 prevention and control (Photo: VNA) In his message, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, the PM offered the best wishes to the people, monks and expatriates of the Khmer ethnic group on the occasion of the festival. He highlighted the countrys significant achievements in all aspects and attributed those successes partly to the important contributions by the Khmer people. He said this years Chol Chnam Thmay festival is special as 2020 witnesses a number of major national events like the 90th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 130th birthday of late President Ho Chi Minh, and the second national congress of Vietnamese ethnic minority groups. The festival is also special as it takes place amid the complex developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the whole country taking actions to protect peoples health and lives. The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging all of us, but I believe that we will join efforts, stay unanimous to soon push back and triumph over the disease, and I also believe that compatriots, comrades, monks and expatriates of the Khmer ethnic group will continue upholding the tradition of patriotism and solidarity, actively study, work and make unceasing efforts to obtain even greater achievements, thus joining hands with the whole country to successfully realise the set socio-economic development targets and tasks, PM Phuc wrote./. Just in time for Easter, the market delivered two consecutive sessions of gains. All three of the major U.S. stock indexes closed in the green on the last two days of the holiday-shortened trading week, rallying on the U.S. governments additional interventions to mitigate COVID-19's economic impact. While the most recent surge was a welcome piece of good news, it came as somewhat of a surprise as the deadly virus continues to rampage parts of the U.S. and businesses remain shut down indefinitely. As a result, Wall Street pros argue that while we might not be out of the woods just yet, those ready to take on some risk have been presented with exciting opportunities. Specifically pointing to the biotech space, several compelling names are trading at low levels, making it affordable to snap up shares before a particular stock takes off. Seemingly at the drop of a hat, biotech companies can see their share prices soar on a single positive catalyst like favorable clinical data or regulatory approvals. With this in mind, we used TipRanks database to zero in on three biotech stocks trading for under $2 per share. After conducting our research, we found out that each is Buy-rated and boasts some serious upside potential. Trevena, Inc. (TRVN) Focused on developing therapies to improve the lives of patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders, Trevena has an impressive development pipeline that could potentially help it do just that. While shares have fallen 37% year-to-date, putting the current share price at $0.51, some analysts believe its lead candidate, oliceridine, can drive massive upside. Oliceridine, an IV injection designed as an alternative to IV morphine for moderate to severe acute pain management, could be granted approval this summer, as the FDA recently accepted TRVNs resubmission for review and set an August 7 PDUFA date. Based on a key opinion leaders evaluation, JMP Securities analyst Jason Butler thinks theres a strong likelihood the drug will ultimately be approved. Story continues While TRVN received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) in November 2018, new data from the QT trial addressed the safety concerns. Additionally, Dr. Timothy Beard, M.D., Chair of the Department of Surgery at Summit Medical Group, sees oliceridine as being an innovative drug. Butler wrote, Dr. Beard stated that he is very familiar with the clinical data for oliceridine and believes the drug represents a truly novel advancement in pain management. He is impressed by the pain relief achieved with the drug and views the side effect profile as differentiated. He also commented that the data from the open-label extension trial is encouraging as it included a diverse range of patient populations. On top of this, the candidate has demonstrated a clear role in higher-risk patients as well as the potential to improve patient experience and time to discharge in outpatient procedure centers. This is significant because performing procedures in an outpatient setting rather than in a hospital results in substantial savings for insurance companies. With three other candidates in development, its no wonder Butler is optimistic about TRVN. In line with this take, the four-star analyst maintained a Market Outperform rating and $4 price target. Should this target be met, shares could be in for a 684% twelve-month gain. (To watch Butlers track record, click here) Looking at the consensus breakdown, it has been relatively quiet when it comes to other analyst activity. Only one other analyst has published a review recently, but it was also bullish, making the consensus rating a Moderate Buy. At $3.75, the average price target implies 635% upside potential. (See Trevena price targets and analyst ratings on TipRanks) Zosano Pharma Corporation (ZSAN) Another biotech targeting CNS conditions, Zosano has developed an intracutaneous microneedle patch system to deliver therapeutics and other bioactive molecules. At $0.60 apiece, the share price could represent the ideal time to acquire a position. Weighing in for H.C. Wainwright, analyst Raghuram Selvaraju commented, In our view, Zosano looks like a sleeper that investors would be wise to assess carefullythe company's sole clinical-stage product candidate, Qtrypta, has completed pivotal development in acute migraine therapy with what we consider to be stellar results and is the subject of a potential October 20, 2020, U.S. approval decision. The candidate is a formulation of an existing anti-migraine drug, zolmitriptan, in ZSANs patented microneedle array-containing, patch-based delivery device. According to pivotal data, the drug was able to produce fast onset pain relief, with 23% of patients experiencing results within 15 minutes and more than 80% of patients within two hours. Qtrypta achieved a strong result in terms of pain freedom and works well for patients with nausea who cant swallow oral tablets and patients with a fear of visible needles, and thus, cant use injectable triptans. Selvaraju added, Only about 2% of patients in the Phase 3 trial reported triptan-like side effects (i.e., dizziness and paresthesia), indicating that Qtrypta may have a substantial safety and tolerability edge vs. other triptan-class drugs. With Selvaraju expecting the company to target the roughly 5,000 specialist prescribers who routinely treat migraines and predicting it will be priced comparably to Eli Lillys drug, he estimates that Qtrypta could generate $30 million in sales during 2021 and peak sales of almost $300 million in 2026. Adding to the good news, COVID-19's effect on the company should be relatively limited as Qtrypta has already wrapped up pivotal testing and is under FDA review. To this end, Selvaraju kicked off his ZSAN coverage by issuing a Buy rating. Along with the bullish call, he set a $4 price target, suggesting shares could skyrocket 567% in the next year. (To watch Selvarajus track record, click here) Given that the biotech has received 2 Buy ratings compared to no Holds or Sells in the last three months, the word on the Street is that ZSAN is a Moderate Buy. Thanks to the $3 average price target, shares could potentially climb 400% higher in the next twelve months. (See Zosano price targets and analyst ratings on TipRanks) Moleculin Biotech, Inc. (MBRX) Last up, we have biotech company Moleculin, which has used its three core technologies to develop therapies for various forms of cancer. Unlike the other two names on our list, shares are up 143% in the last month, and at $1.14, its price tag still presents investors with an attractive entry point. The excitement surrounding MBRX is partly related to its potential treatment for COVID-19. The company announced that the University of Frankfurts research indicated 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 2-DG, reduces COVID-19 replication by 100% in vitro. Even though this is promising, 2-DG metabolizes too quickly to be delivered to patients effectively, and thus, can only be used in vitro. Thats where MBRX comes in. It designed its candidate, WP1122, as a 2-DG pro-drug that could possibly address the metabolic challenges associated with 2-DG. Explaining the therapys implications, Maxim Group analyst Jason McCarthy stated, WP1122 solves this problem with a modification to make a pro-drug which significantly increases the molecule's stability and permeability. Once WP1122 gets into a cell, the pro-drug acetyl groups are cleaved by esterases in the cytoplasm, and the active 2-DG molecule is released. This process induces 10X-plus uptake into tissues, something that standard 2-DG cannot achieve...WP1122 could change that for viral diseases, including COVID-19, as well as cancer indications. Sure, additional clinical testing needs to take place, but McCarthy believes that early data is encouraging and he expects an IND filing for the candidate to come very soon. It should also be noted that MBRX has a research agreement with the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galvaston to study the efficacy of its compounds, including WP1112, in battling several viruses. Based on all of the above, McCarthy stayed with the bulls, reiterating a Buy recommendation and $3 price target. This implies shares could soar 165% in the next twelve months. (To watch McCarthys track record, click here) MBRXs Moderate Buy consensus rating breaks down into only Buys, 2 to be exact. With a $2.50 average price target, the upside potential lands at 121%. (See Moleculin price targets and analyst ratings on TipRanks) South Africa: NW rolls out COVID-19 screening in Tlhabane The North West Health Department has urged the people of Geelhout Park and Tlhabane in Rustenburg to come out to be screened and tested for COVID-19. We are calling for people to all come out for screening, especially in those areas that reflect as high. Our provincial epicentre is Bojanala District. In Bojanala our district epicentre is Rustenburg, especially Tlhabane and Geelhout Park. We are calling for people especially those in the two settlements to all come out in their numbers for screening and those that show symptoms be referred for testing. This will help to curb further transmission, as a result of not knowing your status, said North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha. The MEC will be stationed in Rustenburg for four days from Wednesday until Saturday, next week, to support field workers for screening and testing with two mobile testing units. One mobile unit will be stationed in Geelhout Park and the other in Tlhabane. The province has five mobile units. Rustenburg has nine of the 19 confirmed Coronavirus cases in the North West province. The majority of the confirmed cases are in the mentioned settlements. A total of 153 COVID-19 tests have been conducted, 85 came back negative and results for 39 tests are still pending. Three people who had contracted COVID-19 have recovered in Rustenburg alone. The provinces mass screening, testing and contact tracing kicked off in Motswedi village, Zeerust on Monday, 06 April. This followed an announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the roll-out of the large-scale screening, testing, contact tracing and medical management programme. A total of 270 713 people have been screened by field workers and at health facilities in the North West since the province commenced with the mass screening. Of those screened 23 people have been referred for testing, of which 15 is in Bojanala. In the same breath, the MEC urged people to adhere to lockdown regulations and stay home and observe social distancing to curb the further spread of the Coronavirus. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-04-12. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. At the Easter vigil, Francis recalls that "God is faithful" and does not abandon us. ). Do not be afraid, do not yield to fear: This is the message of hope. It is addressed to us, today. These are the words that God repeats to us this very night. Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope. The hope of Jesus "places in the heart the certainty that God knows how to turn everything to good." Vatican City (AsiaNews) - On the night when Jesus is risen, we must not abandon ourselves to resignation, but hold on to our right to hope, take courage and trust, everything will be fine, because the Lord is faithful Pope Francis message this Easter vigil of the Holy Night, the "vigil of all vigils", is an exhortation to hope and trust. And it is also a warning to "turn your back on death", rejecting war, abortion, selfishness. The special celebration, without the faithful, began with the rite of the blessing of the fire that took place at the foot of the altar of Confession and not at the door of the basilica, there was no preparation of the Easter candle, nor the lighting of the candles of those present. There were no adult baptisms. "This year - said Francis - we are experiencing, more than ever, the great silence of Holy Saturday. We can imagine ourselves in the position of the women on that day. They, like us, had before their eyes the drama of suffering, of an unexpected tragedy that happened all too suddenly. They had seen death and it weighed on their hearts. Pain was mixed with fear: would they suffer the same fate as the Master? Then too there was fear about the future and all that would need to be rebuilt. A painful memory, a hope cut short". In preparing the perfumes for the body of Jesus, " Unbeknownst to these women, they were making preparations, in the darkness of that Sabbath, for the dawn of the first day of the week, the day that would change history. Jesus, like a seed buried in the ground, was about to make new life blossom in the world." How many people, in these sad days, have done and are still doing what those women did, sowing seeds of hope! With small gestures of care, affection and prayer. At dawn the women went to the tomb. There the angel says to them: Do not be afraid. He is not here; for he has risen (vv. 5-6)." "Do not be afraid, do not yield to fear: This is the message of hope. It is addressed to us, today. These are the words that God repeats to us this very night. Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope. It is not mere optimism; it is not a pat on the back or an empty word of encouragement. It is a gift from heaven, which we could not have earned on our own." Over these weeks, we have kept repeating, All will be well, clinging to the beauty of our humanity and allowing words of encouragement to rise up from our hearts. But as the days go by and fears grow, even the boldest hope can dissipate. Jesus hope is different. He plants in our hearts the conviction that God is able to make everything work unto good, because even from the grave he brings life. The grave is the place where no one who enters ever leaves. But Jesus emerged for us; he rose for us, to bring life where there was death, to begin a new story in the very place where a stone had been placed." "He, who rolled away the stone that sealed the entrance of the tomb, can also remove the stones in our hearts. So, let us not give in to resignation; let us not place a stone before hope. We can and must hope, because God is faithful." Dear sister, dear brother, even if in your heart you have buried hope, do not give up: God is greater. Darkness and death do not have the last word. Be strong, for with God nothing is lost! Courage. This is a word often spoken by Jesus in the Gospels. Only once do others say it, to encourage a person in need: Courage; rise, [Jesus] is calling you! (Mk 10:49). It is he, the Risen One, who raises us up from our neediness. If, on your journey, you feel weak and frail, or fall, do not be afraid, God holds out a helping hand and says to you: Courage!. You might say, as did Don Abbondio (in Manzonis novel), Courage is not something you can give yourself (I Promessi Sposi, XXV). True, you cannot give it to yourself, but you can receive it as a gift. All you have to do is open your heart in prayer and roll away, however slightly, that stone placed at the entrance to your heart so that Jesus light can enter. You only need to ask him: Jesus, come to me amid my fears and tell me too: Courage! With you, Lord, we will be tested but not shaken. And, whatever sadness may dwell in us, we will be strengthened in hope, since with you the cross leads to the resurrection, because you are with us in the darkness of our nights; you are certainty amid our uncertainties, the word that speaks in our silence, and nothing can ever rob us of the love you have for us. This is the Easter message, a message of hope." "It contains a second part, the sending forth. Go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee (Mt 28:10), Jesus says. He is going before you to Galilee (v. 7), the angel says. The Lord goes before us. It is encouraging to know that he walks ahead of us in life and in death; he goes before us to Galilee, that is, to the place which for him and his disciples evoked the idea of daily life, family and work. Jesus wants us to bring hope there, to our everyday life. For the disciples, Galilee was also the place of remembrance, for it was the place where they were first called. Returning to Galilee means remembering that we have been loved and called by God. We need to resume the journey, reminding ourselves that we are born and reborn thanks to an invitation given gratuitously to us out of love. This is always the point from which we can set out anew, especially in times of crisis and trial. But there is more. Galilee was the farthest region from where they were: from Jerusalem. And not only geographically. Galilee was also the farthest place from the sacredness of the Holy City. It was an area where people of different religions lived: it was the Galilee of the Gentiles (Mt 4:15). Jesus sends them there and asks them to start again from there. What does this tell us? That the message of hope should not be confined to our sacred places, but should be brought to everyone. For everyone is in need of reassurance, and if we, who have touched the Word of life (1 Jn 1:1) do not give it, who will? How beautiful it is to be Christians who offer consolation, who bear the burdens of others and who offer encouragement: messengers of life in a time of death! In every Galilee, in every area of the human family to which we all belong and which is part of us for we are all brothers and sisters may we bring the song of life! Let us silence the cries of death, no more wars! May we stop the production and trade of weapons, since we need bread, not guns. Let the abortion and killing of innocent lives end. May the hearts of those who have enough be open to filling the empty hands of those who do not have the bare necessities. Those women, in the end, took hold of Jesus feet (Mt 28:9); feet that had travelled so far to meet us, to the point of entering and emerging from the tomb. The women embraced the feet that had trampled death and opened the way of hope. Today, as pilgrims in search of hope, we cling to you, Risen Jesus. We turn our backs on death and open our hearts to you, for you are Life itself. NEW YORK, April 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. ("Norwegian" or the "Company") (NYSE: NCLH) Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980. The investigation concerns whether Norwegian and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On March 11, 2020, the Miami New Times published an article entitled "Leaked Emails: Norwegian Pressures Sales Team to Lie About Coronavirus." The article described several leaked internal emails indicating that some Norwegian managers asked sales staff to lie to customers regarding COVID-2019 in order to protect the Company's bookings. For example, one such email directed Norwegian's sales team to tell customers that the "Coronavirus can only survive in cold temperatures, so the Caribbean is a fantastic choice for your next cruise." On this news, Norwegian's stock price fell $5.47 per share, or 26.68%, to close at $15.03 per share on March 11, 2020. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP rswilloughby@pomlaw.com Dog owners have been warned against allowing their pets to eat hot cross buns during Easter as raisins can pose a serious threat to their health. Hot cross buns are a traditional staple during Easter, decorated with a cross on top and eaten on Good Friday in countries around the world. The spiced sweet buns typically contain fruit, one of the main ingredients usually being currants or raisins. Over Easter weekend, people may feel inclined to allow their dogs to enjoy some of the celebratory treats gracing the kitchen table. However, if pet owners allow their canine companions to consume raisin-filled hot cross buns, they could be putting their dogs lives at risk. Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are all toxic to dogs and it is believed the dried forms of these fruits are more toxic than grapes, the Kennel Club states. At this time of year, it is therefore important that hot cross buns are kept well away from your dogs. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service provides further detail on how these food items affect dogs when consumed. These cause kidney failure in dogs, and potentially other animals too, the organisation affirms. The toxic mechanism is not understood and the quantity that can cause problems seems to be very variable. Notre Dame Easter Mass Show all 11 1 /11 Notre Dame Easter Mass Notre Dame Easter Mass Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit, center, leads a Sunday's Mass at the grandiose Saint-Eustache church on the Right Bank of the Seine river in Paris, Sunday, April 21, 2019. The archbishop of Paris and Catholics from around France and the world honored the firefighters who saved Notre Dame Cathedral, praying Sunday at a special Easter Mass for a swift reconstruction of the beloved monument. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass Faithfuls attend a Sunday Mass at the grandiose Saint-Eustache church on the Right Bank of the Seine river in Paris, Sunday, April 21, 2019. The archbishop of Paris and Catholics from around France and the world honored the firefighters who saved Notre Dame Cathedral, praying Sunday at a special Easter Mass for a swift reconstruction of the beloved monument. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass A woman stands on steps near the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Saturday, April 20, 2019. Rebuilding Notre Dame, the 800-year-old Paris cathedral devastated by fire this week, will cost billions of dollars as architects, historians and artisans work to preserve the medieval landmark. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass A man carries a wooden cross outside the Notre Dame Cathedral as part of a demonstration in Paris, Saturday, April 20, 2019. French yellow vest protesters are marching anew to remind the government that rebuilding the fire-ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral isn't the only problem the nation needs to solve. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass Scaffolding and damage on the facade at the Notre Dame Cathedral, in Paris, Wednesday, April 17, 2019. Nearly $1 billion has already poured in from ordinary worshippers and high-powered magnates around the world to restore Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after a massive fire. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass A man speaks on a mobile phone as he looks at the Notre Dame Cathedral, in Paris, Wednesday, April 17, 2019. Nearly $1 billion has already poured in from ordinary worshippers and high-powered magnates around the world to restore Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after a massive fire. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass Two people jog under a bridge by a the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Saturday, April 20, 2019. Rebuilding Notre Dame, the 800-year-old Paris cathedral devastated by fire this week, will cost billions of dollars as architects, historians and artisans work to preserve the medieval landmark. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass Police patrol around Place de la Madeleine prior to yellow vest demonstration in Paris, Saturday, April 20, 2019. French yellow vest protesters are marching anew to remind the government that rebuilding the fire-ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral isn't the only problem the nation needs to solve. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass A man takes a photo of the Notre Dame Cathedral as the sun rises in Paris, Thursday, April 18, 2019. Nearly $1 billion has already poured in from ordinary worshippers and high-powered magnates around the world to restore Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after a massive fire. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass Faithfuls attend a Sunday Mass at the grandiose Saint-Eustache church on the Right Bank of the Seine river in Paris, Sunday, April 21, 2019. The archbishop of Paris and Catholics from around France and the world honored the firefighters who saved Notre Dame Cathedral, praying Sunday at a special Easter Mass for a swift reconstruction of the beloved monument. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) AP Notre Dame Easter Mass Priests give communion to faithfuls during a Sunday Mass at the grandiose Saint-Eustache church on the Right Bank of the Seine river in Paris, Sunday, April 21, 2019. The archbishop of Paris and Catholics from around France and the world honored the firefighters who saved Notre Dame Cathedral, praying Sunday at a special Easter Mass for a swift reconstruction of the beloved monument. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) AP The Veterinary Poisons Information Service explains that while some dogs may show no symptoms of anything being wrong after eating foods such as raisins or currants, others may experience kidney failure after ingesting a small number of raisins or grapes. Dr Laura Playforth, professional standards director for out-of-hours pet care firm Vets Now explains that it is unclear exactly what causes the toxic effects of raisins. However, just one can kill a susceptible dog, she says, which is why real caution should be taken with foods, like hot cross buns, that contain them. Dr Playforth adds that in the event of a dog eating grapes or raisins, the prognosis for grape and raisin toxicity is generally good if treated early. Animal charity Blue Cross has also emphasised the importance of being wary of what foods are in reach of your dogs at Easter. In addition to hot cross buns, the charity warns against allowing dogs to eat chocolate Easter eggs in addition to spring bulbs, which can also be harmful to their health. On the subject of the raisins, grapes and sultanas in hot cross buns, Blue Cross explains that while some pets have ingested large quantities and felt no effects, other breeds, including large breeds, have died after eating just a few raisins. Sharing just a little bit with your dog isnt worth the risk of losing your best friend avoid heartache by keeping them away from hot cross buns altogether, the charity says. A failed carjacking in South San Francisco ended early Sunday with the suspect dead after an off-duty police officer was stabbed, then shot the suspect, who then stole a police car and led police on a chase before being shot again after ramming a police car and wielding a knife at officers, police said. The suspect died in a medical center parking lot, according to Sgt. Ken Chetcuti of the South San Francisco Police Department. The off-duty San Francisco officer and the carjacking victim were hospitalized and are expected to recover. South San Francisco and Daly City police and the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office are investigating the incident, including the officer-involved shootings. Christine Drazan Drazan, Oregon House minority leader, represents House District 39 in the Oregon Legislature. For the students in our family, this longer-than-expected break from the traditional school year has been used for hobbies and projects, reading and online studies. Our three kids are transitioning into new routines and finding new ways to learn. But like the other 580,000 k-12 students across the state, they only have one shot at this school year. Oregon students wont get this time back, and as leaders, neither will we. We cannot delay in our efforts to support their education with innovation, leadership and clarity of purpose. With one-time education funding from the federal government through CARES the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act we must immediately take four important steps to support student learning this year: First, consult with distance-learning experts and invest in technology for students and teachers. Distance learning has been available for more than a decade and the state can benefit from leveraging the expertise that distance learning institutions have from adapting lesson plans for an online environment to employing best practices for keeping students engaged and on track. By consulting with distance learning providers, the state can ensure that schools have the technical and curriculum expertise they need for teachers and students to succeed in this new environment and the technology to ensure access. Second, we must give our graduating seniors the opportunity to earn a credible diploma. The purpose of education is for students to learn, not simply progress through high school. While Gov. Kate Browns recent announcement that seniors will be given pass/fail grades and earn credits despite not completing their coursework gives seniors clarity, it denies students the opportunity to learn the remaining material. Students must be given the opportunity to complete creditable distance learning courses to fulfill their senior year requirements and graduate with a full diploma. Share your opinion Submit your essay of 500-700 words on a highly topical issue or a theme of particular relevance to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and the Portland area to commentary@oregonian.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification. Third, we must ensure equity by taking responsibility at the state level for high-needs students. Now is the time to create dedicated teams to provide targeted support to students with unique needs and circumstances. Students who are homeless, in our foster system, disabled, pregnant, or still learning English should have health and welfare advocates, experts and teachers all working together to meet their needs. Vesting the state with the responsibility for coordinating and monitoring these learning programs, instead of leaving it to individual school districts, will help ensure better outcomes across all districts. Finally, we need to plan for summer school. Funding summer school programs allows us to reach students who need extra help and those needing additional enrichment to ensure more students will be able to succeed in their next school year. As a parent, I am concerned Oregons current plan for education doesnt provide for much of an education at all. Closing down access to online public schools and suggesting instead schools provide just one hour a day of direct instruction for a typical fourth grader, as the state education department has proposed, cannot remain Oregons plan for student learning. We must do better. Oregons leaders do not have to allow this virus to deprive our students of the education they deserve. We have a choice. We can continue down the road were on and teach students that when times get tough, they should sit out their own futures. Or we can lead by example, refocus our priorities and work with new partners and establish new patterns to serve students. When the Oregon Legislature meets next, education should be on the agenda. With one-time federal dollars and a bipartisan commitment to new investments and innovation, we can provide students the certainty of a strong education in this uncertain time. Education is uniquely capable of pulling Oregonians from poverty and opening the door to opportunity. For this reason and so many others, the education of our students must remain a top priority, as Oregonians tackle the challenges of this pandemic together. There is no time to lose. Students havent given up. Teachers havent given up. Oregons leaders cant give up on them. We must act now. Thiruvananthapuram, April 12 : Kerala Health Minister K.K. Shailaja on Sunday informed that there were two new coronavirus positive cases in the state, taking the total number presently under treatment to 194. In all, the tally of those presently affected and cured stands at 373. "Today there are 1,16,125 people under observation at homes and 816 at various hospitals in the state," said Shailaja and pointed out that the two who tested positive on Sunday had come from the Middle East. Two deaths had been reported previously, but those patients had other serious underlying ailments. On Saturday, a 71-year-old Mahe resident who turned positive on April 7 passed away at Pariyaram Medical College hospital, Kannur. He was a chronic kidney patient. London, April 12 : The Archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday hailed the "heroism" of the UK's front-line workers during the coronavirus pandemic, as the country's churches remain closed over Easter for the first time in hundreds of years. Archbishop Justin Welby led the UK's first-ever national digital Easter Sunday service from his kitchen from his apartment in central London, the BBC reported. "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 said in the sermon recorded on his iPad. "There needs to be a resurrection of our common life." The service was broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday and was available to watch on the Church of England's website and Facebook page. The Archbishop normally presides before a congregation of 1,500 people at Canterbury Cathedral on Easter morning. However, all traditional Easter services have been cancelled to follow the government's rules on social distancing. A message posted from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Twitter account wished the country a happy Easter. "This year across the country churches will remain closed and families will spend the day apart," the message said. "But by staying home, remember, you are protecting the NHS and saving lives." Meanwhile, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said the Easter break was a chance to reflect, in a sermon broadcast on 39 BBC local radio stations. "This time of great testing enables us to distinguish what is truly important from all that is fleetingly desired, and has so often mistakenly been given pride of place in our ambitions," he said. "Already we have to look forward to the rebuilding of our common life." A display in front of St. Pius X R.C. Church on April 10, 2020, displays a message that all masses through April 14 are cancelled in Plainview, New York. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) Your Rights Are Suspended: Mississippi Policeman Tells Pastor Organizing Drive-in Service A police officer from a Mississippi city told a pastor who was preparing a drive-in service on Thursday that his rights were suspended because of an order from the mayor. In a video live-streamed by Pastor Charles Hamilton Jr. before the planned 6:30 p.m. drive-in service at King James Bible Baptist Church in the City of Greenville, around 10 police cars could be seen parked along the pavement leading to the church carpark. A policeman explained to Hamilton that they came to show the people attending the service a form of warning. The police would let attendees go without a ticket if they read the warning and leave on their own accord. Another police officer, who appeared to have shown Hamilton the form minutes earlier, joined in to say, By order of the governor, your rights are suspended, the officer said. Hamilton responded vehemently, Our rights dont come from authority. It comes from the Bible. So the authorities dont have right[s] over the Constitution. We[re] talking the constitution of law, the First and Second Amendment, the U.S. Constitution that was given to us by our forefathers. Mayor Errick Simmons cant take it away, nor the police officer. They cant, he said. The Epoch Times reached out to the Grenville City Police Department but wasnt able to get a comment by press time. Video from Pastor Hamilton of King James Bible Baptist Church in Greenville, MS. Church tried the drive-in method of holding services & were targeted due to the Mayor issuing an order prohibiting such services. Watch as an officer tells the Pastor that his rights are suspended. pic.twitter.com/zLdT6Qd8ew Nick Short (@PoliticalShort) April 11, 2020 The police surrounded the churchs parking lot during the Thursday night drive-in service and fined churchgoers $500 for violating a curfew order by the mayor, WREG-TV reported. On Tuesday, the Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons had issued an executive order banning all church services. All church buildings will be closed for in-person and drive-in church services, until the State of Mississippis Shelter In Place Executive Order No. 1466 is lifted by Governor Tate Reeves, the executive order reads. Churches are strongly encouraged to hold services via Facebook Live, Zoom, Free Conference Call, and any and all other electronic, social media, streaming, and telephonic platforms available for the safety and protection of life. Churches Explore Drive-In Services Amid CCP Virus Outbreak The CCP virus, which originated in China, has caused at least 108,167 deaths globally and infected over 1.7 million people as of Saturday afternoon, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. The numbers are considered to be inaccurate because of a lag in data collection by governments as well as significant underreporting of known cases and deaths by mainland China. There are over half a million confirmed cases and 20,389 deaths in the United States. Some churches are exploring drive-in services amid the outbreak, while many churches have closed onsite service and turned to live streaming options. However, differences in approaches to balance social distancing rules are on the rise as some state and local authorities place restrictions on any form of onsite church service, including drive-in services. In Louisville, Kentucky, Mayor Greg Fischer prohibited residents from attending drive-thru services in churches parking lots during the Holy Week. Fischer also threatened that Louisville Metro Police will write down the churchgoers license plate numbers and turned them to the citys health department, the Courier-Journal reported. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in an April 9 letter to Fischer that the curfew order violated the parishioners religious freedom. @senatemajldr letter to @louisvillemayor regarding drive-in church services in Louisville. McConnell says Fischers ban violates religious freedom. pic.twitter.com/NmRj9Qt06Q Savannah Eadens (@SavannahEadens) April 10, 2020 On Fire Christian Church, a local church in Louisville, launched a lawsuit (pdf) to lift the mayors ban. Judge Justin Walker from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky granted a temporary restraining order against Fischer on Saturday to allow drive-in service on Easter Sunday, WDRB-TV reported. Grateful for this strong, eloquent ruling defending Kentuckians religious liberty from Judge Justin Walker, McConnell said, applauded the decision. Of course church parking lots cannot be singled out with unfair standards that differ from other establishments, he added. The Associated Press contributed to the report. Federal authorities say they've uncovered a scam to sell a fake stockpile of tens of millions of N95 respirator masks manufactured by 3M A major California labor union that claimed to have discovered a stockpile of 39 million masks for health care workers fighting the coronavirus was duped in an elaborate scam uncovered by FBI investigators, according to a newspaper report Sunday. Investigators stumbled onto the scheme while looking into whether they could intercept the masks for the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Defense Production Act, the US attorney's office said Friday. The federal government has been quietly seizing supplies across the country as the outbreak spreads. On March 26, the Service Employee International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU) announced that it had located a stockpile of 39 million masks. The announcement generated significant media attention at the time as the public started to come to grips with the scale of the coronavirus crisis. The union said that several government agencies and hospitals expressed interest in buying some of the masks. SEIUs president, Dave Regan, claimed that the purchase was complete and that hospital workers would soon be receiving the masks. Health maintenance organizations like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health started to place orders for millions of masks. But as days went by and no masks were distributed, frustration began to build among employees at Kaiser Permanente and elsewhere. A California-based union claimed last month that it located a stockpile of 39 million masks - only to realize that the deal was masterminded by scam artists, according to the federal government. Boxes filled with 3M N95 face masks are seen above in Bangkok on Friday On April 3, Kaiser announced that it was withdrawing because the seller repeatedly failed to provide reliable information about where we could verify and inspect the shipment. Federal prosecutors said that an unnamed Pittsburgh businessman who was working with the union to secure the deal told investigators that he was purchasing the masks at $3.50 each, in the process turning a slight profit. SEIU claimed that the masks were being bought for $5 apiece. It said it did not intend to turn a profit. Investigators claim that the Pittsburgh businessman was in contact via WhatsApp with a supplier in Kuwait and a broker in Australia - both of whom are now the target of a federal probe. The Australian broker told the man in Pittsburgh that 2 million masks were sitting in a warehouse in Georgia. The foreign middlemen were also said to be asking for a 40 per cent cut up front, according to investigators. Federal prosecutors say that no money was exchanged. But in this case, there was no warehouse, and there were no masks to seize, the Los Angeles Times reported. US Attorney Scott Brady told the Times that the union and the Pittsburgh businessman are not under investigation and both appear to be among a string of middlemen who were fooled, Brady said. 'There are opportunists who are looking for any victim,' he said. Experts in the global supply chain say dubious brokers and suppliers have flooded the market with suspect offers, creating an atmosphere of confusion and distrust just as hospitals are trying to stock up on the gear doctors and nurses need to protect themselves from the virus. Steve Trossman, spokesman for SEIU-UHW, told the Times that union officials had been trying to find equipment for members, and the group had no financial interest in any transactions. 'As far as we knew, he had legitimate masks,' Trossman said of the supplier, 'and the people who were going to purchase those masks were going to fully vet it and check it out and do their due diligence.' Brady said federal investigators had reason to suspect the arrangement. The 39 million masks were advertised as N95 masks from 3M, the largest US-based manufacturer. But 3M told federal investigators it manufactured only 20 million such masks last year, making that large of a stockpile unlikely unless the product was counterfeit. The coronavirus may have started to spread in California as early as December - months before the state went on lockdown and enacted social distancing measures after reporting its first confirmed case, according to officials. Dr. Jeff Smith, the chief executive of Santa Clara County, believes that the severity of flu season made health care professionals think that patients were suffering from influenza given the similarity of some of the symptoms. In reality, however, a handful of sick Californians that were going to the doctor earlier this year may have been among the first to be carrying the coronavirus. The virus was freewheeling in our community and probably has been here for quite some time, Smith, a physician, told county leaders in a recent briefing. The failure of authorities to detect the virus earlier has allowed it to spread unchecked in California and across the nation. A woman serving in the California National Guard has her temperature taken in Sacramento on Friday This wasnt recognized because we were having a severe flu season, Smith told the Los Angeles Times. Symptoms are very much like the flu. If you got a mild case of COVID, you didnt really notice. You didnt even go to the doctor. The doctor maybe didnt even do it because they presumed it was the flu. In late February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched an investigation after a California patient came down with coronavirus even though this person did not travel to any known hotspots nor made contact with someone who did. It was at the time believed to be the first known US case of someone falling ill with COVID-19 due to community spread - suggesting that the virus had been in the country longer than originally feared. Santa Clara County reported its first two cases of COVID-19 about a week before the federal government approved emergency testing on February 4, according to the Times. The two cases were reported in people who had just returned from a trip to Wuhan, China, where the first large-scale outbreak occurred. Two other residents of California - one in Orange County and the other in Los Angeles County - also tested positive after returning from Wuhan in late January. These were believed to have been the first confirmed cases in the state. Officials believe that the Bay Area was particularly susceptible given the large volume of travelers from China and other parts of Asia. New York City, which has reported the most cases in the country, is believed to have been first exposed to the virus as it was brought into the area by tourists from European countries, including Italy and Spain. Back in January and February, health officials in California did not have the ability to test. A lone surfer walks along a closed area of the beach in Newport Beach, California, on Friday. California officials believe the coronavirus may have started to spread in the state as early as December The CDC then allowed a select few health departments to begin limited testing of those who were either sick or exposed to someone known to have COVID-19. The federal government at the time was primarily concerned with people on board cruise ships. On February 4, Japanese authorities ordered a 14-day quarantine of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was moored in the Port of Yokohama. Hundreds of people on board tested positive for COVID-19 and at least a dozen have died. At the time, the Diamond Princess was considered the largest known cluster of coronavirus cases outside of China. In late February, after the first known case of community spread was reported in California, doctors there began testing others with similar symptoms. They found that most of these cases were also likely the result of local spread. When public health [officials] tried to track down the start of the disease we werent 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. Stanford University conducted a study of 2,800 patients suffering from respiratory illness beginning in January and extending through the end of February. The study concluded that just two of these cases were due to COVID-19, but neither of the patients would have qualified to be tested under the CDC guidelines. Last month, the CDC and the California Department of Public Health began community surveillance for COVID-19 in Santa Clara County. The study found that 8 per cent of patients who sought urgent care at a medical facility were infected with coronavirus, leading researchers to believe that there was a spike in community spread sometime in February. Shortly after the joint CDC and state study, Santa Clara and five other Bay Area counties ordered residents to shelter in place. California officials reported the first COVID-19 death on March 4, when a 71-year-old who had recently been on a cruise ship in Mexico was found dead in Placer County. Two days later, authorities in San Jose found a 70-year-old man dead in his home. The Santa Clara County coroners office later found that the man was infected with COVID-19. On March 9, California authorities announced the death of Azar Ahrabi, 68. Ahrabi had fallen ill in February and asked to be tested for COVID-19, but was denied because she did not fit the federally mandated criteria at the time. Thats because authorities could not determine the source of her infection. She was put into an induced coma and intubated with a ventilator. Doctors then treated her with an anti-malaria drug, Remdesivir, but her liver began to fail and her body rejected dialysis. Her son, Amir, was not allowed to see his mother at the time of her death. In a gesture of solidarity towards the fight against Covid-19, a total contribution of Rs 21 lakh was on Saturday made to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund (CMRF) in Bihar by the state chapter of IAS Officers Association and the IAS Wives Association. A cheque of Rs 11 lakh was handed over on behalf of the IAS Wives Association by its president Rashmi Kumar and Ratna Amrit while IAS Officers Association, represented by state chapter secretary Dipak Kumar Singh and treasurer Mithilesh Mishra, contributed Rs 10 lakh. The total contribution by the IAS Officers Association Bihar chapter to the CMRF for the fight against Covid-19 pandemic stands at Rs 15 lakh. A sum of Rs five lakh had been given earlier, Singh, who is also the states principal secretary for environment and forestry, said. The CMRF is bearing the expenses incurred towards providing food, shelter and medical help to people of Bihar stranded away from their homes within the state or other parts of the country. Upon the initiative of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in addition to other types of assistance, a sum of Rs 1,000 is being transferred into the accounts of each such needy person. Besides, many of us in our personal capacity are in touch with civil society groups which are known to be working for people of Bihar, be they migrants eking out a living outside or those living in the state, whose livelihoods might have been affected on account of the lockdown, Singh added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Kolkata, April 12 : The West Bengal government has decided to shut and sanitise its secretariat Nabanna on Sunday and Monday in the backdrop of the raging Novel Coronavirus infection, according to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The secretariat is located on the bank of river Hooghly in Howrah district where a number of corona positive cases have been reported. "We will sanitise Nabanna. It has not been sanitised for some time. So, it will remain closed on Sunday and Monday," Banerjee told mediapersons here on Saturday. However, officials said the Nabanna building had been sanitised last month after the son of a state home ministry official tested positive for coronavirus infection -- the first case in the state. Nabanna has been functioning as the main nodal centre of the state in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. However, bulk of the departments have remained closed, with the government asking employees to work from home. But the chief minister and some top officials as also members of an expert group playing a key role in combating the Covid-19 menace have been going to the secretariat regularly. Banerjee said all the civic wards in Kolkata will also be sanitised jointly by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, fire brigade and Kolkata police. Drone cameras will be used for aerial surveillance, while rapid antibody testing is set to begin in the next four-five days in the state. The state has asked for 50,000 such kits from the Centre. The state government has also come up with a mobile App "Annadatri" to facilitate paddy growers, who can avail of it to sell their produce through the government. "If any paddy grower evinces interest to sell his produce through the App, the government will procure it and then sell it off. There is no need for the grower to come to the market and sell it to rice mills," she said. The state government would step up vigil to prevent gathering of any kind while congested markets in the city and the districts are set to be scattered to ensure social distancing. Banerjee, who extended the ongoing lockdown in the state to April 30, also announced a series of relaxations. The groceries will henceforth remain open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., she said. The chief minister also announced that instructions have been given to open the rice and oil mills, but the protocol of hygiene and social distancing should be maintained. The MSME sector has also been permitted to restart operations, but the number of staff deployed should be minimal and the general lockdown rules should not be violated. "If there is violation, I will take action," she said. From the Tenderloin to the Castro to the Richmond, the shelter-in-place order has caused an explosion of homeless tents popping up on sidewalks all across San Francisco and it comes with the blessing of the city. With the citys already crowded shelters unable to provide the required social distancing, city officials have decided tents are the next best thing. So for now the tents that the city worked so hard to remove in recent years are back and pretty much untouchable. I know of about 600 tents that we have helped give out. But there are probably a lot more that have been given out by community members, small businesses and shelters that have no room, said Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness. Tents are actually part of the Centers for Disease Control recommendations and the recommendations of the Trump administration, Friedenbach said. The effect, however, has been like rolling back the clock. When we started out working on addressing tent encampments in August 2016, we estimated there were about 1,200 tents citywide, Jeff Kositsky the citys Healthy Streets Operations Center manager. We got it down to under 400. Now, I estimate it is over 750 and rising quickly. Tents are even popping up in the Richmond, not usually a hot spot for homelessness. It started about two weeks ago, said Piotr Hutyra, a 10-year Inner Richmond resident who lives a few doors down from the three-tent camp that has sprung up along the side of the shuttered Alexandria Theater at 18th Avenue and Geary Boulevard. Weve had people sleeping in doorways, but never tents. Inside the newsroom Anonymous sources: The Chronicle strives to attribute all information we report to credible, reliable, identifiable sources. Presenting information from an anonymous source occurs extremely rarely, and only when that information is considered crucially important and all other on-the-record options have been exhausted. In such cases, The Chronicle has complete knowledge of the unnamed person's identity and of how that person is in position to know the information. The Chronicle's detailed policy governing the use of such sources, including the use of pseudonyms, is available on sfchronicle.com. See More Collapse Hutrya said police and Public Works staff respond when called, but only to clean up and tell them to practice the right distancing, Hutyra said. Crazy, isnt it? There are even tents in North Beach, an area that for years prided itself on being tent-free. I mean, what the hell do you tell somebody when they are looking for shelter? Supervisor Aaron Peskin asked after finding a tent popped up on a sidewalk across from Washington Square. Tents are also reappearing along Division Street, where the late Mayor Ed Lee and the Department of Public Health first declared the encampments a health hazard and began removing them four years ago. At Dolores and Market streets near the Castro neighborhood, a three-tent encampment has settled in just a few feet from Clinton Park, the small street where, to the scorn of homeless advocates, residents placed boulders on the sidewalk last year to keep tents from going up. I understand the need for the tents, but there are a growing number of encampments that are not practicing social distancing. And there is other behavior, like drug use, that is creating a lot of bad feelings in the neighborhood, said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, whose district includes the Castro. In the densely packed Tenderloin, where open drug dealing and petty crime were the norm before the tsunami of tents hit, is ground zero for camps, with rows of closely spaced tents and garbage lining some streets and alleyways. Ive never seen it this bad. On some streets, there isnt even room on the sidewalk to walk, Tenderloin Housing Clinic Executive Director Randy Shaw said. The side streets are the worst. Fern, Willow, Myrtle are all just off the chain, Peskin said of the small streets that branch off of Van Ness Avenue. There is a sinister side to the tents problem in the Tenderloin as well criminals use the tents and the homeless as cover. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The alleys are filled with people who are high as a kite, and they are basically controlled by two drug dealers and a pimp. said one city worker to whom The Chronicle granted anonymity in accordance with its anonymous source policy and asked not to be identified because the person wasnt authorized to speak for the city. Police officers, Public Works staff and the citys Homeless Outreach Teams all hit the streets and alleyways regularly to clean out the garbage, wash down the sidewalks and try to get people to observe the 6-foot social distancing rule. At the same time, however, the beat cops say they have been told not to take down the tents, leaving them with no legal hammer if someone refuses to keep his distance from others in the tents. One option under consideration is to place more people into some of the 7,000 hotel rooms the city is leasing to house first responders and homeless people who are COVID-19-positive or classified as vulnerable because of age or underlying medical conditions. But thinking there will be rooms for everyone is pretty much pie in the sky, Mandelman said. Another option being considered is using empty parking lots as temporary campgrounds, with the city providing water, sanitation and regular garbage removal. A good solution for the interim, but no way is it humanitarian to have people living forever in encampments, Friedenbach said. Which raises the question of how long the tents will be allowed to remain. The need to shelter in place will end with time, but San Francisco will still have a housing crisis and a homelessness crisis. The city still had no long-term solution for either crisis, but it has more tents everywhere. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Phil Matier appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KGO-TV morning and evening news and can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email pmatier@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @philmatier A former prime minister of Togo, Edem Kodjo, is dead. He died on Saturday in Paris at the age of 82. Mr Kodjo served as prime minister from 1994 to 1996 and from 2005 to 2006, under the leadership of a former president, Gnassingbe Eyadema. Prior to his position as prime minister, he held a number of ministerial positions. In Mr Eyademas government, he served as minister of finance from 1973 to 1976 and as minister of foreign affairs from 1976 to 1978. At the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Summit in Khartoum in 1978, Mr Kodjo was elected as the Secretary-General. As the government and people of Togo mourn the death of the former prime minister, the African Union chairperson, Moussa Mahamat, condoled with the family of the deceased and Togolese people. He described the deceased as a distinguished statesman and tireless knight of peace. He added that his demise was painful and concluded may his soul rest in peace and may his example continue to inspire the continent. The President of Namibia, Hage Geingob, and Malian President Ibrahim Keita also condoled with the family of the deceased and his nation. Mr Geingob said with the passing of Edem Kodjo, Africa has lost an illustrious former SG of the OAU, a former Prime Minister of Togo and a refined intellectual. A towering Pan-Africanist who contributed immensely to a peaceful and better Africa is no more. Condolences to the people of Togo. RIP. The former prime minister after serving as OAU chief, returned to France to continue his academic pursuits at the University of Sorbonne. He was named by the African Union as an envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo during the electoral crises in the late years of Joseph Kabilas mandate. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. A consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India has reached the US, the global COVID-19 hotspot, days after New Delhi lifted a ban on the export of the anti-malarial drug to America and some other countries on humanitarian grounds to help them combat the coronavirus pandemic. More than 1.7 million people have tested positive and 108,867 people have died from the novel coronavirus globally. The United States has emerged as the global hotspot with 20,000 deaths and nearly 530,000 cases, According to Johns Hopkins University data. America has replaced Italy as the country with the highest number of COVID-19 deaths at 20,597, the data shows. Earlier this week, India at the request of President Donald Trump cleared the export of 35.82 lakh tablets of hydroxychloroquine to the US along with nine metric tons of active pharmaceutical ingredient or API required in the manufacturing of the drug. "Supporting our partners in the fight against COVID-19. Consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today (Saturday)," India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu tweeted. Trump, during a phone call last week, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lift the hold on American order of the anti-malarial drug, of which India is the major producer. India, which manufactures 70 per cent of the world's supply of hydroxychloroquine, lifted the ban on April 7. Hydroxychloroquine has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19 and it is being tested on more than 1,500 coronavirus patients in New York. Anticipating that it will work, given the initial positive results, Trump has bought more than 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine for potential treatment of COVID-19 patients. The arrival of consignment was welcomed by Americans. "US will never forget this great humanitarian gesture by India. Under President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two largest democracies of the world have come together than ever in the past,' said New York-based Al Mason, a real estate consultant and a Trump supporter. "A wonderful gesture by India to its friends in need," tweeted Dr Sampat Shivangi. Describing this as a "wonderful gesture", Steve Filipovic, who works in the construction industry, thanked the Indian Ambassador. Meanwhile, according to a new French study, of the 1,061 hospitalised COVID-19 patients showed a 91.7 per cent cure (viral shedding) within 10 days of hydroxychloroquine treatment along with antibiotic. It also reported a 96 per cent cure rate after 15 days. Early this week, the National Institute of Health reported that a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of adults hospitalised with the coronavirus disease had begun, with the first participants now enrolled in Tennessee. Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat malaria and rheumatoid conditions such as arthritis. In various studies, the drug has demonstrated antiviral activity, an ability to modify the activity of the immune system, and has an established safety profile at appropriate doses, leading to the hypothesis that it may also be useful in the treatment of COVID-19, the NIH said. The drug is not without risks as even short-term use can cause cardiac arrythmias, seizures, dermatological reactions, and hypoglycemia, it added. "Many US hospitals are currently using hydroxychloroquine as first-line therapy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 despite extremely limited clinical data supporting its effectiveness," said Wesley Self, emergency medicine physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and PETAL Clinical Trials Network investigator leading the ORCHID trial. "Thus, data on hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 are urgently needed to inform clinical practice," he added. According to NIH, participants will be randomly assigned to receive hydroxychloroquine 400 mg twice daily for two doses (day one), then 200 mg twice daily for the subsequent eight doses (days two to five) or a placebo twice daily for five days. COVID-19 cases were first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in China. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Brandon Colbert Photography As markets careen in response to a near-unprecedented public health crisis that's brought the U.S. economy to it knees, financial advisors are often the first place worried investors are turning perhaps after favorite news outlets for advice, information and solace. While calming clients and working with them to shore up their investment portfolios, many advisors themselves, as small-business owners, are facing their own unique income and investment challenges. We asked five certified financial planners, who are members of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council, what they're telling anxious clients, whether and how they're reallocating client portfolios and how they're faring as business people in their own right. Are your clients worried? What are you advising? Sophia Bera, founder and CEO of Gen Y Planning, Austin, Texas: "A few reached out with initial concerns over the stock market. However, more are more worried about their small businesses or their employment than they are with their accounts. I've calmed a lot of fears and mostly by reassuring them that we did our best to prepare them for a market correction: They paid off debt, built up emergency savings and most of their investments are in their retirement accounts; ... we have decades before they will need to access this money." Douglas Boneparth, president of Bone Fide Wealth, New York: "Fortunately, I can count on one hand the number of panic-stricken calls. Obviously, the last few weeks of the market rallying have soothed even those investors. As for what to say? I cut my teeth in 2008 and 2009, dealing with these types of calls throughout the day, every day, for a year. "It's just assuring people that they can always think about the financial planning work that they've done. Think about the financial plan and know that these types of events are baked into a lot of the analysis that we do especially when it comes to long-term goals. It's really just revisiting the foundation of the fundamental things that we have put into place, and that goes right back into financial planning." More from FA Playbook: Most advisors see markets falling further, survey finds Op-Ed: Amid volatility, 4% rule may be too risky Op-Ed: Advisors help investors navigate volatility Lazetta Rainey Braxton, co-founder and co-CEO of virtual firm 2050 Wealth Partners: "We wanted to stay in close communication with our clients. So we sent out an email alerting them that we're a virtual firm that's still available to them. We also sent out an email with a questionnaire with six questions asking about their current situation: Is the pandemic currently negatively affecting your job(s) and earned income? Can you foresee that it might or will in the near- or long-term future? If so, how? Do you anticipate needing to provide financial support to any family member, friend or other individual resulting from the crisis? If so, please provide details. Does this change the plans from your most recent financial planning conversations? If so, how? Do you believe you will need additional cash to meet unforeseen short-term spending needs, and if so, how much and when? What other areas of concern do you have that we can address together? "In that email, we also had a link to [our blog post on] the CARES Act, where we also did [a list of] comprehensive steps that you should take. We scheduled meetings for those who needed to speak with us if, based on the questionnaire, we thought it would be appropriate to schedule a meeting. We've also been having ongoing meetings, as well, with our clients. We were ahead of the curve with having a virtual practice, so there has been no disruption for us." "Our clients were used to using the Zoom platform [with us] so that, in fact, helped them in their own businesses. We are looking at balance sheets making sure there's liquidity. We're also looking at their cash flow, budget and money rhythm statement to make sure about any adjustments that need to be made and then helping them negotiate with vendors, as well." Ivory Johnson, founder of Delancey Wealth Management, Washington, D.C.: "My clients are surprisingly calm, having survived the 2001 and 2008 crises. That said, they're further into retirement or closer to leaving the work force, and their threshold for sustained draw-downs are not without limits. Fortunately, I told them we were at the end of a business cycle before the virus affected the economy and so it did not take them completely by surprise." Diahann Lassus, president and chief investment officer at Lassus Wherley, a subsidiary of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, New Providence, New Jersey: "We are actively reaching out to our clients because we know people are concerned about Covid-19, the impact on their families, loss of jobs and income, and the impact on the economy and the financial markets. We always discuss making sure they have the cash they need and a continued focus on the long-term. Many of our clients lived through 2008-2009 and they recognize that staying invested is important in volatile markets like the one we are currently experiencing." "The challenge for all of us is the number of moving parts we are dealing with, including the virus, our families, working from home and concern about the future. We believe you have to focus on what you can control. We remind clients that we are incredibly resilient people and we will find a way to deal with the virus and ultimately work our way out of recession. In volatile times, it is always good to take a deep breath and remind ourselves why we are investing for the long-term." Are you rebalancing/reallocating portfolios? Bera: "I'm not reallocating clients portfolios right now, but Betterment is using the auto-rebalancing feature when they have swayed more than 3% from their target asset allocation." Boneparth: "After we get over 'stay the course' and 'don't lock in losses or sell out,' we get into rebalancing back to target allocations say, if you're an 80/20 or a 60/40 investor helping clients identify when is a good time, whether that's right now or at a specific entry point. And an entry point is generally tied how far down the S&P 500 has gone. On March 23, we closed the market down about 33.5%. That's a pretty steep draw-down and we've come a long way since then; we're at about 17% right now. The point is to help clients identify at which point of a draw-down do you want to rebalance your portfolio back. If they don't have a preference, we'll help them identify one." Caroline Purser | Photographer's Choice | Getty Images "There's an opportunity and you need to be careful, because increasing your risk during uncertainty can be a precarious move. If you're comfortable and you have time on your side I mostly focus on younger clients going up in risk as the markets have come down significantly can be opportunistic. You're going to buy cheaper stocks with whatever bonds you have in your portfolio. That's opportunity No. 1." "Opportunity No. 2 is, for those who have adequate liquidity, have a robust cash reserve of six to 12 months (beyond your ordinary three to six months). They can look to invest excess cash in a pretty discounted market. Those are all the steps we walk our clients through. But I can't emphasize enough being very careful to depart with liquidity, which is lifeblood for many people right now." Braxton: "In terms of reallocation of portfolios, we're keeping current with their investment plan. We're not tactical; we're strategic in our approach. For those who have cash available, we've been putting that to work. We are certainly rebalancing and looking at tax-loss reharvesting if it's appropriate. It's business as usual, pretty much, for us and making sure that our clients are where they need to be. The beauty of all of this is that we're able to say 'Now you see how your financial plan is at work for you, in good times and in challenging times' which is quite rewarding." During this type of volatility and uncertainty, a lot of people want to become financial planning clients. Douglas Boneparth president of Bone Fide Wealth Johnson: "I purchased two ETFs from Innovative ETFs that have a 9% buffer if the market declines and a cap of 16% on the upside. Outside of that, I realize that if you lose 25%, you'll need 33% to break even and I increased my cash position once the VIX breached 31, which suggests the range of outcomes makes stocks less predictable. I increased my gold position, as well and will reinvest the cash once the volatility settles down, purchasing sectors that outperform in a deflationary environment with slow economic growth." Lassus: "We continue to review portfolios and rebalance, both to make sure cash remains at the right levels in accounts and to bring asset classes such as US Small Cap Stock back within the bands. Small Cap stocks have suffered the largest losses and are more likely to be well below the target percentage in a portfolio." "Our goal is to continue to buy at low prices to add to these asset classes. This strategy works for the long-term because it is a disciplined approach that forces us to buy low and sell high. So even if the financial markets go down more in the short-term, they will recover and those who have continued to rebalance will do well." How is the coronavirus downturn affecting your own fortunes? Bera: "It's been really interesting. I've lost four clients in the last four weeks but also gained two new clients during the same time. I've decided to waive a few monthly client fees for those clients who've been impacted the most by this crisis." "I'm in the process of applying for a PPP [Paycheck Protection Program] loan for my own business and reaching out to clients about doing the same. I feel grateful that I'm in the position that I'm in and that my business hasn't taken a huge hit during this time and that I'm able to be there for my clients when they need it most." Boneparth: "I feel pretty good, all things considered. I think it's very circumstantial based on the advisors themselves and the way they built their businesses and their practice. We run a very lean shop; it's myself and one other employee. We both work from home two to three days per week anyway. We're fully tech-enabled, paperless, well collateralized as far as being able to withstand hits to [assets under management]. A lot of our business is financial planning fees, and there's been an increase in need for financial planning." It hasn't been the best quarter for Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) shareholders, since the share price has fallen 18% in that time. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last five years have been very strong. In fact, the share price is 101% higher today. We think it's more important to dwell on the long term returns than the short term returns. The more important question is whether the stock is too cheap or too expensive today. View our latest analysis for Broadridge Financial Solutions While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One 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. During five years of share price growth, Broadridge Financial Solutions achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 11% per year. This EPS growth is slower than the share price growth of 15% per year, over the same period. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it did five years ago. And that's hardly shocking given the track record of growth. You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). NYSE:BR Past and Future Earnings April 12th 2020 This free interactive report on Broadridge Financial Solutions'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. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of Broadridge Financial Solutions, it has a TSR of 121% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. Story continues A Different Perspective Although it hurts that Broadridge Financial Solutions returned a loss of 3.3% in the last twelve months, the broader market was actually worse, returning a loss of 4.0%. Longer term investors wouldn't be so upset, since they would have made 17%, each year, over five years. It could be that the business is just facing some short term problems, but shareholders should keep a close eye on the fundamentals. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Broadridge Financial Solutions better, we need to consider many other factors. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Broadridge Financial Solutions that you should be aware of before investing here. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. 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 allocation of 93,000 under the 2020 Community Grant Support Scheme was the only thing on the agenda for Longford Municipal District on Friday afternoon as councillors successfully held a remote meeting via Microsoft Teams. The current Covid-19 crisis didnt prevent the council from going about their business for the county and a total of 45,616 of that fund was successfully allocated to groups across the county. With festivals up in the air at the moment - or, as Cathaoirleach of Longford Municipal District Cllr Seamus Butler put it, in limbo - the allocation of funds to events that may not go ahead due to the virus will be discussed at a later date. Can we revisit this later in the year if these festivals dont go ahead ad allocate those funds elsewhere, Cllr Martin Monaghan suggested, to agreement from his colleagues. A large number of local groups were allocated funding as a result of last Fridays meeting, including: *Backstage Theatre Group, who received 3,000 *Longford Acorn Project CLG, who received 3,000 *Longford Variety Group, who received 4,000 *Longford Town Mens Shed, who received 4,500 *Newtownforbes Tidy Towns received 5,000 *Templemichael Parish Resources Ltd received 3,300. There is still 47,384 remaining in the council coffers, which will be allocated to community groups at a later date. Read also: Historic day for Longford as MD council meetings move online Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 12:20:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GUANGZHOU, April 12 (Xinhua) -- South China's Guangdong Province has demanded all school staff undergo nucleic acid tests before resuming work to lower the risk of novel coronavirus infection, according to the provincial education department. They should test negative for the novel coronavirus and have no symptoms such as fever and cough, it added. Schools in the province will resume class from April 27 in batches, with students in their final year of middle and high schools allowed to return first. Students and teachers returning from Wuhan should be quarantined for 14 days at home or dormitories and test negative for coronavirus before resuming work or study. Those returning from overseas should report to their residential communities and follow the health regulations of local governments. Guangdong will invite medical staff to instruct all schools to conduct epidemic prevention and control, with each school having at least one medical worker on campus, said Wang Chuang, deputy director of the provincial education department. The bodies of Mark and Debby Constantino were found in a barricaded apartment by police in Reno, Nevada. The couple appeared as ghost hunters in the television show Ghost Adventures. Reno police continued their investigation on Wednesday but released few new details about the chain of events that led to Tuesday's deaths of the two in the Sparks apartment several hours after the killing of another man in the city. Officials weren't saying how the three died but said Mark Constantino fired at officers who approached the apartment door. The Constantinos were featured in recent years on the Travel Channel's series, including episodes shot at the Mustang Ranch brothel east of Reno, the Goldfield Hotel and the Market Street Cinema in San Francisco. The couple were found dead when a SWAT team responding to a hostage situation stormed their adult daughter's apartment. Sparks police Lt. Rocky Triplett said Wednesday that officers did not return fire when Mark Constantino shot at police. "The subjects involved in this incident were not shot at or injured by gunfire from any law enforcement personnel," he said in an email to The Associated Press. Reno police had responded to a call at 6:30 am on Tuesday about a man found dead at a home in northwest Reno where Debby Constantino and another woman had been living. Officers tracked her cellphone to the apartment across town in Sparks. Police have said little about the Reno killing, but Triplett confirmed on Wednesday that the two incidents were "directly related." Officers heard several gunshots when they knocked on the apartment door and heard a man yelling at police to leave. The man told the officers, "Give me 15 minutes to gather my thoughts, or I'll kill her," Reno Deputy Police Chief Tom Robinson told the newspaper. Police used explosives to open the door. An officer was hurt by broken glass and taken to a hospital. Washoe District Court records show Debby Constantino obtained a restraining order that was served on her estranged husband last week, and the two were scheduled to appear in court in December regarding their pending divorce. Reno police Lt. William Rulla told the Reno Gazette-Journal that Debby Constantino also was the victim in an earlier kidnapping and domestic incident involving her estranged husband. New data has revealed that over a third (37%) of Irish adults are finding self-isolation enjoyable, using the experience as an opportunity to get things done that they have been meaning to do for ages with more than 3 in 5 of those questioned (63%) considering upskilling via online course during this period. However, 30% of people are obsessively checking for updates on the virus, checking their phones and the news constantly, contributing to anxiety levels. The research, conducted by DMG Media Ireland, showed that of those with children 20% felt that being able to spend this extra time with their families during this period of isolation was great. Optimistically, a quarter of respondents were confident that as long as we as a society adhere to the new regulations for Social Distancing and self-isolation the C-19 crisis will be over sooner rather than later.' That said, there were some understandably pessimistic attitudes towards the current crisis which showed that many Irish people are struggling to adapt to this albeit temporary new normal. While over half of Irish adults (55%) admit to checking the news for updates on the COVID 19 crisis on a daily basis almost one third (30%) conceded that they were constantly checking the news - obsessive behaviour that no doubt attributes to their anxiety. Almost half of those surveyed (48%) revealed that they are unable to do their job from home with 11% noting that they had recently been made unemployed as a result of the current crisis. Just under one fifth (17%) stated that they are concerned to what degree their mental health would be impacted during self isolation with 15% fearing that, in the future, the social distancing regulation will become our new normal. Of those who responded that were parents, the survey uncovered an additional layer of stress when it came to the lasting effects of this period on their children in terms of their education, their ability to interact socially and ultimately their general behaviour. (13%) Almost a quarter (23%) admitted that they are struggling to juggle childcare and work with 65% attempting home schooling to ensure that their children dont fall behind in their education. In order to keep their offspring occupied over half of those that took the DMG Media Ireland survey (51%) have confessed to purchasing extra toys/games during this period to keep their kids entertained whether online from toy stores or at the local supermarket. Despite best efforts, 26% of the parents who participated in the survey were concerned that their children were lonely and were missing not seeing their friends during this time of self isolation. DMG Media Ireland is part of DMGT plc - one of the world's leading multi-channel media organisations. Speaking of these findings, Jessica O Sullivan, the Deputy Editor of EVOKE said. This is such a challenging time for us all and so its heartwarming to see so many of us are trying to see the positive side and feel grateful where we can. Its so important for our mental health to limit our intake of news and try to do meaningful things each day. We here at DMG Media Ireland are aiming to strike a balance between accurate reporting and lighter features designed to add value and bring a smile where possible. * Survey completed by 770 Irish adults from a sample of 1.2 million unique EVOKE users per month Heeding the call by party chief J P Nadda to reach out to the poor during the ongoing lockdown, various BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu are feeding many needy through the 'Modi Kitchens' initiative. The state's first Modi kitchen was launched on March30 in Coimbatore by party's state general secretary Vanathi Srinivasan and it caters to about 500 people. Senior party leader and former MP C P Radhakrishnan keeps alive two kitchens in Coimbatore and Tiruppur in westernTamil Nadu to feed 1,000 persons totally, while Meena Dev runs a similar kitchen in Nagercoil to provide food to 500 individuals daily. "Our party leader (Nadda) has asked us to take care of the poor, especially those who can't afford their daily meals. So, depending on our individual resources, we have pooled in manpower and sourced groceries to prepare food through the Modi kitchens and deliver it at people's doorsteps," Radhakrishnan told PTI. The joy of M V Sasidharan, BJP's Tiruvallur district general secretary knew no bounds when Nadda called him two days ago to enquire about his well-being. "Are you safe? Is your family safe?" the BJP chief enquired about Sasidharan, one of the many party functionaries who are operating Modi Kitchens. In his district neighbouring Chennai, Sasidharan was instrumental in setting up 13 such kitchens. "Naddaji asked all of us to help the people without risking our lives," he said, adding "the very question of our survival is at stake. We should ensure the coronavirus doesn't spread." The beneficiaries of the initiative are happy that the ruling party at the Centre is reaching out to them in such difficult times. Kans Ram, a construction worker stranded in Maduravoyal near the city, said the BJP functionaires initially gave them cooked food, but on request later provided dry ration. "We sought rice and vegetables as we have facilities to cook. They (BJP members) were not rigid. They obliged and gave us rice bags, onion, tomatoes and potatoes for us to cook our own food," he said. Now they have five days' stock to manage. Gomathy, a small time flower vendor in Velachery said: "With no business and no money to buy rice, the Modi kitchen has enabled my family of three to get decent food daily." The party even responded to a request from an attendant at a hospital on Egmore High Road. "As I could not step out of the hospital leaving my father alone, I requested help from local BJP members, who responded by delivering us food," said Krishnan. Besides the Modi Kitchen, the Tamil Nadu government's flagship Amma Canteens, low cost eateries catering to the needy and poor, have turned out to be much sought after ones. The highly subsidised Amma Canteens, run by the civic bodies, have been receiving a steady trickle of high profile visitors in recent days, including Chief Minister K Palaniswami. The Chief Minister visited a canteen here and tasted the food to instill confidence among the people that the fare provided through the canteens are hygienic, prompting his cabinet colleagues to follow suit and visit the eateries in their respective constituencies. State ministers visited the Amma Canteens to encourage the people to buy the subsidised food, as restaurants and hotels have also been closed due to the curfew. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi, April 12 : In the time of internet revolution, hundreds of social media platforms and email services, the Indian Post was losing its relevance. But recently it has gained respect amid the coronavirus pandemic. Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, on Sunday thanked India Post Office for extending a helping hand to the people in the hour of need. Taking it to Twitter, the minister said: "Delighted to see how @IndiaPostOffice is catering to the needs of our citizens in one of the most difficult times for humanity. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going." The minister said this in response to a Twitter user's tweet, Honey Singh who has started a campaign called #workfordoctors and is helping with deliveries of PPE and other medical goods requested by the doctors on his WhatsApp number. The years old institution helping people in delivering medicines and other essential supplies in the lockdown period. It has also delivered the supply of items sent by Honey Singh. Prasad in another tweet said, "Indeed KEEPING INDIA POSTED...A India Post!" In this tweet, which Prasad responded to, one of the postmen of the Post Office helped a twitter user who was anxious to know about the wellbeing of her uncle, staying alone in Karnataka's Dharwad amid lockdown. The user tweeted "This is a happy thread: My uncle lives alone in Dharwad, Karnataka and we hadn't been able to reach him for the last one week. His phone died, presumably and it's impossible to get any repairs right now. My mother, a former postal employee, had an idea: she called the post office. "She (the mother) explained the situation to the clerk on the other end, and got the phone number of the postman (remember them?!) who services my uncle's neighbourhood. The postman readily agreed to check on my uncle," the user said. "He went to my uncle's house, found him healthy and well, and a little confused about why a postman had come looking for him. The postman then called my mother and had my uncle speak to her. He even scolded my uncle for not being in touch with the family, apparently. Moral of the story: thank your postman. "The India Post office on its official twitter handle has said: "It is requested to mention the complete address and contact details, if possible, while tweeting enquiries about booking & delivery of medicines or other essential items or any other service so that we serve you even better." The 'Walk a Mile in Her Shoes' event at a recent Third Thursday in Pittsfield raises awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. Domestic Abuse Rise Expected, Help Still Available 24/7 If you know about the societal factors that play into domestic violence, you would expect the crime rate to rise during the most severe economic crisis in generations. You would expect local reports of domestic violence to be through the roof. You would be wrong. And that is what scares the executive director of Pittsfield's Elizabeth Freeman Center. "We've seen a 20 percent drop in calls to us, and that has us all extremely worried," Janis Broderick said last week. "We've been hearing across the state and the country that everyone has been seeing some drop in calls like that, but at some point in time, the dam is going to break and people are going to be coming forth. "The rate of protection orders we've been seeing is 50 percent less." That like the call volume numbers covers the period from March 7 to April 6, a period that coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting home in Berkshire County and the closure of "non-essential" businesses, per an executive order from Gov. Charlie Baker. It is a one-month period when Bay Staters and people across the country have been told to stay home and stay safe. But what if home is not safe? "The necessary response we're taking as a community to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus are also the very same conditions that create increased domestic violence and sexual violence in our communities the closing of schools, the closing of workplaces, isolation within the home, the lack of access to supports," Broderick said. "So many places are closed. The courts are trying to stay open for emergency protection orders and other emergencies. Police are responding to emergencies. But both of those systems are overloaded. Access to help is difficult." Broderick wants Berkshire County victims and survivors to know that the Freeman Center's 24-hour toll-free hotline remains operational throughout the pandemic. The center can be reached at (866) 401-2425. Everything about the Freeman Center and its work is "essential," and perhaps never more so than now. "We're trying very hard, and we are keeping our services up and running," Broderick said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. "We consider this a very dangerous time. These are the conditions that create explosions of violence. Everyone is supposed to be staying home to keep themselves safe and their neighbors safe, but homes are not safe for so many in our communities." Thursday afternoon, at the other end of the commonwealth, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito echoed Broderick in pleading with victims to seek help. "In some instances, these necessary steps of social distancing and staying home have left survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence particularly vulnerable and at an increased risk," Polito said. "Think of that for just a moment. Being home, isolating or quarantining or working from home and living with an abuser and the impact that has on your mental and physical abilities. "This is a critical time, especially for survivors. For any who might be watching, know that you are not alone and that there are resources available to help you." Polito promoted several other hotlines, including: SafeLink, 877-785-2020; SafeLink's TTY number for the hearing impaired at 877-521-2601; and the commonwealth's trial court hotline, 833-91-COURT. And since stay-at-home advisories make it difficult for victims to even get a few minutes of privacy to make a phone call, Polito directed anyone who needs help to chat live with a trained advocate via instant messaging through www.loveisrespect.org , a confidential service of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Those toll free hotlines are not only for the victims themselves, Polito said. "Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers all have a role to play, too," she said. "You can make a difference. And in this time of physical distancing, it is critical that we maintain social connection, especially for people who have experienced sexual and domestic violence who are at greater risk when they are isolated from support. "If you know someone struggling with issues of sexual or domestic violence or assault, let them know that they are not alone. Call, email, text and get them connected to a local program. You can call to ask for advice as well and find creative ways to support them." There is ample evidence that times like these, when jobless claims are at historic levels in the commonwealth, domestic violence will rise as well. "Unemployment and economic hardship at the household level were positively related to abusive behavior," according to a 2017 study on the Great Recession published in the scholarly journal Demography. "Further, rapid increases in the unemployment rate increased men's controlling behavior toward romantic partners even after we adjust for unemployment and economic distress at the household level." The economic distress and social isolation brought on by the global pandemic already is having ripple effects in other parts of the globe. "In Malaysia, [domestic violence] calls have doubled and in France they are up 32 percent," reads an article on the United Nations' website. "In Lebanon, calls to the helpline were double in March of this year as they were in the same month last year." Broderick knows Berkshire County is particularly prone to the problem, and that is another reason why the slowdown in reporting is so troubling. "We know there are high levels of domestic violence in Berkshire County," she said. "We've had nine murders in three years. Protection orders are 33 percent higher than the state average. We have high rates of rape. We know there's a crisis here." For nearly five decades, the non-profits that merged to form the Elizabeth Freeman Center in 1997 have been working to address the crisis. The center has offices in North Adams, Pittsfield and Great Barrington and offers counseling, education, advocacy and emergency shelter services for people experiencing or affected by domestic abuse and sexual assault. The Freeman Center continues to provide shelter services during the pandemic, but not without some adjustments, according to shelter director Jennifer Goewey. "It's been challenging to navigate," she said. "Our priority is keeping our guests in our shelter as safe as possible, along with our staff. I think one of the hardest things is, even in a shelter setting, having to follow different guidelines and go through isolation. It's very triggering to the very violence they recently fled from. That's been difficult to manage." Goewey said the things the center usually promotes to help victims rebuild their lives like going to work, going to school, getting therapy might not be an option. "All of their supports and resources have shut down, which it needs to for their safety," she said. "But that means we have to work to provide that even more in-house." Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee suggested the prime minister to suspend the operations of PouYuen Vietnam for three days to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On April 11, Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong signed a document to be sent to the prime minister on the inspection of implementation of COVID-19 preventive measures at PouYuen Vietnam, where more than 70,000 labourers are working in three shifts and are transported by more than 800 buses every day. PouYuen Vietnam has more than 70,000 employees working in rotation at its facility every day. Photo: thanhnien.vn Accordingly, the committee recognised the efforts of the company in implementing sanitation measures to cope with COVID-19. However, the Committees document also stated that PouYuen Vietnam is a tremendously large company, the huge number of employees (and their accumulated needs) cannot meet the requirements of Directive No.16 dated March 31 of the PM and Official Letter No.2601 of the Government Office on prevention measures to fight against coronavirus outbreak. PouYuen Vietnam, therefore, has a very high risk of infection, according to criteria from the Steering Committee of COVID-19 Prevention and Control, according to the document. According to the committee, the infection risk index of PouYuen Vietnam at April 9 was 81 per cent above the threshold for halting operations. On April 6, 2020, Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee issued Official Letter No.1249/UBND-VX outlining the scoring system for assessment of COVID-19 infection risk, applicable for all enterprises. Based on their risk index, enterprises are allowed to maintain or are ordered to suspend business operations. Enterprises can maintain operations if the rate is less than 10 per cent. Less than 30 per cent was defined as low risk of infection in which enterprises may maintain operations but must carry out periodic inspections to lower the highest sub-index. From 30 to 50 per cent was defined as average risk of infection, where enterprises may maintain operations if no sub-index is at 7 or above. From 50 to 80 per cent was defined as high risk of infection where enterprises must suspend operations until the score is improved. From 80 to 100 per cent was defined as very high risk where enterprise must suspend their operations. According to the City People's Committee, if the epidemic occurs at PouYuen Vietnam, the consequences would be extremely serious because of its large workforce and an outbreak would not only affecting the health of the workers of the company itself but also those in neighbouring enterprises of Ho Chi Minh City and other adjacent provinces of Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, and Tay Ninh. Thus, after considering the benefits of the company and the community, as well as receiving consultancy from other competent bodies, Phong said that the temporary halt of PouYuen Vietnams operation was crucial at the peak of the country's efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus, to protect the health of the companys workers and local residents. In previous working visits from the committee to PouYuen Vietnam, the company has shown many different measures to safeguard the health of its workers. These include installing partitions between workers, increasing distance among workers, setting up alternate working hours to avoid a large number of workers at the same place at a time, measuring the temperature of all workers and experts, and requiring all workers and experts to wear masks and keep their hands clean and hygienic. However, due to its sheer scale, these measures cannot make PouYuen Vietnam eligible for operation. Ho Chi Minh City has more than 450,000 enterprises with less than 4 millions employees. By April 12, the city has reported 54 cases of infection with 40 were successfully treated and 14 others currently undergoing treatment. VIR Bich Ngoc Prices plummet, factories halt operation, auto market hit hard by Covid-19 Despite sharp price cuts of hundreds of million of dong, cars still cannot find buyers. The automobile market is predicted to see a minus 15 percent growth rate this year. Before group limits and social distancing due to coronavirus, the congregation of Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Levasy, Missouri, still gathered each Sunday, about 60 to 70 strong. They just werent meeting in tiny Levasy, just a few stone throws from the Missouri River. A levee breach last spring covered the community in floodwaters nearly a foot high. Now Jeanne Lischer, the church's pastor, addresses her flock in nearby Buckner, at the Heart of God Fellowships former building after that church built a new facility north of town. The churchs move was one of the countless consequences of flooding last year that battered the rivers levee system, inundating towns and farmland and causing multiple closures to the regions interstate highway system. And while the Ebenezer faithful pray they might be able to rebuild in their town, a more immediate concern is what could happen this year when the spring snowmelt and rains make their way to the river. Bad weather in Midwest: Before-and-after satellite images show tornado and flood damage in central U.S. The forecast is a veritable index of meteorological plagues: above-normal rainfall; greater than normal spring runoff; thoroughly saturated soils; and an aging system of nearly a thousand levees where nobody knows how many were damaged last year and in previous floods or how many were repaired. The 855 levee systems throughout the Missouri River basin protect at least half a million people and more than $92 billion in property. Yet a USA TODAY Network analysis of Army Corps of Engineers records found at least 144 levee systems havent been fully repaired and that only 231 show an inspection date. Of those, nearly half were rated unacceptable, which means something could prevent the levee from performing as intended or a serious deficiency was not corrected. Only 3.5% were deemed acceptable; the rest were found to be minimally acceptable. In the Army Corps Kansas City district, for example, about 70 projects, spanning 119 levees that requested repair assistance, are eligible for funding, but that doesnt mean theyll be ready if the waters rise like they did last year. Story continues Some of them have been repaired, but from a total system perspective, I dont think any of them are whole, said Jud Kneuvean, the districts chief of emergency management, who expects full levee rehabilitation and repair to take at least another year. In the meantime, the extent and impacts of flooding will depend on when and where the rain falls. A lot will depend on the weather patterns that set up over the region in the next few weeks, University of Missouri Extension climatologist Pat Guinan said in a statement. Unusually wet conditions have prevailed since the beginning of 2019, with 10 to 14 months recording above-average precipitation. Big Muddy gets bigger The 2,300-mile Missouri River begins in southwestern Montana, where the Gallatin, Madison and Jefferson rivers converge near the community of Three Forks, before gathering water from 10 states and parts of two Canadian provinces to become the Big Muddy, North Americas longest river. In recent years, more rainfall has been pouring into the Missouri River basin, raising questions about whether climate change is bringing worsening floods more often. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration dating back to 1895 shows record-setting rainfalls in the area occurring more often. Last year, for example, was the wettest on record in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. All that water adds to the challenge faced by Corps policymakers, who juggle sometimes conflicting priorities that include maintaining navigation; managing the reservoir system to prevent flooding; providing farmers with irrigation and hydropower; protecting endangered species; and preserving recreational opportunities. While the priority is protecting human life and safety, the Corps decision-making sometimes puts special interest groups at odds, and the agency remains embroiled in controversy over whether the engineering of the river exacerbates flooding. Things came to a head last year when a bomb cyclone in March melted all the snow in Nebraska and Iowa at once and dumped tremendous rain, swelling not just the Missouri, but the Elkhorn, Platte, James and Big Sioux rivers. The Niobrara River in Nebraska breached the Spencer Dam on March 14, sending a wall of water downstream and into the Gavins Point reservoir near Yankton, South Dakota. At the peak, water flowed into the reservoir at 180,000 cubic feet per second nine times more than the normal average for March. Meanwhile, water was coursing into the rivers downstream of the dam and the effects of all that water were felt in nearly every community downstream. Two other big rain events occurred in May and September. When the Corps Kansas City district deactivated its emergency operations center in December, it had been open for 279 days, the longest period on record. Buildings at the intersection of I-29 and Highway 34 are filled to their roofs with floodwaters on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, in Mills County, Iowa. Managing the levees Most of the Missouris levees fall into one of two categories: either federally built and locally operated or locally built and operated. The Corps inspects and helps pay to repair only the levees maintained to federal standards that participate in the federal flood program. That exception means no one has a full list of damaged levees still in need of repair. The number of levees that arent regularly inspected doesnt surprise Neal Grigg, an engineering professor at Colorado State University who chaired a Corps-appointed review panel after 2011 flooding. In an ideal management system, every levee would be under the responsibility of some authority that was responsible and had enough money and good management capability to do that, Grigg said. But thats not realistic, he added, noting that the Corps has tried through a task force to get some organization to the levee systems along the river, but its problematic, in part, because there are so many conflicting interests. A host of agencies are cooperating to repair levees, but the progress is slow, said Missouri farmer Morris Heitman, who serves on the Missouri River Flood Task Force Levee Repair Working Group. In addition to the Corps, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state of Missouri, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and a large number of local levee districts all work to repair levees. Were trying to dance with different agencies, Heitman told the University of Missouri Extension. All these agencies have their own requirements and parameters, and we're trying to coordinate those to build a secure system against the river. Fixes to the 144 levee systems listed in disrepair in the Corps Omaha and Kansas City districts are in various stages of completion, and some arent expected to be done for more than a year. In the Omaha district that includes Nebraska and Iowa, pretty much all of the levees were damaged in one way or another, said the Corps Matt Krajewski. While almost all of the districts levees that qualify for federal aid have been restored to pre-2019 flood heights, Krajewski said they dont offer the same level of risk reduction because they need final touches such as sod cover and drainage structures to protect against erosion. The Corps hopes to complete those repairs this summer. In the meantime, the Corps is working to prepare its flood storage capacity by releasing more water than normal from its dams. Were being really aggressive with our releases and trying to maintain our full flood storage, said Eileen Williamson, a Corps spokeswoman for the Northwestern region. But the projections for spring runoff dont look good and may limit how much the Corps can do. In February, the runoff was twice the normal average, said Kevin Grode, with the Corps Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. The James River, a tributary that flows out of South Dakota, has experienced flooding since March 13 last year and that flooding is forecast to continue. Moderate flooding is expected along the Big and Little Sioux Rivers in South Dakota and Iowa, and possibly in Montanas Milk River basin. A risk of minor to moderate flooding is forecast from Nebraska City to the rivers confluence with the Mississippi in St. Louis. But its not just the spring runoff thats a problem, Grode said. The forecast also calls for above average runoff for every month in 2020. John Remus, chief of the Corps Missouri River Water Management Division, said during a March briefing that if those projections are realized, the 2020 runoff will be the ninth highest runoff in 122 years of record-keeping. Alex Brooks, part of a snow survey team, skis above the North Fork of Sun River in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana. A big catastrophe downstream In March, a three-man team with Montanas Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest set off on horseback for a 35-mile, five-day journey into the wild North Fork of the Sun River, a tributary of the Missouri River. They rode horses for the first 12 miles. When they reached a foot of snow, they switched to skis and took turns breaking trail. Greeted by a half-inch of new snow each morning, higher and higher they skied, encountering snow depths of 19 inches, then 2 feet, 9 inches and finally, 3 feet, 3 inches. At each elevation, aluminum tubes with nonstick coating were stuck into the snow to collect core samples used to measure the depth and water content of the snowpack. The numbers are used for everything from dam control along the Missouri River to regulating the locks on the barges of the Mississippi, said Ian Bardwell, the forests wilderness and trails manager, who led the snow survey expedition. It just depends on what level you are looking at it from. As of Wednesday, mountain snowpack in the Missouri River basin in Montana was 112% of normal, said Lucas Zukiewicz, a water supply specialist with the Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service in Montana. In 2018, Montanas April snowpack was 150% of normal, then 7 to 9 inches of rain over six days drenched the Rocky Mountain Front, inundating communities in its shadow. The Corps was forced to release water from the Fort Peck Dam spillway, a rarity, as a result of surging flows. Had that same thing happened last year, flooding in states downstream would have been even worse. With the way things are changing with our climate, said Arin Peters, a senior hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Great Falls, Montana, its probably a matter of time before something combines to create a big catastrophe downstream. By releasing water at a high rate through the winter, the Gavin's Point Dam in Yankton, South Dakota, has helped get the system to where it could have more capacity to absorb runoff this year. Yet for this year, there may be some good news downstream from the Montana snowpack, at the Gavins Point Dam in Yankton. Gavins Point is whats known as a reregulation dam, its purpose to even the Missouris flow from the reservoirs upstream. Because Gavins Point wasnt designed to hold floodwater, its gates had to be opened last year, sending a surge downstream after Nebraska and parts of South Dakota were hit with rain and the bomb cyclone. In November and December, Gavins Point was still releasing water at a rate of 80,000 cubic feet per second more than five times the average flow, and something that had never happened before, said Tom Curran, the dams project manager. The good news? Releasing all that water through the winter left the mainstem dam system drained to its multipurpose zone, where it has the capacity to absorb runoff while also fulfilling its other functions, including recreation and downstream barge traffic. The system is ready for this runoff season, Curran said. Flooding last year at the Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Levasy, Missouri, forced the congregation to gather in a new site after ripping out the floor and lower walls due to mold growth. Rebuild or not? In Levasy, Lischer, 62, worries that the towns very future could be at stake depending on what the river brings this year. While some residents have moved back to their homes, others have had to take refuge in mobile homes. Lischer herself relocated to a small cluster of homes in nearby Blue Springs for retired pastors. While homeowners with flood insurance received aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there was no help for the church, where the floor and lower walls had to be ripped out due to mold growth. The current plan is to rebuild in Levasy with a flood wall, she said, but it might not be financially feasible. And if the floods return, she worries FEMA might say no more and stop anyone from rebuilding. With any option, the threat of another flood looms, Lischer said. Its still very much Hurry up and wait. Jonathan Ellis and Karl Puckett of the USA TODAY Network contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Weather forecast on Missouri River: Spring rain could mean floods Ghana has recorded 566 confirmed cases of the COVID-19. According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the new cases were reported in the Western and Volta regions, which now become the ninth and tenth regions respectively to confirm a case of COVID-19. The increasing number of cases is due to the ongoing enhanced surveillance exercise. As of 11 April 2020, 23:00 Hrs, a total of 37,954 persons have been tested with 566 being positive for COVID-19. The breakdown of the 566 positive cases are as follows: four (4) have been treated, discharged and tested negative, 552 cases have been categorized as mild disease on treatment, two (2) moderate to severe cases, none currently on ventilators and eight (8) have died, GHS indicated. Of the 566 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 292 were reported from the routine surveillance, 159 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, Western, Volta, Northern, North East, Upper East, and Upper West. 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. Featured Video On April 29-30, 1975 with the fall of the former Saigon regime, the US Military launched Operation Frequent Wind to evacuate the remaining Americans from Saigon. Over two days, the US evacuated over 7,800 people by helicopter from designated locations across the city (Photo: VNA) Tanks of Division No. 10 (Army Corp 3) led by soldier Nguyen Trung Kien (Cao Thi Nhip) capture Tan Son Nhat airport, April, 30, 1975 (Photo: VNA) Coronavirus deaths confirmed in the United States topped 20,000 on Saturday - eclipsing the total in Italy, the world's hardest-hit country - as state and local leaders in New York sparred over a decision to close the nation's largest school system for the rest of the academic year and almost the entire country came under a federal disaster declaration. It was an ominous start to a holiday weekend on which President Donald Trump had once hoped to "reopen" the country - and a sign that the pandemic's most painful phase is far from over. With the approval of a disaster declaration in Wyoming and the report of 1,863 new deaths nationally, the United States reached two grim milestones Saturday: All 50 states are now in a state of emergency, and the U.S. outbreak is the deadliest in the world. Italy, with a population of 60 million, has still lost more people per capita - roughly 31 of every 100,000 people there have been killed by the virus. In the United States, roughly 5 out of every 100,000 people have been killed by the virus. If the death rate in the United States - with a population of 328 million - were to match that in Italy, more than 100,000 Americans would die. But after two harrowing months of extreme social distancing and devastating loss, Italy's disaster seems to be easing; the number of new cases reported daily has fallen almost by half since the peak in late March. The United States is still on the upward slope of its pandemic "curve," with the number of new cases increasing almost every day. As Americans desperately seek assurance that the country has identified a path out of its crisis, the official response to the pandemic has remained fractured and uncertain. In New York, parents grappled with the prospect of having their kids at home through June while Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, offered conflicting guidance on the status of the city's school system. The end of the New York City school year is June 26. At a news conference Saturday morning, de Blasio said public schools would switch to remote learning for the remainder of the academic year, saying it was a "painful" decision that would save lives. But just a few hours later, Cuomo dismissed the mayor's announcement as an "opinion" and said he had yet to make a formal decision. United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew praised the move to close physical classrooms through the end of the year, "regardless of who is responsible," he added. But many New York parents felt whiplashed by the back-and-forth over a decision that seemed tilted in favor of the prolonged closure. "The mixed messaging is really confusing to me and very upsetting," said Laurie Schoeman, a director for an affordable housing nonprofit, who lives in Brooklyn with her 4-year-old son, Ezra. "Why can't the mayor and the governor get on the same page?" New York's apparent switch to remote learning for the rest of the school year follows similar moves in at least 19 states and three U.S. territories. School closures of any duration have affected roughly 55.1 million students, according to data tallied by Education Week. Ezra is much too young to learn on his own, said Schoeman, a single parent, and remote resources from his school have been spotty. She worries about the effect this lost learning time will have on his intellectual and social development, but it's all she can do to keep him out of trouble while she works her full-time job. "I don't have any support, I don't have any backup," Schoeman said. "The idea of this going on for five months - I don't know what I'm going to do." For New York City's 1.1 million students, the closure means missing classmates and losing face time with teachers. High school seniors won't have a graduation ceremony or prom, though de Blasio said the city was working to make sure they graduate on time. In a system where the vast majority of students are low-income, some buildings have remained open to serve families who depend on free or reduced-price school lunches, and schools have scrambled to provide students with computers and other equipment needed to work from home. But Erin Fleischauer, who teaches 9th and 10th grade at the Brooklyn International School, still struggles to keep in touch with her classes. Her school serves kids who have immigrated within the past four years, and many of her students work to help support their families. When they do submit assignments, such as journal entries that she asked them to write about the pandemic, they talk of traumas from their pasts: the deaths of parents, their time in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers. Some of the old goals for students have fallen by the wayside, she said. "We're just trying to support the welfare of our children." The contention over school closures is emblematic of the fraught debate over when and how to ease the social distancing measures that experts say have slowed the pandemic and saved lives. In his daily briefings and private calls with outside officials, Trump has sought a strategy for resuming business activity by the end of the month. But leaders in states with some of the biggest outbreaks caution against actions that they say could lead to another spike in cases. "It's one thing to make a mistake once," Cuomo said Saturday, "but this nation should not go through it again." In an interview with MSNBC's Brian Williams on Friday night, Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he hoped the nation would find a "real degree of normality" by November. The country is still ramping up its response to the virus. Invoking its powers under the Defense Production Act, the Pentagon announced Saturday it will invest $133 million to increase domestic production of N95 masks, which are needed by health-care workers on the front lines of fighting the virus. Some 39 million masks will be produced over the next 90 days by companies yet to be announced, the Defense Department said. It is the Pentagon's first project under the DPA, and many Democrats have said that the White House should use the power more often in response to the pandemic. The parties have also battled over how to distribute relief money to small businesses and other institutions affected by widespread closures. Meanwhile, the nation's governors issued a letter to Congress on Saturday asking for $500 billion to rescue local services imperiled by the economic crisis and to stabilize state budgets decimated by the downturn. And across the country, Americans braced for more of the unthinkable: empty churches, silent ballparks, students struggling to learn over a Zoom connection, families going without food, doctors desperate for protective equipment and an ever-lengthening list of the dead. In an interview, Rev. Timothy Cole, a priest at Christ Church Georgetown who had been the District's first known covid-19 patient, said this moment feels more like the "darkness" of Good Friday - when Christians believe Jesus died on the cross - than the rebirth celebrated by Easter Sunday. "We can't see the end of it yet. There's still tremendous costs to be paid," Cole said. "But we know there will come a day when we can see an end in sight . . . and we can start thinking about beginning again." - - - The Washington Post's Colby Itkowitz, Amber Ferguson and Erin Cox contributed to this report. After a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases, the Chhattisgarh government turned its focus to check possible community spread in future. The state has detected 25 positive patients till now, out of which, 10 recovered and have been discharged from hospital. Fourteen people - seven on Thursday and seven on Saturday night - tested positive on Thursday in Katghora, a small town of Korba district. Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singhdeo, in an interview with Hindustan Times, said that the government has made an alternative arrangement in case the number of patients rise. Singhdeo said that government intends to conduct rapid testing in order to eliminate the chances of spread of the deadly virus through asymptomatic carriers. Q: With the recent increase in Covid-19 positive patients, how is the Chhattisgarh government planning to deal with the pandemic? TS Singhdeo: Advanced preparation has been the guiding principle of the government since this pandemic knocked on our door. Health and sanitation is the state subject, but we are also bound by the protocol laid down by the Centre. For example, the testing was severely restricted in the initial days and serious efforts started only after the tourists from Italy visited our country. Ensuing death and sudden surge in cases galvanised us. Despite these anomalies, the state government was always on its toes since January itself. We have been arranging for the necessary logistics to battle this pandemic since January. The whole machinery has been in action. Whatever delay has been caused, it has been on account of seeking approvals from the central government. We got rapid testing kit approval only on April 4. Immediately, a tender was floated and very soon we will have the requisite number of kits. Testing would obviate the possibility of contagion to spread at alarming rates. The factor that asymptomatic carriers can transmit the disease to others - this is the biggest challenge which can be braved by effective testing only. Q: The government statements to the media suggested that they are successful in containing the pandemic within the state. Dont you think that it is quite an exaggeration to make such a claim at this stage? TS Singhdeo: I would not call it an exaggeration. In fact, it is reflective of our resolute preparation to fight this disease. We have made adequate arrangements in advance to meet the conditions that arise from this menace. We have around 4,700 beds ready for the patients. We have already ordered for the necessary number of PPEs for health professionals and government personnel. Moreover, we have made alternative arrangements in case the number of patients rises. If it breaches the mark of 20,000 we will start taking the help of the private hospitals also. We intend to conduct rapid testing in order to eliminate the chances of spread of the deadly virus through asymptomatic carriers. Q: Why testing has not been done? Only 3,000 people have been tested until now. Why tenders have been floated now when you claimed that government was prepared since January? TS Singhdeo: Testing has not been done solely because the Centres protocol did not allow us. First positive case in Chhattisgarh was reported on March 18. Since then, we have developed two testing facilities. However, the Union government has approved rapid testing as late as on April 4. We have ordered 75,000 rapid testing kits now. Tenders could not have been floated for the reasons already stated. Even at the national level, only one testing lab was there at Pune. Now, with an increase in the number of reported cases, we have around 170 testing facilities throughout the country. We could not have bought all equipment based on mere speculation. Today, we have 18 cases in the state and for that, we have enough resources. Our major challenge is to prepare for a situation where the number of infected people increases exponentially. ICMR protocols are acting as bottlenecks. Q: There is a public and bureaucratic perception that there is no unity of command during this pandemic fight and there are two power centres in the government - CM and you. What do you have to say about this perception? TS Singhdeo: This a mirage that has been created to bring a bad name to the government. I am the health minister and taking decisions related to my department. There is no dichotomy between CMO and the department I have been given charge of. For instance, the chief minister sought my opinion regarding the extension of lockdown. I gave my opinion on behalf of the department after due consultation. It is just an opinion and ultimately the chief minister will take the final call. CM is the ultimate authority and there is absolute unity of command. The whole state machinery is working in unison to combat this pandemic. I do not work beyond the mandate of my department. Q: Lastly, can you please shed light on one phenomenal step taken by the Chhattisgarh government that has helped contain the Covid-19 threat? TS Singhdeo: Our advanced preparation has been the most significant factor. People have been very supportive and the government machinery has toiled endlessly to secure our lives. The battle lies ahead and we must not relent a bit in order to ensure our final victory against this pandemic that threatens humanity at large. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON BELCHERTOWN The Police Department is warning residents of a new telephone scam that comes from callers pretending to solicit money for local officers. Residents are reporting that the caller identification is coming up for the Belchertown Police, even though the department is not calling, officials said in a Facebook post. Please be advised and spread the word that the Belchertown Police Department is not currently conducting any fundraising and we do not conduct telephone solicitations for anything, officials said. If anyone receives a call they should hang up. Residents should never share any personal or financial information with telephone solicitors, police said. Five more patients have recovered from coronavirus in Lagos and have been discharged from the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, an official has said. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor and Incident Commander, said this in a press release on Sunday. The recently discharged patients are four females and one male. This brings the total number of discharged persons in the state to 55, he said. I bring to you more awesome news from our isolation facilities. Today, five more patients; females, and one male have been discharged to reunite with their families and the society. The patients were discharged having recovered fully and tested negative twice consecutively to #COVID19. With the newly discharged patients, we now have a total of 55 people that have been successfully managed for #COVID19 at our isolation facilities and discharged to the community, the governor said. The news of the recovered patients came in hours after the state announced the death of another patient from coronavirus in the state. As of Sunday, Lagos State has 177 confirmed cases of coronavirus, 112 active cases, 55 recoveries, two evacuated cases, three transferred cases, and five deaths. While expressing his joy over the recovery of the patients, Mr Sanwo-Olu said Nigerians should look forward to more great news. He urged Lagosians to continue to show love and sacrifice for the the course of humanity, stay at home, practice social distancing principle, observe the highest possible personal hygiene and report suspicious cases to appropriate persons. Lets continue to make the little sacrifices for the greater good, he said. Lagos is the epicentre of the coronavirus in Nigeria, accounting for more than half of the 318 cases in the country. It also accounts for more than half of the 70 recovered cases and half of the 10 deaths, as of Sunday morning. The state, alongside Ogun and Abuja, is on lockdown, based on a presidential directive, to prevent the spread of the virus. New Delhi, April 12 : The Congress has questioned the central government why Indian students stranded in different parts of the world are not being evacuated while the foreigners stuck here are flown by Air India flights to their home lands. The party alleged that the government is in "sleep mode". Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill questioned the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for not giving a definitive reply to the worried parents of students stranded abroad, with respect to the strategy & timeline of their evacuation. "BJP Govt is in 'Active Mode' for Foreigners & in 'Sleep Mode' for Indian Students stuck abroad in this hour of Global Crisis", he alleged. Shergill said, "India has evacuated 20000 plus foreigners, why is BJP Govt not evacuating Indian students stranded abroad?" He gave figures that in the US about 2,02,000 enrolled students and in the UK 300 students were stuck at Heathrow airport till March 18 and several others in many other countries like Australia, Canada etc. He added that as per the Ministry of External Affairs, 20000 (plus) foreign nationals have been evacuated to different parts of the world by the Government of India on request by various nations. "Why is the BJP-Govt of India not according same "helpful" treatment to Indian students abroad? There are approximately 2 Lac Indian Students studying in USA, 300 students were stranded in Heathrow Airport as on 18th march 2020, 16000 students studying in Philippines, huge number of students are stranded in Australia, Canada, Malaysia and other Countries, when will they come home?" said Shergill. He asked when Govt of India can facilitate evacuation of 20000 foreigners then why not the same approach is applied to Indian Students stranded abroad. He said the UK, the US are sending special flights to evacuate their citizens stuck in India, then why is Govt of India not doing the same? When Air India can be deployed to send German Nationals and other foreigners back to their home country(s), then why Air India is not being used for children of India? asked Sherrill. Among his friends and fellow church members at Word Alive International Outreach in Oxford, Alabama, Scott Stanfield is known for his ability to encourage others. People rely on him for wisdom, says his longtime friend, Valerie Wheat. He is the kind of guy who will drop everything for anyone in need. He has the biggest heart for people, more than anyone I have ever known. Now Scott is depending on others to encourage him and they did not disappoint last week. Diagnosed with stage one squamous cell carcinoma in November of 2019, he had surgery to remove the tumor and a portion of his tongue. The operation was followed by seven weeks of radiation treatment that was terribly painful, leaving him unable to speak. Suddenly, the man who always has a kind word for everyone else was communicating with a dry erase board and via text. His 50th radiation treatment took place on April 8. When it was over, he rang the bell to signify the end of his treatment and then started receiving text messages. In each one, his friends and family members posed with signs that read, It is finished the last words Jesus spoke. This was all inspired by it being Holy Week when he finished, says Valerie, who sees the timing as evidence that God is with him throughout his ordeal. He loves like Jesus. He has impacted so many people. He loves everybody. And he is so loved by people from every demographic, culture or religion. His friends are a true cross-section representation of society. Scott, who recently turned 55, lives with his wife, Lori, in Rainbow City. He works as a sales representative for foodservice provider Wood Fruitticher and is an ordained leader in his church. Lori was overwhelmed by the number of texts Scott received. Words cant express our gratitude and hearts right now, she commented on Facebook. We love you all sooo much! T he Government is investigating the deaths of NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic, Matt Hancock has announced. The Health Secretary said that officials are probing why 19 healthcare workers have perished since the crisis began. But he could not give an update on the figure when asked at the Downing Street press briefing, after at least four more NHS staff fell since Mr Hancock announced the 19 deaths on Saturday. It is believed that the true number now stands at more than 30. "We are looking into each circumstance to understand as much as possible how they caught the virus, the Health Secretary said. Matt Hancock at Sunday's Downing Street press briefing / PA It comes amid a growing row between ministers and NHS workers over shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) on the front line, which some grieving families have blamed for their loved ones untimely deaths. Mr Hancock refused to apologise when asked on Sunday afternoon about the Royal College of Nursing warning that medics are having to choose between risking their lives or declining to treat patients. It comes after a healthcare worker in Cardiff became the latest NHS staff member to die. Donna Campbell, who worked at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, passed away at the University Hospital Wales after testing positive for Covid-19, health officials said. Tributes were also paid earlier to Sara Trollope, 51, a mother-of-four and matron at Hillington hospital, London, who passed away after contracting the virus. Sara Trollope was among the latest NHS workers to die after contracting the virus / Family handout Care homes are openly revolting against the Governments reckless, dangerous and immoral demand that they accept patients with suspected coronavirus. Bosses are defying Department of Health instructions that they must take elderly patients who have been discharged from hospital to help free up beds for acutely sick patients. The guidelines said some of these patients may have Covid-19, whether showing symptoms or not, and that negative tests were not required before transfers into homes. Coronavirus has already torn through care homes across the country killing scores of vulnerable residents, with the Alzheimers Society warning at least half are reporting cases. Bosses are defying Department of Health instructions that they must take elderly patients who have been discharged from hospital to help free up beds for acutely sick patients. Stock image But ministers have been accused of crimes against the elderly for denying care homes coronavirus tests making it extremely hard to contain outbreaks and thousands of dementia patients are said to be at risk of being abandoned to the disease, the Alzheimers Society warned. The Government is also facing demands to publish daily coronavirus care home death figures after claims there could be hundreds more fatalities than official statistics show. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has pledged to review the official rules which oversee how patients are transferred between hospitals and care homes. 'I can't sleep at night': Care home manager troubled over lack of protective equipment Care home manager Nicola Rowland has said she couldnt sleep at night because of worries about securing PPE. Park Manor residential home in Ipswich has received a one-off delivery of face masks from the Government but is no longer receiving direct supplies of gloves, aprons and masks. Miss Rowland said she had spent hours scouring the internet for items but complained prices were sky high. Suffolk County Council received a PPE delivery from the Government last Wednesday and stock was sent out to the care sector. But a council spokesman said it was having to prioritise protection for frontline staff. The Department of Health says it has delivered 7.8million PPE products to more than 26,000 care providers. Advertisement But Rachel Beckett, chairman of Wellburn Care Homes, said they were already facing a critical situation even before the dangerous and morally wrong Government call to take untested hospital patients. Im sure youd be hard pressed to find one care home provider in the UK that feels comfortable with this outrageous and reckless request, she said. I have a duty of care to my residents, to their loved ones and my staff. How can I with good conscience admit any patient back into any of our homes, when we have no idea if they have Covid-19 or not? Miss Beckett is refusing to admit new residents until they have been tested negative for the virus. She said: To expect us to comply with these instructions is tantamount to playing Russian roulette with the lives of our most vulnerable. Andy Geach, head of Shedfield Lodge care home in Hampshire, is also refusing to accept patients in such circumstances. He said: Its very frustrating because we really want to help free up beds in the hospitals. All we are asking for is a test on release from hospital, then we would be keen to help, but without that we cannot do it as we have a duty of care to all the other residents and staff. This is a major issue. Almost 100 care home residents are already known to have died from coronavirus, but the true figure is unknown because daily figures released by Public Health England relate only to NHS hospital fatalities. Government guidance also says untested new residents can be admitted from their own homes even if they are showing symptoms of the disease. Health Secretary Matt Hancock (pictured) has pledged to review the official rules which oversee how patients are transferred between hospitals and care homes Jayne Connery, who runs Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, said: We are getting calls from families who are beside themselves. They are being told they cant go in and see loved ones with dementia even if wearing full safety equipment and yet at the same time the homes are taking in patients with Covid-19. At the Governments daily press conference yesterday Mr Hancock pledged that testing would increase. He said: Last week we were able to open up testing to staff in care homes. Throughout this theres been the availablity of testing with a clinical basis in care homes. He added: Making sure we expand that testing capability both for staff and for residents including this very difficult issue of patients leaving hospital we are addressing that. THE nationwide crime rate has slide down by at least 55 percent since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), a police official said on Sunday, April 12. From February 21 to March 16, the PNP recorded 3,509 crime incidents while it decreased to 1,562 crimes from March 17 to April 10, Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for operations Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said. The crime incidents include eight focus crimes identified as murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motorcycles (MC) and motor vehicles (MV). In Luzon, the crime rate went down to 61 percent while 50 percent in Visayas and 44 percent in Mindanao. On March 16, the government has implemented the community quarantine in the National Capital Region, a measure to contain the arising cases of Covid-19 in the country. A day after, President Rodrigo Duterte included the entire Luzon in the lockdown, which limits the movement of the people through the suspension of mass transportation, the establishment of control points manned by the PNP as well as imposition of curfew is essentially 24 hours. The lockdown has been extended until April 30. Meanwhile, Eleazar, who is also the commander of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield (JTF CV Shield) enforcement arm of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID), ensured the continuous strict implementation of the quarantine guidelines as lockdown extension indicates the seriousness posed by the disease. Eleazar said that based on the JTF CV Shield data, from March 17 to April 11, a total of 104,996 violators were apprehended across the country but the 74,604 were just warned not to repeat the offense. More than half of those accosted were from Luzon with 62,476 violators, while 18,785 are from Visayas and 23,735 are from Mindanao. A total of 4,853 were fined; 5,381 were charged, while charges are still being prepared against the 20,158 others. Story continues Eleazar said a total of 679 individuals allegedly engaged in hoarding and profiteering activities have been nabbed while total of 8,014 public transport vehicles were apprehended by authorities during the said period. He reminded the cops and soldiers manning the control points not to lower their guard against persons who are not authorized to go out. Under the enhance community quarantine only health workers, those working in supermarkets and drug stores and delivery vehicles were allowed to pass through checkpoints aside from others who was designated to buy the necessities for their respective families. The task force established a total of 115 dedicated control points in strategic locations nationwide manned by the Highway Patrol Group to ensure the unhampered delivery of goods and cargoes. (SunStar Philippines) By Pat Harkins Unusual times make for unlikely heroes, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. With the pandemic invading nearly every aspect of our lives, the phrase working on the front lines has taken on a whole new meaning. Standing at a cash register is working on the front lines. So is stocking shelves, pumping gas and serving pharmacy customers. Much like our emergency rescue workers, these essential employees face danger in this case an invisible one every single day. Constantly on the front lines, they show up for work day in and day out often for extended hours to make sure we have what we need to carry on some semblance of normalcy in these difficult times. To be sure, they deserve our thanks and our appreciation. But they deserve more. They deserve protection. We dont send emergency rescue workers into the fire without protective equipment. Likewise, we must not allow front-line retail workers cashiers, pharmacy workers, gas station attendants and others who work in essential businesses to battle this invisible enemy unprotected. Im introducing legislation that would ensure these employees have safe working conditions that support them and their families, while also reducing the threat of spreading infectious disease in the community. The COVID-19 Retail and Grocery Store Worker Safety Act would enact into state law the best practices for doing that. Those practices include social distancing of employees and customers, the use of barriers to decrease contact, store cleaning practices, employee access to hygiene stations and hand sanitizer, paid leave for sick employees and protocols for treating employees who are exposed to COVID-19 within the workplace. Keeping us connected with essential goods and services is keeping us all alive. And the workers responsible for these essential duties should not be left to fend for themselves. These heroes deserve no less than their own health and safety. State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, represents Pennsylvanias 1st Legislative District. A nutritionist has taken the internet by story with her recipe for the 'perfect' hot cross buns. Ellie Bullen, 26, said everyone should try their hand at making her simple 'sweet morsels of goodness' this weekend, especially now plenty have so much time on their hands due to the coronavirus restrictions which mean thousands are staying at home. 'This recipe is fairly rough as it's based off what Alex and I baked on a whim and what we could pull from the pantry, but they turned out delicious,' Ellie wrote on Instagram. So what do you need for Ellie's hot cross buns? Nutritionist Ellie Bullen (pictured) has taken the internet by story with her recipe for the 'perfect' hot cross buns Ellie Bullen, 26, said everyone should make her simple 'sweet morsels of goodness' (pictured), especially now plenty have so much time on their hands due to the coronavirus restrictions Firstly, the nutritionist and Bali-based food blogger said you need to dig out as many things from the back of your pantry as possible. Ellie used two cups of plain, all-purposed flour, two and a half cups of spelt flour, one teaspoon of cinnamon, two teaspoons of all spice, 1/2 a teaspoon of salt and one sachet of dried yeast. You'll also need to find or buy half a cup of caster sugar, one and a half cups of soy milk, one and a half cups of dried fruit and four tablespoons of vegan butter. Finally, you'll need the zest of one orange to give your buns a kick, as well as some honey, water and flour for your 'crosses' and your glaze. Ellie (pictured) said she made the buns on a 'whim' and dug out many items in her pantry to put together her own hot cross buns How do you make Ellie Bullen's hot cross buns? Ellie shared the recipe for her hot cross buns (pictured) on Instagram INGREDIENTS * Two cups of plain all-purpose flour * Two and a half cups of spelt flour (plus extra for kneading) * One teaspoon of cinnamon powder * Two teaspoons of all spice powder * 1/2 teaspoon of salt * One dried yeast sachet * 1/2 cup of caster sugar * One and 1/2 cups of soy milk * One and 1/2 cups of dried fruit * Four tablespoons of vegan butter * Zest of one orange FOR THE CROSSES * 1/2 cup of plain flour * Five tablespoons of water FOR THE GLAZE * Two tablespoons of honey * One tablespoon of water METHOD 1. Sieve the flour, spices, salt, yeast and sugar into a large mixing bowl. 2. Using dough hooks on an electric mixer, mix together the dry ingredients. 3. Add the milk, dried fruit, vegan butter and orange rind and knead with the electric mixer (speed two, with dough hooks) for about five minutes (or ten minutes if mixing by hand). Then continue to mix with your hands. If it's too sticky, sieve in one tablespoon of flour at a time, kneading, until dough forms an elastic smooth ball. 4. Cover the bowl with a tea towel or cling wrap and place aside to rise. Dough should double in size in approximately 45 minutes to one hour 30, depending on how warm your climate is. 5. Once doubled in size, turn dough onto a lightly-floured surface and knead out all the air. Roll into a long log and cut into 12 even slices. 6. Roll each slice into balls, ensuring one side is smooth. Place the balls on a lined baking tray, smooth side up, 3 x 4, with small gaps between each one. Set aside to rise again for a further 40 minutes, lightly covered with cling wrap. 7. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius, fan forced, while dough is rising again. Make the cross mixture by stirring the flour and water together, transfer to a piping bag. 8. Once the dough has risen again, draw on the crosses and place it in the oven to bake for 20-24 minutes, or until very golden on top. 9. Remove from oven, transfer baking sheet of buns to a wire cooling rack. 10. Stir together the honey and water, and brush over buns to glaze. They are best served fresh and warm, cut open and spread with vegan butter. Source: Elsa's Wholesome Life Advertisement After she shared her simple ten-step recipe on Instagram, foodies were quick to say they couldn't wait to try the 26-year-old's (pictured) recipe After she shared her simple ten-step recipe on Instagram, foodies were quick to say they couldn't wait to try the 26-year-old's recipe. 'Oh my God, these look like heaven. Wow,' one commenter wrote. 'Yum. I'm definitely making these tomorrow,' another added. Speaking previously to Good Food, some of Australia's top chefs shared their top tricks for making the perfect hot cross buns - including spraying the buns with water before they go in the oven. 'We give our buns a good spray of water before loading them into the oven,' Laura Gonzalez and Anu Haran of Flour Shop in Sydney told the publication. 'This moistens the skin of the buns and allows them to rise more in the oven, leading to a fluffier bun.' Kate Reid of Lune in Melbourne also said you should place the buns close together on the baking tray in the oven. 'This way they "grow" into each other, and to eat them, you have to tear them apart,' she said. 'That soft bit where they were touching each other develops a beautiful light crust when you toast the buns; it's the textural equivalent of heaven.' Gaborone, Botswana (PANA) Police in Botswana have arrested three men for alleged malicious publication against the government over the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic through through social media World Health Organization special envoy David Nabarro warned on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday that the coronavirus is not expected to come in seasonal waves like influenza, and that there will continue to be outbreaks that emerge "sporadically" until there's a vaccine. What he's saying: "We think it's going to be a virus that stalks the human race for quite a long time to come, until we can all have a vaccine that will protect us. And that there will be small outbreaks that will emerge sporadically and they will break through our defenses." "So the key for this particular virus is that every community, as a kind of defensive shield, can pick up cases as soon as they appear, isolate them and stop outbreaks from developing," he added. "It's going to be necessary for every single country to have that capacity." The big picture: President Trump accused the WHO last week of failing in its response to the coronavirus, calling it "China-centric" and claiming the organization "probably" knew about the threat of a pandemic months before sounding the alarm. He suggested that the U.S. may freeze its share of funding to the organization. Nabarro responded: "We know that there will be many things that are found to have perhaps not been done as well as they could have been done, and we're anticipating there will be lots of examinations afterwards. Right now, we have to move forward. We have to get the best possible cooperation." Nabarro also noted that the WHO depends on the information that governments around the world relay. Pressed on whether China has been honest about its confirmed case and death data, as well as the "science" of the virus, Nabarro responded: "We really do have to work with the information we get. We don't have, in the World Health Organization, the power to go in and inspect beyond what countries tell us. ... [China] did invite a team pulled together by the World Health Organization to come and inspect everything in mid-February." "There were no restrictions on what that team investigated. It included American experts as well as experts from others in the world. So we are trying to be clear to everybody that we have been given access to the information we requested. So, therefore, I don't like to say at any time, 'We don't believe.'" Go deeper ... Timeline: The early days of China's coronavirus outbreak and cover-up New Delhi, April 12 : The Centre has provided financial assistance of Rs 28,256 crore to 31.77 crore beneficiaries as of April 10, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Scheme to lend support to the underpriviledged in wake of the coronavirus crisis and the ongoing nationwide lockdown. Out of the total amount, the government has provided Rs 13,855 crore as front-loaded payments to 6.93 crore farmers under PM-KISAN. "Using the digital payment infrastructure mentioned above, more than 30 crore poor people have received financial assistance of Rs 28,256 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 26th March to protect them from the impact of the lockdown due to COVID-19," an official statement said on Sunday. As support to Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana women account holders, the government has released Rs 9,930 crore to 19.86 crore women, which is 97 per cent of the target beneficiaries, said a statement. Further, a total of Rs 3,066 crore has been provided to 2.16 crore construction workers, it said. Describing the major role of the digital payment infrastructure, the Finance Ministry statement said that a digital pipeline has been laid through linking of Jan-Dhan accounts as well as other accounts with the account holders' mobile numbers and Aadhaar. "This infrastructure pipeline is providing the necessary backbone for DBT flows, adoption of social security/pension schemes, etc," it said. A Finance Ministry tweet said that Direct Benefit Transfer ensures that the amount is directly credited into the account of the beneficiary, hence eliminates leakage and improves efficiency. Under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), a total amount of Rs 1,405 crore has been disbursed so far to 282 crore benefiiciaries, which include widows, senior citizens and the physically challenged. A woman who allegedly mooned a light rail and spat at a paramedic is one of the latest to face fines in New South Wales for breaching COVID-19 orders. The 47-year-old woman was seen wandering across the street in Newcastle, north of Sydney, and reportedly mooned the light rail on Saturday night. She is expected to be issued with a $5,000 infringement notice after police were called to the scene. A woman who allegedly mooned a light rail and spat at a paramedic (paramedics pictured in Sydney on Friday) is one of the latest to face fines in New South Wales for breaching COVID-19 orders The 47-year-old woman was seen wandering across the street in Newcastle, north of Sydney, and reportedly mooned the light rail (pictured) on Saturday night NSW Police say they requested ambulance assistance out of concern for her welfare. The woman allegedly spat at a female paramedic twice before she was taken to hospital for assessment. Some 111 people have been ticketed by NSW Police since Saturday afternoon, while officers have charged a further five people under the Public Health Act. Police say four people were each fined $1,000 after they were spotted travelling along the Pacific Highway at Turramurra about 4am Saturday. When officers spoke to the group - aged between 34 and 45 - at a service station, they admitted they were travelling back to the Central Coast after attending a party with friends at Waterloo. A male driver, 22, and female passenger, 20, were also fined $1,000 each after escaping injury in a crash on the Great Western Highway at Warrimoo about 3.40am on Friday. A council ambassador in Bondi tells passersby to observe social distancing (pictured) on Saturday Dozens of walkers were spotted enjoying the 26C sunshine on Saturday on the paths next to the closed Bondi Beach (pictured) Police were told the vehicle had veered off the road, mounted a concrete barrier and drove into the scrub, flipping onto its side. 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 'After speaking with the pair, police established that they had taken a drive from their south-west Sydney homes to see the Three Sisters at Katoomba,' police said in a statement on Sunday. 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. 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. Police officers are out in force this weekend to crack down on social distancing offenders during the Easter holiday (pictured: officers speaking to bystanders) LONDON Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, a major step forward in his recovery from the coronavirus and a welcome relief for a nation whose political leadership has been harder hit by the contagion than that of any other Western country. Mr. Johnson, who spent three nights in intensive care at St. Thomas Hospital in London, will convalesce for some time at Chequers, the prime ministers country house, the government said in a statement. But he will soon be able to sign off on major decisions, including when to ease the countrys lockdown. In an emotional five-minute video, Mr. Johnson thanked the countrys National Health Service, declaring it had saved my life, no question. Wearing a suit and tie, but looking and sounding fatigued, Mr. Johnson singled out two nurses from New Zealand and Portugal who, he said, had kept a vigil over him when things could have gone either way. A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles sign at the U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan By Pamela Barbaglia, Giulio Piovaccari and Gwenaelle Barzic LONDON/MILAN/PARIS (Reuters) - With their sales hammered by the coronavirus outbreak, car makers Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot's owner PSA have postponed their shareholder meetings and are looking at ways to boost cash reserves ahead of their planned merger. The two car makers have turned to their banks to secure much needed cash, and Fiat Chrysler (FCA) is looking at debt guarantees that the Italian government approved on Monday to support local companies, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. FCA, whose legal headquarters is in the Netherlands, runs several plants in Italy and may qualify for the government scheme which offers more than 400 billion euros worth of liquidity and bank loans to companies hit by the pandemic, the source said, cautioning no decision had been made. A spokesman for FCA declined to comment. The crisis triggered by the virus has virtually erased demand for new vehicles, pushing automakers to temporarily halt most production. In late March FCA secured a 3.5 billion euro credit line, with an initial 12-month term that can be extended six months. This added to existing credit facilities worth 7.7 billion euros. The Italo-American firm, chaired by John Elkann, scion of the Italian Agnelli family, would need to cut its ordinary dividend if it decides to pursue state aid from Italy. The emergency decree says companies looking to apply for Italy-backed loans must refrain from approving dividend payments for a year. FCA's decision to postpone the shareholders' meeting to late June has analysts speculating that its ordinary dividend worth 1.1 billion euros could be axed or postponed. "While the merger process is proceeding, the postponement of the AGM will raise markets' concerns of a potential cancellation of the ordinary dividend," said Intesa Sanpaolo analyst Monica Bosio. Equita analyst Martino De Ambroggi echoed that the most likely scenario was "the cancellation or at least the postponement of the ordinary dividend for both FCA and PSA." Story continues PSA, which proposed a similar 1.1 billion euro dividend, also decided to postpone its annual shareholders' meeting to June 25. But the company is not expected to tap state funding, another source close to the company said. The French firm, led by Carlos Tavares, said on Monday it had agreed new credit lines worth about 3 billion euros. It is sitting on undrawn credit facilities worth about 3 billion euros. SPECIAL DIVIDEND? FCA shares are down around 45% since late February when the virus started spreading in northern Italy. PSA's stock is down 32%. In December, they clinched a binding agreement to create the world's fourth-largest carmaker, with shareholders of each group holding 50 percent in the new entity. As part of the deal, FCA is set to pay a 5.5 billion euro special dividend to its investors. Bankers and analysts have questioned FCA's ability to pay such a windfall. "It's no longer wise to get rid of so much cash," said the first source with knowledge of the matter. A second source close to the deal said that while both parties were still committed to tying the knot, they needed to see how the crisis evolved before deciding whether to renegotiate merger terms. Analysts at Jefferies have said the merger is key to the two firms' long term competitiveness but some adjustments are "inevitable." They pointed to the special dividend which is expected to be paid in early 2021, just before consummation. Global carmakers may end up selling between 19 and 24 million fewer cars this year, representing a 22% to 27% fall in global sales, according to a study by Alix Partners. This means global auto firms would be below break-even, losing more than 100 billion euros in cash flow globally, the study said, adding that for every month of idled production in Europe, car makers would lose 7 billion euros of cash flow. (Reporting by Pamela Barbaglia in London, Giulio Piovaccari in Milan and Gwenaelle Barzic in Paris; additional reporting by Gianluca Semeraro; Editing by David Gregorio and Sonya Hepinstall) Tensions flared again in disputed Kashmir, with shelling across the de facto border between Pakistan and India killing three civilians and wounding 13, according to the two sides. The sporadic exchanges of mortar and artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the Himalayan region began on April 11 and continued into April 12. Police in Indian-administered Kashmir said shells fired from the Pakistani Army hit homes in the Kupwara area, killing three civilians and wounding five. Pakistans military said eight civilians were wounded due to shelling from India. Muslim-majority Pakistan and Hindu-led India have fought three wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947, two of which were over control of Kashmir, which is claimed in full by both countries. A decision by New Delhi in August to revoke the special constitutional status of India-controlled Kashmir and impose a security lockdown sparked new tensions between the South Asian rivals. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered more sobering news on Easter Sunday: the state now has more than 9,300 people whove died related to the coronavirus. All told, 9,385 people have died, he said from the state capitol in Albany. That means New York is currently ranked fifth when it comes to places with the most reported deaths worldwide. The state is behind four countries: Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. Yet there was hope. Across the state, the number of hospitalizations ticked up by 53 in the last day, which is the lowest number since we started doing these charts, Cuomo said. Another 758 people died in the past day, the governor said. Over the past six days, the daily death toll has range from 731 to 799. Unless the trend changes dramatically, its likely New Yorks death toll will surpass 10,000 in the next day or two. Youre not seeing a great decline in the numbers, he said of the numbers of deaths. But the numbers of deaths do seem to be a flattening. People admitted to ICU beds ticked up, he said, as did intubations in the past day. The number of hospital discharges is at about 1,800 a day. Cuomo said officials have not seen a large surge of cases in rural Upstate counties. Yes, there are some small clusters. I think you will see more growth in less populated places, he said, adding that a similar situation happened in New Rochelle in March. At one gathering, a lot of people can get infected. Whenever we see it we will be there, he said. Earlier today, Cuomo stopped by a nursing home outside of Albany to thank the staff for donating 35 ventilators to Downstate efforts to fight the coronavirus. During the briefing, Cuomo talked about dark times in recent days and weeks. Hes talked with families whove lost loved ones. He spoke of the time when he first saw projections that New York could quickly run out of hospital beds. But he also talked about how health care workers, residents and volunteers have stepped up, including the Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Niskayuna, New York. They just called and offered the 35 ventilators, he said, after returning the machines to the center this morning. That phone call inspired the governor, he said. Something inside me said, Were going to be ok.' Cuomo continued to say that theres no clear timeline for reopening schools and businesses. June is a long way from now, he said. We go day to day. But he was interested in a question about why drive-in movie theaters need to remain closed. After all, customers would be able to stay in their own vehicles. The states economic development agency, the Empire State Development Corp., is making decisions about which businesses can open or close. Im going to talk to ESD about it, Cuomo said. When asked what Cuomos plans are if he tests positive for the virus, he pointed to the table and slides that have become so iconic in his daily briefings in recent weeks. I plan to do this," he said, "from home. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Social distancing is working. That means it wont end soon (Where we stand after 27 days) Coronavirus shutdown ending soon in NY? Cuomo pours cold water on speculation After a dream wedding, the coronavirus spreads pain and fear through a CNY family Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274. Earlier this week, India at the request of US President Donald Trump cleared the export of 35.82 lakh tablets of hydroxychloroquine to the US Washington: A consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India has reached the US, the global COVID-19 hotspot, days after New Delhi lifted a ban on the export of the anti-malarial drug to America and some other countries on humanitarian grounds to help them combat the coronavirus pandemic. More than 1.7 million people have tested positive and 108,867 people have died from the novel coronavirus globally. The United States has emerged as the global hotspot with 20,000 deaths and nearly 5,30,000 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University data. America has replaced Italy as the country with the highest number of COVID-19 deaths at 20,597, the data shows. Earlier this week, India at the request of President Donald Trump cleared the export of 35.82 lakh tablets of hydroxychloroquine to the US along with nine metric tons of active pharmaceutical ingredient or API required in the manufacturing of the drug. "Supporting our partners in the fight against COVID-19. Consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today (Saturday)," India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu tweeted. Supporting our partners in the fight against #Covid19. Consignment of hydroxichloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today. pic.twitter.com/XZ6utQ6JHr Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) April 11, 2020 Trump, during a phone call last week, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lift the hold on American order of the anti-malarial drug, of which India is the major producer. India, which manufactures 70 per cent of the world's supply of hydroxychloroquine, lifted the ban on 7 April. Follow all the latest updates on coronavirus outbreak here Hydroxychloroquine has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19 and it is being tested on more than 1,500 coronavirus patients in New York. Anticipating that it will work, given the initial positive results, Trump has bought more than 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine for potential treatment of COVID-19 patients. The arrival of consignment was welcomed by Americans. "US will never forget this great humanitarian gesture by India. Under President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two largest democracies of the world have come together than ever in the past,' said New York-based Al Mason, a real estate consultant and a Trump supporter. "A wonderful gesture by India to its friends in need," tweeted Dr Sampat Shivangi. Describing this as a "wonderful gesture", Steve Filipovic, who works in the construction industry, thanked the Indian Ambassador. Meanwhile, according to a new French study, of the 1,061 hospitalised COVID-19 patients showed a 91.7 percent cure (viral shedding) within 10 days of hydroxychloroquine treatment along with antibiotic. It also reported a 96 percent cure rate after 15 days. Early this week, the National Institute of Health reported that a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of adults hospitalised with the coronavirus disease had begun, with the first participants now enrolled in Tennessee. Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat malaria and rheumatoid conditions such as arthritis. In various studies, the drug has demonstrated antiviral activity, an ability to modify the activity of the immune system, and has an established safety profile at appropriate doses, leading to the hypothesis that it may also be useful in the treatment of COVID-19, the NIH said. The drug is not without risks as even short-term use can cause cardiac arrythmias, seizures, dermatological reactions, and hypoglycemia, it added. "Many US hospitals are currently using hydroxychloroquine as first-line therapy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 despite extremely limited clinical data supporting its effectiveness," said Wesley Self, emergency medicine physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and PETAL Clinical Trials Network investigator leading the ORCHID trial. "Thus, data on hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 are urgently needed to inform clinical practice," he added. According to NIH, participants will be randomly assigned to receive hydroxychloroquine 400 mg twice daily for two doses (day one), then 200 mg twice daily for the subsequent eight doses (days two to five) or a placebo twice daily for five days. COVID-19 cases were first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in China. In a major reprieve to the over-stressed police personnel of the state police, Lucknow University (LU) will provide them assistance in relieving stress, caused by their increased workload due to ongoing lockdown. An agreement between the university administration and police department was signed on Friday in this regard. According to the university officials, professors of the university`s psychology department will be in touch with the police personnel, deployed at the emergency response service 112 of the state police. The workload of police personnel, deployed at 112, has increased manifold due the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown. They are now handling calls from people, stuck in the lockdown with no food or medicine as they have also to deal with usual crime incidents. This excess work pressure may put undue stress on the police personnel, said a senior UP police official. Considering this, Lucknow University had approached police to assist them to let go of their stress. LU spokesperson Duregesh Srivastav said, As per the agreement, our teachers will help police personnel, who are overstressed, due to long hours of work and are dealing with personal risk and emotional trauma every day. Coordinator of this programme will be Dr Archana Shukla from the department of psychology. Earlier the university had started its online/ telephonic counselling for students, suffering from anxiety and other mental disorders to help them during the lockdown. According to experts, people with underlying mental health issues face several difficulties in the lockdown. Considering this, LU is offering its services through counselling of students of the entire university to empower them with right information and much needed emotional support. Teachers of the psychology department are providing counselling services to those suffering in any manner due to the isolation, experienced during the crucial period of self-quarantine in fight against Covid-19 outbreak. Srinagar, April 12 : District magistrate (DM) Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has banned circulation of photos and videos showing distribution of relief on the social media sites. An order issued by the DM said under powers vested in him under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, it is ordered that nobody will upload photos or videos of relief distribution on the social media sites. In amplification of his earlier order, the DM said on Sunday that only designated essential and emergency service officials will be allowed to enter areas declared as containment zones. The order states further that the operation of the NGOs and distribution of relief in these areas will be in strict coordination with the NGO cell of the district disaster management agency. Around 30 NGOs have been taken on board by the district administration for reaching out to residents in Srinagar district. The Ghana Hotels Association has called on government to temporarily suspend taxes on the hospitality industry to enable them to survive in the current lockdown state on account of the coronavirus pandemic. They have therefore suggested three percent reduction in Valued Added Tax (VAT) 80 percent reduction in Corporate Tax, with other significant reductions in levies, pension and license fees, Business Operating Permit, Environmental Protection Permit, Food and Drugs Authority Permit, Property Rate among others. Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr, President of the Association who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Sunday explained that the demands were necessitated by the nosedive the sector had taken due to the coronavirus pandemic and its ramifications in the country. He said apart from the taxes, there was the need for government to also convert their commercial utility tariffs to domestic ones and support them to pay salaries of staff since the lockdown was akin to closing down the hotels and services. He appealed to government and other stakeholders to disregard suggestions that some people were spewing out against their call for stimulus package and support them to survive in the global abnormal times on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under these hard times, we want government and financial institutions to provide us with soft loans to manage our affairs until the situation normalizes. Dr Ackah-Nyamike Jnr told the GNA that Tourism and Hospitality Industry, made up of; hotels, restaurants, tour operators, car rentals and aviation services among others, was a significant contributor to the economy of Ghana in the form of employment, taxes, levies, licenses, foreign exchange earnings. He said the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in a report in 2017, highlighted the impact of the sector on Ghanas Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and on job creation. The report noted that "the total contribution of Tourism (and Hospitality) to GDP was GHC12, 573.3 million (USD1, 335.5mn), 6.2 percent of GDP in 2017 On job creation, he said the sectors contribution to employment, including; jobs indirectly supported by the industry was 5.3 percent of total employment (882, 000 jobs). He said it was worthy of mention that the contributions of the industry to the nation continued even in the pandemic with hotels releasing their facilities as Quarantine Accommodation and the Chefs Association of Ghana cooking for the needy and vulnerable. The President of the Association said a lot of hotels had shut down, while others were planning to do so if the situation continued, a situation he added could affect the thousands of hotel workers whose livelihood depended on their employment in the industry and called for governments intervention to give them a lifeline. 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 Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday said that the severed wrist of Assistant Sub-Inspector, who was attacked in Patiala while doing his duty, has been stitched back after a 7.5-hour-long surgery. "I am happy to share that a 7.5-hour long surgery has been successfully completed at PGIMER to repair the severed wrist of ASI Harjeet Singh. I thank the entire team of doctors and support staff for their painstaking effort. Wishing ASI Harjeet Singh a speedy recovery," said Chief Minister Singh. "The re-implantation started at around 10 am. Both radial and ulnar artery, the vena comitans and an extra dorsal vein were anastomosed. All the flexors and extensor tendons were repaired. The nerves at the wrist were repaired and the bone fixation was done using three K-wires. The surgery went on for about 7.5 hours," said a doctor at the PGIMER. Punjab DGP Dinkar Gupta tweeted: "Just spoke with the lead Plastic surgeon who did the successful surgery to stitch back the hand of our brave corona warrior ASI Harjeet Singh. Also spoke with Harjeet, who is in high spirits. We still have to wait and watch for the next five days." Earlier in the day, seven persons were arrested after Singh's hand was chopped off and a few others were injured when a group of men dressed as Nihangs attacked them at a vegetable market in Punjab's Patiala district, police said. The incident took place when restrictions are in place in the State due to the COVID-19 lockdown, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP Good Governance Cell is distributing food among the needy people amid lockdown in the capital to ensure that no one starves. "We prepare food and take it to Shahdara's Lal Bagh are and Yamuna Khadar areas where most of the sculptors live. We provide food to them. We are also providing food to the students who live in hostels," said Virendra Sachdeva, Member of BJP Good Governance Cell. "The food is distributed with the help of police personnel, Sewa Bharti, ABVP and other social organisations. We have identified some houses where elderly people live alone as their children are not in the country. So, we also provide them with meals for two times," he told ANI. The kitchen prepares around 1,500 to 2,000 food packets for the distribution every day and we keep on changing the menu so that the people like the food, added Sachdeva. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On the occasion of Easter, members of CSI Immanuel Church in Chennai distributed food among the municipal corporation workers amid coronavirus outbreak. "Usually we would be busy and occupied with Easter celebration. But this time, we are unable to spend time at church. We prayed and live telecast on Facebook and YouTube. Today we shared food with the needy and we are happy to do that," Pastor E.david said. This includes workers, sanitation staff and street cleaners. Meanwhile, Rev Charles led the prayers at All Souls' Church in Coimbatore on Easter, without the presence of any devotees as mass gathering have been suspended. Prayers were live-streamed live on Facebook for members of the church. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion on Good Friday. It also marks the culmination of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance. However, this year, the public rituals had to be cancelled amid 21-day COVID-19 lockdown, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Massachusetts nurse has died from coronavirus after she quit working at a home due to management's handling of the outbreak. Maria Krier, 59, complained last month about what was going on at Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley, where as of Friday 10 residents had died and 67 were infected. Krier got sick two weeks ago and died in hospital on Friday. Speaking shortly after she quit in early April, she claimed that bosses at the Littletown facility keep it quiet that one resident had tested positive for COVID-19, and put others at risk. 'They discovered this particular woman had it. They never told anybody,' Krier told WCVB. 'We kept waiting for the ball to drop. Like, when are you going to tell us we're exposed to it?' Nurse Maria Krier, 59, got sick two weeks ago and died fro coronavirus on Friday Krier blew the whistle, claiming there was a lack of care for patients exhibiting symptoms. She said there was no initiative to protect workers and patients. Littleton officials said they 'were stonewalled by officials at Life Care Centers' after they tried to trace contact and identify people who had been in close contact with an infected resident. Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley confirmed Krier had passed away and said she worked for there a short time. 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of one our associates during these challenging times the country is experiencing,' regional vice president, Kate O'Connor, said in a statement. 'Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends. 'We are fighting a virus that is still largely unknown, and our nurses and staff continue to provide the best care given the guidance we have received from both federal and local health agencies.' The National Guard came in to test the rest of the patients but no staff were tested at the time. Krier claimed that bosses at the Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley in Littletown, Massachusetts (pictured) 'discovered this particular woman had it. They never told anybody' Now the facility wants all staff tested too. 'To date, testing has been limited in order to prioritize the most vulnerable residents of the state,' Life Care explained in a statement. 'Last week, working with the Massachusetts National Guard, we completed full testing of all residents within the facility.' Life Care confirmed 75 employees out of 204 are now off sick. Fourteen members of staff have tested positive for coronavirus and another 17 are absent on doctor's orders. In the telephone interview before she took a turn for the worse, Krier continued: 'I love doing what I do but I can't work for incompetent people any more.' Now Krier's coworkers are haunted by what happened to her. Many employees plan to resign because they were not tested, WCVB reported. As of Sunday morning, Massachusetts had over 22,800 coronavirus cases and 680 deaths. As of Sunday morning, Massachusetts had over 22,860 coronavirus cases and 686 deaths Matamoros is the second largest city in the state of Tamaulipas, with a population of over 520,000. While there are no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the camps, there are some eight confirmed cases in the city. People with mild or moderate cases could be quarantined in their tents and more severe cases sent to local hospitals. But, according to G.R.M., the citys five public hospitals have 10 ventilators and 40 intensive care unit beds between them. An outbreak would be catastrophic. Mexico has been slow to react to the coronavirus threat. In mid-March, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters, I have faith that were going to move our dear Mexico forward, that these misfortunes, pandemics will not harm us. He has defiantly kissed and hugged supporters at recent events. Mexico has reported at least 4,219 cases of Covid-19 and 273 deaths. Medical workers have protested against the lack of protective gear. Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that Rahul Gandhi's 'timely' warning was behind the Rajasthan governments success in tackling the novel coronavirus in Bhilwara. Interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that Rahul Gandhi's "timely" warning was behind the Rajasthan governments success in tackling the novel coronavirus in Bhilwara. According to The Print, Sonia made this statement at a meeting with state Congress chiefs, where she reviewed the steps taken by them to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. "It is because Rahul Gandhi had issued a warning about coronavirus in February itself that states like Rajasthan got into action fast. They ensured there were enough PPE (personal protective equipment) kits, the article quoted Sonia Gandhi as saying. The statement appeared to be a reference to Rahul Gandhi's tweet from 12 February, in which he had said, "The Corona Virus is an extremely serious threat to our people and our economy. My sense is the government is not taking this threat seriously. Timely action is critical. Reacting to the statement, Amit Malviya, chief of the BJP's IT cell tweeted Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) Bukidnons first COVID-19 patient may face possible sanctions after breaching quarantine protocols, local authorities said. The patient is a resident and barangay official of Barangay Lumbayao, Valencia City. An investigation revealed he held a birthday party in his home last week, transacted businesses in places such as banks, performed his official duties, went to malls, and met people even before the results of his swab test came out. Valencia City Task Force Against COVID-19 had recommended the test. On March 12, this Barangay official went to a cock derby in Matina Gallera, Davao City. It is the suspected ground zero for the virus transmission in the Davao region. Ten days later, he and three other personalities in Valencia City were listed as a PUMs (Persons under Monitoring) after the Davao City government had called on those who went to the cock derby to isolate themselves for 14 days quarantine. On March 25, the patient experienced cold, fever, cough, and diarrhea, prompting health authorities to classify him as a PUI (person under investigation). The patient then took a laboratory test in a hospital, wherein he denied his travel history to the attending medical specialist. City mayor Azucena Huervas earlier placed Barangay Lumbayao under lockdown. CNN Philippines stringer Melchor Velez contributed to this report. My ideal weekend is in Westport, Co Mayo, a beautiful town full of charisma and continental flavour. The atmosphere in this town is electric, with so much to see and do, from cheerful shopfronts to a great selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. I would book into the Castlecourt Hotel, in the heart of the town. I'd dine at their Orchard Restaurant before venturing out to Matt Molloy's famous pub. They have traditional Irish music seven nights a week, so it's always buzzing. On Saturday morning after breakfast, I would put on my comfortable footwear and head to Croagh Patrick, for the breathtaking views of Clew Bay. The route is seven kilometres long, so it's challenging, but so worth the climb. After the climb, I'd call into Curry's Cake Angels and enjoy a cake and a nice warm beverage. On Saturday night, I'd head to the Waterfront Restaurant, on the top floor of the Westport Coast Hotel, with stunning views of the bay. Then I'd enjoy the great atmosphere at the Clock Tavern bar, which has live rock music all weekend. My ideal Sunday morning would be spent indulging in a big breakfast, and then enjoying a pampering treatment at Spa Sula in the hotel. It has a fabulous thermal suite and the outdoor hot tub is perfect to relax your body and calm your mind before you leave Westport for home. Fiona Morgan Coleman is Carter Beauty's new and first Irish brand ambassador. Update your make-up bag online using the SUPPORTIRISH code, for 30pc off the whole brand. See carterbeautycosmetics.com The number of local coronavirus fatalities might be higher than believed because people who show symptoms but die before they can be tested are not included in official reports. At least one justice of the peace reports he determined a suspected case in which an individual who was symptomatic died en route to a hospital. Youre not going to test a dead body, Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Ray Chesson said. In Orange County, Precinct 4 Justice Rodney Price recounted that family members of one recently deceased woman said they thought her body should be tested for infection. I called the funeral home and the health department and told them the family requested it and left it up to them, Price said. I have no idea what theyre going to do, but it would be weird for me to put coronavirus on the death certificate without test confirmation. Yet the Texas Justice Court Training Center advises all peace justices to do just that. Earlier this month, the group encouraged JPs, elected officials who are responsible for legally pronouncing people dead in Texas, to cite suspected coronavirus disease or suspected COVID-19 on death certificates when they are able to gather enough information from witnesses who believe that is the cause of death. This is important data you are creating that will help with planning for future public health disasters, the training center said in a memo, later adding that other chronic conditions that may have contributed to the death also should be listed. If the Jefferson death was related to the pandemic, it would raise the county total to six, a 20% increase. The Orange County woman, if confirmed, would be the first known virus death there. RELATED: SE Texas officials survey options for worst-case coronavirus pandemic The Enterprise spoke with five of Jefferson Countys seven peace justices. Price was the only other JP in Southeast Texas who could be reached late last week. These officials were largely supportive of the new guidance. Many said giving the public a more complete picture of COVID-19s fatal impact could help people understand the gravity of the situation. Precinct 6 Justice of the Peace Ransom Duce Jones, who has dealt with a test-confirmed coronavirus death, said he agrees with the recommendation to be more inclusive. Ransom admitted that, early on in the crisis, he questioned whether the virus actually would hit Jefferson County. But he now believes, Were here. This is life or death, Ransom said. Its real and people need to realize this is real. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox Yet the six-county Regional Operations Center that keeps statistical track of testing, positive results and virus-related deaths, last week specifically stated that it would not include any cases in which a death certificate mentioned suspected coronavirus. An email from Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick, who leads the multicounty group, said public health departments will not report any death as coronavirus-related absent a positive test result. The email acknowledged the recent virus-related guidance from the Texas Justice Court Training Center. The six-county Southeast Texas region had confirmed eight coronavirus-related deaths as of Friday. RELATED: Beaumont essential businesses adapt to coronavirus The peace justices interviewed acknowledged the difficulty of getting a precise handle on the death count. Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Marc DeRouen said he encountered an individual who died while being treated for coronavirus. That persons test ultimately came back negative. Precinct 8 JP Tom Gillam III acknowledged that he has seen an increase in unattended deaths the past few weeks. But he cautioned that spikes like this occur periodically and he stressed that it is too soon to tell if this one is related to the coronavirus. Hes not aware of any suspected coronavirus-related deaths in his precinct, but he is awaiting autopsy results in a few instances. I dont know what theyre ultimately going to reveal, he said. If Im unfortunate enough to have one, it would certainly be reported as that. RELATED: By the numbers: Jefferson Co. surpasses 100 coronavirus cases In Orange County, Price said hes been instructed by officials not to order an autopsy on the bodies of individuals suspected to have had coronavirus. He said he was told to inform the local health department and funeral home of the suspicions so they can take precautions, however. Wrestling with such decisions is not the only way the pandemic has changed the way the peace justices do their jobs. RELATED: A week in SE Texas coronavirus Jones said that if he goes out to the scene of a death that could be related to coronavirus, police are expected to escort everyone out of the building. He then enters the empty building wearing a mask and gloves to make his pronouncement of death. Its hard to ask people who have a love one thats deceased to leave the area, he said. But its just things we have to do. These are not ordinary times. Justices also ask new questions when investigating a death, Gillam said. This includes whether the individual traveled out of the country in the past two weeks, came in contact with anyone confirmed to have the virus and if they were experiencing difficulty breathing, a fever greater than 100 degrees or a cough. This gives us more information about the death, he said, and helps us to make sure that we are protected and not putting any first responders or family members and loved ones of the deceased in danger. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com jorge.ramos@beaumontenterprise.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jeannette Neumann and Alex Nicholson (Bloomberg) Madrid Sun, April 12, 2020 23:04 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd168a6d 2 World COVID-19,Europe,Spain,Italy,Germany,COVID-19-lockdown Free The ups and downs in the emergence of new coronavirus cases in Europe are complicating efforts to determine when lockdowns can safely be eased without the risk of a resurgence. Spain and Germany on Sunday reported that the number of new infections slowed. A day earlier, Italy reported its highest number of new cases in a week, while the death toll there climbed to about 20,000. In Spain, the number of fatalities rose after falling for three days, taking the total deaths to nearly 17,000. The volatility of the pandemics march in the worlds hardest-hit countries is making it difficult for authorities to give their citizens clarity about when lockdowns will be lifted, and what kind of restrictions will remain in place and for how long. The lockdowns are estimated to cost the global economy about $5 trillion and governments around the world are keen to safely resume economic activity to minimize unemployment and bankruptcies. Europe is likely to experience a more severe recession than the rest of the world and may not recover before next year, according to European Central Bank Vice President Luis de Guindos. In any case, 2021 will not be able to make up for all of the downturn in 2020, Guindos said in an interview with Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia and published on the ECBs website. The pandemic has claimed more than 109,000 lives around the world, with Italy and the U.S. each counting about 20,000 deaths from the pathogen. Russia, which seemed to have avoided a significant outbreak, said the number of its new cases increased overnight by about a third to 2,186. The UK surpassed the threshold of 10,000 deaths Sunday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from hospital after spending three nights in intensive care, where he was given oxygen to help with his breathing. Johnson spent a week in the hospital after contracting COVID-19. The epicenter of the global pandemic has shifted to the US from Italy. Still, the rise in new cases in Italy offered little encouragement for Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte as he seeks a tentative restart to commercial and public life. Conte, who has extended the countrys lockdown until May 3, held out the prospect of a gradual restart to normal life after that. In Spain, 619 people died from coronavirus in the past 24 hours. There were 4,167 new infections, a dip from the previous day and part of a broader decline in the number of new cases since the end of March. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Sunday that the efforts by tens of millions of Spaniards to stay home during the past four weeks was helping to stall the spread of the virus. Some employees in Spains construction and heavy industries are preparing to go back to work on Monday as tougher restrictions that were in place for the last two weeks or so are lifted. Sanchez said the government would remain vigilant to avoid a relapse and put at risk all that we have accomplished together by adhering to the confinement orders. Thats why the lifting of the lockdown, which will begin no sooner than within two weeks, will be staggered and very cautious, Sanchez said during televised remarks Sunday in Madrid. Meanwhile, China, where the virus originated, said on Sunday that more than half its 99 new cases were from passengers on a plane to Shanghai from Russia. Russia saw its cases rise to 15,770. Twenty-four people died, increasing Russias death toll to 130. In response, officials in Moscow, a city of 12.7 million residents, have pledged to tighten the lockdown in Russias capital city. Muscovites will now be required to receive permission to travel after voluntary restrictions failed to keep people off the streets. The outbreak in Russia is a growing concern for officials in neighboring China, where authorities appear to have tamed the pandemic within their own borders, allowing Beijing to pivot toward staving off imported cases. China only allows one inbound flight per week by foreign airlines but coronavirus infections have also entered China from the land border the country shares with Russia. Separately, Iran said on Sunday it will lift a ban on traveling between provinces as of April 20. Iranian officials have already begun to ease some social-distancing regulations on businesses in a bid to alleviate the viruss toll on the economy, which was already hard-hit by sanctions. The death toll in Iran has risen to 4,357, with over 70,000 known cases. Almost 200 Australians who were stranded in Cambodia have arrived home after a special flight was arranged to repatriate them during the coronavirus crisis. The Australian embassy in Cambodia helped charter the flight which landed in Sydney on Monday morning. Some of the passengers had been trying to get out of Cambodia for weeks but many flights were repeatedly cancelled. All on board were bused to hotels around Sydney where they will be in quarantine for 14 days, in line with new regulations for all overseas arrivals. Scroll down for video Australians have landed in Sydney after a mercy flight from Cambodia was arranged ahead of lockdowns across the Southeast Asian country Police were at the airport awaiting the arrival of the passengers from Cambodia who will be bused to hotels across Sydney for their two week isolation The flight was arranged amid growing restrictions on the movements of all people within Cambodia after Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered restrictions on any travel between provinces. A spokesperson for the Australian embassy in Cambodia told AAP that 164 Australian citizens, plus 20 permanent residents and family members boarded the flight as regular commercial options 'were drying up fast'. 'So we decided to facilitate this one-off non-scheduled flight to a transit country, which then connected to a scheduled flight on the same plane to Sydney,' it said. 'Passengers paid for economy and business seats.' Travellers were in high spirits as they left the airport with face masks on and made their way to the awaiting buses. The hotel quarantine restrictions were introduced to slow the spread of the coronavirus, with overseas arrivals having been a key source of the local spread. Up to Monday morning, COVID-19 had infected 6,325 Australians, with 59 fatalities. Travellers were seen leaving the airport with face masks on as they made their way to the buses A traveler in a mask carries his bag to a bus that will take him to a hotel where he must stay for two weeks Two women drag their suitcases from the airport to a bus on Monday morning Passenger Damien Shaw told reporters the flight had been packed with 'virtually all seats taken'. 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 He said he was looking forward to spending two weeks in quarantine as it would give him a chance to cut back on his smoking. Cambodia had been criticised by some medical experts for its slow response to the coronavirus pandemic, but attitudes had hardened recently and next week's annual Khmer New Year celebrations had been cancelled. Heavy travel restrictions were also imposed between provinces earlier in the week which added a sense of urgency for the flight, with Australians living in the countryside told to make a speedy trip to the capital to avoid being locked out of the airport. The embassy said it took 'a lot of work to make this happen' in 'challenging circumstances' adding this would also help relieve pressure on Cambodia's healthcare system, which Australia continues to support through its aid program. 'Great to have been able to help Aussies re-connect with loved ones back home through this flight,' ambassador Pablo Kang said on his Twitter feed. 'We thank all involved, including the government, for their assistance, and our passengers for their patience and understanding.' Military personnel help two passengers with their bags as they board a bus after flying back from Cambodia A policemans hand was chopped off with a sword and six of his colleagues were injured in an attack by a group of Nihangs at a vegetable market in Punjabs Patiala, the state police said on Sunday. Assistant sub-inspector Harjit Singhs hand was later reattached after a plastic surgery lasting seven and a half hours at Chandigarhs PGI hospital and 11 people were arrested from a village dera over their role in the incident. Police said 39 lakh in cash, two petrol bombs, spears, swords and other weapons, as well as five bags of poppy husk were recovered from them. Parts of the early-morning incident captured on video by bystanders showed a group of men carrying sharp-edged weapons in an SUV driving through a police barricade and clashing with policemen armed with lathis. Police Party on Naka duty was attacked today in which one ASIs hand was cut off & 6 were injured. Police cornered the culprits & have taken them into custody. Have given instructions to the @PunjabPoliceInd to deal with anyone breaking the law in strictest possible manner, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said in a tweet. The Nihangs are a Sikh sect whose members live on the fringes of society and dress up as medieval warriors owing allegiance to Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru, specialising in the traditional martial art of gatka (similar to the modern sport of fencing). Deras are shrines devoted to individuals deemed holy by their followers and do not enjoy the sanction of mainstream Sikh clergy. The incident drew widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. Apart from CM Amarinder Singh, several senior Congress leaders said the strictest action should be taken against the culprits. Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal condemned the incident too, while the Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal, the leading Nihang jathebandi (organisational assortment) said the men were not Nihangs and were, in fact, anti-social elements locally involved in extortion -- a fact borne out by the recovery of 39 lakh from them in cash -- something the ascetic members of the sect would not do. Seven fugitives, donning the robes of Nihangs, have been arrested from the Gurdwara in village Balbera. One of these was injured in the police firing and has been rushed to hospital... The police party observed full Maryada while entering the Gurdwara premises. There were also women and children inside, who were unharmed, and have been left secure within the Gurdwara as before, Punjabs special chief secretary KBS Sidhu said on Twitter. Gobind Singh Longowal, president of the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the body that manages Sikh places of worship, urged people to remain disciplined during the curfew. BJP leader and Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, The inhuman attack on policemen in Patiala needs to be condemned in the strongest of terms. Such criminals and anarchists should be brought to justice at the earliest. Police said the men were asked to show their curfew passes at the vegetable market, which they refused to do and instead forced their way through the barricade. When the policemen chased them and told them to step out of their vehicle, five men came out and launched an attack with swords. As six policemen received injuries and ASI Harjit Singh fell down after his hand was cut off, the men drove away to a dera building part of the Gurdwara Kichdi Sahib complex in Balbera village nearby. A commando operation was launched to get the men, who refused to surrender and hurled petrol bombs at the raiding party. They set up eight LPG cylinders on the periphery, threatening to blow them up. One of the Nihangs was injured by a gunshot fired by the commandos and hospitalised later. Intense negotiations spearheaded by Patiala IG Jatinder Singh Aulukh and SSP Mandeep Singh Sidhu, aided by the village sarpanch and others, could not lead the men to surrender. They were finally arrested after a fierce scuffle with the commandos. The accused were booked for attempt to murder, grievous hurt, rioting, attack on a public servant under the Indian Penal Code as well as under provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. They were also booked under the stringent anti-narcotics law, NDPS, for possessing a commercial quantity of poppy husk. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The JFO Command expressed deep condolences to the families and friends of the killed soldier. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one was wounded in an enemy attack in Luhansk region on Sunday, April 12. Russia-led forces opened fire from hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers to shell positions of Ukraine's Joint Forces near the contact line in Luhansk region, eastern Ukraine, despite an important Christian holiday marked on April 12, Palm Sunday, the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters said on Facebook on April 12. Read alsoThree Ukrainian soldiers wounded in action on April 11 The JFO Command expressed deep condolences to the families and friends of the killed soldier. As UNIAN reported earlier, three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action as a result of eight attacks mounted by Russia-led forces in Donbas on April 11. Dubai, April 12 : Malayali expats in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will celebrate the spring festival of Vishu this year within their homes due to restrictions imposed amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it was reported on Sunday. The festival of Vishu is usually celebrated with a lot of fanfare and typically sees a lavish 'sadhya' (meal) prepared. However, many Malayalis were opting for a simple meal this year due the crisis, the Khaleej Times report said. A Sharjah-based expat, Sheeja Venu Nair, said: "There is no room for celebration this time. We want it to be a low-key affair. We are not preparing any grand meals. Instead, we as a family are focusing on offering the 'Vishukkani' (ritual arrangement of auspicious articles) for frontline medics and heathcare workers helping COVID-19 patients." Even though the festival won't be as grand, the Sharjah-based family will uphold certain traditions. "The plea for 'kaineetam' starts early as the children begin asking and anticipating from whom they would get money. So, while they look forward to getting some 'kaineetam' from their parents," Nair added. For Sangeetha Swaroop, Vishu at home means extra time with her family. "Work pressure has reduced for me now, so I am trying to prepare a 'sadhya' for my children with whatever is available in the grocery stores. Typically, you prepare around 24-28 dishes served as a single course. But there is no point in preparing so much food as nobody from outside will be coming." Normally, hypermarkets across the UAE display traditional items brought from Kerala to arrange the 'kani kanal' (arrangements for the first sight). "This time, I don't think even the yellow 'kanni konna' flowers will be available. In fact, most people will not wear 'kodi vastram' (new clothes) as shops remain closed," Sangeetha added. Ukrainian scientists will get the corresponding reward if they manage to find it President Volodymyr Zelensky has promised to pay at least a million dollars to the inventors of the vaccine against the coronavirus Covid-19. The chief sanitary doctor, Deputy Minister of Health Viktor Lyashko stated this in an interview with LB.ua. Ill tell you a secret. The president asked me to write letters to our academics and promised that if someone invents a vaccine or medicine, I will receive, I dont know from which fund, at least a million dollars, Lyashko said. The chief medical officer also added that now all areas can do PCR tests. They are attracted to private laboratories and laboratories of medical universities. Now we can conduct 30,000 tests per week, but we will expand to 80,000 tests per week, Lyashko stated. Recall that potential vaccines against a new type of coronavirus are under development in several countries. As we reported before, President 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. "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. Not lost among the stress of 2020s coronavirus response has been the countrys 55 million students. Many of them rely on at least one meal per day supplied by the school cafeterias. While many schools and government funding have provided resources to continue nourishing these children via meal pick up or delivery, there remains a shortage of funding to support all the necessary supplies that make it possible to serve these meals. Much like the supply chain disruption that has thrown the dairy food chain into chaos, school food programs that purchased in bulk and provided food in a restaurant-style system have been forced to completely shift their mode of operation. The new normal for school lunch providers requires additional food storage, single-serve packaging, distribution, delivery, and sanitation/safety protective gear. Meeting the need Last week, GENYOUth, in partnership with dairy farmers and many other corporations and foundations, launched a grant program to help bridge the funding gap. The COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Fund makes available $3,000 in grants to schools to be used toward any of these new challenges. Schools can apply at https://COVID-19.genyouthnow.org/. GENYOUth reports that since the programs launched last week, over 5,000 grant applications have been submitted totaling over $15 million in grant requests. The request for funding is primarily focused on equipment for transportation, cold storage, and safety/sanitation to enable school nutrition personnel to distribute and deliver meals, including milk and dairy, outside of the school building, explained GENYOUths President and Chief Wellness Officer Ann Marie Krautheim. GENYOUths previous work and extensive connections with schools, through our flagship program Fuel Up to Play 60, makes it a trusted, knowledgeable, and efficient partner for schools in need of support. The fund started with nearly $3 million, but a national fundraising campaign For Schools Sake Help Us Feed Our Nations Kids! was launched simultaneously to encourage donations to the cause. People across the nation, including corporations, foundations, and athletes, are raising their hands on social media to spread the word, utilizing the hashtag #ForSchoolsSake. We could not have moved as quickly or effectively as we have without the help and engagement of our partners, Krautheim said. GENYOUth created this fund through the support of those who share our mission, including Americas dairy farmers who have been dedicated to youth and school wellness for over a century. Fuel Up to Play 60 changes, too Other checkoff-supported programs, including Fuel Up to Play 60, have also adjusted to provide resources during COVID-19. Programs to keep children active and healthy have been added to their FUTP60 Student Zone App, including an At Home Activities section. The program has also added resources for educators working from home. Even though COVID-19 is proving to present some monumental challenges for dairy farmers, heres a reminder that the industry continues to give back. If you or someone you know would like to donate to the COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Fund, visit www.genyouthnow.org/donate. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2020 April 8, 2020 At a time when the civic body is fighting the novel coronavirus, it finds itself in a terrible financial crunch. Unable to get the councils nod for its 2020-21 budget or obtain its vote-on account approval, the BBMP is spending illegally on civic works. Urban Development Department sources said, going by the Karnataka Municipal Corporation (KMC) Act, the BBMP has submitted its budget to the state government after getting the councils approval. But the ruling party had plans to present its budget in the last week of March, only to crash into the nation-wide lockdown. Neither did the BBMP present a proposal despite having a window till March 31 to get the government approval for its budget or vote-on-account proposal. For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here BBMP commissioner B H Anil Kumar had reportedly written to the government to spend 30% of the yet-to-be-presented budget to pay salaries, pension, maintenance, health department bills and other emergencies. With Rs 9,000 crore as the estimate, the commissioner has sought Rs 3,000 crore, but the government is yet to sanction the money. The commissioner could spend Rs 1 crore without the councils or the governments approval. Blame game Mayor Goutham Kumar, Deputy Mayor Rammohan Raju and taxation committee chairperson Srinivas had written to the chief secretary on Wednesday seeking a way forward. The commissioner should have submitted the 2020-21 budget proposal to the BBMPs Standing Committee on Taxation by January 15 and the same should have been submitted before the meeting of the committee in February first week. However, the chief accounts officer, special commissioner (finance) and the commissioner have delayed the submission, the Mayor said. Track sate-wise confirmed coronavirus cases here The Mayor also told chief secretary that the lockdown to curb Covid-19 was announced when the civic body was preparing the estimates to present before the council. Considering that the BBMPs new financial year has begun, and the civic body is facing such a crisis for the first time, I request your guidance in safeguarding the fiscal discipline of the BBMP, the mayor said in his letter. Video-conferencing With the council unable to hold its meeting, the civic body is planning to submit the budget via video-conferencing. Only the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, leaders of the ruling and Opposition parties, the commissioner, key ministers and I will take part in the budget meeting, L Srinivas, chairperson, Standing Committee on Taxation, told DH, adding that arrangements will be made for corporators to witness the proceedings from their zonal offices. A senior corporator said it would be improper not to seek the councils approval on the budget. According to the KMC Act, the budget must get two-third approval of the council, he said. Sanitation workers face risks from handling hazardous items in the garbage like syringes, glass shards, and infected or toxic materials. Balkoti's daily wage was Rs 625, the minimum wage stipulated by Maharashtra state. The last thing Mahesh Balkoti, a 26-year-old contract sweeper with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, expected on 1 April was to be dismissed from his job. He and 34 other contract workers deputed in A Ward, Colaba, were asked to stop coming to work for an indefinite period by the MCGM. They were not served any notice. "The Junior Overseer of the MCGM said they'll call us after the Corona epidemic is over. We haven't even been paid for the month of March," he said. Balkoti, who works night shifts sweeping the streets and disposing garbage, is the sole earner for a family of three he, his mother, and wife. The other workers are also mostly sole earners, with no other source of livelihood. "We worked every single day during the lockdown, risking our lives through the COVID-19 scare," Balkoti said. "We didn't even complain while working without masks, gloves, or hand sanitisers. And now they have kicked us out," he added. Sanitation workers face risks from handling hazardous items in the garbage like syringes, glass shards, and infected or toxic materials. Balkoti's daily wage was Rs 625, the minimum wage stipulated by Maharashtra state. The Assistant Commissioner of A Ward, Arun Vaidha, said that the municipality was discontinuing the services in the night shift. "The workers' contract had expired on March 31, 2020, and further extension is not being sought," he said. While he is not aware of reasons as to why they discontinued the night shifts, the move stands in contradiction to an advisory issued by the Labour Commission of Maharashtra on 20 March. The advisory, a copy of which has been perused by Firstpost, asks public and private employers "to not terminate their employees, particularly casual or contractual workers". It further adds: "If any worker takes leave, he should be deemed to be on duty without any consequential deduction in wages for this period. Further, if the place of employment is to be made non-operational due to COVID-19, the employees of such unit will be deemed to be on duty". Unlike the A Ward official, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of MCGM Ashok Khaire said that the corporation had not issued orders to suspend any work. "We have asked for all essential services to continue as usual. I'm not aware of the A-ward workers' issue. It is the ward commissioner's job to address that," he said. The Solid Waste Management Department of the MCGM deploys a fleet of 6,500 contract workers, which is over its permanent staff of 28,000. It helps to keep the city precincts clean. The permanent staff gets higher wages, and benefits like holidays and medical coverage, even though the quantum of work is the same. Contract workers are hired by a private contractor under a special Non Governmental Organisation to work for the MCGM. Every six months, workers are shuffled from one contractor NGO to the other. Experts say this is done to circumvent labour laws that qualify contract workers as permanent staff if they stay employed at one place for 180 days. A Madiga from the Scheduled Caste category, Balkoti hails from Narayanpet district in Telangana. He and most of his colleagues have no other source of income. "My house is still running on last month's groceries. I couldn't even stock up for the lockdown," he said. Balkoti is a member of the Kachra Vahtuk Shramik Sangh, a union working for the rights of the unorganised labourers in waste management. The union has written to the MCGM Commissioner, Praveen Pardeshi, on the matter but hasn't received a response. Follow LIVE updates on the coronavirus outbreak here Milind Ranade, general secretary of KVSS, said that the corporation's move amounted to contempt of a Supreme Court judgement of April 2017, which granted permanent status to 2,700 contract workers of the MCGM. "The MCGM knows these workers are protected by the apex court. How can they oust them from work?" Ranade asked. Presently, three other cases filed by the KVSS seeking permanency for workers are pending in the Industrial Tribunal Court, comprising 1300, 1100 and 580 workers. The SC, in the 2017 judgment, had also awarded arrears ranging between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 4 lakh to be paid to each of the 2,700 workers, depending on their work experience. Three years on, 1,100 workers out of the 2,700 are yet to be confirmed or paid the arrears, due to a mismatch in the spelling of their names. Sainath Narsappa Barla, 37, is among the 1,100 who are still waiting for their "permanent letter". He was one of the workers laid off on April 1 after working in the department since 2006. "For three years they have been saying we will rectify the errors and issue the letter, but nothing has happened," Barla said. "I don't have Rs 1,500 to pay monthly school fees for my two children," he said. Barla lives with his wife, children, and parents in a two-tier 7X8 ft kholi in Vijayanagar, Dharavi. If he had the letter, Barla said he would not be in this situation right now. "They're saying it can take 2-3 months before they call us back to work. But who knows how long COVID-19 will last? How will we survive?" He feels like MCGM betrayed him. "We worked hard all these years, whether it was daily cleaning, or emergency clean-up like high tide garbage, oil spill, building collapse, fires, tree-fall. We do the same work as the permanent staff, but there is no security for us," Barla said. Vishal Gulabchand Patwa, 30, lost his mother to a heart ailment on April 4. His father suffers from diabetes and cataract. His brother, an autorickshaw driver, has been out of work since the lockdown. "They are saying there is no garbage so we don't need you. But you can come and check it out at night to see how much garbage is being collected," Patwa, who also stays in Dharavi, said. "Have people stopped producing garbage because of the lockdown? Have the trees stopped shedding leaves? They cannot make court labourers sit at home. I have worked for 13 years with the MCGM," he added. For Patwa, who has a B.Com degree from Khar Educational Society, the loss of the job has come as a blow. "I finished my degree by working as a sweeper at night, and studying by day. I got into this line as I was not getting a job anywhere," he said. In 2016, he decided to stay on in the municipality after he and 1,100 workers got a favourable order for permanency from the Industrial Tribunal Court, Bandra. The case is still pending in the court. Shamsher Ahmed Ansari (28), who also got laid off on 1 April, would take the train from Mumbra to Churchgate in South Mumbai every day for work. During the lockdown, when the trains stopped running, he spent 2.5 hours commuting one-way, via bus and walking, to reach A ward. Last month, he welcomed a baby into the family. "I need to pay rent, buy my mother's cancer medicines, buy food and milk for the baby. I call the contractor every day for the payment," he said. The contractor told him the money had been deposited but the bank couldn't process it as it was under-staffed. "The MCGM should pay us even if they are stopping work. How do they expect us to survive otherwise?" he said. If this had happened during normal times, the workers said, they would have protested outside the MCGM office or Azad Maidan. "But with Section 144 imposed, four or more people cannot gather anywhere. We're helpless," said Barla. He summed up their collective plight, "We are willing to do this work despite the risks. If we don't do that, we'll starve. I don't want my children to be thrown out of school." Pontiff calls for solidarity across the world to confront the epochal challenge posed by the coranavirus pandemic. Pope Francis has called for solidarity across the world to confront the epochal challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic, in his traditional Easter address on Sunday. The European Union is presently facing an epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world, said the 83-year-old pontiff addressing the worlds 1.3 billion Catholics from an empty Saint Pauls Cathedral at a ceremony attended by just a handful of priests. Pope Francis broke with centuries of tradition to livestream Easter Sunday mass to those suffering in the solitude of a coronavirus lockdown that forced the worlds Catholics to improvise on their holiest day. He recalled that Europe rose again after World War II, thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past. This is not a time for self-centredness, because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons, he said. The pope urged political leaders, in particular, to give hope and opportunity to laid-off workers, and called for sanctions relief, debt forgiveness and ceasefires to calm conflicts and financial crises around the globe. He also offered thanks and encouragement to doctors and nurses who have worked to the point of exhaustion and not infrequently at the expense of their own health. On Saturday, Pope Francis led an Easter eve mass in an empty St Peters Basilica, and urged people to not yield to fear and focus on a message of hope. The vigil, which normally takes place in a church packed with about 10,000 people, was closed to the public and attended by only about two dozen, including a few altar servers and a smaller-than-usual choir. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, it was scaled back to eliminate several traditional features, such as the baptism of adult converts and a long procession up the main aisle of Christendoms largest church. Darkness and death do not have the last word, the pontiff said, referring to the outbreak. Over these weeks, we have kept repeating, All will be well, clinging to the beauty of our humanity and allowing words of encouragement to rise up from our hearts. But as the days go by and fears grow, even the boldest hope can dissipate. Let us not give in to resignation We can and must hope, Francis added at the vigil, which was livestreamed. Live stream equipment is tested the day before Easter Sunday mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church on April 11, 2020, in South Orange, New Jersey [Elsa/Getty Images/AFP] The Vaticans entrance is sealed off by armed police wearing facemasks and rubber gloves, as the death toll in Italy reached 19,468 with more than 152,000 confirmed cases. Francis himself has reportedly been tested twice for COVID-19 since coming down with a cold at the end of February. Rome and the rest of Italy have been living under forced confinement since early March due to the pandemic, whose official death toll has soared past 100,000. Time of death Fear and confusion in the face of the pandemic is reshaping society and transforming the way religion is observed. The popes virtual prayers are just the most vivid example of religious improvisation in the age of physical distancing and confinement. In countries around the world, Catholics followed the papal service or masses said by priests in their own empty churches and broadcast on television or over the internet. 200410133556732 Do not be afraid, do not yield to fear: This is the message of hope. It is addressed to us, today. These are the words that God repeats to us this very night, Francis said. He encouraged people to be messengers of life in a time of death, again condemning the arms trade and urging those better off to help the poor. Let us silence the cries of death, no more wars! May we stop the production and trade of weapons, since we need bread, not guns, Francis said. All of the popes Holy Week activities were modified, taking place with no public participation. The Easter Sunday mass usually attracts up to 100,000 people to St Peters Square. Easter, which this year fell on April 12, is the most important festival in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ in celebrations that are traditionally marked with hope. Good Samaritan Sarah Crossland shared the angry note that was left on her car when she went to drop some shopping off for a vulnerable person. (Picture: Facebook) A good samaritan who was dropping off food for a vulnerable person during the coronavirus lockdown has shared a note she found on her car when she returned, urging people: dont be judgemental. Sarah Crossland had parked her car in the street in Morley, Leeds, to drop off some shopping for someone unable to go out. But when she returned to her vehicle, a note had been pushed through a gap in the window and left on her seat, saying: I have recorded your registration number... You have no business in this street. You have broken the quarantine regulation lockdown! Sarah Crossland shared a picture of the note on Facebook, urging people not to be judgemental. (Picture: Facebook) Sharing a picture of the handwritten note on a Facebook group in Leeds, she wrote: This is a public service announcement on Quarantine rules and how not to be judgemental. I dropped some shopping off for someone vulnerable. I did their shopping alongside my own weekly shop. I parked my car near their house. My window was slightly open due to it being warm. 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 coronavirus is spreading When I got back in my car, I found this passive aggressive note on my seat. I would have been more than happy to explain what I was doing via social distancing, although I thought the shopping bags in my hand and in the car might have been a giveaway. Moral of the story? Don't be judgemental to people who are trying to help others The NHS has recruited an army of 750,000 volunteers to help vulnerable people after an original appeal for 250,000 people was inundated with offers of help. Those who have signed up are helping with everything from delivering shopping and medication to transporting patients and NHS equipment or even checking on people or calling them regularly. On top of official volunteers, many communities have launched their own informal efforts to help the vulnerable, collecting shopping, picking up prescriptions, walking dogs and more. Story continues Coronavirus: what happened today In this Dec. 17, 2019 file photo, attorney Michael Avenatti arrives at federal court in New York to enter a plea to an indictment charging him with trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike. Avenatti, who awaits a June 2020 sentencing after he was convicted of trying to extort $25 million from the sportswear giant, was temporarily freed from a federal jail in New York City due to concerns that his medical history will make him more susceptible to coronavirus. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) But the balanced budgets have deteriorated into large budget deficits. When the pandemic hit, many big emerging economies like those of South Africa, Nigeria and Argentina faced a large twin deficit in both the government budget and the current account a measure of how much nations need to borrow abroad to finance their spending habits. Now spooked investors are fleeing to the relative safety of the U.S. dollar, weakening the currencies of emerging economies and further undermining their ability to pay their bills. The result is an unprecedented rush for bailouts: The pandemic crisis has put the I.M.F. back in business. In recent years, the I.M.F. typically fielded 10 to 15 requests for assistance. Since the outbreak began, it has gotten requests from nearly 80 countries for emergency financial help, and the concern now is whether the funds $1 trillion dollar war chest is enough to cope with this crisis. Countries from Ecuador to Zambia are already asking creditors for some form of debt forgiveness. Global trade has also played a role: As it slowed after 2008, many large emerging economies like those of India, Indonesia and Brazil were partly shielded by resilient demand from domestic consumers. With the pandemic, international trade has slowed even further and it has shut down domestic commerce as well. More than 15 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, but in poor countries some two billion people face joblessness without benefits. Unemployment insurance in developed countries typically covers six out of 10 workers who lose formal jobs, compared with just one out of 10 in developing countries where most people do not hold formal jobs. As a result, many officials in the emerging world say they cant simply copy the measures adopted in wealthy countries. Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan, recently tweeted that South Asia is faced with the stark choice between a lockdown to control the virus and ensuring that people dont die of hunger and our economy doesnt collapse. What comes next is largely up to the virus. While some commentators are already drawing comparisons to the Great Depression, consensus forecasts call for global growth to contract by 3 percent this year and recover sharply next year which would fall far short of the 6 percent contraction between 1929 and 1932. Government stimulus programs were first hatched in response to the Depression, too late to prevent it, but now the world is rolling out more than $10 trillion in stimulus more than twice the amount spent between 2008 and 2009 to combat the global financial crisis. Some real-time coronavirus trackers are showing that the growth rate of the number of new cases started to fall last week both worldwide and in critical hot spots, including Spain, Italy and Germany. Now many emerging-world leaders are hoping that the contagion will be slowed at their border by two factors: warm weather and youth. The San Francisco earthquake of 1906, and subsequent fire, devastated the city 115 years ago today. These color photographs of the damage were taken just months after the earthquake and fire, earlier than previously thought. The images bring a strange vibrancy and accessibility to a city in ruins like never before. Taken by photo pioneer Frederick Ives, the images were first unearthed by the Smithsonian in 2011. They're part of a set of six taken just after the earthquake and show the ruins along Market Street and scenes from the roof of the Hotel Majestic, on Sutter Street at Gough. Colorist Stuart Humphryes recently shared the images on Twitter. SFGATE spoke to Stuart about the photos, and what makes them so compelling. "These jaw-dropping images of San Francisco in 1906 are particularly stunning and have a contemporary immediacy which transcends the centuries. Frederick Ives was far ahead of his time, but his Kromgram process was doomed to commercial failure because it was complex and costly a fatal combination in the marketplace then, just as it is today." Humphryes said. Ives' patented Kromgram process was ahead of its time, incorporating 3D viewing and color, but would be eclipsed by the Lumiere brothers' autochrome process in 1907. "But look at the legacy of his work: These images could have been taken in the 1970s and really enable the viewer to emotionally engage and feel what it was like to walk those streets amidst the devastation. Truly remarkable and compelling work!" Humphryes said. Along with the damaged Flood Building, which still stands today, and old Call newspaper building on Market Street, a close look at some of the billboards in the imagery shows one for chewing tobacco and another advertising women's shoes on sale for 25 cents. The photos that Ives created were intended to be viewed in 3-D through a stereoscopic viewing device. "Can you imagine how shocking these were?" Shannon Perich of the Smithsonian's photography history collection said at the time they were uncovered. Take a look at the slideshow above to see Ives' stunning shots. The Indian Armys artillery assault on terror launch pads at Dudhnial facing the Keran sector across the Line of Control (LoC) on April 10 killed eight terrorists and 15 Pakistan Army soldiers, two people in the security establishment told Hindustan Times. It was a message to Pakistan, one of them said, that nothing goes unpunished. On the banks of Kishanganga river, Dudhnial was targeted to retaliate to ceasefire violations by Pakistan. It was from this mountain town that the five terrorists neutralised by the Indian Army special forces in the Keran sector on April 5 had been launched. Out of five terrorists killed, three belonged to Jammu and Kashmir and the other two had trained with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), people familiar with the development said. Efforts to establish their identity are still on. Pakistan Army has confirmed that Indian Army fired in Sharda, Dudhnial and Shahkot sectors along the LoC, the de facto border. But it had claimed that only four civilians including a 15- year- old girl sustained serious injuries. Islamabad also blamed the Indian Army of 708 ceasefire violations in 2020, that it said, killed two civilians and injured another 42. The Pakistan Army spokesperson also said the Pakistan Army countered the Indian assault by targeting Indian Army posts along the LoC with matching weapon calibre or simply put artillery guns and heavy mortars. This, according to Indian intelligence reports, was an effort to camouflage the extent of the casualties on the Pakistani side. According to these intelligence reports, 15 Pakistan army troopers were killed along with eight terrorists on April 10 when the army hit targets in the Keran sector using long-range ammunition. Some collateral damage, mostly shops where food and logistics supplies were stored, in the Dudhnial area have also been reported. Pakistan watchers say that Indian Army had no option but to target the launch pads as nearly 160 terrorists of mixed tanzeemsLashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish e Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen were waiting in the area to infiltrate into Kashmir. The situation is no different in locations south of Pir Panjal in Rajouri and Jammu sector where intelligence reports pointed to the presence of 70 Jaish terrorists waiting for an opportunity to cross into India. A senior intelligence official told HT that it was not a coincidence that violations of ceasefire are being reported from Balakote and Mendhar sectors, firing mortars along LoC. The situation along the LoC is very hot right now as we speak, he said. Terrorists often sneak into Jammu and Kashmir under cover fire from the Pakistani army. Intelligence agencies have estimated that there are a total of about 242 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir experts, past experience shows that the moment this number crosses 300, there will be a spike in violence and targeted attacks on security forces and political leaders who speak out against Pakistan. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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. For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here 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. Track sate-wise confirmed coronavirus cases here 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. 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. 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. 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. The controversial entrepreneur recently shared an image on Twitter depicting our planet being smashed through by an asteroid, all the while, an astronaut on the moon exclaims his worry about the world's economy. The tweet is thought to be a reference to how some people are more concerned with the state of the economy than the state of the coronavirus pandemic. Musk captioned his tweet only: 'But actually.' One user replied with a similar photo, an asteroid about to hit Earth in the age of the dinosaurs, and the massive reptiles exclaiming what the state of their stocks will be after the event. Users have mixed perspectives regarding the message of the tweet, with some thinking it was a comparison to the actual state of the world's economy, as Musk was noted saying the global economic growth would be 'sharply negative' this year. Effect on the economy Reuters exclaimed the sudden decline would lead to 'the worst fallout' ever since the Great Depression in the 1930s. They state that in 2021, only partial recovery would be seen. The recent news follows Tesla temporarily cutting the pay of its employees and laying off some of its staff that are on hourly wage; leaked information from an email sent to one of the employees. It also follows a previous statement from the entrepreneur saying the fears over the coronavirus pandemic are 'dumb.' The automotive company, Tesla, will reportedly resume its production of vehicles on May 4, stated in an email by North American HR head, Valerie Workman, as seen by CNBC. The reported pay cuts will be staggered, based off of seniority level, where Vice Presidents and above will take a 30% cut, Directors and above will have a 20% cut, and for everyone below, only a 10% cut. This guideline would continue up until the second quarter of the year, per the email sent. The furlough workers, on the other, will not receive any payment from the company, but will still be eligible for healthcare benefits. On March 23, the giant company had no choice but to stop production at its main factory in Fremont, California, due to the effects of the global outbreak. Similarly, its solar panel factory found in New York has also closed its doors. The workforce of the Nevada Gigafactory has also diminished by more than 75%. It was reported that the workers would be on paid leave during the crisis, but the leaked email reveals otherwise. It also advises the recipients to look for unemployment benefits. If any personnel feel somewhat ill or are afraid of going to work are advised to stay at home. The company stated that they will respect the decisions and will not penalize any staff for it. Read Also: Final Fantasy VII Remake Geos Live On PS4: Here's What You Should Know As You Dive In To The World Of Midgar And Begin Your Adventure The Tesla CEO is famous for his unexpectedly steep expectations of its personnel. He has been accused of not allowing his workers any sick days and to have 100% focus on their mission. One such case in 2015, where he reportedly undermined an employee's reason for attending the birth of his child resulting in the employee missing a meeting. Musk also allegedly told a worker they did not see the vision and mission of the company, as stated by an employee who asked if he could leave to see his family. The globally known CEO shared on Twitter, "The coronavirus panic is dumb," last March 6, amid the unfolding of the global pandemic. This incident came parallel to the event where the death count for the US due to the coronavirus rose to 17. He then later claimed that children were 'immune' to the virus, sparking an outroar of users on Twitter. His remark stated that kids are immune, but the more elderly population who had prior conditions were more vulnerable. Those family gatherings where grandparents have close contact with kids were more prone to spreading the infection. A complete turn-around A sudden change in perspective happened with the CEO as he stated to reopen Tesla's New York factory 'as soon as possible' to aid the production of ventilators for use in the crisis. Musk also purchased 1,000 ventilators from China and brought them to the United States to deliver to a California hospital. The shipment was brought along to help with the treatment of several coronavirus patients. Read Also: NASA And Russia Launches Astronauts To The International Space Station With Stricter Safety Precautions Amid Coronavirus Outbreak President Donald Trump slammed the World Health Organization at a news briefing last week and was immediately accused of scapegoating. Peter Baker of The New York Times tweeted that "Trump has found a new villain for the coronavirus pandemic," and The Guardian newspaper described the president as "in an increasingly frantic effort to shift blame." There's no doubt that Trump is inclined to shift blame when possible (and even when it isn't). He'll never take ownership of the testing debacle at the outset of our coronavirus response or admit it was wrong initially to minimize the virus. Yet none of this detracts from the force of his critiques of China (although he blows hot and cold on that) and the WHO, which are at the center of this international catastrophe and must be held to account. Without China's deceit and WHO's solicitude for Beijing, the outbreak might have been more limited, and the world at the very least would have had more time to react. China committed unforgivable sins of commission, affirmatively lying about the outbreak and punishing doctors and disappearing journalists who told the truth, whereas the WHO committed sins of omission -- it lacked independence and courage at a moment of great consequence. In effect, China and the WHO worked together to expose the rest of the world to the virus, at the same time they downplayed its dangers. China acted as you'd expect. Countries that run gulags aren't typically noted for their good governance and transparency. The WHO is supposed to be different. It says its values "reflect the principles of human rights, universality and equity." According to its constitution, "The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent on the fullest co-operation of individuals and States." But it's hard to see how the WHO would have acted any differently if its constitution contained a proviso stipulating that it should validate Chinese propaganda as much as possible, especially in the midst of a world-threatening outbreak of a novel virus. On Jan. 14, WHO tweeted that "preliminary investigations" by Chinese authorities had found no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Several days later, it reported "limited" human-to-human transmission, although it downplayed the finding as typical of respiratory illnesses. Then, the WHO declined to call the outbreak in China a public health emergency of international concern on Jan. 22, at the same time there were confirmed cases in Taiwan, Australia, Japan, Thailand and South Korea. After the WHO finally declared the emergency, it proceeded to drag its feet on declaring a pandemic, waiting until March 12. One of the worst things China did was seal off Hubei province from the rest of the country while flights continued around the world. Was the WHO concerned about that? No, it was fully on board. As a headline in Reuters put it in early February, "WHO chief says widespread travel bans not needed to beat China virus." Incredibly enough, in late January, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was praising Chinese officials for "the transparency they have demonstrated." Despite the emerging consensus that China has lied about its number of cases and deaths, WHO hasn't yet said a discouraging word about China's actions. It's been resolute, though, in excluding Taiwan from its workings, just as Beijing dictates. From a public health perspective, this has it exactly backward. Taiwan has proved quite adept at controlling outbreaks and got this one exactly right, in large part because it didn't believe anything that China or the WHO said. In a better world, Tedros would resign immediately and the U.S. would make its continued, ample funding of the organization dependent on his departure. Trump takes more than his share of potshots, but that doesn't mean he's always off the mark. China and the WHO are genuine malefactors who deserve all the obloquy the president, and anyone else, can heap on them. Rich Lowry is on Twitter @RichLowry Love 1 Funny 5 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 1 Two more persons have died of coronavirus infection in Indore, taking the toll in the Madhya Pradesh city to 32, officials said on Sunday. After the death of the two patients, aged 75 and 65 years, their sample test reports came out positive for coronavirus, Indore's Chief Medical and Health Officer Praveen Jadiya said. He did not immediately disclose the date of death of both the patients. In the last 48 hours, 49 new cases of coronavirus have been found in the city, including a doctor from a private hospital and a nurse. With this, the number of COVID-19 patients in Indore, the state's industrial hub, has gone up to 298. Of these, 32 people, or 10.74 per cent of the total patients in Indore, have succumbed to the viral disease. The death rate of COVID-19 patients in the city has remained higher than that at the national level for the last several days. The city administration has imposed curfew in the urban limits of Indore since March 25. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) M ountain rescuers have urged people to stay at home after a three-hour late-night operation to assist an injured woman on moorland in Lancashire. Oldham Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT) said it was called out by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) on Saturday night. They were brought in to help recover the casualty who had hurt her leg "whilst out enjoying the Easter sun". It comes after repeated calls from the Government to stick to lockdown rules over Easter Bank Holiday amid the coronavirus pandemic. A team of 18 personnel were involved in responding to the incident on Blackstone Edge near Littleborough, Rochdale. In a statement on its Facebook page, OMRT said: "Late on Saturday evening, the Team was asked by North West Ambulance Service to assist them with the evacuation of a young female who had sustained a lower leg injury whilst out enjoying the Easter sun on Blackstone Edge. "She was treated at the scene by NWAS before being carried by stretcher to our Land Rover and then transported to the road head for onward transport in the NWAS ambulance. "All of this was done while following OMRT's Covid-19 protocol and observing social distancing wherever possible, as well as further time back at base disinfecting kit and making sure we're ready to respond to the next call. Web Toolbar by Wibiya Since the beginning of the outbreak, claims on the link between the effects of the new 5G technology and coronavirus have progressively gained more attention. From renowned physicians to celebrities, many people have hypothesised about this issue, and now a group of British activists has also raised its voice against 5G technology, stating that it could be acting as accelerator for the coronavirus disease. According to an article published on British online newspaper The Daily Star, a new conspiracy theory has found an eager audience: that the symptoms of the virus high fever, coughing and shortness of breath are actually the human body responding to exposure to 5G. Anti-5G critics based in the UK believe the virus likely began in a market in Wuhan and travelled here through transmission, The Daily Star informs. But they're concerned the ultra-fast network currently operating in almost 100 locations around Britain could be helping it to spread more quickly, it continues. Two activists, Louise Thomas from Somerset, and Tanja Rebel from the Isle of Wight College, expressed their concern about the consequences of 5G devices on peoples health. We can't say 5G has caused the coronavirus, but it might be exacerbating it, Ms Thomas declared to The Daily Star. Many studies show that Electro-Magnetic Radiation (EMR) suppresses the immune system and that it helps viruses and bacteria thrive. So EMR and in particular 5G could act as an accelerator for the disease. We do not know for sure, but common sense and the precautionary principle decree that we urgently need a moratorium on the roll-out of 5G until we can show that it is safe, Ms Rebel explained. For this reason, the Isle Of Wight College lecturer believes that it is critically urgent that the British government adopts strict control measures over the 5G rollout. Especially in today's situation it is paramount that we do not play further with lives, she said. "Anything else would be deeply reckless", she added. Draw your own conclusions I invite you to read Peter Tremblay's 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 he cites in his book appears to be connected with the current "coronavirus" pandemic simulation. Today is Easter, and that means that Christians around the city, state, nation and world will be celebrating new life through resurrection. It may be a bit hard to get into the Easter spirit when churches are closed, travel has almost stopped and large gatherings have ceased. Just as Easter 2020 has changed for so many of us, the message is still the same. And that message is that we will rise again. As Gov. Steve Bullock did the necessary and the very much expected and extended the shelter-in-place order through April 24, we continued to feel anxiety, uncertainty, frustration and even desperation. We cannot help but ask the questions: When will life return to normal, and what will that new normal look like? We miss going to work and our friends there. We miss the paycheck. We yearn for a time when even sitting in a coffee shop seemed so normal that we hardly gave it a second thought. We have found a new appreciation for teachers and even our children seem to miss school. For some of us, the term "Zoom" was virtually unknown or described moving quickly. Today, it's the way we connect to the rest of the world as we socially distance ourselves. Over 45,000 three-month mortgage breaks have been granted or are close to completion. The number is believed to be an under-estimation though as reports are still due back from credit service firms and non-bank lenders. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has thanked the medics and staff of the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) for saving his life after he tested positive for the coronavirus, saying he owed them his life. In his first public statement since being moved out of the intensive care at St. Thomas' Hospital in London on Saturday, the 55-year-old Johnson said, I can't thank them enough, I owe them my life. Downing Street has said that Johnson, who completes a week in hospital on Sunday after being shifted there with persistent COVID-19 symptoms, continues to make very good progress while on the ward. He has been able to take short walks as his doctors monitor his recovery after being moved out of the intensive care and has been watching films and doing puzzles in his hospital bed. Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant with their first child, is said to have sent him letters and baby scans to lift his spirits during his time in the hospital. Thousands of get-well soon cards have also poured in for the prime minister since he went into self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus over two weeks ago. Asked about plans for his return to work, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Saturday that the UK PM needed "time and space to rest, recuperate and recover". The Indian-origin Cabinet minister, who led the daily Downing Street update on the pandemic on Saturday, revealed that the UK had recorded 917 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total deaths in the country to 9,875. According to the Johns Hopkins University data, the country has nearly 80,000 cornavirus cases. Patel urged people to stay at home over the Easter weekend to curb the spread of the virus, despite warm and sunny weather across parts of the UK. We have given the police powers to enforce the necessary measures we have put in place, including through enforcement fines," said Patel. "If you don't play your part... our selfless police will be unafraid to act. You will be endangering the lives of your own family, friends and loved ones," she said. Meanwhile, an Easter message posted on the official 10 Downing Street Twitter account on behalf of the prime minister also urged people to stay at home to save lives. It read: Wishing everyone a very happy Easter from Downing Street. This year across the country churches will remain closed, and families will spend the day apart. But by staying home, remember, you are protecting the NHS and saving lives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thinking ahead isnt something the Statehouses inmates often do. And as to the coronavirus, Ohio isnt out of the woods. Still, the General Assembly will have big decisions to make when it eventually returns to Columbus. Those 132 men and women will have a lot of (what they consider) brilliant ideas for Ohios recovery. (Meanwhile, the pandemic is also strangling Ohios county, city and village budgets because of sinking collections of counties piggyback sales taxes, and cities and villages municipal income taxes.) To focus legislators energy is likely why the Ohio Houses Republican leader, Speaker Larry Householder, of Perry Countys Glenford, has lofted some trial balloons for a post-COVID-19 agenda. Key goal: stabilizing state finances. The Ohio Constitution requires a balanced state budget. But the pandemic is hammering down tax collections. That almost certainly means the General Assembly will tap Ohios rainy-day Budget Stabilization Fund. The question will be, by how much? And for which programs? But even tapping the rainy day fund wont prevent cuts in the states two-year budget. The budget totals about $69.8 billion. Of that, $32.9 billion is for Medicaid; $25.1 billion for K-12 and higher education; and $4.2 billion for prisons. Those categories total about $62.1 billion (about 89 percent of the budgets grand total). First off, as to K-12 education ($19.8 billion over two years), reforming funding is a concrete policy goal Householder unquestionably has. The state Supreme Court, in a case originating in Householders Perry County, ordered the legislature 23 years ago (on March 24, 1997) to make a complete systematic overhaul of school funding. The legislature never has. This is only a guess, but if Larry Householder has such things as legacy goals for his General Assembly career, one of them likely is genuine reform of school funding. That makes deep, pandemic-fueled cuts in K-12 funding unlikely. Medicaid is hugely expensive, but the federal government, in varying ratios, matches Ohios dollars. Besides, Ohio is aging, and the need for quality Medicaid-funded care for older Ohioans is growing. But legislators do have ways to cut the number of inmates in Ohios state prisons which hold way too many nonviolent drug offenders. The states prisons held 48,697 inmates in January. (Average annual cost per inmate: $27,835.) In mid-1974, the prisons held 10,707 inmates. A big reason for todays bloat: grandstanding crime bills the legislature passes. Meanwhile, the budget squeeze is threatening one of Republican Gov. Mike DeWines key policy goals the H2Ohio program, to help clean up Lake Erie by targeting agribusiness pollution of the Maumee Rivers watershed. State Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda announced Tuesday that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a necessary reevaluation of ODAs budget for the H2Ohio Initiative. Necessary reevaluation is a polite phrase for likely budget cuts, very bad news for all the Ohioans who have been struggling for so many years to clean up Lake Erie. Householder is very knowledgeable about the artful political techniques of another Appalachian Republican, James A. Rhodes, Ohios longest-serving governor. A Rhodes mainstay: state bond issues that created construction jobs. Householder has dropped hints about a possible state bond issue to finance public construction projects. If that surfaces, Goal No. 1 should be building a statewide high-speed broadband network. The COVID-19 pandemic, bad as it is, would be totally unmanageable but for the information that many but not all Ohioans can get from the web. Broadband companies have talked a good game, but too many Ohioans still have slow, or no, web connections. That has to end. Its a matter of public health, and safety. Footnote: Ohios rainy day fund, as noted last week, totals $2.7 billion thanks to former Republican Gov. John Kasich. Also creditworthy: In Ohios 2015-17 state budget, the Ohio Senates Republicans, then led by State Auditor Keith Faber, of Celina, increased the amount of money intended for the Rainy Day Fund from 5 percent of the previous years General Revenue Fund revenue to 8.5 percent. Without the Senate GOP amendment, a ballpark estimate is that todays $2.7 billion rainy day fund would have been capped at about $1.75 billion almost $1 billion less than its current total. Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens. To reach Thomas Suddes: tsuddes@cleveland.com, 216-408-9474 Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. A new Atlantic article details San Francisco Mayor London Breed's nation-leading response to the then-emerging coronavirus epidemic and retells the moment she realized she needed the city to jump into action. The story, "The City That Has Flattened the Coronavirus Curve," says the city first started monitoring COVID-19 around Christmas and, by January, was contemplating further action. Breed told The Atlantic that during one briefing with advisors, she was faced with "ghastly" photos and videos coming out of coronavirus-stricken Wuhan, China. "A pictures worth a thousand words seeing the images of what could potentially happen and then hearing your doctors tell you that we may not have the capacity to handle this situation," Breed said. "We have tons of hospitals in San Francisco. What do you mean we dont have the capacity to handle an outbreak of this capacity?" she added. "Thats when I was just like, 'Oh my goodness, this is serious.' And we need to basically sound the alarm in a way that helps us to get ready." Without a single confirmed case in San Francisco, Breed in February became the one of the first mayors in the nation to issue an emergency declaration, starting the process of preparing and allocating resources for a coronavirus disaster. "Although there are still zero confirmed cases in San Francisco residents, the global picture is changing rapidly, and we need to step-up preparedness," Breed said in a statement. "We see the virus spreading in new parts of the world every day, and we are taking the necessary steps to protect San Franciscans from harm." On March 16, in conjunction with six other Bay Area counties, she declared a shelter-in-place order. As mid-April approaches, it appears the quick action taken by Breed, the Bay Area and California has slowed and flattened the curve. Hospitals are not experiencing the same surge as states like New York, where over 8,600 people have died. California has 634 coronavirus-related deaths as of Sunday morning. The Atlantic also gives credit to Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco's director of the Department of Public Health, who began his career in San Francisco at the height of the AIDS epidemic. You can read the full magazine feature here. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on coronavirus here. New Delhi, April 12 : In an unprecedented exercise of tracking down several thousand people in the shortest span of time, the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) saved the day for India by identifying suspected carriers of COVID-19, who gathered at the Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi last month, and later dispersed to various parts of the country. The IB further tracked those, who were not part of the Jamaat, but had been located near the Markaz during the period when the virus was spreading in the vicinity. Top sources in the IB revealed to IANS that a huge data was dumped from several mobile towers located in the Nizamuddin area from March 14 to March 22 (2020), to precisely identify the 'human traffic' in the vicinity of the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz, where around 7,000 Jamaatis had gathered for a religious meeting in different dates. The hallmark of this exercise was a quick decision and a much quicker zero error execution of the plan. "The initial tip off came when trains originating from Nizamuddin station reached Hyderabad, in the second week of March. The local administration discovered that these trains were carrying passengers (mostly Jamaatis) and several amongst them tested positive for COVID-19. The IG, Intelligence Bureau, Vijayawada, communicated these scary developments to the higher ups," highly placed sources in the government revealed. By March 20, 10 Indonesian Jamaatis, returning from the Markaz were tested positive in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA), Delhi Police and the concerned civic authorities in south east Delhi were put on high alert. On ground zero, the authorities found that by March 23, 1500 Jamaatis had left the Markaz, but another 1,000 of them continued to stay in the six-storey building of the Jamaat in the densely populated Nizamuddin Area. Through the official registers, the IB sleuths and the police traced mobile numbers and addresses of around 4,000 members of the Tablighi Jamaat, mostly from the southern states of India, who had attended the meeting at the Markaz from March 13 onwards. Apprehending the possible spread of the virus in other parts of the country, the epidemic and infectious disease experts of the Union Health Ministry suggested the MHA to identify whole lot of people who visited the crowded the Nizamuddin area in second and third week of March, and put them through a COVID-19 test. "It was a mammoth surveillance exercise, literally unheard in the department. However, the IB officials with help of cellular operators launched the operation. In a very short time the sleuths had to collate and analyse the huge data and further disseminate it for the end users, across the country," said a DG level IPS officer. In a desperate bid to prevent community transmission of COVID-19, the Intelligence agency distributed a district wise list of people, who were spotted in and around Nizamuddin during the religious gathering of Jamaatis at Markaz. By March 30, lists containing thousands of names, mobile numbers and addresses were dispatched over to the police officials of concerned districts. "Yes, we received a letter revealing phone numbers and addresses of people who had gone to that area in Delhi. We have traced these people and informed the health officials for necessary tests," Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Jajhar Range, Haryana, Ashok Kumar told IANS adding, "most of the people, traced in vicinity of Nizamuddin, had gone there for business related work. Still we got them tested." Similar letters revealing names of the people whose location was traced to Nizamuddin area were sent to other districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Telangana were sent by the MAC, of the Intelligence Bureau. In Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, police traced several Jamaatis, on basis of data provided to them through SMAC (Subsidiary Multi Agency Centre) of the IB which shares intelligence with the state police. Some of the silent carriers of COVID-19, most of them Jamaatis and their kin, were isolated after they were put through the tests. Scores of Jamaatis who were missing from the radar, were tracked down and quarantined. "We also received precise information about people who visited the area around the Markaz. We subsequently traced these people and put them through medical tests. The exercise has in fact helped the country to efficiently tackle the menace of this virus which could have otherwise caused a devastating effect," said Rajesh Kumar Pandey, DIG, Bareilly Range, Uttar Pradesh. Leader Kim Jong Un led a meeting of the politburo of North Korea's ruling party on Saturday where he highlighted the country's coronavirus precautions and promoted top officials, state media reported. The Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday that "thorough state measures" were in place to "protect the life and safety of our people." In photos of the meeting, none of the committee members who attended appeared to be wearing masks or adhering to social distancing measures. State media also detailed that Kim Yo Jong had been appointed an "alternate member" of the politburo. Kim Yo Jong is widely believed to be Kim Jong Un's younger sister, and for years has been taking a more prominent position among the socialist state's leadership. North Korean media was yet to report news of a routine parliament meeting, which was set to commence Friday 10 April. The Supreme People's Assembly normally meets at least once a year, sometimes twice, however top leader Kim Jong Un does not always attend. In recent years, North Korean media have reported Politburo meetings in the days preceding the parliament meetings, setting the agenda. Also on Sunday, North Korean media highlighted Kim visiting his air force. An undated report including photos of fighter jets taking to the skies, which follows military drills with missiles and mortars over the past weeks. When vans equipped with loudspeakers arrived in the South African mining town of Thlabane to urge residents to get screened for the coronavirus, restaurant worker Thembelihle didnt hesitate to join the queue. Were very afraid from what we are seeing on TV, the 34-year-old said after she completed her screening. The numbers are going up. South Africa this month became the first African country to roll out a nationwide screening and testing program to determine whether the disease has taken a foothold outside the affluent areas where it was first detected. Despite a stringent lockdown that appears to have brought the rate of infections under control, the government has reason to be concerned. In blue-collar towns like Thlabane, which is on the outskirts of Rustenburg, theres limited space to practice social distancing, and the virus could spread far faster than it has in the well-heeled suburbs of Johannesburg and Cape Town. We dont want to follow, we want to lead, said Karmani Chetty, chief executive officer of the National Health Laboratory Services. We were aware that South Korea, China and Singapore were very aggressive in their testing strategies. So this was a way we believed we could do it. Tests Doubled With the worlds highest number of HIV infections almost 8 million people out of a population of 59 million the country is banking on decades of experience in fighting communicable diseases. The government has deployed 67 mobile screening and testing vans along with 10,000 field workers in a bid to boost testing tenfold to 30,000 a day by the end of April. Half of the staff have been seconded from the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has operated in South Africa for 17 years. In Gauteng, the province that includes Johannesburg and accounts for about 40% of all known infections, about 27,000 people had been screened by April 9, according to provincial health authorities. Nationwide, the number of tests per day doubled between April 5 and April 8 to around 6,000, health department figures show. Internal transmission has started and it may spread silently, Zweli Mkhize, South Africas health minister, told reporters last week. We may have a runaway train with no way of applying the brakes. Residents wearing protective face masks queue to speak to a health worker during a health screening in Rustenburg on April 7. Initially, people will be screened for signs of infection, with samples taken and transported to a network of laboratories. Later, many of the vans will be kitted out with GeneXpert machines made by U.S.-based Cepheid and test results will be given on-site within 45 minutes. South Korean equipment may be brought in at a later stage. Entire Households Still, as countries worldwide scramble to procure medical and protective equipment, South Africa, which has just over 2,000 confirmed infections, isnt high on the priority list, said Glenda Gray, president of the South African Medical Research Council. One has to be cautious; even well-resourced countries struggle to contain this epidemic, she said. You can run your race fast if you have the shoes and the right track. We have to note the things that hamper us the lack of personal protective equipment and tests. While South Africas program is the biggest on the continent, other countries such as Ghana and Cameroon are undertaking similar programs. In Ghana, medical staff go from residence to residence in hotspots, or areas with known infections, to test entire households if one member shows symptoms. The number of cases reached 378 on Thursday after the government tested 14,000 samples. Its waiting for the outcome of a further 10,000 tests over the next week after taking a total of 37,405 samples. Covid-19 Screening in South Africas Bojanala Platinum District Residents speak with medical workers during a regional health screening at a National Health Laboratory Service mobile laboratory in Rustenburg, South Africa, on April. Cameroon has deployed 1,200 medical workers in the commercial hub of Douala, the start of a nationwide door-to-door screening program. Ivory Coast plans to set up 45 testing centers nationwide. While the outbreaks in most African countries are still relatively muted, screening is seen as the fastest way of containing localized outbreaks and an aggressive step forward from the current practice, which has focused on testing recent travelers with symptoms. The social makeup of South Africa and other African nations, which have a large proportion of people living in poverty and with little access to health care, has prompted many governments to take a proactive approach to the pandemic. I dont think South Korea has a place that looks like Alexandra, Diepsloot or Zandspruit, said Bandile Masuku, head of health in the provincial government of Gauteng, referring to three Johannesburg shantytowns. Making the program succeed is essential, said Chetty of the National Health Laboratory Services. We have to contain it for the sake of the country, she said. I really do believe that this will be one of the success stories. Now read: South Africa is not doing enough coronavirus tests (CNN) More than 20,000 people have died from the coronavirus in the United States, which now has more reported deaths than any country in the world, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. The US death toll on Saturday climbed to 20,283, surpassing that of Italy, which is reporting 19,468 deaths, per Johns Hopkins. At least 2,074 deaths were reported in the US on Friday, the largest increase in coronavirus fatalities the country has seen since the beginning of the outbreak. At least 522,286 people have tested positive for the virus, according to Johns Hopkins. Of the deaths reported Friday, 783 occurred in New York state, bringing the statewide death toll to 8,627, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday. That was a slight drop from the state's all-time high in single-day fatalities, which occurred Wednesday with 799 deaths. There were 777 deaths Thursday. "You can see that the number is somewhat stabilizing, but it is stabilizing at a horrific rate," Cuomo said. "These are just incredible numbers depicting incredible loss and pain." But Cuomo also shared what he called good news, saying the state's curve "is continuing to flatten." "The number of hospitalizations appears to have hit an apex, and the apex appears to be a plateau," the governor said, where numbers will level out for a period before dropping. The hospitalization rate is also down, Cuomo said, as are the number of intensive-care admissions. "Still people getting infected," he said, "still people going into the hospital, but again, a lower rate of increase." The US likely saw a peak in its daily death toll, according to Dr. Chris Murray, the director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington who created the model the White House is using to gauge the peak of coronavirus cases. "We re-run the model, basically, almost every night and 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," he said Friday. That model projects about 61,500 Americans will lose their lives to the virus by August if the country keeps social distance measures in place until the end of May. If they factor in states that may lift these rules by May 1, the numbers "don't look good," Murray said. While health experts are encouraged by signs that social distancing measures are having a positive impact, they warn re-opening the country too quickly could set the US back. Despite the positive signs, the US had not yet reached its peak in cases, Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus coordinator, said Friday. "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," she said. Saturday marked the first time every US state was under a federal disaster declaration simultaneously, after President Donald Trump approved one such declaration for Wyoming. It was the 55th disaster declaration issued in response to the coronavirus, following others in the other 49 states, Washington D.C., the US Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico. Deciding when to re-open the US In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Saturday that schools there would remain closed through the end of the school year while students continued to receive remote instruction. But that was soon undercut by Gov. Cuomo, who said that "no decision" had been made on closing schools through the end of the year, adding he valued the mayor's "opinion." "We may do that, but we're going to do it in a coordinated sense with the other localities," Cuomo said, adding: "It makes no sense for one locality to take an action that's not coordinated with the others." In response, a spokeswoman for the mayor's office said Cuomo's "reaction to us keeping schools closed is reminiscent of how he reacted when the Mayor called for a shelter in place. We were right then, we're right now." Additionally, Cuomo said no decision has been made on when businesses will reopen. That step, he said, should be coordinated with schools. The state will gather the best minds to study whether reopening the economy would trigger a "second wave" of infections, Cuomo said. "The worst thing that can happen is we make a misstep and we let our emotions get ahead of our logic and fact, and we go through this again in any manner, shape or form," he said. In Ohio, the number of people impacted is lower than previously projected. But before the state attempts a return to normal life, Gov. Mike DeWine said more work needs to be done and there will need to be "a lot more testing." "The reopening is going to have to be, you know, one step at a time, one stage at a time," he said. "We don't want to be premature," he said, "but we also want to assure people that we're planning for this." Meanwhile, local and state officials are cracking down on mass gatherings like church services as Easter weekend begins. In Kentucky, authorities will record license plates of those who show up to any gatherings and hand that information over to the local health department, which will require those individuals to stay quarantined for 14 days, Gov. Andy Beshear announced. The state is down to less than seven churches statewide that are still "thinking about" having an in-person service this weekend, he said. "I think it's not a test of faith whether you're going to an in-person service," Beshear said. "It's a test of faith that you're willing to sacrifice to protect your fellow man, your fellow woman, your fellow Kentuckian, and your fellow American." President Donald Trump, who two weeks ago said he was hoping to have the country open back up by Easter, said Friday he wouldn't do anything until he knew the country was healthy again. "I would love to open it. I have not determined anything, the facts are going to determine what I do. But we do want to get the country opened, so important," he said. Internally, officials are pushing to reopen the country by next month, with specific discussions underway about May 1, a person familiar with the talks told CNN. "I'm going to have to make a decision and I only hope to God that it's right decision," the President said Friday. "But I would say without question it's the biggest decision I've ever had to make." The opening may come at different stages, Trump said. Risk of rebound in cases in July Multiple state leaders said social distancing measures are having an effect. Hospitalizations in Connecticut are dropping. Arkansas also saw the lowest number of hospitalizations compared to neighboring states. The number of affected people in Ohio is lower than previously projected. And in California, hospitals saw a nearly 2% drop in ICU patients. In New Jersey cases climbed to 58,151, Gov. Phil Murphy said Saturday. But while that number is "scary," the state is "beginning to beat this virus back," he said. Government projections obtained by The New York Times show coronavirus infections and deaths could dramatically increase if social distancing and other measures were lifted after 30 days. If stay-at-home orders were lifted after a month, the government report says, there would be a bump in the demand for ventilators and the US death toll could reach 200,000, the Times reported. A Health and Human Services spokesperson told CNN, "We do not comment on any alleged, leaked documents." CNN has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment. Murray told CNN Friday night that if mitigation measures were lifted by May 1, cases could go back up in the summer. "If we were to stop at the national level May 1st, we're seeing (in models) a return to almost where we are now sometime in July, so a rebound." Murray said. "There's a very substantial risk of rebound if we don't wait to the point where most transmission is near zero in each state." More states expecting their peak soon According to the IHME model created by Murray's team, states such as New York and New Jersey may have passed their peaks this week, but others including Florida and Texas could see the worst by the end of the month. New York and New Jersey account for about half of all US deaths that have been reported, the CDC said Friday. By Saturday, at least 2,183 people had died in New Jersey, the governor said. De Blasio, the New York City mayor, said Friday that "this is a week where we've reached milestones we could never have imagined: 5,000 New Yorkers lost, so many more than we even lost on our worst day on 9/11." The CDC cautioned a variety of factors including population density and testing capacity could explain why some regions have more cases and deaths than others, adding that case counts are also likely "underestimated" and deaths are underreported. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said thanks to social distancing measures, the state has been able to flatten its curve and expects to see its peak in May. In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves said he was "very concerned" and warned residents the "peak is coming soon." The state is under a shelter-in-place order until April 20. This story was first published on CNN.com 'The United States is reporting 20,000 coronavirus deaths, more than any other country' A man has been arrested on suspicion of slashing the tires of some nurses working on the frontline amid the coronavirus pandemic. New York state police reported that the tires of 22 vehicles were found slashed Friday outside New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt after staff had ended their stress-filled overnight shifts at 7am. Daniel R. Hall, 29, was arrested on charges including criminal mischief in the second degree and possession of a controlled substance in a fifth degree. In this image from video provided by News12 Hudson Valley, one of 22 vehicles with a flat tire is seen in the parking lot. Police arrested a 29-year-old man and charged him with possession of a controlled substance and criminal mischief for slashing the tires. Police said he had a small amount of PCP when he was arrested Police said he had a small amount of PCP when he was arrested. Both offenses are class D felonies. Before the tires were slashed, dozens of police officers and firefighters had gathered outside the hospital Thursday night to applaud the health care workers, who like their colleagues across New York state have been treating patients stricken by the coronavirus, the newspaper reported. 'What our hospital is focusing on today is the beautiful tribute given by our first responders last night,' the hospital statement said. Hospital officials said they would pay for the damage. But they were taken aback at how someone could commit such an act during a time of crisis. The incident occurred outside New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt, New York on Saturday 'We were shocked to hear of this incident, especially at this time when our employees are working tirelessly and courageously' through the COVID-19 pandemic, the officials said in a statement to the Journal News. In New York there had been more than 181,000 coronavirus cases and 9,385 deaths as of Sunday morning. Peekskill Police said Hall was arraigned before the Westchester County Court, and remanded to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail, or $5,000 secure bond. Hall is next scheduled to appear before the city of Peekskill Court on May 18. It's not clear whether he has an attorney who can speak for him. Actor and chat show host Neha Dhupia faced a barrage of attack from trolls when she spoke about adultery and violence against women on an episode of Roadies Revolution. Speaking about it, in a new interview to Bollywood Hungama, the actor said a small chunk of her comment was highlighted. She was quoted as saying: I love every bit of being on the show. It comes with its own reputation but this year the show is called Roadies Revolution where you are trying to make a big difference through it. Sometimes, in the light of doing television which is reality, a lot of things are said because you feel strongly about it and there was one such incident. Unfortunately, a small chunk of what I said was kind of highlighted, whereas what I was trying to imply was the fact that under no circumstances is domestic violence, okay and therefore I think only half of it was picked up and I was trolled extensively for it as I am still being. Honestly, whatever I had to say I took time and put it out in a statement and I still stand by it. Neha had said that while adultery was a moral issue, equally applicable to a male or a female, physical violence against a woman is an absolute no. While Neha was trolled mercilessly, many of her colleagues from the film industry came out in support of her. Explaining further, she said: To be able to be in a position you put what you feel very strongly about with the best intention in mind. I thought the right thing would be to give my stand and my side out. And to have so many people come out in support. Clearly, I come from a place which is in agreement with a lot of people. So vicious was the trolling that in mid-March, Neha had to issue a statement, when her father and family members came under attack. Taking to Twitter, she wrote: Roadies is a show that I have been a part of for five years and enjoyed every bit of it. It takes me all over India and gives me the opportunity to team up with absolute rock stars from all parts of the country. What I do not like or accept is what is happening for more than two weeks now! Recently during one of the episodes that aired, I took a stand against violence. Also read: Rajeev Khandelwal shares casting couch horror with top director: He asked me to go to his room which I refused A guy talked about his partner who cheated on him (allegedly) and in retaliation, he hit her by his own admission. What the girl did is a choice she made which is a moral choice regardless of someone, man or woman... adultery is a moral choice. Cheating is not something I stand for, and it is unfortunate that I have been misrepresented for the same... but what I do stand for is womens safety, she had continued. A number of celebrities including Taapsee Pannu, Dia Mirza and Ayushmann Khurrana had spoken in Nehas defence. Follow @htshowbiz for more Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-09 22:27:42|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Antibacterial sanitizers are displayed inside a vending machine selling face masks, gloves and sanitizers in Warsaw, Poland, on April 11, 2020. People in Poland will be obliged to cover their nose and mouth in public, starting on April 16, in order to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus. Fresh figures from the Ministry of Health showed a total of 6,088 confirmed infections and 195 fatalities as of Saturday morning. (Xinhua/Zhou Nan) WARSAW, April 9 (Xinhua) -- People in Poland will be obliged to cover their nose and mouth in public, starting on April 16, in order to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, Polish Minister of Health Lukasz Szumowski said on Thursday. "When there are more and more sick people in Poland, some of them asymptomatic, it would help protect not those who wear these masks but others. Therefore, from next Thursday, such obligation will be introduced for everyone in public space," he said at a press conference. The minister explained that such an obligation exists in several other countries around the world. "We are not saying that it must be a mask, it can be a handkerchief or a scarf," he said, adding that specific regulations will be announced after the Easter holidays. Szumowski appealed to the Poles not to visit their loved ones during the upcoming holidays. "Let's call people who are lonely, let's talk, but do not visit each other." He said that if it had not been for the restrictions imposed, up to 40,000 people in the country could have been infected. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Poland has reached 5,341, with 164 deaths, the Health Ministry said Thursday morning. The coronavirus crisis will cost the capital tens of millions of euros. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Cancelled concerts, theatre shows, closed schools as well as most shops, public transport operating under reduced regime and much fewer people in the streets, all of them protecting their faces with masks or scarves. This is the picture of Bratislava today. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Currently about 160 people have been confirmed COVID-19 positive and there was one reported death in Bratislava. The next development will depend on sticking to adopted and possible new measures. Our paywall policy: The Slovak Spectator has decided to make all the articles on the special measures, statistics and basic information about the coronavirus available to everyone. If you appreciate our work and would like to support good journalism, please buy our subscription. We believe this is an issue where accurate and fact-based information is important for people to cope. The more disciplined and cohesive we are, the more we can slow the spread of this virus and the greater the chance our lives will return to normal, said Bratislava Mayor Matus Vallo in an interview with the Sme Video in mid-March. Slovakia was relatively quick to adopt strict measures that have slowed the spread of the virus. The municipal council considers the lack of masks in the state reserves a failure. As consequence, Bratislava as well as other municipalities lacked masks and other protective equipment for its employees and the companies it runs. The measures the government is announcing without having prepared clear implementation guidelines have been causing complications for us, too, Peter Bubla, spokesperson of the Bratislava city council, told The Slovak Spectator in response to measures adopted by the government so far. We are also lacking information from the Bratislava Regional Public Health Authority. Three scenarios To better predict what situations Bratislava might face the city council has published three possible development scenarios. These will help the city better prepare for the fulfilment of its basic functions, like waste management, water management, social services and care for seniors and the homeless, municipal police, cleaning of public spaces, funerals, schools and kindergartens, and so on. The city is facing many key decisions and we need to know what development scenarios we should prepare for, said Bubla. The state does not have such official city-level scenarios yet, so we have developed our own. Related article Related article Prediction of coronavirus in Slovakia: New model counts with fewer infected cases Read more The scenarios are based on the prediction elaborated by the Institute for Health Policy (IZP) think-tank running under the Health Ministry and introduced on March 31. The team at the Bratislava city council adapted this model on Bratislava, while it kept mobility input data. In terms of the population, it based the scenarios on the number of people who stay in the city during the working day 681,000 people, of whom 558,000 also live here. Verkhovna Rada of 9th convocation, first session, August 31, 2019 Zoya Shu/112.ua In Verkhovna Rada, draft law No. 3279-d on changes in the budget due to the crisis caused by coronavirus infection was registered. The text of the bill and corresponding documents are published on the website of the parliament. The project was submitted by MPs of the Servant of the People, European solidarity, Barkivschina (The Fatherland), and Holos (The Voice) factions. According to a comparative table, budget revenues are proposed to be reduced from 40,5 billion USD to 35 billion USD, and expenditures should be increased from 43,6 billion USD to $44,2 billion. The border budget deficit might increase from $3,4 billion to $8,9 billion, the limit of public debt - from 75 billion USD to 88 billion USD. In addition, the bill provides for the establishment of the Coronavirus Foundation, which will amount to 2,5 billion USD. From it will be financed measures against the epidemic, the purchase of equipment, assistance to doctors, pensioners and those who have lost their jobs due to quarantine. It is also proposed to increase funding for the Ministry of Health: it will receive 600 million USD for a medical care program and about 34 million USD for the development of an emergency medical care system. As we reported before, an extraordinary meeting of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will be held on Monday, April 13. A shortage of COVID-19 test kits and the countrys inability to test more people are hurting the fight against the coronavirus outbreak. This is according to Rapport, which cited comments made by the Department of Healths acting director-general Anban Pillay. Pillay told Parliament that not enough tests are being done to get a real picture of the coronavirus pandemic in South Africa. Rapport added that the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) confirmed that test kits ordered three weeks ago from the USA had not arrived in the country yet. These tests kits are needed to increase South Africas daily testing capability from 5,000 to 30,000 per day. Low number of new coronavirus cases Since the national lockdown started, the number of new confirmed coronavirus cases in South Africa has plummeted. The number of new daily coronavirus cases peaked at 243 on 27 March. It then dropped suddenly. Lately, there has not been one day where the new confirmed COVID-19 cases topped 100, and yesterday there were only 25 new cases one of the lowest daily increases over the last month. These low numbers were not anticipated and Health Minister Zweli Mkhize previously said they expected between 4,000 and 5,000 cases by around 2 April. Mkhize put the lower-than-expected infection rate down to closing South Africas borders quickly, quarantining inbound travellers, enforcing a lockdown, and preventing mass gatherings. According to Rapport, Pillay said the low numbers can also be due to not testing enough people or testing the wrong people. Mkhize previously said coronavirus testing in South Africa has until recently been reactive and restrictive, which means we may not have the full picture of the problem. He added that South Africa needs to conduct hundreds of thousands of tests to really understand the number of infections and the spread of the virus. More testing planned President Cyril Ramaphosa said on 9 April that the government is planning to ramp up testing across the country. Our approach is to screen in communities and test people in hospitals, clinics and mobile clinics, to isolate those who are infected, and to care for those who are ill in our health facilities, he said. We have used the last week to develop our screening and testing methodology in various parts of the country. Over the coming weeks, the government will roll out the community screening and testing programme across all provinces. This screening and testing programme will focus on vulnerable communities. Those who test positive and cannot self-isolate at home will be isolated at special facilities that have been identified and are now being equipped, he said. Tests versus confirmed cases There is a correlation between the number of tests conducted and the number of new daily coronavirus cases. The number of new tests peaked on 27 March at 8,066 the same day South Africa recorded its highest number of new COVID-19 infections. Since then the number of new daily tests ranged between 1,225 and 5,098. The charts below show the number of new daily tests and the number of new daily COVID-19 infections over the last month. In remembrance of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ amid the afflictions of novel Coronavirus pandemic, the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has called on Nigerians to repent of their evil ways, that God is able and just to heal our land. Prince Madumere's message was contained in a Message made available to The Nigerian Voice He also urged Christians to be pragmatic in their faith by loving one another, taking the needed precautions with prayers even as Lord Jesus Christ did before paying the ultimate sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. The former Deputy Governor reminded Christians to be steadfast, watch and pray even in the time of tribulations, assuring that God will, in His infinite mercy, rescue the nation from the present ravaging scourge called covid - 19 pandemic. He pointed out that the present pandemic tormenting the world has proved that human knowledge is only ephemeral and cannot be equated to that of God the creator. He therefore called on Nigerians to be humble and eschew selfishness, ethnocentric attitude, vendetta and wicked greed but rather look upon Jesus and ask for forgiveness and repent of their evil ways. His words: "As we celebrate this year's death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I urge Christians to celebrate with sober reflection. We must heed the wise counsel of our Lord Jesus Christ by watching and praying at all times that we not fall into temptations. "I beleive we have all deviated from God's ordinance, rejecting His directions and love. Let us rise with Him in repentance and humility and He will surely heal our land. "Today, the world is afflicted with Covid - 19 pandemic coupled with hate, selfishness, ethnocentricism, vendetta and wicked greed but with our prayers and obedience to His word, He will roll away all afflictions, including Coronavirus and unbundle every burden." He further urged Christians to uphold social distancing, regular washing of hands and other World Health Organisation protocols, saying that those hygienic procedures were prescribed by God himself to the peoople of Israel because cleanliness is next to godliness. Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More China's central bank, People's Bank of China (PBOC), has bought a 1.1 percent stake in housing finance major HDFC Ltd on behalf of the Chinese sovereign wealth fund SAFE. The transaction is not for the Chinese Central bank itself, said HDFC Chairman, Deepak Parekh, in an exclusive interaction with Moneycontrol. There is no issue here. They (PBOC) have been buying stake since the last two years, said Parekh. But they are buying for sovereign wealth fund. The front is the Peoples Bank as they must be having the foreign exchange. Since the price came down, they bought more, Parekh said. Similarly, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has also picked up a 0.7 percent stake in HDFC on behalf of Saudi sovereign wealth fund, Parekh said. SAMAs name isnt reflected in the names of major shareholders as the holding in the company is less than one percent. Moneycontrol had earlier reported that the PBOC purchased 1.75 crore shares in HDFC in the March quarter. The Chinese Central Bank now has bought 1,74,92,909 crore shares, or 1.01 percent of the shareholding, according to exchange data. The share purchase is likely to have happened between January and March. The timing of the share purchase is significant given that HDFC shares have been sliding in recent weeks. Since the first week of February, the shares have fallen 41 percent. But, Parekh said there is no reason to worry on account of PBOC share purchase in HDFC. HDFC shares have fallen 32 percent from its 52-week high of Rs 2,499.65 on January 14, 2020. In this same period, India's benchmark equity index Sensex lost 25 percent while 50-share Nifty lost 26 percent. Of late, HDFC has seen significant interest from institutional investors. For instance, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) increased its holding in HDFC Ltd to 4.67 percent from 4.21 percent in December quarter. Earlier, HDFC's Vice Chairman and CEO Keki Mistry had informed Moneycontrol that PBOC has been an existing shareholder and had owned 0.8 percent in the company as of March 2019. The disclosure has been made now since the stake has hit the 1 percent regulatory threshold, Mistry said. "They have been accumulating the shares over a year and are now holding 1.1 percent," Mistry said. Other shareholders Like PBOC, the Saudi Arabian central bank too has been raking up stake in HDFC over the last few years. It now has a 0.7 percent stake in the company, Parekh said. Other major holders include the government of Singapore which holds a 3.23 percent stake in HDFC. Temasek, a Singapore state-controlled investment company has investments in a range of Indian companies. Over the years, it has invested 5 percent of its global portfolio in India. Central banks and governments picking up stakes in major financial institutions across the world are common. This is part of the sovereign investment strategy and a way of diversifying their investment presence. Why China makes news But the news of China central bank picking up stake in a major Indian financial institution made news probably in the context of Chinas aggressive bid to dominate the region. Over the years, China has attempted to dominate the trade, investment areas in Asian countries. This has always attracted the attention of policymakers. China has significant investments in Pakistan also. According to a Financial Times report, Chinas $62 billion investment under the China-Pakistan economic corridors are looked at with caution by India for its regional political implications. India fears that increased Chinese presence in Pakistan could create security problems for the country eventually. In a new commentary, Alison Stuebe, MD, President of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, addresses the risks and benefits of separating infants from COVID-19-positive mothers following birth. Although multiple public health organizations recommended keeping mothers and infants together, the United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises facilities to consider separating mothers and babies temporarily until the mother is no longer contagious, and recommends that the risks and benefits of temporary separation should be discussed with the mother by the healthcare team. In her commentary, Dr. Stuebe, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and distinguished professor in infant and young child feeding at the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, notes that there is no evidence to show that early separation of infants and mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 improves outcomes. While separation may minimize the risk of transmission of the virus from mother to infant during the hospital stay, it has potential negative consequences for both mother and infant, according to the commentary published in Breastfeeding Medicine, the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Dr. Stuebe outlines several risks of separating mothers and infants in the hospital, which disrupts breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact during the critical hours and days following birth. For example, infants who lack skin-to-skin contact with their mothers tend to have higher heart rates and respiratory rates and lower glucose levels. The separation also stresses the mother, which could make it more difficult for her to fight off the viral infection. In addition, separation interferes with the provision of maternal milk to the infant, which is important for the development of the infant's immune system. Separation also disrupts breastfeeding, which puts the infant at increased risk of severe respiratory infections, including pneumonia and COVID-19. As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. I am hopeful that we can center mothers and babies and remember to first do no harm." Alison Stuebe, MD, President of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Arthur I. Eidelman, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Breastfeeding Medicine, concurs that "there is no need or indication to categorically separate infants from COVID-19 suspect or positive mothers other than in circumstances wherein the mother's medical condition precludes her caring for the infant. Feeding mothers' own breast milk, either by nursing or by feeding of expressed milk, is OK and desired!" It's two years exactly since Ulster rugby was dragged into a rape trial that tore it apart and continues to reverberate throughout the rest of society. Two of the clubs star players were charged with raping a woman at a party. Two more men faced lesser charges. All were acquitted. But thats only a fraction of the story. Expand Close Dara Florence outside court Photo: Pacemaker / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dara Florence outside court Photo: Pacemaker Established stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were acquitted of raping a 19-year-old woman at Jacksons south Belfast home. They admitted sex had taken place but said everything that happened had been consensual. One of the main witnesses Belfast woman Dara Florence who says she refused an offer from Jackson to join in gave key evidence after walking in on the scene, saying what she saw looked like a threesome and that it didnt appear the complainant was in distress. But it still cost the two rugby stars their lucrative rugby careers in Ireland and in the eyes of many the players could not be looked upon the same again. In the backdrop of the#Metoo movement that was sweeping the western world, rugby chiefs took a dim view of the players behaviour not only on that night but the following morning when lurid social media messages were exchanged between them and their pals. In one message Olding boasted: There was a bit of spit-roasting going on last night fellas. Jackson replied: There was a lot of spit roast last night. Olding said: It was like a merry go-round at a carnival. Messages from others involved referred to Belfast women as sluts and described themselves as Top Shaggers. What became known as the Ulster rugby rape trial divided the country, divided households even often bitterly and was all anyone talked about for longer than the nine weeks the trial lasted. And the treatment of the woman who made the complaint led to widespread criticism and a judge-led review of how the courts deal with alleged serious sexual offences which has recommended 250 changes. The nine-week trial catapulted a number of people aside from the two famous players into the public domain. Blane McIlroy, Rory Harrison and Dara Florence are now household names, immediately synonymous with the controversial trial. But where are they all now? Its unusual in such a case that someone doesnt break their silence but of the four men charged, the most high-profile witnesses and the woman at the centre of the allegations, nobody has given an extensive interview about the events and how they affected them. Only former Ireland rugby captain Rory Best, who found himself in a social media storm after he attended one of the early days of the trial, has spoken out about his regrets for doing so. PADDY JACKSON Jackson had the highest profile involved in the case, given his role as an almost certain starter not just for Ulster but Ireland as well. After the trial it emerged Jackson (28) had funded his own defence to the tune of almost 500,000. He lost an appeal to have some of those costs recovered and was also sacked by Ulster shortly after the trial concluded. Jackson, acquitted of rape and sexual assault, was linked with a number of clubs in England but each time those links emerged murmurings of discontent from fans of the respective clubs put owners off completing the deal. Instead, the talented fly-half signed for French strugglers Perpignan two months after the trial ended. Despite scoring 128 points in over 24 appearances, the side were relegated and Jackson exercised a clause in his two-year contract that allowed him to leave in that eventuality. He signed for London Irish before the beginning of the current season but in a further demonstration that the infamous party at his house in 2016 would continue to haunt him, a number of sponsors pulled the plug on his new club, including Cash Converters and Guinness brewers Diageo. STUART OLDING Olding, acquitted of rape, also had his contract with Ulster terminated. The 27-year-old full-back opted to escape the UK spotlight and signed for French side CA Brive where he continues to thrive under the management of former Ulster star Jeremy Davidson. Sources say Olding is enjoying life in France and has no intention of making a quick return to the UK like Jackson. BLANE McILROY McIlroy was acquitted of exposure but was criticised for his part in a series of sexually graphic WhatsApp messages shared between his co-accused. During the infamous WhatsApp messages, McIlroy posted a picture of himself on the sofa with Dara Florence and two other girls at the party who were not involved. Alongside the picture he wrote: Love Belfast Sluts. Like the rest, McIlroy has never spoken about that night and he went back to the US where he graduated as a Bachelor of Business Administration from Life University, a private institution in the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, Georgia. RORY HARRISON The fourth man charged was Rory Harrison. He was acquitted of perverting the course of justice and withholding information. The 27-year-old consoled the complainant, taking her home in a taxi, and was not involved in the lurid social media messages. Harrison has maintained a low profile since the trial and its thought he may have returned to work abroad. DARA FLORENCE Florence regularly posts pictures and videos of herself on Instagram. With almost 14,000 followers, she collaborates with a string of brands. Shortly after the trial she returned to Ollies nightclub the same spot where she met the Ulster rugby players on the night in question where she posed for pictures with friends. Last year she rejected rumours she was being lined up to appear on ITVs hit show Love Island. Article first appeared in the Sunday World Native artists exploited The Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira was nearly destitute, according to the member for Alice Springs, Mr N. Hargrave. Namatjira was seriously in debt and being exploited by white art dealers. He said Namatjira was being paid only 20 for paintings which were later sold for 100. The situation of native artists was so tragic that the Arunta Arts Council had asked for legislation to stop their exploitation. False-teeth robbery Police have asked Sydney dentists to watch for persons trying to sell false teeth following the theft of thousands of teeth in a daylight robbery on Wednesday, the Herald reported. The teeth were stolen from a parked van in Castlereagh Street about 4pm. Dental suppliers believe that the teeth were stolen in mistake for silk stockings. The thief may try to sell them because of a current shortage of false teeth. A tax on Raisin Joe 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 today 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. 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. Memos that were leaked today warned of a 'national shortage' of the long-sleeved gowns that are needed to treat coronavirus patients. Stock picture Firefighters and the Army have been brought in to improve distribution of equipment, but health officials are still concerned that there won't be enough to go around. One senior official involved told The Telegraph that London hospitals had been forced to negotiate directly with companies in China in a desperate attempt to get more supplies from them. 'The large teaching hospitals went out shopping in China, anywhere they could get their hands on these products, commissioning planes and negotiating with Chinese companies. 'This is some of the biggest market trading outside a trading floor that anyone has ever seen.' 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. 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: '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. Piers Morgan reacted with fury to the Home Secretary's 'apology' '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. The Health Secretary insisted that there is enough gear to meet demand but should be treated by hospitals as a 'precious resource' 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. 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. Royal College of Nursing general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair scolded the minister for saying there had been 'examples' of PPE overuse 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'. 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.' Nurses in PPE clap on a video at the coronavirus ward at West Cumberland Hospital It comes as the UK recorded another 980 coronavirus-related deaths on Friday, bringing the national death toll to 8,958 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. Google Maps A woman was killed in a Bellaire residence early Sunday after returning from a trip to a nearby store, according to Houston police. Officers were sent to the home around 4:30 a.m. after receiving reports of an unconscious woman, said Houston Police Department Homicide Detective Ken Fregia. A man dialed 911 after returning to his apartment on the 7900 block of Bellaire Boulevard and finding his cousin unresponsive on the floor. By Leo-Felix Jurado When I attended nursing school several decades ago in the Philippines, our teachers often reminded us that nursing isnt simply a career. Its a calling. Today, this sense of mission is sustaining us through the worst health care crisis weve ever witnessed. Nursing is the exact opposite of social distancing. We provide comfort and care for patients, no matter how sick or contagious they may be. In their most vulnerable moments, when they are desperate for a kind gesture, we are there. Its been heartening to witness the worlds celebration of our work. We are honored by your cheers and applause, by the meals and cards dropped off at hospitals and emergency rooms. But in normal times, some of these health care heroes dont receive enough support and respect. These are the immigrants helping fill the U.S. healthcare shortage in our countrys dire moment of need. When this crisis ends, I hope the public and the government will acknowledge the sacrifices theyve made for America. Under ordinary circumstances, immigrant healthcare professionals play a critical role in our industry. Nearly 16% of the countrys nurses and 22% of nursing assistants are foreign-born, according to New American Economy. In 2018, there were 6,630 DACA-eligible registered nurses, more than 5,800 nursing assistants and more than 4,500 licensed practical and vocational nurses. Hospitals are short-staffed and desperate for workers, and thats not even accounting for the looming shortages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates well need an additional 203,700 new registered nurses each year through 2026 to fill new positions and replace the 1 million nurses who are expected to retire by 2030. New Jersey is projected to fall 11,400 short of the 102,200 nurses well need by 2030. Thats the third-worst estimated shortage in the nation. We desperately need immigration reform to keep our pipeline full. This means protecting undocumented healthcare workers, including Dreamers, reinstating the H-1C visa program that brought registered nurses to the United States and even adopting a new Immigration Nursing Relief Act, like the one Congress passed in the 1980s to address the AIDS crisis. It was that legislation that brought me to Edison in 1988, at age 22. Just like today, we nurses were proud to help where we were needed. The program allowed us to become residents after five years and eventually apply for citizenship. Today, Im the chair of the nursing department at William Paterson University in Wayne, where I oversee more than 600 students. About one-third are minorities and many were either born abroad or are first-generation Americans. All nurses are amazing people with big hearts and helping hands. Those who understand the immigrant experience have additional qualities that benefit patients. The hardships and challenges that many have faced, especially leaving their homes and adjusting to life in a new country, have given them a unique sense of empathy and compassion. Research shows they are more likely to take nursing jobs in their communities, where their language skills and cultural knowledge improves patient outcomes. During my years working in hospital administration, Ive seen many patients faces light up when they meet a nurse who speaks their language and understands their background. Health officials are already talking about how they will plan for the next pandemic. But if we dont have enough nurses on the frontlines, we wont be able to meet our countrys most basic healthcare needs. Congress can alleviate future shortages by finding a legislative solution for Dreamers. And they should create another special visa program for foreign-born nurses like the one that welcomed me. Tonight, lets continue to cheer for nurses, regardless of where they were born. Tomorrow, you can count on us to be there for you. Leo-Felix Jurado is professor and chair of the nursing department at William Paterson University in Wayne and executive director of the Philippine Nurses Association of America. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. The strict social distancing measures and the governmental closure of churches to the faithful have led to an increase in the use of technology to transmit church services, as leaders are calling on their parish members to turn their homes into churches. Attention is focused on Jerusalem, where Passion Week (Holy Week) is celebrated with the carrying of the cross along the 12 stations on the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Good Friday services, the Holy Fire on Saturday, ending with Easter Sunday. The Via Dolorosa is a processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem, believed to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. Father Issa Musleh, spokesperson for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, told Al-Monitor that services will be held as usual, albeit with a very small number of priests and no worshippers. We will use multimedia to transmit the services, he said. The one difficult problem will be how the Holy Fire or Holy Light can be transmitted around the world. Orthodox faithful believe that a special flame miraculously lights inside the site of the holy grave of Jesus. Musleh said the light coming out of the Holy Sepulcher on the Saturday before Orthodox Easter will be transmitted as usual to the entire world. We have made arrangements with the Palestinian and Jordanian governments and with the Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs to make sure that a small number of people are allowed to pass on the light. Some Orthodox majority countries are sending airplanes to pick up the light, and the Israelis are coordinating the effort, he said. While Catholic and Protestant churches celebrate Easter on April 12, the majority of Christians in Jordan and Palestine have agreed to unify the holidays by celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 and Easter according to the Orthodox calendar. The only exception is Jerusalem and Bethlehem, where Orthodox Easter is celebrated on April 19. Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant leaders in Jordan and Palestine have adhered to the government directives and kept the church services to the minimum number of priests, using videoconferencing and television broadcasts to communicate with believers. Father Rifat Bader, director of the Amman-based Catholic Center for Studies and Media, told Al-Monitor that the centers flagship website, abouna.org, has seen a huge increase in viewership. The number of viewers and engagements has skyrocketed. We have reached 2.8 million viewers these days, which matches only the record we hit during the visit of the pope to Jordan," said Bader. He says that the website and other Catholic media outlets will carry Easter services led by Bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem William Shomali in the Sweifieh church in Amman. In compliance with government regulations, a small number of priests will attend so that they can reply to the bishop as part of our liturgy, Bader added. Bader says that the virtual services have had some interesting effects. Because we are abiding by the unification of the holidays, we are seeing that the virtual services are also unifying Christians as well. We are following up and watching services by other churches, and they are following up on our services, he said. Bader noted that for Passion Week, the different biblical verses are read by different Catholic priests. We are asking priests from different Latin churches in Jordan, Palestine, as well as Arab priests in Italy, to each read a verse that matches one of the stations of the cross. But church services alone are not satisfying the needs of people. The Catholic-run Caritas humanitarian organization is providing food parcels to the needy as part of the Hope Program, and church leaders are trying to engage with the faithful to answer their questions and attend to their spiritual needs. People are afraid and are asking us to pray for them. Youth are calling us to say they are worried about their sick parents, and many are inquiring if we are at the end of times, Bader said. While the virtual church is innovative, Bader said that as a result of the approval of the pope, parishioners are encouraged to partake in virtual communions. We are encouraging them to set up a table at home with a cross on it, to burn incense, and when the priest is having communion, that they also give themselves communion while repeating the words of the priest. Some of the older priests are having a hard time dealing with technology, says Bader, adding, They all have cell phones but need better equipment to be able to transmit and receive video and audio. Rev. Danny Awad, pastor of the Baraka Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem, told Al-Monitor that the church has been physically closed since the beginning of March, but church services have continued virtually. We have used Facebook and Zoom to transmit our services and have seen a marked increase in attendance. We have seen more than triple the number in people attending church virtually compared to physical attendance. Our slogan is Stay at home and the church will come to you. We tell our members that your home is your church just like it was in the first church as related to us in the Book of Acts. While his church has been active providing for the physical needs of his congregation and others suffering due to the absence of work for 35 days, Awad says that they have also tried to provide for the spiritual needs of the believers. Our belief is strong, and we know that after Passion Week, the path of the crucifixion, comes the dawn of the resurrection on Easter Sunday. "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 April 9 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 April 8 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 (From April 10 to April 13). "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 April 9 urged people to adhere to social distancing measures during the Easter holiday; Sweden's Home Affairs Minister Mikael Damberg said on April 9 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 April 9. 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. New Delhi, April 12 : The Delhi University Students' Union, here on Sunday, announced a Rs 1 lakh donation from the DUSU's annual fund to the 'PM-CARES' fund to fight the coronavirus pandemic. It also urged affiliated college unions and student representatives of all the universities to make contributions to the PM-CARES fund. DUSU President Akshit Dahiya held an 'executive council meeting' to discuss the issues plaguing students amid the coronavirus outbreak. The DUSU executive council passed a resolution hailing citizens, especially the youth, for responding to the Prime Minister's clarion call and following the lockdown guidelines. "The DUSU thanks the frontline warriors in this fight against coronavirus. We recognise the exemplary efforts of doctors, paramedical staff, policemen, cleaning and sanitation staff, bank employees and government officials in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," it said in a statement. Condemning the Tabligi Jamaat, it said, "The health of all citizens has been put at risk by this group. The DUSU demands thorough investigation and strict action against all those involved in this conspicuously inspired super spreading." The DUSU executive council has also decided to form five panels, each comprising seven representatives, to look into the issues, like semester examinations, university entrance procedure, evaluation, syllabus reforms, and review committee. The driver of a pickup truck was injured Saturday evening when the truck struck a parked vehicle and then plowed into a house in unincorporated Contra Costa County just south of Walnut Creek, ending up some 30 feet inside, the California Highway Patrol said. The accident occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. Saturday at a house in the 900 block of Hawthorne Drive, northeast of Rudgear Road just outside the Lime Ridge Open Space. According to the CHP Officer Brandon Correia, the pickup struck a perked vehicle outside the house and then went through the garage and about 20 feet into the house. Actor Ajay Devgn on Sunday said he is "disgusted" over reports of healthcare workers being attacked by people at a time when the country is fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior" star's reaction comes weeks after several Bollywood stars condemned gruesome incidents of physical assault and stone pelting at doctors and other frontliners who are managing the COVID-19 outbreak in different parts of the country. "Disgusted and angry to read reports of 'educated' persons attacking doctors in their neighbourhood on baseless assumptions. Such insensitive people are the worst criminals. #StaySafeStayHome #IndiaFightsCorona," Ajay wrote on Twitter. Bollywood personalities including Rishi Kapoor, Javed Akhtar, Hema Malini, Paresh Rawal among others have expressed their discomfort over the attacks on healthcare workers in the past. India is currently under the lockdown with around 1.3 billion people asked to stay home in view of the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected over 8,000 people and claimed 273 lives in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Ward County man in his 50s has died of COVID-19, bringing North Dakotas total number of deaths to eight, the North Dakota Department of Health reported Sunday. The man, who had underlying health conditions, acquired COVID-19 through community spread, the department said. He is the youngest who has died of the disease caused by the new coronavirus in North Dakota. Ward County, home to Minot, has a total of 20 COVID-19 cases. Other deaths have occurred in Cass, Stark, Morton, Emmons and McHenry counties. North Dakota now has 308 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 15 new positive cases reported on Sunday. One of the new cases is from Burleigh County, home to Bismarck, 12 are from Cass County, home to Fargo, and two are from Stark County, home to Dickinson. Thirty-nine people have been hospitalized, with 12 currently in the hospital. A total of 121 have recovered. State and private labs have tested 10,350 people, with 10,042 being negative. Gov. Doug 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. Meanwhile, the Cass County Sheriffs Office said one male detainee has tested positive for COVID-19, The Associated Press reported. He was booked into the jail Tuesday and had been in isolation. China on Sunday rushed a team of medical experts to its northeastern city of Suifenhe, bordering Russia, after a spike in the number of imported coronavirus cases from the neighbouring country. Suifenhe has so far reported 194 confirmed cases and more than 100 asymptomatic coronavirus carriers, the state-run Xinhua agency reported on Saturday.The most of the patients were Chinese nationals who crossed the border in recent days. Experts said the number may increase. A team of 15 medical experts on Sunday departed from Beijing for Suifenhe, at the China-Russia border in China's Heilongjiang province, to aid the city's fight against imported Covid-19 cases, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. The team, specialising in laboratory testing from the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention will bring the total number of CDC experts sent to the city to 22, according to the Xinhua report. The team will set up a mobile negative pressure lab upon their arrival, which will facilitate them in conducting nucleic acid tests and scientific research. "The proportion of COVID-19 patients has been very high at between 10 per cent to 20 per cent in each batch of inbound personnel," said Yu Kaijiang, head of the local medical treatment team. "The ratio in some batches was even higher," he said.. Official data showed that so far a total of 2,497 people have entered Suifenhe from Russia. Ge Hong, deputy director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Health Commission, said they had been monitoring the body temperature of inbound personnel who were put under isolation soon after their arrival in the city, and he believed the number of patients might rise further in the coming days. According to Yu, all severely ill COVID-19 patients were cases that had developed fever or cough in Russia and returned after a long journey. The Suifenhe port, a major land checkpoint at the border, has shut down its passenger inspection channel and tightened checks on the freight inspection channel. All personnel entering Suifenhe from the border are required to undergo nucleic acid tests and be quarantined in designated facilities. Earlier, China reported 99 new coronavirus cases, the highest in a single day in recent weeks, and 63 fresh asymptomatic infections, taking the total number of patients in the country to 82,052. The increasing number of cases sparked concerns of about a second wave of the pandemic. According to China's National Health Commission (NHC), as of Saturday, a total of 1,280 imported cases were reported in China. Of the cases, 481 had been discharged from hospitals after recovery, and 799 were being treated with 36 in severe condition. It said 99 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported on the Chinese mainland on Saturday, of which 97 were from people returning from abroad. Also on Saturday, 63 new asymptomatic cases, including 12 from abroad, were reported on the mainland. The NHC said 1,086 asymptomatic cases, including 332 from abroad, were still under medical observation. Asymptomatic cases refer to people who are tested positive for the coronavirus but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. They are infectious and pose a risk of spreading to others. The increase in COVID-19 cases after the virus was curbed in its epicentre Hubei province and its capital Wuhan has become a source of concern especially when China has permitted normal activities all over the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided to appeal against the refusal by a Dar es Salaam court to admit in evidence a crucial document related to a 1bn/- economic trial involving Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Line implementation project estimated at 15tril/-. In the notice of intention to appeal filed at the Kisutu Resident Magistrates Court last Friday, the DPP has indicated that the prosecution would appeal to the High Court to challenge the ruling given by Principal Resident Magistrate Thomas Simba on March 25, 2020. Take notice that the Director of Public Prosecutions, being dissatisfied with the ruling delivered on March 25, 2020,where the court rejected admission of prosecution exhibit, do hereby intend to appeal to the High Court against the said ruling, reads part of the notice. The document sought to be tendered is a Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Investigation Report on review of the project bidding process under which the prosecution has sought to tender in evidence to support the trial of three accused persons. In the impugned decision, the magistrate ruled in favour of trio, Reli Assets Holding Company (RAHCO) former Director General Engineer Benhadard Tito, ex- RAHCO Company Secretary Emanuel Massawe and businessman Kanji Mwinyijuma, saying the documents were inadmissible. The magistrate made the decision after going through the competing submissions presented by the prosecution, led by an officer of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) Magela Ndimbo and Advocate Peter Kibatala and Jeremia Ntobesya, for the accused persons. He pointed out that a prosecution witness, Dr Laurence Shirima, who is PPRA Chief Executive Officer, had told the court before producing the intended exhibit that the document was received by his office and later stamped, thus, he could easily identify the same through the seals. According to him, having closely scrutinised the document in question, the magistrate found that the seals alleged to have been stamped on the document were unreadable and that it was uncertain where it come from. The document is supposed to be sealed on every page, but even when it was sealed, the seal is unreadable. The witness said he identified document because of the seal, but it is an unreadable. It is unknown where this document came from. The court refuses to accept this exhibit, he ruled. Following the ruling, the magistrate adjourned the trial to April 1, 2020 for continuation of hearing. In the trial, the accused persons are alleged to have committed the offences between 2014 and 2015. The accused are charged with conspiracy, abuse of position and occasioning over 1bn/- loss in transactions relating to upgrade of the railway. They allegedly conspired to commit an offence under the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act between September 1, 2004 and September 30, 2015. A federal judge has blocked Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer from forbidding drive-in church services on Easter to slow the spread of the coronavirus, as the fates of Sunday gatherings become political flash points around the country. "An American mayor criminalized the communal celebration of Easter," wrote U.S. District Judge Justin Walker in a temporary restraining order issued Saturday. "That sentence is one that this Court never expected to see outside the pages of a dystopian novel, or perhaps the pages of The Onion . . . The Mayor's decision is stunning. And it is, 'beyond all reason,' unconstitutional." Walker's order prevents the city from "enforcing; attempting to enforce; threatening to enforce; or otherwise requiring compliance with any prohibition on drive-in church services at On Fire," according to court documents. Tuesday, Fischer said "with a heavy heart" that he was strongly suggesting that churches not host in-person or drive-in services this Easter weekend. He urged faith leaders not to hold in-person or drive-in services because he wanted to keep them and the city safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. Louisville's On Fire Christian Church sued Fischer and the city Friday, arguing that the mayor's suggestion against holding drive-in church services violated their constitutional rights. In the lawsuit, the church argues that "gathering on Easter is critical." "We will continue to follow the CDC guidelines, and plan to have a great drive-in service on Sunday," On Fire Christian Church wrote in a Facebook post Saturday. "As we have from the beginning, we will continue to work with the mayor and the city to keep everyone safe and well. God bless." In response to Walker's order Saturday, Fischer said in a statement that they are still reviewing the ruling but they were "disappointed the Court entered an order without giving the city an opportunity to explain our position and outline some of the discrepancies in the complaint." Fischer reiterated that he did not issue a "formal ban" on drive-in religious services, but "in the end, this ruling doesn't change our message: It is not safe for people to attend in-person or drive-in services." As of Saturday, Louisville had 536 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 40 deaths, according to Fischer. "The science on COVID-19 is clear - the virus wants to spread to as many people as possible, and it kills," Fischer said in his statement. "I have urged faith leaders not to hold in-person or drive-in services because I want to keep them and our city safe from this virus. The more disciplined we are now, the more lives we save, and the sooner we can come out of our houses and safely gather to worship together again." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, tweeted Saturday that he was "grateful for this strong, eloquent ruling defending Kentuckians' religious liberty from Judge Justin Walker . . . of course church parking lots cannot be singled out with unfair standards that differ from other establishments." Friday, McConnell said prohibiting Christian churches from holding drive-in services infringed on their right to exercise their religion. He said it was unfair that people are still permitted to gather in parking lots to go to grocery stores and other retail operations. Walker, 37, who clerked for now-retired Justice Anthony Kennedy and Justice Brett Kavanaugh when Kavanaugh was on the District of Columbia Circuit, was just nominated to the District Circuit in early April. He is the youngest nominee to the District Circuit since 1983. Walker's order comes after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, urged churchgoers Friday to not attend Easter Sunday services in any fashion - and said those who go to mass gatherings will be ordered to self-quarantine in their home for 14 days. Beshear praised his state for its social distancing efforts in recent weeks and said the vast majority of churches had canceled services. But he also reminded viewers that the virus spreads even more severely in crowds. He also said Kentucky will record license plates at large gatherings this weekend to follow up about the quarantines. Our month of Sundays is set to continue. It will be months of Sundays, and in the midst of this crisis it has become a commonplace that we will emerge from it a better people. Last Tuesday Tanaiste Simon Coveney was peddling that line on the Today with Sean O'Rourke Show on RTE Radio 1. "Ireland post this crisis will be a different place," he said. "The role of community will be different. The role of the State in terms of its relationship to the private sector will be different Politics is going to be different." Now Coveney was not too convincing on politics being different. For sure, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael may be about to bed down together, but there will be no threesome with Sinn Fein. That would be too much difference. Coveney was still envisaging a lot of things being different, and by different he meant better; we will live in a kinder, gentler place. Does our past offer any precedent for Irish people emerging better from a crisis? The Year without Summer is worth pondering. In 1812, after centuries of inactivity, Mount Tambora, a volcano on the Indonesian island of Sumbawa, began coughing clouds of ash and smoke. Those rumblings culminated in a series of violent explosions in April 1815, when the volcano ejected vast quantities of molten rock and sent a massive cloud of ash high into the atmosphere. The eruption is considered the most explosive in history; it was also the most deadly, resulting in some 71,000 deaths on Sumbawa and nearby islands. When it was over, a mountain that had stood some 4,300 metres tall was reduced to 2,851 metres, and a veil of sulphuric dust was spreading across the globe. That dust was to cause severe weather across the western hemisphere in winter 1815-16. Temperatures plummeted on all continents, as the dust screened earth from the sun's rays. On the east coast of the United States, there was frost as far south as Virginia and the Carolinas as late as mid-May. Central and western Europe experienced unprecedented cold. And 1816 became the Year without Summer: crops failed to ripen in the fields; food prices soared; social unrest and epidemics of disease followed. In Ireland, unusually harsh weather in winter 1815-16 was the first portent of trouble. It delayed the sowing season in 1816, and then incessant rain in the summer months devastated grain crops. Even rich farmers, who usually had a large surplus of produce to sell, were obliged to go to market to purchase provisions. The potato crop, too, failed, though not in as a great a degree, and, compounding matters, the "reduction of the military establishment" after the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, and the sudden stop put to recruitment, caused a great increase in the number of labourers seeking work, leading to a sharp fall in wages. A perfect storm was forming. Cattle, with the war ending, fell to a third of their normal price, and the value of butter plummeted. Smallholders in mountain districts, who had benefited from the high price of cattle and butter during the war years, were now reduced to poverty. At the same time, peace had reduced the demand for linen: weavers' wages fell to little more than half their usual earnings and the profit in spinning, which in 1815 had enabled many lower-class households to live comfortably, "fell short of procuring them as much food as would preserve their existence", when provisions were selling at double their usual price. Lower-class families were rapidly reduced to beggary. Once comfortable farmers dismissed servant girls, forcing many young women to take to the roads begging, or to return to their parents. In mountainous districts, families had consumed their stocks of potatoes and oatmeal by the commencement of winter and also lacking fuel - the wet summer having hindered cutting and drying turf - they began to come down to the lowlands, carrying nothing but their blankets, seeking food and shelter in places where there was now no work. Some housed themselves in makeshift shacks at the side of the road. Others found lodging in the poorer parts of the towns, where people, themselves in dire distress, let out rooms to families for a shilling per week, and these families in turn - to make the payment - took in begging poor at a penny per night. Conditions in such houses were atrocious, and quickly became "nests of disease". In spring 1817, there were outbreaks of dysentery and anasarca, the bloating of bodies due to severe protein deficiency. The strangers that thronged towns and villages were now subsisting on what they could beg or steal. Children with "emaciated frames and sunken features" were sent out by starving parents to search for food, and it was reported that "When the begging poor were so fortunate as to get a few potatoes, their impatience to satisfy their hunger, often prevented them from waiting till they were sufficiently boiled; so that they were eaten as soon as they became warm, and cabbage leaves were devoured without any previous cooking." By early summer 1817, the lean period before new potatoes were lifted, people were eating plants not normally regarded as human food: "Nettles, wild mustard and cabbage leaves were sought for most anxiously; and, with a very small admixture of oatmeal, formed the chief support of many families, who endeavoured to remain in their cottages." Small pox now followed dysentery and anasarca. And then, in mid-summer, the number of fever cases escalated sharply, developing into an epidemic that raged into early 1818. It is estimated that some 100,000 persons perished. From summer 1818, the country began a slow recovery. Landlords and merchants made efforts to promote "improvement". They established societies to develop agriculture, fishery and industry, offered prizes for the best animals, crops and manufactures (butter, knitwear, hats, and so on), staged ploughing matches and conducted statistical surveys. And the years after the crisis also witnessed the establishment of loan funds, library societies and the like. So there was some change for the better. But the scale and range of the crisis, and, perhaps, the biblical associations of famine and disease had unsettled people. Many Protestants saw in the throngs of beggars spectres of their own community's decline, a sign that a great transformation was imminent, that the end was nigh; conversely, many Catholics, particularly in the poorer classes, were gripped by a millennial conviction that they might yet see the extirpation of Protestants and their own deliverance. And so the 1820s proved to be a bitter not a better decade. Are we really much more sophisticated than our forebears? We, too, clutch for security in a time of crisis, fall for fake news, and spread rumours and conspiracy theories. Is there any reason to suppose that when this storm passes, as it surely will, that we will necessarily emerge a better people, more committed to the common good? For sure, this crisis has confronted us with one great truth: many of the people who provide our most essential services are poorly paid -nurses, caterers and cleaners in hospitals, shop assistants, people in food processing, delivery workers, binmen. But we knew as much before Covid-19 and, judging by our electoral history, a significant proportion of us were never overly bothered by it. So, yes, it would be nice if Simon Coveney was correct, and our society is different post-Covid. But having weathered the storm, one suspects we are as likely to revert to type, and cod ourselves into believing that we came through it alone - when nothing could be further from the truth. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global computer numerical control machines market size is expected to reach USD 117.17 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 7.3% from 2020 to 2027, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The rising need for reducing the operating costs, manpower, and errors in the components has led to the growth of automation and demand for computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Technological advancements are driving the use of CNC machines for developing the most intricate models / components with a definitive finish. This has subsequently led to a rise in the implementation of CNC technology in lathe, milling, laser, grinding, and welding machines. The integration of CNC machines with Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is instrumental in reducing the time required for manufacturing of workpieces and enable hassle-free production of components. The commercial demand for advanced compact size CNC machines with automatic tool changers and multi axis machining technology, is on rise. Numerous large manufacturing units and plants are increasingly adopting CNC lathes to perform cutting, drilling, knurling, deformation, facing, and turning operations. Various milling tools are being introduced in the CNC machine market, for instance, the Poly Crystalline Diamond (PCD) tools and solid carbide tools. These tools offer increased efficiency and versatility while performing operations at the shop floor. The new tools also offer durability, resistance towards high temperatures, and enable better machining with reduction in vibrations, wear, and noise. Further key findings from the study suggest : Milling machines is anticipated to emerge as the fastest growing type segment over the forecast period, owing to features such as multi-functionality and reduced time requirements of these machines. Automotive is anticipated to emerge as the fastest growing end-use segment over the forecast period, attributed to growing demand for components with fine finish and reduced production time Asia Pacific is expected to continue its dominance in computer numerical control machines market over the forecast period, attributed to the increasing number of manufacturing units in the region The key market participants are Amada Co., Ltd .; Fanuc Corporation; Amera Seiki; Dalian Machine Tool Group (DMTG) Corporation; Datron AG; Haas Automation, Inc .; Hurco Companies, Inc .; Okuma Corporation; DMG Mori; Shenyang Machine Tool Co., Ltd. (SMTCL); and Yamazaki Mazak Corporation Request a Sample Copy of the Global Computer Numerical Control Machines Market Research Report @ www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/contact-center-software-market/request/rs1 Grand View Research has segmented the global computer numerical control machines market based on types, end use, and region: CNC Machines Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2027) Lathe Machines Milling Machines Laser Machines Grinding Machines Welding Machines Winding Machines Others CNC Machines End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2027) Automotive Aerospace & Defense Construction Equipment Power & Energy Industrial Others CNC Machines Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2027) North America US Canada europe france germany italy Asia Pacific china India japan Latin America mexico Middle East & Africa Access full research report on global computer numerical control machines market: www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/computer-numerical-controls-cnc-market Bob Giamio, founder of the Silver Diner restaurant chain, is hoping to receive emergency funding in the coming days through a federal loan program. But he doesn't want to spend the money right away. Small-business owners are supposed to use the loans immediately to keep employees on their payrolls during the coronavirus crisis, but at the moment there is little for Giamio's workers to do. His restaurants in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia will be closed for sit-down service until local officials allow them to reopen. "Getting the loan is hard enough. Using it is harder," said Giamio, who is lobbying through an industry association for more flexible loan terms. His frustration is one of a variety shared by business owners as they try to navigate the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program -- the week-old initiative that Congress is already considering expanding with another $250 billion in funding. The low-interest loans are meant to save businesses with fewer than 500 employees - and prevent their workers from flooding unemployment offices. So far, the rollout has been rocky. Banks, tasked with dispersing the money, have been confused about the rules, which has delayed lending. Entrepreneurs are reporting troubles applying. And even some who make it through the application process say they're facing dilemmas about how to use the money. The Small Business Administration, which is overseeing the program, said more than 600,000 loans totaling $161 billion had been approved as of Friday. It didn't provide a figure for the amount of money dispersed. "Overall, this is the largest economic recovery program in our country's history and it is underway after being built in five short days," the agency said in an emailed statement. "The overwhelming response of applications for PPP assistance since the programs launched illustrates how much America's small businesses -- and those they employ -- need our help." Small businesses across the country are pouncing on the program. About 70% of 900 entrepreneurs surveyed said they tried to apply for a PPP loan, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. Of those, about three-quarters successfully submitted an application, with the rest reporting problems. Some entrepreneurs have had trouble finding a bank that will accept their application, in some cases because banks are limiting the loans to pre-existing customers, according to NFIB's survey. The taxpayer-funded program relies on banks to vet and approve loans of up to $10 million. Gusto, a company that helps small businesses manage their payrolls, said its clients are having more luck applying through local banks, rather than large, national lenders. "Anecdotally we've found small community banks have done a better job getting the money distributed," said Gusto co-founder Edward Kim. After a slow start, big banks have stepped up their participation in recent days. Citigroup began taking applications Thursday. JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America say small businesses have applied for about $40 billion in loans from each bank. But the banking industry remains frustrated by the rollout. Banks say the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration are still clarifying how the program will operate, making it more difficult to finalize the terms of the loans. "Clear and concise instructions are still sorely needed on access to the SBA loan programs," the Independent Community Bankers of America and more than two dozen state banking associations said in a letter Thursday to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza. "Community bankers throughout the country have worked around the clock to make this critical program work for cash-starved small businesses." Patrick Ryan, chief executive of New Jersey-based First Bank, said small businesses approved for the program are likely to start receiving funds next week. "One thing I wish had been done differently is more reasonable expectations," Ryan said. "Everyone was in such a hurry to announce it that there were expectations that somehow we were going to flip a switch and loans were going to go flying out the door." Several entrepreneurs interviewed by The Washington Post said they had submitted their paperwork and were awaiting final approval. "My phone is on and I'm keeping my shower door open...I just don't want to miss a call," said Alison Cayne, owner of Haven's Kitchen, a cooking school and cafe in Manhattan, who applied through her local Chase bank branch. Cayne has managed to avoid laying people off, largely by cutting hours and pay. "My managers all went to 20 hours a week, $20 an hour so we could keep the porters and prep cooks on the payroll and getting healthcare," she said. Cayne is hoping to use part of the emergency funds to pay workers back for those lost wages. Melissa Wirt, founder of an e-commerce clothing business in Richmond, Virginia, has also avoided laying off her 35 full-time employees, who are mostly working from home. She was approved for a PPP loan through her local bank and is waiting for the funds to arrive. "It allows me to set that money aside and not worry about whether [employees] are going to get paid," she said. Small businesses can have the loans forgiven, meaning they won't have to pay them back, if they spend most of the money on retaining or rehiring employees. To qualify for forgiveness, they're supposed to spend at least 75% of the funds on payroll within eight weeks of receiving the loan. The rest must be spent on rent, mortgage interest or utilities, if the loan is to be forgiven. Otherwise, recipients need to start repaying the funds after a six-month grace period. For Giamio, part owner of Silver Diner, which runs 19 restaurants, the mandated timing of the spending is a problem. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. In his 30 years in business, he says he's never laid off an employee, until now. After coronavirus hit, local authorities ordered restaurants to close for sit-down service, forcing Giamio to temporarily lay off 1,600 of 1,800 workers, he said. Most of them are now collecting unemployment, he said. (Some regional restaurant chains qualify for the loans even if they employ more than 500 people). Giamio has maintained his management team and a skeleton crew to handle pick-up and delivery orders, but can't fully open for business until D.C., Maryland and Virginia give him the all-clear. In Virginia, that's not expected to happen until June 10, he said. He applied through a local bank for a $9.5 million emergency loan and is awaiting approval. But rehiring his workers immediately would be impractical, he said. "There's no job for them," he said. "We would use all the loan proceeds while we're closed, and we'd be out of funds to reopen." Giamio wants the rules to change so that the companies can qualify for loan forgiveness if they wait to rehire workers until they are legally allowed to reopen. In the meantime, he'd like to use part of the loan to pay the workers he has retained and to pay suppliers of food and other goods, but he says paying suppliers isn't an allowed use of the funds under current regulations. He is lobbying his senators and congressional representatives to try to change the rules. In its emailed statement, the SBA said the point of the program "is to put money in the hands of small business owners so they can, in part, keep employees on the payroll so they can make rent, pay mortgages, buy groceries and generally survive and participate in the economy." "For a business to take this cash injection from PPP and sit on it while their employees are at home being unpaid defeats the purpose and the spirit of the CARES Act," the law that created the loan program, the SBA said. "All we are asking is that the employer use 75% of what is essentially free money to pay their employees for eight weeks." Some other business owners said they agree with Giamio's view. Jerry Akers runs a chain of hair salons in Iowa and Nebraska that aren't allowed to reopen until next month at the earliest. He's furloughed most of his 200 workers, who are collecting unemployment. His business, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been approved for a PPP loan of about $1 million and is awaiting the funds. He, too, would like to wait to spend on rehiring until he's allowed to reopen, because he'll need an extra cushion as business ramps up again. "There will be a window there where customers will take time to come back. You are going to be paying for more labor than you might need because people might not be comfortable coming out of their homes quickly," Akers said. "Probably there won't be enough revenue to take care of bills in that time." Cortney Keene, who owns a clinic for autistic children in White River Junction, Vermont, furloughed 17 of her 20 employees in mid March, after social-distancing advice emerged. "You can't work with a 2-year-old with autism and be six feet away," she said. "We basically lost all of our revenue immediately." Her workers are now collecting unemployment. Her business was approved for a PPP loan several days ago, and requested receipt be delayed until early May. Her lender agreed to that start date, she said. "We can't bring our employees back till the first week of May," she said. "We didn't want to receive it now because we can't bring our staff back now." Dorothy Agustin, Sun and Sea Manor executive director, holds a "thank you" sign after the assited living facility received medical supplies from San Diego County. Behind her are the facility's staff and, at left, owner Anne Owens-Stone. (Sun and Sea Manor) The Sun and Sea Manor, an assisted living facility for people with dementia and Alzheimers, hit a roadblock when ordering medical equipment earlier this month. Their vendor was out of supplies. The COVID-19 pandemic had created a surge in demand, so the assisted living facility in the San Diego County city of Imperial Beach was essentially told to take a number and hope for the best. Theyre getting so many orders that theyve set up a lottery system right now with everything, including toilet paper, said Dorothy Agustin, the homes executive director. Then, Sun and Sea got an unexpected call from Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina. Agustin described it as a wellness check from the citys top elected official. She told him about their lack of gloves, masks and medical gowns. He told her that IB had their back. Within a week, the supplies came. Weve been doing the happy dance over here, said Anne Owens-Stone, Sun and Sea Manors owner. We also received hand sanitizer, which nobody can get their hands on these days. That wasnt an isolated act of kindness. Three weeks ago, Imperial Beach set up a special task force to proactively deal with coronavirus-related issues facing the citys residents. The task force is broken down into five subcommittees that each address particular issues: public health; business; high-risk populations; preparation and recovery; and public safety. Each committee includes one member of the City Council and local residents who are experts in their respected field. For example, the public health subcommittee includes Mayor Dedina and three doctors who live in Imperial Beach. All of the work is done on a volunteer basis. Those experts tap into their networks to provide Imperial Beach residents with the best available resources. Dedina got the idea to form a task force from the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Its a program that connects mayors from across the country to experts via weekly conference calls. Story continues Those experts include former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as former heads of the CDC and crisis management experts at Harvard University. They stressed the importance of having a unified and proactive response, Dedina said. It was the first thing they suggested, he said. Apart from getting Sun and Sea Manor medical equipment, the task force has helped connect local businesses with federal loan programs, gotten 40 masks to workers at the local Grocery Outlet store, removed gang-related graffiti that popped up after the stay-in-shelter orders, and educated tenants about eviction protections available to them. Imperial Beach was the first city in San Diego County to pass an eviction moratorium. Under the citys moratorium, tenants who provide written notice to their landlord that they are unable to pay rent because of the pandemic and show documented proof to back up their claim cannot be evicted during the state of emergency. In a way, Imperial Beach was ready for a crisis because the city had already been facing one for years cross-border sewage spills that routinely shut down the citys beaches. I think it gave us the resources to understand why complacency is a giant sin for government, Dedina said. Thats why we were so proactive on this issues. Because we cant afford to have it devastate our community. Dr. Ramon Hernandez, who is a member of the public health subcommittee, is also the sector chief of community health at UC San Diego School of Medicine's pediatricts department. He has been hosting weekly video blogs on Facebook to keep the community updated on the latest developments. Hernandez is the one who connected Sun and Sea Manor with the county health department for supplies. Hernandez says the task force has had practical benefits in helping combat the pandemic but also has worked to keep people connected even while isolated at home an important factor right now for overall well-being. Being able to solve some issues through the task force is a mental health boost, he said. To be honest, the community piece is what inspires me, he said. I see our community do all of this work and its really beautiful. It shows that in the midst of a crisis we are coming together and it shows the strength of our city. Its been particularly helpful in giving people a sense of agency, he said, that they have some sort of control over this situation. At Sun and Sea Manor, staff have been controlling what they can control, showing a little creativity while doing some troubleshooting. With current restrictions, residents' family and friends haven't been able to visit. So staff members have started shooting short videos that residents can send to their children, grandkids and great-grandchildren. To feel so embraced by the community has just been so uplifting, Owens-Stone said. Solis writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune Iran trying to fight coronavirus, economic impacts simultaneously, gov't says IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, April 11, IRNA -- The spokesman of the Iranian government wrote on his Twitter message on Saturday that Iran is trying to fight coronavirus and its negative economic effects at the same time. Ali Rabiei said that the approach of the government is health-oriented, which needs both a dynamic health system and a strong economy. "The smart social distancing works when the social assets are at their peak," Rabiei added. He also said that Iran needs a leap in production of social assets. If trust between the system and the people increases and there is a balance between health and economy, Iran can be a role model for the world. 9417**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur will be used as a quarantine centre for coronavirus cases until further orders, District Magistrate, Aunjaneya Kumar Singh has said. The university has been in the news in the recent past owing to its chancellor, Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who is facing charges of encroachment of land around the institution. According to information available on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website as of 4:00 AM on Sunday, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state stands at 433, with 32 discharged/cured/migrated and four deaths. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases crossed 7,500 including 6634 active cases, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday. So far 652 people have been cures/discharged 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.) 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 influx 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. Follow latest updates on coronavirus here But continuing with the lockdown will further dry up the states 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 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. Click here for complete coronavirus coverage 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. PTI PVR BDC ABH ABH Cayuga County became at least the fourth Central New York county to call for residents to obey odd and even day travel limits based on residents birth year. The county announced the voluntary shelter-in-place plan Saturday. A similar plan was originally introduced by Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and then introduced by Madison and Oswego counties. Cayuga Countys plan calls for residents to alternate the days they go out for essential items and to visit parks by birth year from April 12-26. Those born in even years have been asked to go out for essential items or to local parks on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and April 19 (a Sunday). Those born in odd years have been asked to go out for essential items on local parks on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, April 12 and April 26. The latter dates are Sundays. Cayuga County has seen a surge in people testing positive for the coronavirus in the last week. After having fewer than 10 positive cases through April 3, the county has added more than 20 positive cases in the last week. If you need to leave your residence for essential needs, try to limit this activity to one member of your household," said Aileen McNabb-Coleman, the chair of the Cayuga County Legislature. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Coronavirus shutdown ending soon in NY? Cuomo pours cold water on speculation Coronavirus in Onondaga County: Nearly half in hospitals are 'critical After a dream wedding, the coronavirus spreads pain and fear through a CNY family 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. London, April 12 : UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he owed his life to the country's National health service (NHS) for helping him beat the novel coronavirus. The Prime Minister, 55, issued a short statement on Saturday hailing the medics as he prepared to spend his seventh night at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, reports the Metro newspaper. "I can't thank them enough. I owe them my life," he said. Earlier on Saturday, the Downing Street had said that Johnson was now able to take short walks as he continued his recovery from a severe case of COVID-19. The Prime Minister was making "good progress" and has been boosted by daily updates from pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds along with thousands of cards from well-wishers, it added. However, there has been no update on when he was likely to be discharged. Aides reportedly expect him to be off for a month recuperating, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab deputising in Johnson's absence. Johnson was first admitted to hospital on April 5 on the advice of his doctor, amid concerns that he was still suffering coronavirus symptoms after testing positive on March 27, said the Metro newspaper. It was initially said to be only as a "precautionary" measure and he was reportedly issuing instructions and working on his ministerial red boxes from his sick bed on April 6. But his condition rapidly deteriorated throughout that afternoon into the evening and he was rushed to intensive care. He was moved to a general ward two days later. The news comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has increased to 79,885, with 9,892 deaths amid an ongoing national lockdown. Parliament will return after the Easter recess, the government confirmed on Sunday, a day after cross-party calls for the immediate recall of the house. Whitehall sources said all options were being considered for parliaments return. A spokesperson for Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the house, added: Parliament will return on 21 April to fulfil its essential constitutional functions of conducting scrutiny, authorising spending and making laws. In these unprecedented times, technological solutions have already been implemented for select committee and options are being prepared for the speaker, the government and other parties to consider next week. It is important that we have a comprehensive solution that does not inadvertently exclude any members. The leader of the House of Commons will respond to the leader of the oppositions letter in the usual way. The planned Easter recess was brought forward to begin on 25 March to help curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. MPs had agreed to return on 21 April before the House of Commons rose. However, Labour on Saturday demanded urgent talks with the government to recall parliament. Sir Keir Starmer, the new Labour leader, said parliament must open for business on 21 April even if it meant MPs asking questions via webcam. In a letter to Rees-Mogg, he said: Parliament has a responsibility to put questions to ministers at this time of national crisis. It came after the home secretary, Priti Patel, told reporters during a Downing Street briefing on Saturday that she did not know yet whether parliament would resume on the scheduled date of 21 April. Boris Johnson on Saturday thanked NHS staff at St Thomas Hospital in London for saving his life while he was treated in intensive care for coronavirus. The prime minister spent three nights in intensive care following a deterioration in his condition on Monday. He had recovered enough to return to the ward on Thursday and later said he owes his life to the NHS workers who cared for him. Foreign secretary Dominic Raab has been deputising in the prime ministers absence. As Ireland nears the end of its second week in lockdown, third level students across the country are attempting to keep up their college work under unusual circumstances. Christina Logan from Abbeyshrule is studying Graphic Design at Athlone Institute of Technology, which shut its doors on March 20 and instructed its students to work from home. In the beginning, many people thought the whole situation was being blown way out of proportion, stating sure its just a bad flu and making jokes about it, Christina told the Longford Leader. There had been rumours a couple of days before the closure that it (the college closing) was a possibility. The reaction in the college as a whole was strange. The library ran out of many books with academic students panicking that they wouldnt be able to study their course material. Some exams had already been brought forward to that week and the canteen gave out extra food to the few who dared mix with the few students who were left. Since the college closed, Christina and other students like her have been left to face the prospect of working from home and continuous assessment, rather than exams. Right now we are unsure how our end of year assessments will work, she admitted. Usually, we are graded on our research, design, how well it works in print format and a presentation of our work. Things always look different on screen than they do printed so its a big part of our learning. Read also: Longford student asks people to 'please be considerate' of students following State Examinations decision I suppose the presentation could still be doable over the internet but that would be horrible for all involved. I'm in my final year; usually as a design class we have a big exhibition of our work. It's not looking good for it happening at the moment and, to be honest, we are all disappointed about that. Now that the restriction has been extended, we may not be back in college this semester at all - a sad way to end the degree. While continuous assessment is certainly doable for third level students, students studying for their Leaving Certificate are still in limbo when it comes to their exams. While the government has announced intentions for the state exams to go ahead this summer - albeit a month or two later than usual - students are struggling with the challenges of studying from home without their teachers. Ballymahon music teacher Katie Gallagher is determined to help out in whatever way she can and, with the help of her friends who are teachers, has set up a resource stockpile for exam students to access for free. What were doing is creating a google folder through Gallagher School of Music and Drama where teachers can share their notes of all subjects for exam students, Katie explained. Its a free service and all teachers get 100% credit for their notes. If people want to gain access to the folder or are a teacher and want to share their notes they just email gallagherschoolofmusicand drama@gmail.com and Ill share it with them. With oral and practical exams already being cancelled for this year so far, the folder has been a help to numerous exam students who are facing into the uncertainty of written exams. Were just trying to do our bit because everyone is so scared at the moment, Katie explained. There is so much uncertainty but I think the main thing to do is switch off from social media and keep active and if you are an exam student, just be confident in your own independent learning and dont be afraid to reach out if you need help. Its sad to see the practicals and orals cancelled but it was the only way bar putting them on during the summer. I personally am sad for my students who dont get to show off their talents in that capacity but that just means well have to work harder on getting more shows for them to shine in. Read also: Leaving Cert postponed and Junior Cert exams cancelled amidst Covid-19 crisis The Public Works Department (PWD) of Uttar Pradesh has been serving food to the needy and the poor twice a day in all 75 districts of the state since the lockdown was imposed to combat coronavirus, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said on Sunday. Community kitchens have been set up for this purpose at PWD guest houses in the districts and care is being taken to ensure the quality of food and adherence to social distancing norms, Maurya, who also holds the PWD portfolio, told PTI here. "The community kitchens are providing food to the needy persons in the districts twice a day. Dry rations are also being distributed from these community kitchens. These will continue to operate as long as the lockdown exists," he said. The community kitchens run by the PWD, the Bridge Corporation and the Rajkiya Nirman Nigam (an UP government undertaking) are also coordinating with the officials of the district administration, Maurya said. The UP deputy chief minister said the nationwide lockdown was essential to curtail the spread of the deadly virus and secure the future of the country. He urged people to follow the guidelines issued by the government and obey the lockdown norms. "The Centre and the state government have already made arrangements to provide essential items to the public so that no one faces any problem," he said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By PTI ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday urged the global community to launch an initiative to give debt relief to developing countries that are fighting the novel coronavirus, as Pakistan reported 399 fresh cases, bringing the total number of the COVID-19 patients to 5,183. In a video message, Khan said that highly indebted countries are facing a "lack of fiscal space" that was inhibiting their efforts to prevent the coronavirus from spreading and, at the same time, providing relief to people. He said a global pandemic cannot be contained without strong, coordinated and well-crafted global response. "The Global Initiative on Debt Relief will bring together stakeholders on a platform to promote coordinated health and economic response," he said. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES Noting that COVID-19 posed unprecedented health and economic challenges, Khan underlined that a global recession worse than the Great Depression was certain. He noted that during the past week, various announcements have been made by multilateral actors such as the UN, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, including an initial relief packages of USD 1.4 billion by the IMF and USD 1 billion by the World Bank. Khan invited the UN Secretary General to work with him in advancing the objectives of a coordinated response. "The proposed Global Initiative aims to lay ground for urgent debt relief to the developing countries, at their request, and without onerous conditionalities, he said. While proposing the Initiative, Khan highlighted that his Government had provided USD 8 billion stimulus package to help the most vulnerable people in Pakistan. Khan entrusted the Foreign Minister and Adviser on Finance to reach out to their respective counterparts for the "Global Initiative on Debt Relief" with the objectives of relieving developing countries of the financial challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic and realizing sustainable development. His appeal came as the Ministry of National Health Services reported 399 fresh coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of the COVID-19 patients in the country to 5,183. The nation-wide breakdown of the patients showed that Punjab has 2,464 cases, Sindh 1,411, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 697, Balochistan 228, Gilgit-Baltistan 224 Islamabad 119 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 40. The ministry also said that 14 more people have died due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities to 86. It said that 1,026 patients have recovered so far while 37 were reported to be in critical condition. The data showed that so far 61,801 tested were conducted, including 2,805 during the last one day. Prime Minister's Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that coronavirus was a "preventable problem" and could be curbed if proper measures were taken, as he urged people to observe social distancing and ensure hand hygiene. He also said that half of the total coronavirus patients were infected due to local transmission. The other half were those who came from abroad. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar told the media that cash distribution was going on and so far over 1.774 million families benefitted from Ehsaas programme to give cash to the poor. The steady rise in the new cases has been registered despite more than three-week of lockdown in the country which is going to end on Tuesday, but officials said that a decision will be made on Monday whether to increase it or not. There is high possibility that it would be extended as Mirza said that the low number of cases could spike if lockdown was completely lifted. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The two top Republicans in the U.S. Congress vowed on Saturday to oppose Democrats' demands to boost a proposed $250 billion bill to aid small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic by adding money for hospitals and state and local governments WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The two top Republicans in the U.S. Congress vowed on Saturday to oppose Democrats' demands to boost a proposed $250 billion bill to aid small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic by adding money for hospitals and state and local governments. The statement from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House of Representatives Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy came a day after top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said he and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin planned to hold bipartisan talks on the bill next week. "American workers are in crisis," McConnell and McCarthy said. "This will not be Congress's last word on COVID-19, but this crucial program needs funding now. American workers cannot be used as political hostages." A bipartisan group representing the nation's governors and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, meanwhile, said Congress must address the fiscal toll the pandemic is taking on states, which are often on the front lines of the virus response. The new coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease, has killed more than 19,600 Americans, closed schools, businesses and most public activities and thrown more than 15 million people out of work. Senate Republicans on Thursday failed to ram through a $250 billion increase in loans for small businesses suffering due to the outbreak. Democrats support the $250 billion in new funding but want to set aside some of the lending for community and minority-owned banks. The $250 billion in small-business loans would be in addition to $349 billion already allocated by Congress in a $2.3 trillion relief measure passed last month following another partisan standoff. In addition to the small business funding, Schumer and Pelosi are pressing for another funding stream of more than $250 billion that would aid hospitals, state and local governments, along with expanded food aid for the poor. Some Congressional Republicans are against the second batch of funding, calling it premature. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, the Republican chairman of the National Governors Association, and vice-chair Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, a Democrat, on Saturday urged the federal government to provide immediate fiscal relief for states. "The federal stimulus bill is going to be key," Cuomo told a news conference. "That legislation, in my opinion, has to be better than the past legislation -- has to be less political, less pork barrel and more targeted to the actual purpose" of helping places most directly affected by the coronavirus. Cuomo and Hogan called on Congress to provide $500 billion to meet the states' budgetary shortfalls. Pelosi supported the governors' calls for immediate funding. "Governors are crying out for help and Congress must act," Pelosi wrote on Twitter. "Our state and local governments are in crisis, and between emergency expenses and rising unemployment sapping revenue, they need an immediate infusion of funds to prevent the collapse of essential services." (Reporting by Linda So and Richard Cowan; Editing by Scott Malone, Bernadette Baum, Daniel Wallis and Diane Craft) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 11, 2020 | 04:49 PM | BALLARD COUNTY The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 is a 57-year-old male. The health department says that he is currently not in the hospital; he is self-quarantined and in stable condition. The Purchase District Health Department continues to encourage Kentuckians to follow social distancing guidelines and proper hand washing techniques. Guidelines say that you should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds at a time and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth throughout the day. There have now been over 1,800 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Kentucky. The Purchase District Health Department has confirmed a second coronavirus case in Ballard County. 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 on Friday night after getting an order to access patient files. Obviously, its 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 will also 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. But McVey, fighting back tears at one point during a news conference, said they didnt get full co-operation from management and had to get a legal order Wednesday to enact any measures necessary under provincial health laws. Thats when they got access to families contact information and began examining medical files. Were 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 were 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 familys request, told The Canadian Press his family was relieved. She was a little worried about it first, she didnt want to be taken to a hospital because she had a fear if she went to a hospital, shed 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 had 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 didnt hesitate a second, she said, Id take her to the hospital. Wheelands father, Ken, 85, died of COVID-19 at another Montreal-area long-term care home a week ago, he said. I dont 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 dont 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 Houses 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. 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 coroners 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. Read more about: JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - African ambassadors in China have written to the country's foreign minister over what they call discrimination against Africans as the country seeks to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus. Several African countries have separately also demanded that China address their concerns that Africans, in particular in the southern city of Guangzhou, are being mistreated and harassed. Having brought under control the original outbreak centred on the city of Wuhan, China is now concerned about imported cases and is stepping up scrutiny of foreigners coming into the country and tightening border controls. It has denied any discrimination. In recent days Africans in Guangzhou 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. The ambassadors' note said such "stigmatisation and discrimination" created the false impression that the virus was being spread by Africans. "The Group of African Ambassadors in Beijing immediately demands the cessation of forceful testing, quarantine and other inhuman treatments meted out to Africans," it said. The note was sent to State Councilor Wang Yi, the Chinese government's top diplomat, copying the chair of the African Union, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and all African foreign ministers. "The Guangdong authorities attach great importance to some African countries concerns and are working promptly to improve their working method," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a statement published Sunday, referring to the province in which Guangzhou is located. "African friends can count on getting fair, just, cordial and friendly reception in China," he said, adding the foreign ministry will stay in close communication with Guangdong authorities and address the "African sides reasonable concerns and legitimate appeals". Story continues Zhao's statement did not reference the ambassadors' note to Wang and did not mention the allegations of discrimination against Africans in the city. Foreign affairs official Liu Baochun told a news conference separately on Sunday that Guangzhou is enforcing anti-virus measures on anyone who enters the city from across the national border, regardless of nationality, race or gender. The Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe on Saturday dismissed the accusation that Africans were being deliberately targeted. "It is harmful to sensationalize isolated incidents," it said in a tweeted statement. "China treats all individuals in the country, Chinese and foreign alike, as equals." DISAPPOINTMENT The ambassadors' note highlighted a number of reported incidents, including that Africans were being ejected from hotels in the middle of the night, the seizure of passports, and threats of visa revocation, arrest or deportation. On Saturday, Ghana's foreign minister of affairs Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said she had summoned the Chinese ambassador to express her disappointment and demand action. Kenya's foreign ministry has also "officially expressed concern", adding the government is 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. (Reporting by Paul Carsten, Emma Rumney, Alessandra Prentice, Katharine Houreld, Christian Akorlie and Se Young Lee; Writing by Elias Biryabarema and Emma Rumney; Editing by Frances Kerry and Lincoln Feast.) Published on 2020/04/12 | Source Hand sanitizer in a supermarket in Seoul on Monday /Yonhap Korea is inundated with orders for commodities linked to the coronavirus panic, from hand sanitizer and toilet paper to rice, which frantic shoppers have been hoarding overseas. Advertisement Retailers here appear to have a more efficient supply network, so none of the products have run out due to panic buying, and perhaps Korean shoppers are more disciplined than elsewhere. A staffer at Homeplus received an e-mail on March 23 from a product developer at Singapore-based e-commerce platform Qoo10 seeking "as much private brand toilet paper as possible". It took only three days to sign the contract and load 2,000 rolls of toilet paper and boxed tissue on a container ship in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province on Monday. The city state has been suffering from an acute shortage of some daily necessities and hoarding after neighboring Malaysia sealed its borders on March 18. Singapore imports 90 percent of its major food products from Malaysia. The Homeplus staffer said, "We've been trying hard to find overseas clients for our condiments and confectionery but never thought we'd end up exporting such a large volume of toilet paper. We're also in talks with Qoo10 to export mineral water and other daily necessities". Iksan in North Jeolla Province started to send 20 tons of rice a month to Hong Kong from April. Korea had had difficulty finding export markets for its rice, which is two to three times more expensive than Chinese or Southeast Asian rice, but the coronavirus outbreak has changed that. Gangjin in South Jeolla Province began exporting rice to Malaysia on March 30 and plans to ship 90 tons of the grain there this year. A growing number of countries around the world have halted export of agricultural products and began stockpiling them for fear of a shortage due to the pandemic. Vietnam, which is the world's third-largest rice exporter after India and Thailand, halted rice exports on March 24 and Cambodia followed suit on Monday. Agricultural cooperative staff load rice for export to Hong Kong in Iksan, North Jeolla Province on April 1. CJ Cheiljedang's dumpling factories in California and New York have been running at full capacity even at weekends since last month. Customers in the U.S. have been hoarding Korean frozen food in expectation of a lockdown. A CJ staffer said, "Sales of dumplings, instant rice and frozen pizza have more than doubled in American supermarkets". The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said farm produce and food exports during the first three months of this year rose 5.8 percent on-year to US$1.74 billion, with processed food products accounting for 80 percent. In March alone, they rose 15.8 percent to $675 million. Hand sanitizer is also in high demand overseas. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, exports of the product last month surged 604.1 percent on-year to $5.69 million, the equivalent of 83.9 percent of the entire shipments last year. "We're inundated with requests from Europe and other regions that are suffering shortages", a staffer at a cosmetics company said. By PTI JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday termed the withdrawal of the lockdown a major challenge, said that his government was in favour of a 'modified lockdown' in the state. It, however, depends on the government of India, he added. Gehlot said the state government was examining and exploring possibilities of something on the lines of a 'modified lockdown' at the local level. "If the lockdown continues, we would see whether is it possible to create a situation at the local level which can be called a 'modified lockdown'. This is my own thought and it depends on the government of India how far this can be executed. "It depends on the government of India how far this can be executed. If possible, we would try for a modified lockdown," Gehlot added. ALSO READ | Coronavirus: Two more deaths, 104 new cases reported in Rajasthan; total tally at 804 The chief minister said the state government's committee was brainstorming on the possibility of giving relaxations to industries in which internal resources like labour are available and to interstate transportation. "Imposing a lockdown is easy but withdrawing it a big challenge. It will have to be withdrawn. If not after a period of 21 days, it will have to be withdrawn 15 days later. "The economy will come on track when financial activities like opening shops, industries will take place and then only state and the centre will get revenues," he told reporters at a briefing held via video-conferencing here. The chief minister reiterated his demand of a stimulus package for the country to overcome the economic crisis. He said the financial condition of the states has deteriorated and the Centre should announce a grant of Rs 1 lakh crore. Gehlot also demanded to raise the limit of fiscal deficit from three per cent, as per the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, to five per cent and other measures to help the states. He said former finance minister Yashwant Sinha was of the opinion that more currency notes should be printed to tackle the current crisis. "The financial conditions of states have weakened and there is a drastic decline in revenue collection. We are doing good financial management in Rajasthan but the situation of any state may deteriorate in this difficult time therefore the centre should come forward to announce a package," Gehlot said. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES "The Centre has RBI and resources and it can print more currency notes. Former minister Yashwant Sinha has said that notes should be printed in this time of crisis," he added. Expressing concern on the rising number of COVID-19 patients in Jaipur, Gehlot said that it has become a challenge for the state government and all efforts were being made to contain the spread. He, however, asserted that the situation was under control despite the rising number of cases. The chief minister said the government has ordered 10 lakh rapid testing kits. There has been no requirement of ventilators for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the state so far, he added. In Jaipur, he said, quarantine facilities have been set up in hostels and hotels, and possibilities were being explored to use stadiums as well. On a question related with job security, the chief minister said industrialists should consider their staff as family members and see that they do not face difficulties. He informed that apart from 10 lakh rapid testing kits, the state has ordered 1.5 lakh PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment). Enforce containment measures ruthlessly: Gehlot tells officials Ashok Gehlot on Sunday asked officials to follow the government's containment strategy ruthlessly and survey every house to identify people infected with COVID-19 as soon as possible to stop the further spread of the virus. For this, he said, the 'Bhilwara model' of strict curfew and aggressive contact tracing can be followed. No fresh case has been reported for a few days from the textile city, where the first case was detected on March 19 but massive screening and contact tracing helped it contain the outbreak. On Sunday, Rajasthan reported 104 fresh cases, pushing the overall tally to 804. In Bhilwara, 25 people infected with the virus have recovered and around 6,000 are in home quarantine, Gehlot said. Discussing the emerging situation with senior district officials from his residence, he told them to take precautions but enforce the lockdown strictly and contain the virus ruthlessly. He said district collectors should take the pandemic seriously and ensure survey of each and every house. Chief Secretary DB Gupta warned people against taking photographs for self-promotion when distributing food and ration. Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Rajeeva Swarup told officials that they should see to it that essential items are delivered to people who need them. Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Rohit Kumar Singh said more than25,000 tests have been done in the state till Saturday evening and Rajasthan is placed second, after Maharashtra, in that regard. "With an increase in number of tests, the number positive patients could also increase and in such situation we have to be prepared in advance," he said. Taiwan has started sharing its best practices with 14,000 Indian medical staff to deal with coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. it is learnt that 9,000 medical personnel were benefited by this initiative April 2 via video conference and the second video conference is scheduled on April 14. Taiwanese Representative Office in New Delhi in a statement to WION said, "India is a very important country in our New South Bound Policy. Our government has decided to take action to assist India and other countries in this region to fight the pandemic." Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Director of Quarantine, Dr. Chen at Taiwan National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH) interacted with Indian medical staff, docters and nurses in the first round held of April 2. During the interaction, several questions were taken from Indian medical staff. Two Indian pharma Companies have taken the lead in India-Taiwan Counter Covid collaboration. The 9000 medical staffs who have been trained were done with the help of ALKEM Laboratories Ltd based In Mumbai while 5000 who will be trained are being done with help of Veritaz Healthcare Ltd. Infact, it was ALKEM Laboratories who had sought Taiwan External Trade Development Council for assistance. Both the pharmaceutical companies contracted a PR company and opened registration to the medical or pharmaceutical staffs from hospitals throughout India. Taiwan's quick reaction to the crisis has drawn it praise globally and despite being densely populated the country has reported 385 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 99 have recovered and 6 have died so far. Under the slogan "Taiwan can help", Taiwan is now getting in touch with other countrires to share its best practices. On April 1, Taiwan announced first wave of international humanitarian assistance and donated 10 million medical masks and other medical supplies to the US, Europe. Masks donated to the Netherlands arrived in Amsterdam on April 7. Taiwan also gifted to EU member states of Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 19:51:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that his country has fought U.S. sanctions and the outbreak of novel the coronavirus simultaneously, according to the state TV. However, Iran has handled the issue of novel coronavirus better than Europe and the United States, Rouhani said. "We did better than you (the United States and Europe) in the fight against the coronavirus, the Iranian people resisted well, took each other's hands and helped and assisted each other," he said during a meeting of the National Headquarters for Managing and Fighting the Coronavirus. "This is an honor for all, for all our loved ones and people," he said, adding that despite the pressures, the country has stockpile of basic commodities as well. Iran on Sunday reported a total of 71,686 novel coronavirus cases in the country of whom 4,474 have died. Photo: Contributed SafeCare BC conducted a survey of long-term care facilities, assisted living, home support and community care providers asking if they were experiencing a critical shortage of personal protective equipment. A non-profit organization says the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in B.C.s long-term care homes, assisted living, and home and community care is a crisis. SafeCare BC said that it conducted a survey Friday of its members, with 478 long-term care, assisted living, home support and community living providers, spread across all five of B.C.s health regions, responding. The survey was carried out over a 7-hour period and respondents included both private and non-profit facilities. Seventy per cent of the 478 facilities said they are experiencing a critical shortage of PPE, according to Safe Care BC. Another 52 per cent said they have no N95 masks, while 25 per cent said they only have enough to last up to three days. Meanwhile, 70 per cent of care providers who responded to the survey said they expect to run out of surgical masks by the end of next week, and 38 per cent expect to run out by the end of the Easter long weekend. When it comes to eye protection equipment, SafeCare BC said that 21 per cent said they have none, and 30 per cent expect to run out by the end of the long weekend. The data from this survey of front-line home support, community living and long-term care providers confirms we are in the middle of a PPE emergency, said SafeCare BC CEO Jen Lyle in an open letter published Saturday on the non-profits website. Twenty-one long-term care and assisted living facilities in B.C. have reported outbreaks of COVID-19. Two of the hardest-hit facilities are the Haro Park Care Home in Vancouver and the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver. That centre has also seen Last month, SafeCare BC launched Operation Protect, calling for donations of extra medical supplies to healthcare workers. And, while SafeCare BC received 360,500 pieces of equipment through the outreach, it isnt enough, said Lyle. Until April 9, SafeCare BC was directing all donated items into the provincial supply chain, she said. Despite this, of 72 requesting continuing care organizations, only three had received PPE from the province. Multiple care providers have received invoices for the donated items. Lyle said SafeCare BC is now responding directly to urgent requests from its members and assisted living providers. In addition to ensuring donations reach their intended destination at no cost, we will continue to direct PPE to the provincial supply chain. So far, we have transferred three large shipments of PPE for use in B.C. hospitals and other health care sectors, said Lyle. SafeCare BC has also requested emergency meetings this weekend with provincial health authorities, the B.C. Ministry of Health, WorkSafeBC, and others due to the PPE shortage. In addition to continuing to spread the word about Operation Protect, said Lyle, the public should also encourage public health officials to immediately designate B.C. long-term care homes as a priority for access to PPE to protect these vulnerable population groups. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has called for a crisis meeting of state and federal water ministers to allocate emergency irrigation water to farms in the Southern Murray basin and help ensure Australias food security through the pandemic. Current water policies have failed Australia, a consultancy director says. Credit:60 Minutes The Nine Networks 60 Minutes revealed a letter written by Mr Barilaro and co-signed by NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey to federal Water Minister Keith Pitt requesting the meeting be "convened within 30 days to address the need to secure a water allocation for Southern Basin irrigators in NSW". We've seen a stimulus for jobs. A stimulus for business. Now we need a water stimulus, Mr Barilaro said. Until two years ago, the Southern Murray Basin, 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. In the news release, Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., dies at 90, issued 11-Apr-2020 by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the 1st paragraph, 1st sentence, should read "Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain." rather than "Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain." as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows: Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., dies at 90 MIAMI, April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90.A The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family. Wilhelmsen was a constant influence on the company from its founding, serving more than three decades on the company's board of directors. Together with the company's first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, Wilhelmsen saw possibilities for the nascent cruise industry that others did not. "At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible," said Richard Fain, RCL's chairman and CEO. "He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the 'industry' might have been a dozen used ships, total." Their key insight: building new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. The industry did not grow from New York, the traditional transit hub; it came to Miami, helping the region itself grow as the public discovered an entirely new way to take a vacation. Wilhelmsen saw the potential for cruising to become the fastest growing segment in a growing vacation industry.A A believer in economies of scale, he once recalled, "My initial challenge was to convince my partners and management in Miami to build bigger and more efficient ships in order to grow the company."A True to his vision, the company now sails 61 ships calling on all seven continents and its fleet features the largest cruise ships in the world. Born on June 15, 1929, in Oslo, Norway, Wilhelmsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a chartering assistant for Norway's EB Lund & Co. and later as a shipbroker in New York. After joining the family business in 1954, he became its president in 1961.A The scion of a leading Norwegian shipping concern a Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS a he spent most of his life in the family business, including an early stint as a deckhand. "Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades," Fain said. "And in 2003, when he was ready to step back, he was succeeded on the RCL board by his son, Alex, who has carried the involvement of the Wilhelmsen family in charting our company's course into its sixth decade. Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family.A We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly." About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.A Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, orA www.rclinvestor.com. A A Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677715/RCL_Logo.jpg 'We will not compromise on it. We will not make any deferred payments or cuts.' IMAGE: Volunteers distribute food to the homeless and daily wage workers at a relief camp in Patna. Photograph: Pappi Sharma/ANI Photo "The coming days will be tough," Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi tells Dilasha Seth. With states already reeling from financial stress, coronavirus is expected to aggravate the problem. What impact do you see on Bihar? States are already feeling the impact of the economic slowdown and now coronavirus will hit them hard from April onwards. The coming days will be difficult. How hopeful are you about the Centre relaxing the FRBMA (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act) limit for states to tide over the crisis? In 2009-2010, when a financial crisis hit the global economy, the FRBM limit was relaxed from 3 to 4 per cent. In 2010-2011, it was reduced from 4 per cent to 3.5 per cent. So states were allowed an increased limit for two years then. In the video-conference meeting with the prime minister, Bihar demanded that states be permitted to borrow an additional 1 per cent of GDP. In fact, the 15th Finance Commission has not allowed an escape clause to the states. In 2019-2020, states got an additional limit of 0.25 per cent, which, if you fulfil certain conditions, could go up to 3.5 per cent. However, in 2020-2021 even if you fulfil those conditions, there is no window. We have demanded that the FRBMA limit be raised to 4 per cent. Have you got any response from the Centre on this? The Centre is yet to respond to that. But they have heard the states's demand. What is your estimate about the impact of the lockdown on Bihar's economy? For 2019-2020, Bihar's growth in revenue was 15 per cent. In goods and services tax, Bihar reported the highest growth rate at 18 per cent. The combined transport department saw a growth rate of 25 per cent. But the coming days will be tough. Certain states are looking at deferring salaries. What about Bihar? Unlike Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, which have deferred wages of employees, we have decided that we will not do so. While fighting coronavirus is a priority, so is giving timely salaries and pensions. We will not compromise on it. We will not make any deferred payments or cuts. In that case, will you be frontloading your market borrowing in 2020-2021? We generally do not borrow in the first quarter, but this time we will borrow in Q1 too if needed. It will be nice if the Centre allows additional borrowing. How are you looking after the migrant labourers of Bihar who are stuck in other states? Bihar is the only state that is also looking after its migrant labourers, even those who are still outside the state. We have started paying them Rs 1,000. Those who are stuck in other states will get the Rs 1,000 in their account. We have launched a mobile application for that. In the first two hours of the launch, about 40,000 people logged into the app. While we are anyway going to pay people who are within the state, we have done geo-fencing of the app, by which anyone in Bihar or Nepal will not be able to download it to avoid duplication and misuse. There are 16.8 million ration card holders in Bihar who will be able to avail of Rs 1,000. We have started paying three months's advance pension to our pension holders. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (C), flanked by (from L) Director Mark Ghilarducci, Cal OES, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks in front of the hospital ship USNS Mercy after it arrived into the Port of Los Angeles on March 27, 2020. (Carolyn Cole/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) California, New York Praise Trumps Swift Response to Their Needs Amid Pandemic California Gov. Gavin Newsom and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo have praised President Donald Trump for his efforts to help their states amid the CCP virus pandemic, which has reportedly killed more than 21,000 people in the United States. Speaking to CNNs Anderson Cooper on April 10, Newsom said he would be lying if he said the president hadnt done all he could for the Golden State and pointed specifically to Trumps support in getting the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy, which docked in Los Angeles late in March, as well as expanding federal resources. Yeah, look, I mean were involved in 68 lawsuits with the Trump administration. Ive been on your show, I havent been timid. He certainly hasnt been timid, Newsom said, when questioned about his differences with the president. But I got to say this, its just the fact. [Otherwise,] Id be lying to you, Id be lying to the American people. Every single direct request that he was capable of meeting, he has met. We have the USNS Mercy in California because of his direct intervention and support; 2,000 of these federal medical stations because of his direct support. So I can only speak for myself, but I have to be complimentary. Otherwise, I would be simply lying to you, misleading you, and that is a wonderful thing to be able to say, he said. I hope that continues. California has 24,638 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 674 deaths. The Golden State has the fourth-most cases of any state in the country, after New York, New Jersey, and Michigan. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks to the press at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, on March 27, 2020. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images) On April 11, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a press briefing, at which he also commended the president for his responsiveness to the states needs, noting that he had literally had conversations with him in the morning where he turned around a decision by that afternoon. Ive worked very hard with the president of the United States. Weve had our political differences in the pastno doubt, Cuomo said. Theres also no doubt that Ive worked hand-in-glove with the president here, and he has been responsive to New York and responsive to New Yorks needs, and hes done it quickly, and hes done it efficiently. Cuomo also stressed the need to keep politics out of the crisis, calling it corrosive and destructive, before urging people to instead focus on the government and its policy. Even though this is a hyper-partisan time, even though were in the middle of a presidential election, even though its one of the ugliest political periods I can recall, weve kept politics out of this crisis, he said. Focus on government and focus on policy and keep politics out of it, he added. Its very hard, especially at this time. And you start to hear theres dialogue on reopening and you start to hear people with political theories on whether we should reopen faster, whether we should reopen sooner, why are people against reopening, why are people in favor of reopening. That is corrosive and destructive, and if we dont stop it, it will feed on itself. As of April 12, New York has 189,415 confirmed cases of CCP virus and 9,385 deaths. Earlier this month, Trump also thanked governors across all the states, including Newsom and Cuomo, for their assistance and efforts in preventing the virus from spreading. Speaking at a White House CCP virus task force press briefing on April 5, the president noted that the California governor had been most gracious, while Cuomo appreciates what the administration has done in terms of providing assistance to New York. The relationships have been, really, very good, he told reporters, adding that he was continuing to work very hard to get additional supplies to New York as quickly as possible. Bengaluru: For the first time in several years, city Christians digitally connected via social media on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with gaiety at a distance, amid Covid lockdown. Bengaluru Bible Mission Church Pastor Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru: For the first time in several years, city Christians digitally connected via social media on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with gaiety at a distance, amid Covid lockdown. Bengaluru Bible Mission Church Pastor Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru, April 12 : Christians digitally connected via social media on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, amid Covid-19 lockdown. "Christ is risen, Allelulia! Please join me on Facebook live at 9 a.m. to rejoice and celebrate Easter Day, the Sunday of Christ's resurrection," messaged Bible Mission Pastor Prakash Onesim to his church members. With the Trinity Bible Mission Church at Doddanekkundi shut due to the lockdown, over 200 devotees linked up online to attend church virtually. "More than 200 Easter celebrants joined the virtual service. Though we didn't congregate physically in the church, we didn't miss observing the festival or its celebration, aided by technology," Onesim told IANS. The software engineer turned Christian preacher said the faithful connected through smartphones, laptops and television screens to sing hymns, glorifying Jesus Christ defeating death. Using his smartphone, Onesim read out scriptures, Book of Mark, from the New Testament of the Bible to commemorate the holy occasion. On the ease of using technology in virtual preaching, he said more people easily link up through Facebook as a lot of them are regularly online. "Technology-wise, it's very easy to connect with the Church members using Facebook because they are regularly connected with the app, unlike Youtube, which garners lesser views, around 50," said Onesim, a former employee of IBM and Accenture. Interestingly, Onesim is not at his home in Bengaluru, but at Narasapuram, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, from where he linked up with church members. Narasapuram, is 805 km northeast of Bengaluru on the east coast of India, lying by the Bay of Bengal Sea. Meanwhile in Bengaluru, Onesim's church member Govada Anil Kumar came online for Easter, after a similar drill on Good Friday. Living 30 km away from the Bengaluru Bible Mission Church, Kumar digitally linked up for the festival from his residence in Kodathi, a city suburb. "After Good Friday service, I again attended the church virtually for Easter to see Pastor Onesim on my computer screen and follow the rituals and scriptures," said Kumar, a software engineer. Similarly, Lakshmi Soujanya, a doctor, projected the online church service on her home television at Electronic City, Bengaluru south, to enable her family to attend the service. Though the virtual service enabled most components of an Easter service to be conducted, the lack of physical contact manifested when it came to observing one of the most important rituals, eucharist or the holy communion. The Holy Communion is a sacrament commemorating the Last Supper wherein Christians consume consecrated bread, likening the body of Christ and sip a little wine, likening the blood of Christ. "Despite all the possibility enabled by technology, unfortunately we could not partake in the Holy Communion as the congregation is not present in the church," lamented Onesim. Online service streaming, however, is nothing new for the pastor, who regularly streams his Sunday sermons, including the recent Lent Season, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Palm Sunday. Similarly, most churches in Bengaluru shared their Easter service links with the devotees for virtual festival celebration, adhering the Covid lockdown. (Sharon Thambala can be contacted at thambalasharon@gmail.com) Dr. Seth Corey is Professor, Pediatrics and Molecular Medicine, and on staff in the Departments of Pediatrics, Cancer Biology, and Translational Hematology and Oncology Research at the Cleveland Clinic. He sends along this Facebook post under the heading Day 27+. Slow the spread. I have lightly edited Dr. Coreys post. He writes: This Wuhan pandemic is Peaking. Surreal, these times have been, as suggested by the parody of one of Magrittes paintings (at figure at right). If only one could say this is not a pandemic. Magrittes pictures show a distorted reality. Or groups of objects which seemingly have no narrative unity. Magritte forces the viewer to construct his own explanation. There may be multiple truths. Scientific research is not so dissimilar. Lessons are to be learned. Sometimes the models are right, as we have been informed for the past week at the daily White House press briefings: there is evidence that the new US cases and deaths are peaking at Easter time. Yesterday, there were 33,752 new cases; today 30,003. Yesterday, there were 2035 deaths; today 1830. A study not yet published from Germany suggests that infection is indeed more widespread and fatality rates lower than expected [see our post Maybe some good news]. Using antibody testing, 15 percent of individuals had been infected with 2 percent having a current SARS-CoV2 infection. The case fatality rate was 0.37 percent whereas that of Germany was 1.98 percent. This is preliminary and should be taken as such. Ohios numbers are reassuring, and may serve as an example of flattening the peak the purpose was to prepare hospitals for the surge. The model keeps getting flatter and flatter. Hospitalized patients were 1755 yesterday, 1788 today. The hospitals are more than sufficiently prepared. Even New York Citys hospitalization, ICU, and ventilator usage are way under the estimates. According to the flatter, revised model there should be about 1200 new cases today in Ohio; instead there are 372 cases. Time to revise the model and make it even flatter. This of course means that infections will last longer. Please note 247 deaths include 5 deaths under CDC expanded death definition. Please note that 63 of 6250 cases are defined as CDC expanded case definition. The median age of death in Ohio is 79 yrs (which agrees with Israel and Italy). The deaths in New York follow closely what is observed in Ohio. Lesson to be learned, especially by New York leaders: the metropolitan NYC (NJ/CT) area needs to be better prepared for the next epidemic. It has the population density, center of international travel, and cultural/economic/ethnic diversity (but so does Houston, which is a minority majority city-but nowhere near the health crisis of New York City with COVID-19). It is possible that the next pandemic could come from outside New York City, but that would require an extremely more contagious infection (high R0). In addition to comparing COVID-19 to past influenza epidemics, we should restudy the measles outbreaks (measles far more contagious than coronavirus or influenza but there is greater herd immunity due to childhood vaccination). Lesson to be learned by all: healthcare workers need to be considered high risk. For Ohio, 21 percent of confirmed cases were in healthcare workers. One needs to ask why the models were so off. One way is for models to be explained more explicitly. What assumptions were used? Where did the data come from? What are the confidence intervals? If models are going to affect 325,000,000 Americans then it is incumbent upon the modelers to provide explicit details so that other scientists can verify or repudiate or revise the models. Lesson to be learned by all: All models are wrong, but some are useful. Either one is dead or alive (none of the Schrodingers cat business). Either one is employed or not.Lesson to be learned not soon enough: economic and mental health concerns need to be factored into public health policy. This is not just an infectious disease pandemic. Keep calm. Wash your hands. Avoid sick people. Avoid physical contact with high risk people. Get rest. Eat well. Keep hydrated. Take zinc. Wear a mask. Support your local businesses. Thank a healthcare worker. Be kind. I wish a Happy and Healthy Easter to my friends at this surreal time. Junior doctors at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital in Aligarh city of Uttar Pradesh has purchased protective gear worth Rs 1 lakh after an acute shortage of vital protective gear for healthcare workers. "The Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital is one of the frontline medical centres for testing and treating COVID-19 patients in Uttar Pradesh," Shah Nawaz Iqbali, vice president of the resident doctors' association, told reporters on Sunday. "The concern of the medical fraternity here should not be ignored." "Keeping in view this looming threat, the resident doctors' association has raised its own fund through donations for purchasing critical protective gear like surgical masks and sanitisers," Iqbali said. He added that the RDA had immediately purchased protective gear worth Rs 1 lakh in the past four days. According to RDA president Hamza Malik, the availability of protective gear for doctors at the hospital had reached a critical point when they had threatened to boycott work if necessary gear was not made available immediately. The crisis was however defused on the intervention of the AMU Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor, who assured them that their concerns were being immediately addressed. There are nearly 450 resident doctors at the 1,269-bedded hospital -- a tertiary-level facility of the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, which is affiliated to the Aligarh Muslim University. A spokesperson of the medical college hospital, however, told PTI that the gears of the junior doctors were "misplaced" as adequate supply of protective equipment was in the pipeline. He stressed that purchase procedures as stipulated by the central government regulations had to be strictly adhered to for ensuring transparency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An official of Tehran Municipality on Sunday told the members of the City Council that 10,000 new graves are being prepared in the capital's largest cemetery for possible coronavirus victims. Speaking to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Sunday, Mojtaba Yazdani said isolated facilities for ceremonial washing of bodies before burial were also being installed in crisis shelters previously built on the grounds of the cemetery. Behesht-e Zahra -- Iran's largest cemetery with nearly 1.7 million graves is located in the south of the capital Tehran and has an area of more than 500 hectares. According to a member of the City Council bodies of coronavirus victims are buried in two-meter-deep graves with no quicklime but in some Iranian cities the graves and shrouded bodies are dusted with quicklime for disinfection. Moslems and Jews hasten burial and avoid keeping bodies for too long after death. Iranian cemeteries often have graves prepared for burial which can be used as the need arises. Large patches of empty graves can be found in most cemeteries. In some Iranian cities special plots have been allocated to COVID-19 victims. Bodies of victims if possible -- are buried after ceremonial washing and are wrapped in protective layers. In the case of coronavirus victims, particularly in the early days of the outbreak, a carefully formulated procedure known as "dry ablution" was performed instead of washing with water. Iranian officials have so far not revealed the number of coronavirus victims in the capital and the Province of Tehran, presumably on national security grounds. According to the latest official announcement, 4.470 have died of COVID-19 and 71,686 cases have been identified as of April 12 in the country. Many, including several Iranian lawmakers have expressed doubts in the reliability of Iran's official numbers. An exclusive independent report by Radio Farda based on statements made by local officials across the country indicated that 142,000 have so far been hospitalized in Iran with COVID-19 symptoms and at least 9,100 died of the disease. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has made available extensive online resources through the Directorate General of Training for around 2 million students enrolled in industrial training institutes who are unable to attend classes due to the nationwide lockdown. "We have taken a number of initiatives to ensure that students of industrial training institutes (ITIs), Instructor Training Institutes as well as trainers and faculty of ITIs can continue to learn," a ministry official said. As part of the initiative, for ITI students and trainers, the complete curriculum is available through video lessons, question banks, mock tests and e-learning content through the Bharat Skills portal, also available as a mobile friendly application. The National Skill Development Corporation has also rolled out its e-skill portal where it is offering 400 courses in English, Hindi and nine regional languages. A bouquet of e-courses are available ranging from basic employability enhancing courses such as impression management, customer services, digital and financial literacy to trade-oriented courses for various sectors such as retail, agriculture, apparel, healthcare, automotive, tourism and artificial intelligence, the official said. "The access to all the above portals and platforms are free. The students may gain digital badge on their skills acquired in certain courses. These tools will help to keep them in touch with their learnings and courses without disruptions," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) GENEVA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- "Please quarantine politicizing COVID. If we want to win, we shouldn't waste time pointing fingers," World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged here on Wednesday, saying "Unity is the only option to defeat this virus." Answering a question from the press about U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to freeze U.S. funding to the WHO, Tedros said his message for the world at this moment is unity and solidarity, instead of politicizing the virus. "I will suggest two things to the world," he told a virtual press conference from Geneva. The first is national unity, and the second is global solidarity. Tedros stressed that at the national level, leaders should work across party lines. "My message to political parties: do not politicize this virus. If you care for your people, work across party lines and ideologies ... Without unity, we assure you, even any country that may have a better system will be in trouble, and more crises," Tedros noted. "No need to use COVID to score political points. You have many other ways to prove yourselves. This is not the one to use for politics, It's like playing with fire," Tedros added. "Now, the United States and China, all the rest of G20 and the rest of the world should come together to fight the virus," he said, adding that "When there are cracks at the national level and global level, that's when the virus succeeds." Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had called for support for WHO. "It is my belief that the World Health Organization must be supported, as it is absolutely critical to the world's efforts to win the war against COVID-19," said Guterres in a statement. ALBANY Women won the right to vote 100 years ago, and New York had big plans to celebrate. It is the centennial an anniversary that people will only live to see once. State leaders had been building up to the August commemoration of the passage of the 19th Amendment, the culmination of a long, hard-fought battle by female trailblazers, many of whom had connections to the Empire State. But then COVID-19 swept through the nation, shutting down businesses, schools and social gatherings as well as museums, conferences and other events where New York organizers had hoped to celebrate womens suffrage. Now, state leaders are helping move exhibits online and creating virtual tours to make sure the pandemic doesnt erase history. Without some observance, it would be an area of huge disappointment, said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who chairs the states Women's Suffrage Commission. The commission has a full calendar of events planned for the rest of the year, many of which have now been thrown into question because its unclear when the state will return to some semblance of normalcy. The most recent event was a conference discussing women of color in the suffrage movement. It had been scheduled for March 24 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which closed to the public in mid-March as coronavirus fears grew. The next event on the calendar is a May 28 tour and discussion of womens suffrage at the Walter Elwood Museum in Amsterdam, but Hochul said its unlikely that any events will be held next month. Instead, the New York State Museum and several other facilities have agreed to move their displays online for virtual tours and exhibits, Hochul said. In an interview last week, Hochul said she had a conference call with members of the suffrage commission a short time ago, and members talked about how we rethink reshaping this incredible history with New Yorkers in a different way. Many museums and other exhibits are run by a small group of volunteers, and the state is working with those individuals to fund the transition online. Details will be released in the coming weeks and months. Organizers are directing their attention to events scheduled for July and August, when gatherings will hopefully be safe to host, Hochul said. The pandemic has also put a crimp in events celebrating the countrys leading suffrage team Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Both women have local roots Anthony in Greenwich and Stanton in Johnstown. While many of the August festivities that mark the signing of the 19th Amendment are still on the calendar, the spring celebrations are canceled and postponed over concerns about the virus. The first to go was the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Women's Consortium on March 28. Sandy Maceyka, vice president of the group that organized the event, said she is still hoping that the dedication of the life-size bronze statue to Stanton in her hometown will happen on Aug. 20. The group is also planning a birthday bash for Stanton on Nov. 14. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. But, Maceyka admitted: Everything is still up in the air. Hubbard Hall in Cambridge, which for months has developed a theatrical production about its founder, Mary Hubbard a friend of Anthony has postponed the debut of its show until October. David Snider, the executive director of Hubbard Hall, said the play will describe Hubbards role in the movement, including hosting a Suffrage Convention with Anthony there in 1894. In some ways, its exciting, as this will be closer to the November elections and so a more immediate call to action, Snider said. He added that social distancing still may be important, so he is trying to figure out how to play to a smaller audience about 40 rather than the halls normal 150. Hes also thinking of condensing the show so there can be multiple performances per night. The premiere, set for Oct. 16, will coincide with a William G. Pomeroy Foundation historic marker, describing the hall as an important center for womens rights. Just down the road in Greenwich, the Susan B. Anthony bus tour that includes her childhood home and other locations where she spoke and taught, is still on the calendar. Debi Craig, the immediate past president of the Washington County Historical Society, said on Thursday she thinks the May 31 tour will likely be postponed. Im thinking it shouldnt happen, she said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 19:13:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A resident of area of Mahboula carries food distributed by the government after the area was locked down to curb the spread of novel coronavirus, in Ahmadi Governorate, Kuwait, April 11, 2020. The Kuwaiti government has decided to impose a complete lockdown on the areas of Mahboula and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh for two weeks. Kuwait reported on Saturday 161 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 1,154, the Health Ministry said in a statement. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua) KUWAIT CITY, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait reported on Saturday 161 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 1,154, the Health Ministry said in a statement. The new cases include 29 Kuwaiti citizens who returned from Britain, Germany and the United States, one case related to illegal resident arrived from Britain and one Indian resident who arrived from Egypt, the statement said. It added that 124 cases have a history of contact with infected patients and the cause of the infection for the other six cases is still under investigation. So far, 1,020 patients are receiving treatment, including 26 in ICU, the statement noted. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Minister of Health Bassel Al-Sabah announced the recovery of ten patients from the coronavirus, raising the total number of recoveries in the country to 133. On April 4, Kuwait reported the first death case of COVID-19. The Kuwaiti government has decided to impose a nationwide curfew to contain the spread of the coronavirus. On March 13, Kuwait suspended all commercial flights. The government also decided to close stores, malls and barbershops. For the first time, the Christian community in Kerala on Sunday celebrated Easter in their homes due to the national lockdown imposed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Traditionally, the faithful throng churches early in the morning for the Easter Sunday mass. After the mass ends, priests hand out cake and at some places, even a spook of wine is served. The cake and wine symbolizes that the six-week-long lent is over, when people turn vegetarian and avoid the consumption of alcohol. But this Sunday due to the global health crisis, it was just the priest and four of his associates running through the rituals, with the doors of all churches closed to the general public. Nevertheless, several churches took their services online with priests reading out prayers from their homes. Archbishop Mar Antony Kariyil, of Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro Malabar Church, for instance, led Easter service at the chapel at the Major Archbishop'a house in Kochi. Prayers were live streamed on social media and thousands tuned it to watch. Kerala: Archbishop Mar Antony Kariyil, of Ernakulam-Angamaly archdioceseof Syro-Malabar Church, led #Easter prayers at Major Archbishop's House Chapel in Kochi today. Mass gatherings suspended at Church in view of #COVDI19. Prayers were live-streamed live on Facebook & YouTube. pic.twitter.com/EHmXL5ll38 ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2020 But at homes in Kerala, it looked like any other normal Easter. The day started with the Easter breakfast, which includes 'appam' (rice flour pancakes), chicken stew, beef roast, while at some places duck is the important non vegetarian dish, besides steamed bananas, egg roast and cake. Kerala: Members of the Christian community in Kottayam watch live streaming of #Easter prayers, being held in the churches today. Churches are closed and mass gatherings have been suspended there in view of #Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/pWadfJ3sfc ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2020 The Easter lunch also has a wide spread and of late, many prefer to have a steaming hot plate biryani or fried rice with a non vegetarian dish. However the only thing missing from the dining table, this time, is fish after state government officials in the past one week seized over 50,000 kg of stale fish from across Kerala. Another miss this time was the alcohol as all bars and retail vends were shut down due to the lockdown. Christians account for 61.41 lakh people of the state's 33.4 million population. (With inputs from IANS) Gurbir Singh By As we approach the dubious milestone of 1,00,000 deaths, Pope Francis from the Vatican sent out an important message. He likened the coronavirus pandemic to the recent fires and floods, nature unleashing a kind of apocalypse on a defiant world that had ignored climate change and the building ecological crisis. After things calm down, and we have finished counting our dead, there will be a new world we wont recognise. Lehman Brothers and the financial crash of 2008 will pale into insignificance. In India, the toll that hunger and joblessness will claim will be far higher than Covid-19. We can then either recognise our failures and correct our course to a more sustainable path of sharing our global resources equitably, leaving space for nature and the rest of the animal kingdom; Or we can treat the pandemic as an aberration and go about our business with the usual avarice and gluttony that has marked our last five decades of growth. Pope Francis, in his interview published last Wednesday with two Catholic magazines, the Tablet and the Commonweal, asked: Who now speaks of the fires in Australia, or remembers that 18 months ago a boat could cross the North Pole because the glaciers had all melted? And then his reply: I dont know if these are the revenge of nature, but they are certainly natures responses. The pontiff s message is clear: the widespread destruction of lives and the economy now offers us an opportunity to slow down the rate of production and consumption; and to learn to understand the natural world. Manipulating nature Echoing the pope in a more specific analysis, environmental writer and activist Vandana Shiva, in an article pointed out: As we invade forest ecosystems, destroy the homes of species and manipulate plants and animals for profits, we create conditions for new diseases. Over the past 50 years, 300 new pathogens have emerged. It is well-documented that around 70 per cent of the human pathogens, including HIV, Ebola, influenza, MERS and SARS, emerge when forest ecosystems are invaded and viruses jump from animals to humans. Some big pandemics have triggered huge change in the course of history. Black Death, or the bubonic plague in Europe in the 1340s, wiped out one-third of entire communities. The economy then was based on local agriculture and crafts, and made a comeback quickly. In a strange boomerang effect, those who survived got more bargaining power as working people. It lead to the growth of the ideology of liberty and triggered peasant revolts that laid the basis for the downfall of feudalism and the rise of capitalism in Europe. Crippled economy Mercifully, the coronavirus pandemic is tapering off; but its crippling economic impact may have never seen before. In fact, the question being asked is: will capitalism as we know it, survive? Today the economic system is made of complex financial mechanisms; and if a single domino falls, the entire system is under threat. Much of the financial system is built on bundles of IOUs, based on expectations of payment in the future. When these collapse, the foundations collapse. Despite all the nationalism, in production and manufacturing it is a global village of complex supply chains. For buying intermediate electronic products, the world looks to Guangdong province in China, and to Foxtel in Taiwan; if it is ready-made textiles, it is Bangladesh. If the supply chain fails at any point, there is collapse down the line. What we are hurtling into is the deepest slump in consumer spending, the worst recession we will possibly live through. Governments, to shore up the crisis, have launched never-before-seen rescue packages, such as the US package of $2 trillion. The left-liberal economist James Mason, comparing the coming crisis with the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse, described the latter as the roof the financial system collapsing on the main structure, which though damaged was rebuilt again. This time, by contrast, it is the foundations that are collapsing, because all economic life in a capitalist system is based on compelling people to go to work and spend their wages. Since we now have to compel them to stay away from work, and from all the places they usually spend their hardearned salaries. To save the system, Mason the new order will be: States paying citizens a universal income as automation makes well-paid work precarious and scarce; central banks lending directly to the state to keep it afloat; and largescale public ownership of major corporations to maintain vital services that cannot be run at a profit. This is far cry from the market economy of advanced capitalism we know. To prove his point, Mason quotes Australian investment group, Macquarie Wealth: Conventional capitalism is dying, or at least mutating into something closer to a version of communism. After the virus, indeed we are likely to see some strange mutations An independent European think-tank called Bruegel has come up with research that shows the pattern of electricity consumption in selected countries in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown. As the Covid-19 pandemic has shut schools, schools and offices across the globe, electricity consumption by nations has witnessed a slump. With people working from home and no one really leaving the house under lockdown situations, people might think this would be bumping up their electricity cost, but keeping the bigger picture in mind, the lockdown has significantly slashed energy consumption at the macrocosmic level. The economic think tank, in its study, analysed electricity consumption in some European nations with the corresponding day (April 10) last year. It was found that Italy, which has been most badly hit by coronavirus among all European nations, witnessed as much as 27% less electricity consumption as compared to the same day in 2019. The study also factored in other European nations like Spain, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, among others. As per the analysis, Spain had consumed 21% less electricity on April 10 this year as compared to the same day in 2019. France saw 16% less electricity this year on April 10 as compared to 2019 while the UK saw a reduction of 14%. The analysis painted a peculiar picture for Germany which saw just 8% reduction in its electricity consumption this April 10 as opposed to the same day last year. More than a million people have been infected by the deadly contagion while over 80,000 have lost their lives to Covid-19 worldwide. The US death toll from coronavirus eclipsed Italys for the highest in the world on Saturday, surpassing 20,000. Rajasthan recorded 96 more confirmed cases of coronavirus on Sunday, taking the state's tally to 796, an official said here. The virus has so far claimed nine lives in the state. "As many as 96 new cases have come up today in 11 districts of the state," Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said. He said the total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state stood at 796. Out of 96 fresh cases reported in the state, 35 are in Jaipur, 15 in Banswara, 11 in Tonk, eight each in Jodhpur and Bikaner, seven in Kota, five in Nagaur, two in Hanumangarh and one each in Jaisalmer, Churu and Sikar, besides two evacuees from Iran who landed in Jodhpur airport last month. The total cases of coronavirus infection in Rajasthan include two Italian citizens, 52 people who have been brought from Iran to the Army health centres in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Jaipur has reported the highest number of 336 cases so far. The state is under lockdown from March 22 and a massive survey and screening is underway to trace the contagion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A policeman's hand was chopped off and few others were injured when a group of Nihangs (an armed order of the Sikh community) allegedly attacked them at a vegetable market in Punjab's Patiala district on Sunday, police said. The incident took place when restrictions are in place in the state due to the COVID-19 lockdown. According to Dinkar Gupta, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI) Harjeet Singh's hand got cut off in the incident and he was immediately rushed to the PGI Chandigarh for surgery. Calling it an "unfortunate incident", the DGP tweeted: "A group of Nihangs injured a few Police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh." Gupta spoke to PGI's Director who has deputed top plastic surgeons of PGI for the police officer's surgery, which has begun. The DGP said that the Nihang group will be arrested and action will be initiated against them soon. "I have spoken to Director of PGI who has deputed top plastic surgeons of PGI for surgery, which just started. The Nihang group will be arrested and further action will be taken soon," he said. The DGP further said that all of them are praying to Waheguru for the ASI's full recovery. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Govs. Larry Hogan of Maryland and Andrew Cuomo of New York issued a bipartisan call Saturday for an additional $500 billion in federal aid for U.S. states and territories dealing with the coronavirus. Hogan, a Republican, is chairman of the National Governors Association and Cuomo, a Democrat, is the vice chair. The two said in a statement Saturday morning that implementing stay-at-home orders and other public health measures have 'resulted in catastrophic damage to state economies.' Governors Larry Hogan of Maryland and Andrew Cuomo of New York Saturday for an additional $500 billion in federal aid for U.S. states and territories dealing with the coronavirus 'In the absence of unrestricted fiscal support of at least $500 billion from the federal government, states will have to confront the prospect of significant reductions to critically important services all across this country, hampering public health, the economic recovery, and-in turn-our collective effort to get people back to work,' the statement said. The governors also said the recently passed federal CARES Act should be amended to allow existing federal funding to be used not only for COVID-19-related expenses but also to offset lost revenue. 'We must be allowed to use any state stabilization funds for replacement of lost revenue, and these funds should not be tied to only COVID-19 related expenses. Congress must amend the CARES Act to allow this flexibility for existing federal funding.' Cars form a line at the coronavirus testing site, located at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore Congressional leaders are set to pass another coronavirus aid package, following the historic The CARES Act, which passed a few weeks ago The statement comes as the Trump administration and congressional leaders appear poised to launch new bipartisan talks on a fresh coronavirus aid package with hopes for action as soon as next week. New York remains the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, with 181,022 cases and 8,627 deaths. In response to the surge of coronavirus cases, Cuomo placed the state under stay-at-home orders on March 22. In Maryland, 206 people have died from coronavirus and there have been 7,694 confirmed cases. Maryland went on lockdown on March 30, after Hogan said people were flagrantly disregarding requests to practice social distancing. As of Thursday, Maryland state police have arrested 28 people for violating the state's stay-at-home order. Seven more COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital here were discharged on Sunday after their repeat samples tested negative for coronavirus, officials said. With this, the number of patients, who have recovered from the deadly infection after treatment in the hospitals in Indore, has gone up to 35, they said. Seven patients, including three women, who were admitted to Government Manorama Raje TB (MRTB) Hospital, were discharged. Their two consecutive coronavirus test reports confirmed that they are no more infected, the officials said. According to them, of these seven patients, two were from the neighbouring Khargone district. One of them had returned to Khargone from Paris last month. At the time of their discharge from the hospital, the doctors and other health staff clapped and cheered for them. The officials said that 28 other COVID-19 patients admitted to different hospitals in the city were discharged earlier after their recovery. However, as a precautionary measure, all such patients have been advised to remain isolated in their houses for 14 days after the discharge. Indore is one of the COVID-19 hotspots in the country. According to the government data, the number of such patients in the city has increased to 298 in a span of 19 days. Of these, 32 people have died during treatment. This makes the death rate of COVID-19 patients in the city 10.74 per cent. Analysis of the data shows that the death rate among Indore's COVID-19 patients has remained higher than the national average in the last several days. The administration has imposed curfew in the urban areas of the district since March 25. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lankas Roman Catholic Church said on April 12 that it has forgiven the suicide bombers who attacked and killed at least 279 people last Easter. During a TV broadcast due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told an Easter mass that they offered love to the enemies who tried to destroy them. The Easter Sunday bombings of April 21, 2019, targeted three churches and three luxury hotels that killed at least 279 people and injuring 593 in the tragic incident. A Sri Lankan parliamentary committee, in its report on Easter suicide bombing, held the countrys spy chief primarily responsible for the intelligence failure. The findings of the parliamentary select committee (PSC) pointed to multiple levels of failures which led to the deaths of 279 people in the attacks. 'Slow in sharing information' The committee, in the report released on October 24, said that the Chief of State Intelligence Service (SIS), Nilantha Jayawardena, was slow in sharing the information with other agencies. The committee noted that attacks could have been prevented if the matter was discussed in a meeting held on April 9. It also held the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the then Minister of Defence (MoD) responsible for not following up on whether the President and the Prime Minister were informed of the intelligence received. This failure by the SIS has resulted in hundreds of deaths, many more injured and immeasurable devastation to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans and that must not be treated lightly, the report read. Read: Easter Bombings In Sri Lanka Likely To Be NIA's First Case Post Amendment Of Act The report also lamented the increasing politicisation of the security and intelligence sector. It said that the secretary of the Ministry of Defence should have been in regular contact with the President and able to communicate with the Prime Minister in case the President was unavailable. Read: Up To 200 Children In Sri Lanka Lost Family Members In Easter Bombings: Report Months after the attack, Gotabaya Rajapaksa emerged as a strong challenger to Maithripala Sirisena for the presidential elections on the poll plank of national security. Rajapaksa emerged as a clear winner becoming the next president of Sri Lanka and appointing his elder brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the Prime Minister following the resignation of Ranil Wickremesinghe. Read: Sri Lanka Now Safe, All Extremists Linked To Easter Bombings Killed Or Arrested: Security Authorities Read: Sri Lanka Thanks India For Sending Life Saving Medicines; President Rajapaksa Issues Post The governor of New York has slammed Congress over a Covid-19 relief package that he suggested provided disproportionate funding per case to states with lower figures than those facing major outbreaks of the novel virus. Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) blamed the distribution of aid on politics during a press briefing on Sunday, describing how everyone wants their piece of the pie in Washington when creating legislation. Now is not the time for pork barrel aid, the governor continued, citing a Kaiser Health analysis of the funding that showed states like Nebraska and Montana receiving $300,000 per Covid-19 patient, compared to New York the current epicentre of the pandemic in the US only receiving $12,000 per case. You did an injustice to the places that had the need, Mr Cuomo said on Sunday, while announcing executive orders to expand antibodies testing throughout the state and mandating businesses provide essential workers with face masks at no cost to the employees. The analysis Mr Cuomo was referring to dissected the $30bn in emergency grants, which the US Department of Health and Human Services said was distributed based on a historical share of revenue from Medicare programmes for senior citizens rather than the actual number of Covid-19 cases in each state. Those funds are the first wave of $100bn in grants designed to aid state and local hospital systems as they cope with an influx of Covid-19 patients. In a memo to association members of the Greater New York Hospital Association, CEO Kenneth Raske described the funding as 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. On Sunday, Mr Cuomo confirmed another 758 deaths throughout the state in a 24-hour period, saying the death rate was flattening, but flattening at a terribly high level. The governor called for more testing, faster testing than we have now and said: Were going to need federal help. He added: Without federal assistance, how does this state economy come back? He warned that recent good news of the states declining numbers may have been a blip and noted how residents must continue adhering to social distancing measures in order to continue flattening the curve. Youre not seeing a great decline in the numbers, but youre seeing a flattening, he said. Haftars fighters blamed for attack on depots of the Al-Khadra Hospital in the capital, Tripoli. Armed fighters loyal to Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar have attacked medical warehouses belonging to a hospital in the capital Tripoli that is treating coronavirus patients, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) has said. The attack targeted depots of the Al-Khadra Hospital in al-Swani in the capital, Tripoli, with Grad missiles, according to a statement by the GNA. Last week, the UN condemned heavy shelling of the hospital in which at least three civilians were wounded, calling it a clear violation of international law. The North African country has so far reported 25 cases of the coronavirus and one death. Since 2014, Libya has been split between two rival administrations: the GNA led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj is based in Tripoli while the House of Representatives, allied to renegade military commander Haftar and his Libyan National Army (LNA), is based in the countrys east. In an interview with Reuters news agency in March, the head of the Libyan National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Badereldine al-Najar, said: In light of the lack of preparations, I now consider Libya not in a position to confront this virus. Last week, Libyan authorities announced the release of more than 450 prisoners as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country. The detainees were in pre-trial detention or had qualified for conditional release, according to a statement by the internationally recognised governments justice ministry. Libya has enforced a nationwide curfew from 2pm to 7am, and prohibited intercity travel to curb the spread of the virus. Libya was among the 27 countries most vulnerable to emerging outbreaks in the Global Health Security Index report published last month. It is also considered a high-risk country for COVID-19 by the World Health Organization. Doctors and first responders, who need to be trained on infection prevention and equipped with PPE, are routinely called back to the frontlines to treat war wounded. Local community healthcare workers are also already overloaded, Maria Carolina, deputy head of sub-delegation for the Red Cross (ICRC) in Tripoli, told Al Jazeera. Even the most advanced healthcare systems in highly stable and resource-rich countries have struggled to cope. A further COVID-19 outbreak will have a tremendously adverse impact on medical staff in Libya. Last month, Human Rights Watch said Libyas healthcare system was battered by intermittent armed conflicts and political divisions since 2011, warning that it will be unable to cope with large numbers of patients if infections spread. Bengaluru: 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 reporters. "Yes. A case has been registered and transferred to CID," he said. Munikulla, 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. A Royal Caribbean Cruises founder credited for boosting industry has died at the age of 90. Norwegian-born Arne Wilhelmsen passed away on Saturday in Palma, Spain, the company announced on their blog Sunday. His cause death was not stated. The company's global sailings are currently suspended through May 11 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Royal Caribbean announced Friday that it was 'aware of the CDC order and are studying how best to respond to its provisions'. Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, in Palma, Spain. He was 90 years old Royal Caribbean's cruise ship, Radiance of the Seas is escorted by Australian Border Vessels and Maritime Police as it departs Sydney Harbour on April 4. The Australian Government is working to move several ships out of New South Wales waters, in line with a 30-day ban on foreign ships docking in Australia ports imposed in March Numerous cruise ships have had to quarantine passengers on and off-board. In a press release Sunday, Royal Caribbean dubbed Wilhemsen as a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry. Wilhemsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a chartering assistant for Norway's EB Lund & Co. then later as a shipbroker in New York. After joining the family business Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS in 1954, he worked as a deckhand and became its president in 1961. With the launch of Royal Caribbean out of Florida, together with the company's first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, they built new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. 'My initial challenge was to convince my partners and management in Miami to build bigger and more efficient ships in order to grow the company,' Wilhemsen once said. Wilhemsen's cause of death was not stated by the company in the announcement on Sunday The company now has some of the biggest cruise ships in the world and sails 61 ships to all seven continents. Other brands include Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, Spain's Pullmantur, Monaco's Silverseas Cruises, German's TUI. 'At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible,' RCL's chairman and CEO, Richard Fain, said. 'He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the "industry" might have been a dozen used ships, total.' Wilhemsen serviced for more than 30 years on the board of directors. He is survived by his wife and three sons. According to the Forbes 2020 Richest Billionaires List, Wilhemsen and his family were worth $1.9billion and ranked #1415. 'Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades,' Fain continued. 'And in 2003, when he was ready to step back, he was succeeded on the RCL board by his son, Alex, who has carried the involvement of the Wilhelmsen family in charting our company's course into its sixth decade. 'Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family. We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly.' Wilhemsen is survived by his wife and three sons. His son Alex succeeded him on the board of directors in 2003. He is pictured with sons Preben and Alex as Song of Norway pulls away from Oslo With the launch of Royal Caribbean out of Florida, together with the company's first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan (right), they built new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. Wilhelmsen (left), Miami's Port Director Admiral Irwin Stephens (center) and Ed Stephan are seen inspecting Dodge Island passenger terminal Mumbai's Dharavi area is rapidly becoming the hotspot of coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak as 15 news positive cases were reported from the area on Sunday (April 12). The total number of coronavirus positive patients in Dharavi has now climbed to 43. Sources told Zee Media that 9 out of 15 new cases were already in quarantine for the last few days. Four people have died due to coronavirus in Dharavi so far. On Saturday (April 11), health care workers conducted a door-to-door screening of all the Dharavi residents. It is to be noted that Dharavi is the largest slum in the country and it has a population of around 10 lakhs. A team comprising private doctors of Dharavi and BMC medical staff checked the temperature and questioned the people about their travel history. In this screening, if people are found to have symptoms, the team will immediately inform the BMC and they will be tested for coronavirus. Those found people in this test will be kept in isolation or quarantine and the will be treated. 150 doctors of Dharavi have joined Mumbai BMC through Indian Medical Council and Maharashtra Medical Council. Mumbai Police is also using drones to monitor the movement of people in the narrow lanes of Dharavi. On April 7, Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha MP Rahul Shewale had urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to completely lock down Dharavi in order to prevent it from becoming a coronavirus COVID-19 hotspot. According to the Shiv Sena MP, the Mumbai police is making a good effort but no one is listening due to the less strength of the police. He also demanded additional police force of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) so that they can extend their help to the police. "If the virus is not contained in Dharavi, then Mumbai will be in serious trouble. The spread of coronavirus can be very fast in Dharavi due to the congestion," he had said. Ponsgenics.biz 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 5 Mar 2015, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. The total number of people who shared the ponsgenics homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the ponsgenics homepage on Twitter + the total number of ponsgenics followers (if ponsgenics has a Twitter account). 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A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND Trenton, N.J. Con artists are finding lots of marks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Watchdog groups and authorities report a surge of complaints about scams targeting people who fear catching the virus or need money due to lost income. Scams include "investments" in phony COVID-19 cures and charging people in advance for nonexistent home tests, fake protective gear or even overpriced toilet paper that never arrives. Other fraudsters offer "help" finding a new job or quickly getting federal stimulus checks, if people provide bank account and Social Security numbers or pay upfront fees. The Federal Trade Commission reported that through March 31, Americans filed complaints about losses to coronavirus-related fraud totaling nearly $6 million. Kathy Stokes, head of AARP's fraud prevention program, notes "a significant uptick in reports" to its fraud watch network. And the Better Business Bureau, which offers anti-scam tips, is getting so many virus-related fraud reports that it's started a COVID-19 category on its scam tracker. "They're preying on people who are desperate," many of them alone, said BBB national spokeswoman Katherine Hutt. About one-third of people contacting the agency lost money, some hundreds of dollars. The rest wanted to warn others. To avoid being duped, be super-skeptical. Don't jump on offers that sound too good to be true. Stop and investigate or seek advice from trusted sources. Some more tips: Don't answer your phone unless you know the caller. "Use your answering machine," Stokes said, and don't call back unfamiliar numbers. If you answer a robocall and are directed to press a number for details on an offer, don't. It's likely a scam. Beware "spoof" calls. These falsely ID callers as agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration or Small Business Administration and tell you to call a number for help getting money. Instead, look up that agency's phone number to check. "Most of those are phishing scams trying to get your personal or financial information," or get you to pay a fee, said Paul Rodriguez, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Consider the source. Government agencies contact people by mail, not by phone, text, social media or email. Don't fall for pitches offering drugs or nutritional supplements to cure or prevent infection by the coronavirus, or at-home virus test kits. They don't exist, and the first time you hear about one won't be from a stranger; it'll be on the news. Dozens of drugmakers are researching treatments and vaccines, but none will be available for many months. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Question email and text requests that seem to be from friends or relatives, asking you to buy store gift cards from a third party promising to forward the cards to them. Diann Gray, a Denver widow, was called last week by her grandson, daughter-in-law and a church friend, each of whom had been contacted by scammers. They'd apparently hacked Gray's former Facebook page and found contact info for friends and family to target. One church friend said an email claimed Gray needed a supermarket gift card to buy food. "I have plenty of food," Gray, 64, said. Don't send money to someone you haven't met, particularly via money orders, prepaid debit cards or gift cards, which aren't secure or traceable, Hutt said. Don't give info to people who contact you, or click unfamiliar email links, which could put malware on your computer to find passwords and financial information. Question possibly true things, like emails and online ads offering hard-to-find hand sanitizer, sterile gloves and masks. Many people have reported ordering via credit card, but never received the items and the seller vanished. See something? Say something: Report suspected scams to your state attorney general, the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission or the Better Business Bureau. The new coronavirus has killed 24 people from seven Oregon senior care homes, accounting for just under half of all deaths in the state attributed to the infection, according to numbers state officials released Saturday. Its the first time the state has acknowledged the disease has preyed so heavily on the vulnerable people living in senior homes and comes after The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Friday that 10 residents from Healthcare at Foster Creek had died. All the homes with deaths and outbreaks on the state list are west of the Cascades from the Portland metro area to Keizer to Corvallis. The majority of deaths appear to be among elderly residents. Its unclear if any are employees because the state withheld that information. The full scale of illness and death in Oregon senior care homes remains unclear because the state excluded nearly two dozen facilities with at least one case from the list. In response to the alarming rise in cases, the state announced it has contracted with one of the Portland homes to open a 47-bed emergency center to treat elderly patients. The virus poses a particular threat to older people and those with underlying conditions, especially those who live in group settings like nursing homes and assisted living communities. The Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority, the states two chief health agencies, said in a statement they have now partnered to respond to the heightened threat. As part of that work, they pooled their data and compiled case and death counts across senior care homes, which they used to produce the new numbers. They also are focusing help for now on Foster Creek and Laurelhurst Village, another Southeast Portland nursing home hard-hit by the disease. By forming a multidisciplinary team, we are able to more quickly provide a long-term care facility with interventions and support to assist them in controlling COVID-19 infections, said Mike McCormick, interim director of the Department of Human Services division that oversees senior care homes. "We are deeply concerned about every long-term care resident, facility staff member, and their families, who have been touched by this virus. The two-agency effort includes a contract with Laurelhurst Village to turn one of the facilitys buildings into an emergency center for patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The team will find staff to work at nursing homes, assisted living centers and adult care homes with outbreaks and work to help them acquire protective equipment. The team also will work to ensure sick residents are isolated and try to identify the source of the outbreak, state officials said in the statement. The state agencies provided numbers only for nine senior care homes that have at least five total coronavirus cases. Seven of the homes have recorded coronavirus deaths, from nine at Foster Creek (the state list apparently doesnt include the death of a patient there who had a presumed positive case as employees reported to The Oregonian/OregonLive) to six at Astor House Senior Living at Springbrook Oaks in Newberg and three at Laurelhurst Village. Another three senior care homes have one death each: the Beaverton-area Regency Park Assisted Living and Regency Park Alzheimers Care, Marquis Marian Estates in Sublimity, and Corvallis Manor. The nine facilities have more than 135 cases combined, according to the states data. The numbers are provisional, the agencies said, and current as of Saturday. The state agencies noted that 32 senior care homes statewide currently have at least one person sick with coronavirus -- not including facilities where sick patients have recovered. The list of senior care homes and their respective case and death counts does not include the 23 facilities that have fewer than five cases even if one or more of the patients has died. And the Oregon Health Authority has not provided total case and death counts for all homes in the state, despite a newsroom request for the numbers one week ago. As of Saturday, 51 Oregonians have died of the coronavirus or its complications. Correction: The state information was incorrect. The state reported the Lebanon veterans home had four deaths when it only had three. The state also said that its case count for the veterans home was incorrect, but did not provide an accurate number. -- 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. It will be remembered as the Easter when most people stayed home and didnt go to church. However, the empty pews in churches throughout Central New York were not indicative of a loss in faith. Far from it. The Covid-19 pandemic forced many ministers to get up to speed in technology and use the internet to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and Easter, the most holy of Christian holidays. From the big cathedrals in downtown Syracuse to a tiny rural church in Earlville, whose building was burned to the ground recently by an arsonist, church leaders used Zoom, Facebook Live and Youtube to livestream services or post services online. And for church members who didnt own computers or have internet access, many churches mailed or delivered church programs and copies of sermons in advance to assist those in observing the holiday at home. In March, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse suspended all public services until further notice. Other denominations followed suit. New York state ordered houses of worships to cease services. For 36 years, a sunrise mass in Burnet Park hosted by St. Lucys Roman Catholic Church in Syracuse has drawn hundreds of faithful to welcome Easter morning in Syracuse. They have come in below-freezing temperatures, rain and snow. This year it was cancelled. Instead, a livestream of an indoor Mass at St. Lucys was held at 10 a.m. and aired on the churchs Facebook page. Pastor Hannah Benedict, of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Baldwinsville during the taping of her Easter morning sunrise service in her backyard. Pastor Hannah Benedict, of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Baldwinsville, was up at 6:30 a.m. and taped a one-person sunrise service held in her backyard. It was chilly (temperatures in the mid-30s), but Benedict was undaunted. Using her computer, iPad and cell phone (Just to make sure I get it, she said), she spliced the service together with several pre-recorded parts and aired it on her churchs website. Her Easter message addressed the fear many are feeling lately. God is still bringing us great joy on this day. Were facing a new reality (with the coronavirus), but that doesnt stop God from bringing us joy and new life on this day, she said during an interview on Saturday. Hes working through people like health care workers, people who are holding the hands of dying virus victims whose families cant be there. Hes working through people who are contacting loved ones and others with phone calls, letters and text messages. And through children drawing messages with chalk on driveways, letting each other know were in this together. God is bringing us a reason for joy thats greater than any fear we might have. Some churches that have been streaming live services all along have had a leg up in recent weeks. Others, have scrambled to get tech savvy in a hurry like Skaneateles Methodist Church. There, Rev. Joellyn Tuttle had her husband, Harry, tape the churchs Easter service on Saturday at the church. The taping featured Tuttle, an organist, a liturgist and a guest saxophone player all keeping proper social distance, she said. The service and a copy of the sermon was posted on the churchs webpage. Tuttle noted an online Zoom meeting Thursday with the churchs regional leaders featured 36 ministers all at once. One joked that were all becoming tele-evangelists, she said. The Rev. Monica Styron, of First Presbyterian Church in Skaneateles, among others, has grappled with trying to find ways to get people to go to church without having them step foot in the building. Last week during Palm Sunday, she said her church members assembled sterilized strips of palms in plastic bags, along with one page of meditations that members could use this past week in getting ready mentally and spiritually for Easter. The bags were put on a table outside the church and church members were able to drive by and pick them up without leaving their motor vehicles. To ensure no one got too close, she said, a church member was at the table, picking up the bags and handing them out with a long pair of grippers purchased at Home Depot. The churchs service was live streamed this morning on the churchs Facebook page at 10 a.m. The Rev. B.J. Norrix, of Erwin First United Methodist Church near the Syracuse University campus, said its been a struggle at times mastering the technology, but his church is making it work. In addition to live streaming services, his church has been holding Zoom bible studies and other online meetings just so we can keep seeing each other. Ive been forced to consider what worship in church looks like in a digital age, he said, adding todays online service featured himself, an organist and the person running the soundboard. And the first Sunday were allowed to get together again (for service), were going to do an Easter blow-out celebration then. Were going to have a wild party here, he said. Meanwhile, its been a long, trying Holy Week for the Lighthouse Community Church in Earlville, a small community on Madison County and Chenango County line. An arsonist this week torched the churchs building, totally destroying it. A village man has been arrested and charged with the crime, but was released on his own recognizance and is due back in village court May 13. Lighthouse Community Church is a non-denominational charismatic church with two pastors: Mark Monroe Jr. and his wife, Katie. The couple posted a brief Facebook Live communion service on the churchs Facebook page Friday evening and followed up with an online Easter service this morning, which included the couples three children. The couples messages today and throughout the week have been consistent in calling for love and forgiveness in the wake of the arson fire -- and pledging that the church will rebuild and flourish. His Easter day sermon was centered on new lifeand encouragement for our people as we move forward and rise from the ashes of this into victory. Posted by The Lighthouse church on Sunday, April 12, 2020 MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Social distancing is working. That means it wont end soon (Where we stand after 27 days) Coronavirus shutdown ending soon in NY? Cuomo pours cold water on speculation After a dream wedding, the coronavirus spreads pain and fear through a CNY family Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com IT is with a feeling of deep disappointment that I am forced to respond to Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Associations (TTUTA) latest diatribe regarding the Ministry of Educations request to teachers to provide information on their initiatives for ensuring that our children are able to access educational material, which is their right. Fishing activity along the coastal region in Karnataka resumed on Sunday with traditional fishermen venturing into the sea after the government exempted the sector from the ongoing nationwide lockdown to check coronavirus spread. Fishermen from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts resumed their operations, official sources said. Around 14,000 fishermen from these districts can resume their operations, bringing huge relief to the community. The Union Home Ministry had on Friday exempted operations of the fishing or marine aquaculture industry, including harvesting, sale and marketing activities, from the purview of the lockdown. However, it has said, as specified in the lockdown measures, social distancing and proper hygiene practices must be ensured. State Fisheries Minister and Dakshina Kannada district- in-charge Kota Srinivas Poojary welcomed the Centres nod to allow the state government to take decisions on the fisheries sector. He told reporters in Udupi on Saturday that only five crew will be allowed on a country boat, which can set sail in the morning and should return by evening. Restrictions on use of fisheries jetty, fishing ports and mechanised fishing will continue. Those undertaking fishing activities have been directed to strictly maintain social distancing. The fishermen have been asked to conclude the auction process by 11 am, officials said. The minister discussed the regulations to be adopted by fishermen with leaders of fishermens associations at Udupi on Saturday. Fisheries Federation president Yashpal Suvarna said he had requested the minister to supply kerosene for fishing activity and to extend the insurance facility for fishermen at the meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yet there do seem to be situations in which a few individuals spark large outbreaks. With Covid-19, it is not yet known whether those highly infectious people include individuals with silent infections who do not realize they are sick, said Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and chief executive at Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies. More likely, he adds, superspreading events may involve people with symptoms that linger but who are not sick enough to stay home. Or they could involve infected people who shed an unusual amount of virus a poorly studied factor that might be due to variations in the amount of virus in the aerosol droplets from a patients cough or the amount of infectious virus in feces, for example. No matter what the cause, public health measures, like avoiding crowds, and what Dr. Frieden calls cough hygiene, can prevent a superspreading event, he said. Medical history is replete with stories of superspreading in outbreaks of parasitic disease, tuberculosis, measles and other illness. There is Mary Mallon, a cook better known as Typhoid Mary, who spread typhoid fever to more than 50 people in the early years of the twentieth century. She herself was not ill but was asymptomatic silently infected with typhoid. Superspreading also played important roles in outbreaks of two other coronaviruses, SARS and MERS. The MERS-CoV outbreak in South Korea was driven primarily by three infected individuals, and approximately 75 percent of cases can be traced back to three superspreaders who have each infected a disproportionately high number of contacts, wrote George F. Gao, an immunologist and virologist at the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing, in a recent paper. Press Release April 12, 2020 Gatchalian flags potential spike in cybersex trafficking of children amid expanded ECQ As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic fuels fears of a cybersex trafficking surge among children in Southeast Asia, Senator Win Gatchalian called on the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for increased vigilance and protective measures. Gatchalian warned that since the community quarantine in the country gave children more time to spend online, traffickers would take advantage to target more victims. He emphasized that the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) already identified the Philippines as the global epicenter of the livestream sexual abuse trade, with eight out of ten children and youth at risk of online sexual abuse. The Department of Justice (DOJ) Cybercrime Office reported that in 2018, it received 600,000 tips of images and videos of naked, sexualized, and abused Filipino children, an increase of more than 1,000 percent from 45,645 cases in 2017. The United States (US) Department of Labor's "2018 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor" also reported that at the direction of paying customers, victims in the Philippines were induced to perform sex acts for live internet broadcasts in small internet cafes, private homes, and "cybersex dens." "Bago pa dumating ang banta ng COVID-19, isang hamon na sa atin kung paano natin lalabanan ang online sexual abuse sa mga kabataan. Ngayong mas nakatutok sa internet ang mga bata, kailangan nating palakasin ang mga hakbang upang mabigyan sila ng proteksyon at mapanagot ang gumagawa ng krimeng ito," said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture. Gatchalian urged DepEd to leverage its online learning platform 'DepEd Commons' to increase awareness on the dangers, prevention, and reporting of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC). Aside from teaching children about these, the senator also said parents should monitor their children's online activities and ensure the strictest possible level of their privacy settings. He also urged the DOJ and the PNP to use their communication platforms to likewise raise awareness while mobilizing their cybercrime units to track down predators. These efforts should also involve women and children protection units such as the PNP-Women and Children Protection Center and the NBI-Violence Against Women and Children Desk, the lawmaker said. Gatchalian last year filed Senate Bill 735 or the Human Trafficking Preventive Education Program Act to orient Filipino children and youth about their rights, government protection measures, and the dangers posed by different forms of trafficking, including online sexual exploitation. ### Gatchalian: mga kaso ng cybersex trafficking maaaring umakyat ngayong lockdown Hinimok ni Senador Win Gatchalian ang Department of Education o DepEd, Philippine National Police o PNP, at ang Department of Justice o DOJ na paigtingin ang kanilang mga hakbang kontra cybersex trafficking sa mga kabataan. Nagbabala si Gatchalian na dahil pinalawig pa ang enhanced community quarantine dahil sa banta ng COVID-19, mas maraming panahon ang mga kabataang magbabad sa internet. Kaya naman mas nanganganib silang maging target ng mga online traffickers. Ayon sa senador, itinuring na ng United Nations Children's Fund o UNICEF ang Pilipinas na global epicenter ng livestream sexual abuse trade, kung saan walo (8) sa sampung (10) kabataan ang nanganganib makaranas ng online sexual abuse. Noong 2018, nakatanggap ang Cybercrime Office ng DOJ ng anim na raang libong (600,000) ulat ng mga malalaswang larawan at video ng mga kabataang Filipino. Ito ay mas mataas ng halos isang libong (1,000) porsyento mula sa mahigit apatnapung libong (45,645) naitala noong 2018. Ayon naman sa ulat na "2018 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor" ng United States Department of Labor, ang mga batang biktima ng online trafficking ay binabayaran ng mga customer upang magpakita ng kalaswaan sa mga livestream. Madalas nagaganap ang mga ito sa mga internet cafe, mga pribadong tahanan, at mga cybersex dens. "Bago pa dumating ang banta ng COVID-19, isang hamon na sa atin kung paano natin lalabanan ang online sexual abuse sa mga kabataan. Ngayong mas nakatutok sa internet ang mga bata, kailangan nating palakasin ang mga hakbang upang mabigyan sila ng proteksyon at mapanagot ang gumagawa ng krimeng ito," ani Gatchalian, Chairman ng Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture. Hinimok ni Gatchalian ang DepEd na gamitin ang online learning platform nitong DepEd Commons upang magpalaganap ng kaalaman sa mga panganib, pagsugpo, at pag-ulat sa mga kaso ng online sexual exploitation of children o OSEC. Maliban sa pagtuturo nito, binigyang diin din ni Gatchalian ang mahalagang papel ng mga magulang, na siya dapat magbantay sa pag-gamit ng kabataan sa internet. Aniya dapat siguruhin ng mga magulang na dapat nasa pinakamahigpit na privacy settings ang pag-gamit ng kanilang mga anak sa internet. Nanawagan din ang mambabatas sa DOJ at PNP na magpalaganap ng kaalaman sa OSEC habang tinutugis ang mga nasa likod ng mga krimeng ito. Ani Gatchalian, dapat maging bahagi nito ang buong pwersa ng women and children protection units tulad ng PNP-Women and Children Protection Center at ng NBI-Violence Against Women and Children Desk. Noong nakaraang taon ay inihain ni Gatchalian ang Senate Bill 735 o ang Human Trafficking Preventive Education Program Act upang ituro sa mga kabataan ang kanilang mga karapatan, ang proteksyong maaaring magmula sa pamahalaan, at ang mga panganib na dulot ng iba't ibang anyo ng trafficking, kabilang ang online sexual exploitation. ### Boris Johnson has thanked NHS staff for saving his life while he was treated for coronavirus in intensive care. The prime minister issued a short statement as he continues his recovery at St Thomas Hospital in central London. I cant thank them enough, he said. I owe them my life. Mr Johnson was admitted to hospital last Sunday with persistent symptoms of Covid-19, including a high temperature and cough. He then spent three nights in intensive care following a deterioration in his condition on Monday. The prime minister had recovered enough to move back to the ward on Thursday night. Downing Street said he had waved his thanks to doctors and nurses, and described him as being in very good spirits. Mr Johnson, 55, is said to have taken short walks to aid his rehabilitation. It remains unclear whether he would be able to return to work in time to decide on any extension of the lockdown from 16 April. The prime minister is just beginning his recovery and he will be taking advice from his medical team, No 10 said. Foreign secretary Dominic Raab continues to chair important meetings such as the daily Covid-19 war cabinet video conference. Lagos State has recorded another death from the coronavirus, an official has said. The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Sunday. The death came hours after the state discharged an 11-year old patient and three others following their full recovery from coronavirus infection. Mr Abayomi said the confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state have risen to 177, out of whom 50 have recovered while deaths have risen to five. 11 new cases of COVID19 infection were confirmed in Lagos on 11th of April, 2020. Total number of COVID19 cases so far discovered in Lagos State has risen to 177. The Good news is that 4 COVID19 patients were discharged following full recovery. With the latest development, numbers of discharged COVID19 Lagos patients now stand at 50, he wrote on his verified Twitter handle. Unfortunately, Lagos recorded another death from COVID19 related complication bringing numbers of such sad occurrence to 5, he added. He did not provide further details on the death. Mr Abayomi said an early test for COVID-19 infection should be carried out on potential patients, followed by a prompt commencement of treatment for those who test positive. Lagos remains the epicentre of the disease in Nigeria. Its five deaths are among the total 10 deaths recorded from coronavirus across Nigeria where the total number of confirmed cases is 318. At first glance, this beautiful butterfly just looks like an oil painting on canvas. But on closer inspection, eagle-eyed viewers will spot that the butterfly perching on the vibrant yellow flower is actually a naked woman. Talented artist, Johannes Stotter, who is based in Northern Italy, spent hours painstakingly painting the woman's curves to complete the masterpiece and create the stunning optical illusion. Johannes, who is known as the 'Master of the Unseen,' has spent years perfecting his technique and believes his most recent work - The Butterfly - is his best yet. Eagle-eyed viewers will spot that the butterfly perching on the vibrant yellow flower is actually a naked woman. Pictured, model Laura transformed into a butterfly by body artist Johannes Stotter, who is based in Northern Italy The talented artist spent hours painting model Laura's curves to complete the masterpiece and create the stunning optical illusion. Pictured, Johannes paints model Laura to look like a butterfly 'First, I made a small sketch of the position, just a drawing with a pencil,' he explained. 'Then I tested the position with a real person.' 'Afterwards, I created a bigger sketch and also added the colours and structures of the butterfly as I imagined it would look in the end. 'Then I painted the background with the big yellow flower. At the end I did the actual body painting. 'So far everyone has reacted very positively and many people agree that this is my best artwork so far.' Johannes, who is known as the Master of the Unseen has spent years perfecting his technique. Pictured, the talented artist at work The talented artists believes his most recent work - The Butterfly - is his best yet. Pictured, painting Laura to look like a butterfly Johannes said that he first made a small sketch of the position, just a drawing with a pencil, and then tested the position with a real person. Pictured, during the transition The artist then made a bigger sketch and also added the colours and structures of the butterfly as he imagined it would look in the end. Pictured, at work But despite the stunning final result, Johannes admitted the idea wasn't an easy one to pull off. 'The idea of the position happened quite suddenly and quickly, but the whole process was long and a lot of work,' he said. 'There are various challenging aspects such as finding the position and getting the model into position. 'Certain positions are also very challenging for the models. 'In my opinion though this is my best, or one of my very best works. I think it is a very beautiful picture, even if you don't know that it is a body painting.' The creative artist added everyone has reacted very positively and many people have agreed that this is his best artwork so far. Pictured, working on the fine details of his painting of model Laura Johannes revealed there are various challenging aspects - such as finding the position and getting the model into position. Pictured, at work Johannes said it's a very beautiful picture, even if you don't know that it is a body painting. Pictured, model Laura transformed into a butterfly Model Laura had to go through the entire process five times and remain perfectly still for hours on end. Pictured, Johannes sets to work painting In order to complete the masterpiece, model Laura, had to go through the entire process five times and remain perfectly still for hours on end. Johannes added: ' When I designed it, I thought about who could fit in as a model. 'When Laura came to mind it was immediately clear for me that she was the right person. 'She is very nice, beautiful inside and outside and a strong, patient model. 'I think Laura loved being the butterfly. Even though she had to go through the whole process five times, she remained calm and patient and did a wonderful job. 'It is of course difficult to hold a position for a long time. Certain body parts get really challenged.' Johannes paints model Laura to look like a butterfly - but can you spot the naked woman in the picture? T iger 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. TV producer Rick Kirkham, who now lives in Norway, said Exotic would be unable to "forgive and forget" if he was freed early. The seven-part Netflix documentary series tells the story of the eccentric wildlife breeder and Oklahoma zoo owner before his arrest / TigerKingTV/YouTube 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 that's 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, I'm a new man'. He would come out and he would go for revenge." Tiger King: Netflix's best documentary series if you enjoyed the crazy tale of Joe Exotic Mr Kirkham spent a year documenting Exotic's life before the zoo's 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 wasn't an employee. I was there as a contracted producer but I couldn't 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." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) With the goal of flattening the curve and quelling the spread of the coronavirus disease, the local government of Pasig will conduct mass testing in the city. "Kailangan talaga, 'yung gagawin natin, [mass testing]. Naabutan lang tayo ng Holy Week, eh. 'Yung mga pipirma ng MOA (memorandum of agreement), eh, wala. [....] Pero ready na po tayo du'n sa testing natin, mass testing," Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said in a virtual briefing on Sunday. [Translation: We really need to do mass testing. It just so happened that the persons who will be signing the memorandum of agreement (MOA) are not available because it's Holy Week. (....) But we are ready for our testing, mass testing.] Sotto made it a point that not all people will be covered by the mass testing, as previously cleared up by the Department of Health. "'Pag sinabi nating mass testing, hindi po ibig sabihin, lahat, i-tetest, Naglinaw na rin po 'yung Department of Health dito. Ang priority natin, siyempre, 'yung suspected cases; 'yung na-contact tracing natin [....]; at 'yung mga frontliners, health workers natin," he said. [Translation: When we say mass testing, it doesn't mean we will test everybody. The Department of Health has also made a clarification on this. Our priority will be suspected cases; persons who had contact with COVID-19 infected patients (....); and our frontliners and health workers.] "Tapos, du'n sa parang web natin, as much as we can, i-tetest [din] natin. Palawak nang palawak 'yung ma-tetest natin," he added. [Translation: We will also test those in our web-like diagram (of COVID-19 cases). We will expand the coverage of our tests.] Sotto said the city government will partner with The Medical City for the mass testing, but they have yet to discuss the details. "[The] Medical City [rin] 'yung partner natin dito. 'Yung detalye, siguro, bukas ko na lang po or sa Martes i-aannounce sa inyo," he said. [Translation: We will also partner with (The) Medical City. I will announce the details maybe tomorrow or on Tuesday.] Mass testing in Cavite In a Facebook post, Governor Jonvic Remulla declared that mass testing will be done in the province of Cavite to "restart its economy." "For the economy to start, we have to do mass testing. Kailangan ay halos [2 million] na tao sa lalawigan ang [ma-test]," he said. [Translation: For the economy to start, we have to do mass testing. There are over (2 million) people in the province who need to be tested.] Remulla enumerated cases that will be prioritized in the province-wide testing. These include students; teachers and school officials; factory workers; wet market, supermarket, and mall employees; drivers of jeepneys, buses, tricycles, pedicabs, and transport services Grab and Angkas; and all other frontliners. However, the activity will not be free-of-charge. Testing fees for employees of private organizations will be billed to the companies' owners. The governor said the infrastructure needed for the mass testing is already in place. He said the provincial government will spend another P300 million for the activity. "This is, by and large, not a perfect plan. We are only 1 out of 81 provinces. I think that if we do it right here, then maybe others will follow our lead," Remulla said. "This cannot happen without your cooperation. Kailangan sama-sama tayo para matalo ang COVID," he added. [Translation: This cannot happen without your cooperation. We need to be one with each other so as to beat COVID.] In the Philippines, there are now 4,648 cases of the viral disease, including 297 deaths and 197 recoveries. Corvallis community groups are seeing to it that people in need get their Easter Sunday treats this year. I grew up with Sees, said Rebecca Camden, a board member of the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence. It wouldnt be a holiday without it. So she and numerous other representatives from Corvallis agencies catering to women and children, students as well as sick or disabled residents dropped in to the CH2M Hill Alumni Center at Oregon State University on Saturday to stock up on donated treats from Sees Candies. Pat Egan, CEO of the California-based company, said all of his stores have been temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. If we cant move candy because our doors arent open, he said, we can move candy because we have amazing partners. So, rather than let his preservative-free inventory expire, he coordinated an effort in numerous states for Sees Easter-themed candies chocolates, jellies, nuts and more to be donated instead. Egan, an OSU alum, said there are nine stores in Oregon all of which will be emptying their shelves of Easter treats to give to hospitals and programs in their local areas. The store in Eugene was cleaned out with the help of Rose City Trucking and Egans friend volunteering from Pacific Power, and the candy was arranged to be dropped off on campus with the OSU Alumni Association. Its moments like this where the real heart and soul of a community takes hold, said alumni association Executive Director John Valva. Valva, his wife Hanna and regional Pacific Power agent Celeste Krueger unpacked two pallets-worth of candy Saturday afternoon at the Alumni Center as a make-shift distribution center for community groups to collect candy for their clients. Camden was one of the first representatives to show, and she threw her hands up in excitement at the sight of the boxes of candy. Representing CARDV and the Old Mill Center for Children and Families on Saturday, she said this will hopefully be a nice treat for staff members and the women and children in the at-capacity shelters. Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis CEO Helen Higgins and Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center homeless outreach representative Chiho Sakamoto were among other community leaders who dropped in to stock up. At least 10 agencies were invited to grab some sweets , with many benefitting from coordination with the Benton Community Foundation. Candy is sweet, Valva said. And, right now, having a sweet part of life that brings a little joy during this time I feel like is something we should all partake in. Reporter Nia Tariq can be reached at nia.tariq@lee.net or 541-812-6091. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WHO: Alarming Number of Health Workers at Risk of COVID-19 By Lisa Schlein April 11, 2020 The World Health Organization is expressing alarm at the large number of health workers becoming infected by the deadly coronavirus. The U.N. health agency is appealing for international support to provide health workers with the supplies and other tools needed to keep them safe. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says every single person has a role to play in ending this pandemic, which already has claimed more than 100,000 lives worldwide. Among the major players in this grisly drama are the frontline responders, the health care workers who tend to the sick and dying. While they are putting their lives on the line to save others, Tedros says health workers are not getting the support they need to keep them safe. "In some countries there are reports of up to 10% of health workers being infected. This is an alarming trend. When health workers are at risk, we are all at risk," he said. Tedros said some health workers become infected outside health facilities, in their homes or communities. But the majority are being infected within health facilities where they are exposed to the deadly virus throughout the day. Many become sick, he said, because they are not sufficiently trained or lack experience in recognizing COVID-19, and dealing with respiratory pathogens. He added that long hours tending to sick patients and lack of rest also can weaken resistance to the virus. "However, 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 (Personal Protective Equipment) they need to do their jobs safely and effectively," Tedros said. A new United Nations Supply Chain Task Force has been set up to ease the equipment shortage. Tedros said the WHO and the World Food Program will be coordinating this effort. He said the supply chain may need to cover more than 30 percent of the world's needs in the acute phase of the pandemic. To meet this demand, he said, well over 100 million medical gowns and masks, respirators, diagnostic kits and other essential equipment will have to be shipped every month to areas most at risk. The storing and shipping costs, he said, are about $280 million. He noted the cost of procuring these supplies will be much greater. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Pakistan continued unprovoked shelling on forward posts and villages along the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir for the seventh consecutive day on Sunday, injuring a man and a woman, officials said. Pakistan started firing small arms and mortar shells in Qasba and Kirni sectors at 1.40 pm, inviting a strong and effective retaliation by the Indian Army, a defence spokesman said. The cross-border firing was still going on, according to latest reports. Pakistan has repeatedly violated ceasefire for a week despite the challenges faced by the two countries due to the coronavirus outbreak. Mohammad Shoukat, 28, received splinter injuries when a mortar shell exploded near his house in Qasba sector and he had to be shifted to Poonch district hospital for treatment, the officials said. Alive mortar bomb, which failed to explode during heavy Pakistan shelling in Balakote sector, was destroyed by Indian Army experts. Saleema Bi, 45, a resident of Lanjout village, received splinter injuries late Saturday night. She was rescued by a joint team of Army, police personnel and health workers amid intense shelling and admitted to a hospital where she is stable now,the officials said. Balakote and Mendhar sectors witnessed heavy firing and shelling for several hours Saturday night. Several houses were damaged in the Pakistani shelling, they said. Hiranagar sector along the IB in Kathua district of Jammu region was also rocked by a heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and India troops throughout the night. Pakistan initiated the ceasefire violation by firing on three forward areas in Karol Matrai, Faqeera and Chandwa around 9pm, drawing retaliation by the BSF guarding the IB. Pakistan used mortars to target the posts and villages, causing panic among the border residents who took shelter in underground bunkers. Two cows were also hit and medical teams attended to them after the firing stopped around 4 am. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The head of Egypts Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II led the Palm Sunday mass at Church in Wadi El-Natroun without general audience due to restrictions over the coronavirus outbreak in the country. Transferring the religious event online in a live stream on the churchs official Facebook page and on Christian TV channels, the Palm Sunday mass was held at Saint Pishoy Monastery in Wadi El-Natroun, Behaira. A small number of churchmen took part in the mass in the early hours of Sunday. The closure of the Churches is for a temporary time due to the coronavirus outbreak in the world and in Egypt," Pope Tawadros II said in his speech during the mass. Egypt on 21 March ordered churches and mosques to shut their doors to mass rituals and prayers as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. Egypts Coptic Orthodox Church had already announced that Pope Tawadros II was to hold the masses of the Holy Week at Saint Pishoy Monastry without general audience. Egypt has so far recorded 1,939 Coronavirus cases nationwide including 146 fatalities. Search Keywords: Short link: WINSTED Friends of Main Street are offering free advertising opportunities for local businesses. FREE The Northwest Connecticut Economic Development Corporation, CivicLift, and NWCT Chamber are working together to provide a free online advertising platform that supports local businesses during this difficult time and during the recovery period. This free online platform is where you can advertise your business to residents in neighboring towns. Some information you can provide: Are you open? Curb-side pick up? New hours? Can they support you online through shopping or purchasing gift cards? Are you offering online services, classes, or webinars? Once you post your business you will show up on the "Places" map www.discoverlitchfieldhills.com . CTVisit.com has a special list of takeout restaurants: Takeout and Delivery/ Restaurants in Connecticut COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of life, including the way we dine. But many dishes from popular spots can still be enjoyed while following the CDC's recommendations. CTVisit.com has gathered a list of notable Connecticut restaurants that have shifted their offerings to accommodate safety during this trying time. Beer, wine, and cocktails may even be available to take out for those 21 and older. As the states situation quickly evolves, each restaurants offering may evolve just as quickly, so be sure to check with each spot before placing your order. At the bottom of this page are links to other lists of participating restaurants. If you are the manager of a restaurant that you think should be on this list, email Jean.Hebert@ct.gov OrthoCT offering virtual medical visits Like many other health care providers, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, OrthoConnecticut is now offering telemedicine - virtual visits which enable patients to see an orthopedic surgeon from the privacy and safety of a home or office. Visit myorthoct.com/temporary-office-hours-and-telemedicine-information Did you know that many orthopedic issues, including some urgent issues, can be diagnosed using telemedicine appointments? You can get the specialized orthopedic care you need during this period of physical distancing and staying close to home. Telemedicine is simple to use, and the secure video conferencing technology can be used with any device, OrthoCT said in a statement. Patients can get a diagnosis on new musculoskeletal issues; follow up on an existing issue; get post-surgical advice from your own physician; ractice physical distancing without reducing your quality of care; review diagnostic tests such as x-rays and MRIs during a telemedicine visit, with simple and easy scheduling. Insurance processing for telemedicine and in-office visits are the same To schedule your telemedicine appointment with a specialist, call the numbers listed here. All telemedicine appointments must be booked by phone: Danbury 203-797-1500, Norwalk 203-845-2200, New Milford 860-355-8000, or Pain Center 203-792-7246 A consent form and step-by-step directions will then be sent to you, explaining exactly how to perform a virtual visit with our physicians. To learn more visit www.myorthoct.com/ or call 833-ORTHOCT (833-678-4628). Dana Farber, Jimmy Fund set up response fund The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund have established an Emergency Response Fund to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Dana-Farber. Dana-Farbers largest single donor, the Pan-Mass Challenge, has committed $3 million of unrestricted giving to this initiative by May 1. Once PMC riders raise $3 million, a matching gift of $1 million will be contributed to Dana-Farber by a generous PMC rider and donor for a total of $4 million in support of the Emergency Response Fund efforts to address the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. The Emergency Response Fund will provide resources for unanticipated and significant costs to keep our cancer patients safe and prevent the spread of infection as they seek and receive lifesaving treatments; new expenses for immediate implementation of telemedicine technology that allow patients and families to visit with their Dana-Farber care team virtually, from the safety of their homes; and pressing financial strains felt by patients, their partners, and caregivers who lose employment and/or experience disruptions in dependent care due to school and other related closures. For details visit https://www.dana-farber.org/ or http://www.jimmyfund.org/ Dunkin makes emergency fund donation CANTON, MA - In March, the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation activated $1.25 million in emergency funding to support community-based health and hunger relief organizations across the country during the COVID-19 health crisis. Today, the Foundation announced that $20,000 of that funding has been granted and delivered to three non-profit organizations throughout Connecticut to help meet the pressing needs within the local community. These grants are part of a commitment by Dunkin, Dunkins Foundation and Dunkin franchisees to provide health and hunger organizations with the support they need, as many are seeing a significant increase in the volume of people they serve and are facing unprecedented and costly challenges in the wake of the pandemic. The grants are making a difference by funding such vital services as emergency food boxes and meal kits for families, backpacks for kids displaced from school, and diapers for families in need. Local organizations that received funding include: Connecticut Food Bank received $10,000 in funding that will be used to support their mission to provide nutritious food and resources to people in need during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Camellas Cupboard, based in New Milford received $5,000 in funding. This grant would be used to purchase food to help Camella's Cupboard feed children who have lost access to free/reduced meals due to school closures, as well as children whose parent's employment status has changed due to the COVID-19 crisis. National Diaper Bank Network, out of New Haven, received $5,000 in funding for diapers, wipes, and period supplies. This grant will help provide a week's worth of diapers for approximately 9,000 children. As COVID-19 puts people out of work, the demand for diaper assistance is increasing. In addition to the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation grants, Connecticut Dunkin franchisees have pledged to donate over $35,000 in gift cards and packaged coffee to multiple health and hunger relief organizations across the state to help keep our local heroes running. These organizations include: Bristol Hospital, Connecticut Childrens, Johnson Memorial Hospital, Mount Sinai Rehab Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, Saint Marys Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare. Dunkin has also launched an online gift card site, DunkinCoffeeBreak.com, so that guests in Connecticut and across the country can send a Dunkin eGift Card as a small token of appreciation to thank a doctor, nurse, first responder, teacher, grocery clerk, postal worker, neighbor or any hero in their life. For every card purchased at this site, Dunkin will donate $1, up to $100,000, to the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation emergency funds, specifically for non-profits helping families affected by COVID-19. The majority of Dunkin U.S. shops are open and have limited service to drive-thru ordering, carry-out and delivery, with a select number of locations also offering curbside service. Remarkably, the electoral college, an anachronism in the Constitution from the 18th century, has given the country the two worst presidents of all time in this century. George W. Bush, a glib good ol boy Republican from Texas was installed in 2001 by court action despite losing the popular vote. With him, came Dick Cheney a self-selected vice president and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. After Bush ignored briefings warning him of coming 9/11 attacks, Cheney and his allies manufactured post-9/11 intel that convinced Bush to invade Iraq. The world still suffers from the Middle East havoc that this caused. Another Republican lost the national popular vote in 2016, but won in the electoral college to lead the nation into another disaster. This time, it was Donald Trump, a New York real estate huckster and narcissist who also reportedly ignored briefings, those alerting him to a viral threat from China. He wasted two months downplaying the threat while Fox News promoted his view, which has cost thousands of lives and ruined a once-thriving economy. Pick your worst president. Right now, for me, it's a toss up. America suffers greatly from the tyranny of the voting minority. You may not have liked Al Gore or Hillary Clinton, but Gore would have started us toward a green new deal. Clinton would not have dismantled the White House team that was tasked with pandemic defense. Bernie Sanders has suspended his presidential campaign, one that could have reset America. He would have been a competent, forward-looking president who would have surrounded himself with a competent cabinet. So, now we are left to choose between the incompetent Trump, who surrounds himself with yes men and political lackeys, or the semi-sentient former vice president, Joe Biden. Biden would likely surround himself with competent people, so it isnt quite a Hobsons choice. Roy Lehman, Woolwich Township Briefings practice social distance from knowledge Concerning Ken Franks recent letter, CNN disgustingly keeps hammering Trump, about coverage of the presidents daily coronavirus press conferences: I have to wonder whether Frank and I are watching the same press conferences. Frank sees "information and insightful input." I see a president whose advice is often contradicted immediately by his own scientific experts. I see a president who attacks reporters who quote his own words back to him, either dismissing the reporters questions, or denying that he made the statement in question even when it has been preserved in video/audio recordings. I also see a president standing shoulder to shoulder with his advisers on a packed stage, while he asks other Americans to practice social distancing. I see a president who advises Americans to wear masks, but refuses to wear one himself. I see a president who promotes falsehoods about fraud in vote-by-mail balloting, while he votes by mail himself. I cannot watch these self-promoting charades any longer. Sean Sloane, Glassboro Pandemic prompts needless food waste Ive read that dairy farmers and processors are destroying thousands of gallons of fresh milk, stating that it cant be delivered to normal channels such as schools and restaurants, now closed during the coronavirus pandemic. When school is in session this milk is delivered there, so why cant it now be delivered to the food banks for the children? Food bank personnel should protest the waste of this healthy product. M. Jespersen, Bridgeton About those deserted streets A thought about the current stay-home orders: I look around and I see all the empty spaces and I think to myself, its all meaningless without the people. Justin L. Petaccio, Carneys Point Township Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. 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. Iran confirms 4,500 deaths from coronavirus According to the official data, the total number of positive cases since the outbreak in Iran passes 71,600. With 117 more deaths from the new coronavirus, Irans death toll rose to 4,474, a health official said on Sunday. 1,657 MORE TESTED POSITIVE Kianoush Jahanpour, a Health Ministry spokesman, told a live state TV broadcast that 1,657 more people tested positive for coronavirus in the past 24 hours, bringing the total infections to 71,686. Jahanpour said 43,894 people have recovered so far and been discharged from hospitals, while 3,930 patients are in critical condition. The University of Wisconsin System forecasts a $170 million financial hit for the spring semester alone, an estimate that will likely grow as campuses grapple with the broader economic fallout associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The figure is the first System-wide estimate of the coronavirus-related financial fallout for its 26 campuses and represents a short-term snapshot in time. Robert Cramer, System vice president of administration, cautioned that the number is conservative and evolving day by day. The estimate, which does not take into account state or federal relief money, includes the cost of issuing refunds for on-campus parking, dining and housing services, along with technology purchases to move classes online, payments to student employees who abruptly lost their jobs and losses in athletic revenues. Part of what makes this so unprecedented is it is cutting across everything that universities do, Cramer said during a video news conference Friday. The System will receive $47 million from Congress to help stay solvent a little more than a quarter of the financial loss officials project for this semester alone. How state funding fits into the financial picture is unclear at this point. The System asked lawmakers for $59 million in immediate emergency relief, but fiscal hawks may be even less inclined to boost state spending with the pandemic leading to less tax revenue than expected. Some Republican lawmakers suggested Friday that it is unfair for state employees to continue to be paid while private businesses suffer and lay off workers. Other sources of revenue campuses have come to rely on research grants, fundraising dollars, income from university investments and endowments will almost certainly take a hit as well. The concerns Ive heard from colleges and universities can be categorized as all of the above, said Thomas Harnisch, vice president of government relations for the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. This is the biggest crisis in modern history for American higher education. The organization, which represents state university leaders across the country including the UW System, has pressed Congress for money to offset universities losses. The stimulus package recently passed was woefully inadequate to address the deep budget holes states will soon face, he said. Higher education is one of the first areas states turn to for cuts during recessions. For example, Missouris governor froze $180 million in state spending earlier this month, with 40% of the cuts hitting universities and community colleges. A time of recession is all the more reason to fund higher education, Harnisch said. Colleges train people to develop different skill sets that lead to well-paying jobs. The Systems $170 million estimated loss in a single semester could pack a quicker, harder punch than the $250 million cut in state funding that campuses absorbed over a two-year period a budget reduction from which some chancellors say they are still recovering. The $250 million loss during the 2015-17 state budget cycle led to hundreds of layoffs, buyouts and vacancies. At UW-Madison, the cut reduced student employment opportunities, halted the hiring of more student advisers and prevented the expansion of high-demand programs, such as nursing, where qualified applicants are rejected simply because there arent enough seats available. The System and some campuses have already imposed some cost-cutting measures in recent weeks, such as hiring freezes and pausing of construction projects. As for employee reductions or furloughs, Cramer said the focus is on getting through the semester. As we see how the finances for this semester appear to be shaping up, well have to decide what do we need to do going forward, he said. Campus breakdown UW-Madison estimates a $100 million loss based on the assumption that operations return to normal by early summer. The number will almost certainly increase as the university announced further restrictions in recent days that werent captured in their estimate. For example, UW-Madison on Friday announced that cancellation of all on-campus events and meetings through May 15 will now extend through June 30. And the university said Tuesday that all in-person summer programs and camps are now off the table. A spokesman on Friday was unable to provide an estimate on revenue lost from canceled camps and summer programs. One potentially bright spot for UW-Madison: The number of accepted students submitting deposits to hold their spot for the fall semester appears to be on target, Chancellor Rebecca Blank said at a Monday faculty committee meeting. The admissions office, however, is running a much longer wait list than it typically would because the pandemics effect on enrollment is unclear, she said. The university expects very few international students because of visa problems and it may also see a decline in the number of out-of-state students. On the other hand, UW-Madisons in-state tuition rate may appeal to more Wisconsin students who normally would have looked to attend college elsewhere. How much does each campus expect to lose this semester? Madison: $100 million Milwaukee: $9.2 million Oshkosh: $8 million Whitewater: $7.9 million Platteville: $7.3 million Eau Claire: $7.1 million River Falls: $6.3 million Stout: $5.8 million La Crosse: $5.4 million Stevens Point: $5 million Green Bay: $2.5 million Parkside: $2.3 million Superior: $1.3 million Source: UW System Were operating in a huge fog of uncertainty right now, Blank told the committee. Other UW campuses face even larger enrollment challenges. And while the Systems breakdown of financial estimates shows other universities bracing for a much smaller financial loss compared to UW-Madison, the smaller institutions almost always bear the brunt of state budget cuts. Regional campuses dont have access to the same pipeline of out-of-state students who pay a higher tuition rate, Harnisch said. They have nowhere near the number of wealthy donors, they serve a larger pool of low-income students and they lack the economies of scale that a flagship university has. The looming question for chancellors: Can students return to campus in August? Theres no set date by which campuses need to make those decisions, Cramer said. Its something college officials will monitor over the next 30 days under the hope and expectation that normal operations resume in the fall. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 (JIS) The Government of Jamaica has received the first shipment of some $1 billion (JMD) worth of medical equipment and supplies that have been procured to bolster Jamaicas coronavirus (COVID-19) response. The items, which are being stored at the National Health Fund (NHF) warehouse in Kingston, include ventilators, intensive care unit (ICU) beds, stretchers, infrared thermometers, and N95 masks. These were sourced from several countries, including the Peoples Republic of China, Ireland, and the United States of America. Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, and NHF Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Everton Anderson, visited the facility on Wednesday (April 8) to view the items, distribution of which has commenced. Dr. Tufton told JIS News that based on the provisions, we can safely say that for the next two to three months, we have [an adequate] supply in storage. So I want to say to the people of Jamaica, we are prepared to the extent that persons have to be treated in hospitals. We are, in fact, a lot more prepared now than we were a month or six weeks ago, he said. The Minister advised that arrangements are now being finalised for a second shipment of supplies because we want to ensure that we do not have any shortages [or] runouts. Clearly, we have to be ready to manage cases, once those are determined. Dr. Tufton thanked the NHF for managing the procurement process, and other stakeholders who provided support in terms of identifying the source markets and logistics management. He said the Government is confident that Jamaica is in a good position to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak, and noted that clearly, the message is still prevention. So, we advise persons to still take the precautions still manage the hygiene wash the hands [and observe] the restrictions on movement . All of those things are very important. But to the extent that we have persons who have to be hospitalised or treated, we are also preparing to make sure that that is the case, he noted. Meanwhile, the NHF CEO told JIS News that the overall complement of items ordered includes 32 ventilators, 30 ICU beds, 1,500 infrared thermometers, 80 monitors, and 35 suction machines. He said that the initial shipment is a good start as we further prepare to manage the COVID-19 situation. Mr. Anderson said that the supplies will be distributed to designated hospitals and health centres via the Health Ministrys four Regional Health Authorities. Among those that will benefit are St. Anns Bay Hospital, Cornwall Regional Hospital, Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, and Victoria Jubilee Hospital. Mr. Anderson said that the remaining supplies are slated to arrive on a weekly basis, through to next month. At the end of May, we would have received all the equipment. So while we have sufficient items now enough to last us for the next two to three months by the end of May when we receive all of the remaining items, we will be very comfortable in terms of overall preparations to deal with COVID-19, he noted. Mr. Anderson said the NHF, and by extension the Government, will continue to monitor the situation globally, so that we can be placing orders from countries where we actually will get prompt delivery, where needed. PHOTO: RUDRANATH FRASER Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (left), and National Health Fund (NHF) Chief Executive Officer, Everton Anderson, examine one of several ventilators that were among an initial shipment of medical equipment and supplies procured by the Government in response to Jamaicas coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Minister visited the NHF warehouse in Kingston, where the items are being stored, on Wednesday (April 8). WRITTEN BY: DOUGLAS MCINTOSH (JIS) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 18:45:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ebb away across China, economic activities begin to pick up in the world's largest market, with businesses resuming operation and consumption gaining momentum. by Xinhua writers Xu Ruiqing, Zhou Rui, Cheng Di SHANGHAI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak has dealt a blow to the Chinese economy. With stringent and thorough measures adopted to combat the virus, the epidemic continues to ebb away across the country. Economic activities also begin to regain vitality in the world's largest market, with normal production gradually resuming and market expectations brightening. LIVESTREAM E-COMMERCE Leaning on the counter of the French cosmetic brand Lancome in New World Daimaru Department Store in Shanghai, shopping assistant Chen Cheng is busy introducing the newest products to consumers. Instead of face-to-face interaction, Chen is selling products via livestreaming to consumers who choose to shop at home in this special period. Within a couple of days, their online orders will be delivered to their doorsteps. Chen is one of the salespeople-turned livestream hosts in the department store, which has pinned its hopes on livestream e-commerce to engage consumers and cushion the impact of the outbreak. In two days, the shopping mall achieved an online sale volume of about 1.88 million yuan (around 267,000 U.S. dollars). "The consumer market is rapidly recovering. We have the confidence to ride out the pressure brought by the outbreak and maintain a strong sales performance this year," said Ma Mu, manager of the e-commerce management department of the store. Staff prepare for a livestreaming sale at the New World Daimaru Department Store in east China's Shanghai, March 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Fei) Yet this is far from an isolated case. Amid the epidemic, more Chinese enterprises are launching livestream projects for offline stores to power their e-commerce businesses. On April 1, Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub Group cooperated with the Consulate General of Argentina in Shanghai to launch a livestream session to promote signature products from the Latin American country. Jointly hosted by James Xue, general manager of the Shanghai-based group, and Pablo Agustin Obregon, consul general of Argentina in Shanghai, the livestream session sold wine, shrimp, steak and other products from Argentina to Chinese consumers, attracting 15,000 viewers in one hour. "As the epidemic recedes, the domestic consumer market is rapidly recovering. Livestreaming has opened up a new channel for delivering goods to stay-at-home consumers," said Xue. Boosted by multiple livestream sessions, in the first quarter of this year, the import business of the group's international trade grew nearly three times from the previous quarter. G-Super, a chain supermarket brand of the group, has also seen a year-on-year increase of over 300 percent in its online sales volume since late March. A customer selects vegetables at a market in east China's Shanghai, April 11, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Fei) OFFLINE BUSINESS Besides warming consumption online, offline businesses have also seen a leap. On April 9, the Ministry of Commerce said the opening rates of large agricultural wholesale markets, large supermarkets, department stores and branded convenience stores nationwide were all above 95 percent. Average daily sales in key monitored retail enterprises in late March increased by 0.9 percent compared with mid-March and by 3.2 percent from late February. In the catering sector, the resumption rate has reached 85.4 percent nationwide as of April 5, according to statistics from China's service-focused e-commerce giant Meituan Dianping. Average daily dine-in orders and restaurant turnover also jumped 118 percent and 158 percent, respectively, during the three-day Tomb-sweeping Day holiday compared with figures from March. According to a report released by China's leading digital payment platform Alipay on March 23, hot pot recently became the most popular comfort food. Consumers in China paid for more than 1.3 million hot pot meals via Alipay from March 18 to 22, up 186 percent from the previous month. Customers shop at a shopping mall in east China's Shanghai, April 11, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Fei) "Big data showed that businesses are gradually picking up in China," said Chen Wen, president of SUKE Innovation Strategy Research Institute. According to a report released by Chen's team, on April 8, the national average business recovery ratio reached 78.72 percent, up 13.88 and 29.54 percent, respectively, comparing with the ratios from March 10 and March 1. The business recovery ratio of 313 cities, accounting for over 85 percent of the total monitored cities, reached over 75 percent. "Everything is in good order. My life is also gradually returning to normal," said Chen Xuemei, a resident in the eastern Chinese city of Shangrao. STIMULUS MEASURES In early March, Chinese authorities released a guideline aimed at boosting consumption and unleashing the potential of the domestic market to cushion the blow of the epidemic on economic activities. A number of Chinese cities have answered the call by rolling out voucher programs. Wang Renyuan, a 23-year-old citizen of Quzhou city, east China's Zhejiang Province, received three coupons issued by the local government. In order to use a food and beverage coupon, Wang went to a hot pot restaurant with his friends last Sunday. "I only spent about 250 yuan. This meal is quite cost-efficient after using the coupon," said Wang. Customers have dinners at a Cantonese restaurant at Nanjing Road Walkway in east China's Shanghai, March 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Fei) From April 4 to 6, more than 3.1 million yuan of coupons has been issued in Quzhou, generating a total consumption of over 18.2 million yuan. So far, more than 20 provinces and cities in China have launched similar voucher campaigns, worth over 5.6 billion yuan. Boosted by the economic stimulus measure, according to Yintai Department Store, a famous retail chain, 10 stores in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, witnessed an increase of nearly 50 percent in passenger flow in the last weekend of March, compared with the first three weekends. Small business owners also benefit from the voucher campaigns. Alipay data showed that more than 10 million offline businesses nationwide have benefited from consumption coupon campaigns, of which more than 90 percent are small and medium-sized businesses. According to the Zhongtai Securities Research Institute, consumption coupons will generate a positive effect on the total retail sales of consumer goods, which may lead to an annual sales growth of over 8 percent this year. Meanwhile, several Chinese provinces and cities are introducing a 2.5-day weekend to give residents more free time and stimulate tourism. Customers line up to buy pastries in front of a food store at Nanjing Road Walkway in east China's Shanghai, March 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) On March 19, eastern China's Jiangxi Province issued a notice, calling on companies to create 2.5-day weekends to give workers more time for short trips. Under the plan, workers are allowed to take off at noon on Fridays before coming back to the office Mondays. "The plan has detailed supporting measures, and will play a positive role in stimulating tourism consumption," said Cao Guoxin, deputy secretary-general of the Jiangxi Tourism and Culture Research Association. (Video reporters: Sun Qing, Chen Aiping, Chen Jie, Pan Xu; video editor: Wei Yin) The Member of Parliament for the Nandom constituency who doubles as Ghana's Interior Minister Hon Ambrose Dery is being accused of deserting Nandome during the struggling times of Cerebrospinal Meningitis in the area which has already claimed 37 lives. The MP who was supposed to champion the health of his people decided to remain silent like his boss president Akufo-Addo who has been silent on the CSM menace in the Upper West Region ever since it was reported to him. As our MP, we expected him to mobilise vaccines for the health facilities in the municipality or take it up with the president to attach national importance to dealing with the CSM. What is very shocking is that Nandom is the most hit by the CSM with the highest cases of 76 and 10 deaths so far in the region and not even a word is heard from our mp from which we may take solace. Hon. Bagbin whose constituency is the second most hit by CSM pandemic has already mobilised and donated some vaccines to help in the treatment of the disease in the Nadowli/Kaleo constituency. Again, the MP for Wa Central, Hon Dr Rashid Pelpuo, has had to present a paper on the menace of the ravaging CSM on the floor of Parliament even though his constituency is not experiencing quarter of the case in Nandom. Rather, Hon Dery is busily politicking with boreholes sunk by the Nandom Assembly from 2017 as his personally sponsored projects from which he says Nandome can enjoy the three (3) months free water intervention as announced by the president. Meanwhile, the MP knows very well that those boreholes are part of a World Bank project dubbed small township water project which contract was signed under the erstwhile NDC government with Hon Cuthbert as the DCE then. What is difficult to fathom is that Hon. Alban Bagbin who is not contesting the 2020 elections finds it prudent to mobilise vaccines for his people yet Hon. Ambrose who is contesting the December 2020 elections does not see the need to invest in the lives of his constituents from whom he would be seeking their mandate. This attitude has made many Nandome conclude that if not for the fact that some PPEs were procured from the COVID-19 fund which he donated to health directorate, he would have done nothing personally. Also, others think because a national security survey has said he would lose the impending elections to Dr Richard Kuuire, it is the reason why he does not want to invest in the health of the people of Nandom. A very passionate appeal is thereby made to the mp to show good leadership in the mitigation of the CSM menace given whatever reasons he has, even though his boss the president is not fighting the menace. Cornelius Naasoa Wuobar Concerned citizen of Nandom 0246985516 Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: The dairy farmers in Punjab are facing a triple blow amid the coronavirus lockdown as the cost of production has shot up while the sale of milk is down by 60 per cent as 40 lakh litres of milk is not being bought for sale every day. As a final blow to them, the procurement rates too have fallen down. Talking to New Indian Express, President of Progressive Dairy Farmers Association Daljit Singh, said, "There are around 7,000 commercial dairy farms run by progressive dairy farmers across the state with each farm having animals ranging between 20 and 500. While there are lakhs of farmers who have five to ten animals with them and they sell milk. The commercial dairy farming contributes 25 per cent to the total milk produced in the state. The average daily milk production in the state is around 320 lakh litres. Daily around 1 crore litres of milk is sold in the state of this 60 to 65 lakh litres is sold in the organised sector, comprising dairy cooperatives such as government-owned Milkfed (Verka) and other private dairy companies. While the rest goes to unorganised sectors such as milk vendors and sweet shops". "Due to the lockdown, around 40 lakh litres of milk daily is not been sold. Not only that, the milk vendors which use to buy milk from farmers at Rs 45 to Rs 50 per litre are now buying it for around Rs 30 per litre (at 35 per cent less rate) and they are also not consistent," he added. In the organised sector, the dairy cooperatives are now buying the milk from dairy farmers at less rate due to a reduction in procurement rate by Rs 3 per litre of cow milk and Rs 4.50 per litre of buffalo milk. It started with state government-owned Milkfed, she continued. While the cost of feed (corn, soya bean and cottonseed) had gone up by Rs 300 to Rs 350 per quintal as it comes from other states. Prior to the lockdown a bag (50 kg) of feed was between Rs 1200 to Rs 1500. Ergo, it is a major blow to the dairy farmers. Managing Director of Milkfed (state government-owned cooperative) KS Sangha said,"around 320 lakh litre of milk is presently produced per day in the state of this 140 lakh litres of milk is sold in the market and rest in households. Of this 27 lakh litres is bought by the Milkfed and 64 lakh litres by other milk plants in the organised sector". "One crore litre of milk is bought daily in the state by all players in both organised and unorganised sector but due to present situation, there is distress sale of about 40 lakh litres as farmers are not getting their rates. Our sale is also down by 4 lakh litres (of all products). But to facilitate the dairy farmers for the first time in the history we are now handling 26.50 lakh litres of milk daily in this season which is otherwise a lean season as milk production in summers is less. As compared to this year, during same period last year 27 per cent less milk production. We are now making more milk powder, tetra pack cartons (which have six months shelf life), Panner (highest sale), white butter and skimmed milk power. We have increased our production as we have now hired four private plants besides our own plants, thus six lakh litres of milk conversation in these private plants and 9 lakh litres of milk in our plants (total 15 lakh litres milk conversion) and 11 lakh litres milk sold daily. While some milk also goes to Delhi, he says. Sangha admits that the cooperative has reduced the procurement rates but he justifies the decision saying that the farmers have to be paid back within ten days and now sales are less besides increased production. He further says private plants have reduced the procurement rates much more than them. Our Divisions Copyright 2021-22 DB Corp ltd., All Rights Reserved This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. (Newser) Looks like Julian Assange had a secret life in the Ecuadorian Embassy. A woman claims in a new video that she had two children with the WikiLeaks founder as he hid in the embassy in London, the Washington Post reports. "I love Julian deeply and I am looking forward to marrying him," Stella Morris tells the Daily Mail, which posted the video. "Over the past five years I have discovered that love makes the most intolerable circumstances seem bearable but this is differentI am now terrified I will not see him alive again." Morris, a lawyer, says she met Assange in 2011 and began a relationship with him in 2015 when she was part of his legal team in the embassy. story continues below The pair had 2-year-old Gabriel and 1-year-old Max while the lawyers battled rape and espionage charges against Assange, she says. Morris claims she's speaking up now because her 44-year-old fiancewho already has a lung condition and mental-health issuesshould be freed from a London prison as the coronavirus moves through inmate populations. "I feel like Julian's life might be coming to an end," she says. Morris also suspects that US intelligence was behind an alleged attempt to steal one of their children's DNA. "I realized that I couldnt really protect my family," she says. "I understood that the powers that were against Julian were ruthless and had ... no bounds to it." Assange's hearing for extradition to the US is set to resume in May, notes NBC News. (Assange was arrested almost exactly a year ago.) The Pakistan government and its intelligence agency, the Inter-State Intelligence (ISI), are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to lock up anti-establishment lawyers in the region justifying it as "quarantine". Speaking exclusively with ANI, senior lawyer Mohammad Bakar Mehdi from Astor confirmed that lawyers are being locked up under the excuse of quarantine. "Their samples were collected for testing and all of them have tested negative. But they are still in detention," he said. "This is not a solution to the problem," Mehdi stated further. "The authorities need to provide us with proper medicines and treatment facilities to contain the spread of the virus," the lawyer added. Mehdi said that PoK, prior to the pandemic outbreak, also lacked appropriate employment and education opportunities, but following the virus spread, people in the region have started facing poverty-like circumstances "where things are gradually becoming out of control". "There is no relief fund for us. I won't say that masks and sanitizers were not distributed but in fewer quantities," he noted "The coronavirus has taken a toll over the lives of the people here as well as the local economy. Amid such circumstances, neither the Pakistan government nor the state government is taking any measure to stain the virus spread," Mehdi said. "We request the government to take some actions here and set up a medical facility. We are your people. You come here to ask for votes. We are your responsibility," the lawyer told ANI. He also said that around 200-300 lawyers have signed on a letter addressed to the state government requesting the provision of the above facilities in the occupied-territory. Already, 216 positive coronavirus cases have been reported from Gilgit Baltistan whereas 34 infections from the deadly virus are reported in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When Tamanna Jains flight from the UK landed in New Delhis on March 18, her phone began to ping uncontrollably. The WhatsApp group of friends from Cambridge University, where Jain is a postgraduate student of Applied Mathematics, had been busy sharing links on how the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) spreads, and posting news on other Indian students who had tested positive for the infection. The following day, she visited the Civil Hospital and got herself tested. Though I did not have any symptoms of Covid-19, I tested positive on March 20, Jain said. She was Sonepats patient zero -- treated at the BPS Medical College in Khanpur Kalan and discharged two weeks later, on April 2, cured of Covid-19. The day she returned home, wearing track pants and a collared shirt, her face covered with a medical mask, it was an emotional moment, especially since her family members had been scared after she tested positive. I was confident of winning this battle against the virus, Jain said. As the coronavirus spreads across the country, a figure that not many have paid attention to is that of the number of people who have recovered from the highly infectious Sars-Cov-2. In India alone, over 1,000 people around the country have been cured, while across the globe at least 410,000 people have recovered. According to government protocol, a patient is considered cured after two tests, conducted on consecutive days, return negative results. These tests are conducted typically after at least 14 days. And around the country, health care workers, families and patients alike are treating these negative test results with much cheer. On Sunday, a video surfaced from Chikkaballapur hospital in Karnataka, which showed a group of doctors and health care workers in scrubs and masks standing at a safe distance from each other clapping as cured Covid-19 patients walked out wearing masks and gloves. The hospital staff handed them fruit and a flower pot as a farewell gift. Linking to this video, Karnatakas medical education minister K Sudhakar tweeted on Sunday: There should not be fear about Corona, there should be awareness. Amidst the current challenges four fully cured at the government hospital in Chikkaballapur have been sent off with applause and flower bouquets. Proud of our doctors and health officials. This wasnt unlike the reaction that one of Chinas younger recovered patients, seven-year-old Wenwen, received as she left the temporary treatment facility in Wuhan on March 7. In a video that has since been watched over 800,000 times, we can see the doctors cry as they hand her a gift and tell her that her mother would be discharged the same afternoon. Another doctor wipes Wenwens tears with a tissue. Lucknows Dr Tauseef Khan, who attended to the citys first Covid-19 patient at the King Georges Medical University, would understand the sentiment. Six days after he first treated the patient, he tested positive for Covid-19, and was admitted to the isolation ward of the hospital. It took me 21 days to recover, but those days taught me a lot, he said. He spent that time counselling other patients of his, over the telephone. My time as a patient was busy. I realised that being admitted for a disease that has never infected humans before can be scary for many. So I kept talking to patients in the ward and over the telephone. Well-wishers kept calling to check on me too, Khan said. On March 15, Uttarakhand reported the first positive case of Covid-19. Shailendra Singh,a 26-year-old trainee Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, was confirmed positive after he had returned from a tour of Finland, Russia and Spain. He was part of a group of 62 trainee IFS officers who had visited these countries for an educational tour. The trainee officer was quarantined at a health centre at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun, and later shifted to Government Doon Medical College Hospital in the state. Singh says that initially he was scared as the infection put a halt on everything in his life. After 10 days of isolation, he says that he stopped checking the news. The news was about the increasing number of cases and the death toll. I wanted to feel positive and fight this disease with a good frame of mind, he said. This whole time in isolation taught me a lot about life, about what we take for granted and how many things we can live without. (Inputs from Suparna Roy, Sunil Rahar, Gaurav Saigal, Venkatesha Babu) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Amid Coronavirus lockdown, churches and cathedrals across the UK will reportedly hold Easter services online. Adhering to the social distancing protocols, the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will lead the first national digital Easter Sunday service from his kitchen in his London apartment via an iPad. At least 1,500 worshippers from the Canterbury Cathedral are expected to join him online. According to reports, the event will also be streamed live on the Pope's own youtube channel and he will be joined by the Bishop of Dover, The Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin who will read the Gospel. They would also address the Coronavirus pandemic and hold a talk about the alternative methods the churches have opted amid lockdown to reach out to the congregations. Welbys wife Caroline will reportedly read a lesson, and they will be joined online by 10-year-old Theodore Levings, a member of All Saints Church in Canterbury, who will lead prayers. All segments of the essential prayers would be filmed from back at home. Read: 22 J&K Prisoners Under PSA And Others Released Amid Coronavirus Outbreak Prince Charles' Easter Day reading Meanwhile, Prince Charles, who had tested positive for Coronavirus, will reportedly read the Easter Day Gospel from St John chapter 20:1-18. Recorded at his home in Scotland's Birkhall, the service will be released on Church of England's website and Facebook page from 9 a.m. on Sunday. Read: Coronavirus Ravages New Orleans' Mardi Gras Groups Queen's special Easter message Pope Francis was earlier quoted as saying that Easter ignited hope in the darkest hours despite the fears, referring to the Coronavirus crisis. He said while celebrating a late-night Easter vigil Mass in St. Peters Basilica, They, like us, had before their eyes the drama of suffering, of an unexpected tragedy that happened all too suddenly. He performed some evocative ceremonies where worshippers entered the darkness with the candlelights, according to international media reports. In a first, British monarch Queen Elizabeth II had recorded a special Easter message for people of the United Kingdom who are struggling to overcome the hardships of lockdown amid the Coronavirus pandemic. In a heartfelt message, the 93-year-old monarch made her first-ever recorded public Easter address. Read: Georgia Coronavirus Cases Surpass 12,000 Read: Scientists Find Six New Coronavirus Strains In Bats Cordoned off by blue barricades and police lines, the once-bustling Huanan Seafood Market has suspended operation since 1 January, after dozens of customers fell ill to what we now know as the deadly Covid-19 virus. The sign that adorned the entrance of the market, a landmark of Wuhan city, has also been removed. As residents prepare for a return to work this week, business owners at the market will have nowhere to go. Since all businesses need to apply for permission from the government before they restart operation, it will be impossible for these businesses to gain the governments approval, said Michael, who used to own a fruit stand a few blocks away from the Huanan Seafood Market and refused to give his real name. Wildlife trade was once a lucrative and thriving industry in China, but the suspicion that the current coronavirus pandemic started in exotic animals smuggled into the country has forced the government to crack down on the decades-old trade. Last month, Beijing rolled out a strict ban on the breeding and consumption of wild animals, as it tried to prevent another outbreak from happening. This was a general guidance issued from the central government, with the power to enforce the law ultimately lying with provincial or municipal officials. Several other provinces have followed suit, and the southern industrial hub Shenzhen announced a ban on the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat on Thursday, becoming the first Chinese city to do so. In Wuhan, local officials have been increasingly strict in their crackdown on businesses engaged in wildlife trade or breeding. On 3 March, local authorities in Wuhan carried out a comprehensive disinfection campaign across the entire Huanan Seafood Market. A decades-long tradition However, recent reports suggest that despite the regional governments' efforts to put an end to wildlife trade, illicit commercial activities are still happening at public markets in certain parts of China. Earlier this week, the Mail on Sunday reported that thousands of customers flooded an indoor market in the southwestern city of Guilin in China, as living dogs and cats were crammed into cages while dead bats and scorpions were on display. Wet markets like this Shanghai one have been under scrutiny since the coronavirus outbreak (Getty) Andrew Huang, a Chinese culinary expert, says one of the reasons why its hard for the Chinese government to completely end the consumption and trading of wildlife in China is because such behaviours have become part of decades-olds tradition in the country. Different parts of China have their specific traditions of consuming wildlife for different purposes, Mr Huang explains. In the northeastern part of China, bears and deers are a big part of the local delicacies while in southwestern China, bats and pangolins are often used in traditional Chinese medicine. The steady demand for such wildlife has nurtured a lucrative supply chain, including some businesses that focus on breeding specific types of wild animals. Mr Huang thinks that the current crackdown on wildlife trade and consumption might temporarily prevent relevant practices from happening in public markets, but it will be hard to completely eliminate it from the Chinese culture. In the short term, even if wildlife sellers cant keep selling these animals in public, they will try to find other ways to keep the businesses alive, Mr Huang tells The Independent. As the old saying goes, life will always find a way. Even if the government has banned wildlife trade and consumption, the tradition wont be so easily wiped out. No need to close the entire market In Wuhan, while the plan to shut down the Huanan Seafood Market is underway, local residents have different opinions about how to handle the market where the coronavirus pandemic began. Chinese meat vendors wear protective masks as they wait for customers at a local market (Getty) Honestly, wildlife trade isnt the main commercial activity at the Hunan Seafood Market, as most of the sellers still focus on selling different kinds of seafood, says Ms Xu, who was a frequent shopper at the market until it was shut down. Since the market is right next to one of the major train stations in the city, she says, it has become the regional hub for selling fruits and seafood, as well as wildlife. Due to the large number of visitors coming from different parts of Hubei province, it also became the ideal breeding ground for the coronavirus. I think even if the government wants to ban wildlife trade, they dont have to shut down the entire seafood market, Ms Xu says. This will have a huge impact on local restaurants and businesses that have long relied on the market for their seafood supplies. Ms Xu says that instead of forcing dozens of business owners to lose their livelihoods, the Chinese government should focus more on tackling the ongoing pandemic itself. I wish the government could conduct more coronavirus tests on citizens, because I suspect many of them could still be asymptomatic patients or patients with mild symptoms, she said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 20:16:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Health of Somalia has called on citizens to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Horn of Africa nation. Fawziya Abikar, the Health Minister cautioned that the deadly virus was gradually spreading within the population with individuals without recent travel history and contact with some of the confirmed cases, signaling cases of community transmission. "I stress the importance to observe health guidelines, which include staying at home, observing social distance by keeping a distance of at least two meters from others, maintaining hand hygiene and avoiding handshakes," Abikar told journalist on Saturday evening. The Horn of African nation which has so far confirmed 21 cases, one recovery and one death has instituted measures to contain the possible spread of COVID-19 including closing schools, banning large gatherings and suspending international and domestic passenger flights. The minister who briefed the nation on the latest COVID-19 epidemic and the preventive measures the government is taking to contain the spread of the virus said two COVID-19 patients are in a critical state and as a result would need further medical care to save their lives. She encouraged the public to provide special care for the elderly and persons with underlying health conditions. Abikar reiterated a call to people with suspected COVID-19 symptoms to swiftly dial a toll-free number, which has been set up for the public to seek advice and report suspected cases across the country. She said the government is committed to containing the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus infection in the country and would continue with its efforts to enforce preventive measures to stop the spread of the disease. Meanwhile, religious scholars and government officials on Sunday discussed the best ways to curb the spread of the pandemic in the country. During the meeting convened by the minister of Religious Affairs Sheikh Nur Mohamed Hassan, the religious scholars resolved to play a more active role in raising awareness on COVID-19 in the communities. "The religious scholars agreed to establish a committee to assist the most vulnerable people in the community, especially those whose livelihoods will be most affected by the spread of the coronavirus as we are approaching the holy month of Ramadan," they said in a joint statement issued on Sunday. They also agreed to establish a committee made up of government officials, health experts, and religious leaders who will decide on closure of mosques during Friday prayers "based on evidence." The British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has sent a message of hope to Christians in Britain as the Country battles with the coronavirus pandemic that have killed thousands. Queen Elizabeth II, became queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on Feb. 6, 1952, after her father, King George VI passed away. And the 93-year-old queen who has navigated a world war, survived poisoning, seen 12 US presidents come and go, said on Saturday that coronavirus will not overcome the UK but rather people should look unto the light and hope that Easter brings. READ ALSO Anthony Joshua Brags About Being Yoruba In Front Of Queen Elizabeth At Commonwealth Service (Video) In a message released on Twitter, the Queen said in part: 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 Watch The Video Here: Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 21:52:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KUNMING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A team of Chinese medical experts aiding Laos in the fight against COVID-19 returned to Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Sunday after finishing their mission. The team consisting of 12 professionals selected from Yunnan was established by the National Health Commission. They arrived in Laos' capital city Vientiane on March 29, with 4.17 million yuan (about 593,000 U.S. dollars) worth of anti-epidemic medical supplies donated to Laos. According to the team leader Huang Xingli, in Laos, the experts offered more than 20 trainings in more than 30 hospitals, laboratories, ports and airports across the country and exchanged views with their Laotian counterparts on the COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment procedures and related prevention and control experience. Also, the team provided technical guidance and advisory services on epidemic prevention to Chinese-funded enterprises, overseas Chinese and Chinese students in Laos. At present, Laos has actively adopted the suggestions of the Chinese medical team and continuously improved its epidemic prevention and control measures. When I showed medics in Lebanon footage of people in London breaking coronavirus regulations to picnic in parks last weekend, they were horrified and confused. Here, under Lebanons lockdown, exercise outside is not permitted. Residents are allowed to go to supermarkets for essential supplies in many places, your temperature is taken twice to allow you access. All the land, sea and air borders are closed. There is a curfew at night. The strict regulations, which are punishing an already battered economy and pushing more people under the poverty line, were rolled out early. Lebanon has only 600 confirmed coronavirus cases and 20 Covid-19-related deaths but since there has been no sudden surge yet, the restrictions appear to be working. In fact, doctors, nurses, health officials and even the health minister himself said the lockdown is the main if not only line of defence the country has against a potentially catastrophic outbreak of the coronavirus. And so, videos of Brits violating regulations to sunbathe in a park, where the doctors told me transmission could easily happen even if people sit 6ft apart, to them was insanity particularly, they said, given the death toll in the UK was soaring and even the prime minister at that point was in intensive care. They questioned why people would risk others lives, including those of health workers. Lebanon, ravaged by an almost unprecedented financial crisis, cannot afford to make a mistake as it cannot scale up its response to the disease. It cannot build Nightingale hospitals and import thousands of respirators. Hamad Hassan, the health minister, told me the country has 1,250 ventilators across the country for all illnesses and just 700 ICU beds prepped for coronavirus patients. While they are attempting to manufacture their own ventilators, they do not have the accessible funds to massively increase their response, which is why home quarantine is really the only way to prevent a catastrophic number of deaths. In a visit to Rafik Hariri University Hospital, the countrys main coronavirus hospital this week the director, sitting in front of donated personal protective equipment (PPE) kits from the UN, told me they were living donation to donation. Even the Lebanese government (which economists say is near broke) owes the hospital millions of dollars in dues for last year. They have paid nothing for 2020. Lebanon is home to a huge population of refugees the largest per capita in the world which is piling on the pressure. It is near impossible to practice social distancing or any self-isolation in the camps, where many live in rudimentary tent-like structures. Syrian and Palestinian refugees have sent me videos saying as part of the strict curfews, which are even tighter in the camps, they were already rationing food. Neighbours with savings were helping those with not. A lockdown is a luxury they cannot even implement properly, let alone afford. But they are trying. Just one case of coronavirus would spark hundreds by the afternoon, the head of ICU at Rafik Hariri said. Videos from inside refugee camps in Lebanon raise coronavirus concerns The UNs relevant agencies said they have set up a coronavirus hotline for refugees and vowed to pay for treatment but UNRWA, the UNs Palestinian refugee agency, is in the grips of the worst funding crisis in its history. The Lebanese health ministry complained that the UN has not properly rolled their protection plans. It feels like the country is holding its breath. No one knows the true impact of the economy essentially shutting down in the middle of a severe crisis. The doctors and health officials know many cannot hold on for much longer. But for them, its the only hope they have. JOHANNESBURGAfrican ambassadors in China have written to the countrys foreign minister over what they call discrimination against Africans as the Chinese regime seeks to prevent a resurgence of the COVID-19 outbreak. Several African countries have separately also demanded that China address their concerns that Africans, in particular in the southern city of Guangzhou, are being mistreated and harassed. While the Chinese regime has said its concerned about imported cases and is stepping up scrutiny of foreigners coming into the country and tightening border controls, it has denied claims of discrimination. In recent days, Africans in Guangzhou 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. The ambassadors note said such stigmatization and discrimination creates the false impression that the virus is being spread by Africans. The Group of African Ambassadors in Beijing immediately demands the cessation of forceful testing, quarantine, and other inhuman treatments meted out to Africans, it said. The note was sent to Chinas top diplomat, Wang Yi, with copies sent to the chair of the African Union, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and all African foreign ministers. The Chinese foreign ministrys International Press Center didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the note, sent outside of business hours. The Chinese embassy in South Africa also didnt respond. Foreign affairs official Liu Baochun told a news conference on April 12 that Guangzhou is enforcing anti-virus measures on anyone who enters the city from across the national border, regardless of nationality, race, or gender. Disappointment The ambassadors note highlighted a number of reported incidents, including that Africans were being ejected from hotels in the middle of the night, the seizure of passports, and threats of visa revocation, arrest, or deportation. On April 11, Ghanas foreign minister of affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, said she had summoned the Chinese ambassador to express her disappointment and demand action. Kenyas foreign ministry has also officially expressed concern, adding the government is working with Chinese authorities to address the matter. Nigerian legislator Akinola Alabi on April 10 tweeted a video of a meeting between the leader of Nigerias 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. In response to the questions from the house leader, the ambassador that he took the complaints very seriously and promised to convey them to officials back home. By Elias Biryabarema and Emma Rumney The Agra Model for tackling Covid-19 has been lauded by the central government, which plans to replicate it nationwide, even though the number of positive cases in the area has crossed the 100 mark. Officials say the local administrations proactive approach in identifying cases, a door-to-door survey, the number of samples sent for testing, adequate quarantine measures and recovery of infected people are what makes the Agra Model special in the fight against the Coronavirus. Agra has recorded one death a 76-year-old woman suffering from asthma who was infected by her grandson after he returned from abroad. District magistrate Prabhu N Singh said the first six positive cases in Agra were detected on March 3. With this, we focused on the door-to-door survey, identification of infected cases and placing them in quarantine. The outcome is that cases testing positive now are mostly those already in quarantine, he said. Agra listed people who had returned from abroad and identified their family members and those in contact with them. Areas with positive cases were declared hot spots with the area within a three-kilometre radius acting as a containment zone, and the area within a five-kilometre radius as a buffer zone. We succeeded in curing 10 patients, including three who were treated at SN Medical College in Agra. Another aspect was the success in getting hot spots de-listed with an extensive door-to-door survey and sanitising the area with strict measures to avoid movement within hot spots, said Singh. The authorities had designated 38 areas as hot spots and after some of them were removed from the list, the total now is 28. Chief medical officer Mukesh Kumar Vats said more than 2,000 health workers toiled round the clock alongside 3,000 Asha workers for the door-to-door survey to identify suspected cases. The survey by 1,248 two-member teams covered some 160,000 houses in Agra, checking about a million residents, he said. About 2,500 people were found symptomatic, including 36 who had a history of travel and were subjected to testing. A fool-proof quarantine approach was developed and those found to be asymptomatic were put in home quarantine while those who were symptomatic were put in quarantine in special facilities. Thus, we are mostly testing those already in quarantine, said Vats. The initial cases from early March were those with a history of travel and authorities focused on tracing their contacts and prepared a list of susceptible people who were tested. In this process, we worked on clusters and got them sanitised and [removed them] from the list of hotspots, allowing us to focus on new clusters, Vats added. Singh said 2,144 samples from Agra had been tested so far, of which 104 were found to be positive as of Sunday, when 12 more Covid-19 cases were found. Most of these new cases were staff of a private hospital and their contacts. This hospital alone had 16 cases testing positive and has turned into a major hot spot. Our team is planning to take some drastic measures, he said. By the end of March, Agra had only 12 cases, of whom eight had recovered and the rest were being treated. With the detection of cases linked to the Tablighi Jamaat gathering in New Delhi, the overall number began rising in April. Of the 104 positive cases so far, exactly half were linked to the Tablighi Jamaat gathering, and this led to a setback for all the work done by the Agra administration, officials said. We had to search for these Jamaat members and their contacts and extensive work was done in tracing them. This increased the number drastically, Vats said, adding about 28 Jamaat members had travelled to Agra. A control room, established in the Agra Smart City office, has heard about 7,000 complaints and taken steps to resolve them. Officials said a fresh challenge now is positive cases being reported in rural areas such as Saiyyan, Fatehpur Sikri, Khandoli and Iradat Nagar. Vats said authorities have framed a plan for these rural areas and health staff had begun thermal screening in villages. Infected people are being included in two categories those who had brought infections to rural areas, and those working in cities in places such as hospitals where they can be infected. Joint secretary Lav Agarwal of the Union health ministry had lauded the Agra Model during a news briefing in New Delhi on Saturday. The district authorities in Agra used the Smart City Control Room as a war room and included the private sector in catering to the vulnerable sections to maintain the food chain. The focus remained on contact tracing and isolating patients, for which the Agra district administration identified all who were in contact with the first cases identified, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With some hospitals being sealed off, hundreds of beds have fallen into disuse in hotspot city A medic takes samples for a coronavirus test in the containment zone of Kurla in Mumbai on April 11, 2020. (PTI) Mumbai: Covid-19 cases are increasing at an alarming rate among frontline medical staff in Mumbai. On Saturday, another 19 healthcare workers tested positive, taking the count to nearly 100 in Mumbai. Alarmed by the spread of infection among medical staff, private hospitals have been asked to urgently provide safety kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), additional remuneration and transport. The civic body has also invited online applications for the recruitment of 114 ward boys to fight the coronavirus. On Saturday, Maharashtra reported 187 new cases, taking the state's tally to 1,761. The death toll shot up to 127 with 17 new deaths reported on Saturday. Out of the 17 deaths, 12 were recorded in Mumbai, two in Pune, and one each in Satara, Dhule, and Malegaon. According to the health department, six of the 17 deceased were above 60 years, eight were between the age group 40-60 and three were less than 40 years old. Sixteen deceased had high-risk co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and heart disease. The civic body sealed off the privately-run Bhatia Hospital since Wednesday after 13 staffers, including 10 nurses, two medicos and a physiotherapist tested positive. Two nurses tested positive at Dadars Shushrusha Hospital which has stopped taking new admissions and has been directed to discharge all patients within 48 hours. Due to this, at least 800-900 beds are currently not in use in south Mumbai alone. Such instances have led to various inquiries about safety protocols not being followed in the hospitals. Meanwhile, the medicos of the Saboo Siddique Maternity and General Hospital in Dongri have alleged that despite an 80-year-old co-morbid patient testing positive on Sunday, the management did not sanitise the premises. When asked, the trustee of Saboo Siddique Hospital Dr Abdur Rauf Sumar, he said, None of our staff has shown any symptoms and we have informed the BMC, they will be coming tomorrow to conduct tests. He further added, The hospital cannot afford getting tests done in a private lab as that would cost around Rs 2 lakh. A medico said, After a patient in the hospital showed Covid-19 symptoms, he was sent to the Kasturba hospital where he tested positive. Following this, the staff has been put under quarantine for two weeks. Of those quarantined, 32 who had come in contact with the patient are at high risk and 40 are at low risk. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 16:43:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A team of 15 medical experts on Sunday departed from Beijing for the city of Suifenhe, at the China-Russia border in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, to aid the city's fight against imported COVID-19 cases, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The experts, specializing in laboratory testing from the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention under the CDC, will bring the total number of CDC experts sent to the city to 22. The team will set up a mobile negative pressure lab upon their arrival, which will facilitate them in conducting nucleic acid tests and scientific research. The lab meets the third level of biosafety and will help to increase the daily detection capacity of the local center for disease control and prevention in Suifenhe by over 1,000, according to the CDC. The CDC sent nearly 100 boxes of anti-epidemic supplies to Suifenhe on Saturday to ensure the team can carry out lab testings as soon as they arrive. The supplies cover more than 50 kinds of epidemic prevention and control materials, including negative pressure tents, nucleic acid extractors, fluorescence PCR instruments, virus detection kits and throat swab sampling tubes. Suifenhe has seen a rising number of COVID-19 cases. As of midnight Saturday, the city had reported 194 confirmed cases and more than 100 asymptomatic coronavirus carriers. - Julie Gichuru disclosed she was in the same law class with Kenya's Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji - She shared their photo together when they were freshers at University of Wales, Cardiff - According to the former TV presenter, the two always obeyed the law and urged Kenyans to follow suit - She also echoed the words of the DPP, where he referred to the viral Utaweza song to emphasise on hygiene measures to help in the fight against COVID-19 Former news anchor, Julie Gichuru, has unleashed a throwback photo of her and Kenya's Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji back in campus. Gichuru was trying to emphasise on the importance of obeying the law during the COVID-19 pandemic in a caption accompanying the vintage photo. READ ALSO: Andrew Kibe hits out at netizens who made fun of his dirty kitchen READ ALSO: Njugush's cute son rocks a woman's wig and fans can't keep calm Posting on her Instagram account, the former TV girl shared an old photo of her and Haji back in University of Wales, Cardiff. She disclosed they were in the same law class back in 1993 and emphasised that they were sticklers for law. The former news anchor further reiterated that Haji was a gentleman after one netizen suggested the DPP looked like a "fisi" then. "Throwback: September 1993, 1st week of the first year of Uni. At a students gathering in the Students Union, University of Wales, Cardiff. Two law students and three medics. We had fun, but we all were a stickler for the rules," she captioned. READ ALSO: Uganda haijaripoti visa vya COVID- 19 kwa siku 5 tangu nchi ifungwe Gichuru echoed the DPP's advise to the youths to ensure that they take the rightful measures in the fight against COVID-19. "Young'uns, please follow the message from my former law school classmate Noordin Haji: "I want to caution everybody to obey the rules, especially the young people. Okonkwo hatawezana na covid-19 kama haoshi mikono na kuvaa mask," she wrote. Recently, Haji left many in stitches after hilariously referring to a song by Femi One to emphasise on the importance of observing basic health precautions to keep coronavirus at bay. Haji warned young Kenyans against the risks of COVID-19 using the lyrics to the song Utawezana. The celebrated DPP said that Kenyans would not manage to outdo COVID-19 if they did not follow what the government was directing them to observe as key precautions. 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. My husband left me for our househelp - Justina Syokau of Twendi Twendi | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Oil Anger: US Senators Threaten Saudi Arabia With Diplomatic Retaliation Amid Price War Report Sputnik News 07:55 GMT 11.04.2020(updated 07:56 GMT 11.04.2020) Saudi Arabia, a major strategic ally of the US, has been at the centre of an oil output cut dispute with Russia that unleashed a price war and sent already-volatile crude prices to their 18-year lows. American senators from oil-producing states reproached the Saudi ambassador in a heated phone call and threatened to rethink diplomatic relations with the kingdom, according to their accounts of the conversation. "We are going to fundamentally, not only reevaluate, but take actions that will start to undermine the long term relationship that many of us have supported," Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan said, recounting what he and several of his fellow US senators told to the ambassador, Princess Reema bint Badnar Al Saud, during the call that allegedly took place in late March. Sullivan told CNN that Princess Reema tried to convey her government's talking points but got interrupted by the angry senators. "I said ambassador, with all due respect, I don't want to hear any talking points from you until you hear from all, I think there's 11 or 12 on the call," Sullivan recalled, adding that the senators were "not bluffing". "I organised this call so you could hear the anger from the voices of senators who have traditionally supported the US-Saudi relationship." According to an unnamed source who was on that call, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said that his state was "mad". "The anger from the senators was unlike anything I have heard from this group," the source was quoted as saying. Oil market crash The oil industry has contracted dramatically due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused a sharp drop in oil demand. That contraction was aggravated by a dispute over output cuts between Saudi Arabia and Russia, and the collapse of a deal that expired on 1 April was followed by Saudis flooding the market with cheap oil. As a result, oil prices dropped in March to a level not seen since the early 2000s. US companies have started to lay off staff to cut costs. The Texas oilfield service giant Halliburton alone has laid off 3,500 workers for two months, while Apache, Tenaris SA and FTS International have cut more than 400 employees combined. A Republican senator on Thursday introduced legislation to remove American troops from Saudi Arabia in a bid to put pressure on the kingdom, and there have also been reports that tariffs on oil imports and the suspension of military aid to Saudi Arabia are on the table. The fall-out from the crashing prices has resonated particularly strongly across the shale patch, where the breakeven price is higher than that of conventional oil. Analysts predict that the oil industry could lose from 50,000 to 75,000 jobs if prices continue to drop at a time when jobless claims in the US already exceed 16 million. The OPEC+ deal Much depends now on diplomatic developments. On Thursday night, Saudi Arabia, Russia and other petroleum-exporting nations tentatively agreed to cut production by 10 million barrels per day in May and June. The deal would then see total daily output fall to 8 million barrels per day less than at a time recorded in 2018 for the rest of the year and then to 6 million barrels per day less than the benchmark production volume from January 2021 to April 2022. The agreement has yet to be finalised, as Mexico, a large oil exporter, rejected a proposed reduction to 350,000 barrels per day less than the benchmark and said it was only able to cut production by 100,000. US President Donald Trump then intervened and offered to make up for Mexico's quota with an additional 250,000 cut. Mexico agreed, but it is unclear whether Saudi Arabia has accepted the idea. Neither is there evidence that the cuts which are set to become the biggest in history will be enough to prop up the prices, given that the oil demand destruction is projected to reach anywhere between 20 and 30 million barrels a day, much more than is currently being proposed. Saudi Arabia and Mexico are expected to discuss clearing the last hurdle on Saturday. American senators will also speak with the Saudi energy minister later in the day. "We'll see what he says," Sullivan told CNN. "But at this point actions are going to speak a lot of louder than words." A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 21:50:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese Ambassador Xu Erwen (2nd L) and Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros (2nd R) pose with medical supplies from China in Zagreb, Croatia, April 12, 2020. A cargo aircraft from Shanghai carrying about 60 tons of medical supplies, including 3.7 tons donated by the Chinese government to Croatia, landed at the Franjo Tudman International Airport here on Sunday morning. (Xinhua/Gao Lei) ZAGREB, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A cargo aircraft from Shanghai carrying about 60 tons of medical supplies, including 3.7 tons donated by the Chinese government to Croatia, landed at the Franjo Tudman International Airport here on Sunday morning. Through cooperation with Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical companies, MEHECO and SINOPHARM, the Croatian government has purchased large quantities of protective equipment for fighting against COVID-19, making it the largest shipment of medical supplies from China since the outbreak of the pandemic in Croatia. The Chinese donations onboard the direct cargo flight includes N95 face masks, surgical masks, disposable protective suits and single-use rubber surgical gloves, all in boxes labeled with national flags of China and Croatia and the words "a friend in need is a friend indeed" in both languages. "Today's shipment is another example of quality and concrete cooperation between Croatia and China," the Croatian government said on Sunday in a press release. Chinese Ambassador Xu Erwen, who went to the airport with Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros and the Head of the Prime Minister's Office Zvonimir Frka-Petesic, said that during the most difficult period when China was fighting against COVID-19 epidemic, the Croatian government and people immediately sent condolences and support to China. "We deeply cherish this friendship and will remember it forever...We are willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Croatian side in the fight against the epidemic. More support and assistance are also coming from some Chinese companies and local governments," said Xu. Since the first case of COVID-19 in the southeastern European country was confirmed on Feb. 25, Croatia has recorded 1,600 cases as of Sunday afternoon, while 373 patients have been cured and 23 succumbed to the disease, according to government website dedicated to the outbreak koronavirus. Workers package face masks in the Zhejiang Kaierhai Textile Garments Co in Shaoxing of East China's Zhejiang Province. The clothing maker recently started to produce and export face masks and other COVID-19 prevention materials when their traditional business is threatened by pandemic, with foreign customers suspending their orders. Photo: Yang Hui/GT Chinese customs require that 11 types of medical supplies ranging from masks to ventilators must be inspected before being exported. Experts said the move would be one of the most rigorous against exports in history to ensure they meet the standards of Chinese medical devices. The move came in response to the claim that China's recent export of 2 million medical masks and 230,000 N95 masks were below medical-use standards, experts said. Chen Hongyan, Secretary-General of the Medical Appliances Branch of the China Medical Pharmaceutical Material Association, told the Global Times on Saturday that the reasoning for the new requirement was that issuing inspection certificates alone were not enough, and the products should also be inspected to see whether they meet the standards of Chinese medical devices, otherwise they will damage the image of products made in China. In response to criticism over certain Chinese exported medical items, the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs and the National Medical Products Administration issued joint regulations on March 31 requesting the suppliers of a series of medical items including masks and ventilators must obtain Chinese markings in addition to markings from export destination countries. An employee surnamed Li at a mask producing factory in South China's Guangdong Province, told the Global Times that they were aware of the latest notification from China Customs on Friday, and believe it's the right thing to do in terms of building a fair image of Chinese-made products around the world. Li noted that the inspection measures are necessary so as to stop low quality products. "We are not concerned about this inspection because we know that our products are good quality and always have been since the beginning," he said. Li's company has been producing masks and exporting business for decades, and with a daily capacity of up to 100,000 masks for export to the US and Europe. Li said so far they haven't found any deliveries affected by the inspection measures. "Not all products or every single piece will be inspected," Chen said, adding that if raw materials, for example, are not up to standard, a test of a single unit would be enough to guess the overall quality of a whole batch. In terms of whether additional inspections would cause delays to deliveries, Chen said that the inspection for masks normally can be done within a day, while other products could be longer. However, Chen noted that since the exact criteria for the inspection has not been unveiled, it is not clear how long it would take regarding inspection of any items. "On-the-spot checks never waste time as safety is the most important thing," Chen said. "We believe that good products can withstand inspection." How about the poor quality ones then? "Fake products will be destroyed directly and producers may even have to pay for destruction costs," Chen said. Sir Kenny Dalglish released from hospital after positive coronavirus test Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has been released from hospital after testing positive for coronavirus. Dalglish, 69, was admitted to hospital on Wednesday for treatment of an infection which required intravenous antibiotics. He was routinely checked for coronavirus and tested positive despite showing no symptoms. The former Celtic and Scotland forward is now recovering in self-isolation at home. "People may think my name got me the best of care but every patient in the NHS gets the best of care," Dalglish told The Sunday Post. "As a nation, we are lucky to have them and I wish them all well as they work tirelessly to help the country through this pandemic." Dalglish won the Scottish league title four times at Celtic before moving to Liverpool in 1977. At Liverpool his honours included eight league Championships as a player and manager and three European Cups. He was manager at the time of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, when 96 Liverpool fans died as a result of a crush at an FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield. Dalglish helped ensure the club was represented at all of the fans' funerals and attended many of them in person. He and the 96 victims were awarded the Freedom of Liverpool in 2016. He also won the Premier League as Blackburn Rovers manager in 1995. Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has reversed his earlier decision to relax the concession granted churches to hold Easter church services with their full congregations. Paulinus Nsirim, the Commissioner for Information and Communication in a statement said:This decision was taken after due consultations with eminent clergy men, well-meaning Nigerians and civil society groups. For the avoidance of doubt, churches should stick to the 50 persons per service to maintain Social Distancing. Wike had relaxed lockdown order for churches and mosques to have full service the mark Good Friday and Easter Sunday. However, the relaxation was received with mixed feelings by various denominations. The Port Harcourt Diocese of Catholic refused to accept the relaxation. The Muslim Community issued a statement directing their branches to stick to social distancing not large congregation. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates An Assistant Sub Inspector's hand was chopped off and two other police officials were injured today when a group of people allegedly attacked them in Punjab's Patiala district. Reports say seven people have been arrested so far. According to a report by PTI, a group of four-five 'Nihangs' (Sikhs armed with traditional weapons and dressed in loose blue tops) were travelling in a vehicle when they were asked to stop at a vegetable market by the Mandi board officials at around 6.15 am. "They were asked to show (curfew) passes. But they banged the vehicle against the gate and barricades put up there," Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala, Mandeep Singh Sidhu said. Twitter The group then attacked the police personnel on duty, he said. "An Assistant Sub Inspector's (ASI) hand was chopped off by a sword. A Station House Officer of Sadar Patiala and another official suffered injuries on arms in the attack," Sidhu said. Barbaric. The moment few sick beasts attacked Punjab Police in Patiala and cut off left hand of an ASI Harjeet Singh after breaking Police barricades in lockdown. Attackers fled from the spot and are hiding in Gurudwara. Efforts are on to arrest. This is ATTEMPT TO MURDER 4 cops. pic.twitter.com/Wtt6QfnBD0 Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) April 12, 2020 The ASI, Harjeet Singh, was rushed to the Rajindra hospital, from where he was referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh. He is currently undergoing surgery. The Nihangs fled the scene after the attack, the SSP said. Police said they later took shelter at a gurdwara managed by them in Balbera village of the district. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand was cut-off in an attack by a group of Nihangs at Sabzi Mandi, in Patiala (Punjab) today, is undergoing surgery at PGI Chandigarh. As per Punjab Special Secreatry KBS Sidhu, 7 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. pic.twitter.com/8B5zgj0RuB ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2020 Highly condemn attack on Police. In this crisis Police, especially Punjab Police is doing a great job. Stringest action should be taken against culprits to send a message that this kind of rowdy behavior will not be tolerated. @capt_amarinder https://t.co/eGYsuc3nb3 H S Phoolka (@hsphoolka) April 12, 2020 Several teams of police led by Sidhu have been deputed to take the Nihangs out of the premises, they said, adding movement of people around the gurdwara has been stopped. Punjab Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta described this incident as unfortunate and said the Nihangs would be arrested soon. "In an unfortunate incident today morning, a group of Nihangs injured a few Police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh," Gupta tweeted. An Iraqi student and his fiancee enlisted the help of the police to rescue their wedding after it was nearly cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ahmed Khaled al-Kaabi, 23, had been engaged to Ruqaya Rahim since last year. The couple were planning to hold a big celebration with family and friends in the holy southern city of Najaf. But their plans were shut down after Iraqi authorities ordered a curfew to slow the spread of coronavirus, banning large public gatherings and closing down wedding halls. Mr al-Kaabi came up with an alternative plan to postponing the wedding and asked local security forces to help him. Police provided the groom with vehicles for a procession, complete with music, and transported Ms Rahim to the family home for a tiny celebration of just six people. The new bride said: I didnt expect my wedding to be this way. I was hoping for a party and that we would visit the Imam (religious official). But we were prevented from doing that. The government had ordered the closure of Najaf in March. The city is a major destination for pilgrims visiting holy Muslim Shia shrines including the shrine of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. The National reported that some 2,000 Iranian visitors had been stranded in the city since the government imposed restrictions on travel last month. Louay Al Yasiri, governor of Najaf, told a state news agency that the city was dealing with a shortage of medical supplies but the outbreak was "still under control". Unwilling to postpone the wedding, al-Kaabi asked the local security forces to help him wed his beloved (AP) Najaf accounts for a little more than 20 percent of Iraqs total number of cases, making it among the worst-hit cities in the Middle East by the pandemic. Ahmed Khaled al-Kaabi and his bride Ruqaya Rahim sit during their wedding in Najaf, Iraq (AP) According to the Health Ministry, there are 257 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the province, with five deaths. 70 people have died nationwide since Iraq recorded its first coronavirus case in February. Since then, it has recorded almost 1,300 cases. Iraq's health minister Jaafar Allawi reportedly told state television the government expects to be able to lift lockdown measures by the end of May if people stick to "commitment to the quarantine". Additional reporting by agencies UK Defence Ministry Deploys Military Helicopters Across Country to Ramp Up Fight Against COVID-19 Sputnik News 07:13 GMT 11.04.2020 In March, the UK Ministry of Defence announced it was boosting the size of its civil contingency unit (CCU) to create a 20,000-strong COVID-19 support force amid the spreading coronavirus pandemic, as the country's police force and NHS services were struggling to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. In a bid to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK Ministry of Defence has set up a new 300-strong Joint Helicopter Aviation Task Force to airlift critical patients from remote areas to major hospitals that have intensive care facilities, writes the Daily Mail. The helicopters will be flown and maintained in different regions across the UK, and may fly medicine and equipment to specific areas, as well as transporting patients or specialist doctors. Incorporating a total of 13 helicopters, the Task Force includes: 1. Three Royal Navy Merlin helicopters on standby at RNAS Culdrose to support Southern England, the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly. 2. Three RAF Puma helicopters at Kinloss Barracks in Moray, Scotland to support the NHS in Scotland and Northern England. 3. Three RAF Chinook helicopters at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. 4. Two Army Air Corps Wildcats on standby at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset. 5. Two Army Air Corps Wildcat helicopters detached to RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, to cover Northern England. The Joint Helicopter Aviation Task Force personnel could potentially work with hundreds of NHS and air ambulance paramedics over the next months, reports the outlet. In addition to the helicopters, an A400M Atlas aircraft based at RAF Brize Norton could also be used for transporting patients and medical equipment. During the week, a joint drill at Thruxton Aerodrome in Hampshire involved some 30 military personnel and civilian medics, as they simulated loading COVID-19 patients on board the aircraft and hooking them up to ventilators. With the current measures marking the first large-scale collaboration between military helicopters and health service staff, Commander Chris Knowles, Commanding Officer, 820 Navy Air Squadron, elaborated: "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. 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." Underscoring the experience already displayed by some squadron members during combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Commanding Officer 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." Knowles added that for respiratory diseases like the coronavirus helicopters were required to stick to a relatively low altitude. "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," said the officer. Dr. Simon Hughes, an anaesthetist from HEMS (helicopter emergency medical services) was quoted as saying: "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 medic added that a Chinook helicopter could accommodate up to two ventilated patients, with the size of the aircraft allowing RAF staff to maintain "a safe distance from us and the patient". General Tyrone Urch, Commander Standing Joint Command (UK) was quoted as touting the joint effort as an example of the military's role in aiding the NHS and emergency services during the pandemic. "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." Earlier in March, the UK Ministry of Defence announced it was creating a 20,000-strong COVID-19 support force amid the spreading coronavirus pandemic, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace revealing that the civil contingency unit (CCU) would be boosted by an additional 10,000 troops. The measures came as the country's police force and NHS were working at full capacity to deal with the fallout from the pandemic. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-13 04:13:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIYADH, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will hold a meeting on April 15, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. The meeting will continue to discuss and take urgent actions needed to address the global challenge presented by the novel coronavirus. Traditionally, the April's meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors is held in Washington D.C. on the side-lines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Spring Meetings. Given the circumstances, G20 meetings are currently held virtually and more frequently. In their last meeting held on March 31, G20 finance ministers and central bank governors agreed on a roadmap to respond to coronavirus. The Yemen Consulate in Mumbai has complained to the Aurangabad police commissioner claiming one of its nationals was assaulted and forced to pay money at a police station here, officials said on Sunday. The consulate has claimed that Yemeni student Ibrahim Mohammed Qasem al-Askari was taken to Begumpura police station here on March 29, beaten, and forced to pay Rs 10000 and sign on blank papers, an official said quoting the complaint. "An inquiry has been instituted. We will talk to Begumpura station personnel and the Yemeni student. We will file our report soon," Assistant Commissioner of Police Hanumant Bhapkar told PTI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Web Toolbar by Wibiya Dr. Raymond Keller says that races of ethical humanoid Extraterrestrials that have been monitoring activities on Earth are shocked by the unfolding of the coronavirus pandemic on Earth. These races have allegedly somehow informed Dr. Keller that the pandemic is an evil simulation which is in complete violation of and subversive to human sovereignty on Earth. Dr. Keller is the author of a new book entitled The Venus Conspiracy which documents his contacts with a race of ethical humanoid Extraterrestrials on Venus. He elaborates that the cloud cover around Venus has subverted the kind of fascination that has gripped amateur astronomers regarding alien activities on Mars. Mars which is closer and lacks the cloud coverage of Venus can be much more easily researched by amateur astronomers. "There is a lot that NASA is not telling the public about Venus. Those in the know recognize Venus as Earths sister planet. Both worlds are approximately the same size, have rocky surfaces and water vapour in their respective atmospheres," says Raymond Keller Dr. Keller alleges that the Ethical Extraterrestrials that he has been in contact with have asserted that 5G has been a delivery mechanism for the coronavirus and that this technology is the work of demonic aliens working with a Deep State through various Agreements. The existence of such alleged Agreements has been further documented by Dr Michael Salla and his learned colleagues in Exopolitics research. Exopolitics practitioners conduct academic research supported by whistleblowers on the existence of clandestine agreements and activities with various supposedly good, indifferent and completely evil alien races. The goal of Exopolitics is to bypass an alleged cover-up and to monitor how such Agreements are resulting in potentially desirable or dysfunctional phenomena on Earth. This alien-elite complex seeks to destroy and replace human free will with total servitude in what former University of Notre Dame professor Horace Carby-Samuels described as a "Bio-Electrical Union". Mr. Carby-Samuels who has been a resident of Ottawa made alleged contacts with this alien-elite complex though "dream states". Since January 2013 investigative researchers allege that as a result of contacts with these regressive entities Mr Carby-Samuels has apparently been under the control of the demonic aliens separately described by Dr. Salla that have been responsible for historical and on-going systemic problems on Earth. Just before Mr Carby-Samuels was fully taken over against his will, he began to warn everyone who he made contacts with about an upcoming "alien threat" to destroy humanity which now seems to be unfolding through the coronavirus. Alfred Lambremont Webre's interview elaborates that humans are scheduled to be injected with microchips controlled by the same 5G technology used to trigger the coronavirus. This interview then elaborates that they can no longer passively observe the further needless destruction of humans and Earth's ecosystems under a 5G demonic alien-sponsored agenda, and that these Ethical Extraterrestrials are working with "White Hat" military organizations on Earth to now actively oppose Deep State control under demonic aliens that have also been blamed for alien abductions. Alfred Lambremont Webre who is also Canadian is no "kook". Exopolitics: Politics, Government, and Law in the Universe, he is the recognized founder of Exopolitics, the science of relations among intelligent civilizations in the multiverse," documents "He is a graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School and a former Fulbright Scholar. He has taught economics at Yale University and constitutional law at the University of Texas. He is the former general counsel to the New York City Environmental Protection Administration, former director of the 1977 Carter White House extraterrestrial communication study, and former NGO delegate to the United Nations. The author of, he is the recognized founder of Exopolitics, the science of relations among intelligent civilizations in the multiverse," documents Simon & Schuster This interview and a video by David Wilcox suggest that the coronavirus may be leading planet Earth in some kind of "war for planetary liberation". Could we be headed to some kind of "War of the Worlds" scenario? You be the judge. We got up there and a woman materialized in a white jumpsuit, with strikingly bright red hair. She told us she had come through a 'stargate', an interdimensional portal and she knew why we were there and she was going to answer our questions about flying saucers and life on other planets. We talked to her for about three hours, he said. Dr. Keller said they got a picture with the group and the alien but when they developed the film she wasnt seen. Dr. Keller says he encountered an ethical humanoid when visiting Mount Shasta in California.We got up there and a woman materialized in a white jumpsuit, with strikingly bright red hair. She told us she had come through a 'stargate', an interdimensional portal and she knew why we were there and she was going to answer our questions about flying saucers and life on other planets. We talked to her for about three hours, he said.Dr. Keller said they got a picture with the group and the alien but when they developed the film she wasnt seen. Dr. Keller has authored three books on the UFO phenomenon, the most recent, The Cosmic Rays Excellent Venus Adventures. You can find all of his books on Amazon. 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. The manipulate aliens I cite my book appear to be connected with the current "coronavirus" pandemic simulation. In the above YouTube interview, Alfred Lambremont Webre's suggests that the coronavirus has a two-fold agenda.The first alleged agenda is to depopulate humans on Earth.The second accompanying agenda is to create mass fear and panic to then further enable totalitarian control by an alien-elite complex through a vaccination program.The injected humans would then become assimilated and "Zombie-fied" under the complete control of demonic aliens and the elites who sold out humanity to these demonic entities according to representation in the above YouTube interview.This interview then further alleges that some of these Ethical Extraterrestrials may be related to humans on Earth and that they oppose "coronavirus plot" as the "last straw".Dr. Michael Salla's research on the demonic aliens versus the Ethical Humanoid Extraterrestrials is documented in Peter Tremblay's new book on Justin Trudeau Republican officials say there is no dissonance between the presidents rhetoric and whats happening on the ground. They say Trump opposes all-mail elections in which every registered voter is sent a ballot by mail, as well as the practice of ballot harvesting, in which third parties are allowed to collect completed ballots from voters and turn them in. Both are too susceptible to fraud, they say. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Richard Panneflek along with his department would like to express there deepest gratitude to Shop 4 Less, and Barefoot Group of companies for their contribution of over 500 protective face masks. On April 7, 2020, Emile and Joycelyn Wathey reached out to the Minister of VSA for this donation to aid in the fight against COVID-19. With this donation, the Minister was able to distribute face masks within the different Ministries and provide the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard with 150 face masks. Minister Panneflek welcomes all businesses interested in joining the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in Sint Maarten. Businesses interested in donating are advised to send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . WFH for Private offices in Delhi, restaurants & bars to be shut as Omicron-led to sudden rise in Covid cases Coronavirus: Govt approves export of hydroxychloroquine to 13 countries India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Apr 12: The Centre has also approved the release of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to 13 countries, after taking into consideration the country's domestic requirements and the buffer stock available, government spokesperson K S Dhatwalia said. Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat malaria and rheumatoid conditions such as arthritis. A consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived in the United States on Saturday, days after New Delhi lifted a ban on export of the anti-malaria drug, seen as a possible cure for COVID-19, to the US and some other countries on humanitarian grounds. Earlier this week, India at the request of President Donald Trump cleared the export of 35.82 lakh tablets of hydroxychloroquine to the US along with nine metric tons of active pharmaceutical ingredient or API required in the manufacturing of the drug. Toby Antony By Express News Service KOCHI: The eight UK nationals, who successfully underwent Covid-19 treatment, are likely to return home by April 15 on a chartered flight arranged by the British embassy from Cochin airport. The UK government has opened a web portal for its nationals stranded in the state to register their names and repatriation procedure. According to K Rajkumar, joint director of Kerala Tourism, the flight is likely to facilitate 250 passengers, and will take off from the Cochin airport to London via Thiruvananthapuram. Those stranded in north and central Kerala can board from Cochin and those in south Kerala can board from Thiruvananthapuram, he said. The web portal etm.eventsair.com is operated by UK-based Corporate Travel Management. Foreign nationals stranded in the state can also contact Kerala Tourism for further help. The UK embassy had sent a communication to the Union Ministry of External Affairs regarding airlifting its stranded nationals, which then took it up with the chief secretaries of the respective states. NRIs can register as well Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), who work in the UK and are currently held up in the state, can also register through the portal. Considering the grave situation in the UK, NRI nurses and doctors who had come on holiday have registered through the portal so as to rejoin work at the earliest, said an official. The UK embassy will operate chartered flights from New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. Meanwhile, the repatriation process of other foreign tourists stranded in the state is under way. On Saturday, eight tourists from Brazil were sent on a bus to Mumbai, from where they will board their flight. Another bus carrying six Singapore nationals plied to Chennai, from where a flight will be arranged, said an official. Many stranded in the state are from the USA. Sweden will arrange a special flight next week, said Rajkumar. Photo: Thanh Tung Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has requested the Ministry of Health (MoH) and related agencies to speed up producing medical equipment to fight against the pandemic, which originated in China over 100 days ago. One of the first scientists who met the governments appeal is Tran Ngoc Phuc, an overseas Vietnamese scientist living in Japan. Phuc and his colleagues have been co-operating with Vietnamese partners to transfer technology to produce ventilators in Vietnam. Phuc is now president of Metran Co., Ltd., which manufactures ventilators and artificial respirators. Metran has headquarters in Japan and a plant in Vietnams Binh Duong province. According to Phuc, the product selected for manufacturing in Vietnam is a simple and low-cost breathing machine model that can be used by both children and the elderly. Due to its small size the machine can be even used in remote areas. Phuc said that there will be around 2,000 ventilators produced in the next six weeks, with an increase to 10,000-15,000 after that time. Vietnam is desperately in need of ventilators. I needed to take action right away before it was too late to help the country to cope with the pandemic, Phuc said. Van Thinh Phat Holding Group and Van Lang University have signed a contract with Metran to provide finance for manufacturing the 2,000 ventilators. Currently, 16 countries have contacted Metran to transfer the technology for manufacturing ventilators including the United States, France, Italy, Spain, and India. The company is also working with McKinsey & Company to carry out technology transfer for other clients. Meanwhile, Vingroup has also started to produce ventilators and body thermometers to serve the domestic market. According to its plan, the group will provide the MoH with 5,000 non-invasive ventilators to treat COVID-19 patients in Vietnam. For production, Vingroup signed a licence agreement with US-based Medtronic to use its design for the PB560 ventilator, and also began researching a non-invasive ventilator based on the community-shared design by MIT University. The ventilators components will be sourced externally and internally. Vingroups vice chairwoman Le Thi Thu Thuy said that the group has an advantage of having both the VinFast automobile factory and VinSmart electronics factory. We can manufacture both large and mechanical parts as well as rare, smaller parts at the same time. We also have excellent design engineers to transform the conceptual and 2D designs into detailed and complete designs required by the manufacturers, Thuy said. It is expected that the further batches of components for the non-invasive ventilator will arrive imminently. VinFast said the cost of components for each thermometer was VND16 million ($700), much lower than other machines on the market. The group estimated the component cost for a non-invasive ventilator at about VND22 million ($950) and for an invasive ventilator at VND160 million ($6,950). With the capacity of VinFast and VinSmart, the group can produce up to 45,000 non-invasive ventilators and 10,000 invasive ventilators per month and support the countrys urgent need to prepare for the worst if the coronavirus spreads to a larger scale. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 06:41:28|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Photo taken on April 11, 2020 shows colored Easter eggs at a household in Riga, Latvia. Lots of European countries on Saturday urged the public to stick to restriction measures during the Easter holiday. In Latvia, people have to stay at home and keep Easter tradition alive without visiting friends or families. (Photo by Janis/Xinhua) BRUSSELS, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Lots of European countries on Saturday urged the public to stick to restriction measures during the Easter holiday as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson continued his coronavirus recovery in hospital. CONSECUTIVE DROPS Spain and France, which are among the hardest-hit European countries, embraced some signs of hope on Saturday in their fight against the coronavirus. The number of deaths in a 24-hour period from COVID-19 fell for the third consecutive day in Spain, according to data collected by the country's Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare by 21:00 hours on Friday and made public on Saturday. The total number of people who have succumbed to the virus-caused disease in Spain rose by 510 to 16,353, fewer than the 605 new deaths in the previous 24-hour period and the 683 confirmed on Thursday. It was the fewest daily number of COVID-19 deaths since March 23. However, the data should be treated with caution due to the fact that Thursday and Friday were public holidays, which could have led to delay in reporting data. Spain's tally of infections stood at 161,852 by Saturday. In neighboring France, 2,044 patients were hospitalized in the last 24 hours, bringing the country's total hospitalized COVID-19 patients to 31,320, including 6,883 in intensive care units (ICUs). The number of patients in ICUs was down by 121 on a daily basis, a third-day consecutive decline. "It is another very slight decrease in the need of (intensive care) place," which will "relieve our caregivers, especially in intensive care," said Director General of Health Jerome Salomon. Across the English Channel, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is making "very good progress" as he continues his coronavirus recovery in hospital, Downing Street said Saturday. Johnson was moved to a general ward on Thursday evening after spending three days in intensive care. He was taken to the hospital on Sunday, 10 days after testing positive for the virus. The death toll of those hospitalized in Britain who tested positive for the novel coronavirus has reached 9,875 as of Friday afternoon. REMAINING VIGILANT Despite good news from Downing Street, Britain's coronavirus lockdown, like many European nations, faces its most serious test this weekend as it marks the Easter bank holiday. Wary of any excess of optimism, French Director General of Health Salomon stressed "hospital pressure remains strong." "A very high epidemic plateau seems to be emerging. We absolutely must continue to remain vigilant," he said. "The time is not for de-confinement...but perhaps even more for the strict respect of confinement, barrier gestures and social distancing." Cypriot experts also 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 "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." 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. In Italy where the coronavirus pandemic has claimed 19,468 lives, Extraordinary Commissioner for the Coronavirus Emergency Domenico Arcuri warned about underestimating risks of the pandemic. "This dramatic emergency will finally be behind us only after an effective vaccine is discovered," Arcuri stressed. "Without it, there is only one antidote left: our behavior, which must all work in the direction of preventing and containing contagion." The Italian Interior Ministry issued a stern notice on the eve of Easter festivities, which for Italians would especially coincide with open-air trips and family lunches in normal times. "Police controls have been strengthened across the territory, and especially in the perspective of the weekend over Easter holidays (Sunday and Monday)," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. In Poland, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also urged all Poles to stay at home during the Easter holidays, as the country's confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 6,000 on Saturday. CALL FOR UNITY Also on Saturday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for solidarity within Europe, saying that "Germany cannot emerge from the crisis strong and healthy if our neighbors are not strong and healthy." In a rare televised speech, 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, which 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. Eurogroup finance ministers agreed Thursday night on a financial package worth half a trillion euros to combat the fallouts from coronavirus, but without the so-called Eurobonds. French Finance and Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Friday that the European Union's (EU) package of financial measures is "a major step towards more European solidarity" as it supports the bloc's most affected members and helps prepare the post-pandemic recovery. "It's an excellent agreement because it shows the unity of European countries during this period of crisis. It's excellent because it allows the immediate release of 550 billion euros (602 billion U.S. dollars) to finance all the European economies, notably the most severely impacted ones," Le Maire told Europe 1 radio. Genres such as historical fiction can show children the advances of medical technology and what scientists have learned during previous epidemics. In addition, these books can show children how much we have to be grateful for, Mohrbacher said. Virtual events Finding a new author might also help fill the void from the canceled Wisconsin Book Festival events. The Wisconsin Book Festival has been, for the past four years or so, made up of 40 stand alone events throughout the year, culminating in a four-day celebration in the fall, offering about 60 events, said Conor Moran, the festivals director. But officials had to cancel about 15 events this spring when the libraries closed and crowd restrictions were put in place because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. But all is not lost. Moran said book festival leaders are working with the Madison Writers Studio to produce online, do-at-home writing classes, which will include texts to read and writing prompts. They can do it as they go, or you can do it in four months, Moran said of the program. Kolkata, April 12 : India striker Jeje ALalpekhlua has donated blood to a local organisation in Mizoram in his bid to contribute towards the fight against Covid-19 pandemic. "Due to the lockdown, blood units are not readily available nowadays. So the Hospital connected with the Young Mizo Association seeking help. The news reached me and I knew immediately what I needed to do," the 29-year-old was quoted as saying by www.the-aiff.com. "You cannot keep quiet and sit idle during such circumstances."Jeje said he immediately rushed to the Synod Hospital in Durtlang, Mizoram to donate blood. "Upon receiving the information, we chalked out our plan. We headed to the hospital from the Durtlang branch of YMA. Out of 33 who had reported, 27 were deemed fit to donate," Jeje said. "It's not about me or someone else, it's about the human race that needs to fight together now, more than ever." The Young Mizo Association (YMA) is the largest non-governmental voluntary organisation in Mizoram which operates primarily in the state and some parts of the other north-eastern states as well. "It is so satisfying that I have been able to play a minor role. I thank the Almighty for giving me the strength." This is not the first time that Jeje has been involved in philanthropic activities. He has time and again rose to the cause in Mizoram whenever the situation has demanded. "Someone had to stand by them. If a hospital is falling short of blood units, we need to help. We all need to play our part during the crisis. The most difficult part, I understand is to stay at home. But it's very necessary. The longer we stay at home, the faster will India heal," he said. Jeje who last played for India in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 was last summoned for the National Camp for the match against Qatar, which was eventually postponed. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Katrin Figge (The Jakarta Post) Berlin, Germany Sun, April 12, 2020 12:25 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd1555c6 1 Books #literature,#book,#author,#writer,#novel,#people,#profile,#Indonesia,#IntanParamaditha Free In the novel The Wandering, the protagonist gives into temptation and makes a deal with the devil. He gives her a pair of magical red shoes that allows her to fulfill her greatest desire: to travel the world. The devils gift, however, comes with a stern warning: Adventure, or more precisely, wandering, will be your eternal lot. You will find shelter, but never home. So begins the protagonists and the readers journey. Written in an interactive format similar to the Choose Your Own Adventure childrens series, The Wandering, which was first published in 2017 in the original Indonesian as Gentayangan, moves from one place to the next, be it Berlin, New York, Lima or Amsterdam. I wanted to write about this feeling of gentayangan, of being in between, everywhere and nowhere, explains the novels 40-year-old author, Intan Paramaditha. Its a novel about travel, and therefore it made sense to use a forking-path narrative structure, because when we travel we always ask: what if I had chosen that path? What about the road not taken? This structure allows the reader to see different versions of themselves on different paths, meeting different characters. The novel, she continues, is also a commentary on choice: While it may look like we have options, these options are predetermined. It is the author who has decided exactly what is option A or B. In real life, options A or B are shaped by so many factors, including your class, gender, race and nationality, Intan says. In other words, what is the freedom to choose when everything has been structured? She also shares thoughts on the ideas of travel and privilege. In the global age, Intan says, the world seems small and connected, but for whom? Not everyone has the privilege to perceive the world that way, she says. For some, even domestic travel is a luxury. For undocumented migrants who have traveled, the world still feels disconnected and their mobility is limited because they cannot go abroad or return home. Ironically enough, the English version of The Wandering was launched shortly before the coronavirus wrought havoc across the world and turned travel into a distant memory or a dream for a distant future. Its really interesting. The Wandering is a novel about border crossings. It is critical of national borders and it celebrates what I call cosmopolitanism of the common people travelers who are far from privilege, poor international students on scholarship, undocumented migrants and it was crushed by COVID-19, a super wandering virus, says Intan. And now we see that countries everywhere agree that to minimize the risks, they have to close borders. [The] coronavirus is really against the gentayangan spirit. Intan was in London when the repercussions of the pandemic started to become real. As a visiting scholar at SOAS University of London, she had planned a book tour to promote The Wandering, but could only hold the first event the rest had to be cancelled. My publisher [Harvill Secker] told me we should keep our expectations low, not only in terms of events but also media reviews and coverage, Intan recalls. She adds that the media is focusing predominantly on the coronavirus. Even before the pandemic, the media reserved little space for literature, and this only became smaller when the virus spread around the world. In addition, Intan couldnt continue her research at SOAS because the university closed the library. So she decided to cut short her two-month residency and return to Sydney, Australia, where she lives with her partner and daughter. This wasnt easy, because many flights had been cancelled, several borders were closed and she couldnt transit in Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok. In the end, she flew via Doha and was extremely relieved when she arrived home after a journey that had turned into an odyssey. Extending roots: In addition to being a writer and lecturer, Intan Paramaditha is involved in feminist arts and culture projects in Indonesia. (Courtesy of Ugoran Prasad/-) Like the protagonist in her book, Intan is something of a wanderer herself. She was born in Bandung and in kindergarten moved to Jakarta, where she spent her university years. There are three things from the years when I was growing up that shaped me: my location, education and feminism, Intan says. As an Indonesian kid I was quite privileged at being in the center. I went to schools in Central Jakarta and my mother would buy me many books, but I didnt come from a rich family. My parents were doing OK financially, but travel was not something that we could afford. As a child, she read fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. She decided in elementary school that she wanted to become a writer and create her own stories. It was at that time that she was introduced to Agatha Christie. Later, she studied English literature at the University of Indonesia (UI), and then at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). I was very much influenced by English lit. My preference for the Gothic, for instance, was shaped by my early interest in 18th century British Romanticism. Whenever I think about structure, characters and imagery, I think about Shakespeare, says Intan. I ended up studying cinema and using an ethnographic approach in my research, but I think and operate like a former English major. As an UI undergrad, she studied under feminist professor and activist Melani Budianta. It was from her lectures that Intan first learned about feminist theories. I started to connect the patriarchal reality around me and feminism as a tool of analysis. I had a turbulent time as an angry young woman. I fought against my authoritarian father and his patriarchal standards. I thought cultural and religious norms were unfair towards women. I became interested in disobedient women first my mom, then other models, mostly from literature, she recounts. Feminism was helpful for me to understand what was going on. As a framework, it remains central in my fiction and academic work until today. Intan eventually became a traveler herself on the scholarships she received: a Fulbright scholarship in 2005 for a master degree at UCSD, a full fellowship from New York University to pursue a doctorate on Indonesian cinema. During this period, she also spent some time in the Netherlands. Intan was then offered a position as a media and film studies lecturer at Macquarie University in Sydney. It took me a long time to decide, because at that time I had been in the United States for a decade, and the thought of moving to another country was daunting. I finally accepted the offer because the position allowed me to do research, although I also had to teach, she says. I guess it all happened organically I wanted more opportunities to write and do research, things that are quite difficult to do in Indonesia. Even though Intan has been away from Indonesia for a long time, she is still very much connected to the countrys arts and culture scene, working on different projects with feminist organizations like Cipta Media Ekspresi, which provides grants and education for women artists. Intan also works on Period, a writing workshop she founded with fellow writer Lily Yulianti Farid. In a way, it gives me the sense that I never really left the country, she says. In the present, all travel plans have had to be halted until further notice, as people all around the world follow their governments guidelines to stay at home during the health crisis. While many are trying to stay productive and creative during self-isolation, Intan suggests that perhaps not everyone will be able to do so. We need to remember that its also OK if you dont want to read or spend your time productively, because its not a normal situation, she says. I am [also] still worried about many things, for instance, the wellbeing of our parents in Indonesia. I think we need to accept that making mental adjustments is not easy. Again, this is not a normal situation, and even if we survive this, life will never be the same. (ste) The Quebec coroners office has launched an investigation into a long-term-care home in a suburb of Montreal, where 31 people have died in conditions the provinces premier has described as deplorable. Remember that coroners intervene in cases of deaths that are violent, obscure or could have occurred following negligence, the coroners office said in a statement Sunday. The investigation was announced after Montreal police on Saturday night entered the Residence Herron, a privately run home with 150 beds in the west-end suburb of Dorval. Officers from the major crime unit dressed in protective equipment emerged Sunday morning having confiscated surveillance tapes and personnel documents, said Montreal police inspector Andre Durocher. Were doing a criminal investigation because there were allegations of potential wrongdoing, Durocher told the Star in a phone interview. Police will soon interview witnesses from home employees to residents and the investigation will take weeks or months, he added. Almost half of Quebecs 328 deaths from COVID-19 have occurred in long-term-care facilities. Its a tragedy that has unfolded in nursing homes across Canada. Lundy Manor in Niagara Falls, Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon, Seven Oaks in Scarborough, Anson Place Care Centre in Hagersville and Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver have all seen several deaths from COVID-19, among others. On Saturday, a shaken Premier Francois Legault called what seems to have occurred at the home unacceptable. It certainly seems like gross negligence, he said. At least five of the 31 seniors who died at the home since March 13 were infected with the coronavirus. The home is owned and operated by Gatineau-based Katasa Groupe. Phone messages and emails to the company requesting comment were not returned. Public health authorities across the country have been strengthening their actions to keep the virus out of these high-risk settings and to bring outbreaks under control, Theresa Tam, Canadas chief public health officer, said in a statement Sunday. These heartbreaking events underscored the need for stringent infection prevention and control measures, Tam added, noting it led to guidelines released Saturday on infection prevention in long-term-care facilities. That guidance includes strict rules around who can enter such facilities and detailed instructions on how to minimize the chances of an outbreak through proper hygiene and screening. In Quebec, 313 long-term-care homes are operated by the provincial government, according to Radio Canada. Another 59 are privately run but their fees are set by agreement with the government. A third group of 40 long-term-care homes are private and set their own fees. Legault announced Saturday every home in the third group would be immediately inspected. Every effort is being made to protect seniors and avoid tragic situations such as the one observed in the Herron private residential and long-term-care centre that is not covered by an agreement, Quebecs health ministry said in a statement Sunday. The Herron home set its own fees and is now under government trusteeship. Provincial health authorities first entered the home March 29 and found that its staff had walked off the job. That day, nurse Loredana Mule got an urgent call from health authorities asking her to help at Herron. She works at a pharmaceutical company and had placed her name on a list of people willing to volunteer. What she found at Herron that day still shocks her. She arrived at 5:30 p.m. and was greeted by a manager with a government health agency and an orderly. She was asked to help feed residents. In the first rooms she entered, Mule found trays of cold food and residents begging for water. I couldnt spend much time with each patient a couple of bites, some fluids and then Id jump to the next room, she said in a phone interview from Montreal. Another nurse joined shortly afterwards and together, they entered another section of the home. The first room we went into, we removed the sheets and they were drenched and soaked in urine and feces, recalled Mule, who is 57. Their sheets were brown to black all the way up to their neck. And I said, Oh, boy, this is not an hour or two hours this is days. When we were washing them, it was sad because we were trying to wipe off the feces and their skin was on fire. I mean, if we rubbed a little bit more, their skin was going to come off. Every room, the stench of urine and feces could have killed a horse Underneath the sheets is an egg crate to prevent skin breakdown. We had to remove them because its like a sponge and they were drenched. You could squeeze and all the urine comes out. The mattresses were wet, too, but we couldnt do anything about them. So we doubled up the sheets on them so the residents could be comfortable, Mule said. Mule said she and the other nurse cared for about 60 residents that day, all suffering the same shocking conditions. We were speechless, she said. We just kept looking at each other and saying, Oh my God, oh my God. We had a mission that evening to get everybody done. As they worked, other volunteers showed up at the home to help, including a doctor. Mule and the other nurse finished changing diapers and washing residents at 10:30 p.m. Then I sat in my car and cried and cried, she said. The next day still in shock and as a precaution Mule called a long-term-care home where her mother lived and insisted she be released to her care. They now live together. Read more about: Emily Ratajkowski flouted the US government's lockdown rules on Saturday, having traveled from the American epicenter of COVDID-19, New York, back to Los Angeles just two days ago. The 28-year-old supermodel is back in California with her producer husband Sebastian Bear-McClard and their dog Colombo. She showed off her chiseled midriff as she briefly emerged from lockdown in LA, despite the World Health Organisation's strict rules to remain inside for two weeks if traveling back from NYC. Brazen: Emily Ratajkowski flouted the US government's lockdown rules on Saturday, having traveled from the American epicenter of COVDID-19, New York, back to Los Angeles White House coronavirus coordinator Dr Deborah Birx said at the end of March: 'Everybody who was in New York should be self-quarantining for the next 14 days to ensure the virus doesnt spread to others, no matter where they have gone, whether its Florida, North Carolina, or out to far reaches of Long Island. 'Were starting to see new cases across Long Island that suggest people have left the city. This will be very critical.' But wearing her luxurious hair down this Saturday, Emily slipped into a casual look featuring a baby blue crop top and a pair of matching sweats as she brazenly stepped outside. She was modeling the same outfit when she plopped onto her bed cross-legged and snapped a mirror selfie for her Insta Stories. Emily was feeling nostalgic on social media that day, digging up and posting an old modeling shot of hers from when she was 17. The picture was taken for the clothing line Hot Kiss and advertised the brand's boutique on Broadway in New York City. Company: The 28-year-old supermodel is hunkering down with her dashing producer husband Sebastian Bear-McClard and their dog Colombo The look: Wearing her luxurious hair down this Saturday, she slipped into a casual look featuring a baby blue crop top and a pair of matching sweats Emily, who was born in London to American parents and grew up in Southern California, also posted her fifth grade yearbook photo. Earlier this week she treated her Instagram followers to a sizzling new snap of herself straddling Sebastian in bed with Colombo lounging nearby. While in lockdown she has also posted bathroom mirror selfie videos in which she raises a glass of wine to her public. This Wednesday Emily, Sebastian and Colombo flew to California from New York, the state that now accounts for more than 40% of the country's COVID-19 deaths. Relaxation: She was modeling the same outfit when she plopped onto her bed cross-legged and snapped a mirror selfie for her Insta Stories Throwback: Emily was feeling nostalgic on social media that day, digging up and posting an old modeling shot of hers from when she was 17 The early years: Emily, who was born in London to American parents and grew up in Southern California, also posted her fifth grade yearbook photo The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention issued an advisory on March 28 asking 'residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately.' Sebastian is a producer whose credits including the Safdie brothers movie Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler, who calls Emily's husband 'SeBo.' Emily, who while showing Vogue around her vast LA apartment in 2015 said she was for a platform to 'redistribute wealth in this country,' got married in February 2018. She made a splash with her surprise courthouse marriage to Sebastian in New York City, wearing a $200 Zara trouser suit. Smoldering: Earlier this week she treated her Instagram followers to a sizzling new snap of herself straddling Sebastian in bed with Colombo lounging nearby By the way: Her hunk is a producer whose credits including the Safdie brothers movie Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler, who calls Emily's husband 'SeBo' The Archbishop of Canterbury has said there is the possibility of a better and happier world after the coronavirus pandemic. The Most Reverend Justin Welby, the head of the Church of England, urged people to not let fear dominate as he called for a resurrection of our common life. He told BBCs Andrew Marr Show: Weve gone through so much and we are seeing so much common spirit and attitude ... coming through from the vast majority of people. We mustnt lose that. He added: There are ways forward we never imagined at huge cost, with great suffering but there are possibilities and Im immensely hopeful. Lets honour those who have suffered, who have served for us, who have cared for us and above all, those who have died by taking that opportunity. We will then be a better and happier ... world. Mr Welby said we are not a just society if we do not hold up a mirror after the Covid-19 crisis and re-evaluate how we value each other, including key workers. He added: Care for each other; this business of being in touch with people down the street, of beginning to plan the post-pandemic parties, of giving yourself hope from looking to the future will make an enormous difference. Look out for those who are alone. Mr Welby also used his first national digital Easter Sunday service to call for the UK to not go back to life as it was before the pandemic. In a video recorded from his London flat, he said: After so much suffering, so much heroism from key workers and the NHS in this country and their equivalents all across the globe, once this epidemic is conquered we cannot be content to go back to what was before as if all was normal. There needs to be a resurrection of our common life, a new normal, something that links to the old but is different and more beautiful. He also issued a plea to crematoriums and local authorities to not just dispose of bodies like we did in the foot-and-mouth episode with cattle. Human beings must be [buried] with dignity even when it has to be swift and with very few people there, he said. Pope Francis addresses the faithful at the Vatican after celebrating Easter Sunday Mass in St Peters Basilica with no public participation due to the coronavirus outbreak, 12 April 2020. (Andreas Solaro/Pool/via Reuters) Pope Francis delivered a Catholic mass via livestream from the Vatican without a congregation on Easter Sunday. He called for solidarity across the globe to confront the epochal challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Pope Francis urged political leaders in particular to give hope and opportunity to laid-off workers as he called for sanctions relief, debt forgiveness and ceasefires to calm conflicts and financial crises around the globe. Additional reporting by agencies. Sen. Amy Klobuchar endorses Joe Biden for president on March 2 in Dallas. If he chooses her or Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate, their relative youth and clear ability to step in as president could mitigate voter concern about his age. (Richard W. Rodriguez / Associated Press) Now that Joe Biden is the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee, he must prepare for what previous nominees have called their first presidential act choosing a running mate. The choice matters, but not for the reasons you might think. It will help voters envision what a Biden presidency would look like. Biden, of course, is no stranger to this process. He was Barack Obamas choice in 2008 and served two terms as vice president. Now its his turn to choose a running mate, a potential partner on the campaign trail and in the White House. Its a big decision, especially for a 77-year-old would-be president who voters may fear wont be able to finish his term if elected. Clearly, the choice is on Bidens mind he made headlines at the most recent Democratic debate by announcing that he would pick a woman to be his vice president. Presidential candidates typically say that their choice of a running mate comes down to one fundamental criterion: Is the person qualified to take over as president, if necessary? In private, presidential candidates often say that they also expect the running mate to help them win. Most often, they speculate about a potential home state advantage. Or that the running mate may deliver a key demographic group, such as women or people of color. More broadly, a popular running mate could help the ticket win by attracting positive press coverage and votes in November. But the research laid out in our latest book on presidential running mates shows vice presidential selection generally has little direct effect on voters. While most voters say that the choice of a running mate will be important in deciding their vote, few can recall a time when it actually has changed their vote. And that makes sense. After all, presidents are far more powerful than vice presidents once in office. Why choose a suboptimal president just to elect your preferred vice president? Sure enough, our analysis of survey data from the 1968-2016 American National Election Studies shows that presidential voting mostly comes down to how people feel about the person at the top of the ticket. Story continues What may be surprising is that running mates usually fail to deliver votes among targeted geographic or demographic groups. Our analysis indicates having a woman as a vice presidential candidate does not make women more likely to vote for the ticket. This was true when Democrat Geraldine Ferraro ran for vice president in 1984 and when Republican Sarah Palin did the same in 2008. Nor did conservatives or evangelical Christians become more willing to vote for the Republican ticket in 2008 following the selection of Palin, who identified with both groups. Although Donald Trump won in 2016, his selection of Mike Pence as his running mate also did not cause more conservatives or evangelicals to vote for him. Our research shows running mates matter, above all else, by shaping how voters view the presidential candidate who selects them. Running mates indirectly influence voter choice by changing perceptions of the presidential candidate which, in turn, changes votes. In the 2008 presidential election, for example, there was reason to question Palins readiness to serve as president. Biden, however, brought needed experience to the ticket headed by then-freshman Sen. Barack Obama. In both cases, voters noticed. Voters who doubted Palins experience were more likely to doubt McCains judgment and less likely to vote for the Republican ticket. They also were more likely to believe that McCain was too old to be president. Conversely, voters who thought Biden had the right experience to be president also viewed Obamas judgment more favorably and were less likely to think that he was too young to be president. As a result, they were more likely to vote for the Democratic ticket. The lesson for Biden? In choosing a running mate, he must pick a woman (given his recent pledge) who is clearly qualified to be president of the United States and not, as McCain did, make a desperate gamble on an electoral game-changer who might undermine voters confidence in his ability to lead. That means avoiding choosing a running mate with limited national or executive experience in hopes of winning over key geographic or demographic groups, such as swing-state voters, women or African Americans. Think Stacey Abrams, the former state legislator who lost her bid for Georgias governorship in 2018. Biden can, however, mitigate voter concerns about his biggest purported weaknesses, which include his age and Washington-insider status, by picking someone who is relatively young and yet clearly has the experience to be president, if need be. Think U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris or Amy Klobuchar. Biden also might shore up his progressive credentials among the party base and disaffected Bernie Sanders supporters by choosing someone clearly to his ideological left, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren. In each case, Biden would be shaping voters perceptions of him as a prospective president, not persuading them to cast a vote for vice president. Thats a more realistic conception of the running mates influence than what typical parlor game analyses would suggest. Ultimately, Bidens vice presidential selection is important electorally speaking because of what it says about him. Will he make responsible decisions in office, not just about policy, but about the people who will surround him? As president, will he put the national interest ahead of his political interest? Will he unite and grow the Democratic Party? Does he value diversity and inclusiveness? Bidens first presidential act choosing a running mate will help voters to decide whether he deserves to be president. Thats why it matters. Christopher J. Devine is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Dayton. Kyle C. Kopko is an associate professor of political science and associate dean at Elizabethtown College. They are coauthors of the forthcoming book Do Running Mates Matter? A fire lit up the darkness inside Christ Church St Laurence in Sydney's CBD on Easter Sunday to symbolise the light of Christ. The tradition is normally part of a Saturday night service for the Anglican church's congregation of about 350 people. But this year it was included in a more compact one-hour Sunday morning service that was live streamed to thousands of people around the world. Father Daniel Dries preaches to an empty Christ Church St Laurence for Easter Sunday mass that was live streamed on Facebook and Youtube. Credit:Edwina Pickles Four cameras were trained on the church and its rector, Father Daniel Dries, who delivered a traditional high-church liturgy with organ music, bells, candles, incense and communion. Four of the usual 40-member choir sang hymns streamed directly to Facebook and YouTube. As Father Dries blessed bread and wine for communion, online parishioners were led in prayers of confession and a spiritual communion. "It is very much a visual thing rather than just hearing someone talk," he said. New Delhi: Corporates' contributions to fight coronavirus pandemic through state disaster management authority will be considered as CSR expenditure but money given to funds set up by states, including the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, have always been kept out of the CSR provision, according to official sources. Against the backdrop of increasing fund requirements in various quarters to deal with the pandemic, the corporate affairs ministry has already said that contribution to the PM-CARES Fund would be considered as CSR under the Companies Act, 2013. However, since the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework came into force in April 1, 2014, funds set by state governments, including the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, were not included in Schedule VII of the Act, the official sources said on Sunday. Certain class of profitable companies are required to shell out at least two per cent of their three-year annual average net profit towards CSR works in a particular fiscal. Schedule VII of the Act broadly lists areas and activities where CSR contributions can be made. As per the official sources, on February 27, 2014, the central government amended Schedule VII, including the item relating to funds eligible to receive CSR contributions. Under the amended Schedule VII, the item relating to 'eligible funds' only included Prime Minister's Relief Fund (PMRF) and any other fund set up by the central government for the purposes stated therein. Accordingly, funds set up by state governments was omitted in the amended Schedule VII, they added. The Ministry, which is implementing the Act, has also clarified that COVID-19 activities related to promotion of healthcare, including preventive healthcare and sanitation and disaster management would qualify as CSR expenditure. It has also allowed state governments to mobilise CSR funding to combat the coronavirus pandemic through State Disaster Management Authority route. As a result, companies' contribution to the state disaster management authority for the specific purpose of combating the pandemic would come under CSR. On Saturday, West Bengal Mamata Banerjee said CSR should not be applicable only for contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. If CSR does not apply to the CM relief fund and other state funds, it is an attack on federal structure, she had said. After announcing last month that contributions by companies to PM-CARES Fund to tackle the pandemic would be considered as CSR, the corporate affairs ministry this week came out with a set of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) to clarify various aspects. "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 in the FAQs. 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. It also clarified that 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, as per the FAQs. Among others, the ministry had said 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. Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) has been set up, which would be utilised to deal with any emergency or distress situation such as the coronavirus outbreak. 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. New Delhi: Easter celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection and is one of the most auspicious festivals of the Christians. People prepare lavish feasts and celebrate the day in full fervour. However, this year, the celebrations are marred by the coronavirus outbreak, which has brought the world to a standstill. Easter begins with sunrise services, exclaiming the Paschal greeting, clipping the church, decorating Easter eggs as a symbol of the empty tomb. On this day, decorated eggs known as Easter eggs- are gifted to friends and family members. Besides, the day is also celebrated with a lot of other food dishes and desserts. The festival is celebrated with much fervour, zeal and lot of happiness. On this auspicious occasion, we have compiled a list of messages which you can send your loved ones and wish them a very Happy Easter. * On this holy occasion of Easter, may Lord bless you with happiness and health. * Celebrate this auspicious day when the lord came back to earth with a life to give, so each one of us may continue to live. Happy Easter! * May Lord bless you on this auspicious day of Easter, and May it be a new beginning of greater prosperity, success and happiness. Wish you a Happy Easter. * Eat, pray, make merry because Lord Jesus is here to look after his children. Happy Easter! * May your day begins with prayers and ends with a lot of egg chocolate. Wish you a very happy Easter! Hallelujah! * Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, Christ is risen, but I shall rise. * For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Have a blessed Easter Sunday, everyone! A man died on Saturday after being shot and crashing into a utility pole near Humble, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office. The man, who was believed to be between 25 and 30 years old, was speeding on Mesa Drive and crashed into the pole at the intersection on Bender Road, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Good morning, Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top Newspaper Headlines in Nigeria for today Sunday, 12th April 2020. Here Are The Major Nigerian Newspaper Headlines. Nigeria has recorded 13 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the West African country. Naija News reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed this in a tweet on the micro-blogging site, Twitter on Saturday evening, April 12. Kano State has reportedly recorded its first confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) case. According to The Nation, the index case is a retired technocrat, who recently returned from Lagos State. An explosion suspected to be a bomb early in the morning rocked Dumez street off Benin Auchi Road, Edo State. Naija News gathered that over six houses were affected by the explosion which occurred at No 4, Dumez Street while its impacts were visible in about six houses in the area. Another Coronavirus patient has died in Lagos, Nigeriascommercial city. Naija News reports that Lagos Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi announced the death of the Coronavirus patient in a tweet on the micro-blogging site, Twitter on Saturday, April 11. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai has relocated fully to the North East where he is overseeing and directing the overall operation in the theatre and other Nigerian Army operations across the country. While addressing troops of Special Super Camp Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on 9 April 2020, Gen Buratai said that he will be with them to the nooks and crannies of the theatre. Former governor of Anambra state and 2019 presidential running mate of the PDP, Mr Peter Obi has lashed out at some governors who have started relaxing the coronavirus lockdown in their states for religious reasons. Obi warned that such actions could lead to worse cases of the infection in Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari has extended hands of appreciation to Nigerians for their patience following the total lockdown order in the state due to the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country. The president stated this in a message through his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Sunday. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has reacted to a recent report which claims that he is not informed of the poor healthcare system in Nigeria. The SGF noted that the report quoted him wrongly of his statement, hence described as misleading the claims. The Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, on Saturday, has confirmed that the state has discharged ten coronavirus patients. Governor Oyetola revealed the development on his Twitter account, he noted that they were discharged after patients tested negative twice. The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has cancelled the rights giving to churches in the state to hold Easter Church services. Recall that Governor Wike in a statement released on Thursday had relaxed the lockdown order to allow Christians to attend church services. Thats the Nigerian Newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow. Share this post with your Friends on At Christ Hospital in Jersey City, patients hospitalized with coronavirus receive a battery of treatments that doctors hope will ease their suffering and save their lives. They are given oxygen. Steroid inhalers. High doses of vitamin C, thiamine and zinc. Even plain old aspirin, to name a few. Also provided to patients is hydroxychloroquine, a decades-old malaria drug thrust into the spotlight of the coronavirus pandemic by President Donald Trump. It unexpectedly joined the culture wars last month after Trump touted it as a potential game changer, though medicine has yet to determine whether it is effective in combating the disease. While the drug has shown promise in treating COVID-19 in some small studies, its value remains unproven and it has not undergone clinical trials that test its safety and efficacy, as the nations top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has noted. But with no known treatment for coronavirus and hundreds of new deaths in New Jersey reported every day, doctors are still turning to hydroxychloroquine, hoping that its so-far optimistic results prove true. Right now, this is the best that weve got, said Dr. Naresh Patel, a hospitalist at Christ Hospital, one of three Hudson County hospitals run by CarePoint Health. Patel said that virtually 100 percent of suspected COVID-19 cases admitted to his hospital are receiving hydroxychloroquine as part of their daily treatment regimen, though he said it remains unclear whether it is helping. The patients getting better, I dont know whether I can tell you its the drug or the oxygen or other treatments, said Patel, who has been working nearly non-stop amid the crisis. I wish I had a definitive answer for you, but it is hard to tell. Still, Patel said, the unprecedented emergency requires doctors to try every avenue they can. You want to do what you can do, Patel said. Hydroxychloroquine has long been used to treat malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, but the Food and Drug Administration has permitted its emergency use for coronavirus. The hope comes amid limited studies -- one in France and one in China -- that suggest the drug may help reduce the diseases effects and speed along recovery. Doctors in New Jersey can also prescribe the drug off-label to COVID-19 sufferers who are not hospitalized, though the state requires them to have tested positive for the disease, and not merely show its symptoms. That rule was enacted in late March by the state Division of Consumer Affairs amid reports the drug was being hoarded by people who did not need it, including by doctors and dentists writing prescriptions for themselves and family members. But the mandate has been criticized by some in the medical community, who note it can take days for tests results to come back, even as their patients gets sicker. On Thursday, the division relaxed those restrictions for nursing homes and other assisted-living facilities, which have been particularly hard-hit by the outbreak. Patients there can now be prescribed the drug even before a positive test is returned. Like most drugs, hydroxychloroquine has side effects that can be dangerous, particularly for patients with heart conditions that the drug could trigger. Some doctors warn that while the drugs benefits are unknown, those risks are real. Dr. Vincent Silenzio of Rutgers Universitys School of Public Health said he doesnt second-guess doctors on the front lines who are administering the drug, given the desperate times. But the science is just not there, he said. Ill happily eat crow later on, but until then, the facts are the facts, Silenzio said. There is no proof, just yet. At Virtua Healths five hospitals in South Jersey, about 20 to 50% of hospitalized coronavirus patients are receiving the drug, estimated Dr. Martin Topiel, the chains infectious disease prevention officer. The hospitals screen out those with higher risk of side effects, and have had no instances of adverse reactions, he said. We use it, not for every patient, Topiel said. Like Patel, Topiel said doctors see the drug as worthwhile, considering its potential medical benefit. But also like Patel, Topiel said it is unclear whether hydroxychloroquine is performing as hoped. I cant say right now one way or the other that we can make a judgment about it from what weve seen, Topiel said. This is really where blinded, placebo-ed studies really help us understand the benefits of medications. Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is conducting one of many clinical trials across the country of the drug. The effort is being fast-tracked, and the goal is to have results by early June, said Dr. Steven Libutti, the institutes director who is overseeing the trial. The study will test the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine alone or when paired with the drug azithromycin, which is used to treat infections. The trial will involve 160 COVID-19 patients, with a control group that does not receive either drug. Each patients virus levels will be tested over a six-day period to determine whether hydroxychloroquine or the combination of drugs is having an impact, Libutti said. Volunteers are being signed up at University Hospital in Newark and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. Libutti said he knows that hospitals across New Jersey and other states are already turning to hydroxychloroquine in the fight against coronavirus. The study will help answer whether that is effective, he said. Thats a strong motivation for us to try to get where we hope to be as quickly as we can, Libutti said. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Riley Yates may be reached at ryates@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Sacombank is selling properties worth trillions of Vietnamese dong to speed up the resolution of bad debts. Photo: VNS Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) has announced the sale of properties such as the Kenton property in Nha Be district to recover debts. Sai Gon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Sacombank) is selling two land lots in Ho Chi Minh Citys Binh Chanh district at an initial price of VND800 billion and VND400 billion. In other districts, many properties worth hundreds of billions are being sold by Sacombank. The situation at Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) is the same. On April 6, the bank offered two properties in Tay Ninh province with a total value of over VND1.22 billion. Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC) has also rushed to auction hundreds of debts acquired from credit institutions. Recently, VAMC announced a second auction of debts of Viet Toan Cau Real Estate Joint Stock Company, acquired from Agribank, at a starting price of over VND22 billion. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 14:11:18|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TRIPOLI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed government forces said Saturday that the rival east-based army targeted pharmacies in southern Tripoli two days after attacking a hospital for COVID-19 patients in the capital. The east-based army launched an attack with Grad missiles on medicines stores in Al-Swani district in southern Tripoli, two days after targeting medicines stores of Al-Khadra General Hospital, the government forces said in a statement. The Al-Khadra General Hospital was shelled on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday respectively, forcing the hospital authorities to evacuate all the patients and close the hospital until Friday. United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya Yacoub El Hillo condemned the attacks on the hospital, saying it is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, the east-based army said that a drone belonging to the government forces had attacked an ambulance in southwestern Libya, killing two people and injuring another. On April 4, 2019, the east-based army launched a military campaign in and around Tripoli in an attempt to take over the city and topple the UN-backed government. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has documented at least 356 civilian deaths and 329 injuries since the outbreak of the armed conflict. Nearly 150,000 people in and around Tripoli have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict, and 345,000 civilians remain in frontline areas, while an estimated 749,000 others live in areas affected by the clashes, according to the UNSMIL. A global pandemic has closed schools across Pennsylvania and the nation, creating unprecedented challenges for public education. The good news is that educators, support staff and parents are rising to meet this challenge and make sure students continue to learn and have their needs met. Im so impressed and proud of the way that everyone has stepped up in this crisis. We have marshaled every resource available to bring education into the homes of the students who depend on us to keep learning. And Im grateful to the parents, guardians and family members who have shown tremendous patience and understanding as we work through the challenges of remote instruction. Many of them are working from home and balancing their many responsibilities. We could not do any of this without them. Thank you. At the end of the day, we share a common goal. We want to educate and serve the students of Pennsylvania, while keeping everyone safe and healthy. The educators and support professionals I represent as the president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association are committed to this goal. Wherever PSEA members are, we are there for our students. Rich Askey President, Pennsylvania State Education Association Harrisburg 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. At this time of year, scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada would be out on their boats studying the grey whale migration north, but like many other things, their research has been stopped by COVID-19. Thomas Doniol-Valcroze, a research scientist who leads the federal government's cetacean research program, says the annual migration which occurs every spring is a good window of opportunity to check on the condition of the individual whales. This year was also an important one for his team because the grey whale population suffered big losses last year, with several including at least eight in B.C. being found dead or stranded on beaches along the Pacific coast. "We were all eager to see this year if they were doing fine, but because of the situation, obviously, [we are limited] to what we can do," Doniol-Valcroze told host Kathryn Marlow on CBC's All Points West. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Listen to the full interview with researcher Thomas Doniol-Valcroze: Typically, research teams go out together on small to medium-sized boats to take photographs and measurements of the whales. But because of physical distancing measures, all field work has been suspended until at least May 1. "A boat is a small place and teamwork is a big part of what we do, so it's very hard for us to do this and respect all the guidelines for social distancing." Kyle Munson/Shutterstock But there are other ways of gathering interesting data, Doniol-Valcroze says. These include methods like acoustic mooring, where hydrophones are dropped underwater in specific locations to record sounds from passing whales. And since grey whales migrate close to the coast, the team could potentially work from the shore, using drones to fly over the whales and gather measurements. There is one silver lining to all the forced physical distancing, however. There are fewer ferries, ships, and whale watching boats and correspondingly, less marine noise. "And that's a good thing for these animals," said Doniol-Valcroze, adding that there have been anecdotal reports of whales swimming closer to shore in areas where they are not usually seen, like a group of killer whales spotted in Indian Arm, near Vancouver. Story continues Watch a pod of killer whales surface off Barnet Marine Park in Burnaby, B.C.: But there's no way of truly quantifying the effect. "We can't really monitor what they're doing right now, because we can't be out there for the same reason." If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us at impact@cbc.ca. Budgam (Jammu and Kashmir ) [India], April 12 (ANI): Police have rescued a medical team after it was kept hostage inside a house by family members of a person who was to be screened in Sheikhpora, Wathoora village here on Saturday. A police party was rushed to the spot to rescue the medical team from Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Chadoora. A police official said that a person from the village was to be taken for screening but his family members refused and kept the medical team hostage inside their house, adding that soon after being informed about the incident, police rushed to the village to rescue them but they were attacked with stones. He said that the medical team was rescued safely by the police. He further stated that three of the policemen were injured in the incident. Meanwhile, a case under Section 188, 269, 353 of the IPC has been registered against the family at Police station Chadoora and further investigation has been taken up. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Waco and McLennan County could see a peak in COVID-19 hospitalizations in as little as two weeks or up to two months from now, depending on the forecast model used and on how well residents adhere to social distancing and stay-at-home orders. A University of Texas at Austin report predicts a peak in Waco cases as late as June, even without social distancing measures that have been put in place by the city of Waco, McLennan County and the state. Another forecast developed by the Covid Act Now website also predicts a peak in hospitalizations in June, while a statewide forecast by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington predicts a much earlier peak for the state April 26. Local health officials said these forecasts are helpful, but they are not predictions of when McLennan County will hit a peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations and when local hospitals will reach maximum bed capacity. Both Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center and Ascension Providence hospital are prepared to more than double their intensive care units bed capacity, if necessary. Between both hospitals, they have a total of 54 ICU beds, 40 of which are in use, and a total of 521 hospital beds, as of Wednesday afternoon. But the projection models use different figures for hospital beds and do not account for the possibility of increasing the number of hospital beds. Dr. Farley Verner, local health authority for the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, said the projection models give him a gauge of how bad the situation may get here and how soon that might happen. What you have is a number of best guesses out there, and you can take those in summary and say that whats going to happen is probably somewhere within those ranges, Verner said. But there isnt something that helps you decide whether this projection is more accurate than another, and theres quite a variability amongst them. The University of Texas report predicts a peak in COVID-19 hospitalizations by mid-July, with the need for almost 2,000 hospital beds, if schools remain closed and people reduce their contacts with others outside their households by 50%. The model assumes Wacos estimated hospital capacity is about 500 beds. If schools remain closed and people reduce their contacts with others by 75%, the peak in hospitalizations would not hit until mid-August and about 1,500 hospitals beds would be needed, according to the model. That models only scenario in which the local hospital systems would not be overwhelmed, unless they more than double their bed capacity, is if schools remain closed and people reduce their contacts with others outside their households by 90%. In that scenario, the number of hospitalizations would remain below 500. But the Covid Act Now website predicts Waco hospitals will be overloaded by June 9, assuming hospital bed capacity of 600, three months of school closures and a loosely enforced stay-at-home order. The prediction also estimates that 48% of McLennan County residents will become infected and more than 1,000 will die. If the stay-at-home orders are strictly enforced, Covid Act Now predicts hospitals will not be overloaded and that about 7% of the population will become infected, with fewer than 1,000 deaths. The Institute for Health Metrics Evaluation is likely the most widely used model across the country, including by the White House. It predicts Texas will have a peak number of hospitalizations on April 26 and that 2,350 people will die by Aug. 4, while taking into consideration Gov. Greg Abbotts statewide stay-at-home order implemented April 2. Remy Pasco, one of the study authors for the University of Texas report, said the state should soon see how effective the social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders have been, because it takes between 10 and 14 days to see an impact. Pasco said if people have not been adhering to the guidelines, the overwhelming of available resources seen in more densely populated areas, including New York City, could easily happen here. As of 3 p.m. Saturday, McLennan County had reported 69 total COVID-19 cases and two deaths. Five people remained hospitalized, and 36 people had recovered from the disease. McLennan County Medical Society President Dr. William McCunniff said he believes the best strategy for handling the local COVID-19 situation is to continue to prepare and adapt, as more information about the disease is discovered and medical advancements in treating it are made. Regardless of the model used, which all encompass different data sources, they all tend to show that the local number of cases is going to, unfortunately, increase further before the rate starts to decline, McCunniff said. I think its important to watch the national and state trends and adjust our response accordingly. Verner, the local health authority, said the city and county have used these projections to institute social distancing guidelines and the stay-at-home orders, while local health care systems have been preparing for an expected increase in cases. One of the messages I take from the projections is that the peak of activity, the peak of hospitalizations, the peak of all the parameters is coming later and later with newer projections, and the later the peak comes the better because that means were able to flatten the curve, which is the goal all along, Verner said. The longer it takes for the peak to come, the flatter the curve and the more likely it is that were going to be able to cope with the peak, when it comes. Another gauge the health district looks at to see when a peak might occur is how many new COVID-19 cases per day are reported in McLennan County, Verner said. That number has been relatively stable for the past two weeks, with zero to four new cases reported per day. We would like for that to mean that the curve is still pretty flat, but the predictions are we will have an increase in the number of cases in the coming weeks, he said. That can be affected significantly by how well people continue to follow the social distancing and stay-at-home orders. McCunniff said he believes people are taking COVID-19 seriously and following the directions of local leaders. The other doctors he has talked to have not had problems getting patients tested, which was difficult in the early weeks. But he would like to see more widespread testing availability. Im cautiously optimistic that we are seeing some positive effect from our citys efforts, McCunniff said. We are all in this together. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. For Santosh Yadav, overcoming the hardships caused due to coronavirus outbreak was no less daunting than battling Maoists in the jungles of Chhattisgarh. Amid the nationwide lockdown, the 30-year-old Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) jawan, posted in the naxal-hit Bijapur district, travelled over over 1100 km in three days using goods trains, trucks and river boat, to reach his village in Uttar Pradesh after his mother's death. I just wanted to reach my village Sikhar after I learnt of her death. Both my younger brother and a married sister live in Mumbai and it was not possible for them to reach the village due to the lockdown," Yadav told PTI. "I could not leave my father alone in such a situation, he said. Yadav's wife and two kids also live in the Mirzapur village in Uttar Pradesh where he reached after his mother's death. Yadav, who joined the CAF in 2009 and is deployed in its 15th battalion, was busy with his routine schedule at his camp in the outskirts of Bijapur on April 4, when he got a call from his father that his mothers condition had deteriorated. He suggested his father to shift her to a hospital in Varanasi. She was admitted to a hospital in Varanasi the next day but the same evening Yadav's father called to inform that she was dead. Unavailability of transport facilities due to lockdown was not an issue for the inconsolable Yadav who embarked on the long journey home on April 7 morning after receiving the relieving letter from the commandant. "I just wanted to make it to the state capital Raipur from where I was confident of arranging something for further journey," he said. Yadav took a lift on a paddy laden truck from Bijapur to reach Jagdalpur. He waited there for around two hours before spotting a mini truck which dropped him in Kondagaon, around 200 km from Raipur. "In Kondagaon, I was stopped by police personnel but I explained my situation to them. Luckily an official deployed there was familiar to me and helped me in my travel up to Raipur in a vehicle carrying medicines," he said. "From Raipur, I boarded a goods train with the help of a friend posted in the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Then, I changed at least eight goods trains to reach Chunar, the nearest railway station to my village, on April 10 morning, thanks to all station masters and my friends working in Railways," he said. Yadav said he then walked for 5 km to reach Ganga river and took a boat ride across to reach his village. He said he was stopped at several places by police and railway personnel due to the lockdown but was allowed to proceed on humanitarian grounds. "As many as 78 men from my village are working in Railways and I was aware that they could be of great help to me during the journey," he said. Unmindful of his not-so-smooth journey, Yadav says he supports the lockdown as it has been imposed for the safety of people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Wuhan Children's Hospital is a facility designated to treat babies and children infected with the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei province. More than 50 medical employees have worked there for over two months and successfully treated 50 children with the disease, including a 17-day-old infant. To reduce the children's anxiety, some medical workers painted cartoon characters on their protective clothing. Many nurses became the younger children's temporary parents-feeding them, changing their diapers and bathing them. Seven nurses also helped a dozen children ages 6 to 14 with their studies. A nurse in a protective suit attends to a baby with COVID-19 in an isolation ward at Wuhan Children's Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei province, on March 16. [Photo by Pan Songgang/For China Daily] The spouses of Islamic State jihadis told Kurdistan's Rudaw news office on Thursday that they are safe from the Chinese coronavirus, guaranteeing that it is a type of divine retribution from Allah against infedils and non-Muslims. Rudaw visited the spouses and family members of Islamic State terrorists kept at the al-Hol camp in Syrian Kurdistan. Inquiring as to whether they are worried about the Chinese virus, the jihadis answered a pandemic is a type of divine retribution towards crusader countries who dismiss the teachings of Islam. One of the spouses clarified that Muslims won't die of this coronavirus because they are good people and are believers of God. She said that God's soldiers protect them for the coronavirus outbreak. Northeast Syria has not archived any cases, however, those dealing with the Al-Hol camp do not currently have the necessary gear or equipment to test people for the coronavirus. A couple of people tested need to wait for their samples to make a trip to Damascus and back. Northern Syria is constrained by Kurdish civilian armies, while Damascus is still in the hands of tyrant Bashar al-Assad. As indicated by expert Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, referred by Rudaw, the Islamic State encouraged their fighters in a newsletter to exploit the fact that most countries are distracted with containing the spread of the coronavirus. Al-Tamimi gave both an interpretation and rundown of the newsletter, where the ISIS initiative clarifies that the crusader countries have become engrossed with security in their own territories, sending some of their own security forces and armed forces considering the coronavirus epidemic and its present and potential repercussions on things like the economy, costs of merchandise, and the potential for confusion and turmoil. The Crusaders likewise, face the weights of their outside military organizations when they have been trying to bring their soldiers home, even as they try to diminish the probability of mujahideen assaults against them inside their own countries and somewhere else. Read Also: In Spain, Elderly Couple Married for 65 Years Beats Coronavirus Together The exact opposite thing they need is for their present tribulations with the pandemic to concur with the assaults in their own countries like the assaults in Paris, London, and Brussels, or for the "mujahideen" to overcome portions of the Earth as happened in the past. There is proof that the pandemic has also neglected to slow the current Islamic State insurrection, with the group staging a minor resurgence across Syria. Two Kurdish Peshmerga fighters were killed and another injured after an assault on Tuesday evening, while on Thursday activists also killed two Popular Mobilization Forces fighters close Al-Sadeq military airport. As indicated by the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights or SOHR, the caliphate did an enormous scale assault on al-Sokhna town in Syria's eastern province of Homs, murdering 27 deployed regime soldiers and some supporter militiamen. At any rate, 22 jihadis were later slaughtered by retaliatory Russian airstrikes. Related Article: Workers in Hazmat Suit Bury Thousands of Coronavirus Dead in New York @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived at the Newark airport on Saturday (local time), according to India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. "Supporting our partners in the fight against #Covid19. Consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today," he said in a tweet. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump had thanked India for its decision to export the anti-malarial drug which is deemed useful in dealing with coronavirus. "Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you PM Modi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!" the US President had tweeted. The number of people who have died in the United States from COVID-19 related complications has surpassed 20,000, according to the latest update from Johns Hopkins University on Saturday. The COVID-19 toll in the US has now grown to 519,453 cumulative cases, including 20,071 fatalities, the university was cited as saying by Sputnik. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Galih Gumelar and Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, April 12, 2020 Experts have raised questions over the House of Representatives move to amend the Constitutional Court (MK) Law, especially as the revision may harm justices independence and discourage the public from exercising their rights to challenge potential controversial laws currently being deliberated by lawmakers. According to the draft bill, MK justices can hold their position until they the age of 70, 10 years longer than the maximum age for justices set in the existing 2011 Constitutional Court Law. The minimum age of justices, however, has also been revised from 47 to 60 years old. Nor can they be replaced, as the bill scraps a provision stipulating that justices can serve for only five years and must be reelected for another term. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login A friend of Donald Trump who the president revealed was in a coma after contracting the coronavirus has died. Stanley I Cheras death on Saturday was reported by The Real Deal, which covers the New York real estate industry. The Associated Press confirmed Cheras identity and ties to the president with the White House. Mr Trump first spoke about his friend, who had donated to his campaign, on 29 March. He said: I had a friend who went to a hospital the other day. Hes a little older, and hes heavy, but hes tough person. And he went to the hospital, and a day later, hes in a coma ... hes not doing well. The speed and the viciousness, especially if it gets the right person, its horrible. Its really horrible. At another White House briefing the president alluded to more than one friend who had contracted Covid-19. He said: I have some friends that are unbelievably sick. We thought they were going in for a mild stay. And, in one case, hes unconscious -- in a coma. And you say, How did that happen? Asked at a later briefing, on 1 April, whether knowing people directly affected by the pandemic, which has now killed more than 20,000 Americans, had helped change his thinking on the seriousness of the outbreak, Mr Trump it had not because he had been seeing the statistics and the rising case numbers. Hes sort of central casting for what were talking about, and it hit him very hard. Ive never seen anything like it. Last year the president mentioned Chera at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, describing him as one of the biggest builders and real estate people in the world. Hes a great guy, and hes been with me from the beginning. The Real Deal said: Cheras savvy and willingness to chase big-ticket deals elevated him and Crown into the citys retail pantheon. It quoted Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate investor and developer, saying: Stanley loved the chase. He knew what the trend lines looked like before anybody else does. Its not dissimilar from being a great hedge fund manager someone who can see through a particular environment, a particular marketplace, and see how a customer is going to buy. Chera was born in Brooklyn in 1942. The firm he founded, Crown Acquisitions, is run by his sons Isaac and Richard, while another son, Stanley, is head of retail at Vornado. The Associated Press contributed to this report Film producer Karim Moranis daughter Shaza was discharged from hospital on Sunday after testing negative for the coronavirus twice. In an interview to The Times Of India, Shaza said that shes happy to be back home and hopes that her father Karim Morani and actress sister Zoa, who are also coronavirus-positive, recover soon. Shaza had tested positive for the virus last Monday and later, Zoa too got infected. Karim Moranis reports came in later and all trio were being treated at different hospitals in Mumbai. Ive been tested negative twice, so Im being discharged from the hospital. I am very happy to be going home. However, as a safety precaution, I have to self-quarantine at home for 14 more days. A big thank you to all the doctors, nurses, cleaners and pantry workers for taking care of me so selflessly. I hope with all my heart that all of them remain safe and go home to their families soon, Shaza told TOI. On being asked about her father and sister, Shaza said, Theyre doing well. I am hoping to have them home as soon as possible. Shaza had returned from Sri Lanka in the first week of March. However, she showed no symptoms but tested positive while Zoa had returned from Rajasthan around mid-March, had a few symptoms. She initially tested negative but was found positive for the virus later. Their parents and other family members were put under quarantine, but later Karim Morani was tested positive for COVID-19. Karim Morani is a well-known name in the industry. He has produced many Bollywood films, including Shah Rukh Khan's 'Ra.One', 'Chennai Express', 'Happy New Year' and 'Dilwale'. KAMPALA The State Minister for Economic Monitoring, Ms Molly Kamukama, has lost his father. Canon James Kituuha died on Easter Sunday following a long illness. It is with extreme sadness that I announce the passing on of my dad, Canon James Kituuha that occurred earlier today. He had been unwell for sometime and we all thank God for having granted him a long life. May his soul rest in eternal peace, Ms Kamukama posted. She said that the burial arrangements will be announced later. Kamukama, who had been the Presidents topmost secretary since November 2016, was in the Cabinet reshuffle released by State House recently, moved to the docket of Economic Monitoring under the Office of the President. Dr Kenneth Omona, who has been the deputy treasurer at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party Secretariat, was named to replace Ms Kamukama. Related Continue Reading Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Its the calm before the storm. As health care professionals nationwide reel from the COVID-19 pandemic amid dwindling supplies, surging casualties and overworked staff those in New Mexico anxiously wait their turn. And hope it doesnt come. Casey Vivian, a nurse at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, said there is an ominous atmosphere in the quiet hallways and empty hospital beds. Its kind of an eerie feeling, she said. Because youre thinking OK, when is the surge going to happen? When is it going to get to the point that we have no option but to fill these rooms?' The warning signs are there, Vivian said, with emails on updated policies and procedures flooding her inbox, the hospital designating a floor for COVID-19 patients and infection numbers soaring in surrounding Bernalillo County. She and her colleagues worry about getting infected with COVID-19 themselves and bringing it home to their families. Nursing in general, you go to work and you dont really know what youre going to get that day, but this is like a whole nother ball game, she said. Its just unreal and nothing weve dealt with before the whole state is shut down, the whole nation is going through it. So far, the state has seen 1,174 cases and 20 deaths. As of Saturday evening, there were 78 hospitalized and 235 deemed recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health. State officials have said their modeling projects 2,100 to 4,700 deaths over the next 12 months, although modeling done by the University of Washingtons Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation is estimating 192 deaths through June. Law enforcement has been called on to enforce social distancing protocols and stay-at-home orders leveled by the governor in the hope of flattening the curve and preventing a possible catastrophe. State health officials are projecting that New Mexico will reach its peak later this month or in May. When that happens, theyre expecting shortages of hospital beds, intensive care beds and ventilators. For those on the front lines, in converted COVID-19 units and hospitals turned ghost towns in anticipation of a surge, all there is to do is wait. A new normal The pandemic has created a new normal for those in the health care industry here. Some workers are stripping down in their garages so they dont bring the virus home. Others are considering moving out of their homes to ensure their familys welfare while answering the call of duty. Hospitals stockpile protective equipment to be disinfected and reused to protect their workers again when the expected surge comes. If, and when, that surge does come, those who work to both heal the sick and comfort the dying will be some of the most at risk. You can feel the fear of the health care workers. What if they (contract the virus)? Or their loved one is the next one because they got involved and tried to take care of this patient? said Dr. Irfan Kahn, the incident commander for the pediatric ICU and inpatient services at Presbyterian. And theres this innate urge to jump in and help patients who are (dying). In a trend being reported across the nation and world, thousands of health care workers are becoming sick themselves and putting a strain on an already fragile situation. According to The New York Times, more than 3,000 doctors became infected with COVID-19 in China. In Spain, health workers made up 14% of the countrys confirmed cases. In America, according to BuzzFeed, at least 5,400 doctors, nurses and other medical staff have contracted the virus. Its hard to say where New Mexico stands as the DOH hasnt released numbers on infected health care personnel. Eleanor Chavez, the executive director for the local chapter of National Union of Health Care and Hospital Employees, said union members have reported some colleagues contracted the virus as others await test results in quarantine. Meanwhile, Chavez said, they have been inundated with calls from hospital employees who have concerns about the virus. One respiratory therapist even sought guidance on creating a will. We have workers that have called and said, I need to be away from work because I have an at-risk family member; we have other workers who have called about being immuno-compromised and will their hospital make accommodations because of their age or health; we have employees who are concerned about being contaminated, infected, exposed and having to go home, Chavez said. Vivian, the nurse at Presbyterian, said she doesnt know any colleagues who have tested positive. But that doesnt make treating COVID-19 patients any less stressful for those, like her, who have families at home. Thats the scary thing. I think most nurses, theyre more prone to being carriers and being asymptomatic because our immunities are so used to being around superbugs all the time in the hospital, Vivian said. My mind definitely does go there, like OK, what if I am asymptomatic and then I bring it home?' Her daily routine involved bleaching all her items before leaving the hospital, taking her shoes off at the door, stripping down and throwing the clothes in the washer before jumping into the shower. And then, when Im done doing all of that, I hug my daughter and my husband. But until then, Im like, Dont touch me,' Vivian said. Dr. Jake Imber, whose team cares for COVID-19 patients at the University of New Mexico Hospital, has talked about moving out of the house to protect his fiancee, who is pregnant and due in early May. Were in a situation where youre trying to do a risk-benefit evaluation on something where risks are not well understood, Imber said. I think, especially if the situation worsens, I will probably move away. Safeguarding supplies Those who work in the UNMH Intensive Care Unit, where COVID-19 patients are treated, are saving personal protective equipment, or PPE, and masks after each shift. Presbyterian Hospital, near Downtown Albuquerque, is saving PPE to be disinfected and used again. There is a short supply of the masks. We are not using (protective equipment) for all the patients that we see. Which is probably not the best thing to do, Kahn said. At Rust, Vivian said they have all the PPE they need. At least for now. There is always that worry, like what if we run out? Because there is a shortage are we going to get what we need if this huge surge happens, are we going to have adequate protection? she said. Possible shortages and availability is especially concerning with the virus ability to live on surfaces for long periods, be airborne and its lengthy incubation period. Especially in the hospital, you could be exposed anywhere, you touch one surface and then touch your face and there you go, Vivian said. She said, initially, the delays in test results in patients up to five days were especially frustrating. The whole time they are getting ruled out they are in precautions, she said. It can be a lot, gowning up and gowning down and really trying to prioritize your care. Now Vivian said she doesnt regularly see COVID-19 patients, or those with symptoms, as there is a designated unit and staff to handle the virus. But it could only be a matter of time. Weve really just been taking it day to day and we dont know what to expect, hoping for the best obviously, but it is kind of a weird, eerie feeling, not knowing whats coming, she said. Theyre definitely expecting it to get worse before it gets better. Scarlet letter As health care workers try to look after themselves, they also feel for the emotional anguish and needs of the patients. With strict protocols and hospitals allowing no visitors, Vivian said COVID-19 is like a scarlet letter. Were all going to be hyper-vigilant and limit how many times we come in the room. I imagine that feels crappy for them on that end, she said. Brianna Benzinger, the chaplain at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital, said the loneliness and fear a patient feels is often a void left for hospital employees to fill. They dont have family, friends and loved ones with them right now, which is really trying emotionally and spiritually, she said. Weve seen so much in the media of horrible, worst case outcomes. So people who do contract that virus, they are very scared and very alone. Benzinger said patients often feel ostracized due to the stigma around COVID-19 and alienation of only seeing health care workers sparingly and behind a mask. In that respect, both doctors and nurses said theyve taken on more of a counseling role. Everyone who tests positive and is hospitalized is very worried that they are going to die, Imber said. This is a different type of care. I do think there is more time and effort and energy being spent counseling patients and emotionally supporting them. Vanessa Johnson, a nurse in the UNMH Intensive Care Unit where COVID-19 patients are treated, said some cases are more difficult than others. She said one patient in particular comes to mind. A woman who is not only sick and alone, but also doesnt speak English. I feel awful because every time I walk in the room with my terrible Spanish I can tell her very little. It must be terrifying, Johnson said. She doesnt speak the language and shes not from here. Its only me. And Im wearing a big mask, Im, wearing eye shields, a bonnet, a gown. She cant see my face. She must be terrified. NMS LATEST NUMBERS Number of positive tests: 1,174 Number of negative tests: 27,518 Reported recoveries: 235 Number of deaths: 20 source: NMDOH Coronavirus Hotline: 1-855-600-3453 Non-health related COVID-19 questions: 1-833-551-0518 Dr Cillian De Gascun, a consultant virologist and director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, said that they are expecting to test between 5,000 to 7,000 people a day this week (Brian Lawless/PA) 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. On Saturday, 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 over the coming days. This week we're expecting to (carry out) between 5,000 to 7,000 a day and then the 15,000 will probably be the second half of next week at best, assuming everything goes according to plan Dr Cillian De Gascun In an interview with Newstalk, Dr De Gascun said the goal of reaching 15,000 tests a day will not be reached over the next two days. This week were expecting to (carry out) between 5,000 to 7,000 a day and then the 15,000 will probably be the second half of next week at best, assuming everything goes according to plan. We are still expecting new equipment to come on stream and that hasnt arrived yet so theres still a number of steps that were expecting but certainly our capacity has increased dramatically. Dr De Gascun said that when Ireland is able to carry out 15,000 tests a day, it will aspire to have tests results back within 24 or 36 hours. He added: That will happen because the structure is now in place to allow that to happen. People will think that this is sort of me making excuses, Im trying to just explain what happened, we have had to set up a brand new pathway for this testing process because typically patients will be tested either in hospital or theyll be tested through GPs. GPs werent an option from the early stages of this because we were trying to keep people away from surgeries from an infection control perspective. Theres been a new structure put in place by the National Ambulance Service which has been phenomenal, theres now a new GP referral system. We would envisage people calling their GPs, say for example on a Monday, they get an electronic referral, they will need to be sampled at one of the community hubs on Tuesday, that sample will come to the lab, and the results will be available on the Wednesday or the Thursday. Yuzhmash Rocket production uprom.info Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said that Ukraine has made a huge contribution to the development of astronautics and should revive its rocket and space industry. He wrote about this on his Facebook page. "Today, the whole world is celebrating the first space flight with human participation. Ukraine has made a huge contribution to the development of astronautics. It was Serhiy Korolev, who was born in Zhytomyr, who designed the first manned spacecraft that launched a man into space. Ukrainian rocket launchers are now admired by the professional community," the message reads. Yermak also said that the task of the government is to revive our space and rocket industry. I would like us to always want more and set ambitious goals, the head of the Presidents Office concluded. Related: Starlink: SpaceX successfully launches fourth batch of satellites Earlier Russian spacecraft are trailing a US satellite used to spy on other countries, according to Gen John Raymond, the commander of the US Space Force, the Business Insider reports. The two Russian satellites have come within 100 miles of the US satellite, and the US has raised concerns about the matter to Moscow through diplomatic channels, Raymond told Time magazine's W.J. Hennigan, who first reported the story on Monday. In November, Russia launched "a satellite that subsequently released a second satellite," and the pair have been behaving similarly to a set that Russia previously labeled "inspector satellites," Raymond said. He said "in any other domain," such a move "would be interpreted as potentially threatening behavior." The Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, did not respond to a request for comment. Antony Fernando By Express News Service NAGAPATTINAM: Nagai district administration has revealed the identity of a COVID-19 patient who is a 73-year-old doctor. The officials appeal to the public to come out if they had met or received treatment from the physician in the past three weeks. The administration has officially revealed the identity of the Nagapattinam-based retired government physician cum private medical practitioner who recently tested positive for COVID-19. The doctor's name is Dr C Kumarappan (73). District Collector Praveen P Nair said, We are compelled to disclose the details of the patient Dr C Kumarappan. It is our last resort in unearthing the contact history, tracking and finding them all before the virus spreads. We request the people who had met him, or got treated by him or had a medical consultation from him in the past three weeks, to come forward and contact us, so that we can help in treating them. Malar Clinic located in Sattaiyappar Keezha Veedhi Street (Photo|EPS/ R Shreevardhan) The physician Dr C Kumarappan was actively practising in his clinic named Malar Clinic, located in Sattaiyappar Keezha Veedhi Street in Nagapattinam since his retirement from government services about 15 years ago. The clinic was closed around March 26. However, he had continued to treat patients who had come to meet him, at his house in Kadampadi in Velipalayam for about two following weeks. Ironically, the patients were also those who had visited him to check for COVID-19 symptoms. Dr Kumarappan started feeling symptoms like sore throat and difficulty in breathing, around last week. Dr Kumarappan then met the doctors in Nagapattinam Government General Hospital for treatment. His samples were sent for a test in Government Tiruvarur Medical College, where it was revealed on April 9, that Dr Kumarappan was 'COVID-19 Positive'. Dr Kumarappans details were kept confidential similar to the details of any other COVID-19 patient, until Sunday. Dr Kumarappan gave the officials a list of a few people who had met him, whom he recollected from his memory. The officials tried to find out Dr Kumarappan's complete contact history a process which they admitted as gruelling and required public support. Then, they decided that Protection of the Patients Identity would not help any longer, when they have to track them all as soon as possible before it becomes a 'community spread'. Nagapattinam district administration came up with his details and an appeal to the public on Sunday. We have tracked over 50 people so far, including some of his patients, family members, employees, neighbours and those who delivered essential items at his house. We do not rule out that a potential COVID-19 patient, from whom Dr Kumarappan may have got infected, is still out there. We now want everyone who had met him, to be tested and treated, said a senior medical official. Nagapattinam district administration has requested the people who had met Dr Kumarappan to contact the officials through the contact numbers 9751425002 and 9500493022. By Express News Service On Sunday afternoon, Karnataka registered 17 new cases of Corona virus bringing the total number of cases to 232, including 6 deaths and 54 discharges as a whole. The new cases are largely contacts of those who attended Tabhligi Jamat event along with contacts of those who worked in the pharma company in Nanjangud, which has created cluster transmission in Mysuru. Patient 216, a 32-year-male from Mysuru was a contact of patient 88, a 24-year-old male who worked in the same pharma company. Bengaluru saw more cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) with a 75-year-old woman and 76-year-old male testing positive in Bengaluru. Another 2-year-old boy also tested positive with SARI from Kalaburagi, with no contact of travel history found by the Department of Health and Family Welfare as of yet. Another case in the BBMP limits, is of a 58-year-old male who had a history of travel to Indonesia and returned on March 21. Vijayapura district joined the list of COVID-19 district registering 6 new cases, including 3 children. These include a 60-year-old woman showing symptoms of SARI. For the following 5 cases, the contact tracing is in progress by the Health department in Vijayapura. They include a 13-year-old male, 12-year-old female, 10-year-old male, 49-year-old male and 20-year-old female. A 24-year-old woman and a 38-year old woman from Kalaburagi, who were contacts of patient 177, a 65-year-old male from Kalaburagi with SARI, also tested positive. Three contacts of patient 150, a 41-year-old female from Belagavi who attended Tabhligi Jamat tested positive on Sunday. These include a 19-year old male, a 55-year-old male and a 25-year old male, all from Raibagh, Belagavi. A contact of patient 128, a 20 -year male from Belgavi who attended TJ Congregation also tested positive. This is a 38-year-old male from Hirebegawadi. Belagavi. 4 patients in ICU 168 COVID-19 positive patients including 1 pregnant woman are in isolation at designated hospitals are stable and 4 are in ICU. These include a 63 year old male resident of Bengaluru with a history of travel to South America-Brazil, Argentina, a 62 year old female resident of Bengaluru, a 63 year old male resident of Kerala with a travel history to Germany and arrived in Bengaluru through Abhudhabi on March 21 and a 66-year-old male with SARI symptoms and history of travel to Manipur. More than 20,000 children will have free access to community kindergartens across Queensland until June. The Queensland government will spend $17million on the program to keep 465 centres across the state open for term 2, 2020. 'This is great news for the 22,000 children that attend community kindergarten,' Education Minister Grace Grace told media on Sunday. 'What this announcement means is that parents can now maintain and continue their enrollment in community kindergarten, because it will be free for term two,' she said. She said it means roughly 2,700 workers who are employed in community kindergarten centres will have work. The move has been welcomed by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission's Dr Lee-Anne Perry who said it was important for young learners to have continuity and stability. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks during a press conference at Parliament House in Brisbane, Australia, 8 April Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says a statement about schooling for term two would be made on Tuesday. Amid reports that online learning could be relied on in term two, Ms Palaszczuk acknowledged there were issues for internet access in some areas. 'For people who have not got the internet, they can get hard copies of the curriculum,' Ms Palaszczuk said. 'But also we will be looking at other means that people will be able to get options to study through television networks as well.' Queensland recorded an additional 12 confirmed cases of coronavirus overnight, bringing the state's revised total to 983 confirmed cases. About 72,000 tests have been conducted and 12 people remain in intensive care in Queensland hospitals. More than a third of Queenslanders who tested positive to COVID-19 have recovered and the rate of infection is dropping. Queensland Police were out in force on Easter Saturday (pictured) checking who is coming into the state at the border with New South Wales 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 On Saturday a staff member from an Ipswich pharmacy at Riverlink Shopping Centre was a confirmed case of coronavirus and as a result nine fellow workers are now in quarantine. The state was a long way from lifting restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of coronavirus, Ms Palaszczuk said. 'We're in this for the long haul,' she said. 'We haven't even started the climb of the curve yet.' Ms Palaszczuk said it was unfortunate that the state would see more deaths because of the disease in the future. But she said the level of fatalities depended on the steps made to prevent the spread of the virus. So far she said she has been 'overwhelmed' by the low levels of virus transmission in the state in recent weeks. Despite restrictions on non-essential travel, police have issued 598 fines for breaches and intercepted 76,086 vehicles at state borders where they have turned around 1,457 vehicles. Mizoram has intensified screening along inter-state and international borders following the surge in coronavirus cases in neighbouring states and countries, an official said on Sunday. Mizoram shares inter-state boundaries with Assam, Manipur and Tripura and also 722-km international border with Bangladesh and Myanmar. Kolasib district deputy commissioner H Lalthlangliana told PTI that screening is being maintained strictly at two entry points - Vairengte and Bairabi along the Mizoram-Assam border where entry of only essential commodities is allowed. "All drivers and handyman, who transported essential commodities are being screened carefully and commodities are sanitized," he said, adding that only those essential commodities, which have obtained prior permission from state Home department are allowed to enter the state. The DC aid that a sizeable numbers of policemen assisted by local volunteers have been deployed 24x7 in at least 63 points along the Mizoram-Assam border. Of the 63 entry gates, 43 are reachable by foot, he said. According to the deputy commissioner, at least 50 people from Mizoram, who attempted to cross the border without permission, have been apprehended and were quarantined at a designated quarantine facility in Thingdawl near Kolasib town. Security has also been tightened along the Mizoram- Tripura border after a man in Tripuras Damchera has been found infected with COVID-19. Official sources said on Sunday that disinfectant (sodium hypochloride) was sprayed at Langkaih bridge connecting Mizoram with Tripura and Medili bridge on Mizoram- Assam border on Saturday. The sources also said that at least 120 volunteers from Kanhmun village have been deployed along with policemen at entry point at Kanhmun on the Mizoram-Tripura border. Mizoram Transport minister TJ Lalnuntluanga also expressed concern about the safety of drivers and other workers involved in the import and supply of food and other essential commodities. He said that they should be given utmost care because they are at high risk as much as those health workers and security personnel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal City of Santa Fe officials are trying to put the best face on the cancellation of three key summer markets due to the coronavirus outbreak, but theres no denying the body blow to the local and state economy. Of course, it goes without saying that public safety is the first concern, but the decisions to cancel the Santa Fe Indian Market, the International Folk Art Market and the Traditional Spanish Market will result in untold suffering both for artists and vendors in New Mexico and for artisans from around the globe. The loss of the markets will also inevitably cause serious damage to restaurants, retailers, galleries and hotels in Santa Fe. But Randy Randall, director of tourism for the city of Santa Fe, remains optimistic about the summer tourist season. We will have a good summer even without the markets as Santa Fe has so much else to offer. The markets are really just three out of 52 terrific weekends, he said. Measuring market value Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams emergency order closing down all but essential businesses remains in place until April 30. The markets were to have taken place in July and August. Thats also the time frame for the Santa Fe Opera, which has not pulled the plug on its 2020 season, slated for July 3 through Aug. 29. According to Randall, the economic impact of Indian Market is about $50 million, excluding sales by artists. That event brings close to 60,000 visitors to the city. The International Folk Art Market has an economic impact of $18 million, including vendor sales, and draws 20,000 visitors, he said. While the Traditional Spanish Market attracts 40,000 to 50,000 visitors, Tourism Santa Fe cant put a value on the event because the Spanish Colonial Arts Society declined to participate in a city-sponsored study. The Santa Fe Opera has a direct economic impact on the state of New Mexico of more than $200 million and draws 90,000 visitors annually, according to the Operas figures. Reframing the picture The governors stay-at-home order also has affected the museums, historic sites and cultural institutions run by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, including such popular venues as the New Mexico Museum of Art on the Santa Fe Plaza, the Museum of International Folk Art on Museum Hill and the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. In a telephone interview, Debra Garcia y Griego, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, didnt mince words in discussing the impact of coronavirus on the states arts economy. In the short term, artists and creative industry workers have lost the majority of their revenues. Were grateful for funding (at the state and federal level) that is available. Its vital to seeing artists and nonprofits through this difficult time, Garcia y Griego said. In the long term, it will take several years to understand the impact of COVID-19, she added. The disruption to the states cultural economy will result in the reframing of longstanding events, and in creative workers finding new ways to reach their patrons and customers, Garcia y Griego said. As the former director of the Santa Fe Arts Commission, Garcia y Griego has a unique perspective on arts in the Land of Enchantment, having administered programs at both the city and the state level. While not underplaying the harsh reality of market cancellations and museum closures on arts workers, Garcia y Griego sees a silver lining for New Mexicos culture industry: It will force museums, galleries and artists to embrace new technology that will help them reach more customers than they could by merely showing off their wares at markets and galleries. Garcia y Griego pointed to the Poeh Cultural Center in Pojoaque as a Native-run arts group that is moving quickly to embrace online programming. Its great to see people moving and exploring new ideas in the crisis, she said. Were going to be better on the other side. She said the shift to online programming is already happening within the Department of Cultural Affairs, which has an operating budget of $32.9 million for the current fiscal year. For instance, the National Hispanic Cultural Center is starting an online series exploring what the museum staff collects in their own homes and is posting to keep people connected to such recurring programs as the Happy Arte Hour and Vamos al Museo. On April 10, the Department of Cultural Affairs kicked off a series of virtual concerts under the banner of Our Fair New Mexico featuring New Mexican musicians. The first concert was headlined by New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez, whose family has deep roots in the states music scene. Starving artists A 2014 study by UNMs Bureau of Business & Economic Research that was commissioned by the Department of Cultural Affairs sheds some light on how high the stakes are for New Mexico. Though the numbers are outdated, the comprehensive study paints a compelling portrait of the importance of artists, artisans and vendors to the states economy. At the time, arts and cultural industries broadly defined including people employed in cultural tourism, art and cultural education and industries linked to the culture of the state accounted for nearly one in 10 jobs in New Mexico. Specifically, the study found the states arts and cultural industries employed 76,780 persons. According to the study, the arts and cultural sector contributed $5.6 billion a year to New Mexicos economy, with $2.2 billion in wages and salaries paid to cultural workers annually. New Mexicans are, to a much greater extent than residents of other states, employed professionally as artists and artisans, in galleries and museums, and in other activities and industries most closely associated with the creative aspects of arts and culture, said the study, which was conducted under the leadership of Jeffrey Mitchell of UNMs BBER. Unfortunately, many of these jobs are low paying. Arts and culture workers earned an average annual salary of $29,349, compared to a national average of $48,860 for similar workers, at the time the study was done. The study noted that New Mexicans were far less likely than their counterparts in other states to be employed in rapidly growing and higher paying applied fields, such as media, advertising and software publishing. The Taliban said it would on Sunday release the first prisoners in a delayed exchange deal with the Afghan government -- a potential breakthrough after the insurgents walked out of talks with Kabul last week. The announcement comes as fears rose that an avenue for fragile peace talks between the two sides was being undercut by mounting disagreements over the prisoner swap, considered key to paving the way for negotiations. "Today, 20 prisoners of the Kabul administration will be released," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter, adding that the group would be handed over to representatives of the Red Cross in the southern city of Kandahar. A member of the Taliban's prisoner commission later told AFP the insurgents were still working out technical details with the Red Cross but were hoping to release the group in the coming hours. The Afghan government has pressed ahead with freeing hundreds of Taliban prisoners over the past week, despite complaints from the insurgent group about the piecemeal nature of the releases. Washington signed a landmark deal with the Taliban in February that promised the withdrawal of US and foreign troops from Afghanistan by next summer, provided the militants start talks with Kabul and adhere to other guarantees. The agreement established a framework for bringing to an end America's longest war following the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 that toppled the Taliban regime. However, the group remerged and their subsequent deadly insurgency has destabilised multiple governments. The deal requires the Afghan government -- which was not a signatory to the accord -- to free up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners, and for the militants to release 1,000 pro-government captives in return. - 'Goodwill step' - The exchange was supposed to have happened by March 10, allowing peace talks to begin, but has been beset with problems. Kabul has claimed the Taliban want 15 of their "top commanders" to be released, while the insurgents have accused Afghan authorities of needlessly wasting time. A small Taliban team met with the government to discuss a comprehensive prisoner swap last week, but walked out of the talks soon after officials offered a gradual release of the prisoners. Sunday's announcement came after the head of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan met with insurgent leaders to discuss a reduction in violence in the war-weary country. The Taliban cautioned that their decision to release a group of prisoners did not mean that the talks with Kabul were being restarted. "No, the process is not back on, but this is a goodwill step by the [Taliban] to accelerate the prisoner exchange process," insurgent spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP. Javid Faisal, spokesman for the Afghan National Security Council, chided the insurgents for not starting the process earlier, saying a reduction in violence and subsequent ceasefire between the two sides was needed. "They should also prepare for a face-to-face meeting with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," said Faisal. The insurgents have stepped up their attacks on Afghan security forces in government-controlled areas across the country and accused US forces of aiding the Afghan government with air support, causing civilian casualties. Washington signed a key deal with the Taliban in February that promised the withdrawal of US and foreign troops from Afghanistan by next summer, provided the militants start talks with Kabul and adhere to other guarantees, including a prisoner exchange In the late 1800s, atati (Little Falcon Robe), a Qlispe (Pend dOreille) Tribal member, established a wild bison herd on the Flathead Reservation as the species was being wiped out across the Great Plains. atatis heroic action helped save the species from extinction and was pivotal in the establishment of herds elsewhere in the U.S. and Canada. His heroism also led to the creation of the National Bison Range. U.S. Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester recently introduced the Montana Water Rights Protection Act, which would ratify the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Water Compact and restore management of the National Bison Range to the CSKT. We commend Tester and Daines for introducing the bill, and we're pleased that the legislation will enable the tribes to manage the NBR. Because of the CSKTs long and impressive history of conservation on the Flathead Reservation and the tribes profound relationship to bison, we can think of no other agency or government entity more qualified or more committed to managing the National Bison Range than the CSKT. The tribes remarkable record of wildland and wildlife protection is clear in the reservations 400,000-acre conservation network an astonishing size given that the Flathead Reservation is just over 1.2 million acres. The cornerstone of that network is the 92,000-acre Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness Area, the first actively-managed wilderness area in the U.S. designated by a tribal government, in 1972. The wilderness area includes a buffer zone around its west end and a designated primitive area around its south end. Within it is a 10,000-acre grizzly bear conservation area, the first of many examples demonstrating how committed the CSKT are to wildlife management. The tribes have set aside two large areas intended to maintain the long-term health of elk and big horn sheep herds, and have also taken the lead on reintroducing trumpeter swans, peregrine falcons, northern leopard frogs and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse to the Mission Valley. Perhaps nothing so exemplifies the tribes dedication to wildlife protection and habitat preservation than the reconstruction of Highway 93 through the Flathead Reservation some 20 years ago. The highways wildlife overpasses, underpasses and fencing have significantly reduced wildlife fatalities and preserved crucial wetlands. This highway design, the wildlife conservation areas and the reintroductions are a testament to the tribes fish and wildlife managers, as skilled and qualified as any in the world. Some question whether the CSKT could properly manage the National Bison Range. We believe, however, that this is based on cultural biases rather than valid concerns regarding CSKTs ability to manage the range. Despite what some have claimed, restoring management of the National Bison Range to the CSKT, while keeping the range in federal trust ownership and accessible to all, has nothing to do with the issue of lands transfer and we say this as representatives of organizations that have been at the forefront of keeping public lands in public hands. Restoring management to the CSKT is about doing whats just. The 1855 Hellgate Treaty reserved the Bison Range land for the CSKT, but in 1908 the federal government appropriated that land without the consent of the CSKT. This was one in a long line of injustices that the federal government perpetrated against the CSKT and other Indigenous nations in the U.S., a line that included the wanton destruction of bison. With their profound spiritual, cultural and material connection to bison, the CSKT had the foresight to establish a wild bison herd. If it were not for the CSKT, there would be no National Bison Range, and possibly no bison. Lets honor that connection and foresight and enable the CSKT to manage this national treasure. John Todd is deputy director at Montana Wilderness Association. Amy McNamara is Northern Rockies director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Scott Brennan is Montana state director at The Wilderness Society. Tom France is the regional executive director of the Northern Rockies, Prairies and Pacific Regional Center at the National Wildlife Federation. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 Heres The Oregonians weekly look at the numbers behind the states economy. View prior installments here. Oregons economy has fallen off the table in the last few weeks as the coronavirus outbreak took hold. One in every eight Oregon workers has been laid off, restaurants, bars and hotels have closed and air travel has all but ceased. As the state hunkers down it stands to reason that energy use would fall off, too. Thats what a researcher at the University of Chicago found when he looked at electricity consumption nationwide and around the world in a study cited in The New York Times this past week. That study suggested power usage in the U.S. may have plunged as much as 8% during the pandemic. In the Northwest, though, declines arent nearly that steep if there are any declines at all. An Oregonian/OregonLive analysis of Bonneville Power Administration data shows that power demand has risen modestly since the governors of Oregon and Washington issued their stay-home orders late last month, compared to the same period in 2019. There are several possible explanations. Weather: Skies were sunny this past week but nights have been cold. Power use rises in cool weather. Factories: When Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee ordered their states residents to stay home, they did not order manufacturing to shut down. Boeing shut its Washington factories last month but most Oregon manufacturers continued operating until this week, when Gunderson, Evraz and Precision Castparts all set plans to scale back. Data centers: Lucrative tax breaks have made Oregon and Washington major hubs for server farms, which are huge electricity consumers. Those data centers are now running corporate networks for remote workers and streaming Netflix movies to families who cannot go to the theater. Homes: Most people arent going to work but they still need power to light and heat their homes, and to run their computers. We arent seeing what we consider to be a drop in loads, said David Wilson, spokesman for the BPA, which provides more than a quarter of the electricity in the Northwest. They are running equal to last year levels. Our belief is that residential has offset some of the declining commercial. Portland General Electric spokesman Steve Corson said the utility has seen a slight decline in demand, with power use shifting from very early in the day to a little later in the morning. Massoud Jourabchi is an economic analyst for the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. He said that some local utilities have reported increased power use in recent weeks. In Idaho, he said, agricultural production has kept energy use high. In the bedroom communities of Snohomish County north of Seattle, Jourabchi said home power use thats fueling the power demand. The economy is cratering and Jourabchi said that if the coronavirus recession lasts for an extended period, as many fear, power use will inevitably trend downward. In the short term, though, he said power demand has remained relatively steady as businesses, industries and households adjust to the new normal. Some sectors are going up, some are going down, Jourabchi said. Overall, I think the weather is going to affect (power use) more than COVID-19. -- David Cansler -- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. A medical worker takes samples for SARS-CoV-2 tests in Ha Loi village, Me Linh commune, Me Linh district in Hanoi (Photo: VNA) On April 11th, 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./. The Governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday, disclosed that the state had recorded a third case of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). He said, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, that the sample of the case which was taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo, for testing, returned positive. Earlier today, a third case of the COVID-19 was confirmed in the state and the patient is already receiving attention in one of our facilities designated for that purpose. I am pleased to report that the patient is in stable condition and is responding well to treatment from our team of medical professionals. READ ALSO: In consonance with the rules and according to international best practices as enunciated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the state government urges Deltans, especially Christians to worship from home as the lockdown order is still in force. We thank Deltans for their support so far and urge them to continue to obey relevant instructions as it has become apparent that the virus is spreading in the state. We will continue to partner theFederal Government on effective implementation of its regulations on measures to curtail further spread of the virus in our state and country, the governor said. Weve finally arrived at Easter Sunday. It comes at the conclusion of one of the most exhausting, challenging Lenten seasons in living memory. Easter is here after weeks of people being deprived of contact with friends and loved ones outside their immediate families, or even the simple pleasure of being able to gather in person for religious services. Many of us are emotionally and spiritually exhausted. Theres no denying that its rather depressing to confront the prospect of an Easter without a trip to church, a big meal with extended family and all the other traditional trappings of the holiday. But regardless of whats happening in our world, the power and importance of Easter remain just as they always are. Even in this time of trouble, we must not forget the message of the day that represents the heart of Christian belief the risen Christ. As the Bible says in John 20:1-9: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we dont know where they have put him! In Mark 16:5-7, an angel explains what has happened: As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. Dont be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! There are many ways for the faithful to approach their Easter celebration at this unusual time. Current circumstances can even enhance the meaning of the holiday, putting aside some of the celebratory frills and focusing on the message. Recently The Associated Press asked pastors and theologians about their planned Easter messages, and they offered an interesting range of ideas Robert Franklin, a professor at Emory Universitys Candler School of Theology, drew parallels between recent days and the trials endured by Jesus. The first Easter with its joyful surprise emerged out of suffering, fear, suspicion, death, sorrow and grief, Franklin wrote. Easter in the time of COVID-19 is closer existentially to that first Easter than to our customary cultural festivals of self-indulgence and triumphalism. The Rev. Steven Paulikas of All Saints Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., finds significance in preaching his Easter sermon before an empty church. Its started me thinking about the empty tomb, he said, referring to Christs resurrection after his crucifixion. That emptiness was actually the first symbol of this new life. The Rev. Bob Stec of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Brunswick, Ohio, wants to deliver a message of hope that reinforces the power of religious faith in difficult times. This is one of those wake-up calls, he said. Were more aware than ever how desperately we need God in our lives. The opportunity to return to God is here today as Christians celebrate Jesus victory over death for all, rich and poor, sinner and saint alike. Remember during these challenging times that the hope represented by Easter helped sustain Christians whose faith was tested by far greater difficulties than this. Focusing on eternal truths reminds us that the troubles were facing are temporary. Religious faith is a valuable tool at this time. Let us use it to counteract cynicism and negativity. It doesnt mean we should wait for a miracle. Rather, it should guide and inspire us to do what is necessary to protect our neighbors and ourselves and to help the many who are in need due to this crisis. Even and perhaps especially at a time like this, the promise of new life is evident for all in this season of spring. May the hope of a brighter day ahead be an inspiration to all, and the example of Jesus of the Gospels brighten our world by inspiring the service, sacrifice and love he exemplified by giving of himself so fully. Kupwara: Security personnel take position during a gunfight with militants in Yaroo village of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, on March 28, 2019. One militant was killed in the gunfight. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Srinagar, April 12 : Three civilians were killed on Sunday in shelling by Pakistani troops on the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K's Kupwara district on Sunday. "Two civilians died in Kupwara and one in Handwara," SSP, Kupwara, Shriram Ambarkar told IANS. Sources said three people, including a woman and a baby, were killed when a mortar shell fired by Pakistani troops exploded in civilian area of Kupwara district close to the LoC. The Pakistan Army had violated the ceasefire on the LoC in Kupwara district on Sunday morning after which the Indian positions retaliated effectively. Reports said firing exchanges have now stopped in the area and district officials including police are evacuating residents living close to the LoC in these areas. The area has been tense for the last few days as there was heavy exchange of gunfire and shelling at the LoC in Keran sector in Kupwara since Friday. In the Bibles Book of Matthew, it is in the 18th chapter that verses 19 and 20 assure us that our Jesus said, Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." It is that simple. As we face an Easter Sunday unlike any we have ever known, I believe with all my heart this is true. In December I woke up in a hospital room after my leg had to be amputated and before I could bemoan my fate, eight words leapt into my soul: Be still, and know I am God. Those words from Psalm 46:10, have carried me for a long way since my life took a dramatic twist. Today Id much rather stand from the pew and loudly sing, Up from the Grave He Arose but that is not to be. As I read story after story on the coronavirus and learn more have died from the scourge in America than in any other country (late Saturday afternoon it was 20,254 with 2,006 in the last 24 hours), Easter and its rebirth have never been as important and, to so many of us, held more meaning. As shocking and as horrible as it is when names of my personal friends are added to the body count, I am comforted to know that because of Easter, and its promise of everlasting life, that is all that matters and one day Ill be with those friends again. Yet today, with sorrow and fear our closest companions as we venture out for milk and bread, remember The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged." And, of course, our favorite from the 23rd Psalm: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. In the last few weeks as I have read of frenzied emergency rooms, and of two doctors in Chattanooga who have contracted the virus as they have intubated their neighbors, I constantly read Psalm 91 is our national go-to verse for both believers and non-believers alike: * * * PSALM 91, FROM THE KING JAMES VERSION OF THE HOLY BIBLE He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation * * * SOME WAYS YOU CAN WORSHIP TODAY * -- I WONDER IF YOU KNOW HIM? Rev. S.M. Lockridge has been one of my favorite pastors for years. During one of his sermons, he described Jesus Christ in what has become a legendary poem-like description. Thats My King! is the most delightful 5:05 youll spend today. CLICK HERE. * -- THE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED is also by S.M. Lockridge. This was preached in San Diego on Nov. 21, 1982, and while Dr. Lockridge went to his Heavenly reward on April 4, 2000, at age 87 but this sermon is more popular 20 years later than it was at the time. CLICK HERE. * -- THE CLASSIC RESURRECTION SERMON 'The Dawn of a New Day'. Millions have watched this masterpiece by Bishop G.E. Patterson. Time: 8:15 CLICK HERE. * -- EASTER SUNDAY by Billy Graham. Dr. Graham died in February 2018 after leading an estimated 3.2 million to Christ. This is how he did it. CLICK HERE. * -- PUT GOD FIRST -- Denzel Washington Motivational and Inspiring Commencement Speech. In a commencement address to Dillard College speech at Dillard University, Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington told the college graduates to put God first in everything they do, adding that everything he has accomplished in this life was due to the grace of God. CLICK HERE. * * * Here are some FABULOUS EASTER SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES: SPECIAL EASTER PROGRAMMING ON FOX Easter Sunday services from St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City with Pope Francis will begin at 5 a.m. ET, with continuing coverage on FOX & Friends Weekend. Co-hosts Pete Hegseth, Griff Jenkins and Jillian Mele will speak with priests and pastors throughout the morning. Sandra Smith will take over at 10 a.m. ET, anchoring a two-hour bloc of holiday content that will feature Fox News correspondents, priests, pastors and rabbis on site at both Easter and Passover celebrations. Franklin Graham, the son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, will deliver a special Easter message from the Samaritans Purse emergency field hospital in New York Citys Central Park at 10 a.m. (ET). Fox is preempting its regular Sunday news shows to air Graham's address and other Easter programming, including coverage from Pope Francis's service in Vatican City. The Sunday programming is titled, "America Together: Keeping the Faith." The news network will also carry online Easter Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, Washington's National Cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, as well as First Baptist Dallas and Saddleback Church. * * * WE CAN PRAY WITH THE WORLD AT 1 OCLOCK TODAY I hope and pray everyone in the world will join the great Italian tenor, Andrea Bochelli, today as he will lead us in hugging this wounded Earths pulsing heart. Today at 1 p.m. (in Chattanooga on YouTube and absolutely free to every viewer) he will perform a one-man Easter celebration from the beautiful Duomo Cathedral in Milan, Italy. Because of the coronavirus that thus far has taken more than 19,000 lives of his native countrymen, and added 1,971 more cases just yesterday, Milan is in strict quarantine and the cathedral will be empty except for a skeleton camera crew and the acclaimed organist Emanuele Vianelli on one of the largest pipe organs in the world. Yet while there will be no public access inside one of the worlds most beautiful of Holy Places, the Music for Hope concert will be live steamed all over our now-suffering world. In Australia, Berlin, Russia, Tokyo, and Hawaii, many millions will watch and pray with one another. On the day in which we celebrate the trust in a life that triumphs, Im honored and happy to answer Si to the invitation of the City and the Duomo of Milan," Bocelli said in a statement proclaiming todays performance. I believe in the strength of praying together; I believe in the Christian Easter, a universal symbol of rebirth that everyone whether they are believers or not truly needs right now," Bocelli continued. "Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world, we will hug this wounded Earths pulsing heart, this wonderful international forge that is reason for Italian pride. The generous, courageous, proactive Milan and the whole of Italy will be again, and very soon, a winning model, engine of a renaissance that we all hope for. It will be a joy to witness it, in the Duomo, during the Easter celebration which evokes the mystery of birth and rebirth. The pieces, specially arranged for solo voice and organ for the occasion, will include "Ave Maria" by Bach/Gounod and Mascagnis "Sancta Maria." * * * EASTER ACROSS AMERICA 7 P.M. Dozens of church leaders and Christian performers are uniting for a special Easter event on April 12 with the hope of bringing inspiration to everyone during the holiday. Author and Pastor Nona Jones will host "Easter Across America," a two-hour live video streaming event that is supported by the Christian aid group, World Vision, and Medi-Share. A large number of Christian pastors and performers such as Andy Stanley, Johnny Hunt, Phil Wickham, Michael W. Smith, Bob Goff, Nick Vujicic, Candace Payne, Central Live, Eugene Cho and many more have joined the event. "Easter Across America" is available free to watch at www.EasterAcrossAmerica.com and on Facebook on Sunday starting at 7 p.m. EDT, 6 p.m. CDT, 5 p.m. MDT, 4 p.m. PDT. * * * JOEL OSTEEN FROM HIS LAKEWOOD CHURCH Lakewood Church, the Houston-based megachurch owned by televangelist Joel Osteen, will stream an Easter service with a star-studded lineup. In addition to messages and music from Osteen and his wife Victoria, the service will feature remote performances by Kanye West (joined by his Sunday Service Choir) and Mariah Carey, who will sing her 1993 classic "Hero." Tyler Perry will also join the broadcast. Osteen's Easter Sunday services will stream on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. EDT and noon EDT. They will be available to watch live on Lakewoodchurch.com/Easter, as well as on Facebook, YouTube, Roku, Apple TV and SiriusXM Channel 128. * * * He is risen. He is risen indeed! royexum@aol.com Bigg Boss 13: Amid the coronavirus lockdown, Vikas Gupta and Shefali Jariwala recently did a LIVE Q/A session together. In the LIVE session, Vikas and Shefali discussed about Sidharth Shukla, Shehnaaz Gill's wedding. Bigg Boss 13 might be over but the talk around its popular contestants and controversies are certainly not. One of the most talked about couple of this season is none other than Sidnaaz- Sidharth Shukla and Shehnaaz Gill. While the on-screen couple were known to rake in TRPs with their crazy antics inside the house, their relationship status has become a hot topic for everyone after the shows wrap. In a recent LIVE interaction on Instagram, Shefali Jariwala and Vikas Gupta, who became friends in Bigg Boss 13, opened up about Sidnaaz and revealed whose side would they represent if Sidharth and Shehnaaz get married. During the chat, Shefali Jariwala expressed that she thinks Shehnaaz Gill and Sidharth Shukla are just friends. When she asks Vikas Gupta about whose side would he pick if the duo get married, Vikas responded obviously Sidharth. To this, Shefali added that she will represent Shehnaazs side. Shefali further adds that since Shehnaaz has now moved to Mumbai, long distance would now longer be an issue. Looking at the conversation between Shefali Jariwala and Vikas Gupta, Sidnaaz fans got excited and asked them to play cupid between Sidharth and Shehnaaz. Interestingly, Vikas Gupta and Shefali Jariwala, both dont share a very good bond with Shehnaaz Gill. Reports are rife that Shehnaaz Gill had a fall-out with Vikas on the sets of Mujhse Shaadi Karoge and later unfollowed him on Instagram. Also Read: After Mahira Sharma, Paras Chhabra reveals his mother was very happy seeing their wedding card While Shehnaaz Gill has confessed her love for Sidharth Shukla, the latter has maintained that they are just good friends. The on-screen couple recently featured in a music video titled Bhula Dunga, which has now garnered 50 million views on YouTube. Also Read: Coronavirus: Zoa Morani goes live with Varun Dhawan, reveals likely to get discharged in a day or two Also Read: Coronavirus lockdown: Pankaj Kapurs Office Office to make a comeback after almost two decades For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App After more than seven weeks without any recorded cases, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has now seen two deaths in recent days, with the latest victim being an 11-month-old girl, the World Health Organisation said on Sunday. The country had been due to mark the official end of the second-deadliest outbreak of the virus on record, but on Friday a 26-year-old electrician in the eastern city of Beni was found to have the disease. The 11-month-old girl had been treated at the same health centre as the electrician, Boubacar Diallo, deputy incident manager for the WHOs Ebola response, told Reuters. Officials say it is not yet clear how the electrician contracted Ebola. He had no known contacts with other Ebola patients and was not a survivor of the virus who could have relapsed, the government said on Friday. Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Show all 12 1 /12 Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Kamala Kahindo, 42, contracted Ebola from a child she was treating. After surviving the virus, show now works at a centre in Beni taking care of others. Alexis Huguet/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Kamala Kahindo, 42, contracted Ebola from a child she was treating. After surviving the virus, show now works at a centre in Beni taking care of others. Alexis Huguet/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Kamala Kahindo, 42, contracted Ebola from a child she was treating. After surviving the virus, show now works at a centre in Beni taking care of others. Alexis Huguet/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Christelle Muvingulwa, 14, contracted Ebola and survived. Now, she participates in the Children's parliament of Beni where she talks about her experience and educates others on symptoms and treatment. Alexis Huguet/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Christelle Muvingulwa, 14, contracted Ebola and survived. Now, she participates in the Children's parliament of Beni where she talks about her experience and educates others on symptoms and treatment. Alexis Huguet/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Christelle Muvingulwa, 14, contracted Ebola and survived. Now, she participates in the Children's parliament of Beni where she talks about her experience and educates others on symptoms and treatment. Alexis Huguet/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Eugenie Kahambu Kiyora, 23, contracted Ebola days after getting married from a patient she was taking care of. After surviving the disease, she is now eight-months pregnant with her first child. Kellie Ryan/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Eugenie Kahambu Kiyora, 23, contracted Ebola days after getting married from a patient she was taking care of. After surviving the disease, she is now eight-months pregnant with her first child. Kellie Ryan/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Eugenie Kahambu Kiyora, 23, contracted Ebola days after getting married from a patient she was taking care of. After surviving the disease, she is now eight-months pregnant with her first child. Kellie Ryan/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Jeanne Katungu, 38, contracted Ebola from her neighbour's child, who died on the way to the hospital. She now works at the Ebola Treatment Center in Beni. Kellie Ryan/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Jeanne Katungu, 38, contracted Ebola from her neighbour's child, who died on the way to the hospital. She now works at the Ebola Treatment Center in Beni. Kellie Ryan/IRC Forgotten Women: Survivors of Ebola 2019 Jeanne Katungu, 38, contracted Ebola from her neighbour's child, who died on the way to the hospital. She now works at the Ebola Treatment Center in Beni. Kellie Ryan/IRC Flare-ups or one-off transmissions are common towards the end of Ebola outbreaks, and a new case does not necessarily mean that the virus will spread out of control again. The Ebola virus causes fever, bleeding, vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads among humans through bodily fluids. The current outbreak has killed more than 2,200 people since August 2018 in an area of the country where militia violence hobbled efforts to contain it. During this outbreak it has killed about two thirds of those infected. Two new vaccines have helped contain the virus, though public mistrust and militia attacks prevented health workers from reaching some hard-hit areas. On Saturday, a group of angry young men threw stones at a team of WHO workers and Benis deputy mayor as they attempted to decontaminate the electricians home and trace his contacts, Mr Diallo said. For them, Ebola is over, he told Reuters. People here have some problems understanding how this case just came two days before the declaration of the end, Mr Diallo said. The deputy mayor was forced to abandon his car and escape by motorbike taxi, said Kambale Sabuni, head of the police in Beni. On Friday, after the first new case was discovered, the World Health Organisation said it was not entirely unexpected. While not welcome news, this is an event we anticipated. We kept response teams in Beni and other high risk areas for precisely this reason, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. The organisation said efforts were already underway to find everyone who may have been in contact with the person in order to offer them the vaccine and monitor their health status. By Sunday, this was believed to be in excess of 200 people. WHO has worked side by side with health responders from the DRC for over 18 months and our teams are right now supporting the investigation into this latest case, said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. Although the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic adds challenges, we will continue this joint effort until we can declare the end of this Ebola outbreak together. Additional reporting by Reuters Bleak House, the 1852 novel some consider Dickenss best, even traces the class lines of an epidemic, revealing its two-sided logic: Its threat is universal, but its real-world damage concentrates on the poor. Its the poorest and most socially marginalized people in the novel who disproportionately die of this disease, she said. That also has resonance for what were seeing now. Indeed it does. Among those disproportionately affected are the incarcerated, with outbreaks hitting the Rikers Island jail complex in New York City (more than 850 cases among inmates and staff), the Cook County jail in Chicago (more than 350 cases), and the Oakdale Federal Correctional facility in Louisiana (at least five inmate deaths). Mounting evidence also indicates the virus disproportionately hurts minorities, with data from New York City suggesting blacks and Latinos dying at twice the rate of whites. The share of poor families doubled up has been rising for at least two decades, said Hope Harvey, a Cornell University sociologist. After the Great Recession, researchers at the Census Bureau found 20 percent of children were living in shared households, including three-generation homes headed by grandparents. In urban areas, as many as half of children live in doubled-up housing by age 9. In a forthcoming article in the journal Social Problems, Ms. Harvey notes that such arrangements are frequently fraught with conflict and hidden psychological costs, as hosts resent the imposition and guests resent loss of control over matters like who comes and goes. Not being able to control who enters your household would be particularly scary right now, she said. Matthew Desmond, a Princeton sociologist who lived among low-income tenants in Milwaukee for his book Evicted, said substandard housing posed a threat to mental health even outside a pandemic. It sends people a message that their dignity and health arent important, he said. In addition to having more stable space, the affluent often have greater latitude to remain inside it. They can work on Zoom, shop on Amazon and have gig workers deliver meals. Often lacking credit cards, computers or other conveniences of middle-class life, the needy are accustomed to errands and lines. Its not just the errands that poor people run, its the time the errands take, Mr. Desmond said. The world tends to be very capricious with poor peoples time. My fear is this will increase their risk of exposure. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- The rate at which New York City residents are being hospitalized and dying from coronavirus (COVID-19) related illnesses appears to have flattened. Data from the citys Department of Health shows 326 new deaths reported from Saturday to Sunday, after 398 new deaths were reported on Saturday and 639 were reported on Friday. The death rate on Staten Island is dropping as well. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** Data shows 16 new deaths reported from Saturday to Sunday, after 29 new deaths were reported on Saturday and 31 were reported on Friday The fatalities on record do not include individuals who have died at home and were not tested for the coronavirus. As of this weekend, more Staten Islanders had lost their lives in connection to the virus than on Sept. 11, 2001. The statistics in New York City fall in line with statewide figures, as officials report a plateau in the number of deaths each day and a drop in the number of new hospitalizations. STATEN ISLAND HOSPITALS As of Sunday, a combined 500 patients were being treated for COVID-19 related issues at hospitals on Staten Island, which is 10 more than were reported Saturday. Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) was treating 271 patients at the Ocean Breeze location, and 61 patients in Princes Bay, a spokesman for the hospital said. Staff at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) were treating 168 patients, including 60 in the intensive care unit, a RUMC spokesman said. Despite the slight uptick in hospitalizations, data over the past three days appear to show the numbers stabilizing. Meanwhile, the number of patients discharged continues to increase. At RUMC, 161 COVID-19 patients have so far been treated and released, while SIUH reported Sunday that 675 patients had been discharged. Those figures represent an increase of 11 and 14, respectively, over a 24-hour-period. TESTING FOR ANTIBODIES Staten Island now has 7,784 total cases, which translates to an infection rate of 1,635 per 100,000 residents. As of Saturday evening, Staten Island continued to show the highest rate of infection, followed by the Bronx. The number of positive cases across the city is lower than what actually is the case, however, due to a lack of testing, city and state officials have said. Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday the city will open testing sites in low-income, minority neighborhoods that are among those hit hardest by the crisis, including a site on Staten Island. Hours later, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced at his daily press conference the state would allow more companies to begin testing for antibodies. Once this happens, residents found to already have been infected and fought off the virus could then return to the workforce, he said. When Ademola Adedigba proposed to his girlfriend, Halimah Sulaiman, last November, it was only a matter of time for him to claim his bride once they had their wedding in March this year. Mr Adedigba met his fiancee four years ago at a social gathering of a family friend and almost immediately, they began their love affair. Two years later, when he felt assured he had found the love of his life, he went down on his knees and popped the question. Their wedding plans began almost immediately. But then, the coronavirus pandemic hit, shattering all their plans. At first, like many Nigerians, Mr Adedigba felt undeterred by the outbreak of the virus which was first recorded in December in faraway China. But when the index case of COVID-19 was reported in Nigeria, fear began to creep in. It was not until 10 days to his big day that he came to the harsh realisation that his wedding plans were just heading down the drain. About 10 days to the wedding date, I started having a feeling that all my efforts were going down the drain. I never saw it coming, he told PREMIUM TIMES. Not long after, the Nigerian government placed restrictions on movement in some states and high-density gatherings, to enforce social distancing ordermeasures seen as stringent to halt the spread of the virus. Mr Adedigba said it was the final straw that upended his several-month old plans. Across the globe, the pandemic has plunged many would-be couples as well as the wedding industry into a state of uncertainty with planners and vendors scrambling to figure what to do in a situation that is so unlike any in recent times. Having to determine whether to postpone or cancel their weddings, many couples who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES said they were faced with a series of difficulties overtaking their final decisions. Stuck in limbo, crestfallen Having ones wedding plans toppled upside down is no small thing to deal in the grand scheme of things. For Mr Adedigba, coming to terms with the harsh reality was enough emotional damage to his soul. Not only was he heartbroken about the amount of time and resources that had been invested in planning the big day, but he was also crestfallen and could not come up with what to do next. I felt sure nothing was going to stop the day, we had done all the preliminary arrangements of hall reservation, souvenirs and all. I was really heartbroken when I saw all that was going to amount to nothing. My wife is yet to recover from it, he said. Asked what he did afterward, he said a family consensus suggested the wedding be postponed till the end of the pandemic. Like Mr Adedigba, it was hard for Gloria Ugbede to accept that her wedding plans would be crushed by a pandemic. I had so much faith that my wedding would hold no matter what. Even when people said we should postpone, I said no; it will hold. I just needed my parents and my fiances parents to be available. But its a pity we had to postpone it, she said. For Ms Ugbede, this year had begun on a cheerful and promising note. As most bride-to-be would feel, she had a great time fantasising about marital life that lies ahead of her. Not only was she preparing for the wedding, she was also receiving marriage lessons. Advertisements Gloria Ugede and her fiance, Anthony Omale As the first child in the family, she was preparing for a first-of-its-kind wedding party that would make relatives in the extended family green with envy. That was before the coronavirus pandemic ruptured societal norms. But the pandemic lockdown has dampened her energy and now, shes not sure if she could have her dream wedding after normalcy is restored. I dont how it will feel to start planning again. I may not have my dream wedding again, she said. Not all gloomy As for Maymunah Shuaib who was to be the happiest bride on earth on March 28, it wasnt all doom that her wedding was postponed as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. I didnt feel bad, because I know we will still do it, she said. The Ilorin-based bride-to-be said she could only thank God for His mercy. She noted that though some items to be used on one of the days scheduled for her three-day engagement and Nikkah (Muslim wedding) ceremony were laid to waste because the Kwara State government had issued a lockdown order a day before. I thank Allah (Alhamdulilah) that we had not started the programme before the enforcement of order took effect. That would have pained me more because everything would have gone into waste. But some items were wasted because we had been preparing for the Wolimat Quran before dey announced no movement and gathering, she said. We forged ahead Amid strict order against hosting more than 50 people in a gathering, Lois Ugome married the love of her life, Emmanuel Obiejemba, on March 28. It was partially a dream come true for Lois who had always wanted a large-scale wedding party. But the Jos-based bride was happy she saw the end of months of planning her wedding. Lois Ugome smitten by her husband, Emmanuel Obiejemba Plateau State is one of the states that have not been touched by the pandemic but there are restrictions on movement and mass gathering in the state. Describing the decision to go ahead with the wedding plans amid the Coronavirus pandemic, she said, it was tough. Im a lady who had this dream of a big wedding, but as fate would have it, I had a small one with my friends and family, she said. She told PREMIUM TIMES how they stuck to the restriction order to large gatherings. Some of my relations and in-laws who came in a week to the wedding were asked to go home on Friday, a day to the wedding because they had to travel back to their homes to avoid being affected if the lockdown happens here in Jos, she said. Asked if the pandemic lockdown affected her plans, she related how the venue of the wedding had to be changed from the initial venue (her church) to her husbands church within a day. The changes were rapid as the news came in, she said. It was tough, but I was marrying someone I love. Thats what mattered. She said they could not postpone the wedding because of a disease-related circumstance. She said the flame of their love is stronger than any force. Well did we have a guarantee when all these will end?: What makes an ideal wedding? Crowd circumstances or the paparazzi? Love conquers all, she said. Unlike her, Khadija Omobola, a Lagos resident, wanted her wedding postponed till the world is back in its normal state. When the index case was reported in Lagos, she had little fear that it might somehow affect her wedding plans. Then her mounting fears were blown when the first case escalated to over a hundred cases, she knew her wedding plans were hitting rock bottom. But for both parents advice, she threw the idea of postponing her wedding away and went ahead before President Muhammad Buhari declared a total lockdown in Lagos and two other statesOgun and FCT. Though I was disturbed about the development, I wanted it postponed. But our parents advised us, and we lectured ourselves because everything needed was on the ground. We had spent lots of money likewise our parents, so there was a reason why things ended up the way they did and we are grateful to Allah despite all odds, she said. The couple had a closed wedding graced by only close family members totalling 12 people. The bride said she wanted a large crowd and had even rented a hall with over 500 capacity but the money had not been refunded. I had to cancel a hall reservation at Brainfield in Lagos that amounted 270,000. They are yet to refund us the money; actually they refuse to give us back because, according to them, its not their fault; the government declared a lockdown. I have called my lawyer and we are still on it, she said. Crumbling business The Nigerian wedding industry is worth millions of dollars, according to the market research group, TNS Global. A Nigerian wedding can cost up to $9,460-$13,515 with guest lists matching the super-sized budget as some weddings in the country cater to an average of 500 guests. But in the wake of the global pandemic, many industries including the wedding industrya fast-growing sector in Nigeria have been forced to their knees. It was not until March when the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) advised against gatherings of 50 people or more during the pandemic that the coronavirus-driven death knell hit the industry. The chaotic fallout in business for wedding planners, vendors, DJs, caterers have caused enough pain to bear in the age of pandemic. Business has been greatly affected, Chalya Wuyep, CEO, 601 event, said. The Abuja-based event planner said there was a serious scramble to cancel or postpone upcoming wedding dates, which in turn has impacted the economic hardship on professionals in the events industry especially the informal workers who are often paid wages daily. I have had to postpone or strike out the wedding schedules of my clients these past months. There are growing concerns that clients might be lost to this pandemic. But I feel sorry for my clients who have to go through the trauma of postponing weddings, I advise them on what is good for them and anything the government is trying to bring back normalcy is good for them. Thats what I advise them. But of course, Im embittered by the effect it would have more on informal workers in the industrythe vendors, waiters, caterers, DJs and all, she said. However, she is optimistic business will boom once the world is restored to its original as she foresees a intense competition to secure venue slots available after the pandemic. She advised that wedding vendors should not be greedy about the number of businesses that would come in at the time. Like Chalya, Nelly Wellington, CEO, Wellington events, also believed there were glints at the end of the tunnel. Rescheduling will soon be pouring once the society ultimately returns to a significant shade of normal within the few months. We are hopeful, she said. Lucknow: The Lucknow University (LU) will now help the police personnel who are over-stressed, working in the lockdown conditions. An agreement on this between the university administration and police department was signed over the weekend. University officials said that professors of the Psychology Department will be in touch with the police personnel deployed at the emergency response service 112 of the state police. "The workload of police personnel, deployed at 112, has increased manifold due to the ongoing lockdown. They are now handling calls from people, stuck in the lockdown with no food or medicine. They are also dealing with usual crime incidents. This excess work pressure is putting undue stress on the police personnel," said a senior police official. As per the agreement, the professors will help police personnel, who are overstressed, due to long hours of work and are dealing with personal risk and emotional trauma every day. Coordinator of this programme will be Dr Archana Shukla from the department of psychology. Earlier, the university had started its online/telephonic counselling for students, suffering from anxiety and other mental disorders to help them during the lockdown. According to experts, people with underlying mental health issues face several difficulties in the lockdown. The LU is offering its services through counselling of students of the university to empower them with right information and much needed emotional support. Teachers of the psychology department are providing counselling services to those suffering in any manner due to the isolation, experienced during the crucial period of self-quarantine after the Corona outbreak. The Islamic Republic hanged an Iranian of Kurdish origin early Saturday morning in a prison in the city of Saqqez, in Kurdestan province, western Iran. Earlier, human rights activists had raised alarm that the Islamic Republic was set to execute two political prisoners. Mostafa Salimi, 53 was one of the two. The fate of the other is not yet clear. On March 27, Salimi had managed to escape along with tens of other inmates during a protest by inmates against prison conditions amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. The Islamic Republic security forces initially arrested Salimi in 2003. A court had sentenced him to fifteen years in prison and execution for "waging war against God", which is a serious charge of rebellion against the Islamic government. After the breakout from prison Salimi fled to Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region. According to Iran Human Rights (IHR), under pressure from Iran, Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) extradited Salimi to Iran. "Iran Human Rights considers Salimi's extradition from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq a violation of international human rights conventions," said the NGO. "The death penalty is an inhumane punishment. In addition, Mostafa Salimis execution was against all international norms. He was sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Courts without a fair trial and due process," IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said, adding, "Executions in Iran have continued to be carried out even after the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and lockdown in the country. It shows the death penalty is crucial for the Islamic Republics survival". The Islamic Republic judicial authorities unexpectedly called his family Friday to visit him. While Salimi was not in good spirits during the visit, the subject of the execution was never raised, his relatives said, adding that to their surprise, he was hanged a day later April 11, in Saqqez prison. At least eight prisons in Iran, including the one in Saqqez, have recently been the scene of protests by inmates demanding furlough out fear from the coronavirus outbreak. Amnesty International and Iranian human rights groups say the Islamic Republic security forces have so far killed more than 35 inmates during prison protests. Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. National cabinet has begun planning for advanced coronavirus surveillance and tracking methods to take the place of tough social distancing measures but Australians should not expect restrictions to be lifted any time soon. Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy on Sunday said Australia was in a stronger position than most as the coronavirus curve flattens to fewer than 100 new cases recorded each day. But he said it was not the right time to consider lifting any of the restrictions on non-essential activities as the government warns of the threat of a second and third wave of cases, citing the experiences of Singapore and Japan. Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy and Minister for Education Dan Tehan on Sunday. Credit:AAP Professor Murphy said the national cabinet was seeking advice on methods to "enable them" to reach a decision on potentially removing some of those restrictions in the future. SsangYong Motor Co. said Sunday its parent Indian carmaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. will inject 40 billion won ($33 million) into its Korean unit to help it stay afloat amid a growing coronavirus impact on the auto industry. In SsangYong's extraordinary board meeting held Friday, Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka explained the cash injection plan to directors, who approved of it, a company spokesman said by phone. "The emergency fund will clearly show Mahindra remains committed to SsangYong and reduce market speculation that Mahindra may exit South Korea," he said, adding the fund will be funneled to SsangYong as early as this month. Mahindra said early this year it will inject 230 billion won into SsangYong for the following three years after obtaining approval from its board. But Mahindra's board recently voted against the investment plan as the spreading COVID-19 outbreak is having a bigger impact on the global automobile industry. Instead of the proposed 230 billion won, Mahindra has said it would consider a "special one-time infusion" of up to 40 billion won over the next three months to help SsangYong continue operations. Moreover, Mahindra said it will help SsangYong attract investors, while seeking other means to help the carmaker avoid a short-term liquidity crisis. But the company didn't elaborate on what the other means will be. Goenka had said a total of 500 billion won is needed to turn SsangYong around by 2022. In January, Goenka met with Lee Dong-gull, chairman of the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), to ask the KDB to extend a financial helping hand to SsangYong. Back then, he said Mahindra's 230 billion-won cash injection could be made if the KDB extended a fresh loan to SsangYong. In response to Mahindra's decision, Financial Services Commission Chairman Eun Sung-soo said Monday that the financial authorities expect creditors of SsangYong will consult with each other over ways to put the carmaker back on track. SsangYong has struggled with worsening performance since 2017, when it shifted to a net loss of 66 billion won from a net profit of 58 billion won the previous year. In 2018, its net losses continued, reaching 62 billion won. In 2019, SsangYong's annual sales fell 6.5 percent to 132,799 vehicles from 141,995 units a year earlier due to lower demand. Earnings results for 2019 will be released in the coming weeks. From January to March, sales fell 31 percent to 24,139 units from 34,851 in the same period a year ago. SsangYong's lineup is composed of the flagship G4 Rexton, as well as the Tivoli, Korando and Rexton Sports. In its own rescue measures, SsangYong already suspended some welfare benefits for employees in September last year and cut some of their wages and bonuses in December. In bankruptcy proceedings in March 2011, Mahindra acquired a 70 percent stake in the carmaker for 523 billion won as part of its globalization strategy. Mahindra currently owns a 74.65 percent stake in SsangYong Motor after two rounds of rights issues worth 130 billion won since 2013. (Yonhap) Oxford University bosses privately slammed their students as 'ridiculous' for cancelling a speech by former Home Secretary Amber Rudd at the last minute but admitted they were powerless to stop them. However, after pressure from Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, the university's vice-chancellor intervened to publicly criticise the protest stunt. The Mail on Sunday can reveal correspondence between senior university staff that shows a strong statement denouncing the cancellation was only published after pressure from the Government and from political campaigner Toby Young. Oxford University bosses privately slammed their students as 'ridiculous' for cancelling a speech by former Home Secretary Amber Rudd (pictured) at the last minute but admitted they were powerless to stop them In February the UN Women Oxford UK society sparked fury after its committee axed Ms Rudd's talk with just 30 minutes' notice following outcry from Left-wing students about the ex-Minister's role in the Windrush immigration scandal. Now emails obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal the anguished conversations between Oxford staff over how to respond to the backlash against the cancellation. One message from the communications team to the vice chancellor, Professor Louise Richardson, says of UN Women Oxford: 'The proctors do not interfere with their day-to-day activities but can speak to them... Off the record, they advise they will request a formal apology to AR [Amber Rudd], although they cannot compel them to do so.' Other emails criticise the students' 'ridiculous behaviour' and warn Ministers are poised to step in after 'losing patience with the sector in general, and what they perceive as slowness and inconsistency' in responding to freedom of speech issues. Prof Richardson replied that she had spoken to the Education Secretary's special adviser 'but all I knew about [the issue] was what I read in the papers'. However, after pressure from Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, the university's vice-chancellor intervened to publicly criticise the protest stunt. Pictured: Aerial view of Oxford She approved a statement condemning the cancellation and added: 'Williamson will be issuing a statement We have to be unequivocal in our repudiation.' The emails also highlight staff concern at the involvement of the journalist Toby Young and his pressure group the Free Speech Union, noting that he had a 'detailed understanding' of laws and procedures. Last night, the writer declared the revelation a victory for the union he launched two months ago in the MoS, which has launched its own campaign, Fighting For Free Speech. He said: 'It's clear that the Free Speech Union is already having an impact on how university administrators deal with students trying to shut down political debate on campus. 'They know we'll hold their feet to the fire if a speaker is no-platformed, as we did in this case. 'We lodged a formal complaint with the proctors and in response they deregistered the feminist society responsible and directed it to apologise to Amber Rudd. 'It's also clear the Education Secretary is deeply concerned about the free speech crisis on campus and is prepared to take action.' Following the row, national charity UN Women UK severed ties with the student society, which has since changed its name. Ms Rudd criticised the blocking of her speech encouraging women into politics as 'outrageous and disappointing'. An Oxford University spokesman said last night: 'Oxford's vice-chancellor has a long history of defending freedom of speech and the Secretary of State had nothing to do with the university's position on this matter.' New Delhi, April 12 : Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Sunday launched a web portal to monitor and record the initiative by the ministry to combat Covid-19 with Knowledge, Technology and Innovation (YUKTI). Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister exuded confidence that the portal will help in critical issues related to student promotion policies, placements related challenges and physical and mental well-being of students in these challenging times. He said that the primary aim is to keep our academic community healthy, both physically and mentally and enable a high-quality learning environment for students. "The portal is an effort of the HRD Ministry to achieve this goal in these difficult times," he added. Pokhriyal also informed that the web portal will cover various initiatives and efforts of the institutions in academics, research especially related to COVID, social initiatives by institutions and the measures taken for the betterment of the total wellbeing of the students. The portal will cover both qualitative and quantitative parameters for effective delivery of services to the academic community at large. He said that the portal will also allow various institutions to share their strategies for various challenges which are there because of the unprecedented situation of COVID-19 and other future initiatives. The HRD Minister also hoped that the portal will give inputs for better planning and will enable the ministry to monitor effectively its activities for the coming six months. He said that the portal will also establish a two-way communication channel between the Ministry of HRD and the institutions so that the Ministry can provide the necessary support system to the institutions. The web platform will epitomize its name and prove to be a great enabler in taking the research to the ultimate stakeholders, the citizens of our country, he added. London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has thanked staff at a London hospital for taking care of him while he recovers from COVID-19. "I can't thank them enough. I owe them my life," Johnson said in a brief statement issued late on Saturday, local time. The 55-year-old conservative politician, who was hospitalised last Sunday running a high fever, spent three days in the intensive care unit at St Thomas' Hospital after his health deteriorated. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claps for healthcare workers on April 2, days before he was admitted to hospital. Credit:AP He was moved back to a normal ward on Thursday. When the Prime Minister will be able to return to work remains unclear. 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 Lahore: So far 5,030 corona infects have been confirmed here amidst the ongoing lockdown across Pakistan, of which half of the cases have been reported from Punjab province alone. Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Asad Umar has told the media that the government is losing one-third of its revenue. Due to the epidemic, exports have decreased by 50 percent. According to Dawn News report, he said that the government will decide on Monday whether the lockdown should be increased after April 15 or its restrictions should be relaxed. Omar said on Saturday, "Compared to the different predictions, the number of deaths has been recorded somewhat less. However, till last few weeks the number of patients on ventilator was less which has gone up to 50 on Saturday." At least eight more corono virus-infected patients died on Saturday, after which the total number of deaths here has risen to 86. The minister has informed the media that 144 billion PKR will be provided to 12 million families under the AASHA Emergency Cash Program (EECP). This is the biggest relief package in the history of the country. Also Read: Smokers are more at risk of corona: Study People could not go to church due to Coronavirus, broadcast starts live Three Indians test positive in corona America suffering from Corona's attack, death toll rising steadily A former head of Victorias most powerful construction union has broken ranks to accuse it of a lack of democracy and criticise its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The comments from Martin Kingham, a long-term secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, came as the union deleted many critical comments from its Facebook page. Former CFMEU state secretary Martin Kingham Credit:Michele Ferguson The comments were from angry members criticising the unions strong support for keeping building sites open. Despite the coronavirus pandemic causing thousands of businesses around Australia to shut due to strict social distancing measures, construction sites across Victoria remain open. Coronavirus-induced isolation measures have led to an explosion in demand for centralised sites where restaurant-quality food can be prepared exclusively for delivery, often referred to as dark kitchens. While the number of dark kitchens had been growing since the arrival of food delivery outfits such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo, the massive spike in demand for home-delivered food amid the coronavirus lockdown has put them back on the front burner. Companies are now scouring the market for appropriate warehouse space. In some cases, restaurants that had been forced to shut down due to the restrictions have taken out short-term leases in order to keep their customers satisfied via home delivery. In many cases delivery groups take out a lease, usually in a more industrial-style property with cheaper rent, and then sublet it to individual restaurants. This allows couriers to collect the food from one centralised location. Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath on Sunday came down heavily on the BJP government at the Centre, accusing it of being responsible for the situation arising out of coronavirus in the country. He also alleged that the Centre ran Parliament only to ensure that the Madhya Pradesh assembly could function and the Congress government headed by him could be toppled. "It is obvious, Parliament was run only to ensure that Madhya Pradesh assembly could run and the Congress government be toppled," Nath told reporters at a press conference addressed through video conferencing. He alleged that the people of Madhya Pradesh were "befooled" by the saffron party as there was no council of ministers or a health or home Minister in place in the state amid the crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak. "Nowhere in the world this has happened," he added. The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said the situation in the country due to coronavirus was very serious and the number of cases will rise if more testing was done. Noting that the country is going to face a very serious economic crisis due to COVID-19, he said the Centre's economic package needs to be focussed and its success lies in its execution and on which sectors it focusses on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A court run by Yemens Houthi rebels has sentenced four journalists to death after their conviction on spying charges, their lawyer has said. The four were among a group of 10 journalists 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, Abdel-Majeed Sabra said. Amnesty International last year condemned the charges as trumped-up. The rights group said the detained reporters were beaten, deprived of water and forced to hold cinder blocks for several hours. The lawyer said the Houthis did not allow defence lawyers to attend the trial. The journalists will be allowed to appeal against the verdict. He identified the four 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, he said. Nine journalists were arrested in a raid on a hotel in Sanaa in June 2015, and the tenth was detained at his home in Sanaa that August. Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest nation with a population of 28 million people, has been convulsed by civil war since 2014, when the Houthis took control of the countrys north, including the capital. The Saudi-led military coalition intervened against the Houthis the following year, conducting relentless airstrikes and a blockade of Yemen. The conflict has killed more than 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. Despite being the target of a prolonged Saudi bombing campaign, the Houthis have fought to a standstill their vastly better equipped and financed opponents. Amnesty has criticised the UK for selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Earlier this week, the coalition announced a temporary ceasefire amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Yemen this week reported its first case of coronavirus, sparking fears of a deadly epidemic in a country where the war has already almost destroyed the health system. Additional reporting by agencies : Cyberabad police personnel on Sunday donated blood to help Thalassemia patients, particularly children. Cyberabad police conducted a blood donation drive jointly with Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), an official press release said. Cyberabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar and SCSC general secretary Krishna Yedula among others donated blood. A total of 117 units of blood was collected, the release said. Usually patients suffering from Thalassemmia require blood transfusion twice a month and owing to the lockdown in place to combat spread of coronavirus, reserves at blood banks are low, the release said adding following a call by voluntary organisations the Cyberabad police came forward to donate blood. Sajjanar requested citizens who intend to donate blood to contactCyberabad COVID Control Room numbers - 9490617440 or 9490617431 to register their name. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Africa: AU appoints COVID-19 special envoys to mobilise international economic support African Union Chairperson President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Donald Kaberuka, Tidjane Thiam and Trevor Manuel as the African Unions COVID-19 Special Envoys. The newly appointed envoys are tasked with mobilising international support for Africas efforts to address the economic challenges African countries will face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Special Envoys will be tasked with soliciting rapid and concrete support as pledged by the G20, the European Union and other international financial institutions. In the light of the devastating socio-economic and political impact of the pandemic on African countries these institutions need to support African economies that are facing serious economic challenges with a comprehensive stimulus package for Africa, including deferred debt and interest payments. The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has been global in both scale and reach, and this necessitates coordinated international action to capacitate all countries to respond effectively, but most particularly developing countries that continue to shoulder a historical burden of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment, said President Ramaphosa. Highlighting the sentiment expressed in two recent letters written to the G20 by a group of world leaders and a team of esteemed economists which underscores the importance of bolstering health systems in poorer countries; President Ramaphosa said this can only be done with the support of the international community. The AU Chair said the appointment of the special envoys would expedite the process of securing economic support to enable countries on the continent to respond swiftly to this grave public health emergency. President Ramaphosa said the envoys brought with them a wealth of experience and enjoyed longstanding relationships in the international financial community. The African Union is immensely encouraged by the support that has been extended by the international community thus far. It is an affirmation that as nations of the world, we are all in this together. We must now focus on efforts to marshal every resource at our disposal to ensure that this pandemic is contained, and does not result in the collapse of already ailing economies and financial systems on the continent, President Ramaphosa said. Dr Okonjo-Iweala is an internationally respected economist and development expert and served two terms as Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She has also served as Managing Director of the World Bank. Dr Kaberuka is an economist and former President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He is the former Finance Minister of Rwanda and in 2016 was appointed as a Special Envoy of the African Union on sustainable financing for the AU and funding for Peace in Africa. Manuel was the longest-serving Minister of Finance in the Republic of South Africa and formerly headed the countrys National Planning Commission. In 2018 he was appointed as an Investment Envoy by President Ramaphosa to engage domestic and international investors as part of the countrys national investment drive. Thiam is a banker and businessman. He is the former Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse and also served as Chief Financial Officer and CEO of Prudential. He also has a background in management consulting and worked for McKinsey and Company. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-04-12. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Bay Areas poor bear brunt of shutdown How you survive the coronavirus crisis may depend on your ZIP code. Even before the Bay Area shuttered schools and parks, businesses and restaurants, the region was known for its vast economic divides. Bay Areas poor bear brunt of shutdown How you survive the coronavirus crisis may depend on your ZIP code. Even before the Bay Area shuttered schools and parks, businesses and restaurants, the region was known for its vast economic divides. Back in September, the beginning of the school year had brought new hope for Esther Williams. As fall arrived, the sunshine burning off the fog and broiling the hillsides yellow, she returned to her post as a school crossing guard. Williams, 43, had held the job in Marin County for five years, and with the new semester came a promotion. Her new title: supervisor. She received a much-needed raise to her modest salary. A single mother, Williams raises two daughters in her hometown of Marin City while also caring for her elderly mother. Her paycheck made up most of her familys thinly stretched household income. Less than six months later, as the coronavirus pandemic tentacled across the United States, Williams hopes lie dashed. The financial ruin brought by the coronavirus has ravaged working people everywhere particularly those living check to check. After her school district shut down, Williams was laid off. She joined the ranks of more than 2 million other Californians whove filed for unemployment, a number thats sure to grow. But Williams, and other low-income people like her, face more than just the loss of a job. For anyone already on the economys fringes, the challenges thrown up by the pandemic will only compound as the months pass. Its not just the present that poses a daunting hurdle its the future. When the pandemic ends, their crises wont. My supervisor told me we wouldnt be back to work until the fall, Williams explained. I guess I was one of the people that underestimated COVID-19 and what it was going to do to our country. I didnt expect this at all. She added: They didnt give us sick pay. Now its a new month. New bills are coming in. Its about to be crunch time. Even before the novel coronavirus shuttered schools and parks, businesses and restaurants, the Bay Area was known for its vast economic divides. Across the region, affluent neighborhoods nestle alongside those that grapple with poverty and food insecurity. Marin County is among the wealthiest counties in California. It also has one of the highest levels of racial and economic inequity of anywhere in the state in 2017, the highest. Marin City is on the far side of that divide. The racially diverse, unincorporated hamlet of 3,173 people has a poverty rate of 23% and a median household income of $42,556. The federal poverty line is $25,000 a year or lower for a family of four. Now, as the coronavirus exacerbates the nations income disparities, communities like Marin City will disproportionately bear the body slam. The fact is, said Dr. Curtis Robinson, who is Marin County Board of Education president, you can determine your COVID-19 fate by the ZIP code you live in. As of Saturday, the county had 153 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths. The COVID-19 crisis, like every other pandemic before it, from the 1918 Spanish flu to 2009s H1N1 scourge, is more aggressively threatening those at the bottom of the economic scale. Those of smaller means have less access to health care, child care, the internet and computers. People in the working class grocery clerks, janitors, truck drivers generally live paycheck to paycheck, and 86% of those losing jobs in this crisis earn less than $40,000 a year, according to the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. They are also disproportionately people of color. This particularly impacts poor folks because theyre the first ones laid off, said Dr. Melissa Cadet, head of the Community Development Corp. in Marin City. Its a travesty how all of this is rolling out. A 2019 Federal Reserve study showed that 40% of Americans cant come up with $400 in an emergency, and the percentage is much higher for laborers. And even if theyre protected under Californias emergency order preventing evictions, back rent will be due when that order is lifted which could mean ruin for plenty among the record unemployment ranks. Many of those working-class jobs, such as at grocery stores, are doing face-to-face tasks considered essential, so people in them are still working. But theres a downside. Fewer than half of those on the bottom get paid sick time, according to the Economic Policy Institute. And they are more exposed to the coronavirus, unlike the many workers in surrounding towns and cities who are able to telecommute. This virus is crossing all types of income levels, said Felecia Gaston, the CEO of Performing Stars of Marin, an arts nonprofit that helps underserved children in the area. When people who probably never thought they wouldnt be working who felt secure, despite living paycheck to paycheck now dont have a job, you know its bad. I think its going to make people more sensitive to everybodys needs. Marin City was a boomtown in World War II, along with Richmond and Oakland, as African Americans and white people alike poured in to work the Bay Areas wartime shipyards. But when the war ended, the demographics changed. As white families moved out to places like the Oakland hills and Mill Valley, black families were increasingly limited to concentrated neighborhoods so much so that for part of the 1960s, Marin County law discouraged African Americans from buying homes outside of Marin City. Today, the community is a nearly even mix of black, white and Latino residents. Its mostly known as the hometown of the late rapper and actor Tupac Shakur, whose music reflecting racial injustice and struggle sold 75 million records. Exiting Highway 101, the first thing you see is a series of blocky, five-story public housing buildings, the first racially integrated ones in the nation, rising from the verdant hillside. Williams lives in one of them, the 700-unit Golden Gate Village, which was designed six decades ago by two well-known architects, one a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright. Her mother rents a unit in a townhouse downhill. There are few shops and businesses, though a strip mall with a Target, a Starbucks, a nail salon, along with a few other chain restaurants, including a Subway, is nearby. Just across a band of freeway, normally bustling with commuters, the touristy village of Sausalito is a stark contrast. With a population of about 7,100, Sausalito has a poverty rate of 5% and a median household income of $112,964. Of course, residents here or in any other moneyed community in the Bay Area have been affected by the pandemics economic fallout. In recent weeks, the Sausalito Fitness Club has laid off most of its staff. Local restaurants, including Sandrino Pizza & Vino, a beloved local Italian spot owned by immigrants, worry about staying afloat. The streets, like those virtually everywhere in the Bay Area, are nearly deserted. But there is a significant difference between the affluent and the low-income: The first have options. The latter have few. Robinson, whose family moved to Marin County during the World War II shipyard boom, said he sees the income divide play out sharply in his medical practice and in his work as a community leader. He recalled that early in the coronavirus crisis, one of his wealthy patients wanted a test for the virus, but Robinson couldnt readily find one so he went to San Francisco, found his old concierge doctor and got tested. Robinson pointed out that working-class folks in his practice couldnt even consider such a service. The imbalance and suffering that goes on in the poorer community is significant because of multiple issues income, access to health care, education backgrounds, he said. When you have those things pointing against you, theres no way you will come out of this COVID-19 crisis without undue harm. More significant exposure and transmission in the community because of a lack of understanding of the stay-at-home order, folks with greater risk because they have to go to work. Things could have been even worse, he pointed out. Even though the disparities that exist in Marin are much greater than many other communities across the country, the county does benefit from the Marin Community Foundation (which has donated more than $1.5 million to nonprofits in the crisis) and the interested local leaders who are addressing the issues in a much more aggressive way at this time than they have in the past. That is not a sweeping comfort. Alex Hoff, a 24-year-old plumber who lives in Marin City, said hes been too preoccupied to think about what would happen if he contracts COVID-19. Hes three years into his five-year apprenticeship and is worried about staying in work and keeping the fridge stocked for his 5-year-old son. There are also bills to pay: internet, rent, insurance. Luckily, Hoff is considered an essential worker. Even in a pandemic, people need hot water and toilets that flush. But Hoff said that some customers have hesitated before letting him into their home, if they do at all. As his hours have decreased, the single father who lives with his twin brother and his 3-year-old niece feels the pressure. Im not getting eight hours a day in, so Im not getting all of my paycheck, Hoff said. Its been a lot. If Im already living paycheck to paycheck, imagine now. Im going to be skipping lunch or learning to live off ramen noodles. Help has sprung up. But its been insufficient in the face of such a global crisis. In Santa Clara County, a private-public $11 million fund raised by Cisco, the city of San Jose and others to help those facing economic hardship pay for rent and groceries ran dry in about a week after launching on March 23. In Contra Costa County, the White Pony Express food-bank delivery program has been nearly overwhelmed with up to triple its usual demand. That same need throbs in Marin County. The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank reports that traffic to its website spiked 760% in March, and more than 2,000 people have been flocking every week to its three crisis-response pop-up food pantries in Marin. Its nine pop-ups in San Francisco are getting the same kind of response. Having a small paycheck has always been linked to poor health 70% of the uninsured are low-income, co-pays are harder to come up with, nutrition suffers, poorer adults are 50% more likely to have diabetes. But stir the pandemic into the mix, and it gets worse. A 2014 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that 20% of food service workers, hobbled by a lack of paid sick time and fear of losing their jobs, went to work while sick and contributed to the spread of viral outbreaks such as the swine flu H1N1. Adding to the concern are emerging data showing that the coronavirus is disproportionately infecting people of color. This comes up over and over again in research when these epidemics strike, they have a disproportionate number of deaths among low-income people, said Marianne Page, director of the UC Davis Center on Poverty Research. My guess is that most Americans dont know the full extent of how serious that is. Otis Bruce, who grew up poor in Mississippi and today is a longtime senior deputy district attorney in Marin County, hopes that the coronavirus rampage uneven as it is through all levels of American society will lead to greater empathy for the poor. Were all going to have to realize that we all need each other, said Bruce, known for his diversity sensitivity in community organizations like the Rotary Club and in his prosecutions of all sectors of the county. Look, economically speaking, when Sausalito gets a cold, Marin City gets a flu thats how it always works. In this crisis, we should make sure everyone gets the same help. For the school crossing guard who began the year with bright hopes, this month brought new hardships just as Esther Williams had thought it would. She worries about the list of payments: Comcast, phone bills, payments on her 2011 Chevy Traverse. At least utilities dont shut off service during a pandemic, she reassures herself. Williams tries to stay indoors with her daughters, Mattie and Miracle, and not fret about where the money will come from. She sweeps her patio and stays away from neighbors who dont understand social distancing. She distracts her 4-year-old, who is autistic. Some money is still coming in. Marin County pays Williams a subsidy for caring for her 63-year-old mother, who is considered especially vulnerable to coronavirus, with diabetes and a degenerative bone disease. All of them Williams and her daughters, included have asthma, another COVID-19 vulnerability. Sometimes she thinks about the future. She had dreams of owning a house and had been studying to be a real estate agent. She had even thought about starting her own self-care product business on the side. Now, she tries to focus on optimism and not getting overwhelmed. But trying to picture what her financial prospects look like looks like in six months is intimidating, at best. Its a lot to worry about, Williams said. You could say Im a little stressed. I hope we can make it until the fall. The story has been amended. It originally stated that the designer of the Golden Gate Village in Marin City was Frank Lloyd Wright. It was actually designed by Wrights protege, architect Aaron Green, and architect John Carl Warnecke. Lizzie Johnson and Kevin Fagan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com, kfagan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn, @KevinChron Bengaluru, April 12 : As many as 11 patients tested positive for coronavirus in Karnataka, taking their total number to 226 in the southern state, an official said on Sunday. "Since Saturday evening till Sunday noon, 11 new positive cases have been reported across the state, taking the total number of Covid patients to 226 till date in the state," a health official said in a statement here. Of the total cases, 47 have been discharged while 6 have died. Out of 11 new cases, 7 are men and 4 women, with 4 from Belagavi, 3 Bengaluru, 2 Kalaburagi and one each from Mysuru and Vijayapura (Bijapur). "The 4 patients at Belagavi, 2 at Kalaburagi and one at Mysuru are contact of previous cases, while one each in Bengaluru and Vijayapura were diagnosed to suffer from Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI)," said the official. All patients are under treatment in isolated wards at the state-run hospitals in the respective districts across the state. "One patient in Bengaluru has travel history and returned to the city from Indonesia on March 21," the official added. Tensions flare again in disputed Kashmir as armies of the two nations barrage each other with heavy artillery fire. At least four civilians, including a two-year-old boy, have been killed after Pakistan and India exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the disputed Kashmir region between the two countries, officials said. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared as both armies targeted civilian areas on Sunday with heavy artillery fire in violation of the 2003 ceasefire accord. Shri Ram Ambarkar, an Indian police officer, said three civilians, including a woman and a child, were killed when shells fired from the Pakistani army hit homes at two locations along the LoC in the Kupwara area of Indian-administered Kashmir. Ambarkar said some people were also feared injured as authorities launched a rescue operation. A statement released by the Pakistani military on Monday said the Indian army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC, deliberately targeting civilian population in Baroh, Dhudnial, Rakhchikri and Chirikot sectors. Due to indiscriminate Indian fire of heavy weapons and mortars, a two-year-old minor Muhammad Haseeb in Dhudnial sector, embraced shahadat (martyrdom), it said, adding that four citizens, including a woman and a 72-year-old man, sustained serious injuries. India and Pakistan both rule parts of Kashmir but claim it in its entirety. They have fought two of their three wars since 1947 over the Himalayan region. Repeated violations Since Friday, Pakistans military has charged India with repeated violations of the ceasefire along the frontier. A Pakistani army statement said heavy artillery fire by India deliberately targeted civilians on the Pakistani side of the border. Indian Army troops resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation late last night along LOC and Working Boundary in Chirikot and Shakargarh Sectors deliberately targeting civilian population. Due to indiscriminate fire of mortars in Chirikot Sector along LOC (1/2) DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 12, 2020 The military said on Sunday that two people were seriously hurt overnight and had to be evacuated. On Saturday, the Pakistani military said six people, including a child, were wounded when Indian soldiers launched a barrage of rockets and mortars into civilian areas of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Earlier this month, five Indian special forces and five Kashmiri rebels were killed in fierce fighting in the area along the frontier. The latest fighting has seen for the first time this year use of heavy artillery targeting civilian areas. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training anti-India fighters and also helping them by providing gunfire as cover for incursions into the Indian side. Pakistan denies this, saying it offers only moral and diplomatic support to the fighters and to Kashmiris who oppose Indian rule. Al Jazeeras Asad Hashim contributed to this report from Islamabad, Pakistan President Trump speaks during the daily White House coronavirus briefing on April 9. (Associated Press) We at the Los Angeles Times are frequently called out by Donald Trump's supporters for publishing more letters that criticize the president than speak approvingly of his job performance. My simple response to that is what it's always been: We can only publish what we receive, and the opinions of our letter writers skew decisively against the president. The coronavirus outbreak has exacerbated this trend. This week, submissions that responded critically to published letters defending the president's handling of the crisis outnumbered all the pro-Trump missives we received. One letter, published April 8, that dismissed unflattering comparisons between the president and Queen Elizabeth II's coronavirus response drew particularly pointed responses. As I said, we can publish only what we get and here's what we received in response to letters defending Trump's handling of the pandemic. Eric Mulfinger of Altadena chalks up Trump adoration to delusion: A letter writer described our president as the "patriarch father who is in charge" and the "fierce warrior soldier" fighting against this virus. These descriptions are so delusional that they are painful to read. His vacillation and inaction for the first two months, combined with his pathetic need for public adulation and his denial of any responsibility, have brought us to a much worse place now than we would have with any other person as president. We need a grown-up in charge. Richard Dunn of Valley Glen wonders what counts as a "strong father": The letter describing Trump as a "strong father" in this crisis is a striking expression of the profound cultural divide in our country. Reality has been turned on its head. Does a strong father proudly proclaim, "I don't take responsibility at all"? Does a strong father cast blame anywhere he can to shift responsibility away from himself? Does a strong father pretend that he knows more than experts who have far more knowledge and experience than he does? Story continues Does a strong father brag about his TV ratings during a pandemic? Does a strong father encourage his "children," so to speak (the state governors), to fight each other to survive? It is sad that values that most of us Republicans and Democrats, men and women have taken for granted all of our lives no longer hold as collective norms. Stacey Cole of Lancaster takes issue with an April 4 letter blasting the media and Trump's critics: With all due respect, I believe the letter writer who wants more pro-Trump coverage may be confusing the Los Angeles Times with the "North Korea Times." This pandemic is completely intertwined with the way it has been handled from the start by the administration, including Trump's prediction in late February that the virus would "disappear, like a miracle." Although he expects constant thanks and praise, I expect a worthy newspaper to provide us accurate information, which the L.A. Times is thankfully doing. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Danny Kemp (Agence France-Presse) Amsterdam Sun, April 12, 2020 13:34 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd158a6b 2 People Anne-Frank,diary,coronavirus,COVID-19,Holocaust Free A lifetime ago, a Jewish girl confided in her diary as she spent two years in isolation from the outside world in a doomed attempt to escape mortal danger. Anne Frank, a teenager from Amsterdam, wrote of her hopes, fears and dreams as she and her family hid from the Nazis in a secret annexe behind a canal-side house. Seventy-five years ago this year, after their hiding place was discovered, Anne died of typhus in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany, aged 15. But the diary that her father published after World War II won a worldwide audience as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, and remains more relevant than ever. "The most important part of the diary is that it offers some insight into what it means to be human," Ronald Leopold, executive director of the Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam, told AFP. "That is exactly why it has remained relevant during the 75 years after the Second World War and why it will remain relevant, I am absolutely convinced, for generations to come." The "Diary of a Young Girl" has become one of the world's most-read books, selling 30 million copies and being translated into more than 70 languages. But it had humble beginnings, as a birthday present for the 13-year-old Anne. Born in Frankfurt, she moved to the Netherlands aged three with her parents Otto and Edith and her older sister Margot to escape rising anti-Semitism in Hitler's Germany. But in 1940, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, and then stepped up their persecution of the Jews there too. 'She's their peer' Anne began writing shortly before the family went into hiding in 1942 in the secret annexe that Otto Frank had built behind his business premises on Prinsengracht, one of Amsterdam's most beautiful canals. Addressing her diary as "Dear Kitty", over the next two years she described her thoughts and feelings about life in isolation with her family and the four other Jewish people they lived in hiding there with. Life in the annexe was hard. Anne wrote with searing honesty about her feelings towards its other occupants, in particular her difficult relationship with her mother. She also harbored serious ambitions of being a writer, penning stories and starting her own book about her experiences. Through it all, there remains the voice of a schoolgirl examining her place in the world -- just like today's young people, says Leopold. "She's their peer. They recognize her voice, what she was thinking of, what she was doing when she was struggling with her relationship with her mother," he said. The last entry was on August 1, 1944. Three days later, German agents raided the house. There are several theories about why, including that the Franks were betrayed by neighbors or because of black market activities in the warehouse below, but as Leopold says "it's all unsubstantiated, so we don't know." The Franks were transported by train to the Auschwitz concentration camp -- but were split up and Anne and Margot were sent to Belsen. Both sisters contracted typhus and Anne is believed to have died some time in February 1945, two months before Allied troops liberated Belsen on April 15. Read also: Jane Goodall says 'disrespect for animals' caused pandemic 'Challenging times' After the war, Otto Frank returned to Amsterdam to find his wife and daughters dead and the house stripped. In all, only 38,000 of the 140,000 Jews who lived in the Netherlands survived the Holocaust -- one of the highest percentages of any European nation, and a lasting shame for the country which only this year issued the first government apology. But the diary had been saved by Miep Gies, one of the people who had helped those in the secret annexe. After several rejections, it was published in 1947 in Dutch, said Leopold, although it did not become the phenomenon it is now until it was finally published in English in the United States in 1952. Over the years further research into the papers has revealed different sides to Anne. Passages about her sexuality as well as Edith Frank that Otto Frank had edited out of the original version were restored in later editions. The diary's immediacy means it has kept its relevance, especially in the "challenging times that we live in in 2020" with the "rise of nationalism, the rise of the extreme right wing," said Leopold. "What was done to Anne Frank was the work of human beings, and I think it's important to learn about that." The Anne Frank House -- which is currently closed to the public because of the coronavirus but continues its educational programs -- is now focused on communicating her legacy for the next 75 years, as memories of the Holocaust fade. That can be a challenge, Leopold admitted, with younger social media obsessed visitors seemingly as interested in taking selfies as in history. But, he said, that interest in her story was "increasing rather than decreasing", with half of the Anne Frank House's 1.3 million visitors a year being aged under 30. "It's a mirror to us," said Leopold. 12.04.2020 LISTEN Experts say it's time to think twice if you're smoking weed to ease your stress during the coronavirus pandemic. Smoking marijuana, even occasionally, can increase your risk for more severe complications from Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. "What happens to your airways when you smoke cannabis is that it causes some degree of inflammation, very similar to bronchitis, very similar to the type of inflammation that cigarette smoking can cause," said pulmonologist Dr. Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. "Now you have some airway inflammation and you get an infection on top of it. So, yes, your chance of getting more complications is there." Hey wait, you might say, I've only just started and I'm not smoking much -- so what's the harm? The problem, said Dr. Mitchell Glass, a pulmonologist and spokesperson for the American Lung Association, is that the last thing you want during a pandemic is to make it more difficult for a doctor to diagnose your symptoms. "Covid-19 is a pulmonary disease," Glass said. "Do you really want to have a confounding variable if you need to see a doctor or a healthcare worker by saying, 'Oh, and by the way, I'm not a regular user of cannabis, but I decided to use cannabis to calm myself down.' "You don't want to do anything that's going to confound the ability of healthcare workers to make a rapid, accurate assessment of what's going on with you," he added. Is that cough from smoking or coronavirus? "Chronic" marijuana smoking, defined as daily use, damages the lungs over a period of time. The end result "looks a lot like chronic bronchitis, which is of course one of the terms we use for chronic obstructive lung disease, or COPD," Glass said. Smokers, people with COPD and other chronic lung diseases, as well as people with moderate to severe asthma are among those at high risk for severe illness from Covid-19, including the worst-case scenario of being placed on a ventilator in order to continue breathing. Signs of lung damage from smoking even just a few cigarettes can show up in a matter of days. While a hit or two of marijuana doesn't compare, there are some unique properties to a joint of weed that are definitely problematic for the lungs even if you're a new smoker, Glass said. Think of what happens to a cigarette when lit and left in an ashtray -- it will burn quickly all the way down to the filter, with nothing left but ash. "It's surrounded by paper. It's completely dried out. It is made to burn at a very high temperature," Glass said. Now think of how a joint burns -- there's always some weed left, the "roach," as it is called. "Marijuana burns at a much, much lower temperature than a commercially made cigarette," said Glass. "Because of that, the person is inhaling a certain amount of unburnt plant material." That irritates the lungs in the same manner as ragweed, birch and oak pollen does for those allergic to them, he said. "So right off the bat there are those patients who would be increasingly susceptible to having a bronchospasm or cough because they have a more sensitive airway." And since a dry cough is a key sign of Covid-19, any cough caused by smoking a joint of weed could easily mimic that symptom, making diagnosis more difficult. The need for a clear head There's another factor as well. As we all know, weed not only calms you down, but it messes with your ability to function -- and that does you no favors if you find yourself having a medical emergency during a pandemic. "You're reducing anxiety, but that is still a change in your thinking, a change in the way you are handling facts, how you're grasping situations," Glass said. "Now there's a healthcare worker who is gowned, gloved, possibly in a hazmat suit trying to get through to you. These are people who are trying to decide if you should be going home, coming into the emergency room, or worst case scenario, that you need to be put on a ventilator," he continued. "They want the person who's agreeing and giving informed consent to be completely in control of their thought processes." What to do? If you're not a regular smoker of marijuana, don't start, experts say. "Don't confound your caregivers with trying to sort out whether your dry cough and change in behavior is due to the fact that you're a novice with marijuana or it's associated with Covid-19," Glass said. "If you do need to see a caregiver, be sure you're very honest with them about when you last used, and how often you use," Glass said, "so they can get a good, clear story on what the impact of inhaling marijuana is on you." Remember the bottom line when it comes to smoking and Covid-19, Rizzo said. "It's common sense that anything you inhale that has been combusted and contains particles or chemicals can inflame your airways," he said. "So you're already making your body fight off foreign particles before it even has to fight off the infection." ---graphic.com.gh The Madhya Pradesh Health Department on Sunday informed that an 80-year-old asthmatic patient who died before being brought to the hospital was tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday in Bhopal. Following the incident, the administration has traced deceased's contact and travel history. The state health department also informed that the total deaths due to coronavirus stands at two in Bhopal. It also informed that three fresh cases of COVID-19 positive including the person who died in the morning, were found today in the city, taking the tally to 134. Also, the total number of coronavirus cases in Madhya Pradesh now stands at 532, including 36 deaths so far. The tally of the country's novel coronavirus cases has increased to 8356 on Sunday. Of these, 716 have been cured and discharged, and 273 have succumbed to the virus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Its hard to know exactly how to proceed with promoting a book of poetry amid a global pandemic. What it came down to for Kara Dorris, an Illinois College visiting assistant professor of English, was her own tendency to turn to the poetry of others for comfort. I cant say enough that poetry saves me, all the time, every day; poetry helps me make sense of myself and the world, whether Im writing original work or reading my favorite poets, Dorris said, noting that one of her favorite things about Twitter right now are the videos of poets reading poetry. With that in mind, she ventured out from an appropriate virtual distance to let people know her latest full-length book of poetry, When the Body is a Guardrail, is available for pre-sale ahead of a July release. I want to say yes, of course my poems will offer inspiration and comfort, especially in this time of social distancing, but the most I can say is, I truly hope so I genuinely hope my poems offer solace and a sense of connection, especially in these lonely and fearful times. Of course, the time it takes to turn a written work into a published one means none of the poems in Guardrail is specifically about this odd moment in history, but the books theme worry, and how one manages it may be perfectly suited to it. The older I get, the more I worry, Dorris said. I worry my family could get in a car accident when driving for a visit or simply heading home after work. I worry about injury that I will break an ankle walking across a parking lot. I worry as a woman I wont be taken seriously. I worry that no one will read my poetry. I worry that my loved ones will be hurt by my poetry. I worry, worry, worry. Most of us are guilty of these kinds of worries. But this worry, and the fear it stems from, is limiting and can be debilitating. When we let this worry define us, we walk through life braced and ready for impact, the worst-case scenario much like guardrails closed off to empathy and love for others and ourselves. When we treat the body as a guardrail, we let this fear obscure the wonder and surprise that is all around. There are similarities between Guardrail and Dorris first full-length poetry book, Have Ruin, Will Travel. In some ways, both books deal with the same subject matter: family, home, distance spatially and emotionally, she said. Both books are full of questioning and reflection. Who are we? Who are we to claim ownership? What are our responsibilities to others and to ourselves? Both claim kinship with Texas, with middle-of-nowhere small towns. There also are differences. To me, they feel very different, Dorris said. My first book was my Ph.D. dissertation manuscript, which means it went through many different drafts and readers. Although I am extremely happy with the final product, all the decisions I made regarding the book were not entirely my own. (Guardrail) didnt go through the same process, so it feels more intimate and personal like I cant blame any poetic choices on anyone but myself. Therefore, my second book feels freer, looser, somehow. While its hard to quantify success of a poetry book poets rarely publish assuming theyll attain J.K. Rowling or Stephen King levels of copies sold Dorris is pleased with the response to her first book. My friends and colleagues seem to have enjoyed reading it no one in my family got mad or was offended, she said. At readings, the poetry community has been incredibly supportive and engaging especially at the Jacksonville Poetry Forums open-mic poetry night. A few great reviews have been written. All in all, my poems are out in the world, which is both awe-inspiring and humbling at the same time and I hope I never lose the gratitude and honor I feel knowing my book is in the hands of others. As she waits for a new set of her poems to make it into the world, Dorris works to find a balance between the worry of the coronavirus pandemic and trying to find positives in the situation. I think a lot of us live in near-constant states of stress, depression and isolation, she said. The difference now is that weve been given permission to talk about it. Normally, we think we must put on brave faces or put our best foot forward and many other equally annoying cliche phrases that promote false flawlessness over real imperfection but, truthfully, everyone struggles every day and no one is perfect. As a poet, as a teacher, as a woman and all the other roles we must play Ive tried to face and accept the inevitably of failure, internally and externally, as a way to manage the anxiety I face every day Will anyone like my poetry or even read it, will I inspire my students to learn and help them become better writers, will I be a good dog-parent and partner, a strong daughter, a supportive sister, etc.? Today, even though we are physically isolated, we can express these concerns through social media and not feel judged, but instead feel a sense of community with other worriers and imperfect human beings. Its funny, most of us know no one is perfect, and oftentimes we are willing to forgive the imperfections of others, but showing ourselves the same compassion is not that easy. I think poetry allows us to find this sense of community and to wrestle with these same ideas all the time. Shes grateful shes able to work from home, she said, but Dorris misses her routine and the ability that leaving her house affords her to accidentally run into situations that show me new ways to look at the world, then try to explore those new connections through poetry. She sees connections between how she reacts to poetry and how shes reacting to the pandemic. I think the coronavirus pandemic keeps us more aware every day we cant simply escape, get lost in routines, she said. In that way, it reminds me of poetry; unlike prose, a novel, where you can forget yourself in someone elses story, when reading poetry you are always hyper-aware of your hands and the words on the page, you are constantly making and creating comparisons to your own experiences trying to parse out meaning. But this hyper-awareness can also include anxiety. For me, (now is) a time to read poetry, a time to try to make sense of a new world and my place in it, but I am struggling to write new poetry almost like Im in stasis, like the world is stuck in waiting mode. . When the Body is a Guardrail, a 78-page book of poetry by Kara Dorris, is available for pre-sale at finishinglinepress.com (search for Kara Dorris) or by mailing a check for $22.98 to Finishing Line Press, P.O. Box 1626, Georgetown, KY 40324. 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. New Jersey universities, technical schools and seminaries and their students hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic are getting a $323 million lifeline in federal funding. In all, $12.6 billion was earmarked for colleges and universities in the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus law. Those institutions were forced to shut down their campuses in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and are now facing major financial losses. Each institution is required to distribute half of their award the portion being released first by the U.S. Department of Education directly to students by providing emergency financial aid grants to help cover costs associated with the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, including course materials, food, health care, technology, housing, and other eligible costs. New Jerseys public two- and four-year colleges and universities, alone, will get a combined $238.1 million in funding, according to a breakdown of awards released by U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, D-N.J. The rest of the money will go to other institutions of higher learning, including private four-year colleges, technical and trade schools, and seminaries. This funding will ensure students receive the assistance they need and that our colleges and universities can continue operating during this crisis, Menendez said. New Jerseys higher education students and institutions are facing severe economic strains," said Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st Dist., a member of the House Education and Labor Committee. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage Rutgers University is getting the largest share of the funds, $54.2 million. The states largest university has estimated it is facing $150 million in revenue losses in the current quarter alone, including more than $50 million in student refunds, an immediate $73 million freeze on state appropriations, multimillion-dollar reductions in revenue associated with the medical school and other costs and losses of income related to the COVID-19 crisis that have yet to be calculated. The first $27 million, which we expect to flow shortly, will be used for direct relief to students, spokeswoman Dory Devlin said. The university will distribute the money to our chancellors in a way that reflects student need and they will distribute the funding to students. Another $14.5 million is going to Rowan University. The school hasnt decided yet how to distribute the grants to its students, according to spokesman Joe Cardona. We will be making our determination over the coming weeks," he said. Cardona said the federal allocation represented just a part of the universitys economic losses, including $11.7 million from the state. We are hopeful that there will be an additional round of funding to help us offset the entire loss, he said. Lost revenue and additional expenditures related to the coronavirus outbreak, however, will far exceed the amount of aid colleges and universities across the nation receive from the recently enacted federal package. The funding levels are woefully short of what needs to be accomplished to help universities meet their missions of teaching, research and service," Devlin said. "We remain hopeful that the next round, or rounds, of COVID-19 response funding will more adequately address the stress that the response has placed on all institutions of higher education. Last week, Menendez led New Jerseys congressional delegation in calling on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to release the funding quickly. In a letter to the secretary, the delegation said colleges and universities need to be able to respond to the ongoing crisis. It is critical for the department to provide institutions of higher education with as much flexibility and clarity as possible for distributing these funds on campus, both for emergency grants to students and to help cover institutional refunds, expenses, and other lost revenues, the delegation said. Moodys Investors Service last week said the real test for colleges will be in the next fiscal year, when they need to figure out how the crisis could impact enrollment, international enrollment, endowment losses, research funding, and charitable giving. Among the other top awards in New Jersey: Montclair State University $19,911,482 Kean University $13,509,139 Stockton University $10,041,238 William Paterson University$9,763,356 Bergen Community College $8,461,418 New Jersey City University $8,337,070 New Jersey Institute of Technology $8,110,969 Essex County College $7,752,662 Union County College $7,393,008 Middlesex County College $7,378,634 Rowan College of South Jersey $6,557,641 Lincoln Technical Institute $6,452,823 Brookdale Community College $6,334,411 Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. One more COVID-19 patient recovers, total hits 145 Patient number 155 has recovered and was discharged from the Bac Lieu General Hospital on April 13. Photo courtesy of the hospital One more COVID-19 patient has recovered and was discharged from Bac Lieu General Hospital today, lifting the countrys total number of recoveries to 145. According to the Sub-Committee of Treatment of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, the recovered patient is patient number 155, female, 21, Vietnamese nationality. She was admitted to the hospital on March 23. During treatment, she was tested many times and all test results were negative for SARS-CoV-2 from April 3 to 9. The patient now has no fever, no cough, no breathing difficulties, no chest pain and is in a stable condition. She will continue to be isolated and monitored for the next 14 days. The sub-committee said there are 117 people being treated at 14 hospitals across the country, of which 22 have tested negative once and 16 have tested negative twice. As of this Monday morning, Viet Nam has reported 262 COVID-19 cases, of which 159 people returned from abroad (60.7 per cent) and the remaining 103 were secondary infection cases (39.3 per cent). No fatalities have been reported in Viet Nam. 22,000 USD given to help Romanias fight against COVID-19 Vice President of the Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association Bui Trong Dinh visited the Romanian Embassy in Vietnam on April 13 to hand over 500 million VND (22,000 USD) to support Romanias fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Dinh said the funding was donated by the Association's members and others who love Romania. It is expected to boost solidarity between the two peoples and partly help mitigate the impact of the disease in Romania, he added. Romanian Ambassador Emil Ghitulescu thanked the Vietnamese State, people, and the Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association for their warm sentiments and support. He said he appreciates the measures introduced by the Vietnamese Government to fight the pandemic, the efforts of Hanoi authorities, and the participation of the Vietnamese people. Dinh added that the Association will also hand over 100 million VND to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee to aid Vietnam's prevention and control efforts. Singapore to house foreign workers in vessels as COVID-19 spreads Singapore is preparing to house hundreds of foreign labourers in accommodation vessels typically used for offshore and marine industry staff, in the context that the COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly in dormitories of guest workers. The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore said it is working with terminal operator PSA Singapore, Keppel Corp's rig-building unit, floating accommodation barge provider Bibby Maritime Ltd, and serviced apartment operator The Ascott Ltd to bring in and manage two floating accommodations. Singaporean Minister of Transport Khaw Boon Wan said in a Facebook post on April 12 that each facility can hold a few hundred occupants and can be suitably organised to achieve safe distancing. The facilities are docked in a restricted area in a port terminal, Khaw added. On the same day, Singapore reported 233 new cases of COVID-19, taking its total to 2,532, including eight deaths. In recent days, cramped dormitories where dozens of thousands of foreign workers are living in have become the strongest sources of infection in Singapore. Urgent guidelines issued over COVID-19 testing Testing conducted for residents of Ha Loi village in Me Linh commune of Hanoi's Me Linh district The National Steering Committee for 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 at the weekend, 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 Vietnam 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. Vietnam 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 April 12 morning, the cumulative total of tested samples was 212,800. Binh Phuoc: District official suspended from work Binh Phuoc Province Party Committee has decided to temporarily suspend Hon Quan Districts vice chairman Luu Van Thanh for failing to comply with a request to take a body temperature check, said Nguyen Van Loi, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee. The suspension took effect on Friday (April 10), Loi said. Thanh appeared in a video clip going viral on Sunday on social media. In the four-minute clip which recorded at about 7am on April 3 at a quarantine checkpoint in Binh Long Town, Thanh didnt wear a face mask and argued with officers at the checkpoint. He slapped his hands many times on the table and cursed at them. He confirmed he was in the clip to the Vietnam News Agency. He said he was unable to control his anger and had since admitted his wrongdoings. However, Thanh claimed the short clip doesn't reflect the nature of the whole incident. "I was displeased because my car was stopped while others weren't. I think that all vehicles should be checked to ensure the effectiveness of the quarantine, he said. Thanh also said that at first, a traffic police officer allowed him to continue his journey but another officer knocked on the door and asked him to get out of the car to have his body temperature checked, adding that he felt annoyed by the man's attitude. Argentinas newspaper lauds Vietnams success in COVID-19 fight Measuring border temperature to detect COVID-19 infections Argentinas e-newspaper OJODIGITAL has recently run an article titled Coronavirus: Vietnam model, world example praising Vietnams success in controlling the spread of the acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The article stressed that over the past nearly three months, the novel coronavirus has been lashing the health systems of many countries around the world. However, Vietnam, which lies close to the first major outbreak of the disease, is one of the world models in the fight against the COVID-19, because as of April 10 (local time), it had reported 257 confirmed infections, with 144 fully recovering, and no fatalities. It said that locals support for the Governments decisions has determined the success of its policies in this fight, thus affirming a reliable state management. The article also recalled Vietnams success in winning over the acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 when it took a number of drastic measures to contain the disease, including setting up a national steering committee, quarantining infected persons in certain hospitals, implementing strict border control and disinfecting all areas reporting infection cases. When the COVID-19 broke out, the experience has helped Vietnam take the initiative in preventing and controlling the disease. The Vietnamese Governments decisions to control infection cases, monitor all people entering the country, and apply a 14-day quarantine period or social distancing have shown that the country has taken appropriate steps in its roadmap to prevent and control the spread of the disease. Vietnams success in the fight has been lauded by other countries and international organisations, the article stressed. It also noted that Vietnam has intensified cooperation with many countries in the global health crisis by presenting protective gears to Italy, Spain, Germany, France, the UK, Laos and Cambodia. Thailand has 33 more confirmed cases of COVID-19 Stores that sell food and essential goods in Thailand are still open during the time this country is under an emergency decree from March 26 to April 30 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Thailands COVID-19 infection graph is showing a stable trend, with 33 confirmed new infections and three deaths reported on April 12. Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesman for Thailands Center for the COVID-19 Situation Administration, disclosed 33 more confirmed cases on April 12, taking the total number of infections to 2,551, with 1,218 already cured. The three deaths reported take the total number of deaths to 38. The three deaths comprise a man aged 74 with diabetes and Hyperlipidemia, with a history of visiting a local market and regularly meeting with members of his family. The second death was a woman aged 65 suffering from obesity and Hyperlipidemia, who visited her relatives in Chumphon province in March. The other death was a man of 44 with severe symptoms from the first day of his hospitalization. Meanwhile the 33 new cases are mostly from Bangkok at 14 cases, followed by five from Yala, four in Phuket, three in Pattani, two in Narathiwat, two in Samut Sakhon, 1 from Loei, 1 from Chonburi, and 1 in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Meanwhile, there are nine provinces that have been able to maintain a zero infection rate, comprising Kamphaengphet, Chai Nat, Trat, Nan, Bueng Kan, Phichit, Ranong, Singburi, and Angthong Given the concern among some members of the public that cured patients may carry the virus back to the community, the spokesperson assured such citizens, that patients who are fully cured have immunity as in cases of influenza. So there is no risk of transmission or only at a very low rate. This group of people now cured of the virus, can safely donate plasma that can be used to treat infected patients. Chinese ambassador hails ASEAN+3 cooperation in fight against COVID-19 The ASEAN Plus Three (ASEAN+3) cooperation mechanism has been running in high gear since the outbreak of COVID-19, and the collective response fully demonstrates the close neighborliness and friendship, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Deng Xijun has said. ASEAN+3 comprises member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK). In a written interview with China's Xinhua News Agency recently, Deng said Southeast Asian countries responded immediately by offering each other assistance and working together in the collective fight since the outbreak of COVID-19. Efforts of ASEAN+3 have proved to be highly effective in protecting people's health and lives, maintaining normal exchanges and minimising the impact of the disease on economy and society, he said. Deng further said that ASEAN+3 health authorities have maintained close communication through the ASEAN+3 health development framework to find ways of strengthening cooperation in public health emergencies. According to the ambassador, the ASEAN+3 cooperation mechanism was set up in response to the Asian financial crisis in late 1990s and then emerged even stronger from the international financial crisis in 2008. Through mutual help under this mechanism, the ASEAN+3 countries also stood strong against SARS, the highly pathogenic avian influenza and the Indian Ocean tsunami, he said. As an important member of the ASEAN+3 mechanism and a major country of the region, Deng said China has been a strong advocate and productive participant of ASEAN+3's collective response to the COVID-19 outbreak via medical supplies, policy coordination, information sharing and medical personnel support. With regard to the upcoming special ASEAN Plus Three Summit on COVID-19 via video conference, Deng said it will be the first leaders' meeting that covers the East Asian region in response to COVID-19 and also the first special meeting so far among ASEAN+3 leaders since the mechanism was established. Deng said the summit will particularly boost the ASEAN+3 cooperation in public health and significantly enhance emergency response to major disasters in regional countries, thus further cementing the foundation of an East Asian community. Deng believed that the regional impact of the pandemic is also high on the agenda and leaders will talk about how to better coordinate macroeconomic policies and stabilise regional supply chains. The ambassador also said that China will keep a close contact with other countries on the pandemic containment and trade-related measures, fully implement the ASEAN-China free trade agreement, actively work with other parties towards the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) this year and expand regional cooperation in emerging areas such as the digital economy. Two more COVID-19 cases confirmed on April 13 morning A doctor takes care of a COVID-19 patient The National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control confirmed two new cases of VOCID-19 in the morning of April 13, bringing the total number to 262. The latest two patients are both residents in Ha Loi village, Me Linh commune in Hanois outlying Me Linh district, which is a new hot spot of COVID-19. Hanois Health Department said it had sent 15 quick-response teams to Me Linh to help the district isolate and stamp out the COVID-19 outbreak in Ha Loi. The village, which has 11,077 residents, has been put under quarantine for 28 days. Among the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in Vietnam, 144 (55 percent) have been cured, and 118 are receiving treatment in 14 hospitals./. With the two newest cases reported early April 13, the number of cases in Hanoi rose to 110. British pilot tests negative for COVID-19, condition still deteriorates Illustrative image The British patient of the coronavirus, who is a Vietnam Airlines pilot, have tested negative for the deadly SA-CoV-2 virus, but shown no signs of recovery, a senior doctor said on April 12. The patients lung damage has stopped progressing, but the function of the pulmonary ventilation remains limited and the blood coagulation disorders have not improved, said Dr Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Tropical Diseases. The 43-year-old pilot has undergone RT-PCR tests coming back negative, but his condition has not improved considerably. Currently, the patient has no a high temperature, a stable pulse and blood pressure, while still relying on ECMO therapy and dialysis, said Dr Chau, adding that the hospital gets an update on his condition and consults the national specialists council for a follow-up therapy. The pilot was diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus on March 18 after visiting Buddha Bar, a coronavirus hotspot in HCM City. He had experienced high temperatures and signs of respiratory failure since hospitalization. HCM City has put the Buddha Bar outbreak under control. To date there have been 19 COVID-19 cases linked to Buddha Bar, of which 13 visited the hotspot and the remainder acquired subsidiary infection. In addition to the British citizen, 14 other coronavirus patients in the city remain in stable health condition. UNDP supports Viet Nam in COVID-19 fight UNDP Resident Representative Caitlin Wiesen hands over the surgical masks to representatives from the Ministry of Health. Photo of UNDP Viet Nam The UN Development Programme (UNDP) on Sunday donated 20,000 high-quality surgical masks to Viet Nams Ministry of Health (MoH) to help protect health care workers on the frontlines of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Handing over the masks to the Ministry of Health, UNDP Resident Representative Caitlin Wiesen congratulated Viet Nam for its success in combating COVID19, with more than half of the COVID-19 patients fully recovered. She reiterated the UNDPs commitment to support this effort, building on the existing memorandum of understanding signed between UNDP and MoH supporting the health sector on readiness in response to climate change and capacity building for centralised procurement. The global COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a shortage of critical personal protective equipment, putting health care workers at risk, she said. UNDP is helping the Ministry of Health procure critically needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies to support doctors, nurses and health staff at the frontline of this crisis. We highly appreciate UNDPs present of 20,000 masks for health and its assistance in procuring N95 masks for the disease prevention and control work, said Nguyen Nam Lien, Director General of the MoHs Department of Planning and Finance. UNDP has been working closely with relevant ministries and UN organisations to support Viet Nam to respond to COVID-19, as part of its mission to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and build resilience to crisis and shocks. In response to COVID-19, UNDP is working with the Ministry of Health and WHO in the communication campaign 'Spreading the word #LeaveNoOneBehind' to reach out to ethnic minority people and people with disabilities. The campaign promotes COVID-19 prevention messages through animation and other communication means in ethnic minority and sign languages. In addition, UNDP in collaboration with UNWomen is conducting a rapid assessment of economic impacts of the crisis by surveying about 600 vulnerable households and 500 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This will contribute to the COVID-19 Impact Assessment led by the National Centre for Information and Forecast of the Ministry of Planning and Investment. In the longer term, UNDP will look at innovative ways to support Viet Nam to better prevent and manage such crises and ensure the country makes full use of the lessons learned from this crisis to build back better. Indonesia extends large-scale social restrictions Health workers collect samples for COVID-19 testing in West Java province of Indonesia on April 4 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) The Indonesian Government has decided to extend the area of the large-scale social restrictions to West Java, the most populous province in the country, as the number of COVID-19 cases there spikes. West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil said the large-scale restrictions will start on April 15 and be applied on the provincial towns of Bekasi, Depok and Bogor that share borders with the country's Jakarta capital. The provincial administration has also been preparing the provincial capital of Bandung for applying the large-scale social restrictions, he noted, adding that social assistance in the forms of cashes and logistics would be delivered to the people affected by the policy. The Indonesian Government's spokesman for the COVID-19-related matters Achmad Yurianto confirmed that the central government has given an approval to West Java province on its request to apply the restrictions. Banten, another Indonesian province that borders Jakarta, has also requested for applying the large-scale social restrictions. Indonesia on April 12 reported the biggest daily hike of COVID-19 cases, 399, bringing the total to 4,241 with 373 deaths. Meanwhile, the Philippines recorded 220 new cases of COVID-19 and 50 deaths, the highest number of fatalities in a single day, raising the respective figures to 4,648 and 297. A total of 197 patients have recovered with 40 announced on April 12. In Malaysia, this country confirmed 153 new cases and three deaths on the day, bringing total infections to 4,683 the highest in Southeast Asia, including 76 deaths. Its Health Ministry said 45 percent of all cases have recovered. New COVID-19 cases in Thailand dropped to a double-digit number for the fourth straight day on April 12. The infected patients there totalled 2,551 with 38 deaths./. German city appreciates Vietnams support in COVID-19 combat A woman wears a face mask to help prevent COVID-19 infection in Leipzig city on April 4 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Mayor of the German city of Liepzig Burkhard Jung has offered thanks to Vietnamese partners for their medical support for St. George Hospital in the COVID-19 fight, stressing the importance of long-standing international cooperation amidst crises. The assistance for St. George Hospital includes 10,000 medical face masks, 1,000 protective suits, along with eyewear and gloves. They were delivered free of charge by Vietnams national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines to Frankfurt am Main city on the flight that repatriated German citizens. Mayor Burkhard Jung highlighted that the long-standing cooperation between Leipzig and partners around the world becomes all the more important amidst crises. He appreciated the Ho Chi Minh City-based Military Hospital 175, Vietnam Airlines and other partners creating conditions for the medical aid to reach his city, noting that without the relevant sides coordination, including the policy-related support from Vietnam and Germany, the aid wouldnt have been able to be transported. Meanwhile, Director of St. George Hospital Iris Minde expressed her delight at the aid from Vietnam. She highlighted the successful cooperation between her hospital and Military Hospital 175 for many years, adding they jointly set up a healthcare centre for sharing experience. Leipzig and its twinned HCM City have been developing strong connections in multiple spheres. Leipzig is also the only German city to have opened a representative office in the southern economic hub of Vietnam. Besides, St. George Hospital and Military Hospital 175 have been partners of each other for years. They have effectively implemented many training and exchange programmes in both countries./. Two more COVID-19 cases reported in Vietnam, total now 260 The Ministry of Health on April 12 afternoon announced two more cases of COVID-19, bringing the total in the country to 260. Ha Loi village, Me Linh district, Hanoi. Both of the cases are in Ha Loi village, Me Linh commune, Hanois outlying district of Me Linh, which is a new hot spot of the pandemic. The 259th case, 41 years old, is the wife of Patient 254. From April 3-6, she traveled to a number of other localities to sell flowers and buy necessities. After her husbands sample on April 9 tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 that causes the disease, she was quarantined a day later. Her sample also tested positive for the virus on April 11. Meanwhile, the 260th is a 35-year-old farmer. Over the past two weeks, she did not go anywhere far from her house, but visited a butchers where Patient 259 also frequented. Besides, on April 6, she had close contacts with two F1 cases of Patient 243. Her sample tested positive on April 11. Citizen protection online discussion in US against COVID-19 Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc (second row, third from left)joins a recent online discussion between Vietnamese representative offices in the host country and the association of Vietnamese students Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc joined a recent online discussion between Vietnamese representative offices in the host country and the association of Vietnamese students there, focusing on measures to support Vietnamese citizens and students in face of the COVID-19. During the discussion, participants heard worries and concerns from students, as well as inquiries on measures in their support. Ambassador Ngoc affirmed the embassy and other representative offices are giving a special priority to the citizen protection work, including support to students in the current context. The embassy has asked local authorities to take measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Vietnamese in the US, he elaborated. The diplomat also asked the Vietnamese people there to keep calm and to take guidance by the US, advising that they should stay in the country if their conditions allow. He asked the representative offices to continue upholding the spirit of responsibility as well as their utmost efforts to provide the best possible support to the Vietnamese citizens in the US. A responsible Vietnam in COVID-19 fight The German Embassy in Vietnam, on its Facebook page, thanks the Vietnamese Government for giving the Germans face masks. (Photo: German Embassy in Hanoi) As the number of COVID-19 infections grows, so does global solidarity. Countries all around the world are strengthening international cooperation to defeat their shared enemy. True friends Thank you, Vietnam, wrote the German Embassy in Vietnam on its Facebook page after receiving 110,000 anti-bacterial facemasks from the Vietnamese government. The Embassy quoted Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung, highlighting the importance of international solidarity in the fight against the deadly novel coronavirus, praised the Vietnamese community in Germany for their efforts in fighting the epidemic, and cited the strength of the Germany-Vietnam friendship in this difficult period. Vietnams unity with France in the fight against COVID-19 is a reflection of the close friendship and cooperation between the two countries, said the French Embassy in Vietnam upon receiving made-in-Vietnam facemasks which will be delivered to medical workers and patients in France in the next few days. British Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward thanked the Vietnamese government for its gift of medical equipment and 100,000 facemasks. Mr. Ward said that healthcare is one of the key sectors in bilateral cooperation and the two countries will continue to work closely to combat COVID-19. On its Facebook page, the US Embassy in Vietnam posted a tweet from President Donald Trump praising Vietnam for its cooperation in delivering 450,000 protective suits to the US. Trump said this was made possible by the partnership of Vietnam and American companies. US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink said in a video clip posted on Facebook, As strong partners, the US and Vietnam will get through this together. I hope each of you and your families stay safe and healthy. Partners stand together, and we stand together with Vietnam in the fight against COVID-19. Identifying containing the COVID-19 pandemic as a global task, Vietnam has worked closely with the international community to fight the disease since it broke out in Wuhan, China last December. Despite limited resources, Vietnam has shared its experience and provided medical supplies and equipment to its neighbors. Cambodias healthcare leaders called Vietnams assistance vivid evidence of the close brotherly friendship and neighborliness between the two countries. Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somdy Duangdy said Vietnams support is a source of encouragement for Lao healthcare workers and others. Vietnams goodwill cooperation with other countries in this fight has received international praise. American magazine The Diplomat highlighted Vietnams recent assistance to five European nations, saying it illustrates the continued willingness to assist other countries on a bilateral and multilateral basis to the best of its abilities, even as the country continues to remain vigilant about managing its own challenge at home. Vietnam donated 550,000 face masks to five European countries to support their fight against COVID-19. The BBC lauded the overseas Vietnamese communities in several countries for their support for the local healthcare sector. #StayHomeIsFun campaign encourages social distancing Starting on April 1, Vietnam ordered a nationwide social distancing rule lasting 15 days to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Responding to the Prime Minister's call to action on "fighting epidemics like fighting against the enemy", the Ministry of Health, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) officially launched the campaign #ONhaVanVui (#StayHomeIsFun). The campaign which calls on people to unite by staying home to prevent disease has attracted a huge interest from people across Vietnam. The name #ONhaVanVui is inspired by the spirit of "self-insulated isolation", limiting social interaction, gatherings, reducing the rate of spread, avoiding overcrowding of the health system, thereby helping to control the epidemic. Emeritus artist Thuy Dat was enjoying her time at home when she started to compose new songs on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, including a song in Xam style, a centuries-old singing style of the Vietnamese people. Dat said, "People across Vietnam are joining hands to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. As an artist, I feel responsible to do something to contribute to this effort. Wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, keeping social distance... are among things we can do to help contain the virus. This is how we can show our love for the country and our fellow countrymen." Many people have been encouraged to work from home and they have also found their own ways to make life more entertaining at home. Rana Flower, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, has enthusiastically responded to the campaign. With more time at home, she can prepare more food for her little daughter like frozen grapes and share her clips of making food online. With the #ONhaVanVui campaign, the organizers urge users to share interesting activities at home and of themselves. From every day activities like cooking, exercising, and study time, to more unique and personal activities like; dressing up in beautiful clothes for fashion shows, humming to music, dancing freely, etc. In addition, users can interact and connect with friends and the community while erasing feelings of boredom and negativity from having to leave the workplace and familiar shops. Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Hau A Lenh noted, "As the pandemic is getting more complicated, people are encouraged to stay at home to protect themselves and others as well to contain the spread of the virus. Lets turn this into a special opportunity for us to better connect with others and do something good to yourself, your family, and the society." Programming contest launched to combat COVID-19 A hackathon has been launched to look for innovative ideas in education, healthcare, information and economics to tackle the COVID-19 epidemic. The Hack Covy programming contest is expected to attract over 500 young Vietnamese programmers, innovators and designers across about 100 projects. It is an initiative of the Hanoi Youth Union, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam and AngelHack Vietnam. The organisers, together with the participation of many experts, will establish online channels offering contestants opportunities to take part in discussions, team-building and the use of advanced technology throughout the competition. Contestants will send their finished projects, along with a 2-minute video giving an overview of their ideas, to the organisers from now until April 16. Across three days between April 17-19, participants will present their projects online before a jury panel, which then will announce the three best projects on April 24. The three winning projects will receive development support worth 2,000 USD each before being released to the market. In addition, the top 10 will be able to register on the fundraising platform https://jong.ventures. Over 300,000 USD raised to help needy against COVID-19 A family in HCM City prepares food portions free of charge for poor people and hospital staff (Photo: www.sggp.org.vn) About 7 billion VND (300,000 USD) was donated to a programme during a recent signing ceremony in Hanoi to help the needy in the context of the raging COVID-19. The programmed, launched by Vietnam Youth League, aims to provide daily food portions to those individuals hard hit by the pandemic, as well as medical equipment for physicians fighting the disease. It will be implemented from April 15 in the five major cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong and Can Tho. The portions will be directly delivered to the poor, the old, the homeless, laid off workers, and so on. This is in response to the call by the Prime Minister that nobody is left behind in the period of the pandemic, organisers said. Speaking at the ceremony, a representative of the youth organisations described the donation was a manifestation of social responsibility of firms towards the Vietnamese people. Meanwhile, representatives of the donors expressed the hope that the initiative will be broadened to other localities to help the needy. Vietnam Airlines brings 12 Vietnamese stranded in Japan home National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has flied 12 Vietnamese citizens stranded in Japan back home on a flight on April 12, according to an representative of the airline. The flight VN311 departed Tokyo at 8:00am (Vietnam time), heading to Hanoi, as a joint effort among Vietnam Airlines, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan and Japanese authorities. On board of the flight were a group of Vietnamese passengers who have stuck at Narita International Airport for 10 days due to Japans entry restrictions for fear of COVID-19 and airlines temporarily halt flights to Vietnam. There were also Vietnamese people with difficulties supported by the embassy to return home. Flight VN311 is a freight flight and only carries passengers in case of emergency. All of its crew members were equipped with full personal protective suits while the passengers underwent medical checks before boarding the flight and were required to wear masks during the journey. All the passengers will be transferred to a centralised quarantine area while disinfection of aircraft will be immediately implemented right after the airplane lands in Hanoi. The representative said relevant Vietnamese agencies and the airline have been closely coordinating to conduct more flights to bring more Vietnamese citizens home in the coming time. Thailand reports decline in new COVID-19 infections Praram 9 hospital in Bangkok capital city of Thailand Thailand on April 12 confirmed 33 new SARS-CoV-2 infections and three three more deaths, bringing the country's total number of COVID-19 patients to 2,551 and the toll to 38. The number of confirmed new cases was lower than the 45 recorded one day earlier, and marks the fourth straight day of decline. Bangkok reported the largest number of infections, while largest transmission rate was seen in Phuket. Besides, the Thai government is warning that the COVID-19 can be contracted within people's own homes after significant transmissions were recorded among family members between April 4 and 10. As many as 144 of the 495 new infections reported in the period, or 29 percent, are people who were in close contact with existing patients. Up to 56 percent in this group contracted the virus from family members, especially spouses, according to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration. The second-highest amount of transmissions occurred in workplaces at 23 percent, followed by 18 percent at social gatherings and 3 percent from other sources. All COVID-19 patients will be treated for free at all hospitals in Thailand, with the costs paid by three healthcare funds, effective retroactively from March 5. Under a Public Health Ministry announcement, all hospitals, public and private, must do their best to treat the 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. The country will also need up to 400 experienced nurses to take care of the growing number of COVID-19 patients. President of Thailand Nursing Midwifery Council Thassana Boonthong said nurses specialised in caring for patients in critical condition are in high demand as hospitals are allocating more beds for COVID-19 patients. Nghe An records masses of negative COVID-19 tests after Bach Mai Hospital visit As many as 700 people who had recently visited Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi tested negative for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on April 11, according to Nghe An Provinces Centre for Disease Control. Approximately 1,000 people in Nghe An province are known to have received medical treatment at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi between March 10 and 24. With roughly 300 people showing no symptoms of the virus after going over 14 days since returning from the hospital, authorities made the decision not to test them. As a result, the provincial health sector only took samples from the other 700 cases, with each of the results ultimately coming back negative for the COVID-19 on April 11. Currently there are 58 cases of people who recently returned from Bach Mai Hospital being isolated at their residence in Nghe An province, with a further 10 cases in concentrated isolation zones, and an additional 34 cases being put into isolation in hospital. At present the provincial health sector has been able to take samples from 4,335 cases, with more than half testing negative for the virus whilst the remaining cases are currently waiting to receive their results. In order to combat the COVID-19, medical workers plan on taking samples from 1,000 individuals currently in concentrated isolation zones locally. V.League 1 champions Hanoi FC donate VND2 billion to COVID-19 fight Reigning V.League 1 champions Hanoi FC on April 9 donated an array of essential goods and cash totaling approximately VND2 billion to the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) to support the countrys efforts to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. Hanoi FC donate an array of essential goods and cash totaling approximately VND2 billion to the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) to support the country for COVID-19 combat. The donation is largely made up of contributions given by the clubs footballers. T&T sport joint stock company, the owners of Hanoi FC, expect that the donation to the VFF will enable both medical workers and soldiers on the frontline of the COVID-19 battle to get the essential goods they need. Speaking about the donation, footballer Pham Thanh Luong expressed hope the items will serve as a great source of encouragement for people fighting the epidemic. On behalf of Hanoi FCs footballers, midfielder Do Hung Dung sent the teams sincere thanks to all doctors, nurses, and soldiers nationwide who are working tirelessly to overcome tremendous difficulties and cure COVID-19 patients. He added that if the community works in solidarity, all citizens will be able to return to their normal lives soon. The donation comes after Hanoi FC offered VND1 billion to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases on March 31, in addition to a further VND500 million to the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology as part of their contribution to help contain the COVID-19 epidemic. VNA/Vietnamnet/VNS/VOV Argentina is including cases of coronavirus in the Falkland Islands' as its own. The South American nation's claim to sovereignty over the British Overseas Territory has extended to listing the confirmed island figures as part of the overall statistics from its southernmost region of Tierra del Fuego. Argentinian health chiefs have already included the five cases from RAF base Mount Pleasant in the national caseload. The Falkland Islands Government confirmed on Thursday there were five confirmed Covid-19 cases on the complex. It is due to update the figures on Monday. The South American nation's claim to sovereignty over the British Overseas Territory has extended to listing the confirmed island figures as part of its own overall statistics Argentinian health chiefs say they are having to rely on the figures released by island officials as their reference because the 'illegal occupation' of the Falklands makes it impossible for them to do their own checks on the 'impact of Covid-19 in that part of Argentina.' Argentina's Falklands secretary Daniel Filmus, referring to the disputed territory by their Spanish name Las Malvinas, said: 'In accordance with our constitution and current legislation, Argentina will include those infected who are in the Malvinas in its statistics because they are in national territory. 'The government will register positive cases in the archipelago as part of the population of the province of Tierra del Fuego. Argentinian health chiefs have already included the five cases from RAF base Mount Pleasant in the national caseload Last month Argentina offered to help Falkland Islands' residents if they needed anything during the coronavirus crisis. Mr Filmus revealed he had spoken to Argentina's British ambassador Mark Kent to make the offer. The Argentinian government said it stood ready to provide fresh food, medicine and Covid-19 tests if required as well humanitarian flights or medical care for Islanders. A statement issued by Argentina's Foreign Ministry on March 23, referring to the Falkland Islands as Las Malvinas, said: 'In the name of the Argentinian government, the Secretary of the Malvinas, Antarctic and South Atlantic Daniel Filmus contacted the British ambassador in Buenos Aires Mark Kent today to offer its willingness to assist the island residents as a result of the situation generated by the coronavirus pandemic. 'He mentioned the possibility of co-operating with the residents by sending fresh food, medicines and tests to detect the virus which causes Covid-19, as well as making available facilities to undertake humanitarian flights if necessary and provide care in medical centres in mainland Argentina.' Mr Filmus added: 'I have transmitted the message of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Felipe Sola to Mr Kent which is that at such difficult times, solidarity must be the way to overcome the situation caused by coronavirus.' Last month Argentina offered to help Falkland Islands' residents if they needed anything during the coronavirus crisis. Pictured: A team from Merville Barracks, Colchester are travelling to the Falkland Islands to re-inforce King Edward Memorial Hospital in Stanley War veteran Jed Stone called it a 'great gesture' but sea cadet instructor John Bennett reacted by warning: 'It's a trap' in a Twitter debate sparked by the offer. Argentinian German Coduras, brushing off comments from compatriots insisting it was the UK's job to help, added: 'We should unite against the only enemy which is Covid-19.' Tests swabs taken in the Falkland Islands have to be sent to the UK. The latest figures from the Falkland Islands government confirmed five people currently serving at Mount Pleasant have Covid-19, with one still in hospital. Another has just been discharged, and three are in isolation at the RAF base. It added: 'Our key objective is to protect lives. In the face of this global pandemic, the primary focus is to manage the immediate health risks. 'However, we must do this in a way which is proportionate to the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and we must also have regard to the need to keep the economy of the Islands going, to ensure that work can continue, where it is safe to do so.' Falkland Islands resident Lisa Watson, editor of its weekly paper Penguin News, raged on Twitter: 'The Argentine government quite literally has no shame. 'Using an horrific global tragedy to make a political point. I cant believe the people approve of their governments behaviour in this case.' Brit David Eccles joked ironically: 'So theyre paying for their healthcare are they? Thought not.' Another social media user, referring to the Alberto Fernandez-led Argentinian government whose Vice President is the nations controversial former leader Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, added: 'Its just another example of how pathetic, delusional and idiotic the kirchnerite narrative and its followers are.' Argentina currently has 2,142 confirmed coronavirus cases with 89 confirmed deaths. The lockdown, imposed to check the spread of coronavirus disease Covid-19, has led to some strange events in a small town in Bihar. According to Hindustan Times Hindi language publication Live Hindustan, people are finding currency notes kept outside their homes along with a paper slip. A note scribbled on the piece of paper says I have come with corona. Accept this note, otherwise I will harass everyone, reported Live Hindustan. (Read This Story in Hindi) The currency notes found outside the homes are of denominations 20, 50 and 100. And the handwriting used on the pieces of paper is similar, pointing towards the work of a single person, Live Hindustan quoted locals as saying. So far, people from three houses have reported finding such currency notes and pieces of paper. This has been happening in the town since Friday. The police have said that they are investigating the matter. The spread of coronavirus has led to adoption of strict social distancing norms by the people, who are now averse to touching things which are potential carriers of the Sars-CoV-2 virus. Last month, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) had requested Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to order investigation to assess chances of Covid-19 spreading through currency notes. CAIT, an umbrella body representing about 50 million small traders, had also written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There is no scientific evidence or study to link spread of Covid-19 to currency notes. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has so far not issued any statement on avoiding the use of paper currency. Meanwhile, the number of Covid-19 positive cases crossed the 8000-mark in India on Sunday. According to health ministry, 8,356 people have contracted the coronavirus disease and 273 have died across the country, with more than 900 cases and 34 deaths in the last 24 hours. In Bihar, 63 confirmed Covid-19 cases have been reported from Bihar. One person has died due to the disease while 18 others have been cured, said the state Health Department in a statement. A minor and a woman were among three civilians killed as the Pakistani army violated the ceasefire by resorting to the firing of small arms and mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Sunday. The deceased were identified as Shameena Begum, Javeed Khan and Zayan, an 8-year-old boy. Sources said Pakistan targeted Shararat post, Jal Black Rock, and Anil posts along the LoC and resorted to heavy mortar shelling. Several shells landed in civilian areas, damaging houses and killing three civilians, they said. This comes just a day after massive cross border shelling was reported in the area. An army official earlier said that this afternoon Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation creating fear among the local population and targeted Indian army posts. They said that the initial fire started from Hajitara, Dhani and later the firing spread in the areas like Manzgam, Malikpora, TCP, Hafrada, Kralpora and Tumna Hachimarg Chowkibal. He said the shelling was started by Pakistan and Indian army responded in equal proportions. Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Kupwara, Shriram Ambarkar confirmed the killing of civilians in the shelling. The assessment and evacuation process is underway and people are being moved to safer places, he said. With coronavirus pandemic spreading chaos everywhere, a source said, Pakistan army was trying to take advantage of the crisis and push militants into Jammu and Kashmir. In the recent days, several attempts were made by the infiltrators with Pakistani army giving them covering fire along the LoC in Kupwara and Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu region. There were a total of 646 incidents of ceasefire violations along the International Border (IB) as well as the LoC between January 1 and February 23 this year, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said in March. Over 3,200 ceasefire violations by Pakistan troops were recorded in 2019. There is 198 km IB and over 510 km of LoC with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. US military brings in 35 trucks to oil-rich northeastern Syria: SANA Iran Press TV Saturday, 11 April 2020 12:45 PM The United States has dispatched truckloads of military and logistical equipment to Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah as Washington and some of its regional allies keep vying with one another to seize oil reserves and plunder natural resources in the war-battered country, Syrian media say. Local sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Syria's official news agency SANA that a convoy of 35 trucks crossed into the Syrian territory on Saturday, and headed toward US positions in the Shaddadi district of the province. In late October 2019, Washington reversed an earlier decision to pull out all of its troops from northeastern Syria, announcing the deployment of about 500 soldiers to the oil fields controlled by Kurdish forces in the Arab country. The Pentagon claimed that the move was aimed at protecting the fields and facilities from possible attacks by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group. That claim came although US President Donald Trump had earlier suggested that Washington sought economic interests in controlling the oil fields. US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper also threatened that the US troops deployed to the fields would use "military force" against any party that might seek to challenge control of the sites, even if it were Syrian government forces or their Russian allies. Syria, which has not authorized American military presence in its territory, has said the US is "plundering" the country's oil. Turkey sends convoy to Idlib Separately, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that Turkey had dispatched another military convoy to Syria's northwestern province of Idlib. The Britain-based war monitor, citing activists requesting anonymity, said the Turkish convoy, consisting of nearly 30 military vehicles, entered Syria through Khirbet al-Jouz border crossing early on Saturday. Turkey renews ground shelling against Kurdish-held areas in Aleppo Moreover, Turkish military forces fired several rockets at Kurdish-controlled towns of Harbal and Sheikh Issa in the northern sector of Aleppo province. There were no reports of injuries as a result of the shelling. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar announced on March 13 that the Russian and Turkish militaries had agreed on the details of a new ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone following four days of talks in Ankara. Within the framework of the agreement, Akar said, the first joint patrol by Turkey and Russia on the strategic M4 highway in Idlib would take place on March 15, and that Turkey and Russia will set up joint coordination centers in the area. The announcement followed a telephone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan the previous day to discuss the implementation of the agreements the two leaders had reached in Moscow the previous week. "Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed the importance of continued close joint efforts, first of all between the Russian and Turkish defense ministries, in order to ensure a stable ceasefire and further stabilization of the situation," a Kremlin press release read. "It was agreed to maintain a regular dialogue at various levels, including personal contacts," the statement added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Celebrity stylist Jo Ferguson was reportedly struggling financially and estranged from her old friends in the Sydney party scene before she died of suspected liver and kidney failure on Wednesday at the age of 46. The late socialite was said to be 'badgering' her remaining friends for money and selling her designer handbags 'just to survive', according to The Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday. Meanwhile, she was also documenting her downward spiral on Facebook with 'unsettling' posts about her health and mental state. Tragedy: Celebrity stylist Jo Ferguson was reportedly struggling financially and estranged from her old friends in the Sydney party scene before she died of suspected liver and kidney failure on Wednesday at the age of 46. Pictured on November 14, 2007 in Sydney The publication claimed that many in Jo's social circle had cut ties with her 'years ago' while others felt they had no choice but to walk away as her health declined. She apparently spent her last days alone, which makes her reported decision to turn off life support instead of committing to six months of sobriety to qualify for a life-saving liver transplant all the more tragic. Back in January, Jo had told the Emerald City column she'd spent the previous six months trying to get her finances in order while in hospital with blood poisoning. Sad end: The late socialite was said to be 'badgering' her remaining friends for money and selling her designer handbags 'just to survive', according to The Sydney Morning Herald 'Never ending... now draining with a tube': Meanwhile, she was documenting her downward spiral on Facebook with 'unsettling' posts about her health and mental state. Pictured in hospital shortly before her death Contrary to claims she was experiencing financial difficulties, the former Woman's Day fashion director said she had in fact been able to buy a house. 'I set up my [hospital] room like an office,' she was quoted as saying. 'I got on top of things I had put off for years I even managed to buy a new house with cash.' The Sunday Telegraph reported that Jo had made the decision last week to turn off the machines filtering her blood and keeping her alive, leading to her death from liver and kidney failure days later. She apparently instructed doctors to turn the machines off rather than having to spend six months sober to qualify for a life-saving liver transplant. Heartbreaking: She apparently spent her last days alone, which makes her reported decision to turn off life support instead of committing to six months of sobriety to qualify for a life-saving liver transplant all the more tragic. Pictured: one of Jo's Facebook posts from March 19 Health battle: Jo is believed to have made the life-or-death decision while in hospital in Adelaide last Sunday. She died three days later, on April 8. Pictured in January She is believed to have made the life-or-death decision while in hospital in Adelaide last Sunday. She died three days later, on April 8, following a four-year health battle. It comes after tributes poured in last week, with friends and colleagues offering a rare glimpse into the life of the troubled party girl. According to those closest to Jo, she 'never lost her wild sense of humour' despite being terribly ill and was 'enthusiastic about life' until the very end. Remembered: It comes after tributes poured in last week, with friends and colleagues offering a rare glimpse into the life of the troubled party girl. Pictured on December 6, 2007 in Sydney Talent manager Annie Kelly, whose clients include supermodel Miranda Kerr, said that Jo 'could light up a room with her energy and smile'. 'Despite her health battles, she never lost her wild sense of humour and still had me in tears of laughter when we spoke. I have so many wonderful memories that I will cherish,' Annie said. Media personality Deborah Thomas, who was a colleague of Jo's at Cleo magazine in the late '90s, said her friend was 'always so full of life and fun'. Devastated: Talent manager Annie Kelly (left), whose clients include supermodel Miranda Kerr (right), said that Jo 'could light up a room with her energy and smile' Heartbroken: Media personality Deborah Thomas (pictured), who was a colleague of Jo's at Cleo magazine in the late '90s, said her friend was 'always so full of life and fun' 'RIP to one of the best': On Tuesday, publicist Roxy Jacenko reflected on her friendship with Jo, who was a longtime supporter of her company Sweaty Betty PR Deborah revealed they would regularly catch up for lunch after leaving Cleo. 'It was always a pleasure to spend time with Jo as she bubbled over with enthusiasm about life even though more recently she faced many challenges. I am devastated by the loss of a beautiful soul who has tragically left us way too soon,' she said. High profile publicist Roxy Jacenko also paid tribute on Thursday, saying: 'Jo, you were so special and you will be missed. Life is short. Take care, all.' She had quit the Sydney party scene and moved to Adelaide in recent years, but many still remembered her from her days mingling with actors and models at high-profile social events. Inside Jo's tumultuous personal life Jo dated longtime Seven presenter and celebrity carpenter Tom Williams for several years before splitting in 2003. It's unclear what caused their break-up. She told a journalist in 2005: 'We broke up two years ago, and I've got a new boyfriend now. It was a time in our lives, and it's not that time now.' She was reluctant to discuss Tom out of fear she would be misquoted. Brief: Jo dated longtime Seven presenter and celebrity carpenter Tom Williams for several years before splitting in 2003. It's unclear what caused their break-up. Pictured in April 2008 from left to right: Jo, David Gyngell, Tom and Kylie Spear '[Reporters] always print something I didn't say, like I am in love with him, which is not true, and not fair,' she said. She then began a relationship with high-flying Sydney banker Angus McGeoch, which lasted for several years. The pair even bought a house together on Sydney's exclusive north shore. But their split in 2007 left her in a bad way. Stylist: Jo had no shortage of A-list clients and friends. Pictured with supermodel Miranda Kerr on September 13, 2007 in Sydney Famous friends: Jo is pictured with model Kristy Hinze on December 14, 2008. Jo was a bridesmaid at Kristy's wedding to American tech billionaire Jim Clark in 2009 Jo took the break-up hard, losing weight and 'crying so much her eyelashes fell out', she was quoted as telling The Daily Telegraph at the time. But it was about this time that Jo started to mingle with Sydney's fashion elite, even being a bridesmaid at model Kristy Hinze's wedding to American tech billionaire Jim Clark in 2009. In 2011, she abruptly quit her job as fashion editor at Woman's Day magazine in a bizarre fashion - allegedly resigning by email at 4:30pm on a Friday, giving her employers zero notice, and leaving with immediate effect. But the decision to leave Woman's Day hardly hurt her career, as she went on to style some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Duffy and Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas. Abrupt exit: In 2011, Jo quit her job as fashion editor at Woman's Day magazine via email at 4:30pm on a Friday afternoon, leaving with immediate effect. Pictured on December 28, 2008 Advertisement In 2016, Jo had a near-death experience which saw her withdraw completely from the spotlight. The accident was so bad, she had complications for years and was often in and out of hospital. She described what happened in a Facebook post at the time, writing: 'I slipped and fell down 27 stairs at my apartment at 8:20am on a Sunday and knocked myself out immediately, gashing my temple on the stairs and losing four litres of blood. 'I'd been unconscious for five hours when a friend found me and called the ambulance. I ended up needing three blood transfusions and 38 stitches to the head. I was told I was 20 minutes from death due to the blood loss.' Too young: Jo died in the early hours of Wednesday morning of suspected liver and kidney failure after several years of declining health. Pictured on December 15, 2010 in Sydney A fight for life: In 2016, Jo had a near-death experience which saw her withdraw completely from the spotlight. The accident was so bad, she had complications for years and was often in and out of hospital After this accident, she left Sydney and returned to Adelaide to be closer to her family. In January, Jo revealed she had been hospitalised with blood poisoning due to a complication from a blood transfusion following the 2016 incident. She told The Sydney Morning Herald she had been given the wrong blood type, which caused years of nausea and lightheadedness. 'They gave me B-positive and I am A-positive. I had 9.1 litres of poisonous blood drained from my body, I was close to death and said I had six months to live,' she said. She was placed on life support in March, only to be discharged and then readmitted. Following her discharge from hospital last month, she wrote on Facebook: 'After being placed on life support a week ago how the body reacts is amazing. Did someone say coronavirus? Wait until you are really sick to cry wolf.' Jo died in the early hours of Wednesday morning of suspected liver and kidney failure after several years of declining health. Her brother, Scott, told The Daily Telegraph he was devastated by the loss of his 'inspirational' sister. The life and times of Jo Ferguson 1974: Born in Adelaide Early 2000s: Makes a name for herself in the Sydney social set working for magazines such as Woman's Day and Cleo 2003: Splits from television host Tom Williams after dating for several years 2007: Left heartbroken after break-up with banker Angus McGeoch 2008: Leaves Cleo magazine to work for Woman's Day and NW 2009: Serves as a bridesmaid at Kristy Hinze's wedding to Jim Clark 2011: Resigns as fashion director of Woman's Day via email 2012: Jo goes on to style the likes of Rihanna and Taylor Swift 2016: Falls down the stairs at home and requires three blood transfusions 2016: Leaves Sydney party scene and returns to Adelaide due to poor health 2019: Suffers from constant nausea and lightheadedness as health worsens January 2020: Diagnosed with blood poisoning after being given the wrong blood type in an earlier transfusion March 2020: Discharged from hospital after being put on life support April 2020: Dies of suspected liver and kidney failure on April 8 Advertisement Vietnam rolls out much-needed relief Nguyen Thi Van and Nguyen Van Nam, a hardworking couple based in Hanois Dong Anh district, are enduring some dark days. Before the current COVID-19, the couples monthly income was nearly VND10 million ($435), enough to cover living costs for the family of four, but now they struggle to see just how they can live day-by-day without money and jobs as their workplace has been temporarily closed. Van works for an English language centre which has provided no work since last December, while Nam has been employed by Japanese electronics giant Panasonic. Now they are in a similar situation, awaiting and expecting the fresh government measures that could keep their two sons from starving. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said, While great difficulties are hitting people and enterprises, a bowl of rice for the poor at times like this is worth thousands of times more than discussions. Looking at the suffering of people across the country during the crisis, he has done his utmost to craft measures as soon as possible to help people and businesses overcome challenges. Based on a proposal from the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), at the meeting last week between the government and localities, the government officially adopted a support package worth VND62 trillion ($2.7 billion) to ensure social security, contribute to maintaining social stability, and demonstrate the governments commitments. The package will be delivered to people with meritorious services, contracted employees, part-time workers, and those on unpaid leave or with reduced income as a result of the pandemic. It will also apply to freelancers, employees who have been fired without eligibility for unemployment benefits, and those who have no labour contract. Meanwhile, businesses could borrow money at zero lending rate from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) to ensure they have enough funds to pay affected employees. Expert Ngo Tri Long said that with the tight budget, the package will solve many difficulties for employees. The most important issue is progress. It is a vital factor to support labourers and business in order to avoid job losses, he said. At all costs, firms must retain employees to back disadvantaged groups in society. Numerous foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam have been sabotaged by COVID-19. For example, automakers such as Nissan, Ford, Toyota, and Honda all had shut down production temporarily in Vietnam to protect their employees amidst the rising number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in the country. According to the MPI, the first three months saw the exit of nearly 35,000 businesses. Of which, 18,600 are temporarily closed, up 26 per cent on-year, and 4,100 have been dissolved entirely. Some 12,200 others are in the process of dissolution. Struggling against the health crisis, all countries over the world have proposed the largest bailout measures ever seen. The G20 has provided a $7-trillion package, the United States directly supported people and businesses with measures with $2 trillion, and Japan is offering $1 trillion. In addition to the said VND62 trillion ($2.7 billion) package, the Vietnamese government has approved relief for businesses to not just survive but to help revive the economy after the pandemic. The monetary package worth VND300 trillion ($13 billion) to provide capital, a fiscal measure worth VND180 trillion ($7.8 billion), an electricity-price support package of VND12 trillion ($520 million), and telecommunication-price assistance package valued at VND15 trillion ($650 million) are contributing to helping businesses to stay afloat. About 98 per cent of businesses will able to enjoy these policies, confirmed Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Besides the harsh business climate, numerous enterprises have been seeking out what opportunities they can during the pandemic. Hong Kongs (China) textile firm Texhong Vietnam has decided to invest an additional $500 million in Vietnam this year alone. However, to maintain operations with nearly 20,000 local employees, the company has asked for privilege that the government previously approved for Samsung and LG, in allowing its experts and other staff to enter Vietnam via the Mong Cai border gate in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh. This is an important factor for Texhong to maintain the working place for its employees, as well as significantly contribute their resources to the socio-economic development of the province and country, especially in this difficult context, said Nguyen Van Thang, Chairman of Quang Ninh Peoples Committee. PM Phuc reaffirmed that mobilising resources from the private sector and through foreign direct investment (FDI) is the most essential now. Despite the pandemic, Vietnam is striving to attract a bigger sum of FDI to seize the opportunities created by transferring investment into Southeast Asia. NHS workers in PPE attend to a patient at St Thomas' Hospital in London. (Getty) NHS nurses have been told they can refuse to treat coronavirus patients if they do not have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Guidance issued by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) reportedly states that nurses should only refuse to provide care as a last resort. It comes amid a nationwide shortage of PPE which has meant doctors and nurses are putting their lives at risk to treat patients, according to the British Medical Association (BMA). This morning an RCN spokesman said: For nursing staff, this will go against every instinct. NHS staff removing a patient from an ambulance at a London hospital. (Getty) But their safety must not be compromised. As the RCN, we offer support and guidance on the steps nursing staff can take before coming to that judgement. Nursing staff are extremely determined and the public can be reassured by that. Home Secretary Priti 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. Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice After being asked twice if she would apologise to NHS staff and their families over supplies of 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. The British Medical Association said doctors and nurses are 'putting their lives at risk' to treat patients. (Getty) "And of course we are trying to address that as a Government." It comes as new research found that a third of surgeons and trainees across the UK do not believe they have an adequate supply of protective equipment to do their job safely. A survey of nearly 2,000 surgeons and surgical trainees, published on Sunday, also found that 57% said there had been shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) at their organisations in the last 30 days. Story continues Its vice-president Sue Hill said there was still a lot more work to do to get an adequate supply of equipment to the front lines. She added: "Things are going broadly in the right direction with fewer surgeons telling us there is an inadequate supply of PPE in their trust now, than over the past month. "But progress in this fast-moving crisis feels painfully slow. "PPE supply should not be a postcode lottery - the most acutely affected areas need more kit, fast." The BMA said the lack of PPE means doctors face 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. Coronavirus: what happened today? Click here to sign up to the latest news, advice and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter JOHANNESBURG (AP) 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. That's 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 rumors that 300,000 black people in Guangzhou were setting off a second epidemic, which caused panic. Officials said the rumor 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 Leone's 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 China's earlier lockdown had sided with Chinese officials against calls for evacuations, and many African nations publicly praised Beijing for its virus response. Story continues 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 China's development model or assertive investment in the continent in recent years made it clear that racist treatment of their citizens wouldn't 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 A modest Easter Sunday service was held by a small group of clergymen in Nairobi's main Catholic church, as the coronavirus lockdown continued in Kenya. The Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family remained closed to the public, yet Father Simon Peter participated in a Mass held only for the clergy and three people he said were there to help with the singing. "You can see it has really affected us of course in a negative way but we know we are pursuing a particular good," Father Simon Peter told the Associated Press. Kenya has 191 confirmed cases and reported 7 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally at 1100 GMT. 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. City officials have announced 47 new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, in Worcester as of Saturday. That brings the citys total cases to 640, said City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. On Friday, Augustus announced 111 new cases of coronavirus, for a total of 593. Dr. Michael Hirsh, the medical director of the citys public health department, said the citys hospitals have not yet seen the big influx of patients expected in the coming week or so. At both medical centers, the news on ICU utilization an on the level of bed availability is good. We have still not seen, I think, the big crush of inpatients that were expecting to happen over the next week," Hirsh said. At Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester and the UMass Memorial Health Care system combined, there are currently 164 inpatients with coronavirus, 21 more since Friday. Of those patients, 59 are in the intensive care unit, an increase of eight from Friday. The two systems have seen 25 patients die from illness related to the virus. A total of 95 employees from both systems have tested positive, an increase of one since Friday, Augustus said. "Perhaps all of the great work that the community is doing in their social distancing is really having an effect and maybe we wont see the numbers that we were projecting but I still urge everyone to be very, very cautious as they see the nice weather coming, that theyre not going to start relenting on their social distancing, physical distancing, making sure that they do their part as they have so far for the last month, Hirsh said. There are 84 cases of coronavirus in Shrewsbury, 30 cases in Grafton, 28 cases in Holden and 8 cases in Leicester, the four towns to which Worcester provides public nursing services, Augustus said. Among the citys homeless population, there are 20 people with coronavirus. All of them are at the Worcester Technical High School shelter for homeless individuals who test positive, Augustus said. In Massachusetts, 686 residents have died from illness related to coronavirus, the state Department of Public Health said Saturday afternoon. At least 22,860 residents have tested positive for the virus. Worcester Couty has 1,822 cases, according to DPH data. Related Content: 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. 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." Police have arrested the media coordinator of Jamia Coordination Committee, who is accused of organising anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest in Delhi's north-east district. According to Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police, the arrested person, Safoora Zargar, is accused of organising anti-CAA protests in Jaffrabad area where the agitators, majority of whom were women, had begun protests against the amended Act last year. Violence had later broken out between the protestors and CAA supporters this year in which at least 53 people including IB official Ankit Sharma and Head Constable Rattan Lal were killed. Earlier on April 6, a Delhi court had extended the police custody of a student of Jamia Millia Islamia, who was arrested in a case related to alleged planning of a conspiracy to incite communal riots in northeast Delhi, by nine more days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) April 12 : Baisakhi 2020 marks the start of the Sikh New Year, and this year it falls on April 13, 2020. This festival is widely celebrated with a lot of pomp in Punjab and also a few other states of North India. Baisakhi is also called as Vaisakhi in some places and is observed as the harvest festival. During the festivals, people make a lot of sweets and pray that the whole year remains in peace, in good health and prosperity. Image Source: Prokerala.com Wishes for Vaisakhi During this festive time, people send Baisakhi wishes to all their friends and family through various social media handles. Below, you can find a lovely collection of artistic Vaisakhi wishes, greetings cards, messages, pictures, and stickers that can make the harvest festival more memorable. Image Source: Prokerala.com Baisakhi stickers May your life be filled with happiness and fortune May your harvest your dreams in abundance Happy Baisakhi Image Source: Prokerala.com Happy Sikh New Year greetings Wishing that your New Year is filled with luck, good health and prosperity Wishing a lovely Baisakhi Image Source: Prokerala.com Vaisakhi messages Sending you love, and prayers from the bottom of my heart May the Sikh New Year bring you loads of luck Happy Vaisakhi Image Source: Prokerala.com Vaisakhi Twitter posts May your life be filled with endless moments of joy May your worries melt away May your hard work get great rewards Wishing you a Happy Vaisakhi Image Source: Prokerala.com Vaisakhi Facebook images Image Source: Prokerala.com Famous Harvest Festival of Punjab Celebrate the happy moments of life with loved ones Happy Baisakhi Image Source: Prokerala.com Vaisakhi greetings to share Praying that you achieve all that you dream about in life Have a lovely Baisakhi The Sunday Times reported that the national command council, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will discuss industry proposals to ease some of the lockdown restrictions. The report stated these proposals include lobbies from the tobacco and alcohol sectors, and a call to allow fast-food outlets to reopen. The government is also reportedly working on an emergency plan to kick-start South Africas economy after the lockdown to avert a jobs bloodbath. A raft of proposals that include a comprehensive financial package geared at scaling up the production of essential goods will be tabled, the Sunday Times said. This news comes shortly after Police Minister Bheki Cele vowed to crack down on illegal alcohol sales and criminals who loot liquor stores. He added that they will arrest people who illegally sell alcohol, destroy the confiscated alcohol, and also destroy the infrastructure used to facilitate this crime. Call for online shopping to be allowed Additionally, South African logistics and ecommerce businesses have asked Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel to allow the transport and delivery of goods with no human contact. These businesses argue that allowing all goods to be transported domestically by professional courier companies will allow many businesses to continue operating. These sectors provide a valuable service to society while not adding undue risk to the further spread of COVID-19, they added. We hereby request that you seriously consider allowing approved courier companies adhering to stringent preventative measures to transport all goods domestically. We can play a vital part in not only preventing the spread of the virus, but ensuring the well-being of South Africans please allow us to do this. Prominent signatories on the request include uAfricas Andy Higgins, Bidorbuys Craig Lubbe, The Courier Guys Stephen Gleisner, and Courierit SAs Marnie Dreyer Shaik. Concern over the economy The impact of the national lockdown has been devastating on the economy, with business closures and job losses expected. Many companies have already announced salary cuts and short time, and many more are expected to follow in the coming weeks. Efficient Group economist Dawie Roodt told MyBroadband between 100,000 and 200,000 South African businesses could be shut down permanently due to the impact of the coronavirus. Roodt explained the South African economy was already in dire straits before the virus came into play. We actually were in crisis and now we have a crisis on top of a crisis, and we were losing jobs in any event, Roodt noted. Given the information at hand, Roodt expects South Africas economy to contract significantly this year. He estimated that 1 million jobs could be lost in South Africa in 2020, with the effects of the coronavirus outbreak taken into consideration. Free Market Foundation CEO Leon Louw echoed these views. Our research suggests that the lockdown costs the country at least R10 billion daily, or R350 billion in five weeks, he said. Louw added that the bizarre prohibition of tobacco and alcohol is reprehensible. Normal people are now incentivised to resort to crime: trading in black markets, looting and burglary, he said. States across the country plan to divide their respective regions into red, yellow and green zones based on high, limited and no cases of Covid-19 for easing the lockdown imposed to check the pandemic and submit their plans to the Centre for framing a uniform policy for the next phase of curbs expected to start from Wednesday, multiple officials said on Sunday. The national lockdown is due to end on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated the restrictions will continue in some form to save lives through enforcement of social distancing but with some relaxations to resume economic activity and preserve livelihoods. National guidelines are expected on what activities can be allowed and areas to be exempted from the extended lockdown. The officials cited above said they were working on details of activities that can be allowed in green and orange zones. To provide relief to migrant workers stranded in different states, the state governments are working on allowing operation of certain small and medium enterprises in green and orange zones. Carpenters, plumbers, and barbers are expected to be allowed to resume work but with social distancing norms in place. There is a proposal to allow those factories to reopen, where employees work and stay with strict social distancing norms and proper sanitization. We cannot keep businesses shut and choke the economy. From lockdown, we can go to lock-in by having lesser people, said a Maharashtra government official who did not want to be named. It is not always a conveyor belt system in production and component processing can be segregated, while integration can happen in one place. All options are being studied. All states are likely to allow crop harvest from April 15. States like Punjab will provide on-farm procurement facilities while Madhya Pradesh is creating block level markets, where only 10 to 15 farmers will be allowed to sell their produce. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh plan to buy maximum produce from farmers through district authorities. Procurement of harvested crops will start at the local level for which special markets should be created, said Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday told officials that farmers should be encouraged to sell their produce at their farms or villages and travels to markets should be minimized. Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope the state could be divided into red, orange and green zones depending on the number of cases. Districts, where there are no cases, will come under the green zone, those with up to 15 cases will fall under the orange zone, and districts having over 15 cases under red zone, he said. Tope said Mumbai city, Mumbai suburban, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Aurangabad, Pune, Sangli, Nashik, Ahmednagar and Raigad districts would fall under the red zone. Districts like Amravati, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, Satara, Osmanabad, Hingoli, Jalna, Washim, Beed, Dhule, Gondhiya and Yavatmal would be in yellow zones and the rest in green. A final decision will be taken after the Centres advisory, a state government official said. In Rajasthan, a task force has suggested withdrawal of the lockdown in a phased manner with districts having no Covid-19 cases being exempted first. The 12-member task force, headed by additional chief secretary DB Gupta, submitted a report to chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday. Lockdown should not be withdrawn in one go, but in phases based on the number of cases geographically, said an official familiar with the matter. The panel had recommended four categorieshigh risk, medium risk, low risk and districts with no cases. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur announced the state will be divided into a red zone, four orange and green zones and a final exit plan will be initiated when the coronavirus curve flattens. He added the red zone will be completed isolated from the rest of the state but essential goods would be allowed. Thakur said all horticultural activities will be allowed in orange and green zones but inter-state travel will remain banned for some time. In Karnataka, around 14,000 fishermen from the states coastal districts resumed fishing, officials said on Sunday. Representatives of most states on Saturday agreed to extend the lockdown till April end and suggested easing of lockdown norms in districts having no Covid-19 cases with strict inter-district travel restrictions during a video conference with Modi. (With inputs from state bureaus) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sunrise host David 'Kochie' Koch became a grandfather for the SIXTH time last week. But with coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions in place, it's the first grandchild he hasn't been able to meet in person soon after they were born. As it could be a very long time until Kochie, 64, sees the baby girl in person, he told Sunday's The Daily Telegraph that he settled for meeting the bub virtually. Scroll down for video 'It was kind of like being there': Sunrise host David 'Kochie' Koch is forced to meet his sixth grandchild Ella virtually due to coronavirus travel restrictions The TV star's daughter Brianna Jayasinghe gave birth to baby girl called Ella Hope Elizabeth in Perth on Monday, April 6. Kochie told the publication that he and his wife Libby were first introduced to baby Ella on FaceTime. The family has since held group Zoom chats with the adorable little girl, with Kochie saying: 'It was kind of like being there. She is just the cutest little thing.' 'She is just the cutest little thing': Kochie told the publication that his family are doing the best they can to stay in touch by using FaceTime and Zoom (pictured) 'You're so lucky to have such a wonderful mum': The popular breakfast show presenter's daughter Brianna Jayasinghe gave birth to baby girl Ella Hope Elizabeth in Perth on Tuesday night The Sunrise host expressed great sadness over not being able to meet his sixth grandchild last week. Kochie shared three photos of the mother-of-three and her newborn daughter on Instagram in celebration of the bundle of joy's arrival. 'Welcome to the family Ella Hope Elizabeth Jayasinghe, you gorgeous little girl,' David captioned the sweet post. 'Devastated we can't be there for a cuddle': Sunrise host Kochie welcomed his sixth grandchild Ella from afar - since he can't meet her in person amid the COVID-19 pandemic He added: 'You're so lucky to have such a wonderful mum ... and dad and two brothers. 'Grandchild number six, born in Perth and devastated we can't be there for a cuddle.' Sydney-based Kochie and his wife Libby are unable to travel to Western Australian after the state shut the border on Monday at midnight. Far away: David was unable to see his newborn grandchild in person as he and wife Libby remained in Sydney, after Western Australian enforced a strict border control on Monday at midnight Ella Hope's name has a special meaning amid these uncertain times, according to David's London-based daughter Georgina. 'My niece was born today and one of her middle names is Hope. I can't wait to tell her how much that meant during this time,' Georgie wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. Brianna also shares two sons with her husband CJ, eight-year-old Jax and four-year-old Teddy. David's daughter Samantha Brown also has three children, Lila, nine, Oscar, 11, and Matilda, 13. Walt Disney World in Florida plans to furlough about 43,000 workers after it closed last month because of the coronavirus pandemic, the company and a union coalition representing the workers said. In mid-March, Disney theme parks worldwide closed, including Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The furloughs, which are set to begin on April 19, were part of an agreement between Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union, a collection of six unions representing the 43,000 workers at the theme park resort in Florida. This is a decision that the union doesnt like, Eric Clinton, president of Unite Here Local 362, said on Saturday in a Facebook Live announcement. However, its within the companys right to lay off and furlough employees in this situation. Rajasthan reported 96 positive coronavirus disease cases on Sunday. Of these, 35 were reported from Ramganj, a densely populated locality in Japiur, which has emerged as hotspot for the infectious disease. Health officials have, however, said that the spike is due to aggressive testing being done to identify the magnitude of the problem. Ramganj, with a population of 2.6 lakh, has been put under a curfew, along with 11 other police station areas in the city. Door-to-door screening is being performed here to monitor the situation. Alok Vyas, a social worker, said the numbers were rising at an alarming rate due to which the people were anxious. Initially when curfew was imposed, people took it casually and did not adhere strictly. But now the administration is also very strict and people have become more disciplined, he said. The health department has set up six centres for people to get tested. The residents, however, have alleged people are not getting a regular supply of essentials. A resident, Prabhakar Sharma, said, We are not getting ration nor have any government vans come to our area. He said that milk is available only in the mornings at the government dairy and only a couple of medicine shops were open in the neighbourhood. The first person to test positive for Covid-19 in the area was a 45-year-old man who returned from Oman on March 12. He was asked to home quarantine himself, but he continued to meet people. He tested positive on March 26. Health minister Raghu Sharma said the Bhilwara model to prevent community spread of the virus could not be followed in Ramganj because of its population density, so the government has come up with the cluster model for Ramganj in which random sampling is being done. Additional chief secretary, health, Rohit Kumar Singh said the high numbers should not worry anyone. Ramganj is reporting large number of positive cases because of very aggressive testing. It is part of our strategy to identify the real magnitude of the problem, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), which runs the Taj properties chain, has said that out of 500 employees who were tested for coronavirus, an unspecified number of its workers here in Mumbai have tested positive for the virus. The company, which is hosting doctors and other health workers in its premium hotels in Mumbai in a battle against coronavirus pandemic, conducted COVID-19 tests of its "500 employees who are at work in the city hotels till date." Without specifying the number of infected employees, the IHCL said in a statement that "those who have tested positive mostly were asymptomatic showing absolutely no signs of illness. However, staff testing positive and symptomatic were duly hospitalised and others who were in contact with them have immediately been put in quarantine in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) norms and guidelines issued by the local government authorities." Taj Mahal Palace and Tower of the company does not have any guests at the current time and only very minimal staff are present to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the hotel, it said. The IHCL said that it has been supporting the Centre with various humanitarian initiatives by offering its hotels to the medical fraternity, health workers, supporting certain states with quarantine facilities. The highest number of positive cases of coronavirus in the country was reported from Maharashtra at 1761, including 127 deaths, as per the Union Health Ministry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese medical experts pose for a photo before boarding a plane at an airport in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 11, 2020. A team of 10 Chinese medical experts departed from Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, for Russia Saturday morning to help with its fight against the COVID-19. Photo:Xinhua A team of 10 Chinese medical experts departed from Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, for Russia Saturday morning to help with its fight against the COVID-19. The experts specializing in laboratory testing, prevention and control of infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, intensive care and traditional Chinese medicine are from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention and four hospitals in the province. The team carries urgently needed medical supplies donated by China, including surgical masks, medical masks, N95 masks and medical protective clothing. Upon arrival, these experts will exchange experiences with their counterparts of Russia and offer training for medics on the prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of the COVID-19. A plane carrying Chinese medical experts is seen at the airport in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 11, 2020. A team of 10 Chinese medical experts departed from Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, for Russia Saturday morning to help with its fight against the COVID-19. Photo:Xinhua The latest novel coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Sunday (this file will be updated throughout the day). Web links to longer stories if available: 6:45 p.m.: Alberta is reporting four new deaths from COVID-19. The province says two were residents at the McKenzie Towne continuing care facility in Calgary, bringing the homes coronavirus death toll to 20. The other two were residents at Manoir du Lac, an independent living and assisted living facility for seniors in McLennan, in northern Alberta. It brings the total number of deaths at Manoir du Lac from COVID-19 to four. Albertas total number of COVID-19 cases now stands at 1,651, including 44 deaths. 6:08 p.m.: The Quebec coroners office has launched an investigation into a long-term-care home in a suburb of Montreal, where 31 people have died in conditions the provinces premier has described as deplorable. The investigation was announced after Montreal police on Saturday night entered the Residence Herron, a privately run home with 150 beds in the west-end suburb of Dorval. Officers from the major crime unit dressed in protective equipment emerged Sunday morning having confiscated surveillance tapes and personnel documents, said Montreal police inspector Andre Durocher. Were doing a criminal investigation because there were allegations of potential wrongdoing, Durocher told the Star in a phone interview. Police will soon interview witnesses from home employees to residents and the investigation will take weeks or months, he added. At least five of the 31 seniors who died at the home since March 13 were infected with the coronavirus. The home is owned and operated by Gatineau-based Katasa Groupe. Phone messages and emails to the company requesting comment were not returned. 5 p.m.: Ontario has seen at least 32 more deaths from COVID-19 reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Stars latest count. As of 5 p.m. Easter Sunday, the provinces 34 regional public health units were reporting a total of 320 COVID-19 deaths among 8,021 confirmed or probable cases of the disease, up from 288 at the same time Saturday. With 425 new confirmed or probable cases reported since 5 p.m. Saturday, Ontario also saw the lowest day-over-day percentage increase in COVID-19 infections 5.6 per cent since mid-March, when the Star began maintaining its own daily count of the health units public tallies and statements. Earlier Sunday, the Star reported the province had seen a record rise in deaths in the 24-hour period from Saturday morning to Sunday morning. It was not immediately clear if the province had also set an end-of-day record, as Toronto Public Health did not release an up-to-date count of COVID-19 deaths in the city Sunday evening. The day prior, the city said it had so far recorded 79 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the province reported by far its largest increase in COVID-19 testing since Premier Doug Ford said his patience has worn thin with the low number of tests being completed in the province. In data reported early Sunday, the province announced more than 6,800 patients were tested for COVID-19 the day prior, the largest single-day total since March 29. The province has said it has the capacity to test about 13,000 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 that capacity to be used 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. According to the province, 738 patients are now hospitalized with COVID-19, including 261 in an intensive care unit. The province also says 3,121 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 274 may be incomplete or out of date due to delays in its reporting system. The Stars count 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. 2:55 p.m.: A refugee shelter in downtown Toronto is reporting four cases of COVID-19, a problem the organization managing the facility said extends to other shelters in the city. Homes First Society said it was first notified about the cases at Willowdale Welcome Centre on Thursday and the organization is waiting to hear back on multiple other tests. The facility currently houses more than 200 people. People are very frightened, these are things that dont make us comfortable, said Patricia Mueller, CEO of Homes First Society, which operates other shelters in Toronto for people who are homeless or struggling with addiction. This is all new ground for our staff in terms of trying to educate about physical distancing. Mueller said staff have erected Plexiglas shields at counters and have shuffled residents to different shelters to space out occupants, but it can be difficult to get people to take physical distancing rules seriously. She added that other shelters her organization manages have also seen COVID-19 cases. 1:50 p.m.: A man is apologizing after facing a backlash over a video of him appearing to spit on a Vancouver condo elevator. The video, posted to Twitter, shows the man spitting on the elevators control panel before disembarking. In a statement released by his lawyer, the man says the incident was fuelled by a dispute he had with other owners in the building. The man who has not been identified says the incident occurred eight days ago and he has no health issues related to COVID-19. He says he will also seek counselling. 1:25 p.m.: Quebec has registered 39 new deaths due to COVID-19, for a total of 328. The province reports 554 new cases, for a total of 12,846. There are a total of 824 in hospital in Quebec, including 217 in intensive care, while 1,745 people are listed as recovered. The Quebec government has not scheduled a briefing today, after weeks of daily updates on the progression of COVID-19. 1 p.m.: Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador are reporting one new confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the provinces total to 242. The new case is in the provinces Eastern Health region. Seven people are currently in hospital due to the virus, with three of those patients in intensive care. To date, the province has tested 4,812 people and registered three deaths, while 129 people have recovered after contracting the virus. 12:32 p.m.: Italy reported 431 new coronavirus deaths in the past day, the fewest in more than three weeks, as declining numbers of intensive care patients pointed to a lessening severity of the countrys outbreak. Italys new deaths linked to the virus in the last 24 hours compared with 619 the day before and bring the total number of fatalities to 19,899, more than any other country in Europe. It was surpassed globally by the United States yesterday. Italy reported 4,092 new cases of the disease, compared with 4,694 a day earlier, civil protection officials said. 12:20 p.m.: Public health officials in New Brunswick are reporting two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 114.. The new cases involve a person in their 60s and a person in their 70s both in the Saint John health zone. Officials say 12 people have been hospitalized and five have since been discharged, with three of the remaining seven patients in hospital in intensive care. To date, 70 people have recovered. 12:10 p.m.: Nova Scotia is reporting 17 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 445 confirmed cases. Health officials say the province has registered 14,295 negative test results and two deaths. Nine people are currently in hospital, with four of those patients in intensive care. Officials say 97 people have now recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved. 11:46 a.m.: With 42 more deaths reported in the last 24 hours, Ontario has seen its deadliest day since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Stars latest count. By 11 a.m. Sunday, the provinces 34 regional public health units were reporting a total of 314 COVID-19 deaths among 7,701 confirmed or probable cases of the disease, up from 272 at the same time Saturday. The large increase in the epidemics death toll included eight new cases in Halton Region, up from just three on Saturday morning, and 10 more cases reported in Niagara Region, up now to 20. 11:15 p.m.: The Quebec coroners office will investigate the deaths of 31 seniors at a private long-term care facility west of Montreal. The office says in a statement that it will probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths and issue recommendations if needed. Premier Francois Legault said yesterday that at least five of the deaths at the Residence Herron in Dorval, Que., were due to COVID-19. A police investigation was launched after regional health authorities obtained an order to access patient files at the residence and learned of the dozens of deaths that had occurred since March 13. 11:04 a.m.: The latest numbers of confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in Canada as of 10:54 a.m., as provided by The Canadian Press: There are 23,719 confirmed and presumptive cases in Canada 17 presumptive, 23,702 confirmed including 674 deaths, and 6,650 resolved. By province/territory: Quebec: 12,292 confirmed (including 289 deaths, 1,563 resolved); Ontario: 7,049 confirmed (274 deaths, 2,858 resolved); Alberta: 1,569 confirmed (40 deaths, 774 resolved); British Columbia: 1,445 confirmed (58 deaths, 905 resolved); Nova Scotia: 428 confirmed (2 deaths, 95 resolved); Saskatchewan: 289 confirmed (i4 deaths, 147 resolved); Manitoba: 226 confirmed (4 deaths, 96 resolved), 17 presumptive; Newfoundland and Labrador: 241 confirmed (3 deaths, 120 resolved); New Brunswick: 112 confirmed (70 resolved); Prince Edward Island: 25 confirmed (17 resolved); repatriated Canadians: 13 confirmed; Yukon: 8 confirmed (4 resolved); Northwest Territories: 5 confirmed (1 resolved); Nunavut: No confirmed cases. 10:33 a.m.: Ontario reported 401 new COVID-19 cases and 21 deaths in the morning update, bringing the provinces official totals to 7,049 and 274 respectively. The new case number constituting a six per cent increase in Ontario is slightly than Saturdays reported increase of 411. 10:07 a.m.: Parts of the U.S. may be ready in May to ease emergency measures taken against the coronavirus pandemic but theres no universal light switch to flip on, Dr. Anthony Fauci said. It could probably start at least in some ways maybe next month, Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday. We are hoping by the end of the month we can look around and say, OK, is there any element here that we can safely and cautiously start pulling back on, if so, do it. Fauci said theres not going to be a light switch that we say, OK, it is now June, July, or whatever click the light switch goes back on. 9:47 a.m.: Health officials say 657 more people in England have died from the new coronavirus, raising the total U.K. deaths over 10,000. The National Health Service figure does not include deaths in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. A figure for the whole U.K. will be released later. The 657 deaths come on top of the 9,875 deaths of people with COVID-19 in British hospitals announced Saturday. While the number of new cases and hospitalizations appears to have plateaued, deaths are still rising in Britain. 8:38 a.m.: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been discharged from a London hospital where he was treated in intensive care for the new coronavirus. Johnsons office says he left St. Thomas Hospital and will continue his recovery at Chequers, the prime ministers country house. On the advice of his medical team, the PM will not be immediately returning to work, Johnsons office said on Sunday in an emailed statement. Johnson was taken to the hospital last Sunday after failing to shake off the cough and fever hed been suffering from for 10 days. He was put into intensive care the following day and was given oxygen to help with his breathing. He remained there until Thursday before being transferred back to an ordinary ward. 7:44 a.m.: More than half of the coronavirus infections reported by China on Sunday stemmed from a Russian flight to Shanghai on April 10, underscoring the possible severity of the outbreak in Russia. Shanghais Municipal Health Commission said 51 of 52 imported cases on Saturday were of Chinese nationals who were diagnosed to have COVID-19 after they landed in the city. The travellers accounted for more than half of 97 imported infections China disclosed. Russia has emerged as a fresh source of imported virus infections for China, which has grounded all but one inbound flight per week for foreign airlines in a bid to limit imported cases. Russia is tightening a lockdown of its capital amid and on Sunday reported 2,186 new cases, bringing its total to 15,770, and 24 deaths, as Russian fatalities reach 130. 7:11 a.m.: Christians in Sri Lanka celebrated Easter in their homes on Sunday, participating in religious services through television as churches remained closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. TV stations aired the Easter Vigil and Holy Mass in all three main languages used in the Indian Ocean island nation under curfew for most of the past three weeks. But there were no organized events to remember the more than 260 people, mostly Catholics, who were killed in Islamic State group-inspired bomb attacks on three churches (two of them Catholic) and three hotels last Easter. Last year, some misguided youths attacked us and we as humans could have given a human and selfish response, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, said in his sermon at a Mass celebrated at his residence on Sunday. But we mediated on Christs teachings and loved them, forgave them and had pity on them. 7:04 a.m.: Pope Francis is calling for solidarity the world over to confront the epochal challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic. He has urged political leaders in particular to give hope and opportunity to laid-off workers. Francis made his traditional Easter address on Sunday and called for sanctions relief, debt forgiveness and ceasefires to calm conflicts and financial crises around the globe. 7:03 a.m.: Spain has reported its lowest daily growth in confirmed coronavirus infections in three weeks as it prepares to loosen its strict lockdown measures and let some workers return to the job. Spanish health authorities have reported 4,167 confirmed new cases over the past 24 hours. Deaths in Spain have reached a total of 16,972, with 619 new fatalities confirmed since Saturday. The country on Monday will allow workers in industry and construction to return to work after a two-week shutdown of economic activities other than health care and the food industry. The week of Easter in Spain usually brings the start of the all-important high season for tourism, which generates more than 10 per cent of Spains economic output and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs. 7:01 a.m.: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he owes his life to staff at the National Health Service who treated him for COVID-19. Johnson has made his first public statement since he was moved out of intensive care at St. Thomas Hospital in London, saying he cant thank them enough. I owe them my life. The 55-year-old Johnson was diagnosed with COVID-19 more than two weeks ago, becoming the first world leader confirmed to have the illness, though his symptoms at first were said to have been mild, including a cough and a fever. He spent three nights there before moving back to a regular ward on Thursday. The coronavirus pandemic has cost Central New York colleges and universities tens of millions of dollars, forcing schools to dip into their reserves and cut expenses while trying to avoid employee layoffs or furloughs. The schools agreed to refund millions of dollars in room, board and fees to students told to stay away from campus during the pandemic, stressing colleges whose endowments have plunged with the stock market. Syracuse University, Le Moyne College, Onondaga Community College and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse each confirmed they are refunding from one-third to one-half of room and board fees to students for the spring semester. The pro-rated refunds will cost Le Moyne College about $5 million that will come out of the colleges reserve fund, said Le Moyne President Linda LeMura. At the same time, the value of Le Moynes endowment dropped from a high of $215 million earlier this year to a low of $160 million when the stock market wiped out almost four years worth of gains last month. The private Jesuit college will lose about 6 percent of its annual revenue with the refunds, a setback the college says it can handle for now. The college has good cash flow, LeMura said in an interview. We are very conservative with how we budget, and we can absorb this particular blow. But the question is how long will this go on? As the college moved classes online for the remainder of the semester, it has kept its 700 employees (including 177 full-time faculty) on the payroll without layoffs or furloughs. We want to keep people whole as long as we can, LeMura said. At the College of Environmental Science and Forestry, board chairman Matthew Marko warned in a letter to the campus community that the college may be forced to borrow money from the State University of New York within the next month to enable continued operations. With the very real, and potentially long downturn in our economy, the colleges finances will become even more challenging, Marko wrote, referring to the economic stress caused by the virus pandemic. ESF Interim President David Amberg told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that the colleges financial picture is not as bleak as it may appear. He said the school has slowly depleted its reserves over the past 10 years after funding from the SUNY system was reduced by about $5.3 million per year. If needed, Amberg said, the school will be able to borrow some of the $900 million that SUNY keeps in reserve for use by its member campuses. In the interim, the college is considering initiatives to increase revenue and reduce costs as it prepares to refund about $1 million in dormitory fees to students, Amberg said. The refunds will represent about one-third of the semesters housing fees. He said the college will consider higher fees, an increase in tuition for out-of-state students, increasing student enrollment, and allowing other schools to pay for access to some of the colleges 25,000 acres of forest properties in the Adirondacks that are used for research purposes. The good news for us is that we have a product this generation really wants, Amberg said, noting that the colleges enrollment increased each of the last two years. He said the college wants to avoid layoffs or furloughs of faculty and staff or any cutbacks that could hurt its core mission. We want to make sure we maintain our academic standards because, if we dont, well end up in a death spiral, Amberg said. Were part of a huge system with huge resources. Were going to weather this storm. To help colleges and universities with their financial losses, Congress agreed to provide $9.5 billion for higher education aid in the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill approved in late March. The U.S. Department of Education said Thursday it would immediately disperse $6.2 billion of that aid from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The total includes more than $50 million for colleges and universities in Central New York, according to an analysis by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Syracuse University will receive the most aid in the Syracuse metropolitan area, almost $10 million, followed by SUNY Oswego, which will receive more than $7.2 million in federal grants. The amount of aid for each school is based on a formula that includes student enrollment and the number of students receiving financial aid through federal Pell grants. Roughly half of the federal money must be granted to students as emergency financial aid. Syracuse University officials declined to disclose specific details about the impact of the pandemic on its finances. SU told its students that it will provide pro-rated refunds for dormitory rooms, meal plans and parking fees dating to March 23, the date the university moved to online classes. As a private school with an endowment valued at $1.35 billion as of Sept. 30, SU is better equipped to handle financial stress than many smaller public schools and community colleges. SU and Le Moyne College restrict annual withdrawals from their endowments to no more than 4.5 percent of the total to help pay for operating costs. That means less money is available for operating costs if an endowment declines in value. At Onondaga Community College, the public school operates with the help of a much smaller $14 million endowment overseen by a foundation that supports scholarships and academic programs. OCC President Casey Crabill said the college faces a challenge to make up for about $1.7 million in revenue it lost this semester from empty dorm rooms operated by its non-profit housing corporation. Students were advised not to return to campus after spring break as classes moved online. The college said it will refund about half of the semesters housing costs to students. The school has also lost about $800,000 from events that had to be canceled at its on-campus SRC Arena. The federal relief bill passed by Congress will provide OCC with an initial round of aid totaling $5.2 million, of which $2.6 million must be given to students as emergency financial aid. Crabill said her top priority is to distribute aid to students. About 80 percent of our students work while theyre going to school, and a lot of them work close to full-time, Crabill said. So we have a lot of students whose economic conditions have plummeted since social distancing went into effect. Some of OCCs 10,500 students enrolled for the spring semester had trouble initially switching to online classes because they didnt own a computer or have personal access to the internet, Crabill said. To help ease the problem, the college allowed students to borrow 525 new Chromebooks through its bookstore at no cost. Technology access and access to a signal were huge issues, Crabill said. To help students access the internet for free, the college has allowed students to use a WiFi signal in its parking lots. Our students have put every nickel together to get here in the first place, Crabill said. And when things fall apart like this, its remarkable how quickly their safety net falls apart. Federal coronavirus relief aid for Central New York colleges Heres how much federal aid Central New York colleges and universities will receive in the first round of grants from a coronavirus relief fund authorized by Congress. Cornell University: $12,800,980 Syracuse University: $9,920,122 SUNY Oswego: $7,244,716 SUNY Cortland: $6,245,138 Onondaga Community College: $5,222,555 Ithaca College: $4,583,253 Le Moyne College : $2,709,704 SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: $1,681,739 Colgate University: $1,636,002 Cayuga Community College: $1,497,604 Hamilton College: $1,189,507 Cazenovia College: $1,008,776 Wells College: $623,035 SUNY Upstate Medical University: $519,826 MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Coronavirus shutdown ending soon in NY? Cuomo pours cold water on speculation Coronavirus sends Upstate NY dairy industry into free fall as milk dumping soars Coronavirus in Onondaga County: Nearly half in hospitals are 'critical Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Aamir Khan had previously donated to Narendra Modi's PM-CARES fund as well as the Maharashtra coronavirus relief fund As the country grapples its way to overcome the coronavirus pandemic, essential service providers like the medical staff, police authorities and the various governing bodies have been working tirelessly to help people navigate through the COVID-19 lockdown with ease and utmost safety. (Click here to follow LIVE updates on coronavirus lockdown) To express his gratitude and thank the everyone at the frontline of the battle against coronavirus, Bollywood personality Aamir Khan, on Saturday, shared a post on Twitter. He 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." Check out the post here Previously, it was reported that Khan had donated to Narendra Modi's PM-CARES fund as well as the Maharashtra relief fund. The actor has also extended support to the daily wage workers involved in the making of his upcoming film Laal Singh Chaddha. The drama, a remake of Tom Hanks' Forrest Gump, was in the middle of shooting when the three week long lockdown was announced. Khan has been using his social media presence to spread awareness about COVID-19, like sharing important helpline numbers. The actor has supported various causes in the past and had also hosted a talk show Satyamev Jayate where he discussed social issues prevalent in the country like sexual abuse, domestic violence, untouchability. Meanwhile, a lot of film personalities have been at the forefront, motivating people to follow World Health Organisation (WHO) and various central and state government directives to stay safe during the pandemic. Recently, Amitabh Bachchan unveiled a short film titled Family, which talks about the importance of staying at home, maintaining hygiene and social distancing in the times of the coronavirus pandemic. Rajinikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh, Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Sonali Kulkarni, Shiv Raj Kumar, and Prosenjit Chatterjee also feature in the short. Albuquerques creative economy is a driving force. This is exactly why the city of Albuquerques Cultural Services Department is making strides to help out this sector. The city has redirected $500,000 through four different programs to help the community. The creative economy is huge and needs some relief, said Shelle Sanchez, director of Cultural Services Department. Hopefully, a little bit of infusion and stabilization will occur with the efforts. The first is $300,000 in reserves from the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund, which will be available to creatively provide arts and cultural programming for the community and employment for artists. Sanchez said these funds are limited to Albuquerque city limits-based, non-governmental, non-profit organizations whose missions are to provide arts and cultural programming for audiences based primarily in Albuquerque. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 14. Also, institutionally aligned (friends or support organizations of local or state institutions) are not eligible, she noted. I would say its important to know that the city isnt providing these as grants, Sanchez said. These are contracts for services. People will propose ideas and give us budgets and will explain how it will positively impact the community. Sanchez said the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund was established in 1983 and began funding organization in 1985. It is a city fund, she said. The funding cycle is every two years. We keep some in reserves. With COVID-19 measures still in effect around the city, Sanchez said it has impacted many of the arts and cultural organizations. Spring and summer are big times for these organizations, she said. They are usually opening their spring or summer seasons and there is potential for many that it might not happen at all. One of the organizations set to take advantage of the funds is Tricklock Company. The arts organization was three days into its annual Revolutions International Theatre Festival, when COVID-19 restrictions began to take place before being canceled altogether. Juli Hendren, Tricklock executive director, applauded the city of Albuquerque for stepping in. I want for people to know that the art economy is part of our daily lives, Hendren said. All of the education programs that happen over the summer from Tricklock are free, Hendren said. We provide a place for young people to come. The only way we can continue to do it is if these emergency funds come through. Hendren said the decision to cancel Revolutions wasnt a light one to make. It was a few days before Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams issued the stay at home order for New Mexico. We didnt feel right keeping the festival going, Hendren said. We pulled the plug and managed to pay everybody. We got everyone back home. It was insane. I know a lot of organizations are like this. We are hanging on by a string and funds like these will help. Sanchez said the citys administration worked quickly to figure out how to help the number of people that are employed through the arts. It wasnt difficult to identify where to pull from, she said. This is money that we pay attention to. We know what is going out and what services and projects we are getting in return. The other two projects to help the creative economy are Albuquerque Creatives DIY Media and Youth Engagement Digital Programming. Sanchez said the remaining $200,000 was in the departments regular operating budget. We were going to use it on public programs or youth education, she said. We decided to refocus them and get them out into the community. Knowing in turn that these will have a positive impact and add to the vitality of our community. The DIY Media is getting up to $100,000 through its Media Resources and Community Events divisions to contract with local creatives and artists to create engaging, original, and creative video content that is ready-to-air and stream on the citys public access channels, social media, and other digital platforms. Project budgets will range from $75 to $2,500. The deadline is May 1. The Youth Engagement Digital Programming is giving up to $50,000 to fund contracts with local creatives and teaching artists who can create original, engaging video content designed to engage youth in educational activities connected to arts and culture that can be broadcast and streamed on the citys public access channels and/or other digital platforms. Project budgets will range from $250 to $2,500. The deadline is May 1. And $50,000 will be used for the Mayors Creative Youth Corps. The program was implemented in 1999 under former Mayor Jim Baca. Under Mayor Tim Keller, the program is becoming the citys professional level, paid summer internship program for high school students to apply for creative and/or arts leadership internships offered in a variety of creative disciplines across the entire city. More information can be found at cabq.gov/culturalservices. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 12:57:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GUANGZHOU, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Guangzhou treats all foreign personnel equally and foreign residents should also abide by the local epidemic prevention regulations, according to officials at a press conference Sunday. "We take the same prevention and control measures for all personnel entering Guangzhou regardless of their nationality, race and gender," said Liu Baochun, director of the municipal foreign affairs office, at the press conference. "Guangzhou is an open international metropolis and treats all foreign personnel equally. We oppose all forms of differentiation for a specific group of people," Liu said. Liu noted that the city improved its service mechanism to avoid misunderstandings or improper behaviors due to poor communication and other reasons in the implementation of health management services. "We also hope that foreign residents in Guangzhou can strictly abide by local epidemic prevention regulations and work together with us to do a good job in epidemic prevention and control and work resumption," said Liu. Cai Wei, spokesman for the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau, said all foreigners in Guangzhou should strictly comply with Chinese laws and are obliged to accept the examination of their passports and other identity documents by public security organs. Since March 27, Guangzhou has demanded all arrivals from overseas undergo a fortnight quarantine and nucleic acid testing (NAT). By Saturday, a total of 4,553 people from high-risk countries had undergone NAT in Guangzhou, 679 people were under centralized medical observation and 3,771 were isolated at home. Guangzhou had reported a total of 119 imported cases of the novel coronavirus disease as of midnight Saturday, according to Guangzhou mayor Wen Guohui. Of the 119 imported cases, 25 were foreign nationals and 94 were Chinese nationals. Of the 25 foreign patients, 19 were from Africa, accounting for 76 percent of the total. Official data showed that as of April 10, there were 30,768 foreigners living in Guangzhou. The five countries with the largest population in Guangzhou were the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United States, Canada and Russia. A total of 4,553 African nationals, or 14.8 percent of the total number of foreigners, lived in the city. World Health Organization investigates claims on coronavirus Based on current studies, there is a period of about two weeks between the onset of symptoms and the clinical recovery of patients with mild coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday that it was looking into reports of some coronavirus patients testing positive again after initially testing negative for the disease while being considered for discharge. "VIRUS MAY HAVE BEEN REACTIVATED" 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 in a brief statement: We are aware of these reports of individuals who have tested negative for coronavirus 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 WHOs 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. SANTIAGO, April 11 (Reuters) - The head of Chilean miner Codelco said the company may have to reduce investment plans due to the coronavirus, but said an operations halt would impact the company's financial situation, a local newspaper reported on Saturday. In a preview of the Sunday edition of the La Tercera newspaper, Codelco's president, Octavio Araneda, said while the company has continued producing, it is closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected 7,000 Chileans so far. "We are going to have to consider deferring some investments," Araneda told the newspaper. "Stopping work entirely would put the company in a delicate situation for multiple reasons. A drop in production to minimum levels or zero for an extended period would bring an escalation of other problems, such as rising costs and later, liquidity constraints," he added. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Chile's copper miners were looking to reduce production. Araneda said Codelco may have to slow down its investment plan, which aims to counter the natural fall in the mineral grades of its mines. (Reporting by Fabian Cambero writing by Hugh Bronstein Editing by Leslie Adler) Republican congressman Jim Jordan speaking at the impeachment hearings into Donald Trump: EPA Ohio congressman Jim Jordan has called for an end to Zoom video conference meetings citing potential security concerns. The House Oversight and Reform Committee, of which Mr Jordan is the top Republican member, has been conducting business using the remote meeting software to comply with social distancing rules to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In a letter to the committee chairwoman, New York representative Carolyn Maloney, Mr Jordan said that Zoom did not appear to meet required security standards and has concerns about Chinas involvement with the company. He claimed that a recent briefing on women's rights in Afghanistan was repeatedly Zoom-bombed, a term for when uninvited individuals disrupt meetings. The impact of hacking on malware on member and staff devices is still being determined, Mr Jordan said in the letter. A Republican aide told The Hill that unauthorised callers from unknown entities tried no fewer than three times to infiltrate a meeting meant only for members of Congress and their staff, which resulted in significant interruption and delay. However, a Democratic aide denied that there were any security disruptions for the committee either during the Afghanistan briefing or another Zoom meeting with the Postmaster General. They claimed that there had simply been miscommunication where the moderator was not informed about who was invited to the Afghanistan briefing. Representative Maloney released a statement that said: Representative Jordans office was consulted directly and repeatedly about using Zoom and never raised any concerns, so its unfortunate that he is now putting out inaccurate information in this public letter. Had his office consulted with us first, we could have clarified their misunderstandings and provided more information about the steps the committee has already taken to address any potential issues. RM @Jim_Jordan calls to halt using Zoom for Oversight Cmte business over cybersecurity and China concerns: [I]t is clear Zoom is not an appropriate platform for Committee business, which may be particularly sensitive during the COVID-19 pandemic." MORE: https://t.co/irSaM2ynZE pic.twitter.com/4g9HWYteM3 Oversight Committee Republicans (@GOPoversight) April 10, 2020 She added The committee has used a number of technologies to help its members obtain information and share it with the American people during this crisis, and it will continue to do so to fulfill its responsibilities under the Constitution. Story continues A Monday readout after the video briefing made no mention of the interruptions or possible security issues. It did say: our committee will continue to leverage new and emerging technologies to follow social distancing guidelines and conduct our work remotely. Mr Jordan noted in his letter that the Senate sergeant-at-arms has warned not to use Zoom for work calls due to privacy and security concerns. The FBI has also issued warnings against using Zoom for meetings. history-solitude-3.jpg School teachers work together from their homes during lockdown (AFP via Getty Images) Zoom says that it is in communication with the Senate about its tailored Zoom for Government offering. The concerns about using Zoom come as lawmakers try to figure out ways to conduct congressional business while away from the Capitol during the coronavirus pandemic. Representatives have called on congressional leaders to establish a remote voting system to allow business to continue. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is supportive, but has also said that it is easier said than done to figure out a secure and reliable way for lawmakers to vote remotely. Zoom is one of several platforms that have exploded in popularity as people turned to remote working and remote socialising with friends during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. Read more Pelosi wants earmark for minorities in next coronavirus stimulus deal Libertarian hold-out signals delay to $2trn stimulus bill Key Trump ally was 'crying and begging student wrestler to deny abuse' Democrat with coronavirus calls on Congress to allow for remote voting First US Congress member tests positive for coronavirus Guest columnist Michael Shields is a researcher at Policy Matters Ohio. Gov. Mike DeWines executive order to stay home in response to the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered many Ohio businesses, but classified others as essential services, allowing them to self-designate where they fall and urging essential workers to stay on the job. By doing so, they prevent a health crisis from spiraling into a catastrophe. The first responders, doctors and nurses who will treat us if we fall ill are essential workers. So are grocery store clerks who keep the shelves stocked, the delivery drivers who bring our prescriptions, utility workers who keep the lights on and our water clean, sanitation workers who keep us safe, transportation workers who keep us moving safely, and the child care workers in newly licensed pandemic child care centers who make sure other essential workers can keep working while the rest of us shelter at home. The coronavirus crisis throws into sharp relief a fact that has always been true: These workers are vital. Its time employers pay them wages that reflect that. In Ohio, grocery workers earn so little that the typical full-time worker cannot afford food for a family of three without food aid. President Donald Trump said essential workers have a special responsibility to keep working. If they have a duty to us, we have a duty to them -- to keep workplaces as safe as possible; ensure firms dont put profit over workers safety by abusing ambiguity about essential activities; require adequate paid sick time; pay a living wage; and guarantee hazard pay for those whose work puts them at risk. Workers across the nation have expressed fear of being exposed to coronavirus at work. Some have said that employers require them to report even though their work is not truly essential. More than 30 employees of UPS, FedEx and XPO, including Nick Perry of Columbus, told the New York Times that they worried that their warehouses and trucks had become breeding grounds for coronavirus. Congress took a vital step in the CARES Act to protect workers displaced from their jobs by coronavirus closures. It provides workers with a $600-per-week supplemental Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payment on top of their regular unemployment payment. Next, Congress must protect those workers who cannot stay home. Minnesota, Michigan and Vermont have designated certain workers as essential. DeWines directive gives guidelines on essential services, but lets businesses decide which workers must report. State policymakers should designate workers providing essential goods and services as essential. Many workers and their unions have sought hazard pay for essential workers. While policymakers should never allow employers to forego safety measures in exchange for offering workers a bump in pay, essential workers are taking on special risks today to keep us all safe. They should receive special duty pay during this crisis -- and a living minimum wage going forward. While many of us take shelter at home against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, some people dont share that luxury. They are putting themselves at risk to keep the basics available to all of us. Policymakers must protect these workers with strong safety measures and make sure they can stay home when feasible -- with pay. Essential workers must be fairly compensated for the work they do -- with hazard pay now and a living wage from now on. Were living difficult times. But good can come out of this crisis, especially if the workers we now call essential are paid and treated that way. Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts, and stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using Notification Settings (in blue) just below. Readers are invited to submit Opinion page essays on topics of regional or general interest. Send your 500-word essay for consideration to Ann Norman at anorman@cleveland.com. Essays must include a brief bio and headshot of the writer. Essays rebutting todays topics are also welcome. I know they dont want us to do this but just turn around, greet two or three people, tell them you love them, Jesus loves them, he said at a church service in early March. If you cannot be safe in church, youre in serious trouble. Later, he said his church was raising up revivalists, not pansies and the only time the church is closed is when the rapture has taken place. Kerala Covid-19 response model for emulation April 10,2020 | Source: IPS Within weeks, the Covid-19 epidemic was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an epidemic of international significance, triggering a pre-agreed WHO response. By the end of the first week of April, more than 1.3 million people had been confirmed as infected, with over 65,000 deaths across the world. Many governments of developing, especially poor countries are unsure what to do, fearing the likely economic consequences of the lockdowns increasingly adopted by Western economies. Indeed, lockdowns may shut down businesses relying on daily turnover and eliminate incomes for daily rated workers. Meanwhile, most East Asian and some other governments have acted early to trace, test, isolate and treat the infected without lockdowns. Yet, most measures recommended have been criticized as beyond the means of the most vulnerable societies and populations. Early measures have required physical distancing and other precautionary measures at work, at home and in the community, at relatively low cost. People also need to be prepared to live differently for a long time to come as part of a new normal, at least until everyone can be effectively vaccinated. All of government approaches are urgently needed everywhere to provide effective leadership to whole of society efforts to contain the spread of viral infections. While this is no conventional war, only whole of society mobilization efforts can help mitigate major economic disruption and damage. This should not only involve public health and police authorities, typically those empowered by draconian lockdowns. But repressive measures are unlikely to secure needed public support for effective enforcement and implementation, and adoption of needed behavioural and cultural changes. Health authorities must provide publics with much better understanding of the threats faced and the rationale for policy responses to secure compliance. Public appreciation of the challenges involved is crucial for policy compliance and effective implementation. Kerala state in southwestern India, with a population of 35 million, has become a model state in the fight against Covid-19. Its Left Front-led government was among the first to introduce precautionary state-wide measures against the novel coronavirus threat. Through appropriate and effective early actions, it has successfully slowed the spread of infection in the state, largely by promoting physical distancing and mainly sanitary precautionary, measures, and providing better protection for health staff well before the hugely disruptive and draconian lockdown imposed in India in late March. The Kerala state government invited religious leaders, local bodies and civil society organizations to participate in policy design and implementation, considering its specific socio-economic conditions, including urban slum environments. It has communicated effectively in different languages to educate all, including migrants, and to prevent stigmatization of those infected, even opposing the term social distancing, which has caste connotations, with physical distancing and social solidarity. Despite Keralas long-standing achievements in education, health and science, highly educated Keralans tend to migrate to work out of state, if not abroad, seeking more lucrative employment. The state was still recovering from the devastating floods and nipah virus epidemic of 2018 when tens of thousands began returning after losing jobs in the Middle East. Kerala is also the destination for a large number of Indian internal migrants. With the nationwide lockdown, non-residents, equivalent to almost 5% of Keralas population, have returned, causing a surge of new infections. Such unusually high movements of people have made the state more vulnerable. Despite some controversy, the state appears to have handled the migrant issue very well, especially compared to other state governments and the central government. There has also been a close connection between Kerala and Wuhan, a popular educational hub offering affordable quality medical and other courses; the first three positive Covid-19 cases detected in India involved returned university students in Wuhan. The state health department promptly went into action, setting up a coordination centre on 26 January. Recognizing there was no time to be lost, the Kerala state government set up mechanisms to identify, test, isolate and treat those infected, quickly earning an excellent reputation. Some key features of Keralas response, undertaken by a government with very limited fiscal resources, are hence instructive. *All-of-government approach: involving a range of relevant state government ministries and agencies to design measures to improve consistency, coordination and communication, and to avoid confusion. *Whole-of-society approach: wide community consultations, including experts, to find the most locally appropriate modes of limiting infections, along with means to monitor and enforce them. *Social mobilization: communities were provided essential epidemiological information to understand the threat and related issues, ensure compliance with prescribed precautionary measures, and avoid panic. *No one left behind: adequate supply of essential commodities, particularly food and medicines, has been ensured, especially to protect the most vulnerable sections of society. To make things worse, Kerala has been discriminated against by the central governments disaster relief fund on specious grounds. The largely agricultural state has modest fiscal resources of its own as state governments in India have limited fiscal rights and resources. The Kerala government has set up 18 committees and holds daily evening meetings to evaluate the situation, issuing media updates about those quarantined, tested and hospitalized . At these meetings, the state Health Minister and Chief Minister calmly explain what is going on, including what the government is doing. They thus provide credible leadership on the difficult issues involved, securing strong public participation for its mass campaign of containment. Keralas approach has proven less disruptive, less costly and more effective than most others. After recording its first COVID-19 case on January 30, its infection and death rates have been kept relatively low despite much more tracing and testing. 2020 IPS-Inter Press Service Theme(s): Others. Diane Rodriguez (Center Theatre Group) Diane Rodriguez, a celebrated stage artist, passionate for the work of Latino and Latina artists and former associate artistic director of Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, died Friday. She was 68. Rodriguez, who had been part of the artistic staff of Center Theater Group for 24 years and had worked with other major companies across the country, died of cancer, former colleagues said. During her extensive career, she performed in, directed or produced projects with top artists including playwrights Luis Valdez and Young Jean Lee and the group Culture Clash. "Diane was an incredibly disciplined artist, with equal talent as a writer, director and actor," said CTG Artistic Director Michael Ritchie. "But she was never more animated than when she was advocating for the work of other artists. The arts community mourns the loss of a leader and advocate for accessibility, inclusion and community. After studying theater at UC Santa Barbara, Rodriguez became a leading actress for 10 seasons with the groundbreaking theater company El Teatro Campesino, the Farmworkers' Theater where Valdez was founder and artistic director. Rodriguez also was a co-founder of the comedy troupe Latins Anonymous. Diane Rodriguez was an unforgettable and beloved member of the family of El Teatro Campesino," Valdez said. "We remember her from her earliest days as a professional artist in the 70s, when she became a vital and indispensable part of our core company." "Her power as an artist came from the heart, which she shared onstage as well as in life, by generating the collective spirit that creates theater. The arc of her evolution as an artist and as a representative of the American theater will give hope and inspiration to new generations of theater artists." As associate artistic director at CTG, Rodriguez had overseen the production of new plays and had helped developed the work of more than 75 artists, playwrights and companies. Her projects included "Straight White Men" by Lee, "The White Album" by Lars Jan and "Venice is Dead" by Roger Guenveur Smith and Richard Montoya, the latter a member of Culture Clash. Story continues "I walked into a costume shed at El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista a nervous kid 40 years ago, she gave me a sash and confidence and told me to get back into rehearsal with veteran triple threat L.A. actors," Montoya said in a statement. "She directed Culture Clash with such brilliant panache in Pasadena [Playhouse] we could only hug and laugh at the finish line. The loss is seismic." In recent years, she also had written and directed plays centered on strong Latinas. "Living Large" which premiered at Teatro Luna in 2012, was about a Latina widow trying to deal with difficulties, and "Itch" was about a social justice worker trying to break through the glass ceiling. Another play, "The Sweetheart Deal," premiered in 2017 at Los Angeles Theatre Center. "I want to write plays about the middle class and struggle," she said in a 2018 interview for the National Endowment for the Arts. "Theres a huge strata of Latinas that live in the United States who've gone to school, who are middle class, who are very invested in American values, and who we never see onstage or in film. They were important for me to write about, and they continue to be important for me to write about." She added: "I like women who have a lot to learn. I like women who learn how to listen deeply. I like women who have a sense of humor. I think that humor is the biggest weapon to change peoples minds." Diane Rodriguez and playwright Young Jean Lee during rehearsal for "Straight White Men" at Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum in 2015. (Craig Schwartz) Her directing career included productions for Pasadena Playhouse, East West Players, South Coast Repertory and Center Theatre Group. Rodriguez also wrote and consulted on scripts for Mattel's live Barbie productions including "Barbie Live!" She was a consultant on the animated Disney series "Elena of Avalor" about a Latina princess. Born June 22, 1951, in San Jose, Rodriguez said being a Latina had shaped her creative direction. "I was going to go to graduate school," she said in the NEA interview. "I applied to California Institute of the Arts, and I got turned down. The alternative was to join El Teatro Campesino that was the best thing that ever happened to me. It opened my eyes to possibility, but it also rooted me in home, and in where I came from. It rooted me in the fields that my parents worked in, in the canneries that my mother toiled in as we were growing up." She added, "I never forgot the roots that I came from as I was launched into the world. Even now, even when I'm not necessarily doing Latino-specific work, those roots keep me anchored." Rodiguez is survived by her husband, Jose Delgado, owner of Pleiades Management and producing director of Ojai Playwrights Conference; her mother, Helen E. Rodriguez; her niece Gabrielle E. Fusco and nephew Mario J. Fusco; and brother-in-law Gary Fusco. For the record: 11:18 PM, Apr. 12, 2020: An earlier version of this article referred to Teatro Luna as Teatro Luno. London: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange secretly fathered two children with one of his lawyers while he evaded espionage charges inside London's Ecuadoran embassy, Assange's alleged partner claims in a video posted by WikiLeaks. Lawyer Stella Moris-Smith Robertson says the Australian fathered her two children during his 2487 days in self-imposed incarceration that began when Assange - who was wanted in the United States for leaking classified intelligence materials - sought refuge in the embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden on sex assault charges. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with Gabriel, the first of the two children that he was said to have fathered while in asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Credit:Stella Morris She said coronavirus is spreading through Belmarsh Prison, where Assange has been since he was dragged protesting from the Ecuadorian embassy in London one year ago, and there were now genuine fears for his health. The unexpected personal connection was revealed by Britain's Press Association news agency late on Saturday. Citing court documents, it reported that Moris-Smith Robertson said she and Assange have been in a relationship since 2015 and have two children, three-year-old Gabriel and one-year-old Max. B oris Johnson's frightening experience of suffering from coronavirus may still leave a lasting impression, a leading psychiatrist has said. Professor Neil Greenberg, a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Health Protection Research Unit at King's College London, said some people who survive a brush with death will feel a lasting impact. Some may find they have a renewed zest for life - while others may find the trauma more difficult to recover from, Prof Greenberg said. It comes as the Prime Minister thanked the NHS on Sunday after being discharged from St Thmoas' Hospital, where he spent seven nights with three being in intensive 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 "Many people experience post traumatic growth - anything that doesn't kill us makes us stronger," Prof Greenberg said. "Most of us in life find we go through a challenging experience; it gives us resilience and might make you more motivated and help a person go on to do a better job. "The most common long-term impact of traumatic events is no impact. People remain resilient." Prof Greenberg said people often suffer distress, poor sleep, poor concentration and nightmares in the days after a life-threatening event. Boris Johnson thanks the NHS and British public on release from hospital During the next few weeks these symptoms usually begin to get better by themselves although for a small minority they become more persistent. "A key point is how a person is supported after they come out," he said. "Good support, good colleagues, it makes it much more likely you will recover and have it as a positive resilience building intervention. 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 "Whether your decisions involve running the country or running a household, if you are unwell, your mental health will clearly make a difference. "But it needn't impact your ability - it might focus your mind. "If you look back to World War Two and Churchill, he suffered from depression, he called it his black dog but he led our country to success. "It would be wrong to say you can't lead the country to success." The Prime Minister, who was discharged from St Thomas' Hospital in London on Sunday, has now gone to Chequers, his county retreat, to recuperate. Professor Greenberg said people who suffer a traumatic event should spend time with others who can provide support. He said it was better to speak to people you trust about how frightening or distressing the experience was, rather than to avoid the subject. "Try and surround yourself with people who are going to be supportive and take time to speak about it," he said. "Trauma can have a more positive outcome - an experience might make a person say I'm going to be a better father or brother. "As a nation, assuming we come through this, I think the evidence is some people won't remember it as well as we do now. As humans, it is reasonable to want a quick fix to our current difficult situation of COVID-19. Yet, our anxieties alone cannot hasten Gods action. Paul Samasumo Vatican City In a world full of despair, the resurrection of Jesus renews our hope. In his Easter message, the Archbishop of Benin city and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Augustine Obiora Akubeze has said that hope must be at the heart of the resurrection message. Like us today, the disciples thought it was all over Many of the followers of Christ thought it was over with Christ. Today, many of our people have concluded that it is over with economic recovery, that, it is over with equitable wealth for everyone, that, it is over with security of lives and property, that, it is over with justice for everyone in the land. Despite all these, I say, for the Risen Lord, nothing is impossible. Let us gradually effect changes in the places we work and live. Let us develop patience, a virtue that is needed if we truly trust in God. We must know that Gods time is always the best, the Archbishop said. Resist the urge for quick fixes Worrying and despairing about our present situation will not hasten Gods action says the prelate of Benin city. Whereas humans want quick fixes and immediate solutions to difficulties, the Lord operates on a higher and better timing than ours. The Psalmist tells us, our God is in heaven, he does whatever he wills (Psalm 115:3). And His will is always for our good. But we cannot hasten Gods action by our worry. Jesus tells us how futile worry is when he says, you cannot make a single hair on your head white or black (Matthew 5:36). God does not direct injustice toward his people, but he can make every tragedy become a blessing, the Archbishop assured. COVID-19 took everyone by surprise Archbishop Akubeze reminisced on how the world began the year with so much hope. He urges everyone to hold on to that hope and all the expectations of a new year. We celebrate Easter this year amidst uncertainties. History will forever remember the year 2020. We began the year with so much joy and expectations. No one knew or planned for the current health crisis bedevilling our world. The COVID-19 pandemic took everyone by surprise and caught the world off-guard. Consequently, the celebration of Easter this year will be devoid of its usual pomp and pageantry, he said. Remember the poor in your midst Notwithstanding the current challenges, it is important to be joyful in hope. With everyone worrying about their personal safety and health, it is easy to forget the poor, the needy, widows and widowers. Archbishop Akubeze urges civic authorities as well as Christians to make an effort to provide material and financial assistance to the marginalised and disadvantaged families. Pray for medical personnel We should also not forget to pray for our medical personnel who are on the frontlines, fighting this scourge, for Gods protection and guidance. Also, we pray for all who have been infected, for Gods healing and restoration. Finally, for all who have lost loved ones, we pray for consolation and eternal rest for all who have died, Archbishop Akubeze exhorts. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 14:19:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, April 11 (Xinhua) -- China's assistance to Mexico "is relevant at this time," as China has experience in containing COVID-19, an expert on foreign affairs Jose Luis Leon-Manriquez has said. "Chinese aid, which is multidimensional, is relevant at this time, because of the pandemic containment strategies that have been implemented in China, both from the point of view of development, medical equipment, and public policy," said Leon-Manriquez, a professor at Mexico's Metropolitan Autonomous University. The first planeload of medical supplies from China arrived in Mexico on Tuesday. China also helped Mexico buy 11.5 million KN95 masks, 16.1 million surgical masks, and 550,000 gloves from a Chinese company at the end of March. "This is just the type of experience and cooperation that is needed at the moment," said Leon-Manriquez, adding that China's cooperation with Mexico under the guidance of building a community with a shared future for mankind is exactly what Mexico needs. Mexico has reported 3,844 cases and 233 deaths by Friday. The professor called for the Mexican government to take China's advice to make its fight against the coronavirus more effective and faster. "In Mexico, it is necessary for the government to have its own policy ... but Chinese advice, of course, will be very useful if the advice of Chinese experts is really listened to," said Leon-Manriquez. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio continued to clash during their respective press conferences on Sunday about closing schools until the end of the academic year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. De Blasio announced Saturday he will keep all New York City public schools closed for the rest of the school year, but Cuomo said he has jurisdiction over such a move and hasnt reached that decision yet. Just two hours after de Blasio made the announcement that schools would remain closed on Saturday, Cuomo said that it wasnt the case. On Sunday, de Blasio said during a press conference that he and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza talked about the painful reality that our schools would not be able to open up again for this school year. We explained obviously why that was the right thing to do in terms of health and safety, [and] why it was the right thing to do in terms of recognizing what would be possible academically with only a few weeks in person, said de Blasio during a press conference on Sunday. But we had a reason in making that decision to know that we could keep supporting our kids, and we laid out a five-point plan of the ways that were going to support our kids, our parents, [and] prepare for this phase and beyond. De Blasio explained one of the reasons that he and Carranza are confident in the decision to close schools is due to partners -- including Department of Education (DOE) leadership, educators, and private partners -- working with the city to create an online distance learning system. Remote learning for New York City public school students began on March 23. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** When asked about de Blasios decision to close New York City public schools, Cuomo said during a separate press conference Sunday that he understands the mayors position. He represents New York City and the position of I think schools should be closed," he said. "Thats not an unreasonable position. He doesnt have to worry about Nassau, Suffolk [counties]. He doesnt have to worry about New Jersey, he doesnt have to worry about Connecticut. But I do. He explained that there must be a regional coordinated plan between New York State, New Jersey, Connecticut and New York localities to make a decision about when schools would reopen. The schools, first, we have to have a coordinated approach on the reactivation, if you will," said Cuomo during a press conference Sunday. Schools, businesses, workforce, transportation, all has to be coordinated. Number two, it all has to be coordinated regionally. We closed everything down in a coordinated fashion and we did it regionally. We did it with New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, that tri-state area. When asked if Cuomo was suggesting schools could reopen for the 2019-2020 academic year, Cuomo said New York schools will remain closed until it is safe to reopen them from a public health perspective. All the schools in downstate and upstate area are closed," Cuomo said during his press conference Sunday. They will remain closed. Were not going to open up any school until it is safe from a public health point of view. We wont open schools one minute sooner than they should be opened. But we wont open schools one minute later than they should be opened either. It has to work in a coordinated plan with businesses." Announcing schools arent going to open would also imply that businesses wont open, Cuomo said. If you say the schools are closed through June, youre effectively saying businesses are closed through June because you cant restart the economy fully without restarting schools, Cuomo explained. Schools also provide not just education, but in many ways, childcare for many people to go to work. DE BLASIO DEFENDS DECISION De Blasio continued to defend his decision to close schools and said the decision was made based on the health and wellbeing and safety of our kids, our parents, our families, our educators. Chancellor Carranza and I, as I said, consulted widely with health care experts, with the folks who do the work in our schools, the unions that represent them, and we had those conversations through to Friday evening.And we came to the firm conclusion that this was the only thing possible --honestly the only right thing to do and that it had to be done," he said. "As soon as we were convinced that it had to be done, it was important to tell our community, and tell our parents, that this was the decision so that people can plan accordingly. In response to several questions from media regarding the school closure announcement, the mayor continued to reiterate that the decision was made for the health and well-being of students and educators and that the right thing to do is to keep the schools closed and the right thing to do to beat back this pandemic is to keep the schools closed. Initially, New York City public schools were to reopen by April 20, and then the state pause extended closures until April 29. During Saturdays announcement on closing schools for the remainder of the school year, de Blasio said that keeping these policies of social distancing and shelter in place...is the best way forward to protect all of us. EDUCATION PLAN 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. That includes focusing on getting students equipment needed for remote learning, adding more help for parents of students learning from home, crafting more engaging and viable content for students to consume at home, ensuring seniors will graduate on time, and ensuring students -- especially those with mental health issues and physical disabilities -- get all the help they need upon returning to school in September. De Blasio said the city is focused on getting each and every student the equipment needed to continue remote learning from home. The city is continuing to work on getting internet-enabled devices to students in New York City public schools who need them to participate in online learning. Carranza said Sunday that the Department of Education (DOE) has distributed just over 175,000 devices already. Just over 70,000 iPads with Wi-Fi have also been shipped, he said. De Blasio said he spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook on Saturday to secure an additional 50,000 Apple iPads to distribute to students. Yesterdays conversation with Tim Cook is critical because its been really a supply chain issue, said Carranza. Every school system in America right now is transitioning to online, remote learning as well. ...Were not the only ones in need of devices. So this is, it was just a game changer for the mayor to have that conversation with Tim Cook. And as soon as we get them, and we get them set up, were shipping them right out to students and families. Carranza continued to urge parents to go to schools.nyc.gov and take the device survey, or call 311, to receive an internet-enabled device. 70 Coronavirus in NYC: Photos show the fight against the pandemic FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday extended Easter greetings to the people and hoped all festivities would be confined to the homes in line with the coronavirus restrictions. Wishing all our Christian citizens a happy Easter. Please stay safe and keep your families safe during the COVID19 pandemic by praying and celebrating at home; and by observing the national safety protocols, said Khan in a Twitter message. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Michael D Higgins began the ceremony by ringing the Peace Bell at Aras an Uachtarain Irelands President Michael D Higgins has laid a wreath in commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising. In a televised commemoration, the ceremony began with Mr Higgins ringing the Peace Bell at Aras an Uachtarain, followed by a prayer and a reading of the Proclamation. Mr Higgins laid the wreath at a group of 16 birch trees that were planted by the president and his wife Sabina. The laying of the wreath was followed by a minutes silence, commemorating those who died in the Easter Rising as well as the victims of the Covid-19 pandemic. President Michael D Higgins today led a special commemoration of the 1916 #EasterRising. The President Higgins rang the Peace Bell and laid a wreath at the 16 birch trees planted in honour of the revolutionaries executed after the Rising. Read more: https://t.co/jnMDi23laA pic.twitter.com/RYKILRPtke President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 12, 2020 The ceremony, which was reduced because of the Covid-19 restrictions, was broadcast live from the Aras and the GPO. This was followed by the lowering of the national flag to half-mast on the GPO rooftop. In the GPO inner courtyard, Head Chaplain to the Forces Fr Seamus Madigan read a prayer of remembrance. Captain Darren Reilly read the Proclamation in front of the GPO. Capt Darren Reilly reads the Proclamation outside the GPO at a ceremony marking the anniversary of The Easter 1916 Rising. The ceremony was reduced in line with @HSELive #COVID19 guidelines. #OglaighnahEireann would like to wish the people of Ireland a safe and #HappyEaster pic.twitter.com/bqgY07tvRw Oglaigh na hEireann (@defenceforces) April 12, 2020 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attended the event at the GPO. In his prayer, Fr Madigan called for special remembrance of those who have died as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. Expand Close Taoiseach Leo Varadkar taking part in the annual commemoration at the GPO in Dublin (Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taoiseach Leo Varadkar taking part in the annual commemoration at the GPO in Dublin (Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland/PA) He said: As we commemorate the sacrifice of those who died during 1916 and gather in their memory, we pray for our country, our people and the challenges of these times, remembering especially those who have died as a result of the Covid-19 virus. He also called for healing of those touched by Covid-19, strength for all who carry the burden of this illness and courage for those who care for our fragile world. The Bihar government has reached out and provided relief to over 5 lakh distressed residents of the state stranded in Delhi and other parts of the country amid the nationwide lockdown prompted by the coronavirus outbreak, a senior official said here on Sunday. The migrants from the state have been provided shelter, meals and dry rations to help them cope with the crisis situation, since the announcement of the lockdown on March 24, the official said. Heartbreaking images of jobless labourers and marginal workers walking back home, after suspension of transport services, were splashed on all TV channels and social media platforms, following the imposition of the nationwide lockdown. Some of them were grounded midway by the administration in other states. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had appealed to them to stay put wherever they were and promised that his government would provide necessary assistance to them. Kumar, who had last Monday launched a pioneering scheme to provide special assistance of Rs 1,000 each to the residents of Bihar stranded outside, seeks daily feedback about relief distribution, the senior official said. A sum of Rs 10.35 crore was transferred on the inaugural day of the programme to the accounts of 1,03,579 people under the direct benefit transfer scheme, he said. Of them, 7,281 hailed from Saran district, followed by 6,821 from Muzaffarpur, 6,792 from Madhubani, 6,569 from East Champaran, 6,348 from Sitamarhi and 5,897 from Siwan. Pratyaya Amrit, Principal Secretary, state Disaster Management Department, said at least 47 relief centres, funded by the state, are operating in far-off places, including Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Sikkim. These centres are being run by Bihar Foundation chapters and their affiliated organisations, he told PTI. The Bihar Foundation is a forum for the state's diaspora which has Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as its patron and his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi as its chairman. A sum of Rs 5 crore has been given to the foundation from the chief minister's relief fund, Amrit noted. A statement issued by the disaster management department said, "The number of beneficiaries for today stands at 53,849, and the cumulative total since the start of the programme on March 28 is at 5,26,341." Amrit said 30 staffers of his department formed a part of a task force, which man helpline numbers round-the-clock to establish contact with those stuck in other states and guide them on how to avail the facilities provided by the administration. A crisis management group headed by Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar meets every day to take stock of the situation, he added. Official sources said a total of 2,84,674 applications have been received by the government from the stranded people. Relief was being doled out to them following verification. Of the 2,84,674 applications, 55,264 were from Delhi, followed by 41,050 from Haryana, 30,576 from Maharashtra, 25,638 from Gujarat, 23,832 from Uttar Pradesh, 15,596 from Punjab, 15,428 from Tamil Nadu and 9,527 from West Bengal. Bihar has so far reported 64 COVID-19 cases, and one death. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) The chief implementer of the governments response to the COVID-19 pandemic floated the possibility of only placing selected areas under quarantine once the lockdown in Luzon is lifted. Maari pong magkaroon ng selective quarantine kung magiging maayos po ang ating pagsunod sa ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), COVID-19 response chief implementer Carlito Galvez said Sunday. [Translation: We can have a selective quarantine if we would strictly follow the ECQ.] Galvez, however, said this would only be possible once the government is able to do mass testing of suspected COVID-19 cases, the number of new deaths and new cases decrease, and once the capacity of local health units improve. Galvez described the planned aggressive testing as a game changer as it would be the key to the governments plan to identify COVID-19 patients, isolate and treat them. Hindi tayo makakaahon sa enhanced community quarantine hannggat hindi tayo magkakaroon ng targeted testing, Galvez said. [Translation: We wont be able to come out of an enhanced community quarantine until weve had targeted testing.] Galvez said the mass testing, which is expected to roll out this week, would first target around 6,000 to 10,000 suspected COVID-19 patients in Metro Manila, including frontline health workers. The Health Department said it is ramping up testing, with the goal of being able to do 8,000 tests a day. So far, there are 15 laboratories which have been accredited by the Health Department to conduct tests for the new coronavirus. It is also through this massive testing the Health Department said it would be able to determine if the country has flattened the curve, or slowed down the spread of the new coronavirus to the point that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed. In Metro Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela City and Pasig City are starting to roll out mass tests. Galvez said the Philippine capital of Manila would soon follow suit. The death toll due to COVID-19 in the Philippines nears 300 as the country reported a spike in fatalities on Sunday, due to the viral disease. The Health Department reported 50 new deaths due to COVID-19 in its 4 p.m. bulletin on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 297. The department reported 220 new cases of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, bringing the total number of those who have been infected to 4,648. Meanwhile, the number of people who have recovered from the viral disease has reached 197, with the Health Department reporting 40 more who have survived COVID-19. An Australian doctor has argued people should be forced to wear face masks amid the coronavirus outbreak - and shown how to make your own at home. Dr Zac Turner believes countries that have made wearing masks compulsory have been the most effective in flattening the infection curve of COVID-19. The 31-year-old says there is no excuse not to wear a mask in public to protect yourself and the others from the disease. 'Whilst we may not have enough (face masks) theres no excuse for you to not be wearing one in the community,' he said. Dr Zac Turner believes there is no excuse to not wear a face mask in public to protect yourself and your community from coronavirus 'You should be wearing this whenever you leave the house because it is what can stop the spread to vulnerable people.' Medical experts are worried about a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE0. Australia's supply of face masks had already been depleted by the bushfire crisis when the coronavirus pandemic took off in China. Dr Turner made a video showing how to make a face mask using every day household items including a cut up t-shirt, a recyclable bag and a handkerchief. He recommends using items that are 100 per cent cotton so they can be re-sterilised after use and highlighted the importance of social isolation to prevent the spread of the deadly disease. 'You can be contagious long before you know youve got it,' Dr Turner said. Australians should lean towards not using masks and to instead just stay at home, experts say (pictured: woman wears face mask outside pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic in Bondi) Dr Turner's advice goes against the advice of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly, who believes masks should be left for front line health workers only. Professor Kelly said due to restraints on supply, Australians should lean towards not using masks and to instead just stay at home. 'In terms of mask use in the community, I would stress again, at the moment we do not think it is a good idea, partly because of the constraints around supply,' he said. 'Masks can be useful to stop the spread from a person with the disease to other people if the mask is used correctly, that's true. 'And secondly, if the mask is manufactured [per] Australian standards. But at this point in time, our advice remains that if you are sick, stay at home.' Professor Kelly said those who wear the mask incorrectly can find it quite uncomfortable, meaning they will have to touch their face and potentially expose themselves to COVID-19. Passengers and police are seen wearing face masks after arriving at Brisbane International Airport 'So for example, if you are not used to wearing a mask, it can become quite uncomfortable, even claustrophobic. And indeed, it can become quite edgy underneath the mask,' he said. 'So touching a surface with the virus, scratching yourself underneath the mask, could actually increase your risk rather than decrease your risk. 'There would need to be a strong conversation about how to fit a mask properly and how to use it safely and effectively. Professor Kelly said the only ones who really needed them were health workers. '(Members of the public) shouldn't be using face masks in public because that would be a waste of face masks,' he said. 'I think it is very important that we really put that towards our health care workforce, aged care workforce, they are the front line that we all need be protected to be able to continue to work.' In the old days, doctors would make house calls; that rarely happens today. However, a new kind of "house call" is in the works: in many cities it's now possible to receive hospital care at home for certain conditions. Such "home hospital care" programs are gaining in popularity. A randomized controlled Harvard study published online Dec. 17, 2019, by Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that the home hospital model of care is less expensive and leads to fewer readmissions than in-hospital care. Researchers studied about 90 people who'd been diagnosed in the emergency room with infections or flares of heart failure or breathing problems. Half of the people were admitted to hospitals, and the other half were enrolled in home hospital care. The home hospital care group received visits from doctors and nurses, intravenous medications, and video monitoring. People in the home group had 38% lower hospital costs than those in the hospital group, they were more active during care, and they were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after their care less frequently (7% vs. 23%) than those in the hospital group. Home hospital care is not appropriate for everyone. "If someone is too sick or is in need of advanced procedures, their care may be better delivered in a traditional hospital," says Dr. David M. Levine, the study's lead author and an internal medicine specialist with Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. However, if you have an illness that needs constant monitoring and treatment for several days in other words, it can't be done in a doctor's office yet it also doesn't require advanced procedures or constant and intensive nursing care, the home hospital care model may make sense. "If the home hospital model were offered to a member of my family, I'd encourage them to do it," says Dr. Levine. Paris: The deadly coronavirus continuously wreaking havoc all around thw world. The number of people who died due to this virus today has exceeded 1,08,000, and there are still millions of people who have been found in infection of this virus. However the WHO says that the actual data can be quite different as most of the countries are investigating only serious cases. President of America, Trump says, 'Will going to take biggest decision in life' According to the information received, the situation in America is getting worse and 2108 deaths have taken place in a single day. The number of infected patients in the US has reached 18,777. The problems of China, which have controlled the epidemic, seem to be increasing again. There have been 46 new cases of infection in China. There has been a decrease in daily deaths in Spain, where 510 people have died in the last 24 hours. Corona recovering patient found infected again in South Korea Deaths due to corona in France and Spain: In France and Spain, the number of people who died of coronavirus has decreased in the last 24 hours. While 510 people died in Spain, 635 people died in France. The number of dead in Spain has increased to 16,353. Whereas, in France the figure of the dead has reached 13,832. This is the first time in Spain after 23 March when the number of dead in a day is so low. There have been 4800 new cases of infection. The total number of infected people in the country has increased to 161,852. The decrease in death and infection figures is an encouraging sign for Spain, most affected by the epidemic after Italy and the United States. President of Pakistan flouted rules of lockdown, gives prayers in crowd (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." Read More: 'Supernatural' VR Fitness Workout Is Coming To Oculus 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. New Delhi, April 12 : In the first analysis by the man widely considered Indias foremost electoral strategist, Prashant Kishor has said the crisis has increased the already existing levels of frustration and anger felt by Indias vulnerable and poor people for the system. Kishor defined the system as not just the government, but the ruling establishment. Up until now the crisis has not affected the Prime Minister's standing and many who have suffered will have appreciated his apology. Also, as in a situation of war, in a crisis like this there is an initial tendency to rally around the flag and government. Modi will benefit from that. However, things could change if the suffering increases both in terms of its economic cost and human cost. In an interview with Karan Thapar, Prashant Kishor, who is widely acknowledged as the electoral genius behind Modi's 2014 campaign, which first made him the Prime Minister, said that if the economic damage, particularly loss of jobs and hunger, and deaths increase sharply it will definitely damage the BJP and the Prime Minister's standing. In the end, the buck will stop with Modi. Just as he will take the credit if all goes well, similarly the blame will be pinned on him if the outcome is the opposite. Prashant Kishor said the same could be said of the state governments. If the suffering increased, they too will be blamed. It is not just the Central government that will face the anger of the people. He said the Central government was slow to react to the coronavirus crisis and was "still behind the curve". He said the people at the very top, who he did not identify by name, did not seriously respond till March 20. Kishor said it was hard to tell what tens or hundreds of millions of daily wage workers, landless agricultural labour and unemployed unorganised sector workers felt about the BJP government and Modi. He was more certain that they will be angry with the system. Anger against the Prime Minister and BJP could depend on how severe the suffering becomes. However, he made a point of saying that if the lockdown had been announced for seven days at a time, rather than 21 at one go, the poor and vulnerable would have been more confident of being able to withstand it and would not have begun walking back to their villages hundreds or thousands of miles away. If he had been asked this is the advice he would have given regarding the lockdown. He also criticised the government's communication. He said press conferences were held by bureaucrats. If they were held by top ministers who were transparent and open it would give the country a higher level of confidence in the government's handling of the crisis. Speaking about the opposition parties, Prashant Kishor had three points of advice to give. They must not oppose and criticise for the sake of criticising. Second, on what he called "the right points" they should support the government. Third and most importantly, they must go out to the grass roots and comfort and support people. He categorically said there was no evidence he could find that this third element of his advice was being followed. Leaders were tweeting from the comforts of Delhi and Mumbai or state capitals but not going to the people to be with them. Kishor said that whether the damage the BJP and Modi could suffer would affect their election chances was very difficult to say because elections are four years away and this will also turn on the opposition's ability to unite and find a face to take on the PM. But anything can happen, he added. Who knew in 1986 Rajiv Gandhi would lose three years later? Who could say in 1973 or 1975 Indira Gandhi would lose in 1977? Prashant Kishor said his organisation IPAC had studied elections in over 5,100 constituencies since Modi's 2014 victory and BJP had only won around 1,500 whilst Congress had won approximately 1,040. The rest had been won by other parties or individuals. Therefore, whilst the BJP was the dominant party you cannot write off the others. This was his answer to a question when asked if he accepted India had entered a period, similar to 1947-77, when we had once again became a one party democracy with the BJP as that party. The clear inference was that with proper planning the apparent dominance of the BJP -- which at one point he called hegemony -- can be overturned. Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston Contributed Photo / Connecticut State Police / Contributed Photo SEYMOUR-It took nearly four hours Saturday but police talked a male on Bunting Road out of killing himself. The man had stabbed himself and was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to Deputy Chief Roberto Rinaldi. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) President Rodrigo Duterte assured Filipinos on Easter Sunday that there is hope in "new beginnings" amid these trying times. "The triumph of the risen Christ presents us all with hopeful assurance that, even as we face adversities, there is always hope of better and new beginnings," he said in a statement. "In this time of renewal, we are reminded of the grace that comes from selfless love that is able to transcend diverse cultures, faiths, backgrounds, and even circumstances," Duterte added. "May this occasion fill us with gladness and enable us to find solace and strength in the narrative of the Resurrection," he said. Duterte also urged the public to live with "gratitude and humility," with "further acts of kindness and charity" to families, friends, and those in most need. 'There will be healing' In a separate statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo called on the public to remain hopeful as the future guarantees "healing" from the COVID-19 pandemic. "The resurrection of Jesus Christ on the cross not only is the fulfillment of the promise of the Messiah that on the third day He will resurrect from his death in the cross, which is the cornerstone of Christianity, but it symbolizes the truism that after going through pain and suffering, there will be healing..." he said. "After a storm, a new day beckons, and that after this pandemic of a disease, there is a new tomorrow that awaits us and the world," Panelo added. Malacanang also encouraged Filipinos to "love one another." "This is the most fitting time that we embrace and practice this teaching, that even the non-Christians and the agnostics can relate. For it is only in loving one another can we protect each other from this scourge of a disease," Panelo added. The Philippines recorded over 4,428 COVID-19 cases, with 247 deaths and 157 recoveries to date. This week is scheduled to see the lockdown of Wuhan - the Chinese city in which the global coronavirus pandemic began end, following a recent visit to the city by Chinas President Xi Jinpiang. Although as an export-led economy China will still face some trouble ahead, moves are afoot that will mitigate these downside risks to its economy and already its industrial sector is back operating at levels even above the pre-coronavirus rates. For the global oil sector this resurgence at this time means two things. The first is that a key demand element in the supply/demand pricing matrix will return in scale. The second is that China will take the opportunity afforded it by other leading global economies facing the peak of the coronavirus outbreak to make long-term strategic deals with key oil suppliers at extremely advantageous terms to itself. Of course, China will not entirely escape a notable negative impact from the effects of the coronavirus outbreak across the country. Indicators of domestic activity for the two months to February show the pullback in economic activity came in much worse than many of the most pessimistic forecasts, highlighted Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia Strategy for SEB, in Singapore. In a synchronised move, industrial production, retail sales and fixed asset investment all fell in deep negative territory for the first time on record and the decline in the hard data not only confirmed the sharp drop in sentiment indicators like PMI, but it also indicates that the authorities are not smoothing the data, she told OilPrice.com last week. Even as China is gradually rolling back its containment measures, the rapid spread of coronavirus to the rest of the world paved the way for a wholesale imposition of other governments restrictions and the consequent rise in precautionary behaviour of households and firms, she said. Combined, this implies that demand for Chinese-made exports will soften in the near term and thus, overall, we are lowering our GDP growth forecast for China to four per cent in 2020, she added. Premium: Where Does Oil Go After The Largest Production Cut In History? This said, she along with many others is actually raising her GDP growth forecast for the country for 2021, in SEBs case to 6.8 per cent. Part of the reason for this pervasive view is not only that China is already bouncing back extremely quickly in all sectors, except those relating to the service industries, but also because, as an authoritarian regime, it can act with ruthless determination to achieve one specific goal after another with all means necessary. On the first of these points, for example, despite the slowdown in domestic activity indicators for the two months to February, March saw an incredible turnaround, especially in the core manufacturing sector of Chinas economy. According to data released by Chinas National Bureau of Statistics just over a week ago, the official manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) a survey of sentiment among factory owners in the worlds second largest economy was 52 in March. Not only was this a huge leap up from the all-time low reading of 35.7 in February but also a reading of above 50 shows that the manufacturing sector is actually growing. On the other side of the equation, Chinas non-manufacturing PMI a gauge of sentiment in the services and construction sectors also jumped up from the all-time low 29.6 in February to a growth-showing 52.3 in March. These readings translated into a broader economic confidence amongst the population as seen in the fact that the renminbi-denominated China A-share index rose in the last week of March from just over 2,600 to just below 2,800. There is much to come, though, as China seeks to take advantage of the relative indisposition of its global economic rivals. The reaction of the Chinese authorities has been more rapid and rigorous than during the 2003 SARS epidemic, with the more relevant comparison being with 2008, when China faced a succession of tests: the 8.0-measured earthquake in May, the Olympics in August and the global financial crisis in the autumn, highlighted Larry Brainard, chairman of the emerging markets panel for TS Lombard, in London. Now, as then, the Chinese leadership understands the political imperative to act decisively to control the economic fallout of the current crisis and, as such, said Brainard, the balance between deleveraging and growth is likely to be tilted towards stimulus in order to make up ground lost due to the virus and quarantine. This balance has characterised economic policy for the past two years, and we think the new tilt will probably last for the rest of this year, he underlined. The leaderships need to ensure that expansion stabilizes around the official target of six per cent is all the greater because of other challenges it faces: notably, the unrest in Hong Kong and the DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] victory in the Taiwan elections as well as the future of relations with the U.S. after last months Phase 1 deal, he told OilPrice.com. Premium: U.S. Oil Production Has Already Peaked Even before the coronavirus outbreak, Chinas planned infrastructure stimulus had been significantly expanded and this is a policy that is likely to be continued, and increased further. We expect the quota for special bond issuance by local governments will be hiked next month to RMB3.1 trillion [US$450 billion], up from last years RMB2.15 trillion but, more importantly, the required percentage allocation of local government cash to any given project has already been cut, allowing local officials to increase the leverage of each project, said Brainard. Additionally, the use of bond proceeds will now be channelled into transportation and local infrastructure projects rather than land bank and shantytown development projects, as was the case last year and these changes will result in faster infrastructure fixed asset investment growth, he added. At the same time, said TS Lombards chief China economist, Bo Zhuang, in order to mitigate the always-perilous risk for China of rising unemployment, the country is likely to again pursue housing construction stimulus, in particular. Over the past two months, there has been a sharp contraction in new home sales and housing investment, which has increased risks for developers and local governments, as both rely heavily on revenues from land sales, he said last week. Although the central governments stance has so far been cautious - it has underlined that housing is for living in, not for speculation - now, said Bo, a combination of an external demand shock, inbound supply chain disruption and potentially sizeable job losses will prompt the authorities to launch another round of property stimulus in order to create labour-intensive jobs in this sector. All of these infrastructure-boosting stimulus packages in the past have been extremely good for oil demand from China, taken in tandem with the manufacturing of the items required for them and this time will be no different. Happily for China, the current beleaguered global oil industry landscape makes for very ripe pickings indeed, with oil going cheap and many regimes desperate to lock in some reliable revenue streams, no matter what the overall cost to their independence. As has been tracked and highlighted by OilPrice.com for the last several months, China has been especially busy in targeting those countries that are vital for its cornerstone multi-generational power-grab strategy of One Belt, One Road. Having secured the assistance of Russian muscle by dint of long-term lucrative oil and gas supply deals for Moscow with Beijing, China has been upping the tempo of its sequestration of the good bits of Iraq and Iran, and to a lesser degree Oman. In conjunction with these targets, it is fair to assume that China will be keenly awaiting the outcome of the current Saudi attempt again to destabilise the U.S. shale sector, particularly given how precarious the U.S. view on its relationship with Saudi Arabia had already become. It should be remembered that only a year or so ago, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) was meeting with Chinese President Xi and securing a US$10 billion oil deal. Very kind words were exchanged, with Xi stating that China is a good friend and partner to Saudi Arabia, whilst MbS said Saudi Arabias relations with China can be traced back a very long time [and]...over such a long period of exchanges with China, we have never experienced any problems [with China]. With Xi overlooking the relatively recent murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi apparently on the personal order of MbS and MbS overlooking the forcible internment of up to one million brother-Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang, the US$10 billion deal was for a Chinese-Saudi joint venture to develop a refining and petrochemical complex in Chinas northeast Liaoning province. In addition, though, according to the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, 35 other memoranda of understanding were signed during the February 2019 visit of MbS to China, including deals related to energy and mining. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chennai, April 12 : The Tamil Nadu government here on Saturday warned people, organisations, political parties and others of legal action for violating the lockdown if they donated essentials, cooked food and other items to the needy directly. Citing distribution of essential items and cooked food by some non-governmental organisations (NGOs), political parties, politicians and others, the state government said in a statement, such an act would help spread coronavirus and was in violation of the prohibitory orders. It requested people, NGOs and others to hand over the items that they wanted to donate to the designated government bodies which would distribute them among the needy maintaining the necessary social distance. The district administration and the police had been instructed to take legal action over violation of the advice. After her hours were cut at the local gym where she works, Ashley Varga knew she and her fiance wouldnt have enough to pay her monthly $1,500 rent payment for their Hammonton apartment. Varga let her leasing office know they would be paying the rent late, but they didnt offer any leniency. A few minutes later, she said, a note was slid through her mail slot informing her that April rent is past due. I expected them to say, well work with you, or maybe extend the deadline To get that letter, it was frightening, she said. Gov. Phil Murphy has a message to landlords like these in New Jersey: This behavior is out of line. This is no time to be throwing your weight around as a landlord, or anybody else for that matter, Murphy said Saturday during his daily coronavirus press briefing in Trenton. Tenants who are getting screwed by their landlord should report them to the state Division of Community Affairs, the governor said. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage Murphy reiterated that landlords who are getting mortgage relief should be passing some relief along to their tenants, and has previously urged landlords to have compassion. When Murphy began his press conference, he gave a shout out to David Placek, a Montclair landlord who canceled rent for his dozen tenants through June. David exemplifies the spirit we need to see right now of people stepping up to make sure others can come out of this emergency stronger and so we all come out of this stronger, Murphy said. Even if renters cant pay their rent, they cannot be evicted or locked out of their homes for up to 60 days after the state of emergency is lifted. But some renters and tenants organizations have argued Murphy hasnt gone far enough. #CancelRentNJ was trending on Twitter Thursday night, with tens of thousands of tweets urging the governor to take protections a step further. Roughly 35 percent of New Jersey residents rent their home or apartment, according to Census data. Murphy doubled down that lease agreements are private contracts, explaining why he hasnt taken steps for a statewide rental freeze. There are thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, if not millions of contracts between landlords and renters, he said. Putting a freeze in place is, I believe, impractical in a legal matter, he continued. Montclair and Hoboken have passed ordinances mandating rental freezes in response to COVID-19, and Union City and Jersey City are expected to vote on similar bills soon. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has called for a rent freeze on rent-stabilized homes. Murphy on Saturday announced 3,599 new coronavirus cases, including 251 deaths, in New Jersey, bringing the states total to at least 58,151 coronavirus cases and 2,183 deaths as it enters its second month grappling with the deadly virus. NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Subscribe to the #TogetherNJ newsletter to get a weekly dose of these uplifting stories right to your inbox. Have you seen an inspiring story in your community during this troubling time? Tell us about it. See more uplifting stories in #TogetherNJ. Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. WASHINGTONAny way you cut it, this is going to be bad, a senior medical adviser at the U.S. 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 country was facing a pandemic now forecast to take tens of thousands of American lives Mecher was urging the upper ranks of the countrys 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. It was a problem, he said, that had come out of nowhere and could not have been foreseen. 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 country 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 coloured 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 million 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 travelling 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 countrys 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 shell-shocked 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. 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 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. 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 steps 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 countrys 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 (hole) on our screening and quarantine effort. 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 blow-up 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 co-ordination 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 per cent 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 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 cancelled, 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 co-ordinated 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 cross-currents 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 co-operative 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 Defence Intelligence Agency, the National Center for Medical Intelligence, came to the same conclusion. Within weeks after getting initial information about the virus early in the year, biodefence experts inside the National Security Council, looking at what was happening in Wuhan, started urging officials to think about what would be needed to quarantine a city the size of Chicago. 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 re-election campaign. 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 the president has repeatedly cited as evidence 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. 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 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 favourite 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 co-operation 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 countries are now competing. 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 and prone to butting in. He is among the most outspoken of China hawks and in late January was clashing with the administrations health experts over limiting travel from China. So it elicited eye rolls when, after initially being prevented from joining the coronavirus task force, he circulated a memo on Jan. 29 urging Trump to impose the travel limits, 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 travelling 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 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. 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 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? 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. Pence, by then in charge of the task force, also played a role at that point in getting through to the president about the seriousness of the moment in a way that Azar had not. 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 March 16, Trump announced new social-distancing guidelines, saying they would be in place for two weeks. The subsequent economic disruptions were so severe the president repeatedly suggested 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 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, near his childhood home in Queens, N.Y., where 13 people had died from the coronavirus in 24 hours. He left the restrictions in place. Read more about: Dear Editor, Seems like some of us are starting to wallow in self-pity because of this nature-induced coronavirus pandemic causing us to sequester ourselves from our loved ones, work, and our otherwise normal daily routines. As we feel sorry for ourselves, it behooves us to look back less than 80 years ago to Hitlers war and read The Diary of Anne Frank. Two Jewish families, comprising initially seven people and one cat, shared small, cramped quarters from June 14, 1942 to Aug. 1, 1944, when someone told the German and Dutch Green Police about their hiding place. The only survivor of the concentration camps that they were sent to was Annes father. They did not have Wifi, smart phones or our other 21st century tech stuff to keep them occupied; nor did they have other normal creature accoutrements that for many of us make our current home surroundings much more comfortable and easier to live and sequester in. For those who have all these things and are whining, suck it up we will live to see another day, unlike Anne Frank. Susan Puretz Saugerties, N.Y. Voters maintain distance from each other as they line up for early voting at a polling station in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, Saturday, ahead of the general election, to be held Wednesday. Yonhap By Yi Whan-woo The rival parties were encouraged by the record turnout in early voting for the general election this week, with each arguing the outcome will be in their favor. The surprise turnout came amid prospects that the COVID-19 pandemic would have people staying at home instead of voting. Against this backdrop, the parties ramped up campaigning over the weekend in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province collectively the country's most-contested region where more than half of the 43.9 million registered voters live. The three areas also presumably have the highest number of swing voters for the general election, Wednesday. "This highest-ever voter turnout shows the burning passion of the people to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic crisis with the government and the ruling party and to make the Republic of Korea greater," said Hyun Geun-Taek, election camp spokesman of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). His remark came after the 11.7 million voters cast ballots from Friday to Saturday during the early voting at 3,508 polling stations across the country. The turnout was 26.69 percent, the highest since early voting was introduced in 2014 for a nationwide election. The previous record was 26.06 percent in the May 2017 presidential election. "We ask the people to join forces and help the government get over the hardship and deal with state affairs in a stable and propulsive manner. In that regard, we ask each of the remaining voters to cast their precious ballot on election day." Hyun said. The main opposition United Future Party (UFP) saw the highest voter turnout "reflects anger of the public who are ready to punish the Moon Jae-in administration for bungled state affairs." "I'd say the voter turnout came as patriotic citizens wanted to correct blunders of the Moon government through this election," UFP Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn said. "I want likeminded citizens to show up for the regular election and help steer this country in the right direction." UFP election camp spokeswoman Lim Yoon-sun said voter turnout is seen as the public sentiment to "punish the ruling party's arrogance." She referred to Friday's speculation by Rhyu Si-min, a liberal-minded political commentator, that the DPK and other progressive parties combined have a "good chance to win" 180 of the 300 National Assembly seats. "Such speculation is a mere bluff and the voter turnout shows our people want to punish the DPK for being haughty," Lim said. The DPK election camp's co-chief Lee Nak-yon drew a line that the DPK-led liberal bloc winning more than half of the National Assembly seats is "simply not our idea." "We, the DPK, must remain humble until the last minute," Lee said, while thanking the voters who participated in the early voting. "Analysis of the reasons behind the high voter turnout is up to political commentators and media. But even so, they should be careful and not brag as if they know the thoughts of the people." Lee, running against Hwang in Seoul's Jongno constituency, joined the other party candidates' campaign in Incheon, Sunday. DPK floor leader Lee In-young, after participating in campaigns of the party candidates in Incheon, Saturday, joined the campaign trail for Lee Soo-jin, a former judge who competes in Seoul's Dongjak-B constituency, Sunday. Dongjak-B is considered one of the most-contested districts in Seoul, with Na Kyung-won of the UFP seeking her fifth National Assembly term. On Sunday, UFP election camp chief Kim Chong-in visited constituencies in Suwon, Pyeongtaek and Yongin all in Gyeonggi Province before going to the ones in northern Seoul. He wrapped up his support for the candidates, Sunday, by joining Hwang's campaign in Jongno. Two men have been filmed nearly coming to blows over baby formula in a Melbourne Big W store over the Easter weekend. One of the men, wearing a mask, holds two tins of baby formula while lined up for the checkout at the store in Lilydale, in the citys northeast. An older man reportedly took issue with the couple trying to exceed the purchase limit of baby formula, according to an onlooker who filmed the incident. The older customer tell the man to put it back. What if I dont? What are you going to do? the shopper replies. Ill take you outside, the older man says, while facing off with the man holding the baby formula. Things got heated when the man on the right asked another man to put back two tins of baby formula. Source: Facebook They step closer to each other and the situation grows more tense as they yell at one another. Put it back, the older man says again. A woman then comes between the pair and the younger man tosses the two tins in a trolley preparing to fight. Hes pulled back by a woman in his company as he tries to confront the older man again. Hes repeatedly pulled back as another shopper steps in. A staff member then intervenes and tells him to leave. Youre not allowed to buy the formula and thats it, she says. The pair are booted from the store. Source: Facebook Its not clear if hes being prevented from buying the formula due to the fracas but a woman who posted the video on Facebook claims he had been in the store earlier and purchased four tins. After being told they had been in already and bought 4 tins ... they still had the nerve to fight for the 4 tins, she wrote alongside a video of the incident posted to Facebook on Saturday. Woolworths, which owns Big W, has a two-tin limit on purchasing tins of baby formula to prevent people bulk buying the item for re-sale online, typically to to Chinese buyers. A Big W spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia in a statement the store has had a two-tin limit in place for more than 12 months. Story continues The customers had a disagreement and then were asked to leave our BIG W Lilydale store by a store team member and centre security, police involvement was not required, the spokesperson said. 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. Police break up party in the Penycae area during early hours of the morning This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 12th, 2020 A party in the Penycae area was broken up by police in the early hours of this morning. NWP Wrexham Rural say that occupant had invited numerous guests and they were abusive to officers. In a statement posted online, police added: We will be providing them with a future court date, maybe Wrexham Magistrates Court would be interested to hear their excuses. It is likely that the UK will pass ten thousand deaths this weekend. A fact that appears lost on some. Earlier today Wrexham.com reported that officers had also attended the Rhos area after reports of three different families from three different houses out in the middle of the street all drinking around a fire pit. Masatepe (Nicaragua) (AFP) - With no concern for social distancing, hundreds of Nicaraguans dressed in costumes converged on the southern city of Masatepe to catch and drag "Judas" through the streets. The procession -- an Easter tradition -- was promoted by the government of President Daniel Ortega despite the Catholic Church suspending festivities to thwart the spread of the deadly coronavirus. "This pandemic is dangerous but we're doing it for tradition even though the church decided not to put on the holy procession," Pedro Moraga told AFP during the street festival known as "Judea of Masatepe," a city just south of the capital Managua. Others, like Elian Velazquez, said they were flouting the church's advice "to avoid losing" the tradition. Every Good Friday, when the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is remembered, hundreds of colorfully costumed faithful come out in Masatepe to catch "Judas" -- Judas Iscariot who, according to the biblical gospels, betrayed Jesus and set in motion the circumstances that led to his crucifixion. A group of parishioners dressed in white caught a "Judas" and tied up his hands and feet, dragging him to the churchyard where they threw him up in the air to teach him a lesson. In another part of the city a man dressed as Jesus and carrying a huge cross was surrounded by his executioners, recreating his death. Many watched the festivities from their homes, wary of catching the virus and suspicious about the country's official COVID-19 figures: just nine cases and one death. Edwin Roman, a priest at the San Miguel de Masaya church, told AFP the government is promoting such activities to "give the impression of normality" in the country. - 'Reckless, irrational faith' - This procession is one of numerous religious and leisure activities encouraged by authorities during the Catholic Holy Week, in stark opposition to social isolation measures recommended by the World Health Organization to try to stop the spread of a pandemic that has claimed 107,000 lives worldwide and sickened more than 1.7 million. Story continues "The lack of social distancing and calling of mass gatherings worries us," Carissa Etienne, the Pan-American Health Organization director has said. "We're worried about the tests, traceability of contacts and notification of cases." But the vice-president and first lady, Rosario Murillo, insists Nicaragua "is living in peace" and celebrating "the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who fought for justice." While most of Latin America and the world has been under lockdown for weeks, with schools and businesses closed, Nicaragua's authorities have been promoting beauty pageants, gastronomical contests, concerts, fairs and visits to the seaside. "Authentic widespread piety cannot ignore common sense, prudence and the use of reason," Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes, the archbishop of Managua, warned recently as he ordered churches closed. "We should not expose ourselves to the outbreak and challenge the pandemic with reckless and irrational faith." - 'Political tricks' - The government's failure to heed this warning highlighted the open conflict between the leftist Ortega administration and the Catholic Church since a wave of anti-regime protests in 2018 that were brutally suppressed by the government. Ortega has accused Catholic bishops of being "putschists" for giving refuge to wounded demonstrators during protests that, according to rights groups, left at least 328 people dead. "They (the government) are driving the religious discourse not out of respect for the people but to pull at its heartstrings to hold on to power," Abelardo Mata, the secretary of the Nicaraguan Episcopal Conference, told AFP. But the "true believer knows about these political tricks and they don't approve of this abuse of power," added Mata, a harsh critic of the regime. Despite the official line, thousands of Nicaraguans chose to stay home. For his part, Ortega has not appeared in public for almost a month. "Ortega is paralyzed, sheltering in his house due to his ineptitude and contempt for people's lives in encouraging big gatherings," analyst Oscar Vargas said on Twitter. Dhaka: Authorities in Bangladesh have 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 hanged at the central jail at Keraniganj near the capital, Dhaka, just one minute past Saturday midnight, said Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General A.K.M. Mustafa Kamal Pasha. Bangladesh Premier, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, pictured in 1972. Bangladesh has executed his killer nearly 45 years after the assassination. Credit:AP 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 country's Supreme Court in 2009. A trial court in 1998 had 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. 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 Bangladesh's diplomatic missions abroad. Majed was posted as Bangladesh's 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. Working staff wearing protective suits wait at the entrance to Suifenhe port. (Photo: Courtesy Cao Jie) The city on the border of China and Russia, Suifenhe, located in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has been accepting donations from the public as an increasing number of imported coronavirus cases mount huge pressure on the small city. The city is now accepting donations of protective clothing, masks, medical alcohol, temperature detectors, disinfectants and other medial materials, according to a document released on Saturday. From March 27 until Thursday, a total of 151 imported confirmed cases and 148 asymptomatic infections were reported in Suifenhe. In addition, 2,497 people have entered China from the Suifenhe border crossing as of Friday since March 21, according to data released by the Health Commission of Heilongjiang Province. Suifenhe, a prefecture-level city, has an area of 460 square kilometers and a population of less than 70,000, seeing a lack of medical staff. Heilongjiang Province has dispatched medical teams of 222 staff since March 31 to Suifenhe and its jurisdiction city Mudanjiang, with a preparation team of 1,000 medical support personnel stationed in other prefecture-level and provincial-level medical institutions. A cabin hospital in Suifenhe, providing more than 600 patient beds, is to be put into operation on Saturday, with around 400 medical staff expected to work in the hospital, the city's publicity department said. A resident surnamed Liu from the Xinxing community told the Global Times on Saturday that all estates in Suifenhe have been locked down and only one person from a household will be allowed to go out to buy necessities every three days. Liu is a primary school teacher. All teachers and students have been teaching and learning at home since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia began. Several residents said prices of daily necessities have remained stable during the past few weeks, after the city accepted imported cases of COVID-19. The local government has provided protective clothing, masks, and other preventative supplies to all frontline workers, a medic surnamed Wang, who works at a frontline hospital in Suifenhe, told the Global Times on Saturday. According to the latest policy, ports in Heilongjiang Province have implemented isolation measures and closed-loop controls, including complete quarantine for inbound transportation, temperature monitoring for entry personnel, implementation of nucleic acid sample testing and complete isolation. All front-line staff who have had contact with imported cases will be picked up from home and taken to work via specially designated vehicles to curb contact with other people. One of the many corona warriors on the frontlines of the fight against Covid-19, Ramakrishna literally dropped everything he was doing back home in Telangana and headed 1,500 km to Lucknow when he got a call from his guide requesting that he return to his post his laboratory. The PhD scholar at the microbiology department of Lucknows King George Medical University was helping his parents farm their land in their village in Khammam district when his head of department Amita Jain phoned him. His help was needed in testing samples for the infection that was spreading rapidly. Follow latest updates on coronavirus here And like a soldier called back in war-time, Ramakrishna said he immediately packed his bags and even lied to his parents, worried like everybody else about the spread of the infection. In an hour he was ready. I initially told my parents I will be staying with my friends from the village who are studying in Hyderabad. Now, with the attention I got, they know I am working in Lucknow in this fight against coronavirus and they are fine with it, the 29-year-old microbiologist told PTI. It was March 21 and Ramakrishna set off immediately, telling his parents that he was going to Hyderabad to write his thesis at a friends place. His parents were not too convinced, unwilling to let their son make even the 270 km journey to the city but finally agreed. He reached Hyderabad on March 22, the day of the Janta curfew when all routes to Lucknow or anywhere else were blocked. Before daybreak, in the early hours of March 23, he headed to the airport. The going was not easy there either. Ramakrishna said he was stopped by police. However, when he explained his reason for heading to the airport, they helped him get there. He caught a flight to Lucknow, much to the delight of his guide and the team at KGMU that is tirelessly working to test more and more samples each day. Click here for complete coronavirus coverage Ramakrishna, who hit the public spotlight when Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted about him, insisted he was just doing his duty like all the others in the medical fraternity to fight this pandemic. The PhD scholar had completed his project six months ago and returned to his village. He was working on his thesis and also helping his parents in farming. Jain, head of department, microbiology, KGMU, said she had called four of her students for help. Two were in Lucknow and joined immediately, while Ramakrishna and one more person were away and immediately came to help. Asked what she told Ramakrishna on the phone, Jain said, I told him that we need him if he can help. He asked for an hour to convince his parents and within an hour, he said he is coming. Their research scholars helping out in testing) commitment is akin to soldiers reporting to their battalions in times of war. This time soldiers wore masks, Jain told PTI. Ramakrishnas contribution and commitment came into focus when Priyanka Gandhi sent him an appreciation letter last week and also tweeted about his selfless act. Hailing the microbiologist, she said they are lakhs of such soldiers in India who should be honoured and encouraged. Jain also appreciated the dedication of Ramakrishna and many others who have come to help at the KGMUs microbiology department, saying all of them just came without once asking about remuneration or incentives. All of them will be paid, but they never asked about it, such is their commitment, the head of the microbiology department said. The virology laboratory at KGMU has been testing suspected samples for Covid-19 under the headship of Jain since February. The laboratorys technicians, virologists and scientists, attendants and research scholars have been working on a war footing 2X7 to deal with the pandemic. Uttar Pradesh has reported 452 cases of coronavirus and five fatalities, according to Health Ministry data. The disease has infected more than 8,000 people and claimed at least 273 lives across the country. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he owes his life to the staff of Britains state-run National Health Service, in his first comments since being released from intensive care for treatment for COVID-19. Johnson, 55, was taken to St Thomass Hospital in central London a week ago, suffering from persistent symptoms of the disease caused by the new coronavirus. On April 6 he was moved into intensive care, where he remained until April 9. I cant thank them enough. I owe them my life, Johnson said of the staff at the hospital, which is just across the River Thames from the Houses of Parliament. The comments were released to journalists and confirmed by his office on Sunday. Johnson was back on his feet by Friday, taking short walks between periods of rest, in what his office described as the early stage of recovery. Britains COVID-19 death toll neared 10,000 on Saturday, the fifth highest national number globally, after officials reported another 917 hospital deaths. In its most recent official update on Johnsons condition, Downing Street said he continues to make very good progress. Priti Patel, the interior minister, said in Saturdays daily government news briefing that he needed time to rest and recover before returning to work. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 20:12:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MUMBAI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Indian Railways transported 20 liters of camel milk responding to a request from a woman for her 3.5-year-old autistic child during a 21-day nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19, local media reported on Sunday. The child, who is allergic to goat, cow and buffalo milk, had to face non-availability of camel milk, which forced the mother to tweet and tag Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by urging him to get camel milk or its powder from Sadri, 820 km north of Mumbai for the sake of her child. "He (the child) 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," the woman tweeted, which went mildly viral enough to attract the attention of authorities, the DNA news reported. Sadri is located in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, which is the largest Indian state by area and the seventh largest by population. In less than a week, senior government officer Arun Bothra took to his official Twitter to inform that 20 liters of camel milk has reached Mumbai by train on the night of April 10, which was shared by the family with another needy person in the city. Bothra also thanked Tarun Jain, the Chief Passenger Traffic Manager (CPTM) of Northwest Railways for ensuring an unscheduled train halt to pick up the container of camel milk on his Twitter account. "We decided that parcel cargo train No. 00902, running between Ludhiana and Bandra in Mumbai, will be stopped at the Falna station in Rajasthan, although it does not have a scheduled halt there, the package will be picked up from Falna and delivered to the woman in Mumbai," said a PTI report quoting Jain. What once was a boon to the dozen or so native fish species swimming the waters of the Niobrara River may now become their enemy. The Niobrara less of a river and more of a series of puddles, ponds and sloughs pieced together from Manville to Nebraska only turns into a proper river during thunderous rainstorms and flash floods. The sudden rush of water allowed those native northern pearl dace, finescale dace, Iowa darter and other minnow-looking fish to move from place to place, seeking new shelter, new food and new breeding areas. The surges of water kept the populations robust and healthy for thousands of years. That was before humans introduced northern pike about 100 miles downstream. It was before those floods allowed pike to slowly migrate up into Wyoming. And it was before the voracious, nonnative predators began decimating those native populations. The native species have been here for thousands of years and in a lot of cases, theyre about the only species that can live in the area, said Matt Hahn, fisheries supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish Departments Casper region. Now the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is faced with the possibility that they might not be able to protect some of those native fish. As fisheries biologists begin formal studies this summer and fall, some researchers hope its not too late. *** The northern pearl dace and brassy minnow arent the most remarkable fish in Wyoming. Even the biggest ones measure no more than 3.5 inches, a far cry from 30 inch trophy brown trout. Theyre not strong and feisty like a smallmouth bass, and they dont make delicious table fare like a walleye. But unlike any of those fish, the northern pearl dace, for example, has been in Wyoming since before the last ice age. And when glaciers receded, slicing into the landscape and leaving behind lakes, rivers and deep canyons, the little fish stayed in southeastern Wyoming, marooned away from the rest of its species more commonly found near the Great Lakes and the upper Midwest. Theyre notable for their small scales, which are bigger than a finescale dace but smaller than, say, a creek chub, said Evan Booher, a University of Wyoming graduate student who finishing his Masters degree project on the finescale dace. They also have smaller mouths than the similar-looking chub. The finescale dace, on the other hand, is only found in two drainages in Wyoming and known for its scales so fine they are almost imperceptible and a dusky line running parallel across their bodies. When they breed in the spring, the males will turn red and orange on their sides. Booher and Hogberg admit theyre tough for the casual observer to tell apart, or to realize theyre different than any other minnow. But they are unique, and theyre part of what makes eastern Wyoming different than, say, western Wyoming, or California, or Maine. Theyre part of what makes that strange, freshwater river system ecologically diverse. And theyre all part of a larger family called cyprinidae, which has thousands of species and is the most diverse fish family on the planet. The world would be less if the fish community everywhere you went looked the same, and we all had largemouth bass and pike and no sense of what is endemic to this place and endemic to that place, said Nick Hogberg, Game and Fishs statewide fisheries biologist. I would hope everyone could appreciate a fish having lived in a certain location for thousands of years. *** Like so many other introductions of invasive fish species in the West, northern pike were brought to a reservoir in Nebraska for sportfishing. It was the 70s, and fisheries managers were less aware of issues that could be caused by nonnative species, especially nonnative species as aggressive and predatory as pike. Northern pike are native to portions of the Midwest and central Canada, and are known for giant mouths full of razor sharp teeth. Left unchecked among species that did not evolve with them thus not understanding how to hide and seek refuge pike can destroy a fishery, Hahn said. The only other place they currently exist in Wyoming is Keyhole Reservoir where they live among other nonnative fish including walleye, perch and crappie. Nebraska officials stopped stocking pike in Box Butte Reservoir in the 80s, but by then their migration up the Niobrara River was already underway. Wyoming biologists like Hahn and Hogberg knew they may be coming. Theyd already been eviscerating the native fish populations in the Niobrara where it flows more consistently in our neighboring state. But fisheries managers also wondered if perhaps some of Wyomings natural, and unnatural, barriers would keep pike downstream. So far, that hasnt been the case. Initially, bellies of 30-inch northern pike found in pockets of water no more than 100 yards long would be full of native fish. Now pike stomachs contain more crayfish than native minnows, Hogberg said, because native fish populations are dwindling. But fisheries researchers still have reason for hope. This summer, Hogberg is beginning a study using radio transmission tags on the pike to see where they move, where they breed and where they spend much of their time. The information could help biologists more efficiently target removal. Fisheries managers are also figuring out if pike are moving through the system every year, or if they arrived after one large water year, making removal more of a practical possibility. Lastly, Booher studied options in his project of translocating finescale dace to areas inaccessible to pike and other nonnative predators to ensure their continued survival. Game and Fish is planning to move other species like the northern pearl dace as well. As for the pike, biologists agree this is a system where they just dont belong, no matter how much fun they can be to catch. You will never read about the Niobrara in American Angler, theres pike there but not enough habitat to say it will be a great fishery, Hahn said. But theres enough pike to wipe out the native fishery. Which is why Hahn, Hogberg, Booher and other fisheries managers are pleading with the public to not move any fish, especially predatory fish like pike, to any new areas. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 2 Sad 9 Angry 3 Note: On April 13 at 11:23 a.m. EST this post was updated to include new information regarding fintechs gaining direct lending approval. Getting an emergency small-business loan under the new new $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is not for the faint of heart. Besides the chaotic rollout that's confounded bankers and borrowers, demand for the Covid-19 relief loans has been considerable. As of April 9, the U.S. Small Business Administration had processed 587,000 loan applications for a total $152 billion. That's caused many business owners to wonder whether they'll even be able to access the massive program--particularly if their longtime bank hasn't been responsive. You do have options. Here are some tips for those looking for a plan B: Tap a community bank. Your existing lender is often your best resource when applying for Covid-19 relief loans, as banks are typically more responsive to their current customers. That said, you might want to tap a community bank in your area, advises Ami Kassar, Inc. columnist and founder and CEO of MultiFunding, a small-business loan adviser. In his experience--having spoken with hundreds of business owners throughout this crisis--these smaller lenders are getting money out the fastest, says Kassar, who was offering his advice during a webinar co-hosted by his company and Inc. Take note that the bank may ask for you to sign up for a checking account in exchange for a PPP loan. While that's an extra hurdle, at least you'll be able to get the funds you need when you need it most. Apply with multiple banks. Ultimately, you should widen your search. Different banks have deployed different resources, and some may be better at handling the influx of loans than others. Beware though, if multiple lenders submit a loan application to the government on your behalf, a fraud alert could be triggered, warns Kassar. So he advises you ask for a guarantee that the lenders will contact you before submitting your file. Consider alternative lenders. Fintech companies have long awaited the opportunity to take part in the PPP program; to this point, fintech companies have needed to partner with institutions insured by the FDIC to make the loans. On April 8, the U.S. Treasury finally made an application form available for them to apply and on Friday, April 10, Paypal and Intuit Quickbooks were approved by the SBA to take part in PPP. According to CNBC, in addition to acting as a direct lender, Intuit QuickBooks will process payroll information. Currently, according to Kassar, Fundera.com also has sources for loans, though he adds that the company currently has a long waiting list. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 12:35:21|Editor: yhy Video Player Close PYONGYANG, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), presided over a political bureau meeting of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) on Saturday, discussing anti-virus measures, budget issues and organizational matters, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday. In the meeting, a resolution was adopted "on more thoroughly taking national measures for protecting the life and safety of our people to cope with the worldwide epidemic disease," the report said. The government took strict top-class emergency anti-epidemic measures from the outset and established thorough-going organization, consistency and compulsoriness in the nationwide protective measures, it said, adding that the country has been maintaining very stable anti-epidemic situation. The DPRK, which closed its border with China in late January, is one of a few countries in the world that claim to have no COVID-19 infections so far. The meeting called for consistently strict national countermeasures to thoroughly check the inroads of the virus amid the rapid spread of the pandemic. It also studied and approved "On the execution of the state budget for 2019 and the state budget for 2020" and discussed organizational matters, including the appointment of Kim Yo Jong, the top leader's younger sister, as alternate members of the Central Committee of the ruling party, the report added. A heated exchange erupted in the front yard of a home after a dozen police officers swarmed on men eating pizza in a car and fined them for breaking coronavirus restrictions. Footage filmed in Condell Park in the city's west on Saturday afternoon showed the group of officers bundle one of the men to the ground as the other warned a policeman 'get your hands off me'. Anyone who breaches social distancing restrictions in New South Wales face a maximum fine of $11,000, six months in jail or a $1,000 on-the-spot fine. The man recording the dramatic confrontation can be heard yelling to his friend 'I'm recording the whole f***ing thing'. At one point, the voice behind the camera shouted at police 'hope you all get the coronavirus'. 'Especially you, hope you snap your neck you little mutt,' the voice continued as the large crowd of officers stood around accompanied by two police motorbikes. Dramatic footage has shown police bundling a man to the ground as they fined two men for breaking social distancing rules by eating pizza in a car in western Sydney 'They told us to move away from the section we were eating in and the bloke put us under arrest,' one man said in footage filmed at the scene. 'Look how much police they've got just for a ticket.' A police spokesman said four men had been eating pizza in a car in Edgar Street. Two were given Penalty Infringement Notices for failing to comply with a Public Health Order, while the other two were given warnings. The two fined, aged 22 and 26, were from the neighbouring suburb of Milperra. 'The older man was also issued with a PIN for offensive language,' a NSW Police spokesperson said. The confrontation on Saturday afternoon comes as it emerged 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. 'They told us to move away from the section we were eating in and the bloke put us under arrest,' one man said in other footage (pictured) filmed at the scene 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 travelled to his Pearl Beach investment property on the Central Coast in March and was staying there during the coronavirus lockdown. 'We can't keep up,' one officer - who wanted to remain anonymous - told the Sydney Morning Herald. In one video, a male voice behind the camera shouted at police 'hope you all get the coronavirus' '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. About $1 million worth of fines have been handed out to Australians during the pandemic as the government enacts a strict COVID-19 lockdown. Foul-mouthed driver lets fly on police as they fine him $1,652 for breaking COVID-19 rules by using a car wash at 2am by Zoe Zaczek for Daily Mail Australia A driver has let fly at police as they slapped him with a $1,652 fine for breaking coronavirus restrictions by washing his car in the dead of the night. The man shared video footage showing him clash with two Victoria Police officers at a Melbourne car wash in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The male police officer said: 'So as I said to you before, we're speaking in relation to the new COVID-19 laws. An 'essential worker' has been fined for washing his car at 1.15am. The man shared video footage of him clashing with two Victoria Police officers at a Melbourne car wash on Wednesday (pictured) 'What's your reason for being out at 1.15 in the morning washing your car?' The man said he worked in 'essential services' and was unable to wash his car during the day. 'I'm working 12 to f***ing 14-hour days and I don't get time to wash the b****rd. That's my reason,' he said. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement 'I'm running fresh produce to the supermarkets which are feeding you. I work in an essential service.' The police officer said he also held an essential job, but that he didn't clean his car during the early hours of the morning. Under Stage Three restrictions, Victorians are only allowed to leave the house for one of five reasons - shopping for food, work and education, care reasons, exercise or other extenuating circumstances. The agitated 'essential worker' said he was a victim of 'communist Australia' and told the officers residents would not follow rules to stay home over the Easter holidays. 'You think f***ing everyone is going to stay home at Easter and do nothing? C'mon,' he said. The male police officer said: 'So as I said to you before, we're speaking in relation to the new COVID-19 laws.' 'What's your reason for being out at 1.15 in the morning washing your car?' The man - who took his dog to the car wash with him - also accused the officers of breaking social distancing guidelines by stepping within two metres of his personal space. The verbal altercation ended when an officer told the man he would receive a 'ticket in the mail'. 'Go get a f***ing life mate,' the man replied while getting into his car. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said they do not comment on individual fines. : Indicating that prolonged lockdown to contain coronavirus spread may lead to job cuts in the Indian IT industry, NASSCOM former president R Chandrashekhar has said that the work-from-home culture may become a positive development in the long run as it opens up newer avenues and save investments by IT firms. The former bureaucrat also said startups which are surviving on funds infused by venture capitalists may face tougher situations if the present scenario deteriorates. "The larger companies may not be actually cutting jobs for two reasons. One is that they do not want to lose their employees and they have money to pay. Many of them ( big companies), even if they do shed some jobs it might be at the most people who are on temporary or intern type and all. But they would not want regular and permanent employees to go. So as long as they have sufficient flexibility in their books, they would continue. But beyond a point that it goes on, for let us say, two months or three months, then even for them, they will feel the pressure. They may not just keep on providing subsidies to the employees. So the key question will be how long that goes on, Chandrasekhar told PTI. He said the work-from-home systems being adopted by several firms across the globe, including India, may have a negative impact on the industry in the short-term, but in the long run it would change the work culture which hitherto was not experienced by many of the IT firms in India. According to him, the work-from-home, in the long run results in savings in terms of employee productivity, logistics cost and office space. He said client companies offering contracts to Indian IT firms, which are also undergoing similar experiences, may not object to work remotely. "Human behaviour (adapting work-from-home culture) changing is not easy. This coronavirus has forced us to change faster than we were changing, Chandrashekhar said. On impact of the prolonged lockdown on startups, he said it would be a big challenge for the budding enterprises as the investments they get are based on their ideas and future revenues and the present situation under which peoples movement is curbed may shackle their progress. "Where will they (startups) get money to pay salaries to their employees. Venture capital investors would not pay the money or invest their money to pay salaries because they are not in the charity business. If the employees are not paid and if they leave and it is difficult for the startup againto come up. So the whole investment plan goes for a toss, he said. Founder of a mid-sized IT firm said the job cut in the IT industry is inevitable even for bigger firms if the present situation across the globe continues for a few more months. Former chairman of NASSCOM, B V R Mohan Reddy said a clear picture as to what is going to happen has not yet emerged as the situation with all respects is still evolving. Reddy said there will be a demand shrinkage for the IT industry as the entire world is under stress. "There is no economy in this world that is going to do well in this situation. All of them are in some form of stress. So, therefore, there will be a demand shrinkage, he said, indicating tougher times of the industry ahead. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vatican City: Pope Francis broke with centuries of tradition to livestream Easter Sunday mass to those suffering in the solitude of a coronavirus lockdown that forced the world's Catholics to improvise on their holiest day. The 83-year-old pontiff spoke to the world's 1.3 billion Catholics from a hauntingly empty Saint Paul's Cathedral at a ceremony attended by just a handful of priests and a small choir that was spaced out across the marble floor. The pandemic raging outsides the Vatican's locked gates has killed more than 109,000 people and left billions confined to their homes. The pope's message was livestreamed for the first time -- a bow to technology in the face of a new illness that has changed the shape of society and altered the way religion is observed. "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," the pope said quietly. A handful of priests and a few faithful also gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City -- locked down like the Vatican -- to say prayers at the spot where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected on Easter. Not a time for division The pope urged the world's leaders to put aside their political fights and call back their armies during a global health emergency of a magnitude not seen in 100 years. "This is not a time for division," Francis said. "May Christ enlighten all who have responsibility in conflicts, that they may have the courage to support the appeal for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world." He said health considerations required world powers to ease crippling economic sanctions imposed against their adversaries -- a possible reference to those weighing over pandemic-hit Iran. "In light of the present circumstances, may international sanctions be relaxed, since these make it difficult for countries on which they have been imposed to provide adequate support to their citizens," Francis said. He called for a "reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations" and for European nations to show the same "solidarity" they did in the wake of World War II. "After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again," he said. "The European Union is presently facing an epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world." The death toll due to the novel coronavirus rose to 273 and the number of cases to 8,356 in the country on Sunday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 7,367, as many as 715 people were cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said. As many as 34 new deaths have been reported since Saturday evening, the ministry said. So far, Maharashtra has reported the most coronavirus deaths at 127, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 36, Gujarat at 22 and Delhi at 19. Punjab has registered 11 deaths while Tamil Nadu reported 10 fatalities and Telengana nine. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have reported six deaths each while West Bengal has registered five deaths. Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh have reported four and five deaths respectively. Haryana and Rajasthan have recorded three deaths each. Two deaths have been reported from Kerala. Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Assam reported one fatality each, according to the health ministry data. The death toll on Friday evening was 242. However, a PTI tally of numbers reported by various states as on 9 pm on Saturday showed at least 287 deaths due to COVID-19. 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. According to the ministry's data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 1,761, followed by Delhi at 1,069 and Tamil Nadu at 969. The cases have gone up to 700 in Rajasthan, followed by 532 in Madhya Pradesh, 504 in Telengana and and 452 in Uttar Pradesh. Kerala has reported 364 cases and Andhra Pradesh 381. Gujarat has 432 positive patients so far. Novel coronavirus cases have risen to 214 in Karnataka, 207 in Jammu and Kashmir and 177 in Haryana. Punjab has 151 positive patients so far while West Bengal has 124 cases. Bihar has reported 63 cases and Odisha 50. Thirty-five people were infected with the virus in Uttarakhand while Assam has 29 patients, followed by Himachal Pradesh with 32 cases. "State-wise distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation," the ministry said on its website. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. Expand Close Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA) 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. Juli Cook has been promoted to consumer loan manager of FivePoint Credit Union. Cook has been employed with FivePoint for 14 years and formerly held the positions of loan officer and full service representative. She currently resides in Groves with her family. Valero Energy Corp. and the Valero Energy Foundation have committed $225,000 to support Southeast Texas charities during the coronavirus pandemic. Southeast Texas Food Bank has received $72,000 for food distribution to its partner agencies for the general population, especially targeting children and seniors. The food bank will also receive $3,000 in Valero fuel cards. Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas Hospitality Center will receive $25,000 to provide food as well as food packaging supplies needed to safely distribute two pickup meals daily for elderly residents on fixed incomes, disabled residents and homeless persons. United Board of Missions will receive $30,000 to help families in need with necessities and basic needs such as food and clothing and also assist families that may be facing eviction from their homes. Nutrition & Services for Seniors will receive $28,000 to provide meals for the increased number of homebound seniors receiving food from the Meals on Wheels program. The organization will also receive $2,000 in fuel cards. Samaritan Counseling Center will receive $30,000 to aid critical mental and emotional health needs. Community Prayer Outreach will receive $30,000 to support individuals and families financially impacted by COVID-19. Southeast Texas Hospice and Family Services of Southeast Texas Womens and Childrens Shelter will each receive $2,500 in fuel cards. Less than a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked the medical fraternity and the NHS for saving his life after he contracted the novel coronavirus, youngsters in London were caught abusing a nurse in a park. The Easter weekend in UK has seen some fantastic warm weather resulting in plenty of people stepping out to enjoy it despite the government's advice of staying indoors and maintaining distance. The nurse had confronted a bunch of young men who were drinking beer and ignoring the government's plea to stay at home. Uploading the video to Facebook - where it has been shared and viewed thousands of times - Louise Ann, a mother of two from Basingstoke, clarified that she did not enjoy the confrontation but had to act because she was "so cross". The nurse was greeted with abuse when she confronted the young men who were enjoying the glorious sunshine - going against the current lockdown rules due to the coronavirus pandemic. The nurse told them: "My husband is not getting paid. I have to go in and do overtime, all the time. I've got two kids in there." As some of the men began to stand up and move away, one of them replied: "Well don't stand near us then, innit?" One of them laughed at her when she said: "I have to go to work every day fearing I'm going to bring it home to my family because of people like you. "You are absolute idiots." When asked to stop recording, the nurse retorted: "No! If you're going to be stupid, then I'll show the world how stupid you are. "Absolute idiots. Why do you think you're better than anyone else? I've got no idea." Her efforts eventually worked well as the group began to cycle away and she said, "That's it, jog on." (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. Story continues 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. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. A group of metalworkers in Iran have written to President Hassan Rouhani saying they cannot afford items to protect themselves against the coronavirus because thanks to you and governments before you we have become poorer everyday and our purchasing power has diminished. The letter published by the labor news agency ILNA on April 12 says a multitude of workers, including day laborers are not covered by the government unemployment compensation scheme and the government cannot urge them to stay home and ignore poverty. The workers have also complained in their letter that many protective items have become so expensive that ordinary people cannot afford them. As an example they cite latex gloves that have almost tripled in price since the coronavirus outbreak. The workers have urged the president to provide a three-month long unemployment coverage to all, take measure for unpaid wages to be released, make water and electricity free of charge and distribute health items such as masks, gloves, alcohol and disinfectants. President Rouhanis spokesman warned April 11 that up to 7.3 million workers might lose their jobs amid the epidemic, but he did not mention what if any measures are on the governments agenda. A week ago, Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei authorized the withdrawal of one billion euros from the countrys National Development Fund but it is unclear how and where the hard currency will be spent. Do you love adorable, tiny things? Have you ever dreamed of having something you designed land on the moon? If you answered yes to both these questions, you should probably enter NASA's new competition: "Honey, I Shrunk the NASA Payload." NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has issued a public challenge for people to design instruments that could support a long-term human presence on the moon . The contest's name references the hit movie "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids," which debuted in 1989. "Smaller payloads are game-changing," Sabah Bux, a JPL technologist, said in a NASA statement . "They will allow us to develop technologies to do more prospecting and science on smaller, more mobile platforms." Those who enter the competition have the chance to win a portion of $160,000 which will be spread among prizes in various categories, according to the statement. JPL has teamed up with the NASA Tournament Lab to launch the contest on the heroX crowdsourcing site. Related: NASA's Artemis moon program just photobombed a spacewalk NASA has big lunar ambitions. With the Artemis program , the agency intends to return humans to the moon by landing the first woman and the next man on the surface by 2024. The agency hopes to create a sustained human presence on the moon that will support both scientific research and a future crewed mission to Mars. But, to explore the moon, researchers and future lunar astronauts will need to recruit a host of robots. NASA is already developing rovers for the moon like VIPER (the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover), which will travel to the moon's south pole in search of water ice. But smaller rovers could potentially cover more ground and collect important scientific data using less fuel and power. So, in the new challenge, the agency is looking for people to submit designs for tiny payloads, no bigger than a bar of soap, that could hitch a ride to the moon and help gather this critical data. To qualify for the challenge, designs must be no bigger than 3.9 inches by 3.9 inches by 1.9 inches (100 millimeters by 100 mm by 50 mm and weigh no more than 0.8 lbs. (0.4 kilograms). Designs will be accepted through June 1 and more information is available here . Future NASA challenges will call for people to prototype, test and build complete these mini payloads, according to the statement. For more details on the "Honey I Shrunk the NASA Payload" contest, including how to apply and entry requirements, click here. Follow Chelsea Gohd on Twitter @chelsea_gohd . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook . Military chaplains across the nation are seeing an increased turnout as religious services have gone virtual amidst the coronavirus pandemic. As the country adapts to social distancing guidelines and "stay at home" orders, these chaplains are utilizing social media and live streaming technology to stay connected with service members and their families -- tactics the military may continue to use long after the coronavirus crisis comes to an end. (MORE: No more talk of packed churches, Trump acknowledges no gatherings for Easter) Maj. Gen. Steven Schaick, the Air Force Chief of Chaplains, told ABC News that online participation is "considerably higher" than in-person worship services. He said that the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic is likely contributing to the increased turnout but that the "anonymity" of attending an online service is attractive for someone interested in learning more about religion without fully committing. "They enjoy the safety that comes with anonymity, and they can kind of test the waters," Schaick said. PHOTO: Chaplain 1st Lt. Philip O'Neill prepares for a virtual mass at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. (U.S. Army) Army Chief of Chaplains Maj. Gen. Thomas Solhjem, who called the turnout "unprecedented," pointed to people's need to connect in isolation but said there are also now more chances for individuals to connect around religion online, as chaplains rush to serve their communities in a new way. "So there's a lot more activity, so it's not just more people looking at what you might be doing, but there's more opportunities than say there were before...to find things that fit their particular spiritual or religious need or requirement," he said. (MORE: Enter headline of content here) Solhjem told ABC News that in some cases the virtual services are seeing "hundreds" and "even thousands" more viewers than the in-person format. It also helps that April is an important month for every major world religion with Passover, Easter, the start of Ramadan, and Buddhist New Year -- so there's no shortage of religious services, he said. Story continues Another contributor to the record-breaking attendance? Civil society, Solhjem added, which can now hear from military chaplains in a way that was inaccessible before. PHOTO: Chaplain Lt. Col. Alan Irizarry, operations chaplain for U.S. Army Japan and priest for the Camp Zama Holy Family Catholic Community, provides communion to parishioners after a livestreamed Mass at Camp Zama, Japan, April 5, 2020. (U.S. Army) All of these factors have converged as countries grapple with a pandemic that has now claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people worldwide. "As people are at this time going through collective if you will, global suffering, it's causing-- what we're seeing is people are much more spiritually aware of their mortality, of how fragile life is. And what I'm hearing from the chaplains across the chaplain corps is people are really desirous, hungry. They're looking for hope. They're looking for reassurance," he said. The online participation has been so positive that the military is looking at retaining some of their virtual strategies even when social distancing becomes a thing of the past. Schaick said the Air Force is trying to learn more about this new method of engagement and leverage it, adding, "It's about 'How do we reach our airmen? How do we provide soul care for airmen and their families? That's the goal." PHOTO: An Army chaplain with Fort Drum in New York conducts a virtual service. (U.S. Army) "There's going to be an element of our activities after this that will not change," Solhjem said, adding, "You're going to see live streaming in Army chapels." "We're reaching soldiers and families in our population in ways using this that frankly before we were not. So it's opened up some doors of possibilities, but it will never replace the need for people to meet together," he said. "It's going to be incumbent upon us to bridge it right so that it just doesn't become a response to an event or to a pandemic but that we're doing things that would cause people to bring this into their lives, and it's sustainable in the future." Both Schaick and Solhjem said their chaplains are operating nearly 100 percent in the virtual realm but there are circumstances where people are brought together physically, if socially distanced. For example, on Sunday, Kentucky's Fort Knox is offering a drive-in style service where individuals will pull their vehicle into a parking lot to hear the Easter message on the radio. Other installations have similar plans or have instituted drive-through communions and even drive-in Catholic confessions with chaplains wearing gloves and face masks for protection. In all cases, chaplains are directed to adhere to Defense Department and Center for Disease Control guidance with exceptions approved by local commanders, they said. "We have delved into kind of an exploration of virtual religiosity, and it's been an absolute blast to watch and to see experimentation happening," Schaick said, adding, "My hope and my prayer is that this is an Easter to remember, a Passover to remember." Solhjem expressed a similar sentiment, saying, "This weekend provides a tremendous opportunity for us to give [hope] not only to the Christian community, but those who may be on the periphery or even from other faith traditions, as we have gone through Passover and I mentioned Ramadan coming up." "This pandemic isn't stopping us from making every effort to stay connected socially and spiritually even though we may have to be psychically distanced," he said. Military chaplains see increased turnout as services go virtual amidst coronavirus pandemic originally appeared on abcnews.go.com 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. Myanmar?s New Year festival of Thingyan is the country?s biggest public holiday -- normally a week of nation-wide celebration and water-fights, with soaked revellers partying late into the night. But this year, in an echo of cancelled Easter celebrations elsewhere in the world, the country?s commercial hub Yangon is locked down, with residents confined indoors because of the coronavirus. Food delivery bicycles and rickshaws have commandeered the city?s usually traffic-choked streets after the government ordered people to stay home unless for essential food and healthcare needs. By Sunday Myanmar officially had just 38 confirmed cases -- including three deaths -- but many fear the low number of tests mean the real figures are likely many times higher. Images from last year?s holiday show a different city, hoses drenching cheering crowds dancing to deafening techno beats pumped out from mammoth loudspeakers. This year the silence is broken only by the cawing of crows and cooing of pigeons, and the motor of an occasional taxi searching for custom. "Thingyan?s in the heart of every Myanmar person," a sad Soe Moe Aung, 36, told AFP. Both the public holiday and lockdown is due to end next Sunday, but efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus could be extended. Yangon-based public health expert Dr Frank Smithuis warns any sustained lockdown would be "devastating" for Myanmar ? and other under-developed countries in the region ? where many live hand-to-mouth. A combination photo shows a street scene from normal celebrations for Thingyan a few years ago compared to this year's festival Punks gathered in a Yangon park to celebrate the New Year water festival in 2019, but this year it was deserted Yangon's streets are usually packed with revellers during the water festival, but this year everyone has been ordered to stay indoors because of the lockdown Negotiators raced to clinch a historic deal to cut oil supply and stem a devastating price rout, with just hours to go before the market opens. As diplomatic wrangling between Mexico and Saudi Arabia entered a fourth day, there were some signs of progress. A group of OPEC+ ministers were due to speak at 5 p.m. London time and delegates said two possible fixes would be discussed. The stakes are high: Prices are already collapsing under the weight of an oil glut that amounts to about a third of the markets usual size, after the coronavirus pandemic shut down the global economy. Thats threatening the U.S. shale industry, wrecking the budgets of oil-dependent nations and making it harder for central banks to respond to the virus shock. The Kremlin warned of unmanageable chaos if negotiations fail. The whole world needs this deal, Dmitry Peskov, spokesman of President Vladimir Putin, said in comments broadcast on Sunday. The OPEC+ alliance on Thursday agreed a plan to cut its output by 10 million barrels a day -- equal to a 10th of global supply. The deal would end the month-long price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. However, it still needs the approval of Mexico, which is part of the alliance, but so far hasnt endorsed it. On the call later on Sunday, delegates expected a compromise solution proposed by President Donald Trump last week -- initially rejected by Saudi Arabia -- would be discussed again. Another idea has also emerged, to focus on Mexicos exports rather than production. Negotiations have escalated to the highest level, with Trump intervening to speak to leaders including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Late last week, a deal looked close until Mexico raised objections. Populist president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has pledged to restore his countrys oil-pumping prowess with its politically symbolic state oil firm, and so he is reluctant to cut output. Trump offered a compromise -- by which U.S. cuts would count as Mexican -- but it was rejected by Saudi Arabia. Talks between the kingdom and Mexico continued through the weekend. Even if a deal is reached, it may not be enough to put a floor under oil prices. While a 10 percent reduction in worldwide crude output would be unprecedented, it would barely dent the surplus that continues to build as the virus lockdown spreads. West Texas Intermediate crude slid more than 9 percent on Thursday -- as a deal looked likely -- settling below $23 a barrel. Markets were closed on Friday. Traders will inspect any agreement for details of where real cuts are coming from, and how much of the headline figure might come from moving baselines and reductions that have already been forced on producers by the market. The tentative OPEC+ deal for a 10 million-barrel cut requires Mexico to reduce its own output by 400,000 barrels a day. The Latin American country has rejected the proposal, instead offering to cut output by just 100,000 barrels. In an attempt to break the impasse, Trump offered a diplomatic solution that includes some creative accounting, with Mexico counting some of the U.S. market-driven supply decline as its own. According to delegates, most OPEC+ countries back the Trump compromise -- even if they acknowledge its a face-saving mechanism that doesnt translate into actual cuts. But Saudi Arabia insisted that Mexico cut its production as much as everyone else. The OPEC+ alliance initially met on Thursday via video conference, followed on Friday by a virtual gathering of energy ministers of the Group of 20. The G-20 said it would take all the necessary measures to maintain a balance between oil producers and consumers, but it made no commitment toward specific steps on production cuts. Riyadh had wanted the G-20 meeting to yield at least 5 million barrels a day of cut commitments from producers outside OPEC+. The OPEC+ coalition, comprised of members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers including Russia, had been voluntarily curbing output since 2017. The alliance began to crumble last month when Saudi Arabia and Russia couldnt agree on deeper production curbs to offset the impact of the virus. Saudi Arabia responded by launching the price war, and one month on, all sides are seeking a truce. Melburnians who have spent their last 14 days stuck in hotel rooms say theyre looking forward to fresh air and a good Aussie barbecue. Health authorities are now staggering the release of people from mandatory quarantine, starting at 12pm Sunday, to avoid large groups of people gathering outside. The 450 people exiting quarantine today will be primarily transported via taxi to their homes. Checking out of quarantine at Crown Promenade Hotel in Southbank Credit:Penny Stephens Joseph Cugno said the 14 days hed spent at the Crown Promenade since he flew back into the country from Brazil had been better than I thought. Psychic and reality television personality, Matt Fraser from Meet the Frasers confirmed exclusively with Showbiz Cheat Sheet that season 2 is underway. Fraser shared that he was in the middle of shooting a second season and managed to complete some footage before production had to pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. He said that in season 2, fans can expect more fun with his family, as well as additional insight into his readings and the journey to the alter with fiancee Alexa Papigiotis. Matt Fraser | Gary Gershoff/Getty Images He recalled how the show got started and that distributor MGM reached out to him. They were interested in me and my work and they built the whole show around me and my family and my life, he shared. And it was so cool because literally it was almost like a movie. They moved in, like weeks before they filmed. Just to find out about our daily life was like. I know what its like to be followed by dead people, but I didnt know what its like to be followed by living people! he joked. Fans will get another season of Meet the Frasers Fraser said based on the feedback theyve been getting, season 2 will feature more of his famous readings. Thats one of the things people really want to see, he dished. So they talked about following more of the readings as an A or B storyline. And the next season will be Alexa and I and what happens with her and her pageant. But dont forget about the wedding. And also with our wedding and getting married, he said. So thatll be pretty cool because we already have a date set. A wedding isnt the only big change on the horizon. Basically right now one of the things were doing is were looking for another house because we want to start a family, Fraser continued. Were looking for another place, definitely still here in Rhode Island. Alexas looking back on the pageant industry and shes looking at building up her fashion and doing sketches and youll get to see where that goes. And also Ive been having some amazing opportunities happening with the readings and Im out on a national tour. They really want to pick up and follow that as well. Like many shows, production is taking a pause Fraser shared they shot a little bit of footage for season 2. But obviously we got the coronavirus and everything, he said. But theres a lot of footage that hasnt been seen yet, which is really cool. A lot of the stuff Im talking about has already been shot. He says season 1 of Meet the Frasers is still airing in other countries. His tour and live readings also had to take a pause. Not being able to reach out and hug fans or people he does readings for has been hard on Fraser. Im devastated, he admitted. Because what really bothers me is going online, going on my Facebook page, because I interact with my fans. I am on it every day. If I dont write back to all the comments, I read all the comments. And there have been so many people who write to me, who I know, who say like, My grandmother has the coronavirus. I mean, your heart just drops. Thats really affected me. So Ive really been trying my hardest to go online and go on Instagram and go on Facebook and post lots of positive things. For now, fans can turn to his new book, When Heaven Calls Fraser also just launched his book, When Heaven Calls: Life Lessons from Americas Top Psychic Medium. He was about to embark upon a book tour, which also had to be put on hold. We had just started the book tour and I was in New York and that got pulled. And some filming I was supposed to do got pulled, he said. And the next thing you know, all of my tours. We made the hard decision to move them to August. Because we wanted to go in and keep everybody safe, he insists. Obviously its so hard, but its the first time this has happened in history. No ones sure what to do. In the meantime, Frasers book is available on Amazon. Thiruvananthapuram, April 12 : Unhappy with the explanation given by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the handing of over the data of Covid-19 suspects to US-based PR and marketing firm Sprinklr, the Congress-led opposition on Sunday again demanded he come clean on this. Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala had first raised this issue and on Saturday, Vijayan said the company belongs to a Keralaite and he came forward with the offer to help and the state government is not paying anything to this company, while even the WHO is using this data. However, the opposition was not convinced. Chennithala on Sunday put forth 15 questions to Vijayan, and demanded convincing answers and not to beat around the bush, when straight questions are asked. "The state government has competent agencies to handle this data and instead, why is these strictly private data, especially which pertains to the health condition of our people, being uploaded to a foreign company's website. In their website, they have mentioned that there will be times when they will be handing over data to others, which is unethical," he said. He also asked Vijayan not to mislead people by saying that even the WHO is using their data. "WHO is only being told about the number of positive cases. We wish to know what due process of law was done when it was decided to hand this highly confidential data to this firm. Was there a global tender floated for this?. This firm had run into trouble the way they handled the data during the presidential campaign of Donald Trump and hence it's only natural to know why this firm was given this job," said Chennithala. Senior RSP leader and Kollam Lok Sabha member N.K.Premachandran said this is a clear cut violation on the Supreme Court's directives that a government should ensure privacy of people, when it comes to data. "What's even more surprising is the commodity called 'data' is one thing which is priceless and this is given for free. When it pertains to people, it's more baffling. You (Vijayan) everyday mention about the various charities that comes into the state government's kitty and why is that you never ever mentioned a word about this 'free service' being done by this firm. The silence of the CPI-M and CPI, two companies who are always fighting for rights and privacy is surprising and we wish these parties break their silence," he said. 1. The comment section is for discussion. Opinions are welcome. Personal attacks, trolling, name-calling and/ or bigotry will not be tolerated. 2. Posts containing links may be moderated. This blog does not accept paid advertisements and will not entertain free ones either. 3. Kindly stay on topic. Say what you think and refrain from telling others what they think. 4. Violators will be warned, deleted, and/ or banned at sole discretion of the moderator. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 16:18:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Six persons were wounded by gunfire at a large party in Bakersfield, 170 km north of Los Angeles, local media reported on Saturday, saying around 400 people were at the party. The incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. (0730 GMT) on Saturday morning, Bakersfield's CW 12 news channel reported. When policemen arrived at the scene, they found a large party had been held at an apartment complex prior to the shooting. "A total of six victims were shot and treated at a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The victims include a juvenile female and five adults (four females, one male). The shooting suspects were described as four black males driving a white sedan," the Kern County Sheriff's Office tweeted. The party, happening amid statewide "stay at home" orders intended to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, may have gone unnoticed if there were no such shooting incident. Bakersfield's CW 12 said, based on the evidence found at the scene, it appeared at least one partygoer fired back at the suspects who fled the scene, and nearly 100 empty shell casings of multiple calibers were discovered at the scene. It wasn't immediately known whether the shooting was gang-related. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alya Nurbaiti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, April 12, 2020 07:57 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd141ef9 1 National COVID-19,coronavirus,Jakarta-Post,news Free The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Indonesia continues to climb, while thousands of Jakartans leaving for their hometowns may fuel the epidemic. The grim state of affairs, combined with reports on some politicians aiming to take advantage of the crisis to deliberate controversial bills, makes it hard to put a little faith in the countrys war against the virus. The Jakarta Post has compiled some good news related to COVID-19 to help alleviate an overwhelming situation. Almost 300 COVID-19 patients have recovered, including a 4-month-old baby A 4-month-old infant who was infected with COVID-19 in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, has recovered from the disease. After two weeks of intensive treatment at the Wates Hospital, the baby tested negative for the coronavirus. Thank God the test result came back negative. The baby was the only COVID-19 patient [in Kulon Progo], Wates Hospital chair Lies Indriyati said on April 5. Another 286 previously infected people have been cleared of COVID-19 as of Saturday. East Java reported the highest proportion of recoveries (24 percent) as 64 of 267 patients in the province have recovered. More donations of protective gear to equip medical workers in battle against COVID-19 China-based app TikTok, which has gained popularity among Indonesian youngsters as a video-sharing platform, has donated Rp 100 billion (US$6.28 million) to the government of Indonesia on Thursday to buy protective gear for medical workers fighting against COVID-19. Meanwhile, 35 companies have shifted their production or increased their output to produce 18.3 million pieces of protective gear by early May, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said. The equipment will include 1.2 million pieces of medical-grade polypropylene-based gear and 17 million pieces of nonmedical-grade gear made of cotton, nylon or polyester. Companies also look forward to joining in global efforts by exporting the products to other countries if there is excess supply after meeting the countrys needs of 5 to 10 million pieces of protective equipment per month. Growing number of initiatives, including prisoners, help make protective gear To combat COVID-19, inmates in 70 prisons across the country are producing protective gear like masks, head covers, face shields, gowns and aprons for inmates and prison workers. Spare gear will be given to health workers or local administrations. Prisoners are also making healthcare products like hand sanitizer, disinfection booths, intravenous (IV) poles and stretchers. Several community groups have also launched initiatives to produce protective gear. Spedagi, a social entrepreneurship group in Temanggung regency, Cental Java, has shared tips on making affordable face shields through its Instagram account @spedagimovement. Social community Popo Danes Architect in Bali then started producing those face shields to distribute them to medical workers at community health centers (Puskesmas). Solemn religious practices, at home Hundreds of thousands of Muslims in East Java joined the live-streaming of the Nisfu Syaban mass prayer on Wednesday through their smartphones and televisions. The one-hour prayer was led by 19 clerics of the East Java branch of Muslim organization Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) and Lirboyo Islamic boarding school. They prayed to God for the COVID-19 outbreak to end soon. The Muslims believe God will answer peoples prayer on the day of Nisfu Syaban, the 15th day of the eighth month on the Islamic calendar. On Friday, Christians across the country also Good Friday sermons via live-streamed services from the comfort of their homes amid physical distancing measures encouraged by the government. More tests on the way for clearer picture Indonesia has purchased 18 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detectors and two RNA automatic extractors from Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche on Wednesday to expedite COVID-19 detection. The government will distribute the testing equipment to Jakarta, West Java, Banten, Central Java, East Java, Bali, Lampung, South Sumatra, North Sumatra, East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan and Papua. The country is now expected to be able to test 5,000 to 10,000 samples a day and therefore, around 300,000 samples a month. As of Saturday, the country has conducted 19,452 PCR tests, according to the Health Ministry. Meanwhile, healthcare app Halodoc and ride-hailing app Gojek, joined by Mitra Keluarga Hospital and Kemayoran Complex Management Center, offers free rapid COVID-19 testing for Jakartans who bear moderate to high risk of having contracted the disease from April 10 to 17. Unlike the PCR method, the rapid test uses blood samples to detect the presence of an antibody formed when someone has the virus. Keir Starmer has demanded urgent talks with the government over the coronavirus pandemic as a cross-party group of MPs and peers called for the immediate virtual recall of parliament. After the UK death toll rose towards 10,000, the Labour leader said the House of Commons should open for business after Easter, even if it means MPs ask questions over webcams. Parliament has a responsibility to put questions to ministers at this time of national crisis, Sir Keir wrote in a letter to Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg. 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. 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. 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. It comes after home secretary Priti Patel told reporters during a Downing Street briefing that she did not know yet whether parliament would resume on the scheduled date of 21 April. Ed Davey, acting leader of the Lib Dems, Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas and the SNPs Westminster leader Ian Blackford all support an immediate virtual recall of parliament this coming week. They have signed a letter from a cross party group of MPs and peers to Dominic Raab stating that we should be able to hold the government to account publicly. The Labour leader is not a signatory but has requested a meeting with Mr Rees-Mogg and Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to discuss how to guarantee the Commons would return to work. 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, Sir Keir added. Work has been commissioned by Mr Hoyle to ensure a virtual chamber can be up and running after the Easter recess. It could see MPs questioning ministers from their homes by webcam if the lockdown is still in place and a relaxing of rules that require MPs and peers to be physically present to walk through voting lobbies when passing legislation. Additional reporting by agencies Gov. Doug Burgum and state officials have been following the advice of national leaders and health experts in the battle against the coronavirus. Burgums team also has relied heavily on tracking data to determine how to respond to the disease. Last week, officials announced the availability of a free mobile app that helps state residents voluntarily track where they have been, information that could be useful to health officials fighting the coronavirus. The information gathered from the Care19 app could help state officials make decisions on when to ease guidelines such as on social distancing, according to Tim Brookins, CEO of app maker ProwdCrowd. Improved contact tracing will allow health officials to alert people who have had contact with someone who gets COVID-19. The Care19 app makes it easier for them to do this. Anyone who downloads the app gets a random ID number, and the app will anonymously cache the users movements throughout the day. It catalogs all visits of 10 minutes or more. If the user tests positive for COVID-19, he or she can voluntarily provide the information to the state. Not only can officials notify people who were in contact with the user, but collecting data will help in determining future steps in the coronavirus battle. The initial response by the public to the app was positive. The state needs a minimum of 50,000 downloads to collect enough data. South Dakota also intends to use the app. In times of a crisis such as a pandemic, steps are considered and taken that normally wouldnt be acceptable. The battle against the coronavirus has resulted in action that has been questioned by both conservatives and liberals. While using the Care19 app is voluntary, once the data goes to the state theres no guarantee on how its used. The Tribune editorial board doesnt think the states trying to do anything nefarious, but once data becomes shared theres always the opportunity for it to be misused. The American Civil Liberties Union on Wednesday cautioned against the use of apps similar to Care19. In a statement, the ACLU said the potential for invasions of privacy, abuse, and stigmatization is enormous. The ACLU added that the use of the data should be temporary and limited to public health officials. The organization also warned that it was An enormously invasive and personal set of information about each of us, with the potential to reveal such things as peoples social, sexual, religious and political associations. On the other end of the political spectrum, Attorney General William Barr warned of the draconian measures taken to fight the coronavirus not just by the states but by the Trump administration. He suggested the measures need to be relaxed as soon as possible. During times of crisis we take steps we might find distasteful to save lives. We need to be careful that when the crisis is over we havent lost more than lives, but our rights. The Care19 app can be a valuable tool; it just needs to handled correctly with safeguards. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 AMSTERDAM, April 11 (Reuters) - Several Dutch cellular broadcasting towers have been damaged by arson or sabotage in the past week by opponents of a rollout of a new 5G telecommunications network, newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Saturday. The paper said there have been 4 such incidents in the past week, and cited the director of an industry group that oversees placement of cell towers in the country, The Monet Foundation. The Telegraaf reported that arsonists had left an anti-5G slogan spray-painted at the scene of one attack. A range of groups in the Netherlands have been opposed to the advent of 5G for some time, mostly over concerns that radiowaves could damage human health. Others fear the technology could infringe privacy. In a statement on its website, the Dutch government's Security and Counter-Terrorism (NCTV) said it had registered "various incidents" around broadcasting masts in the past week, including arson and sabotage, and that opposition to the 5G rollout is a possible cause. "This is a concerning development," it said. "Disruption of broadcasting masts...can have consequences for the coverage of the telecommunications network and reachability of emergency services." It noted that similar attacks have been occurring recently in Britain. British ministers last week dismissed a theory that linked 5G masts to the spread of the novel coronavirus as dangerous "fake news" and completely false. Major telecommunications providers in the Netherlands are in a testing phase and have not yet begun any nationwide rollout of 5G pending a spectrum auction due to conclude in June. (Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Toby Chopra) Media Super chief executive Graeme Russell has defended the industry superannuation sector's investment in unlisted assets such as infrastructure and property, labelling criticism as politically motivated "rubbish" and pointing to their superior long-term returns. Liberal senator Andrew Bragg criticised superannuation funds last month for "over extending" into illiquid assets, claiming the funds did not understand the risks and did not retain adequate cash buffers to meet demand for the federal government's early access to super scheme. The industry has repeatedly said it would be able to pay out members who wanted to draw down from their retirement savings, but financial research company Rice Warner has predicted demand would be double the government's estimates. The financial regulators have cautioned funds to maintain liquidity. Media Super chief Graeme Russell says unlisted assets provide a counterweight to market volatility. Credit:Pat Scala Mr Russell, who runs the $6 billion media industry fund, said the impact of the early access scheme, where people who have lost their job or 20 per cent of their income can apply to draw down up to $20,000 from retirement savings, would be "significant" but the funds would not need to sell unlisted assets. "There's no question it will be a challenge. But what's been said about infrastructure and the super funds is rubbish and it's politically motivated rubbish," Mr Russell said of Senator Bragg's comments. AG Barr to take action against government officials threatening churches Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The office of Attorney General William Barr said action will be taken against officials who single out religious organizations to enforce social distancing rules in place to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus. During this sacred week for many Americans, AG Barr is monitoring govt regulation of religious services, Barr spokeswoman Kerry Kupec wrote on Twitter Saturday night ahead of Easter. While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly & not single out religious orgs. Expect action from DOJ next week! Many churches plan to host drive-in services on Easter Sunday without violating social distancing enforcement. In Kansas, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued an order limiting religious gatherings to 10 people or fewer. While it was overturned by a legislative panel on Wednesday, the state Supreme Court of Kansas ruled in the governor's favor late Saturday, The Topeka Capital Journal reports. Late last month, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio threatened to permanently close churches and synagogues in particular if they refused to obey a stay-at-home order banning large gatherings. Tony Perkins, the chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and president of the Christian conservative activist organization Family Research Council, criticized de Blasios comments on Twitter. De Blasios incendiary & unconstitutional threat to permanently shut down churches and synagogues must be retracted or corrected if it was a misstatement, Perkins, who had previously spoken out against churches holding worship services during the outbreak, wrote in a tweet. This type of religious hostility is what fuels non-compliance because it reveals a motive beyond public safety. Ronnie Floyd, the president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Executive Committee, also called de Blasios remarks a matter of great concern. The First Amendment states that there should be no law that prohibits the free exercise of religion and constitutional protections are unchanged by current circumstances, Floyd, the former pastor of Cross Church in Arkansas and former SBC president, said in a statement to Fox News at the time. In Kentucky, Mayor Greg Fischer of Louisville prohibited churches from having drive-in services, which has been challenged by the religious liberty law firm First Liberty Institute on behalf of On Fire Christian Church in that city. In North Carolina, the Wilmington Police Department acknowledged that drive-in services are not a violation of social distancing rules, but continued to encourage online services, citing local health officials concerns that drive-in services could be unnecessarily risky. In Mississippi, Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons has also said drive-in services are prohibited. In Hillsborough County, Florida, pastor Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested late last month for violating the states order banning large worship gatherings. Howard-Browne, the leader of Revival International Ministries and The River at Tampa Bay Church in Tampa, is being represented by Liberty Counsel. The fact is that churches, including our client The River Church of Tampa, Florida, can and are obeying safety guidelines but the enemy wants our churches shut down, Liberty Counsel Chairman Mat Staver said in a statement at the time. However, Howard-Browne has chosen to host an online-only service on Easter Sunday. Boris Johnson has been released from hospital after battling coronavirus. As he prepared to leave St Thomas Hospital in South London he said he owes his life to the National Health Service staff who treated him for COVID-19, ahead of figures Sunday in which the U.K. is expected to surpass 10,000 coronavirus-related deaths. I cant thank them enough, Johnson said in his first public statement since he was moved out of intensive care Thursday night at St. Thomas Hospital in London. I owe them my life. Johnson, 55, was diagnosed over two weeks ago, becoming the first world leader confirmed to have the illness. His coronavirus symptoms at first were said to have been mild, including a cough and a fever, and he was working from home during the first few days. But he was admitted to St. Thomas on April 5 after his condition worsened and he was transferred the following day to its intensive care unit, where he received oxygen but was not put onto a ventilator. He spent three nights there before moving back to a regular hospital ward. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP on Sunday welcomed the government's decision on the upcoming 'Darbar Move' and termed former chief minister Omar Abdullah's criticism of the order as "childish and irresponsible". Abdullah, also the National Conference vice-president, on Friday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government's order of keeping the Move offices functional in both regions of the Union territory, saying it would create confusion among the people. The BJP called upon people to stand with the government's decision "to save their lives and expose politicians trying to promote anarchy and bringing disaster at the door steps of public". The government has ordered the formal opening of the annual Darbar Move offices in summer capital Srinagar on May 4, but said employees would work on a "as is where is" basis. The practice of 'Darbar Move', under which the government functions from Jammu during the six months of winter and in Srinagar during the summer, was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872 to escape the extreme weather conditions in the two regions. "In view of the extraordinary circumstances due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Civil Secretariat at Jammu shall continue to remain functional and the employees shall work on as is where is basis i.e. Kashmir-based staff shall work from Srinagar and Jammu-based from Jammu, the Friday's order of the General Administrative Department (GAD) had said. The decision drew strong criticism from the NC leader, saying "this order regarding the bi-annual 'durbar move' is just mindless rubbish at worst & needless tokenism at best." "So the offices can't shift to Srinagar because of #Covid19, I get that. What I don't get is what Srinagar secretariat will do without files or senior officers," Abdullah had said, demanding withdrawal of the order and delay of the exercise till the threat of coronavirus is overcome. BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi said the criticism of Omar is "childish and bereft of any "actual truth". By such irresponsible statements he is trying to push the masses toward coronavirus and death for some cheap publicity, Sethi said in a statement here. He said the BJP welcomes the "timely decision" of the government for limiting Darbar Move this year in view of the coronavirus pandemic. "This decision has been taken to stop the spread of coronavirus more rapidly among the people particularly as the government employees apart from saving huge expenses during this time of Corona induced recession, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) JACKSON, Miss. - Strong storms pounded the Deep South on Sunday, killing at least six people in south Mississippi and damaging up to 300 homes and other buildings in northern Louisiana. Storms continued to batter the South overnight, with much of the region under flash flood, tornado and thunderstorm warnings and watches. Mississippi Emergency Management Agency director Greg Michel said one person killed was in Walthall County, two were killed in Lawrence County and three were killed in Jefferson Davis County. All three counties are more than an hours drive south of Jackson, near the Louisiana state line. The two people killed in Lawrence County were a married couple Lawrence County sheriffs deputy, Robert Ainsworth, and a Walthall County Justice Court deputy clerk, Paula We, a Facebook post from the county sheriffs office said. The National Weather Service said strong winds were sweeping through other parts of Mississippi, and a tornado was spotted north of Meridian near the Alabama state line. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency Sunday night after he said several tornadoes had struck the state. This is not how anyone wants to celebrate Easter, Reeves said on Twitter. As we reflect on the death and resurrection on this Easter Sunday, we have faith that we will all rise together. The National Weather Service advised thunderstorms would shift across the southeast and mid-Atlantic states Monday, bringing potential tornadoes, wind and hail. Around 750,000 people were without power early Monday in a 10-state swath ranging from Texas to Georgia up to West Virginia, according to poweroutages.us. News outlets reported downed trees, flooded streets and other damage in Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia, but the National Weather Service hadnt immediately confirmed additional tornado touchdowns. Strong winds late Sunday toppled power lines and blew trees onto several houses in Clarksdale, Mississippi, trapping some people inside, Mayor Chuck Espy said. I know these are some tough times and Im just asking everyone to stay prayed up, Espy said. Before the storms moved into Mississippi, the weather service reported multiple tornadoes and damaging winds over much of northern Louisiana. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries. The mayor of Monroe, Louisiana, Jamie Mayo, told KNOE-TV that the storm damaged 200-300 homes in and around the city. Flights were cancelled at Monroe Regional Airport, where siding was ripped off buildings and debris was scattered on runways. Airport director Ron Phillips told the News-Star the storm caused up to $30 million in damage to planes inside a hangar. In northwest Louisiana, officials reported damage to dozens of homes in DeSoto and Webster parishes, according to news outlets. In Morgan County, Alabama, a church roof and steeple were damaged by lightning Sunday afternoon, Morgan County Emergency Management Agency Eddie Hicks told AL.com. Shoals Creek Baptist Church in Priceville was struck by lightning Sunday afternoon. No injuries were reported. WBMA-TV reported that strong winds damaged buildings and snapped trees in Walker County, Alabama, north of Birmingham. Employees struggling with pay cuts and medical expenses related to the coronavirus may be faced with what sounds like a tantalizing, too-good-to-be-true offer: Take as much as $100,000 from their 401(k) plan without the usual early withdrawal penalty and spread out the tax payments over multiple years. The $2 trillion federal legislation passed last month that provides forgivable loans to small businesses and stimulus checks to low- and middle-income taxpayers also made it more attractive to withdraw money from employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plans. But financial experts warn that tapping 401(k) plans early even with the new relaxed rules could have lasting negative financial consequences. An early 401(k) withdrawal is still an expensive way to generate cash, compounds the losses for investors selling shares in a down market and will make it harder to save enough for retirement. I would consider it a last-ditch thing, said Jason L. McGarraugh, a certified financial planner for Neal Financial Group in Houston. Financial planners recommend that consumers have three to nine months of expenses in an emergency savings account. But many people live paycheck to paycheck, making it difficult to pay bills if they lose their jobs. Forty percent of consumers dont even have an extra $400 to cover an unexpected expense, according to the Federal Reserve. The financial pressure is only increasing as more workers face furloughs, terminations and pay cuts during the coronavirus crisis. Many are looking at the money in their 401(k) plans to cover mortgages, utility bills and medical expenses. Under the new Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act which Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law last month, companies that offer employees the option of withdrawing funds have the option of raising the withdrawal limit to $100,000, up from $50,000. The new law also removes the 10 percent penalty for early withdrawals by workers under the age of 59. It also allows employees to spread the income tax liability which can push employees into a higher tax bracket over three years instead of just one for coronovirus-related expenses. Employers should consider expanding the amount of money employees can withdraw from their 401(k) programs, according to one employee benefit expert. It builds loyalty and employees will feel more connected if employers try to go out and care for their employees, said Joshua Sutin, a benefit planning and tax lawyer at Chamberlain Hrdlicka. The new stimulus act also allows companies that offer 401(k) loans to double the amount of money workers can borrow to $100,000 from $50,000. But the loan option isnt nearly as attractive as taking an outright withdrawal because the new stimulus package doesnt include the same sweeteners for loans. Employees who take out a 401(k) loan and plan to pay it back over a five-year period with their wages can find themselves in trouble if they lose their jobs, a growing concern as the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has pushed up unemployment to levels the nation hasnt seen since the Great Depression. Employees who borrow from their 401(k) plans and then leave their jobs must repay the outstanding loan balance within 60 days or it becomes an early distribution and triggers the 10 percent penalty for workers younger than 59. The distribution also is treated as immediate income that can push employees into a higher tax bracket. In normal times, investment advisers recommend a 401(k) loan compared to an outright withdrawal. But with the new stimulus package, it is probably better to consider a withdrawal, said one retirement expert. Were in very stressed economic times, said Dave Stinnett, head of the strategic retirement consulting group for Pennsylvania-based investment management firm Vanguard. If you are taking out a loan, you have to pay it back over five years and you want to make sure its something you can do. And if you take a withdrawal? Under the rules, you still have three years to roll the money back into your 401(k) plan. lynn.sixel@chron.com twitter.com/lmsixel President Donald Trump arrives to speak about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. Trump is governing through the most dangerous crisis forced upon any U.S. leader since World War II. And just seven months before Election Day, he is entering a critical stretch that will determine his reelection, his legacy, and the character of the nation. Read more WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps campaign is adapting its messaging and fundraising tools for the era of social distancing. But adjusting the core argument of his reelection bid that the economy is stronger than it was four years ago is proving to be a much greater challenge. A global pandemic that erased all of the economic gains made since Trump took office has kept the candidate confined to the White House and prevented large rallies and high-dollar fundraisers. It has forced his well-oiled campaign operation to radically change course. Within weeks, the Trump campaign had to reposition from a message of financial market records and the best employment numbers in 50 years to one explaining the presidents response to unemployment levels unseen since the Great Depression. The Trump campaign still believes it holds an advantage over former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. But now it must write an entirely new playbook based on an unpredictable crisis that could last well into the general election race. We dont know how this is going to look on the other end. But what we do know is that the president has a message and is working on the right solution, Rick Gorka, spokesman for the Republican National Committee, said. Senior officials are working remotely, adopting a mode of campaigning that is totally reliant on the digital tools they had built before the crisis. Trumps campaign had built an ambitious data operation mapping out unreliable voters in battleground states, plugging in information from ticket request forms that rally attendees were required to fill out into a sophisticated database. The campaign is currently pulling in millions of viewers through virtual town halls and using social media to get its message out, but without the information from the rally forms it is unable to track those voters and target them directly afterward. We obviously are missing all of that information that we are used to getting, Lara Trump, a senior adviser to the campaign and the presidents daughter-in-law, said. Because the campaign still has seven months until Election Day, she told McClatchy, Its not that devastating to us. But if this continued into the fall, we would have to look at maybe a different model to figure out what to do in terms of turning out voters, and making sure that we are getting the same information that we are used to having at the campaign. President Trump has also made regular use of the bully pulpit, conducting lengthy news conferences that are oriented around his administrations efforts to protect the public from the coronavirus. Trumps campaign is using its online tools to help spread the word about how potential voters can access government benefits. It is also using its rapid response team to slap down criticisms of the administrations handling of the pandemic. Navigating an entirely digital operation, the Trump campaign in late March began regular programming for its most dedicated supporters. A rotating cast of senior campaign officials have been broadcasting individual and panel interviews on Facebook and Twitter with conservative activists, faith leaders and other Trump backers for a half hour or more each day. With the federal governments coronavirus response absorbing much of the presidents time and the appetite from voters for the kind of partisan bickering that goes hand-in-hand with elections almost nonexistent, the campaign has had to recalibrate its message and senior aides have had to take on additional responsibilities like hosting the specials. A former Inside Edition producer and the current host of a weekly news webcast the campaign has been running for several years, Lara Trump has taken a lead role in shaping the virtual town halls. We find ourselves in unchartered waters, she told McClatchy. Wed love to be out there doing things the old-fashioned way, but were figuring it out day by day. FAQ: Your coronavirus questions, answered. President Trump has not appeared on a broadcast yet, but Lara Trump indicated he is likely to participate at the conclusion of the test phase, so that he can speak to his supporters directly about topics other than the federal response to the coronavirus, including Biden. The free airtime the White House briefings provide is an advantage for Trump. National networks have cut down on how much of the sessions with the president they show but continue to air the briefings in part. But Gorka acknowledged that incumbency can also be a burden. Theres the pressure to deliver results. And if youre not delivering, then all of those advantages become disadvantages very quickly, he said. Political communicators warn that incumbency has made Trump vulnerable during a time of crisis when Americans are closely examining the presidents response and what he had done to prepare for the pandemic that could lead to a projected 100,000 or more deaths in the United States. Ari Fleischer, who was White House press secretary to former President George W. Bush at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, has advocated for television networks to carry Trumps news conferences live and in their totality. But he has also recommended that Trump appear at the podium for a shorter period of time each day, saying the president risks overexposure by taking questions for two hours. Fleischer said the 2020 campaign is comparable to the midterm election that followed 9/11 more than a typical presidential reelection campaign, in which the economy is often the dominant issue. Coronavirus is going to be on the minds of voters this November, just as in 2002, Sept. 11 was on the minds of voters, he said. Mike Czin, a spokesman for former President Barack Obamas 2012 reelection campaign, said that the dynamic most presidential campaigns are oriented around the primary, convention and the start of voting for Election Day has been altered tactically and thematically because of the coronavirus. Czin said that most Americans are paying close attention to the federal response to the coronavirus outbreak. They have either faced personal difficulty or know someone else who was unable to access a test, capital or other government services. Once faced with a crisis, this administration is incapable of being thoughtful responsible managers, and theyre going to have to show that they can govern, he said. You can only fake it so much. Trump campaign officials referenced internal polling that showed the president with a 50% approval rating and majority support for his approach to the coronavirus as a barometer for the presidents and the campaigns effectiveness at communicating the administrations coronavirus successes to voters. The presidents initial response to the coronavirus, however, has been the subject of scrutiny. While the president shut down travel from China in January, when an outbreak there became apparent, he repeatedly dismissed the possibility it would spread on a large scale in the United States. In March he began characterizing the crisis as a war against an invisible enemy and himself as a wartime president, leading a united nation through a historic struggle. While promoting the presidents leadership in fighting the war on the coronavirus, we are also highlighting how Joe Biden and the media have filled the role of the opposition in that war, a senior Trump campaign official said of their message. The Biden campaign is already preparing to counter that narrative, challenging the presidents wartime analogy and asking voters to hold Trump accountable for his administrations level of pandemic preparedness and for the economic fallout that followed. When Joe Biden was sounding the alarm about this outbreak, Donald Trump was downplaying the threat we faced and disregarding warnings about the most severe public health crisis in generations, said Andrew Bates, director of rapid response for the Biden campaign. Now we have more coronavirus cases than any other country and were losing jobs at an historic rate. The Biden campaign noted that, while wartime presidents historically experience surges in popular support, Trump has yet to experience a similar polling bounce. In many cases, the U.S. economy has also seen a boost during wartime, such as when the country emerged from the Great Depression during World War II, a campaign official said. Several polls released this month show that Trump has not seen the sort of rallying effect that has boosted support for past presidents in crises, with six surveys showing his approval numbers under 50 percent. The economy has long been Trumps strongest issue in polling, and Saul Anuzis, a former chairman of the Michigan GOP, said the issue continues to work in Trumps favor, because the number of jobs available in America is likely to soar after the coronavirus curve is flattened. The bad news for the Democrats is that this pandemic provided the excuse that the Republicans and the president would have needed in case the economy would have tanked in other circumstances, Anuzis said. Trump has repeatedly lamented that the coronavirus got in the way of a robust U.S. economy, and he told reporters this month that he may form a task force to help get it back on track. We built the greatest economy in the world. Ill do it a second time. We got artificially stopped by a virus that nobody ever thought possible, he said at a press briefing. Since the president and his coronavirus task force advised Americans to stay at home as much as possible for 45 days to stop the spread of the coronavirus, individual states used emergency powers to order non-essential workers to stay at home and certain businesses to close under penalty of law. Unemployment claims skyrocketed in the month of March to more than 7 million, leaving Congress and the Treasury Department to figure out how to get money into the bank accounts of cash-strapped Americans. The downturn has also presented a fundraising challenge for the Trump campaign, which takes pride in the tally of donations it receives from grassroots supporters. Gorka said that the party is continuing call time between top Republican officials like RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and high-dollar donors, who have grown accustomed to facetime with the candidate. McDaniel is careful to open up the conversation by asking donors how they are faring amid the coronavirus crisis before launching into campaign content, and the national party has advised its volunteers to emulate that communication tactic when they call potential voters, Gorka said. Donald Trump touted Sunday that a historic deal had been reached to stop the oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia and help shore up oil prices amid the coronavirus pandemic thanking Vladimir Putin and Mohammad Bin Salman for working toward the agreement. 'The big Oil Deal with OPEC Plus is done,' Trump posted to Twitter Easter Sunday. 'This will save hundreds of thousands of energy jobs in the United States.' 'I would like to thank and congratulate President Putin of Russia and King Salman of Saudi Arabia. I just spoke to them from the Oval Office. Great deal for all!' the president praised. As part of the OPEC+ agreement, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and 21 other countries agreed to collectively reduce oil output by 9.7 million barrels per day between May and June, in a multinational effort to address a drop in global demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Donald Trump praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabian King Mohammad Bin Salman for reaching a deal with OPEC to cut crude oil production and stop the oil price war Measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus have destroyed demand for fuel worldwide and caused oil prices to plummet, straining budgets of oil producers and hammering the U.S. shale industry. In what is the biggest oil output cut ever - exceeding four times the cuts approves during the 2008 financial crisis - the countries will keep gradually decreasing curbs on production in place for until April 2022. News of the agreement came after four days of marathon talks between the group, and followed an intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stepped in to help resolve the stalemate. On Thursday, the group, known as OPEC+, proposed cutting production by 10 million barrels per day - around 10 percent of global supply - but Mexico vetoed the scheme, objecting to the amount oil it was being asked to cut. Discussions continued into Friday in which energy ministers from the group's 20 major economies met. Though all agreed that steps to stabilize the market were drastically needed, a consensus on how much production needed to be curtailed was never reached. With the deal in jeopardy, President Trump said Friday the U.S. would cut production in an effort to get Mexico 'over the barrel'. The OPEC+ said it had agreed to reduce output by 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) for May-June, after four days of marathon talks and following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to arrest the price decline During a press briefing at the White House, Trump said he'd spoken with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and pledged to 'pick up some of the slack' for Mexico by agreeing to rebrand 250,000 barrels a day of the 'market-driven' decline in U.S. output as 'Mexican.' Trump didn't specify how the cuts would be enacted but did say that Mexico will be reimbursing the U.S. at a later date. Under the OPEC+'s agreement, Mexico will be required to cut 100,000 barrels of oil per-day, instead of the 400,000 they were previously quoted. The agreed upon 9.7 million barrels per day will be cut back from May 1, and will last through the end of June. Then in July, eight million barrels will be cut back daily until the end of 2020, and six million barrels a day between January 2021 until April 2022. The Kremlin also confirmed the deal's completion Sunday, reiterating that Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Trump and Saudi Arabian King Salman all support the OPEC+'s deal to cut global crude output. The agreement was made after several days of discussion between the world's largest energy producers. The treaty also brought an end to the price war that had been waged between Saudi Arabia and Russia since early March, which saw oil prices sharply decline as each jostled to gain a greater market share (Pictured: Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) In the biggest oil output cut ever - exceeding four times the cuts approves during the 2008 financial crisis - the countries will keep gradually decreasing curbs on production in place for until April 2022 OPEC+ is now urging nations outside of the group - including the U.S. and Canada - to also cut back on their oil production in an effort to help prop up failing prices. Though Trump has not confirmed whether the U.S. will head the call, he's previously stated that market forces will naturally curb oil production in the United States. The sentiment was shared by U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette on Friday, who said two million barrels of oil would likely be curtailed in the U.S. each day by the end of the year, as a result of implications caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. During the G20 meeting Friday, Brouillette said: '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. 'This is a time for all nations to seriously examine what each can do to correct the supply/demand imbalance.' Despite the record-breaking nature of the pact, investors still remain concerned that the cuts might not be enough to support higher prices in the coming weeks as on-going world-wide lockdowns will continue to diminish demand for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The cutbacks will help to mitigate some issues in the oil market, though experts say the move has come too late. With travel restrictions and work stoppages set to be in place for weeks to come, oil consumption is tipped to fall by as much a 30 million barrels worldwide this month alone. Temporary changes to community midwifery arrangements This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 12th, 2020 Temporary changes to the way community midwifery services are operating have been introduced as part of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Boards work to reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19. Community midwifery teams over the next few weeks will be moving from existing locations in our communities and from some community hospitals into alternative temporary locations. Home-from-home midwifery units will also temporarily close for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak. All Community Midwifery teams will be located as close as possible to their previous locations, and community midwives will be contacting women in their care to notify them of any changes to appointments. Women do not need to contact their community midwives for more information, and will be called personally to inform them of any changes to the location of their appointments. The Health Board will provide an update in the coming days with further details of where teams have temporarily moved. As it stands, the community midwifery team based in Holywell have moved location, and will temporarily be based at Holywell Leisure Centre. Dolgellau community midwives have moved to the Dolfeurig Centre. Community Midwives in Colwyn Bay are now temporarily based at Eirias Park. The Health Board will not be offering its usual home birthing service at its Midwifery Led Units in Dolgellau and Ysbyty Bryn Beryl, Pwllheli until further notice. However, the Along-Side Midwife Led Units in each of the maternity units remain open, with women able to go home soon after their birth if they and their baby are well. Fiona Giraud, Director of Midwifery and Womens Services, said We know this is a particularly worrying time for women. These temporary changes are part of our work to do everything we can to prevent infections and keep pregnant women safe. Most postnatal checks are now being carried out by phone, but new mums will still be able to bring their baby to a community clinic for newborn screening to take place. New and expectant mums are reminded to follow the UK Governments guidance on not meeting or allowing visitors from people outside of their household. Every day, he faces tough choices and he is clearly making decisions with the interests of Illinoisans in mind. Our governor is also taking the time to listen to the experts. A good example was his recent Executive Order extending civil liability protection to health professionals and hospitals during this crisis. The Illinois State Medical Society and the Illinois Health and Hospital Association jointly asked his office to issue this order. It did not take long for our conversations with the governors office to lead to much-needed protections for frontline health care workers. We thank the governor for his leadership. By Express News Service RANCHI: Jharkhand on Sunday registers second COVID-19 death after a 60-year old man, admitted to the isolation ward of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi died. The deceased has been identified as the second coronavirus positive woman found from Hindpiri in Ranchi who is said to have come in direct contact with the Malaysian woman, who had been tested positive for the first time in the State. Doctors said that the man had a breathing problem for the last three days following which he was shifted to the ICU of the trauma centre and was kept on the ventilator. He was stable on Saturday but again in the night he complained of breathing problem following which he collapsed on Sunday morning, they said. One Corona positive man, around 60 years of age died today morning. He was critical for the last two days and was put on a ventilator, said Principal Health Secretary. Jharkhand had witnessed first COVID-19 death of a 75-year man in Bokaro on Thursday. The man was admitted to Bokaro General Hospital after he complained of some cardiac problems but died minutes after being tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. Notably, a sudden increase in COVID-19 cases took place on Wednesday after 9 new cases were tested positive with five are from Ranchi and four from Bokaro. Remarkably, all five cases in Ranchi belonged to the same family in Hindpiri from where a 54-year old woman was tested positive on Monday. In Jharkhand, samples of as many as 1912 suspected cases have been tested so far out of which 1529 samples have been tested negative while reports of 366 samples are awaited. 17 samples have been tested, while the State has witnessed two deaths. Jammu: In separate incidents on Sunday (April 12, 2020), Pakistan violated ceasefire and fired indiscriminately at Kerni sector in Pooch district and in Tangdhar and Karnah sectors of Kupwara district leaving atleast three civilians dead. The three civilians killed are; Javeed Khan, Gh Rasool Khan and Redi Chowkibal. The Pakistan Army fired bullets and mortars shells at around 1.40 pm at both Army bases and city limits of Kerni sector in Pooch district injuring a local resident. While in Tangdhar and Karnah sectors of Kupwara district too heavy firing has been reported. Indian Army has retaliated and there is heavy exchange of gun firing from both sides. Reports suggest that Pakistan targeted Shararat, Jal, Black Rock and Anil posts. For the past one week, the Pakistani Army is continously firing in Mendhar, Balakot, Mankot, Shahpur, Kerni and town sectors of Pooch district in Jammu. In retaliatory firing, Indian Army has destroyed several bunkers in the Pakistani side and killed as many as five soldiers. Pakistan has already violated ceasefire atleast 2000 times this year. So Ive been doing some people stories over the last few weeks and a question that Ive thrown out there for some has been What is your earliest memory of The Raceway? I got to thinking about that question for myself, and its really not that long ago but it is before my time at The Raceway. He was The Beast from the East and that would be Firms Phantom who, at the time, had won 28 races in a row. It would be November of 2001 and he would try to keep that long win streak going in his Ontario debut. That debut would take place at Western Fair Raceway and I can remember there being plenty of hype surrounding this start -- so much hype that I believe Race Night on The Score may have started early on this night. All hopes would fade quickly, though, after the three-year-old pacer broke stride early in the race and would not recover. In the end it would be Voo Doo Vine winning the Preferred 2 event over The Masters and Just Bert, with Firms Phantom finishing seventh. Thats my earliest memory of The Raceway...kind of a downer, I know, but it is what it is. Of course I had never been to London until the late summer of 2013, so any Raceway memory before then would be a memory from watching a race on TV. Ive got another one though, but this one comes out much better on my end. I had just wrapped up a race meet at Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta and was waiting on a new announcing gig up in Grande Prairie for the summer of 2008. It was a Friday night card at Western Fair Raceway and I got to playing a few races before Id actually pick up a program and flip on over to Race 10 to see its the Molson Pace Final, going then for a purse of $280,000. A great looking race that I wanted to see and a great looking race that I wanted to bet. Popping off the program page was Tigerama -- fresh off a 1:50.4 Western Fair track record the week before. The one thing I was betting though was for him to get beat. Now dont get me wrong, I wasnt hoping for this horse to get beat...I was only betting this horse to get beat. He was a heavy fave on the rail in his elim win and would be a heavy fave from an outside post in this final. I knew the only way this race would pay would be for him to be off the ticket. For me, there was just way too much early speed for any outside post starter to overcome it so my ticket was going to be a Superfecta Box 1-2-3-4-8 and hope for the closers. Theyre off and pacing, said track announcer Frank Salive. And Tigerama is a big early presence! And he was, though he would park three-wide to an opening quarter in :26.2, and I was thinking then that we were in pretty good shape. With a quarter mile left to go I was looking at my ticket and thinking "come on closers...come on with a bomb." Into the stretch were looking good and then at the finish all I hear is Salive saying Its an upset for the ages! and thats what I needed to hear...but was Tigerama off the ticket? Trevor Henry had won it aboard the eight horse -- Eagle Luck, the longest shot on the board at 25/1. The two, Grand Bend Turbo (Mike Sumner) was second and the one Silent Swing (Robert Shepherd) finished third. I needed the four Rare Jewel (Chris Christoforou) to edge out Tigerama for fourth and he just got up. My 8-2-1-4 Superfecta was good to go, paying $790.87 on a 20-cent play. That, my friends, is an early Raceway memory for me thats not such a downer. (Shannon 'Sugar' Doyle for The Raceway) A country road, Robert Neff Collection By Robert Neff A great place to go bike riding is in the Goyang area just west of Seoul. The bicycle lanes are generally wide, lots of beautiful scenery and some great places to eat noodles and roasted eels. It is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Seoul but it wasn't always like that. In the 1920s, the region was relatively undeveloped and Goyang was more of a city in name than in size. The untamed hills and mountains provided the ideal habitat for wolves. In the winter, these feared beasts would raid farms and carry away fat pigs or unwary dogs. During the summer time, their visits would almost be nightly and because of the law forbidding most Koreans from owning guns, the farmers had little choice but to ask their Japanese neighbors for assistance or the police. Children were constantly at risk especially in summer and it was not unheard of for wolves to attack brawny woodsmen if they relaxed their vigilance while cutting trees or napping. In December 1927, woodsmen reported a pack of wolves in the area and so a group of hunters, including Park Sang-jin, 26, combed the hills and mountains looking for their den. Fishing boats on the river. Robert Neff Collection Late in the evening, Park eventually found the den and quietly crept up to it. Getting into a prone position, he peered down into the den when he suddenly felt someone pushing upon his back. Thinking it was a fellow hunter trying to trick or tease him, he rolled over to confront the prankster only to discover a huge wolf glaring at him. Park immediately grabbed the wolf by the neck and after a short but desperate fight managed to kill it with his bare hands. The wolf was huge about 180 cm long and Park happily lugged it to the police station where he received his bounty award money. Apparently Park a native of Gangwon Province was no stranger to danger. Being relatively uneducated (he only graduated from elementary school), he realized the only thing he could really do was hunt. The previous year he managed to kill one large cat, four wolves and numerous deer as well as a badger and raccoons. Not all encounters with wolves in the Goyang area took place on land. In 1927, Shin Won-jil, a fisherman, 46, was in his small boat on the Han River when he noticed something swimming toward him from the south shore. At first he thought it was a dog but, as it grew closer, he was alarmed to discover it was a huge wolf. Tombs near Goyang, circa 2020. Robert Neff Collection Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday extended Easter greetings to the Christian community and urged people to celebrate and pray at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. "Wishing all our Christian citizens a happy Easter," Khan tweeted in both Urdu and English languages. He urged them to keep themselves and their families safe by celebrating and praying at home during the coronavirus pandemic. "Please stay safe and keep your families safe during the COVID19 pandemic by praying and celebrating at home; and by observing the national safety protocols, Khan said in his witter message. President Arif Alvi also extended greetings to the Christian community, saying Easter also reminds us of the teachings of Jesus Christ and his universal message of love, forgiveness, and brotherhood, which can bring harmony and peace to the world. He appreciated the contribution made by the Christian community in the social and economic development of Pakistan and said they are equal citizens of the state and their rights had fully been safeguarded by the Constitution. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also greeted the Christian community on the occasion. "A happy and safe Easter to all celebrating today. Let us embrace the spirit of this auspicious day and renew our pact to rise together in our fight against #Covid-19, for a healthy, strong, and progressive Pakistan," he tweeted. Christians, who comprise 1.59 per cent of the population of Muslim-majority Pakistan, are celebrating Easter without the usual services in the churches or the traditional congregations in the wake of the virus outbreak that has infected over 5,000 people and killed 88 others in the country. Several churches, like other places of worship across Pakistan, have been closed for the public due to the spread of the coronavirus. All special services, prayers and rituals are being held by the devotees from their homes electronically, through video link and national broadcast. The government has enforced a lockdown until April 14 to curb the spread of the virus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Cops shut down a drive-in church service in Mississippi after the local mayor banned all in-person Easter worship amid the coronavirus lockdown. Police were caught on camera shutting down a drive-in service held by Reverend James Hamilton of the King James Baptist Church in Greenville Thursday, after people flocked to attend the service while social distancing in their cars. Reverends and religious groups voiced outrage over the incident and blasted the decision to ban church services while liqour stores can keep their doors open. This comes as a Kentucky judge ruled in favor of a church and lifted a similar ban on drive-in services, blasting the city's move as 'unconstitutional'. Mississippi's coronavirus lockdown has banned drive-in church services over Easter. Police were caught on camera shutting down a drive-in service held by Reverend James Hamilton of the King James Baptist Church in Greenville Thursday Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons banned all in-person church services as part of Mississippi's shelter-in-place order to slow the spread of coronavirus. Parishioners hoping to gather together for Easter weekend have tried to sidestep the ban by holding drive-in church services where they can maintain social distancing by staying in their cars. The state's shelter-in-place order did not specify a ban on drive-in services, but the mayor's office said in a press release that churches are 'strongly encouraged to hold services via Facebook Live, Zoom, Free Conference Call, and any and all other social media, streaming and telephonic platforms.' In an intense video posted on Reverend Hamilton's Facebook account, officers were seen putting a stop to his service in Greenville on Thursday. In the footage, police were seen breaking up the service, ordering parishioners to leave or face a $500 fine, Magnolia State Live reported. 'I'm a good citizen, I ain't breaking no law. I ain't selling no drugs. I'm just preaching the word of God. Look at all these police cars here,' Hamilton is heard exclaiming in the video. In the intense video posted on Hamilton's Facebook account, officers were seen putting a stop to the service after Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons banned all in-person church services as part of the state's shelter-in-place order to slow the spread of coronavirus A police officer shuts down the service. Parishioners tried to sidestep the ban by holding a drive-in service where they can maintain social distancing by staying in their cars 'We were abiding by the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines,' Hamilton told Fox News Friday. 'Members of the church were inside their cars, had their windows up, and I was preaching the Word of God. So no one was outside, and also we had cars at a distance.' The pastor and religious groups have slammed what they call discrimination against churches and spoken of their disbelief that liquor stores can remain open as 'essential' businesses while churches are shuttered as non-essential businesses. 'Liquor and beer has killed more people than coronavirus ever would,' said Hamilton. He spoke of his disbelief that drive-in church services are being broken up but liquor stores can operate curbside services. Hamilton (pictured) has spoken of his disbelief that drive-in church services are being broken up but liquor stores can operate curbside services King James Bible Baptist Church in Greenville: 'I would never dream in a 1,000 years in America... they would ever pass such a law that would consider a liquor store essential but a church non-essential. I am shocked,' said Hamilton 'I would never dream in a 1,000 years in America... they would ever pass such a law that would consider a liquor store essential but a church non-essential. I am shocked.' Kelly Shackelford, president of the First Liberty Institute, branded the move by the city as 'massively unconstitutional.' 'It targets churches in a way that it targets no other group,' he told Fox News. 'Cars in parking lots are fine. It's only a crime if the cars in the parking lot are at the church parking lot.' Shackelford said the shutdown rules 'discriminate against churches'. Kelly Shackelford, president of the First Liberty Institute (bottom right) and Hamilton (top right) branded the move by the city as 'massively unconstitutional' The Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit Friday on behalf of the Temple Baptist Church challenging Mayor Simmons' April 7 executive order. Churches around the US will miss one of the biggest events in the religious calendar for the first time this year due to nationwide social distancing rules and state lockdowns ordered to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Easter Sunday was originally touted by President Trump as the deadline for the US to reopen for business and for social distancing rules to be relaxed but with the pandemic continuing to worsen, he has been forced to backpedal on these plans. 'We're opening up this incredible country. Because we have to do that. I would love to have it open by Easter,' Trump said on March 24. 'I would love to have that. It's such an important day for other reasons, but I'd love to make it an important day for this. I would love to have the country opened up, and rarin' to go by Easter.' JUDGE OVERRULES BAN ON KENTUCKY CHURCH DRIVE-IN SERVICES A Kentucky judge has overruled a ban on drive-in church services in Louisville ahead of Easter weekend, citing the move 'unconstitutional'. On Fire Christian Church filed a suit against Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and the city after Fischer announced that drive-in style religious gatherings were not allowed on Easter because they are not 'practical or safe' due to the pandemic. US District Judge Justin Walker ruled in favor of the church on Saturday and said Louisville cannot put a stop to the services. 'On Holy Thursday, an American mayor criminalized the communal celebration of Easter,' said Walker. 'That sentence is one that this Court never expected to see outside the pages of a dystopian novel, or perhaps the pages of The Onion.' Walker added that 'The Mayors decision is stunning. And it is, beyond all reason, unconstitutional.' He also noted that drive-thru restaurants and liquor stores were still allowed to operate in the area. The ruling came as Republicans blasted Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's statewide plan to order people into quarantine if they attend mass gatherings,saying it unfairly singles out religious services. Under the new action, people seen participating in mass gatherings in Kentucky this weekend will have their license plate numbers recorded by authorities, who will provide the information to local health departments. Health officials will contact each participant and require them to go into quarantine for 14 days. Beshear, a deacon at his church, said the action was needed to protect the public. Advertisement He repeated the importance of the date, saying the holiday was a possible deadline because 'Easter's a very special day for me.' 'Wouldn't it be great to have all the churches full?' Trump asked. 'You'll have packed churches all over our country I think it'll be a beautiful time.' The president was forced to later backtrack as medical experts - including his own advisers - warned him that reopening the country too soon could see more deaths from the virus. On March 29, in a rare moment of humility, he admitted that reopening for Easter would be a 'mistake' and announced a 30-day extension of his coronavirus guidelines. Trump then toyed with the idea of allowing churches a social distancing exemption to celebrate Easter. 'And I brought it up before, I said, maybe we could allow special - for churches - maybe we could talk about it, maybe we could allow them for great separation outside on Easter Sunday,' he said at the White House press briefing last Saturday. 'But somebody did say that, 'well, then you're sort of opening up to that little - do we want to take a chance in doing that when we've been doing so well?'' The president then said like many Americans he would watch both Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday services on his laptop. On his last briefing on Good Friday, Trump said the upcoming decision of when to reopen the country for commerce, travel and ordinary life is among the biggest he has ever faced. 'I'm going to have to make a decision, and I only hope to God that it's the right decision,' Trump said. 'Without question it's the biggest decision I've ever had to make.' The president is now saying he will rely on scientists and a team of as-yet unannounced advisors as he ponders the decision. Public health officials have warned that if Americans go back to school and work too soon, the nation could face a second wave of infection and additional economic setbacks. Donald Trump skips his daily coronavirus update for first time in a month as he reveals he will watch Easter Sunday service by controversial pastor who said Islam 'promotes pedophilia' and homosexuality is 'filthy' Donald Trump has skipped his daily coronavirus update for the first time in a month as he reveals he will tune in to an Easter Sunday service with a controversial pastor who says Islam 'promotes pedophilia' and homosexuality is 'filthy'. The president was notable by his absence on Easter Saturday as he failed to hold a coronavirus task force press briefing or any public update on the virus, which has now infected more than 530,000 Americans. Trump has been addressing the nation on a daily basis, usually from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the White House, since mid-March as the nation has grappled to bring the pandemic under control. But on the day that the US became the deadliest nation in the world from coronavirus, as its death toll inched past hard-hit Italy's and topped 20,000, and on the eve of the day he had previously vowed the nation would reopen from the pandemic, the president was nowhere to be seen. The president skipped his daily coronavirus update for the first time in a month on Easter Saturday as he takes an Easter break. Trump has been addressing the nation on a daily basis, usually from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the White House, since mid-March as the nation has grappled to bring the pandemic under control Instead, Trump simply tweeted to wish Americans a 'safe and blessed Easter Sunday' and to plug controversial pastor and his evangelical adviser Robert Jeffress whose service he said he will be watching remotely. 'Wishing all a safe and blessed Easter Sunday. I will be tuning into Pastor @robertjeffress at firstdallas.org/liveworship Church in Dallas, Texas tomorrow morning at 10:20 AM Eastern,' his tweet said. Trump's choice of pastor and one of his evangelical advisers has long been a source of concern for some due to the pastor's extreme right-wing views. Jeffress, pastor of the 4,000-member First Baptist Church in Dallas and a Fox News contributor, has sparked controversy on many occasions for his homophobic and anti-Islam comments. Back in 2010, Jeffress said Islam 'promotes pedophilia'. 'The deep, dark, dirty secret of Islam: It is a religion that promotes pedophilia sex with children. This so-called prophet Muhammad raped a 9-year-old girl had sex with her,' he said. He seemed to be taking an Easter break and instead tweeted to wish Americans 'a safe and blessed Easter Sunday'. He also plugged an Easter Sunday service with controversial pastor and his evangelical adviser Robert Jeffress Jeffress is known for saying Islam 'promotes pedophilia' and is an 'evil religion'. He has called homosexuality 'filthy' in the past and claimed Barack Obama was 'paving the way' for the Antichrist A few weeks later, he stood by his comments and even rallied Christians and conservatives to stand up to 'this evil, evil religion'. The pastor is also known for his discriminatory comments towards the LGBT community, having branded homosexuality 'filthy' and 'degrading'. 'What they [homosexuals] do is filthy. It is so degrading that it is beyond description. And it is their filthy behavior that explains why they are so much more prone to disease,' he said. The controversy doesn't end there, after he has made no secret of his Republican views and even used his faith to promote his political support of Trump. Former President Barack Obama was 'paving the way' for the Antichrist', according to Jeffress in 2012. Trump with First Lady Melania Trump (right) and daughter Tiffany Trump (left) arrive for Easter service at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach on Easter Sunday 2018 Trump, accompanied by a person dressed as the Easter Bunny, at the 141st Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in 2019 By contrast, he agreed that Trump has been chosen by God to run America. Citing the New Testament, Jeffress claimed in August 2017 that, 'In the case of North Korea, God has given Trump authority to take out Kim Jong Un.' Even when reports of Trump's unholy past reared its head when it emerged in 2018 that hush money was paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, Jeffress brushed it off saying voters 'knew they weren't voting for an altar boy' when they appointed him as their president. As he watches the pastor's service remotely, it will mark the first time since Trump entered the White House that he has remained in Washington DC for the Easter weekend. Over the last three years, the president and his family have traveled to Mar-a-Lago in Florida and enjoyed spending the holidays with a brunch on the lawn of his Palm Beach estate and attending a service at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, an Episcopal church where Trump and First Lady Melania married in 2005. The annual White House Easter Egg Roll, one of the oldest White House traditions, has also been cancelled. The event has only ever been canceled on two other occasions since 1878 - during World War I and World War II. (Newser) A major California labor union that claimed to have discovered a stockpile of 39 million masks for health care workers fighting the coronavirus was duped in an elaborate scam uncovered by FBI investigators, the AP reports. Investigators stumbled onto the scheme while looking into whether they could intercept the masks for the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Defense Production Act, the US attorney's office said Friday. The federal government has been quietly seizing supplies across the country as the outbreak spreads. But in this case, there was no warehouse, and there were no masks to seize, the LA Times reports. US Attorney Scott Brady told the Times that investigators tracked the tip back to a Pittsburgh businessman. story continues below That businessman, Brady said, had been working with the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West to secure millions of masks. The businessman had been communicating with a broker in Australia and a supplier in Kuwait, who are both now the target of a federal investigation. The union and the Pittsburgh businessman appear to be among a string of middlemen who were fooled. The promise of 39 million masks was first made public March 26, when the union announced it had found the stockpile after seeking potential suppliers by phone. No money was ever exchanged, but the masks never appeared, either. Experts say dubious brokers and suppliers have flooded the market with suspect medical-supply offers, creating an atmosphere of confusion and distrust. (Read more face masks stories.) On April 11, Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong signed a document to be sent to the prime minister on the inspection of implementation of COVID-19 preventive measures at PouYuen Vietnam, where more than 70,000 labourers are working in three shifts and are transported by more than 800 buses every day. PouYuen Vietnam has more than 70,000 employees working in rotation at its facility every day. Photo: thanhnien.vn Accordingly, the committee recognised the efforts of the company in implementing sanitation measures to cope with COVID-19. However, the Committees document also stated that PouYuen Vietnam is a tremendously large company, the huge number of employees (and their accumulated needs) cannot meet the requirements of Directive No.16 dated March 31 of the PM and Official Letter No.2601 of the Government Office on prevention measures to fight against coronavirus outbreak. PouYuen Vietnam, therefore, has a very high risk of infection, according to criteria from the Steering Committee of COVID-19 Prevention and Control, according to the document. According to the committee, the infection risk index of PouYuen Vietnam at April 9 was 81 per cent above the threshold for halting operations. On April 6, 2020, Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee issued Official Letter No.1249/UBND-VX outlining the scoring system for assessment of COVID-19 infection risk, applicable for all enterprises. Based on their risk index, enterprises are allowed to maintain or are ordered to suspend business operations. Enterprises can maintain operations if the rate is less than 10 per cent. Less than 30 per cent was defined as low risk of infection in which enterprises may maintain operations but must carry out periodic inspections to lower the highest sub-index. From 30 to 50 per cent was defined as average risk of infection, where enterprises may maintain operations if no sub-index is at 7 or above. From 50 to 80 per cent was defined as high risk of infection where enterprises must suspend operations until the score is improved. From 80 to 100 per cent was defined as very high risk where enterprise must suspend their operations. According to the City People's Committee, if the epidemic occurs at PouYuen Vietnam, the consequences would be extremely serious because of its large workforce and an outbreak would not only affecting the health of the workers of the company itself but also those in neighbouring enterprises of Ho Chi Minh City and other adjacent provinces of Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, and Tay Ninh. Thus, after considering the benefits of the company and the community, as well as receiving consultancy from other competent bodies, Phong said that the temporary halt of PouYuen Vietnams operation was crucial at the peak of the country's efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus, to protect the health of the companys workers and local residents. In previous working visits from the committee to PouYuen Vietnam, the company has shown many different measures to safeguard the health of its workers. These include installing partitions between workers, increasing distance among workers, setting up alternate working hours to avoid a large number of workers at the same place at a time, measuring the temperature of all workers and experts, and requiring all workers and experts to wear masks and keep their hands clean and hygienic. However, due to its sheer scale, these measures cannot make PouYuen Vietnam eligible for operation. Ho Chi Minh City has more than 450,000 enterprises with less than 4 millions employees. By April 12, the city has reported 54 cases of infection with 40 were successfully treated and 14 others currently undergoing treatment. Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has phoned Mohamed Hindawi, the husband of the Egyptian doctor who had died after contracting the novel coronavirus, to offer his condolences and deplore "disgraceful" attempts by locals to prevent her burial. "I speak to you as an Egyptian citizen to express my condolences and apologise to you on behalf of the Egyptian people for the disgraceful behavior by some of the people of the Shobra El-Bahw village," Madbouly told the husband, according to a cabinet statement. Sonia Aref, a retired physician, passed away shortly after testing positive. Her daughter was the source of infection. The ambulance transporting the late doctors body did not immediately reach the cemetery of the Dakahlia Shobra El-Bahw village, thanks to villagers who blocked the road, out of belief that her burial could spread the virus in the area. The notion was categorically denied by the health ministry. The Egyptian police later fired teargas to disperse the crowd and arrested 23 people in the process, allowing the burial to take place. The coronavirus has thus far killed 159 people in Egypt, with more than 2,000 cases reported. Search Keywords: Short link: Mr. Cuomo continued to press his case that the status of schools should take into account when the broader society will be functioning in the entire New York City region, though it appears highly unlikely that Mr. Cuomo will reopen the citys schools before September. Mr. Cuomos office says his authority stems from an executive order from last month requiring that public schools in the state close, with language allowing the governor to decide the length of the closures. But the governor did not sound hopeful on Sunday that there would be a quick detente with the mayor. We are where we were, he said. Where that is, exactly, may not be of great comfort to New Yorkers. The two leaders have been squabbling over the power to take action in New York City since the early months of Mr. de Blasios tenure as mayor in 2014. Back then, they fought over funding for Mr. de Blasios signature initiative, universal prekindergarten. The mayor planned to fund the major project with a tax on wealthy New Yorkers, but Mr. Cuomo shot down that idea, though he provided $300 million in other funding. Even an abbreviated list of their spats seems lengthy: There was the time Mr. Cuomo shut down the citys subways in a snowstorm, without first telling Mr. de Blasio, or the time when they fought over whether to euthanize a single deer in Harlem. On more serious issues, Mr. Cuomo has overruled the city on a ban on plastic bags, enforced his will on subway repairs and recently demanded the de Blasio administration rein in Medicaid costs. The sniping has continued during the coronavirus outbreak. In mid-March, Mr. de Blasio began calling for a shelter-in-place order, similar to an order that had been issued in the Bay Area. Mr. Cuomo chafed at the mayors suggestion, saying he disliked the phrase, before unveiling several days later what was in effect a shelter-in-place order by another name: New York State on Pause. Other mixed messages have included Mr. de Blasios call in early April for city residents to wear face coverings in public; Mr. Cuomo, who has not worn a mask in public, suggested such a move might engender a false sense of security. (On Sunday, Mr. Cuomo announced an order to employers to provide masks to any worker interacting with the public.) The two men have also differed on the timing of closing of city playgrounds and the cancellation of elective surgery. To re-open the country, experts are increasingly pointing to a tracking 24 hour round the clock system capable of monitoring every American so the U.S. governments health officials and law enforcement can track anyone who comes into contact with those infected with the coronavirus. April 12, 2020 COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreak World StatisticsEmail Coronavirus Cases: 1,796,013 Closed Cases: 522,013 Deaths: 110,012 Recovered: 412,001 Currently Infected Patients 1,274,000 United States Total Coronavirus Cases: 533,115 Active Cases: 434,276 Closed Cases: 51,082 Deaths: 20,580 Recovered: 30,502 Imagine the government being able to track every American via their cell phones or wrist monitor - 24 hours a day? A system that shows where everyone in the country in teal time and is capable to trigger an alarm when a healthy individual comes into contact with an infected coronavirus person. Former FDA commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who is a member of the biotech company board of directors of Pfizer and Illumina, is suggesting for 'massive surveillance'. He believes that the adoption of an Orwellian big brother 1984 tracking system of all Americans is absolutely needed to prevent new coronavirus outbreaks in the U.S. - and around the globe. This type of citizen tracking system is already being tested in China. The system also allows the government to track a persons movements if exposed to the coronavirus by another to track down everyone the newly infected person has come into contact with since being infected. Such a system literally will wipe away personal privacy and amounts to giving our government the ability to monitor the movement and activities of all Americans at all times. Civil libertarians will point out that the government will have access to data that tracks everything Americans do. The danger of that being abused for other purposes that could turn the United States and other democracies around the world into Authoritarian states. Yet, this system may be the only way to prevent another vast outbreak. What presidential activities was President Trump performing when his cabinet and medical specialists warned that millions of people could be infected with the coronavirus and that hundreds of thousands could die? You got it he was playing golf! Distracted - The Lincoln Project The first thing you should know is that the G in 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G stands for Generation. What about the 5? Before we explore that, lets take a trip back to 1979, in Tokyo, Japan, when it was 1. 1G Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, NTT of Japan, launched the worlds first commercial mobile phone cellular telecoms network on December 1, 1979. It was the first time a caller just dialed the number, and no human switchboard operator was needed to connect the call. It wasnt called any G at this point. It was just an analog mobile cellular phone mostly built into cars and too heavy to be carried around by users. It could transmit voice low-quality from mobile location and that was all that mattered. 2G In 1991, 22 years after the NTT technology spread across most of the world, Finland launched a mobile network that established the 2nd generation of mobile networks. The Finnish network was based on an emerging standard, the Global System for Mobile Communications, originally called Groupe Special Mobile or GSM. To differentiate this from the NTT technology, this standard was dubbed 2G thereby implicitly christening NTTs 1G. 2G introduced digital signaling within the radio network. It came with circuit-switched mobile data services like text messaging, and packet delivery at 9.6Kbits/sec. With this network, it will take you about 14 hours to send a 1Mb picture to a friend in the same city assuming it was just the two of you on the network. In the mid-1990s, the General Packet Radio Service, GPRS, was introduced to the GSM standard and the first wireless internet access became possible. The packet delivery rate grew to 172Kbit/sec. The addition of GPRS to 2G was named 2.5G. A few years later, the standard was enhanced by EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution. EDGE networks became 2.75G and were first launched in the U.S. in 2003. In its lifetime, the 2G Standards described technologies that could achieve between 100-400 Kbits/sec data rate and 300-1000 ms latency. The Birth of 3G The PP and PP2 Partnerships As the demand for mobile internet service exploded following the success of 2G, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, ETSI, expanded the GSM standard to enable interoperability between the various technologies that were deployed to make those advancements possible. Without these standards, users would have been restricted to their home network and the convenience of mobile data access would have been greatly limited. While GSM evolved rapidly and gained a majority of the market, the IS-95 standard, developed by Qualcomm ran parallel in the US and Canada. IS-95 pioneered the development of Code-Division Multiple Access, CDMA. Gadgets developed with IS-95 standards could not work with GSM networks and vice-versa. International travellers found it particularly troubling. In 1998, GSM and IS-95 standards organizations formed two partnerships to develop global standards that would make interoperability possible and define standards for future generations of mobile networks. The next generation was called 3G. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project, 3GPP, was one of the resulting projects of the GSM-IS-95 partnership. It was responsible for developing the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System, UMTS. This became the first global standard upgrade to GSM networks. Towards the end of 3Gs life, this project took on the task of developing the Long Term Evolution, LTE, standards 4G, and to this day, 5G. The other project initiated by the GSM-IS-95 partnership was the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2, 3GPP2. It was responsible for the development of 3G specifications for CDMA technologies. CDMA2000 was the first standard issued by 3GPP2 and replaced the IS-95 standards. The Rise of 3G What later became marketed as 3G is the large number of infrastructure and technologies that followed the various specification releases by both 3GGP and 3GPP2. Between 1999 and 2010, 3GPP introduced the UMTS (3G, 1999), High-Speed Downlink Access, HSDPA (3.5G, 2002), and High-Speed Packet Access Evolution, HSPA+ (3.75G, 2007). It also released the first version of LTE (3.95G) The 3GPP2 project developed the CDMA specifications in parallel. Its first release was EV-DO in 1999. The last revision to the EV-DO was released in 2007. 3G not one Technology There is no one 3G technology. Rather, 3G refers to a set of requirements that were developed and published by the International Telecommunication Union, ITU. Since the PP partnerships, ITU prescribes international standards and performance expectations such as data rates and latency for each generation. The partnerships 3GPP and 3GPP2 then define the technical standards to meet, and in most cases, exceed, these requirements. Advertisements ITU defined the 3G requirements in its International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2000 standards. READ ALSO: Generally, 3G also known as Mobile Broadband targeted technologies that pushed data rates across the Mbits threshold. 3G Standards described technologies that could achieve between 0.5-5 Mbits/sec data rate and 100-500 ms latency. 4G pushing the data rate limits Like 3G, theres no single 4G technology. Rather, 4G is a set of requirements, specifically, IMT-advanced, published by the ITU in 2008 after network operators and vendors agreed to retire 3GPP2 and converge around LTE as the common standard for all future networks. The list of requirements for a 4G network is long. But here are a few examples: Download speed of 50 Mbits/sec for mobile clients. Yes, you read that right. If your network provider claims it is offering your 4G service, you must be able to achieve a download speed of 50 Mbits per second in a peak condition. Gbits/s speed for stationery clients e.g. fiber optics clients Latency below 100 ms. Interoperable with previous standards (3G and 2G) your phone should not stop working just because theres no 4G or 3G coverage. Any composition of technologies that can meet these requirements are regarded as 4G. In 2010, the 3GPP project released the 4G LTE-Advanced technical standards to meet these requirements. Even though LTE was introduced as a successor to 3Gs HSPA+, the evolution of HSPA+ continued and many providers have been able to use this same tools to meet the 4G requirements. Enter 5G crushing data rate limits Like its predecessors, 5G is not a technology. Rather, it is a set of requirements mobile network providers must meet in the advancement of their capabilities. The ITU released its first draft of the requirements for 5G in 2015. It is called IMT-2020. These requirements are expected to be completed this year and will shape the global standard for mobile communications this decade. Like its predecessors, the list of requirements for a 5G network is long. Here are a few relevant examples: 1 million devices per square km minimum connection density the service provider must be able to connect Download peak data rate of 20 Gbit/sec the ideal situation for stationary users Upload peak data rate of 10 Gbits/sec the ideal situation for stationary users What you should get on your phone (download) 100 Mbits/sec What you should get on your phone (upload) 50 Mbits/sec Latency 1 ms Despite the increased power, your phones battery should last as long as it does now. These requirements are ambitious. Besides the increased download speeds the networks are required to deliver to users, they are also required to deliver that level of service to more users 1 million per square kilometer. The user density requirement is in response to increased demand for connectivity by gadgets such as wristwatches, TVs, refrigerators, cars, street lights, etc. The 3GPP project is actively developing standards and technologies expected to meet these requirements. Can 5G make you sick? If you have ever asked this question, your concerns are valid. But the short answer is NO. 5G will not make you sick. Just before you run away with that answer, lets consider why. Just like the other Gs before it, 5G is not a technology. Rather, it is a set of requirements describing standards mobile service providers must meet to be considered contemporary. Most concerns about the health effect of 5G center around the technologies that carriers build to meet the 5G requirements specifically, the use of the millimeter waves. On the electromagnetic spectrum, the millimeter waves roughly lie between the radio waves and visible light. Unlike the lower-frequency radio waves, millimeter waves have smaller wavelengths and generally poor with penetrating vegetation and thick walls. But they are good at handling large data at better rates. With most of the radio waves already allocated, many carriers are turning to the millimeter waves to transmit the amount of data required by 5G. This means the carries would have to deploy a lot more access points within smaller distances than they currently do. The two questions many organized societies have asked are, first, how safe is the millimeter-wave signal? And, will a large number of access points deployed close to peoples homes expose humans to dangerous radiation? The scientific consensus on both questions is still NO. Radio waves, millimeter-wave, and visible light all belong to a part of the electromagnetic spectrum called non-ionizing radiation because of the inability to interact with cells in a way that can break cell bonds. X-rays and gamma rays, on the higher end of the spectrum and belong to the ionizing-radiation class. In fact, the millimeter-wave spectrum is not required to achieve 5G. T-Mobile, a U.S. carrier and the largest vendor of 5G in that country, uses low frequencies originally used for broadcast television. COVID-19 has been the talk of the town for more than two months now after the novel coronavirus brought the life around the world to a standstill. The highly contagious disease which started in the Chinese city of Wuhan now has the entire world in its grip, forcing major economies into virtual shutdowns. The pandemic has spread across 185 countries and territories. At the time of writing this article, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India were 8,356. The Union Health Ministry has reported 273 deaths so far. Globally, there have been over 17.7 lakh confirmed cases of COVID-19. At least 1.08 lakh people have died due to the disease. "This is the greatest pandemic in 100 years. I can't say how things will turn out as so many things are happening for the first time," Howard Marks, Co-Founder of Oaktree Capital Management told CNBC-TV18. 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 Related stories Howard Marks co-chairman|Oaktree Capital "I don't think there is a way to avert a worldwide recession. It's probably going to be the worst recession since the great depression of the 1930s," he said. "15-20 million people, who were employed 2 months ago, are unemployed today. Millions of businesses have shut down and people are not spending money," he added. This crisis has butchered every asset class in a just one month as FIIs started pulling out money from every segment to cash in and stay away for the time being; though there was stability in the last couple of weeks after panic selling (as the Sensex itself rallied more than 21 percent from its lows seen on March 23). Globally equity markets had corrected more than 35 percent (from February 20 to March 23) as growth is expected to deteriorate in coming quarters. Oil market was the worst hit with international benchmark Brent crude futures falling to a near two-decade low of around $22 a barrel in March from around $70 levels in January, though it recovered around 40 percent from that lows amid hope of production cuts. "This crisis has seen the sharpest fall in crude prices. S&P profits are going to be down catastrophically in the second quarter," Marks said. He feels every investor faces two risks every day - the risk of losing money and missing opportunity. "From year to year, you have to vary your stance to make sure you don't lose money." He said he was very cautious over the last few years, but today he was less cautious. "It's the worst crisis we've seen, government action has brought investors back to buying side." The United States announced $2 trillion coronavirus economic relief package, while Japan signed nearly $1 trillion stimulus package to support the economy from COVID-19 impact. European countries also announced billion dollars packages, which has provided ample liquidity support. Howard Marks, who is known as the world's biggest stressed securities buyer, said he would love to find good investments in India. "India always has great resources and great potential in the form of its people. India always has the potential of 'getting it back together'," he reasoned. "I am not enough of an expert on India to be able to give you specific areas of interest, but the opportunity to invest in debt is much better than it was eight weeks ago," he said. Marks feels private equity (PE) will be buyers in the months ahead. "The question for the PE business model is if they can get the leverage to buy." : 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. Brad Aronson (right) started writing "HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time," when his wife, Mia (left), was diagnosed with leukemia and countless friends, family and strangers rallied around them and their son, Jack (center). Read more When Brad Aronsons wife, Mia, got sick in 2014 with leukemia, the couple was overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from friends, family, and complete strangers. Inspired by the many demonstrations of "humankindnesses that supported their family through Mias recovery, Aronson a local tech investor who lives with his wife and their son Jack in Queen Village began seeking out and writing stories of those whose acts of kindness transform lives every day. The result is his new book, Human Kind: How to Change the World One Small Act at a Time (LifeTree Media, 2020). It goes on sale April 14, and 100% of its proceeds will support Big Brothers Big Sisters, on whose board Aronson sits. In this excerpt, Aronson introduces readers to the power of the right words, spoken at the right time. Words provide us with an amazing opportunity. Whether we spend five minutes and 55 cents to drop someone a line or make a greater investment, theres no limit to the impact our words can have. We can express love, brighten a day, and transform lives. My friend Luis Olivieri tells the story of a teacher whose words of encouragement changed everything for him. He was in 11th grade at Jose de Diego High School in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and just wanted to live in the moment. He considered college to be something outside his abilities and his reach. I never saw myself as someone intelligent, and I certainly didnt see myself as university-student material, he says. I didnt have any clue to what was going to happen with my life. I figured Id be a salesman in a store somewhere like my grandfather, my father, and my older brother. After a science exam one day, his teacher Victor Casiano dismissed the rest of the class but asked Luis to stay. Luis assumed he was in trouble for something. When the others had left, the teacher leaned back in his chair. What are you doing wasting your time and wasting my time? he said. You are one of the smartest kids in the class. You should be focused and thinking about going to college. You should work harder in school. READ MORE: He knew from experience what foster care was like. So he fostered a young man - and then adopted him. READ MORE: Hes on a one-man mission to clean up trash and help save sea life Luis didnt say anything. You just listen during those open your eyes moments, he says. This was coming from someone I really respected, so it was important. Listening to Victor telling me I could succeed was a very powerful moment. It was a turning point, in fact. Before that conversation, although hed excelled in science, hed barely gotten by in his other classes because he just didnt care about those subjects. But afterward, he started taking them seriously and getting better grades. Science remained first in his heart, though, and he teamed up with Victor and another teacher on science projects that theyd work on during class, after school, and on weekends. Victor also encouraged him to participate in science fairs. Luis was skeptical about his chances, but he went on to win at the local, municipal, and regional levels for a project on the distribution of lichens a barometer of pollution in the western region of Puerto Rico. It was too little too late, though. Although he also went on to do well on the college boards, his lackluster start to high school dragged his GPA down low enough that he wasnt accepted to the University of Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, it was the University of Puerto Rico or nothing because his parents couldnt afford to send him to a private school. Victor had instilled Luis with too much self-confidence to accept the verdict quietly, so he met with the university admissions director. She wasnt budging, though. Honey, if you do not have the GPA, you cannot get in, she told him. As definitive as that sounded, Luis didnt give up. When he saw the chancellor outside the admissions office, he asked for five minutes of his time. He was this huge, tall guy, and he put his arm around my shoulder and walked me to his office," says Luis. "We were standing around his conference table and I opened my small suitcase and started taking out the science awards and putting them on the table. I had the certificates framed and there were a couple of medals. It was very casual conversation, and he asked a lot of questions: What is this award for? Can you tell me about your project? When he had no more questions, I waited. You know your work says more about you than your GPA, the chancellor finally said. Im going to give you a chance to come to the university. I was about 10 feet tall, Luis says. We went to the admissions director, who told me I couldnt get in, and he said, I want this guy in, and he signed the paperwork right there. Luis graduated in 1992 with a bachelor of science degree and later received a master of science. Today, he works at Hopeworks, a nonprofit organization that provides education and training in technology and entrepreneurship. Its goal is to break the cycle of poverty and violence among youths in Camden, N.J. one of Americas poorest cities and often cited as one of the most dangerous. An expert in geographic information systems, Luis could be earning top dollar at a consultancy, but its more important to him to help youth. Its a lot like what Victor did for me, Luis told me. His words of encouragement after a science test made me believe in myself. At Hopeworks, Im helping young people understand their potential and helping them understand that they can do way more than they think they can do. For the most part, during the drive-thru testing, persons being tested would just roll down their window a small portion, both to protect the person and the guardsmen doing the testing. Because the coronavirus has been identified as potentially airborne, guardsmen wore N95 masks, and over the top of those, face shields. The personal protective equipment worn by guardsmen is more than that worn by doctors and nurses in hospitals. They also wore decontamination suits, with areas such as between the gloves and sleeves taped off to prevent the virus from getting on their clothing. At the conclusion of the days testing, each of those participating in the exercise would be decontaminated with a bleach solution sprayed onto the suits. China is clamping down on research into the origins of the coronavirus after officials have 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. China is clamping down on research into the origins of the coronavirus after officials have demanded the right to inspect its scientific papers before they are made pubic. Pictured are two Wuhan residents 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. 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 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. China's president, Xi Jinping, put 'tracing the origin of the virus' on a list of national priorities as the exact origin of the pandemic is still unclear. The Chinese embassy in London has been contacted for comment. 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. Pictured are Wuhan residents One widespread theory about the origins of the disease is that it began from a seafood 'wet market' in Wuhan after a human came into contact with an infected animal. Scientists believes Covid-19 originated in bats and was passed to another animal before the first human was infected. China has faced criticism after it didn't shut down wet markets after previous outbreaks of coronaviruses such as Sars in 2002. 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. Pictured are Wuhan residents A senior research fellow of Chinese studies at Monash University, Kevin Carrico, said that while he wasn't aware of these specific recent changes the allegations are in line with efforts from the Chinese government to control the narrative of the outbreak. Mr Carrico believes the efforts have been made clear in communications from the government throughout the epidemic. He said: 'There is a desire to a degree to deny realities that are staring at us in the face that this is a massive pandemic that originated in a place that the Chinese government really should have cleaned up after Sars.' Government has imposed one of its ailing parastatals, NetOne, to exclusively manage the transfer of millions of dollars meant to cushion vulnerable populations against the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it has emerged.But some of the beneficiaries have vowed to resist the move, preferring to use their Ecocash accounts. President Emmerson Mnangagwas administration recently declared the novel coronavirus or Covid-19 outbreak which has already killed close to 70 000 people worldwide in slightly more than three months a national disaster and decreed a 21-lockdown from March 30. Government announced at the commencement of the lockdown that it had reserved $600 million (US$24 million) in cash transfers for vulnerable groups that include informal traders, and is disbursing an initial $90 million (US$3.6 million) from this week. However, a snap investigation by The Standard, working in collaboration with Information for Development Trust, an anti-corruption non-profit outfit, revealed signs that the government could be manipulating the fund to rescue NetOne by directing that all the money to intended beneficiaries be transferred through the telecommunications mobile cash facility. Beneficiaries are expected to receive $200 per head, translating to US$8 at the fixed bank rate, but US$5 on the black market, during the weekend. The first disbursement is planned to reach 450 000 people. The fund is being run under the Labour and Social Welfare ministry, which is targeting a million beneficiaries. It emerged, however, that most of the likely beneficiaries were using a different mobile money transfer facility, Ecocash, owned by Econet Zimbabwe banner and the intended recipients could lose out on the disbursements if they do not migrate to NetOnes One Wallet. According to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, NetOne processed only 1.1% of the total mobile money transactions in 2019, while Econet handled more than 98%. The third telecoms company, Telecel, another government parastatal, made a very negligible contribution, according to the authority. Potential beneficiaries are also worried that the registration process has been politicised amid signs that authorities were favouring ruling Zanu PF card-holders. This publication gathered that Zanu PF officials were last week in Epworth on the outskirts of Harare and Hopley in the capital, mobilising party supporters to register, amid speculation that the ruling party was planning to interfere with the cash transfer programme. Senior government officials confirmed that the cash transfer opportunity had been given to NetOne. Small to Medium Enterprises Development minister Sithembiso Nyoni justified imposing NetOne, which she argued attracted less transfer charges than Ecocash. They [beneficiaries] need to address that [issue of which facility to use] themselves because if you are aware, Econet is very expensive and NetOne charges are very low, Nyoni said. It is for their own good so that they make the best of their money. It is not very difficult to register just a dollar to get a NetOne line. No one is saying they should not use Ecocash, but for this one, it is NetOne. That money is being administered by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and it is going to be used for the vulnerable including the informal sector, which has been surviving from hand-to-mouth and has its source of income affected (by the lockdown), she added. She accused unnamed people of spreading fake news relating to the cash transfer facility for selfish benefit. There are some people who have been circulating statements and asking people to register through their own lines, which would dupe the SMEs because we dont know who they are and what they are going to do with those names. Let the public be alerted that they should register through legitimate government structures, she added. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima also justified the controversial imposition of the state-owned company, saying they were issuing NetOne mobile phone lines to those that were registering as beneficiaries. Mavima said: As we register, we give them a NetOne line. We have entered into an agreement with NetOne such that when they [beneficiaries] get a line, they also get a card they can use to swipe. We made a policy decision that people will be helped. I dont have details now on how many people have registered. People will get $200 each, so if it is a family of four, they get $800. I am sure that they [ministry staff] should be starting disbursements next [this] week, Mavima added. The initial allocation that had come is $90 million, but we anticipate getting additional resources because we are targeting as much as a million people to begin with. So far I am sure that $90 million is capable of covering 450 000 people. Informal traders are not amused with the NetOne facility and vowed to resist it, describing it as scandalous. Samuel Wadzanai, director of the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation, said government had rushed the registration process. This was a hurried process and there was no clarity in terms of the requirements by the ministry, Wadzanai said. They bunched the social welfare element together with the informal sector facility. There is no clarity on who is doing the selection process and the vetting. We have been requested to update our databases, which we have done. We have submitted them, but we dont know who is going to decide who gets money and who doesnt. We would have wanted to be involved in those processes so that we can be able to explain to those who would not have benefited why they did not benefit. He said his membership would resist registering with NetOne. That is unacceptable. We were never told that we must register with NetOne only, Wadzanai added. What we know for a fact is that more than 90% of people who registered use their Ecocash lines because thats what the majority of people are using. Migrating to NetOne would delay the registration process as people starved, he added. If government wants to help the vulnerable as it is claiming, the only logical thing to do is to use a facility known to and used by many, said one informal trader who accused the government of capitalising on the Covid-19 crisis to boost its own parastatals market share. Because of its low market share, NetOnes One Wallet facility is not accessible in non-urban areas. Standard 10 foreign members of Tablighi Jamaat arrested in Tamil Nadu India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Apr 12: Ten foreign members of the Tablighi Jamaat have been arrested from a madrasa in Tamil Nadu. They were arrested from a madrasa at the Needur village in Tamil Nadu on charges of violating the lockdown and also the Foreigners Act. The police said these persons had not attended the congregation in Delhi last month. However the police is now waiting for their swab sample tests. These persons were produced before the magistrate, who in turn remanded them in 15 days judicial custody. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, April 12, 2020, 8:21 [IST] Local animal experts are teaching the public that their pets cant contract COVID-19. Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Centers Executive Director Sara Heffern said she has had to teach pet owners who are ready to surrender their animals that their pets cannot contract COVID-19. Some pet owners are concerned that COVID-19 can be carried on a pets fur. Unfortunately, we have had people who think that if someone sneezes near a pet, that it can be transmitted on their fur, and there are absolutely no findings to support that. However, that is a part of the public panic, Heffern said. If owners are concerned, they should keep pets, including cats, inside, said veterinary technician Shannon Mckinney from Mesa Grande Animal Clinic. Heffern has had to clarify that feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease in cats caused by certain strains of the feline coronavirus. This coronavirus is not COVID-19, and cant be transmitted from cats to humans, she said. The worst thing cats can get is FIP, and they can get that from a scratch or a bite from another cat, and they are so susceptible to infections and everything anyway that we just recommend, regardless of what panic or what is going on outside, to keep your cats inside, Mckinney said. Watermelon Mountain Ranch is receiving about five requests a day for canine surrenders, Heffern said. About 5 percent of those requests are COVID-19-related. COVID-19-related can mean people have lost their job and can no longer afford to feed their pets, or people are relocating for employment opportunities and cant bring their pets, she said. Adoption rates at the center have remained consistent throughout the pandemic. People have to call and make appointments in order to adopt an animal. Watermelon Mountain Ranch, like most shelters, is experiencing supply shortages for disinfectant cleaners, cat litter, dog food and wet and dry cat food. We are getting calls all across the state of shelters that are struggling. And we are doing everything we can to help them, Heffern said. The Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center has seen no change in surrenders or adoption rates, said city spokeswoman Annemarie Garcia. Neither has has Animal Humane New Mexico, said Kelsey Gutierrez, Animal Humane New Mexico senior adoptions and admissions manager. To donate to Watermelon Mountain Ranch, visit wmranch.org/donate-1 or set up an appointment to drop off supplies by calling 980-6354. People can also mail in donations to 1380 NM 528 SE, Ste. 374, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. To donate to the Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center, call 891-5075. The center now requires appointments for pet adoptions as well. Animal Humanes biggest need is donations to its pet food bank at it main campus in Albuquerque, at 615 Virginia St. SE. This bank will provide pet food to families in need during the COVID-19 crisis, Gutierrez said. By Abdul Qadir Sediqi KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban will release 20 Afghan government prisoners it was holding, a spokesman of the Islamist militant group said on Sunday, the first handover since the beginning of a peace process. "Today, 20 prisoners of the Kabul administration will be released by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and handed over to ICRC in Kandahar," the spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, said on Twitter. Since Wednesday, the Afghan government has released 300 Taliban prisoners as part of a swap after a February pact between the United States and the Taliban that offers the best chance yet of ending the 18-year U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan. (Writing by Gibran Peshimam; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) By Andy Mukherjee For 100 years now, capitalism has had a pro-leverage bias. Unlike dividends, which are paid only after the state has taken its share of earnings, interest is deducted from pretax profit, shrinking the pie available to the government. This accounting oddity, which treats debt capital more favourably than equity, has driven the leveraged buyout industry, led to a correction in a foundational paper by a pair of Nobel economics winners, and played a role in the 2008 financial crisis. Disaffection with this anomaly has long swirled as an undercurrent, especially in tax-starved developing economies. The coronavirus is reheating the debate. Industrial losses may need to be socialized en masse to get displaced workers back on the job and prevent the global economy from spiralling into depression. To manage the backlash against using public money for private gains, more countries are likely to follow the US Congress and the UK banking regulator, which have pushed for a halt to buybacks and dividends. But corporate rescue this time may also involve a rewriting of accounting rules to encourage deleveraging, so that bailouts are needed less often and are less costly. It was in 1918, when economists were likening the global spread of an excess profit tax on wartime corporate income to the deadly outbreak of the Spanish flu, that the US relented and allowed all interest paid to be deducted from taxable profit. It was a temporary measure to give firms relief, but although the extra tax burden went away in 1921, the favourable treatment of interest income stayed and was copied around the world. The debt bias is very real. In the late 1950s, academics Franco Modigliani and Merton Miller controversially asserted that corporations should be indifferent to the mix of debt and equity in their capital structure. Five years later, the professors issued a correction, acknowledging that a dollar of debt would raise the value of a firm by 50 cents, the then-prevailing corporate tax rate (Modigliani went on to win the Nobel prize in 1985; Miller would get it five years later). The idea of a withholding tax on interest payments has done the rounds since at least 1982, but how does a foreign investor or a tax-exempt local investor get credit? No country would want foreigners to shun its corporate debt and go where there's no withholding. Developing economies have also been ambivalent. Their tax authorities hate it when multinationals give loans to their profitable subsidiaries, thus reducing their taxable income in poor nations. On the other hand, it didnt take long for local firms in Asia, Latin America or Eastern Europe to figure out that they, too, could attract large pools of Western savings by souping up shareholder returns with higher leverage. It helped that the cost of the debt was tax-deductible. To the extent the borrowings came from state-owned local banks, the lenders interest income flowed to the government as taxes and dividends. After the 2008 crisis, policymakers looked aghast at the debt-financed expansion in banking over the previous three decades. But beyond specifying higher regulatory capital, they couldnt do much to shake the inertia. As McKinsey & Co. noted in 2010, replacing the stock of financial sector debt with equity in just 14 countries would have required more than 60% of the then-existing global equity capital. No wonder, then, that the world economy has kept accumulating debt. China stepped up borrowings to hold on to high growth in a slow-speed world; India wrecked its finance industry to achieve China-like expansion. On the supply side, as banks retreated under regulatory pressure for more capital, private credit from insurers, pension funds and other non-banks took their place, growing to a $300 billion industry by 2018 from $100 billion in 2010. The additional corporate value garnered with cheap debt isnt a free lunch. An International Monetary Fund staff discussion note warned in 2011 that costs to public welfare are larger possibly much larger than previously thought. The 2017 overhaul of the US tax code restricted interest deduction to 30% of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization as an offset for slashing the corporate rate to 21% from 35%. The UK, too, put a limit. But then came the coronavirus. The sheer scale of economic disruption and job losses means that governments and central banks will join hands. Japans near-$1 trillion fiscal spending has set the tone for outsize government borrowing. But while assuming a more active economic role, governments will also want to show that they arent running a Ponzi scheme. Disallowing interest deduction will generate resources as well as play into the zeitgeist for more public welfare. As independent strategist Gerard Minack noted recently, our world is primed to maximize financial returns on the assumption that nothing will go wrong. When things do, not just once but twice in 12 years, politicians must ask whether a smaller, more resilient firm, valued a little less than before, is better than a large but fragile enterprise. Minack also believes that temporary restrictions on stock buybacks could be accompanied by changes to the tax treatment of debt. With industries of all hues begging governments for survival capital, rebates and even employee wages, bargaining power of firms is at rock bottom. The unfinished tax reform agenda has a chance. Given that suppliers of debt financing are spread all over the world, a withholding tax on interest payments could cause dislocations. A less disruptive option, as law professors Michael Graetz and Alvin Warren, Jr. argued in a 2016 essay, might be to deny deductions for all or part of interest payments at the corporate level. Overcoming entrenched resistance to a once-in-100-years change wont be easy. The only time to even attempt it is when faced with a disaster not encountered since the Spanish flu. Potential Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited (ASX:SOL) shareholders may wish to note that the Non-Executive Director, Thomas Dobson Millner, recently bought AU$787k worth of stock, paying AU$17.50 for each share. That's a very solid buy in our book, and increased their holding by a noteworthy 18%. Check out our latest analysis for Washington H. Soul Pattinson The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Washington H. Soul Pattinson In fact, the recent purchase by Thomas Dobson Millner was the biggest purchase of Washington H. Soul Pattinson shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. That implies that an insider found the current price of AU$17.95 per share to be enticing. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. While we always like to see insider buying, it's less meaningful if the purchases were made at much lower prices, as the opportunity they saw may have passed. The good news for Washington H. Soul Pattinson share holders is that insiders were buying at near the current price. Washington H. Soul Pattinson insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! ASX:SOL Recent Insider Trading April 11th 2020 Washington H. Soul Pattinson is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Insider Ownership of Washington H. Soul Pattinson Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Washington H. Soul Pattinson insiders own 6.0% of the company, currently worth about AU$259m based on the recent share price. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders. Story continues So What Does This Data Suggest About Washington H. Soul Pattinson Insiders? It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchases. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. Along with the high insider ownership, this analysis suggests that insiders are quite bullish about Washington H. Soul Pattinson. Nice! While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. To assist with this, we've discovered 4 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of Washington H. Soul Pattinson. Of course Washington H. Soul Pattinson 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. A man is in a critical condition in hospital following a street "altercation" in Enniskillen, police have said. At around 8.40pm on Saturday police received a report of an altercation in the Coolcullen Meadows area of the town involving several mean armed with weapons. Upon arrival, police found two men with wounds to their legs, both requiring hospital treatment. One of the men is now in a critical condition. A PSNI spokesperson said: "It is believed that another man involved in the incident had left the scene before officers arrived and enquiries are ongoing to determine his whereabouts. "Detectives would ask anyone with information or with any video footage of the altercation to contact them at Enniskillen on 101 quoting reference number 2257 11/04/20." Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Choi Jung-hun, right, at the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr. As COVID-19 spread around the world causing people to isolate themselves, some wondered if the most self-isolating country had been infected by the deadly virus. There have been a range of reports, with North Korea denying it had any infections and some charging that North Korea was shooting anyone suspected of having the virus. On April 4, Dr. Choi Jung-hun, a research professor at Korea University, talked with Apple Daily reporter Yuen Chi Man from Hong Kong and with Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center (TNKR) co-founders Casey Lartigue and Eunkoo Lee at the organization's office in Seoul. Dr. Choi studied clinical medicine at the Chongjin Medical University in North Korea, then worked in North Korea as a doctor of neurology for three years and for seven years at the Chongjin Railway Bureau containing contagious diseases. His extended interview has been edited for publication, with his permission. By Casey Lartigue Jr. Dr. Choi: There are three key points I hope your readers will remember when they read about North Korea's medical system and infectious diseases. One, North Korea's medical system is not equipped to treat or even detect infectious diseases. Two, North Korea's medical system is neither free nor a paradise for patients as it claims to be. Three, even doctors and nurses must rely on the market. One: North Korea is not equipped to diagnose or treat infectious diseases. Yes, I have seen the reports about North Koreans getting executed when they allegedly have been infected by COVID-19. I don't believe this is true. North Korean doctors aren't equipped to detect who is infected, the medical system is still too primitive to distinguish among the flu, colds, SARS, Ebola, COVID-19 and other serious infections. How can they start shooting people if they can't even determine who is infected? This is not the first infection that North Koreans have been exposed to, but the regime didn't start shooting people for having it. If they started shooting people for having a virus, then people would riot. There have been news stories and speculation about the spread of COVID-19 to North Korea, but I assume that the North Korean government won't talk about it honestly. It would undermine propaganda about North Korea being a paradise. North Korea doesn't announce such infections or problems to the general population, although it does try to treat the elite. Using common sense, it makes no sense to trust any information coming out of North Korea. The North Korean medical system hasn't developed much over the past few decades; some hospitals are still using medical equipment from the Kim Il-sung era. The government responded to COVID-19 as it responds to outbreaks: shutting the border to China, controlling travel within North Korea, and protecting Pyongyang. The top three hospitals are only for the Kim family, the best doctors serve there. The rest of the hospitals are for the majority of the population, but the best of those hospitals are reserved for government officials who are also wealthy enough to also bribe doctors to get better treatment. I was in North Korea during the SARS outbreak. North Korea announced that it didn't have any SARS infections. It denied there was Ebola in North Korea. Now it is denying there is COVID-19 there. North Korea denies what it doesn't understand. It might then directly ask the World Health Organization for some support while still denying there is a problem. During 2006-07, I was part of the medical team trying to identify people who had scarlet fever. I was going on trains trying to identify people with symptoms. We were wrong. It turned out to be a measles outbreak, not scarlet fever. North Koreans are kept in the dark about infections and must fend for themselves. COVID-19 is just another virus for North Koreans. North Koreans don't know about the virus, so they wouldn't go see a doctor about it. Even if they did, North Korea's medical system couldn't help most of them. Two: North Korea is not a medical paradise. I sometimes hear some people talk about the North Korean medical system being good because it is free, but I was a doctor there, I know the reality. Saying North Korea's medical system is free is like saying you have a gun with no bullets. As background, I worked as a doctor in North Korea for three years, I was promoted to work in the disease control center preventing infections. I worked there for seven years before I escaped North Korea in 2011 and arrived in South Korea in January 2012. When I came to South Korea, I was surprised by the range and quality of medical care. In comparison, I could see how primitive North Korea's medical system is, there are so many things that doctors in North Korea don't know and even if they did know, they don't have access to proper medical equipment. North Korea says it is a paradise providing for everyone's needs, but it doesn't. People can get more adequate medical treatment in a capitalist country like South Korea. In that way, South Korea is doing a better job at living up to North Korea's communist pledge of providing health care to the general population. Doctors lack medical equipment and squeeze their income from patients in the form of bribes. Rich people and those connected with the elite can get adequate health care because they can bribe doctors or they already have exclusive medical facilities set aside for them. On the other hand, poor people don't get actual treatment at a hospital. At the most, they can get a prescription from a hospital, then go into the market to get medicine they need. Most North Koreans can't expect treatment at a hospital, and that doesn't change when there is a virus outbreak. So why would North Korea announce to the general population an outbreak that it can't diagnose or treat with its primitive medical tools and infrastructure? Three: Even doctors in North Korea must rely on the market. Even if doctors wanted to treat everyone, they couldn't, so they prioritize those patients who can pay. Patients pay for the room, the heating system, medical equipment or a particular medical procedure. Patients pay with money, cigarettes, alcohol or other items doctors and nurses want or can sell. Doctors and nurses provide their skills; everything else needs to be paid for by the patient. Patients even need to pay for the meals of doctors and nurses. As far as I know, North Korea has the only medical system in the world where patients must even pay for the meals of the doctors and nurses. My monthly salary as a doctor in North Korea would be enough to buy two cups of coffee here in Seoul. I made most of my money in the form of bribes from patients. When I helped 30 patients, then I could collect 30 boxes of cigarettes. Then I could sell those cigarettes in the market to make more money than I could make from my government salary. In conclusion, it should be clear that the North Korean medical system isn't equipped to handle an infectious outbreak. Doctors are working with primitive medical tools, working in out-of-date hospitals and health centers that lack reliable water supply facilities or electricity, patients bribing doctors to get help and getting their medicine in the market and people dying from infections they aren't informed about. North Korea's medical system is not prepared to diagnose or treat an infectious virus outbreak. It is easier for North Korea to deny what is happening and to just let people die. Casey Lartigue is co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center. He conducted this interview along with Yuen Chi Man, a reporter for Apple Daily. TNKR co-founder Eunkoo Lee translated Dr. Choi's words from Korean to English. Legalising cannabis would result in soaring numbers of people suffering from schizophrenia-like psychosis, one of Britain's top psychiatrists has warned. Evidence now shows that when the drug is legalised, greater numbers smoke it more frequently and in stronger varieties. These factors increase the incidence of cannabis-related psychosis, according to Professor Sir Robin Murray, an authority on the risks of the drug to mental health. He predicted that 'big cannabis' firms with scant regard for people's health will 'seduce' the Government into reforming the law and the State will then find itself in thrall to the new industry because of the tax and jobs it provides. Hand holding a marijuana leaf on a background of blue sky - stock image The warning is a major intervention from Professor Murray, who told The Mail on Sunday growing evidence about the harm cannabis causes had made him change his mind about legalising the Class B drug. Previously the expert a professor at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London had supported tightly controlled legalisation married with public education campaigns spelling out the risks. But he said the experience of places that had decriminalised or legalised it from Portugal and the Netherlands to swathes of North America had made him think again. Besides clear evidence that prolonged use greatly raises the risk of serious mental illness, he said he was also forced to rethink his position by the explosive growth of a 'wild west' cannabis industry. Marijuana joints next to a jar filled with loose marijuana waiting to be rolled He said: 'I didn't appreciate how big the cannabis industry was going to be. These guys in Canada and California, they are setting out that the cannabis industry will be as big as the tobacco industry. And of course they can't be trusted.' Professor Murray outlined his concerns in the journal JAMA Psychiatry with Australian public health expert Wayne Hall. 'In those US states that have legalised cannabis, the price has fallen and both cannabis use and dependency has increased among adults,' they wrote. One US study they cited found 30 per cent of users were now dependent, triple the proportion in the 1990s, with dependency growing as the strength of the drug increased. That finding accords with research published last week which found the drug can be highly addictive and can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Some reports found cannabis use increases the risk of depression and suicide, said the pair, 'but by far the strongest evidence concerns psychosis'. 'Numerous prospective studies have shown cannabis use carries an increased risk of later schizophrenia-like psychosis,' they warned. In fact, ten of 13 such studies showed users had 'a significantly increased risk of psychosis' while 'two of the remaining three showed a trend in that direction'. Those who smoked 'high-potency cannabis' daily saw their risk of psychosis increase 'up to nine-fold'. Last night Professor Murray denied being alarmist. 'It took 40 years before it was accepted that smoking caused lung cancer,' he said. His warnings come amid growing calls to legalise cannabis. At the last Election the Liberal Democrats proposed legalising cannabis while Labour said it would 'progress clinically appropriate prescription of medical cannabis'. The Government insists it has no plans to legalise the drug. The Group of 20 (G20) industrialised nations led by the United States is supporting Fridays resolution of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and their non-OPEC allies led by Russia, to cut oil output by an initial 10 million barrels per day. The industrialised countries, however, refused to make any commitment of their own on oil production cut. The OPEC+ resolution was taken during their extraordinary online meeting to decide a cut in global oil supply to stabilise the market and halt declining prices. Crude oil prices dropped below 18 years low levels since the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus pandemic which has unleashed ravaging impact on the global economy. The OPEC+ deal At the end of their meeting, the group referred to as OPEC+ resolved to implement the cut in three phases between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022. A communique at the end of the meeting said members overall crude oil production would be adjusted downwards by 10 million barrels per day, starting from May 1 2020, for an initial period of two months until June 30, 2020. The second phase of the agreement to cut about eight million barrels per day is expected to take effect from July 1, 2020. It will last for six months till December 31, 2020. The final cut would be by six mIllion barrels over 16 months period, between January 1, 2021 and 30 April 2022. Under the deal, which is subject to a review by December 2021, Saudi Arabia and Russia would each contribute 5.5 million barrels per day. However, Mexico has now opted not to commit to its share of cuts agreed by OPEC+. Although Mexico was expected to cut as much as 400,000 barrels per day from May to June, the countrys President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, said the national oil company, Pemex, would cut just 100,000 barrels of oil per day. Mexico, an oil-producing country, is not a member of OPEC. G20 endorses OPEC+ During its online meeting on Friday, the G20 energy ministers agreed to coordinate OPEC+ efforts to stem the haemorrhaging of the oil and gas sector, by creating a task force to monitor compliance with the deal. The groups communique did not, however, state the specific volume its members would cut from their daily production. However, members acknowledged the impact of the deepening global economic crisis as a result of COVID-19. They expressed their commitment to work together with OPEC+ in the spirit of solidarity and immediate concrete actions to address the issues. The significant economic contraction and uncertain outlook due to the pandemic have exacerbated energy supply and demand imbalances, increasing energy market instability directly impacting the oil and gas sector, and spilling over into other industries, further hampering the global economic recovery. To safeguard our energy markets, we commit to work together to develop collaborative policy responses that will ensure market stability across all energy sources taking into account each countrys circumstances, the G20 communique said. Before their meeting, OPEC+ had said they would push the G20 members to contribute an additional five million barrels of oil per day. A key member of the group, United States, did not commit to set a limit to its shale oil production. The U.S. is currently the worlds largest oil producer although most of its oil is consumed locally. Saudi Arabia, a leading OPEC member, is the worlds largest oil exporter, followed by Russia, a non-member of OPEC. Advertisements Turkey dispatches some 300 allied Takfiri militants from Syria to Libya: SOHR Iran Press TV Saturday, 11 April 2020 3:18 PM Turkey has reportedly sent new batches of allied Takfiri militants from Syria to Libya, following a bill passed by the parliament earlier this year that allows the Ankara government to deploy forces to the North African country to intervene in the civil war. The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, citing sources requesting not to be named, reported on Saturday that nearly 300 members of the so-called Sultan Murad Division, Northern Falcons Brigade and the Sham Legion militant groups arrived in Libya the previous day. The Observatory added that a batch of at least 150 Takfiris from the Sultan Murad Division had been transported by Turkish buses in the past few days from Syria's northwestern city of Afrin to the border with Turkey. Another batch, consisting of tens of Takfiri recruits from Jarabulus and al-Bab cities, were moved to Hawar Kellis border region as well. The Britain-based war monitor highlighted that Turkey has so far sent approximately 5,050 allied Takfiri militants from Syria to Libya, and nearly 1,950 others are currently receiving military training in Turkey in order to be sent to the war-ravaged North African country. Libya plunged into chaos in 2011, when a popular uprising and a NATO intervention led to the ouster of long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi and his execution by unruly fighters. The North African country has since been split between two rival administrations based in the east and west amid a conflict drawing increasing involvement from foreign powers. According to the latest UN tally, more than 280 civilians and roughly 2,000 fighters have been killed since self-styled commander Khalifa Haftar launched his offensive in April to seize Tripoli. An estimated 146,000 Libyans have been displaced. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It was recently revealed that she had split from boyfriend Chris Hughes after 16 months together. But Jesy Nelson had a reason to smile on Sunday after she was awarded with the inspirational influencer of the year prize at PrettyLittleThing's virtual influencer awards. The Little Mix star, 28, gushed that the award meant 'so much' to her as she lead the list of winners including Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague and Amber Gill. Winner: Jesy Nelson had a reason to smile on Sunday after she was awarded with the inspirational influencer of the year prize at PrettyLittleThing's virtual influencer awards Jesy looked chuffed as she accepted the gong from the comfort of her own home amid the coronavirus lockdown. Due to the pandemic, Jesy and the other winners were forced to record their acceptance speeches via video link after the glitzy ceremony (originally scheduled for 18th March) was cancelled amid government guidelines. American actor Terrence J, 37, hosted the awards live on PrettyLittleThing's Instagram from his own living room, dishing out gongs to celebrate those in the celebrity and influencer industry. And Jesy certainly made the most of being able to receive the award from home, ditching her usual glam awards attire in favour of a printed black T-shirt. Thank you: The Little Mix star, 28, gushed that the award meant 'so much' to her as she lead the list of winners including Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague and Amber Gill Speaking into the camera, she said: 'Hey guys, thanks so much for voting for me to be the inspirational influencer of the year, that means so much to me. 'I just want to thank every single person that voted and also a massive thank you to PrettyLittleThing, Thank you!' Jesy appeared in remarkably good spirits after it emerged she reportedly dumped beau Chris by phone in the midst of their separate self-isolation amid the nationwide coronavirus lockdown. Sources told MailOnline: 'She split up with him last week in a phone call, as she thought the relationship had run its course. Acceptance speech: Jesy looked chuffed as she accepted the gong from the comfort of her own home amid the coronavirus lockdown Split: Jesy appeared in remarkably good spirits after it emerged sghe reportedly dumped beau Chris by phone in the midst of their separate self-isolation amid the nationwide coronavirus lockdown 'There are no hard feelings. Jesy said he was surprisingly fine about it and thinks she will stay friends with him.' Meanwhile, Jesy wasn't the only winner of the night as Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague scooped not one but two awards. The star was ecstatic to win and declared that she was in 'shock' over the result. She gushed: 'I literally cannot believe that you guys have voted for me to be PLT's fashion influencer of the year. I am in shock still about this. I cannot believe it' Casual: Jesy certainly made the most of being able to receive the award from home, ditching her usual glam awards attire in favour of a printed black T-shirt 'Thank you so so so much to everyone who voted for me, this means the world to me. I studied fashion for three years at collage so it is my passion and obsession in my life. 'I also want to say a huge thank you to Sophia my stylist at PLT, you are the best and this is dedicated to you because I think you are the reason I won this. 'And to every person who voted for me I love you and thank you so much So happy: Meanwhile, Jesy wasn't the only winner of the night as Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague scooped not one but two awards 'I am honestly in shock that I was nominated as of PLT's influencer of the year, the girls in this category for this award, I never thought in a million years this would come through my door 'Thank you so much again to every one person who voted, I am over the moon to have received this.' She continued: 'To Umar especially as well thank you of believing in for having me as your ambassador the relationship I have with PLT is just incredible and I love every person who works for PLT like so so much you've all become my friends, close friends, without you this wouldn't be possible You go girl: Other successes on the night included 2019 Love Island winner Amber Gill, who scooped the Newcomer of the Year prize 'So again thank you so much to everyone who voted and thank you to PLT for believing in me from the start back when I had 10K and you gifted me a trip to Ibiza I'll never forget it. Since then this relationship has grown and grown and working with you is a dream so thank you so much.' Other successes on the night included 2019 Love Island winner Amber Gill, who scooped the Newcomer of the Year prize. Accepting her speech, she said: 'Shes a winner baby! Just want to say guys thank you so so much for voting for me as PrettyLittleThings newcomer of the year. I think its been about eight months or so since I was thrown into this crazy industry from scratch with no knowledge on influencing or Instagram or anything really. Inspiration: While Caitlyn Jenner bagged the prize for LGBTQ Supporter of the Year and accepted the gong from her Malibu mansion 'Thanks for sticking by me in my inconsistencies, I really had no idea what I was doing but I think Ive got a little bit more knowledge now and Im learning new things every day in this crazy job that Ive got. But yeah, just wanted to say your love and support really doesnt go unappreciated, Im grateful for every single one of you. 'Thank you for voting for me and hopefully when this craziness is over we can go back to being extra as hell and bougee! But yeah, thank you so much, it means the world.' While Caitlyn Jenner bagged the prize for LGBTQ Supporter of the Year. The reality star accepted the gong from her Malibu mansion and stated the awards were an excuse to dress up for the first time in 23 days. Meanwhile, Paris Hilton won Icon of the Year while Mmmitchell scooped Beauty Influencer of the Year. COVID-19: 65 prisoners in J&K released India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Srinagar, Apr 12: 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. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, April 12, 2020, 10:24 [IST] Virginia State Police stand guard after gun rights advocates took part in a rally at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 20, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Virginias Governor Signs New Batch of Gun-Control Bills Into Law Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed a handful of new, stricter gun control measures into law on April 10, even after opposition from Second Amendment advocates culminated in a rally of more than 22,000 people at the states capitol earlier this year. The lawswhich go into effect on July 1include universal background checks on all gun sales, a limit on handgun purchases to one per month, a law penalizing gun owners for not reporting a stolen firearm, and a red flag bill that would allow authorities to temporarily confiscate guns from anyone deemed by a judge to be dangerous to themselves or others. Democrats last year won control of both chambers of the state legislaturefor the first time in more than two decadesand vowed to enact stronger gun control policies, saying they will help reduce shootings and deaths. In addition to the majority in the state legislature, the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general also are Democrats. These commonsense laws will save lives, Northam said in a statement. Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw, a Democrat, called the passage of bills a monumental day. Gun rights groups told The Epoch Times that the state legislature is ignoring a large majority of Virginians who they say ardently oppose all gun control measures. Second Amendment advocates argue that the new laws violate their constitutional rights. Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), told The Epoch Times previously that the organizations members dont like any of the bills that had been moving through the legislature but at least almost all of them have been watered down, and others were outright defeated. VCDL will be working to get them repealed in future legislatures, he said via a Twitter message. The massive gun rights rally in January was organized by the VCDL to peacefully oppose the barrage of gun control policies moving through the state legislature. John Crump, Virginia state director for the Gun Owners of America (GOA), also said that group will do everything in its power to fight for the rights of Virginians. We are prepared to take these battles to the courts as well as the ballot box, Crump previously told The Epoch Times via email. We will never stop fighting for liberty and freedom. One of the more controversial gun control measures, a ban on assault weapons, was rejected by state lawmakers in February, the result of a wide-reaching and comprehensive grassroots strategy executed by a handful of second amendment advocates and organizations, according to gun rights groups. Executives at four gun rights groups told The Epoch Times that a barrage of social media alerts, phone calls, and emails to lawmakers, office visits, petitions, public awareness campaigns, and testimonies at hearings they helped organize with members were all contributing factors to the legislation losing support in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. That assault weapons ban (House Bill 961) was shelved to next years session after four Democratic senatorsCreigh Deeds, John Edwards, Chap Petersen, and Scott Surovellbroke with their party to join Republicans in rejecting the bill in a 105 vote. Lawmakers also asked the state crime commission to study the issue. Meanwhile, gun-control advocates said that theyre planning to replicate their success in Virginia in other states. John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, said his group plans to spend heavily this year in key battleground states such as Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania to elect lawmakers who support new gun restrictions, according to The Associated Press. At the same time, hundreds of local counties, cities, and towns across America are declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries or constitutional counties, as part of a growing movement in which local officials and some sheriffs generally state that they wont enforce new gun laws they believe are unconstitutional. In Virginia, the epicenter of the gun debate, 91 of the states 95 counties have passed some sort of measure affirming their support for Second Amendment sanctuaries. Oh to be quarantined with one of Irelands greatest chefs. Dylan McGrath is back cooking in his own kitchen. Braised lamb, beef shin, smoked haddock with mange tout, roast chicken with rosemary and garlic with fat roasted potatoes and char-grilled long-stem broccoli. Its all on the menu. There are worse ways to spend a lockdown. The nightly feasts healthy comfort food, he says are small consolations for the havoc Covid-19 has wreaked on his life: his restaurant empire silent, long days at home with his brother, and the uncertain future. No one knows how were going to recover, he says. I try to have a positive outlook all the time as a person and as an employer. I try to keep my head when all around are losing theirs. The knock-on effect is going to be much longer than the kids coming back to school. If you have a restaurant with tables that have to be two metres from each other that just doesnt add up any more. Can we stand in a bar any more crammed together laughing and joking, is that over? I have chefs whove never signed on the dole in their lives, really hard-working guys, all of a sudden gone its just shocking. Its been said Covid-19 will test parts of society that were already struggling. McGrath says the restaurant trade was one of these. Even before this happened a lot of the industry were finding it really difficult. In those difficult times resources have been spread very thin. So this was just a terrible thing to come along at that moment, he says. Amid a blaze of publicity McGrath opened Shelbourne Social in Ballsbridge at the beginning of last year in an investment of around 2m for him and business partner Vincent Melinn. Since opening it wasnt making the money McGrath had anticipated, owing in part to ongoing construction in the so-called Embassy belt and scant footfall in a fairly sleepy part of the city. Whatever was going on in Ballsbridge it was going to take time to build it. The rest of his restaurants, including Rustic Stone, Taste at Rustic, the Bonsai Bar and Fade Street Social, all in or around South Great Georges Street, have been doing great business, he says. In a sense he has been here before. When the Michelin-starred Mint, in Ranelagh, closed in 2009 it was one of the highest profile victims of the economic crash and it left the then 31-year-old chef wondering what was next. As an entrepreneur you have to get used to the fact that sometimes things are going to get a bit uncomfortable. The music stops and everyone runs to find their chair. Its no different right now. And while he reinvented himself over the last decade, pivoting out of fine dining into more accessible cooking, there were personal tribulations too: a life- changing back injury, and a court case involving First Dates Ireland contestant Daphney Sanasie who admitted harassing him between September and November in 2015. The same year he had surgery to fix disintegrating discs a legacy of long days spent working in kitchens and his body did not react well. The pain was debilitating. He lost feeling down one side, and for a time he did not know if he would walk again. He became heavily reliant on painkillers and for a while it became a problem. I naturally took the medication that is prescribed for me and, you know, you do become reliant on this stuff. It was no joke. Some of the pills that were prescribed to me on a regular basis were kept in a safe. They were opioids, I was living on that stuff. He made getting off the medication a priority. Two years after the operation I made a decision I had to stop. I f***ed off for a week with a girlfriend I had at the time and some family members and I just got off it. I said thats it and took a few days to chill out, the body has got to heal, the mind has got to heal. Years ago if youd have told me that I should do pilates Id have laughed at you. The harassment case was another blow. Three years ago Ms Sanasie pleaded guilty to bombarding the award-winning chef with nuisance phone calls and disturbing text messages. McGrath declined to give a victim impact statement, but says it affected him deeply. I didnt take the case to court, the DPP did that. It was very uncomfortable, it went on for way too long, he says. He speaks compassionately about the young woman at the centre of the case. I did feel sorry for her. If I could have dealt with it privately of course I would have, but when something is invading your personal space, and turning up at the restaurants and phone calls, that wasnt on. He has mellowed from the demanding, edgy individual we saw when he burst on the scene. When all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail, he says. Now I have different tools for different jobs. In the old days only the really tough survived. Whether that creates a macho sort of breed of chefs that we frown on now, you could debate. But, honestly those were the kinds of character traits that you needed to succeed. New Delhi: As the number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases jump to 8,447 and the death toll touches 273, it has also been reported that the COVID-19 has spread to at least 80 more districts in just four days. Now as many as 364 districts in the country have cases of coronavirus infections. As of April 6, 284 districts of the country had reported cases of coronavirus. While on April 2, 211 districts in the country had COVID-19 infections. On March 29, coronavirus infections were found in 160 districts. On March 22, only 75 districts in the country had cases of coronavirus infection. Meanwhile, as many as 909 fresh cases and at least 34 deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday (April 12). The Joint Secretary of Union Health Ministry Luv Agarwal, in a press conference in New Delhi said that on March 29 the country had 979 positive cases which has reached to 8,447. A total of 764 patients have been discharged so far, out of which 74 recovered in the past 24 hours. The health ministry also pointed out that resurgence of COVID-19 cases in China, Japan and Korea is a matter of concern. (Natural News) My, oh my, how the tables have turned. Buzzfeed News, which earlier this year started publishing a Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) hoax list is suddenly having to downsize its employees wages in response to the ongoing crisis. Reports indicate that some Buzzfeed News staffers, including some executives, are slated to endure as much as a 25 percent pay cut. And company CEO Jonah Peretti has confirmed that he will no longer even be taking a salary as long as the crisis continues. Most Buzzfeed News employees will be receiving pay cuts for at least the months of April and May, and possibly longer. Those in the lowest bracket receiving under $65,000 annually will receive a five percent reduction, while those making between $65,000 and $90,000 will receive a seven percent cut. Other staff in higher brackets face 10 percent cuts, while the highest executives within the firm will be tacked with 14 to 25 percent pay reductions. Those making between $90,000 and $124,900 will face nine percent cuts, while those in the $125,000 to $169,900 range face 11 percent cuts. As difficult as they will surely be, the cuts are being implemented in order to avoid having to lay anybody off, Peretti says. Buzzfeed News will also be trimming new hiring while placing increased restrictions on travel, as well as cutting real estate costs wherever possible. I understand this will be a real hardship for everyone, but our goal is to make it possible for all of us to get through this, Peretti is quoted as saying. Peretti is worth commending for not taking a salary Its worth pointing out that Perettis humble approach to this trying situation is a far cry from how former Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg handled his companys crisis, taking a $100 million golden parachute while Boeing employees were let go without a second thought. Buzzfeed News employees seem satisfied with Perettis approach as well, with one having told the media that a lot of people are happy with this decision because there are no layoffs. People are willing to make the sacrifice to keep their colleagues employed, this same staffer added. Sadly, other media outlets and newspapers arent faring so well. G/O Media CEO Jim Spanfeller recently sent out a memo to his companys employees warning them to brace for impact. He added that, due to declining advertising dollars, the companys financial outlook over the next several months does not look pretty. So, while Buzzfeed News certainly has dealt its fair share of fake news over the years, including pushing the idea that being fat as a female is perfectly normal and healthy, the company is taking care of its employees which is commendable. Weve been monitoring the human and economic impact of the coronavirus and its clear we will see a major economic downturn in the next few months, Peretti added in a memo to his employees. In our own business we want to save as many jobs as possible, even at the expense of wages declining. We dont know how long this will last but we want to move quickly to make sure our business remains sustainable and we will lift the program and reevaluate if things improve, he added, emphasizing that the lowest paid employees will suffer the least impact with these changes. [L]eaders in the company making larger salaries took on more of the burden. For more related news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), be sure to check out Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: BuzzfeedNews.com TheDailyBeast.com NaturalNews.com TheWrap.com Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Professor Charles Soludo says he has forgiven those who lied against him in the last few days. Soludo is possibly reacting to allegations concerning a hospital project worth several millions that he is constructing in his home town, Isuofia, Aguata local government area of Anambra State. Soludo had been accused of receiving N2 billion from donors without executing the project, which he is executing in memory of his late mother. The allegation was made by an aide to one of the governorship aspirants for the 2021 election in Anambra State. Read Also: Soludo, Salisu, Others Get New Appointments As Buhari Constitutes Economic Team However, according to reports, many people, including politicians, who made pledges towards building the hospital, did not redeem their pledges. Speaking in his Easter message to the people of Anambra State, Soludo, who is also a governorship aspirant, quoted Matthew 5:44, in the bible, which spoke on the need for people to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. For Santosh Yadav, overcoming the hardships caused due to coronavirus outbreak was no less daunting than battling Maoists in the jungles of Chhattisgarh. IMAGE: Police personnel patrol during lockdown in New Delhi on Sunday. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Shahbaz Khan/PTI Photo Amid the nationwide lockdown, the 30-year-old Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) jawan, posted in the Naxal-hit Bijapur district, travelled over 1,100 km in three days using goods trains, trucks and river boat, to reach his village in Uttar Pradesh after his mother's death. "I just wanted to reach my village Sikhar after I learnt of her death. Both my younger brother and a married sister live in Mumbai and it was not possible for them to reach the village due to the lockdown," Yadav told PTI. "I could not leave my father alone in such a situation," he said. Yadav's wife and two kids also live in the Mirzapur village in Uttar Pradesh where he reached after his mother's death. Yadav, who joined the CAF in 2009 and is deployed in its 15th battalion, was busy with his routine schedule at his camp in the outskirts of Bijapur on April 4, when he got a call from his father that his mothers condition had deteriorated. He suggested his father to shift her to a hospital in Varanasi. She was admitted to a hospital in Varanasi the next day but the same evening Yadav's father called to inform that she was dead. Unavailability of transport facilities due to lockdown was not an issue for the inconsolable Yadav who embarked on the long journey home on April 7 morning after receiving the relieving letter from the commandant. "I just wanted to make it to the state capital Raipur from where I was confident of arranging something for further journey," he said. Yadav took a lift on a paddy laden truck from Bijapur to reach Jagdalpur. He waited there for around two hours before spotting a mini truck which dropped him in Kondagaon, around 200 km from Raipur. "In Kondagaon, I was stopped by police personnel but I explained my situation to them. Luckily an official deployed there was familiar to me and helped me in my travel up to Raipur in a vehicle carrying medicines," he said. "From Raipur, I boarded a goods train with the help of a friend posted in the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Then, I changed at least eight goods trains to reach Chunar, the nearest railway station to my village, on April 10 morning, thanks to all station masters and my friends working in Railways," he said. Yadav said he then walked for 5 km to reach Ganga river and took a boat ride across to reach his village. He said he was stopped at several places by police and railway personnel due to the lockdown but was allowed to proceed on humanitarian grounds. "As many as 78 men from my village are working in Railways and I was aware that they could be of great help to me during the journey," he said. Unmindful of his not-so-smooth journey, Yadav says he supports the lockdown as it has been imposed for the safety of people. Number of deaths increase in France but slightly fewer people were admitted into intensive care for fourth day in a row. France has reported a drop in coronavirus deaths on the previous 24 hours, with the total toll from the coronavirus epidemic in the country now 14,393. There were 315 deaths in hospital over the last day, compared with 345 the day earlier. Italys Civil Protection Agency has reported the lowest number of coronavirus deaths since March 19, with 431 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours, down from 619 the previous day. In Spain, the number of fatalities rose by 619 on Sunday from a nearly three-week low of 510 on Saturday, breaking a three-day streak of daily declines and taking the countrys death toll to 16,972. Globally, more than 109,000 people have died from the new coronavirus and confirmed infections topped 1.7 million. Here are all the latest updates: Sunday, April 12 20:40 GMT OPEC+ approves historic oil deal amid coronavirus pandemic OPEC, Russia and other oil-producing nations agreed on Sunday to cut output by a record amount, representing around 10 percent of global supply, to support oil prices amid the coronavirus pandemic. The group, known as OPEC+, agreed to reduce output by 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) for May-June, after four days of marathon talks and following pressure from US President Donald Trump to arrest the price decline. Read more here. 20:30 GMT Could coronavirus-induced recession be more deadly than the disease? Just how deadly could a coronavirus-induced recession be? One recent study suggests the current economic slowdown roiling the world may end up killing more people than the virus itself. But some economists say the downturn could actually boost overall life expectancy. In the end, how it affects you could boil down to the role you play in the global economy. United States President Donald Trump has seized on the likely lethality of a recession to argue that the US economy should be reopened as soon as possible. You have suicides over things like this when you have terrible economies, Trump said in a news conference on March 24. You have death. Probably and I mean definitely would be in far greater numbers than the numbers that were talking about with regard to the virus. Read more here. 20:00 GMT Whats behind the shortage of coronavirus protective equipment gear Face masks cost less than a dollar but are so scarce they are being snatched up during the coronavirus pandemic. But this is not happening in the developing world. Its taking place in some of the richest countries that are being challenged by a shortage of medical equipment. France is reported to have seized masks meant to be shipped to Spain and Italy. The US is accused of diverting gear intended for German police. An estimated 3.5 billion masks are needed by the American healthcare system to fight this outbreak. But there are not enough. So, hows that hampering the fight against the pandemic? 19:00 GMT Turkeys interior minister resigns Turkeys Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has resigned over a much criticised last-minute weekend curfew across major Turkish cities to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. May my country, which I never wished to hurt, and our president, to whom I will be faithful all my life, forgive me, Soylu said in a statement. 18:30 GMT Jordan extends month-long lockdown Jordan extended until the end of April a month-long lockdown that has seen the closure of schools, universities and government agencies. Government spokesman Amjad Adailah said Prime Minister Omar Razzaz took the decision in light of developments and recommendations related to the pandemic. The country had declared a nationwide round-the-clock curfew on March 20 as part of measures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus. 18:00 GMT Somali state minister dies from coronavirus The justice minister of Somalias autonomous Hirshabelle state, Khalif Mumin Tohow, has died after contracting the novel coronavirus, the second recorded death in the country. Tohow died on Sunday in Mogadishus Martini hospital a day after he tested positive for COVID-19 in the town of Jowhar, the administrative capital of Hirshabelle. According to local media, Tohow, who was Somali-British, travelled to the United Kingdom in February before he came back to the Horn of Africa nation. 17:35 GMT South Africa coronavirus cases rise to 2,173 South Africa has announced 145 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of infections to 2,173, a health ministry statement said. The statement stopped short of specifying whether any new fatalities had been recorded, which stood at 25 as of Saturday. A woman carries a bag of maize meal during the distribution of food parcels to vulnerable residents by the local government [Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters] 17:25 GMT Libyan hospital treating coronavirus patients cases attacked Armed fighters loyal to Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar have attacked medical warehouses belonging to a hospital in the capital Tripoli that is treating coronavirus patients, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) has said. The attack targeted depots of the Al-Khadra Hospital in al-Swani in the capital, Tripoli, with Grad missiles, according to a statement by the GNA. Last week, the UN condemned heavy shelling of the hospital in which at least three civilians were wounded, calling it a clear violation of international law. The North African country has so far reported 25 cases of the coronavirus and one death. Read more here. 17:15 GMT Frances coronavirus death toll rises to 14,393 Frances coronavirus death toll rose to 14,393 from 13,832 a day earlier, the French public health authority said. The total number of infections meanwhile reached 95,403. French rescue team wearing protective suits carry a patient on a stretcher at Mulhouse hospital [Christian Hartmann/Reuters] 17:00 GMT Turkey coronavirus cases reach 56,956, total deaths 1,198 Turkey coronavirus cases rose by 4,789 to 56,956 in the past 24 hours, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said. The number of deaths reached 1,198 from 1,101 the previous day. So far, 3,446 people have recovered, the minister said. 16:45 GMT Amnesty video shows extreme overcrowding at Cambodia prison Amnesty International has shared a new video it received that claims to show extreme overcrowding and inhumane conditions in a Cambodian prison amid the coronavirus pandemic. The video, released on Friday, shows at least 25 prisoners crammed into a small cell and lying on the floor. There is hardly any space for them to move, prompting Amnesty to label it first-hand evidence of the inhumane conditions in Cambodian prisons. Read more here. 16:30 GMT Italy reports lowest number of coronavirus deaths since March 19 Italy has reported the lowest number of coronavirus deaths since March 19, with 431 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours, down from 619 the previous day. According to the Civil Protection Agency, the death toll since the beginning of the outbreak stands at 19,899, the second highest after that of the United States. The total number of infections reached 156,363, of which 34,211 have recovered. 16:15 GMT Canada coronavirus death toll reaches 674, total cases 23,719 The number of deaths from the coronavirus in Canada rose by 74 to 674 in a day, official data posted by the public health agency showed on Sunday. Meanwhile, the total number of infections coronavirus reached 23,719. A frontline healthcare worker attends people at a drive-thru COVID-19 assessment centre in Toronto [Carlos Osorio/Reuters] 16:00 GMT Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for coronavirus deaths Sri Lanka made cremations compulsory for coronavirus victims, ignoring protests from the countrys Muslim population which says the rule goes against Islamic tradition. Three Muslims are among the seven people who have so far died from the infectious disease in the country. Their bodies were cremated by the authorities despite protests from relatives. The corpse of a person who has died or is suspected to have died, of COVID-19 shall be cremated, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said on Sunday. The decision has also been criticised by rights groups. Read more here. 14:50 GMT Etihad Airways to operate special flights to Europe, Japan Abu Dhabis Etihad Airways will operate special flights to Brussels, Dublin, London, Tokyo and Zurich between April 14 and 22. The announcement came after the UAE government said it would permit a limited number of outbound-only flights for those wishing to leave the country after suspending regular service last month. 14:30 GMT UK coronavirus death toll passes 10,000 The death toll from the coronavirus in the UK has surged passed the 10,000 mark after 737 fatalities were recorded overnight. The figure now stands at 10,612. With virus death tolls in Italy and Spain on a downward slope, there are growing fears that the UK will end up being the country with the most virus deaths in Europe. 14:00 GMT May 1 target date for relaxing US stay-at-home restrictions Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn said the Trump administration was considering May 1 as a target date to start relaxing stay-at-home restrictions. We see light at the end of the tunnel, he told ABCs This Week. Hahn, however, warned that there were many factors to take into account in finally determining when it would be safe to lift restrictions, he said Hi, this is Ramy Allahoum in Doha taking over from my colleague Joseph Stepansky. 12:40 GMT UK PM Johnson discharged from hospital British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been discharged from a London hospital as he continues his recovery from COVID-19, his office has said. 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, a spokesman said. Read full story here. 12:30 GMT Where does the world stand on a coronavirus vaccine? Scientists around the world are racing against time to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus that has killed more than 100,000 people and infected more than 1.7 million worldwide. In some of the worst affected countries such as China and Italy, the infections and deaths have levelled off in recent days, but experts warn the risk of a new wave of outbreaks is imminent without a vaccine. Read more about where things currently stand in the pursuit of a coronavirus vaccine here. A pharmacist gives Jennifer Haller the first shot in the first-stage safety study clinical trial of a potential vaccine for the new coronavirus [Ted S Warren/The Associated Press] 12:15 GMT Dutch infections top 25,000, deaths rise to 2,737 deaths The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands has topped 25,000, health authorities said on Sunday, with the number of deaths rising by 94 to 2,737. The Netherlands National Institute for Health (RIVM) has reported 1,188 new infections over the past 24 hours, taking the total to 25,587. The rate of increase in infections and deaths has slowed for several days helped by social distancing measures 11:45 GMT Riot highlights coronavirus risk in Indonesias prisons A riot in a prison in Indonesias North Sulawesi province where at least one guard is reportedly exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms has highlighted the risk posed by the coronavirus the Southeast Asian nations 524 overcrowded jails. On Saturday afternoon, the inmates of Tuminting Prison in the city of Manado went on a rampage and set fire to buildings. Hundreds of police and soldiers later stormed the jail with live rounds being fired and at least one inmate shot in the chest, according to a source at the facility and various local media reports. Read more here. Prisoners approaching the end of their sentences are released to avoid the possibility of a surge in COVID-19 infection in overcrowded prisons in Depok, near Jakarta, Indonesia, April 2, 2020 [File: Asprilla Dwi Adha/Antara Foto/via Reuters] 11:20 GMT We are social animals: Hong Kong residents flout virus rules People in Hong Kong thronged beaches, ferries and outlying islands on Sunday, many of them violating a ban on gatherings of more than four people aimed at containing the spread of the new coronavirus. Clear blue skies lured people to popular areas across the territory over the long Easter weekend and many of them were without surgical masks. People in the city of 7.4 million have made a point of wearing masks in the past months. We always stay at home and it is quite boring, said Banny Mak, 24, a local resident.We are social animal(s), we need to go out for some fun. I think with proper protection (for) ourselves and to protect other people. I think it is already ok to go out. Hong Kong has recorded 1,005 cases of COVID-19, which has killed four people in the city. A child wearing a face mask sits on the backseat of a bicycle at Cheung Chau island during Easter weekend Joyce Zhou/Reuters] 11:00 GMT Portugals Sporting to cut player wages by 40 percent Players at Sporting will have their salaries cut by 40 percent for three months as the club attempts to mitigate financial losses from the suspension of games during the coronavirus outbreak, Portuguese news agency Lusa reported. Lusa also reported Sportings board of directors will take a 50 percent pay cut. With the pandemic shutting down global sport on an unprecedented scale, Sporting is the first of Portugals three major football clubs to announce the cuts. FIFA has urged clubs worldwide to consider wage reductions in order to protect their finances. A view shows empty sports grounds of the secondary school during a partial lockdown, imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Kiev, Ukraine [Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters] 10:45 GMT Life will prevail says Jerusalem archbishop on Easter Sunday With Jerusalem under lockdown over coronavirus, Easter Sunday was marked at the traditional site of Jesuss death and resurrection by just a handful of Christian clerics. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, normally packed with pilgrims, was closed to the public last month due to COVID-19, amid similar restrictions affecting sites sacred to Jews and Muslims. After walking through a deserted Old City bathed in early morning sunlight, a purple-robed Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Vaticans apostolic administrator in the Holy Land, spoke briefly outside the church: Easter is a time for life. Despite the sign of death we are seeing everywhere, life will prevail, as long as someone is giving life out of love for the others. Happy Easter, he said, before entering the ancient sandstone building. 10:30 GMT Pope gives Easter prayer for the infected Pope Francis offered a Easter Sunday prayer for those killed and suffering from the novel coronavirus that has killed more than 100,000 people worldwide. Today my thoughts turn in the first place to the many who have been directly affected by the coronavirus: the sick, those who have died and family members who mourn the loss of their loved ones, to whom, in some cases, they were unable even to bid a final farewell, the pope said in a livestreamed message from an empty Saint Peters Basilica. Pope Francis leads the Easter vigil Mass in St Peters Basilica with no public participation [Reuters] 10:00 GMT Iran death toll rises by 117 to 4,474 Irans death toll from COVID-19 has risen by 117 in the past day to 4,474, health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur has said. The Islamic Republic has recorded 71,686 cases of the new coronavirus which causes the disease, Jahanpur said. Iran has been the country hardest hit by the pandemic in the Middle East. 09:45 GMT Spains daily death toll rises after days of decline, total at 16,972 Spains daily death toll from the coronavirus rose by 619 on Sunday from a nearly three-week low of 510 on Saturday, the Ministry of Health has said, breaking a three-day streak of daily declines. The countrys total death toll from the virus climbed to 16,972 from 16,353, the ministry said in a statement. Overall cases rose to 166,019 from 161,852. Pictures of the faithful of the Nuestra Senora de la Paz church, placed on the churchs benches, as priest Raul Garcia officiates a Holy Week mass [Nacho Doce/Reuters] 09:25 GMT Malaysia reports 153 new cases with 3 new deaths Malaysias health ministry has reported 153 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, raising the cumulative total to 4,683, the highest in Southeast Asia. The latest data includes three new deaths, raising the total number of fatalities from the outbreak to 76. The ministry said 45 percent of all confirmed cases have recovered. 09:15 GMT Indonesia reports biggest daily jump in cases Indonesia has reported 399 new cases of the coronavirus, its biggest daily jump so far, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 4,241, according to data provided by a health ministry official, Achmad Yurianto. Yurianto said there were also 46 new coronavirus-related deaths, taking the total to 373 09:05 GMT Philippines reports highest single-day death toll The Philippines has recorded 50 coronavirus deaths, its highest in a single day, taking the toll to 297. In a bulletin, the health ministry said 220 new infections took the tally of virus cases to 4,648. But 40 more patients recovered, for a total of 197 recoveries. A woman wearing a protective face mask reads the Bible in a gymnasium which turned into a shelter for the homeless following the enforcement of a community quarantine in Manila [Eloisa Lopez/Reuters] 09:00 GMT Chinas Harbin orders 28-day quarantine after rise in imported cases Chinas northeastern city of Harbin will implement a 28-day quarantine measure for all arrivals from abroad, its government said in a statement posted online. People entering the capital of Heilongjiang province bordering Russia will be held at a quarantine center for 14 days at first, followed by another 14 days at home, it added. They will also be subjected to two nucleic acid tests and an antibody test. The government will also lock down for 14 days residential units in which confirmed and asymptomatic coronavirus cases are found, it added. 08:45 GMT Beijing to reopen some schools after closures Beijing schools closed by the coronavirus outbreak will reopen to senior high school students and senior middle school students, state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing a spokesman for the Beijing Municipal Education Commission. Senior high school students are set to return to campus on April 27, and senior students at middle schools will return to campus on May 11, said spokesman Li Yi at a press conference, according to the CCTV report. People holding flowers observe a moment of silence at a memorial event in Beijing on April 4 [Reuters] 08:30 GMT Japan PM criticised as tone deaf after lounge-at-home Twitter video Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has prompted an angry response from some Twitter users after sharing a video of himself lounging on a sofa with his dog, drinking tea and reading, along with a message telling people to stay at home. Who do you think you are? became a top trend on Twitter, with users saying Abes message ignored the plight of those who were struggling to make a living amid the coronavirus outbreak. Abes video, which featured his pet dog, was a response to popular musician Gen Hoshino, who uploaded a video of himself singing about dancing indoors and invited people to collaborate. At a time when people are fighting for survival, to show a video of such luxury one cant help but wonder, who do you think you are?, one Twitter user said. 08:15 GMT Chinas Suifenhe city, bordering Russia, strengthens controls Chinas northeastern city of Suifenhe, on the countrys border with Russia, has said it is strengthening border controls as part of measures to prevent imported cases. The city will also step up controls on traffic and enforce strict quarantine measures, city authorities said in a statement. It has also banned all types of gatherings and drawn up a list of businesses that must be suspended from operations. 07:55 GMT I owe them my life: UK PM Johnson praises medics Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he owes his life to the staff of Britains state-run National Health Service, in his first comments since being released from intensive care for treatment for COVID-19. Johnson, 55, was taken to St Thomass Hospital in central London a week ago, suffering from persistent symptoms of the disease caused by the new coronavirus. On April 6 he was moved into intensive care, where he remained until April 9. I cant thank them enough. I owe them my life, Johnson said of the staff at the hospital, which is just across the River Thames from the Houses of Parliament. The comments were released to journalists and confirmed by his office on Sunday. Johnson was back on his feet by Friday, taking short walks between periods of rest, in what his office described as the early stage of recovery. In its most recent official update on Johnsons condition, Downing Street said he continues to make very good progress. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked medics after leaving intensive care [Matt Dunham/The Associated Press] 07:45 GMT Russia cases rise by more than 2,000 in biggest daily increase Russia has reported 2,186 new coronavirus cases, the largest daily increase since the start of the outbreak, bringing the national tally of confirmed cases to 15,770. The number of coronavirus-related deaths rose by 24 to 130, the Russian coronavirus crisis response centre said. 07:20 GMT Egypt postpones Banque du Caire stake sale: Chairman Egypt has postponed its plans to sell a minority stake in state-owned Banque du Caire in an initial public offering (IPO) starting mid-April due to the spread of the coronavirus, a local newspaper on Sunday quoted the bank chairman as saying. Chairman Tarek Fayed had told Reuters news agency in March that the plan remained to sell the stake, worth about $500 million, provided investor interest held up in the face of the virus. Plans to offer a share of the bank on the Egyptian Stock Exchange are currently deferred due to the spread of the new coronavirus globally and locally, and the impact on both local and global stock markets, Fayed told the private Almasry Alyoum newspaper in an interview published on Sunday. He provided no further detail. The sale would be Egypts biggest sale of state assets since 2006. 06:30 GMT Britain pledges aid to prevent second wave Britain says it is pledging $248m to the WHO and charities to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in vulnerable countries and so help prevent a second wave of infections. While our brilliant doctors and nurses fight coronavirus at home, were deploying British expertise and funding around the world to prevent a second deadly wave reaching the UK, Member of Parliament Anne-Marie Trevelyan said in a statement. Coronavirus does not respect country borders so our ability to protect the British public will only be effective if we strengthen the healthcare systems of vulnerable developing countries too. The British government said 130 million pounds ($162m) would go to United Nationss agencies, with 65 million ($81m) for the WHO. Another 50 million pounds ($62m) would go to the Red Cross to help war-torn and hard to reach areas, and 20 million pounds ($25m) to other organisations and charities. The cash would help areas with weak health systems such as war-ravaged Yemen, which reported its first case on Friday, and Bangladesh, which is hosting 850,000 Rohingya refugees in crowded camps, it said. 05:40 GMT Indonesia orders transport curbs ahead of Ramadan exodus Indonesia has imposed curbs on public transport ahead of the annual exodus to home villages that marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the government has said. About 75 million Indonesians usually stream home from bigger cities at the end of Ramadan, due this year at the end of May, but health experts have warned against a surge in cases after a slow government response masked the scale of the outbreak. Public buses, trains, airplanes and ships will be allowed to fill only half their passenger seats, under a new regulation that also limits occupation of a private car to just half the seats, while a motorcycle may be ridden only by one person. The essence of this new regulation is to carry out public transport controlwhile still meeting the needs of the people, transport ministry spokeswoman Adita Irawati said in a statement posted on the cabinet secretariat website. A medical officer wearing a protective suit checks a woman with a thermal scanner amid the coronavirus outbreak in Indonesia [Oky Lukmansyah/Reuters] 05:35 GMT Thailand reports 33 new cases, three new deaths Thailand has reported 33 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, for a total of 2,551 cases, as well as three more deaths, taking the southeast Asian nations toll to 38. Two Thai men aged 74 and 44, and a woman aged 65 died, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the governments Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration. 05:30 GMT Chinas Guangzhou says it enforces curbs equally for foreigners, citizens Chinas southern city of Guangzhou treats foreigners and Chinese nationals equally in enforcing measures to contain the coronavirus, local government officials have said, as the city steps up scrutiny of foreigners. The anti-virus curbs apply to all Chinese citizens and foreigners, with no discrimination in enforcement, Cai Wei, an officer of the citys public security bureau, told a news conference. Several African countries have demanded that China tackle their concerns that Africans in Guangzhou are being mistreated and harassed amid fears the virus could spread from imported cases. Last week, the citys US consulate said local government officials were ordering bars and restaurants not to serve clients who appeared to be of African origin. Anyone with African contacts faced mandatory virus tests followed by quarantine, regardless of recent travel history or previous isolation, it said in a statement, advising African-Americans or those who feared being targeted to stay away. 05:20 GMT Guatemala registers 16 new cases, infections rise to 153 Guatemala has reported 16 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the Central American nations total to 153 cases, President Alejandro Giammattei said. Three people have died from coronavirus infections in Guatemala so far, officials say Hello, this is Joseph Stepansky in Doha taking over from my colleague Zaheena Rasheed . 05:12 GMT UN envoys urge greater action on Middle East ceasefire call The five United Nations envoys in the Middle East are urging all warring parties in the region to end hostilities and turn their focus to the true fight of our lives tackling the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic. The envoys for Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict stress that solidarity is required to face the challenge of COVID-19. But this cannot happen if the guns of war and conflict are not silenced, they say. 04:02 GMT Passengers on virus-hit Antarctic cruise ship return to Australia More than 100 Australians and New Zealanders stranded on board a virus-hit cruise ship off Uruguay has landed in Melbourne, according to Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Those on board the chartered flight to Melbourne includes people who tested negative and others confirmed ill with the virus. Passengers exhibiting symptoms are being taken to hospitals in Melbourne, while the rest will be taken to a hotel to begin a 14-day quarantine period, officials say. Some 128 of the 217 passengers on board the Greg Mortimer have tested positive for the coronavirus. The tourists were on an expedition to Antarctica. The flight carrying 112 &passengers from the Greg Mortimer cruise ship landed safely in Melbourne this morning. Thanks to all involved, a very complex undertaking. #wereallinthistogether @dfat @EmbAustraliaBA @polar_experts @VicGovAu Marise Payne (@MarisePayne) April 11, 2020 03:27 GMT Myanmar extends ban on international flights The Ministry of Health and Sports is extending a ban on international flights into the country as part of its efforts to stem the spread of the new coronavirus. The initial ban was due to expire on April 13, but is now being extended until April 30, according to a government statement. 03:18 GMT Japans Abe sets stay home example in Twitter video Japans prime minister is urging the public to stay home with a Twitter video showing images of him sitting at home, cuddling his dog and reading a book. I cant meet my friends and I cant have a drinking party, but these actions are surely saving many lives, Shinzo Abe says. Popular singer Gen Hoshino is also featured in the video on a split screen, performing a song advocating social distancing. It goes: Lets survive and dance, each one of us, wherever we are, all of us as one, lets sing at home. 02:41 GMT Our job is to buy time: Italian doctor describes what its like to treat virus patients Maurizio Cecconi, chair of Anasthesia and Intensive Care at the Humanitas Hospital in Milan, describes the strategies doctors are using to treat coronavirus patients in Italy in the absence of therapeutics. In Lombardy, it became very clear there was a high percentage of cases that required respiratory support. Up to 10-12 percent required invasive mechanical ventilation, he tells Al Jazeera. Unfortunately, so far, we dont have specific therapies against this virus. What we do have is good supportive care. So what we try to do in intensive care is to give our patients in intensive care rest while we do the work of breathing for them. We call some of these strategies protective lung strategies because the ventilators we use dont cure the lung, they give precious time to the lungs to heal. So our job really is to buy time for our patients so that their immune systems can fight the virus. 02:20 GMT North Korea calls for stricter anti-virus measures North Korea is calling for stricter measures to check the inroads of the rapidly spreading coronavirus, state media reported, without specifying if there were any reported infections in the country. The Korean Central News Agency says officials at a meeting presided over by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un adopted a joint resolution on more thoroughly taking national measures for protecting the life and safety of our people to cope with the worldwide epidemic disease. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un takes part in a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers Party of Korea [KCNA via Reuters] 01:36 GMT China reports 99 new coronavirus cases Chinas National Health Commission is reporting 99 new cases of the coronavirus on the mainland, including 97 involving overseas travellers. The figure is a jump from a total of 46 new cases reported a day earlier. Mainland Chinas tally of infections now stands at 82,052, while the death toll stands at 3,339. 01:26 GMT Do numbers lie? Data and statistics in the age of the coronavirus Infection rates, death rates the news is full of statistics about the coronavirus, but how accurate are they? Watch the latest episode of The Listening Post to find out more about the challenges of quantifying the scale of a new pandemic and how that affects decision-making and risk calculations. 00:55 GMT IRS deposits first stimulus payments in US taxpayer accounts The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says the first coronavirus stimulus checks have been deposited in taxpayers accounts. The economic impact payments are part of a $2.2 trillion package passed by the US Congress to help people and businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Most adults will get $1,200 and parents will receive $500 for each qualifying child. We know many people are anxious to get their payments; well continue issuing them as fast as we can, the IRS says in a tweet. #IRS deposited the first Economic Impact Payments into taxpayers bank accounts today. We know many people are anxious to get their payments; well continue issuing them as fast as we can. For #COVIDreliefIRS updates see: https://t.co/hEEWmgHA9V pic.twitter.com/2bSHOTjMAS IRS #COVIDreliefIRS (@IRSnews) April 11, 2020 00:10 GMT Trump warned early and often on coronavirus pandemic An examination by The New York Times reveals top White House advisers and experts in the US intelligence community warned President Donald Trump early on about the potential for a coronavirus pandemic. The warnings include a memo by Peter Navarro, Trumps top trade adviser, in which he said a pandemic could kill as many as 500,000 people in the US and cause trillions of dollars in economic losses. Alex M Azar II, health and human services secretary, directly warned Trump of the possibility of a pandemic on January 30, the second warning he delivered to the president about the virus in two weeks, according to The Times. But Trump was slow to absorb the scale of the viruss risk, focusing instead on controlling the message and protecting gains in the economy. The Times also blames internal divisions, lack of planning and the presidents faith in his own instincts for the USs halting response. 00:00 GMT Saudi Arabia extends curfew until further notice King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud is ordering the extension of Saudi Arabias coronavirus curfew until further notice, reports the state news agency SPA. The Saudi monarch initially imposed a 21-day curfew on March 23, from 7pm to 6am, to contain the coronavirus, but expanded the controls to 24 hours in the capital, Riyadh, and other big cities last week. The Ministry of Interior affirms the continuation of all special precautionary measures that were previously announced in a number of cities, governorates and residential areas, in addition to preventing movement across the 13 regions of the kingdom. Hello, Im Zaheena Rasheed, in Male, Maldives, with Al Jazeeras continuing coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. You can find all the updates from yesterday, April 11, here. Google has decided to make virtual health care options more visibile on Google Search and Google Maps in an attempt to improve access to healthcare without having to visit a doctors chamber during the lockdown imposed to curb the coronavirus spread. If you have been more options for virtual healthcare on Google search, thats completely intentional. Google has decided to make virtual health care options more visibile on Google Search and Google Maps in an attempt to improve access to healthcare without having to visit a doctors chamber during the lockdown imposed to curb the coronavirus spread. A lot of hospitals in the country have had to focus on COVID-19 cases stopping treatment for other ailments while people have also stopping visiting hospitals in fear of catching the virus. In a such a situation, Google believes, it is better to consult a doctor over the phone or through the internet. This will help in reducing the load on hospitals and healthcare workers and ensure there are less people outdoors. As a result of the move, you will now see options to locate a nearby heathcare center or clinic with contact information on Google Search and Google Maps. Hospitals, mental health experts and doctors who wish to virtually treat patients can opt for virtual care offering in their Business Profile. Then, anyone searching for a virtual health care provider, they will see a get online care option on Search and Maps. The feature will first pilot in the United States and then roll out globally. The novel coronavirus is taking root inside the Washington region's nursing homes and assisted-living communities for the elderly, with at least 142 of those sites now affected and two of the nation's largest outbreaks happening in Virginia and Maryland. Amid a national scramble for respirator masks and other protective gear, caregivers, worried families and industry leaders all warn that the country's premier network of care for a growing segment of society may soon be overwhelmed. Caregivers for the elderly have launched large-scale safety measures, stretching their budgets to keep buildings clean and residents safe in hopes of avoiding another major outbreak after the deaths of 39 infected residents from a long-term care facility in the Richmond area and 18 residents in a nursing home in Maryland's Carroll County. As the tally of cases grows, some facilities are worried they soon won't have enough workers to help their residents - either because of coronavirus infections in those ranks or because they are choosing to avoid the risk of coming in. "There are some days I'm getting texts all night as we're trying to cobble together the staff that we need for the next day," said Barbara Brannon, chief executive of Falcons Landing in Virginia's Loudoun County, where three residents have died, 16 residents and members are also infected and 32 employees are under quarantine as they await test results. "We have a lot of people who are out," Brannon said, noting that several employees have someone at home with health-care problems. "I suspect some of them are just afraid. It's been a real struggle." The industry is made up of nursing homes for elderly patients with serious health problems - requiring regular medical attention from the nurses and doctors on site - and assisted-living facilities where residents live in independent apartments or houses but need help with medication or daily tasks like bathing. Nursing homes are more heavily regulated. Maryland's elderly care facilities have been hit the hardest, with 125 of those communities reporting at least one infection as of late Friday, state officials said. Among them is the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Carroll County, where 18 residents have died and another 112 residents and staff have been infected. Virginia health officials said the state has 20 facilities with at least two infections. The District of Columbia says seven of those communities have had cases of covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, has so far taken the most aggressive steps to prevent the virus from spreading further inside the industry where elderly residents are already receiving care for a host of other ailments. Earlier this month, Hogan mandated that workers in nursing homes wear protective masks when dealing with infected patients. That order, however, does not apply to assisted-living facilities, which, until recently, had not been as severely impacted. Hogan also launched statewide "strike teams" that offer overburdened nursing homes medical help and supplies in hopes of sparing already straining hospitals from adding more patients. Earlier this week, Hogan included group homes for children with severe medical conditions in that initiative, with plans to also include assisted-living facilities. Virginia has employed a similar strategy that includes all long-term care facilities, while District officials say they are mostly monitoring cases and advising on safety measures. Some health-care givers for the elderly argue for more aggressive measures. A group of 35 geriatric-care doctors, nurses and facility directors in Maryland criticized Hogan for not initially focusing on assisted-living communities. The group urged the governor to require that everyone inside long-term care be tested - regardless of whether they have symptoms - and that protective gear be widely distributed. If half of the nearly 40,000 seniors living inside Maryland elderly care communities were to be hospitalized due to covid-19, that population alone would need more than double the state's current supply of hospital beds, those health-care professionals predicted in a letter sent earlier this month to the governor. That strain could lead to as many as 10,500 elderly patient deaths, the group said. Roy Fried, a Montgomery County geriatric care doctor who wrote the letter, said people without symptoms inside those facilities should be a greater priority. "In assisted living, you have certified nursing aides that help people with their activities of daily living - bathing, dressing, toileting - and you might have one aide taking care of 10 people," Fried said. "They're doing it with gloves, but they don't have masks for everybody." With most sites now barring visitors, he said, "the only way [the novel coronavirus] comes in now is through the Trojan horses, which is the staff." That specter has loomed in an industry where many lower-paid certified nursing assistants and custodians typically supplement their income in the expensive Washington region by stringing together shifts at multiple sites. State and local health officials have urged elderly care facilities to require their workers to commit to one work site, which many have done but with sporadic success. 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. Of the 45 employees who usually work at more than one location, 27 have taken up the company's offer, the company said. The other 18 are working on an on-call or part-time basis. In the Richmond area - where one of the country's largest outbreaks at the Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center has so far led to 40 deaths and 148 residents and employees infected - the top local health official has pressed Gov. Ralph Northam's administration to bar staff from working at more than one site. "Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, the testing community, of everybody involved, we're still seeing really significant spread," said Danny Avula, director of the Richmond and Henrico County health districts. Avula said other facilities in the area have stopped accepting Canterbury staff who were pulling shifts elsewhere. But, he added, he couldn't say for sure if all facilities in his region have stopped. James Wright, Canterbury's medical director, was bitter after so much grief at his center, saying they are short workers. Though he wouldn't share specific numbers, Wright said Canterbury has lost so many workers to illness and fear that, at one point, he was personally changing beds and helping patients. His wife took a leave from the hospital where she works to help him for about a week, Wright said. "A publicly funded nursing home is a virus's dream," Wright said, blaming society's willingness to "warehouse" the elderly in such institutions. Avula is encouraging facilities to start testing asymptomatic residents and separate any who test positive but show no signs of illness from those who are symptomatic or negative. Norman Oliver, Virginia's health commissioner, said Avula's points - about testing asymptomatic nursing home patients and restricting staff from working in multiple facilities - are "very well taken." But he stopped short of saying there would be a public health order along those lines. The state is "intensifying" its efforts to protect residents in long-term care facilities, Oliver said. As for nursing home staff, he said the workers have little choice but to work multiple jobs because they are so low paid. Northam, a Democrat, who earlier this week appointed a "czar" to oversee the state's response to covid-19 cases in elderly care facilities, said the lack of enough protective gear at Canterbury and similar facilities "really ties our hands." "I will tell you it's a real challenge for us, but we're doing everything we can to keep them safe," the governor said. Lori Porter, executive director of the National Association of Healthcare Assistants, said those workers should be receiving hazard pay during the crisis. "We wipe the noses," she said. "We are an inch away from these people's breathing and every intimate thing that's being done. Somebody is going to have to do something big, and it can't be just one company." Industry leaders agree. James Balda, director of an Alexandria, Virginia-based umbrella group for 12,000 senior living communities in the country, called Argentum, said his organization has pressed the Trump administration for $20 billion in economic aid to cover the extra costs of labor and supplies. Many smaller facilities are financially strapped as they pay higher prices for protective gear and add extra services to keep residents safe, Balda said. "In a lot of cases, communal dining has been restricted and so you need to almost triple your food service staff to be able to deliver meals three times a day to everybody's room," he said. "Supply costs are going up almost over 100 percent." Some of the facilities owned by large parent companies have been able to leverage their spending power to keep everyone comfortable so far. At Riderwood Senior Living Community in Silver Spring, Maryland, where three residents and five staff members have tested positive, the 2,530-resident facility's parent company has furnished the 1,400 workers there with protective gear from its bulk supply. "We are uniquely equipped to manage an effective response to covid-19," said Dan Dunne, director of external communications for Erikson Living, which owns Riderwood and charges residents a minimum of between $140,000 and $850,000 to move in, followed by monthly service fees of at least $2,100. The situation is different at Falcons Landing in Loudoun, home to about 550 military veterans, their spouses and other former federal employees. Brannon, the chief executive, said her staff has had to procure masks from local dentists' offices and use supplies donated by other elderly care facilities that have not yet been hit. "We have a resident's son who dropped off 50 3-D printer face shields to our gate for us," she said. "They are not the ones we'd normally used, but they will work and they will be effective." Brannon said the virus' "insidious" way of spreading through her community, despite all the efforts to stop it, has been the hardest to deal with. The community's first case was a woman in her 90s who died in a hospital a few hours after she tested positive in late March. Eleven days later, 10 more residents and five employees had tested positive, with two more male residents in their late 80s to early 90s also dying. All those cases have been inside the typically more isolated health centers on campus, but Brannon said she learned in late March that three outside contractors who had been providing physical and cognitive therapy to other residents had also tested positive. "It's heartbreaking," Brannon said, about the fatalities. "You hope against all hope that they can rally, but with a group like this it is more difficult." Meanwhile, notice after notice about new coronavirus infections have been rolling out to families of residents across the region, with the companies trying to preserve a sense of calm. At Sunrise in McLean, Virginia, six people have been infected, local health officials said. Sunrise Assisted Living, that community's parent company, also notified families of "the presence of covid-19" in two Arlington County facilities and another one in Chevy Chase. At the Brooke Grove Retirement Village in Sandy Spring, Maryland, there were five cases as of Thursday. In a statement posted to its website, the company said that until its first case last week, workers there had been using cloth face masks. Shelley Slade, whose mother lives inside the Rockville Nursing Home (Maryland), where two cases have been reported, said a nurse also shared her worries over a lack of protective gear. "It's just crazy to me not to have testing for all employees, once it is clear that it is in the building despite them taking all the precautions they could," Slade said. A Rockville Nursing Home spokesperson did not return messages for comment. Others are lost in the fog of an expanding crisis where the effort to control it has been in constant flux. The Dulles Health & Rehab Center in Herndon, Virginia, recently notified family members it would stop testing residents after its tally of confirmed cases reached 11, with one fatality. In a letter to family members, the facility cited now-outdated guidance from Fairfax County's health department that said testing was not necessary after five cases are confirmed in one location, what was then an effort to manage a limited capacity for testing in Virginia. Fairfax - home to 690 covid-19 cases as of Thursday, with 79 percent of those residents 65 or older - has since opened its own testing lab, while commercial labs have ramped up their efforts. "As testing capacity has increased, we are testing any symptomatic individuals for covid-19 in long-term care facilities," said John Silcox, the county's health department spokesman. A Dulles Health & Rehab Center official did not respond to messages for comment. Robyne Edley Kenton, whose mother with advanced dementia lives at the Herndon facility, said she wants her to be tested. Edley Kenton said she's worried her mother is at higher risk for infection because her condition makes her unaware that a deadly virus has begun its march through her community. "She's all alone," Edley Kenton said. "She doesn't know where she is because she can't remember." A few days later, her mother, Joan Edley, 78, had developed a fever and, though she hadn't been tested, was being treated as if she had covid-19. - - - The Washington Post's Rachel Chason, Ovetta Wiggins, Darran Simon and Gregory S. Schneider contributed to this report. Sikha Mondal, wife of a car driver, has found a messiah in Kaushik Roy Chowdhury, a doctor at Thakurpukur in the southern fringes of Kolkata. On April 7, when the woman was having labour pain, her husband, Gaurab Mondal ran from pillar to post for a doctor but no one was available. Acting on the advice of some friends, he went to Roy Chowdhury. The doctor immediately arranged for the delivery of the baby at a private nursing home at a minimal cost. However, with no ambulance and taxi available, taking Sikha to the nursing home in Behala became a problem. The doctor offered his own car and Gaurab took the wheels. After Sikha gave birth to a boy on the evening of April 7, Roy Chowdhury named the child Coronash, which, in Bengali, means one who destroys Corona. He also did not take any professional fee, said Gaurab. For all latest stories on coronavirus It is hard to come by people like Dr Roy Chowdhury these days. We will never forget what he did for us, Gaurab told a news channel. If everybody gets scared and shies away from responsibilities, how will society go forward? I did my duty as a doctor, Roy Chowdhury said. Click here for live and latest updates on Coronavirus Canada CCP Virus Toll Rises, Officials Probe Seniors Home Deaths OTTAWAThe number of Canadian deaths from the CCP virus rose by more than 12 percent to 674 in a day, official data showed on Sunday, and Quebec officials opened a probe into the deaths of 31 people in a seniors residence. The public health agency said that by 11:00 eastern time, the total number of positive COVID-19 diagnoses had risen to 23,719. The respective figures at the same time on Saturday were 600 deaths and 22,559 cases. Many of the victims died in seniors residences, which health officials say are particularly vulnerable. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters on Saturday that the situation in long-term care homes is very, very concerning. The entrance to the Etobicoke General Hospital drive-thru COVID-19 assessment centre is pictured, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on April 9, 2020. (Carlos Osorio/Reuters) More than half the total deaths have occurred in Quebec, the second most populous of the 10 provinces. The coroners office said on Sunday it was opening an investigation into one Montreal residence where 31 people have died since March 13. Coroner Gehane Kamel has been mandated to shine a light on the cause and the circumstances of these deaths, the office said in a statement. Police have already launched their own probe. Quebec Premier Francois Legault on Saturday blamed major negligence and said the owners had not cooperated when authorities first tried to probe reports of problems. The virus crisis has forced authorities across the country to shut down non-essential businesses and the jobless rate looks set to jump to around 25 percent. The Canadian Parliament on Saturday quickly debated and approved a wage subsidy measure worth C$73 billion ($52 billion) to help firms and individuals. Many many many more jobs are on the line and through initiatives like the wage subsidy we hope to curtail that significantly, Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough told CTV television in an interview that aired on Sunday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has addressed the nation every day since the crisis broke, took the day off to spend with his family for Easter Sunday. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. By David Ljunggren Epoch Time staff contributed to this report Governor Andrew Cuomo said Sunday the number of hospitalizations in New York state is down, but also confirmed 758 more people had died in just 24 hours. At the end of the day Saturday, there were 18,707 people hospitalized with the virus in the state. That was up only 73 since the previous day. Cuomo announced Sunday that 758 people died Saturday, the sixth day in a row that the toll topped 700. He noted: 'There has been a flattening of the numbers, no great decline but a flattening. It has been flattening but flattening at a terribly high level.' New York is wrapping up its worst week in deaths so far of the coronavirus outbreak. In all, 5,226 people were killed by the virus in the week that ended Saturday. As of Sunday morning there were 9,385 deaths from COVID-19 across the Empire State. The additional beds needed for coronavirus patients was 'the lowest number since we started doing these charts', Cuomo said; a total of 53 people in the last 24 hours. Cuomo added: 'The change in total number of hospitalizations is down again. This is the number that we have been watching because the great fear for us was always overwhelming the hospital system.' Gov. Andrew Cuomo, pictured, announced Sunday that 758 people died Saturday, the sixth day in a row that the toll topped 700. At the end of the day Saturday, there were 18,707 people hospitalized with the virus in the state. That was up only 73 since the previous day New York is wrapping up its worst week in deaths so far of the coronavirus outbreak In New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said: 'Even as recently as a week ago, we were seeing in our hospitals, people coming in and needing to be intubated more every single day, more and more people in need of those ventilators, more and more people would not live without them. 'A week ago, it was 200 to 300 more people each day coming in, every day, 200 or 300 more than the day before. We thought that was even going to go up more. 'Today, I can tell you that number has gone down again 70 more people per day now is what we're seeing on average. It's still 70 more people each day, but it's a lot fewer than what we feared.' In all, 5,226 people were killed by the virus in the week that ended Saturday. 'Somebody asked a question once: can you ever get numb to these seeing these numbers?' Cuomo said Sunday. 'Unfortunately, no, 758 people lost their lives in a 24-hour period. I speak to many families are who are going through this, many people who have lost loved ones. 'Every one is a face and the name in a family that is suffering.' Americans spent Easter Sunday on lockdown as the U.S. toll from the novel coronavirus pandemic surpassed 21,300 deaths and more than half a million confirmed cases. Bill de Blasio, pictured, on Sunday doubled down on his decision to shutter NYC schools for the rest of the year a day after locking horns with Governor Andrew Cuomo Cuomo referenced the 'Groundhog Day' millions of New Yorkers are facing each day as they repeat staying in to safe lives, telling reporters: 'People want to get on with their lives, people want to get out of the house, cabin fever, we need the economy working, people need a paycheck, life has to function. 'When do we reopen? Look, the answer is we want to reopen as soon as possible.' He took time to criticize the federal response to the pandemic in New York, noting the money per case given to the state. Cuomo also said an executive order would be signed Sunday to mandate those deemed as essential businesses to provide worker with face masks or coverings. It comes as New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio is doubling down on his plan to close schools in the nation's largest district, despite confusion over his authority to do so. De Blasio announced Saturday that the public school sites in the city's 1.1 million-student school district would close for the rest of the academic year to curb the spread of the coronavirus. 'We were quite certain it was the right thing to do,' de Blasio said Sunday when asked about the conflict. Cuomo noted: 'There has been a flattening of the numbers, no great decline but a flattening. It has been flattening but flattening at a terribly high level' The bad news has been that large numbers of people are still dying every day, Cuomo said De Blasio said his goal 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 coordinated with districts surrounding the city. He said: 'All the schools are closed and they will remain closed until it is safe. It has to work in a coordinated plan with businesses. 'I am not prepared to say what we will be doing in June. No one knows what will be doing in June. Whatever plan we come up with will be driven by data and science. Responding to calls to close the schools for the rest of the academic year Cuomo added: 'You're effectively saying businesses are closed. You cant restart economy without reopening schools. 'June is a long way from now. We go day to day and I wouldn't assume anything. Is anyone prepared to say businesses wont be open until June. I don't think anybody can make an informed decision like that now.' Cuomo also heaped thanks and praise on an upstate nursing home, Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, which donated 35 ventilators to help NYC. He said: 'When things are at their worst, sometimes people are at their best.' Cuomo added: 'Spring is my favorite season. What spring says to all of us is it's a time of rebirth. That no matter how cold the winter, no matter how barren the landscape got, the earth comes back to life. 'This has been a cold period from a societal point of view and we've closed down in a way we've never closed down. But we will come back to life and we will have a rebirth. And that's what spring is all about.' Birgunj, April 12 Three Indian citizens currently staying in Birgunj, a border city of Nepal, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. With this, the number of coronavirus positive cases in Nepal has reached 12. An official at the Ministry of Health informs that the National Public Health Laboratory in Kathmandu has confirmed the infection in them. Earlier, their swabs were tested in a new lab in Hetaunda also. The Hetaunda lab had also tested the cases positive. Officials had collected the swab samples of 24 Indian nationals in Birgunj on Thursday. Locals say they had come to the city around two weeks ago. However, they had come to Nepal in February to attend a religious ceremony in Saptari district. They were scheduled to return to India after a few days but were stranded there due to the lockdown. Following the confirmation of infection, those residing in Jame Mosque in Chhapakaiya, Birgunj-2 have been transferred to the isolation of Narayani Hospital, on Friday. One of the infected is from the Indian capital, New Delhi, whereas two others are from Uttar Pradesh. The Vietnam Steel Association (VSA)s member enterprises suffered a strong reduction in production and business in the first quarter of this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Steel bars are loaded at the Viet Duc Steel Manufacturing Joint Stock Company in Vinh Phuc Province. In the first quarter, VSA-member enterprises produced 5.4 million tonnes. Photo nhandan.vn In the first quarter, VSA member enterprises recorded a plunge of 15 per cent in steel output to 5.4 million tonnes and 20 per cent in consumption to 4.4 million tonnes year-on-year. Meanwhile, steel exports reached 300,000 tonnes, a reduction of 38 per cent from the same period last and 21 per cent compared to December 2019, according to the association. VSA vice-chairman Trinh Khoi Nguyen said the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the domestic steel industry because steel producers depend on importing input materials from China. Trading activities between Viet Nam and China have greatly slowed and have even been temporarily suspended due to the disease. The Viet Trung Metallurgy and Mineral Co, Ltd (VTM) is the most severely affected company among members of the Viet Nam Steel Corporation (VNSTEEL) due to the pandemic. VTM is located near the Viet Nam-China border and depends on trade between the two countries. Most of VTM's raw materials and equipment are imported from China, meaning all the firm's trading activities are now stagnant and its coal inventory is insufficient to meet the demand for steel production. The Viet Nam-Italy Steel Joint Stock Company (VIS) has also faced many difficulties. VIS expects its total revenue to reduce by VND65 billion this year to VND3.6 trillion. In the first quarter alone, it lost tens of billions of dong. The VSA has forecasted that this year, the steel industry will continue facing difficulties, including from protectionism in global markets and a lack of recovery in the domestic real estate market. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and price reductions in the world steel market have caused a plunge of steel prices and trading activities on the domestic market, according to the association. Higher inventories of steel products and high bank loan interest have made their business efficiency reduce. Nguyen said to solve those difficulties, the Government needs to give financial support to steel enterprises, reduce interest and extend debt payment deadlines. It should also have solutions to smooth customs clearance for import input materials that steel producers need to maintain their production. Besides that, domestic steel producers need to restructure their products, improve the competitiveness of their products and seek more export markets, Nguyen said. According to steel expert Nguyen Van Sua, steel producers with modern production technology and low energy consumption would be able to continue running while producers with old production technology and high production costs would struggle to compete. He said the State should extend tax payment deadlines and cut tax for steel producers to help them overcome difficulties. VNS Derivative aluminium, steel exporters urged to consider request for tax exemption Firms which exported derivative aluminium and steel to the US needed to work with their partners on requesting tax exemption in case their products satisfied conditions for exclusion, according to the Trade Remedies Authority of Viet Nam. The Consulate General of Vietnam in Cambodias Preah Sihanouk province presents relief packages to Cambodian-Vietnamese families affected by COVID-19. (Photo: VNA) 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 Canmbodian- 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 11th, Cambodia reported 120 infection cases, including 75 recoveries. In Preah Sihanouk, 39 cases have been recorded so far./. Thiruvananthapuram, April 12 : For the first time, the Christian community in Kerala on Sunday celebrated Easter in their homes due to the national lockdown imposed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Traditionally, the faithful throng churches early in the morning for the Easter Sunday mass. After the mass ends, priests hand out cake and at some places, even a spook of wine is served. The cake and wine symbolizes that the six-week-long lent is over, when people turn vegetarian and avoid the consumption of alcohol. But this Sunday due to the global health crisis, it was just the priest and four of his associates running through the rituals, with the doors of all churches closed to the general public. But at homes in Kerala, it looked like any other normal Easter. The day started with the Easter breakfast, which includes 'appam' (rice flour pancakes), chicken stew, beef roast, while at some places duck is the important non vegetarian dish, besides steamed bananas, egg roast and cake. The Easter lunch also has a wide spread and of late, many prefer to have a steaming hot plate biryani or fried rice with a non vegetarian dish. However the only thing missing from the dining table, this time, is fish after state government officials in the past one week seized over 50,000 kg of stale fish from across Kerala. Another miss this time was the alcohol as all bars and retail vends were shut down due to the lockdown. Christians account for 61.41 lakh people of the state's 33.4 million population. LONDON British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his gratitude to the staff of the National Health Service for saving his life when his treatment for the coronavirus could have gone either way as the U.K. on Sunday became the fourth European country to surpass 10,000 virus-related deaths. Dressed in a suit, and looking and sounding relatively assured, Johnson said in a video posted on Twitter after his discharge from St. Thomas Hospital in London that it was hard to find the words to express his debt of gratitude to the NHS for saving his life no question. He listed a number of the frontline staff members who cared for him during his week-long stay at St. Thomas Hospital in London but singled out two nurses who stood by his bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way. The prime minister said the nurses he identified as Jenny from Invercargill on New Zealands South Island and Luis from Portugal, near Porto, were the reason that in the end, my body did start to get enough oxygen. Because for every second of the night they were watching and they were thinking and they were caring and making the interventions I needed, he said. So that is how I also know that across this country, 24 hours a day, for every second of every hour, there are hundreds of thousands of NHS staff who are acting with the same care and thought and precision as Jenny and Luis. After his release from the hospital, Johnson made his way to Chequers, the prime ministers country retreat northwest of London, and on the advice of his medical team wont be returning to work immediately, his office said in statement. Its unclear what involvement Johnson will have in this weeks anticipated extension to the nationwide lockdown the prime minister announced on March 23 in response to the worldwide virus pandemic. Johnson, 55, was the first world leader confirmed to have the virus. His COVID-19 symptoms, including a cough and a fever, at first were described as mild, and he worked from home during the first few days of self-isolation. But he was admitted to St. Thomas on April 5 after his condition worsened and transferred the following day to the intensive care unit, where he received oxygen but was not put onto a ventilator. Johnson spent three nights in the ICU before he was moved back to a regular hospital ward on Thursday. Johnsons pregnant partner, Carrie Symonds, cheered the prime ministers improved health in a series of tweets, saying she cannot thank our magnificent NHS enough. There were times last week that were very dark indeed, Symonds wrote. My heart goes out to all those in similar situations, worried sick about their loved ones. The government confirmed Sunday that the U.K. became the fourth European country after Italy, Spain and France to reach the grim milestone of 10,000 virus-related deaths. It said 737 more people who tested positive for the coronavirus had died, taking the total recorded in the U.K. to 10,612. The figure reported Sunday represented a second straight daily decline in number of deaths, although the lower figures may be due to delays related with the Easter weekend. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said this is a somber day for the country in its battle against this invisible killer. With the day-to-day death tolls in Italy and Spain on a downward slope, there were growing fears the U.K. might end up as the country with the most virus deaths in Europe. However, the pace of new confirmed cases and hospitalizations in the U.K. appears to be plateauing, a trend that officials hope will show up in fewer deaths in the near future. Wellcome Trust director Jeremy Farrar, a scientific adviser to the British government, said the U.K. was likely to be one of the worst, if not the worst-affected country in Europe. He told the BBC that Britain has lessons to learn from Germany, where much more widespread early testing for the virus and aggressive contact tracing have been accompanied by many fewer coronavirus deaths. Hancock on Sunday announced a new NHS contact tracing app that will anonymously alert users if someone they were in significant contact with in the previous few days tests positive for the virus. While Johnson convalesces, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is handling the nations response to the pandemic that has infected at least 1.81 million worldwide and killed more than 112,000 people. Experts say those numbers seriously understate the impact of the pandemic, due to limited testing and different ways of counting the dead. Johnsons Conservative government has come under fire for its slow response to confronting the pandemic allowing tens of thousands to gather at the Cheltenham horse racing festival in mid-March, for example. Its also faced criticism for its slow roll out of a coronavirus testing program. In the past few days, the government also faced acute criticism over a lack of personal protective equipment for frontline hospital workers amid reports that some nurses had resorted to cutting up garbage bags to cover themselves. The Royal College of Nursing has piled more pressure on the government, urging members to refuse to treat patients as a last resort if adequate protections are not provided. Hancock said he did not have an update on how many NHS workers with the virus have died following the 19 he confirmed on Saturday. He said efforts to procure more PPE aremoving in the right direction . but until everyone gets the PPE they need, then we wont rest. The prime minister also thanked the British people for the sacrifices they are making to get on top of the pandemic. I want you to know that this Easter Sunday I do believe that your efforts are worth it, and are daily proving their worth, Johnson said. Because although we mourn every day those who are taken from us in such numbers, and though the struggle is by no means over, we are now making progress in this incredible national battle against coronavirus. ___ Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 18:04:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A new and effective global governance system has yet to be built to cope with a crisis of the magnitude of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai has said. "We don't have a very good functioning global governance so far, whether for the global economy or for global public health," Cui said in an interview with Ian Bremmer at Gzero World which began airing nationally on Saturday on U.S. public television. "I think you're right. Of course we have to recognize the G20 had a good special summit, also a video call, and they have taken a number of good decisions. Now the task is to implement these decisions," said Cui in response to a question concerning international cooperation and coordination in fighting the pandemic. "But still, I think, the current situation and the current deficiency in global governance ... I think people really have to make serious efforts to think about what kind of global governance we should be building. What should we aim at?" he said. "If we still want to build some international governance system based on a particular political model or with the dominance of one or two particular countries, I don't think we can succeed," Cui said. "If we aim at a new system of international governance that is open, inclusive, that is based on mutual respect among all countries, on the full recognition of the diversity of cultures, civilizations, political systems, economic systems, if we can do this, then I think all the things are ready for us to build a new and effective international governance system. We have to make the right choice now," he said. The world has had a number of crises in the 21st century, one could say starting with the 9/11 terror attack , then the financial crisis, and now this COVID-19 virus, i.e. security challenges, financial instability and now public health, the ambassador said. "If we can still call this a wakeup call, I think we should have woken up a long time ago, but still, if we have not started yet, we have to start real efforts to build a good international governance system for the 21st century, for the future," he said, adding that big countries, including the United States and China, have great responsibilities in spearheading the efforts. "Even for other countries, some smaller, maybe poorer countries, countries that unfortunately don't have a lot of say in international decision-making, I think they are keenly aware of their vulnerability, of the lack of an effective, efficient and equitable global governance system," he said. "It is ineffective, but they are not in a position to change it. So maybe they have hopes on us to take the lead for international efforts to build such a good governance system for everybody," he said. WHAT CHINA WANTS IS NOT SELFISH INTERESTS The Chinese ambassador pointed out that the current international institutions that were set up since WWII, including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Group of Seven, the United Nations (UN), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), are "making their best efforts to reform and to improve, to catch up with tremendous changes going on in the world." For instance, since the financial crisis in 2008, the World Bank and the IMF have seen major reforms of the quota system, of how they respond to member states' needs, he said. "I think they are making good efforts. Even at the recent G20 summit, these institutions are offering their contributions. They are ready to play their due role. Of course we have to encourage them to do more," he said. "And for the WTO, it was very unfortunate that the Doha Round did not succeed. And many of the rules were set up before we have had all these new technologies. So I think there is a real need for us to support reform of the WTO, make it more up-to-date, make it better able to meet the challenge," he said. If these existing institutions can respond to the needs and aspirations of their member states, "not just a few of them, but their entire membership," "in a timely and effective manner," then they could undergo good reforms, and they could "make themselves better able to perform their function," the ambassador said. "If they fail to do that, that might force the member countries to think about the possibility of setting up new structures. But I do hope that we can carry out reforms with the existing institutions, just make them better." Actually, he said, China has been "very actively" involved in the process, even for the international response to the financial crisis in the last decade, increasing its contributions to these institutions. Now China is the second largest contributor to the United Nations' budget, the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, and the largest contributor of troops among the permanent members of the Security Council to UN peacekeeping operations. "So we are increasing our contribution. We are doing our best to do more for the international community, because we believe we are all part of this community of nations. We do have a shared destiny. We do have a shared future. But of course, it is very much hoped that the United States will continue to do more," he said. "But what China wants is not selfish interests. We want the purposes and principles of the UN Charter to be widely observed. If we can have all these principles implemented and respected globally, I don't think we want anything more for ourselves," he said. A total of 444 people took off on a charter flight from New Delhi for Melbourne on Sunday amid the nationwide lockdown imposed last month to check the spread of coronavirus. Supported the repatriation of 444 people who just took off on charter flight JT2846 from #Delhi for #Melbourne. The flight was organised by a group of Australians led by Simon Quinn. Thanks to @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia for facilitating. @MarisePayne @dfat, Australian High Commission, India, tweeted along with a 44-second video. Click here for the complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic Supported the repatriation of 444 people who just took off on charter flight JT2846 from #Delhi for #Melbourne. The flight was organised by a group of Australians led by Simon Quinn. Thanks to @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia for facilitating. @MarisePayne @dfat pic.twitter.com/gDVOUCGRoZ Australian High Commission, India & Bhutan (@AusHCIndia) April 11, 2020 Click here for the latest updates from the coronavirus outbreak Of the 444 people, 430 were Australians citizens, permanent residents and their families, while 14 were New Zealand citizens. India had last month suspended international flights in a bid to check the spread of coronavirus in the country. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country crossed 7,500 including 6634 active cases, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday. So far 652 people have been cured/discharged while 242 deaths have been reported across the country and one person has migrated. (ANI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mizoram has enough stock of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, an official of the state Health department said on Sunday. State Nodal officer of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and epidemiologist Dr Pachuau Lalmalsawma told PTI that the state has enough stock of PPEs to meet urgent requirement as of now. He said that additional procurement has been sought from the Centre and are likely to arrive soon. He said that PPEs were distributed to Zoram Medical College (ZMC), district hospitals and private hospitals across the state. Pachuau said that PPEs are also sewn by local manufacturers. Vakira, a fashion house run by three sisters, students of Women Polytechnic, Aizawl and other groups have volunteered themselves to stitch PPEs for health workers, he said. He said that the PPEs are being sewn on the basis of guidance from medical experts and met quality standard to be used. Mizoram received about a consignment of 11,300 PPEs, 10,000 pieces of N-95 mask and other equipment from the Centre, which were ferried by a cargo flight and trucks on March 27. So far, Mizoram has reported only one positive case. The patient is undergoing treatment at ZMC. Pachuau said that the patient is recovering fast since Friday and is stable. Though he is being treated at intensive care unit (ICU) and remained on ventilator support, his dose of oxygen has been reduced since Friday, he said. The official said that the lone patient has pneumonia but no fever on Sunday. According to Pachuau, doctors and nurses, who treated the patient, are being quarantined at ZMC. The official said that a total of 87 samples have been collected and tested and 86 of them have tested negative for novel coronavirus. Mizoram began testing of samples for novel coronavirus at ZMC since April 7. Earlier, samples were sent to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam for test. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic Church said Sunday it had forgiven the suicide bombers behind the attacks that killed at least 279 people last Easter. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told an Easter mass -- broadcast from a TV studio because of the coronavirus pandemic -- that "we offered love to the enemies who tried to destroy us". "We forgave them," he said, adding that instead of retaliating, the nation's Catholic minority had contemplated Jesus' message of hope, and reduced tensions. The April 21 Easter Sunday bombers targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, killing at least 279 people and wounding 593. Last year Ranjith called for the government at-the-time to step down over its alleged failure to investigate an "international conspiracy" behind the attacks. That government, of president Maithripala Sirisena, lost November's elections, with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa's younger brother Gotabaya taking the reins. - Officials charged with murder - Sirisena initially blamed Islamic extremists for the bombings, but later accused international drug dealers of being behind the attacks -- supposedly to destabilise his anti-narcotics drive. The country's then-police chief and secretary to the ministry of defence have been charged with murder for allegedly not acting on intelligence about the attacks. Police have arrested 135 people in connection with the bombings, blamed on the National Thowheeth Jama'ath extremist group. They have yet to be charged. This year's Easter celebrations have been muted amid a nationwide indefinite curfew imposed to contain the novel coronavirus. Some 199 people have been infected, with seven deaths, the government said. Closed-door Easter services were conducted at two of the churches targetted -- St Anthony's and St Sebastian's. The UK could end up being one of the worst-hit European countries in the coronavirus pandemic, a senior scientific adviser to the government warned on Sunday. Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust who sits on the British government's scientific advisory committee SAGE, said Britain is facing the highest death toll in the region as further waves of the deadly virus cannot be ruled out. The numbers in the UK have continued to go up. I do hope we are coming close to the number of new infections reducing. But yes the UK is likely to be one of the worst if not the worst affected country in Europe, Farrar told the BBC. As of Saturday, the death toll in the UK stands at 9,875, increasing rapidly day on day. The death toll in neighbouring European countries stands at 19,468 in Italy among the worst hit countries in the world, and Germany at 2,871. Farrar said that Germany had introduced testing at a remarkable rate which helped it gain a critical six to eight weeks to prepare its health system for the pandemic. It is still early in this epidemic. What is critical for Germany is they continue that testing and isolation. Inevitably the UK will learn lessons from how Germany has managed to control the epidemic to date, he said. In reference to the remarks, UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma stressed that countries were on "different trajectories" and reiterated that the strict social distancing measures will have an impact on the death toll curve. "Different countries are at different stages of this cycle. What we have done with the advice that we have now set out to people, to stay at home, is precisely because we want to make sure that we have a flattening of the curve, that infection rates aren't going up, and ultimately people's lives are being saved," he said. The senior Indian-origin Cabinet minister was also forced to apologise for persistent concerns within the UK's National Health Service (NHS) over the lack of sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for its staff to be able to treat the highly infectious deadly virus. I'm incredibly sorry that people feel they are not able to get this equipment. It's self-evident that we need more PPE," he said. His apology came a day after a leading doctors' union, the British Medical Association (BMA), had highlighted the shortage of the crucial equipment on the NHS frontlines which was putting medics' lives at risk. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the Indian-origin BMA Council Chair, said: 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. 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. It led to pledges by the government to continue its focus on driving PPE supplies to the frontlines. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Not just lockdown, intense testing, contact tracing equally crucial to fight Covid-19: Kerala FM India pti-PTI New Delhi, Apr 12: Ramping up efforts to "stamp out" coronavirus cases in the state, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac has said that not only lockdown but intense testing of people and tracing of their contacts are also equally important in the fight against the outbreak. Kerala, which was the first state in the country to report a coronavirus infection in late January, has also prepared a time table for coming out of the lockdown and there would be district-specific strategies to tackle the situation while the number of cases are on the decline. In efforts to curb spreading of coronavirus infections, the country is under a 21-day lockdown till April 14 and many states have sought an extension amid rising number of cases. Kerala has proposed extending the lockdown and gradual phasing out after proper assessment. "Lockdown should go on till we stamp out entire infections. Now, it is not enough to have lockdown. Equally important is that we should have intense testing, tracing and isolating (of people with coronavirus infections)," he told PTI in a telephonic interview. The government is closely monitoring the situation and there would be region-specific or district-specific strategies in place to tackle the outbreak, he said. Against the backdrop of the lockdown that has also disrupted economic activities, Isaac said an exit strategy is being prepared and restrictions are being relaxed in certain segments, including agriculture. "The number of patients is coming down (in the state). We hope that in the coming days, the decline will be much more faster," he said during the interview late Friday. On Saturday, the Kerala government said there were a total of 373 confirmed cases of coronavirus infections and 228 patients were under treatment in various hospitals in the state. Keeping the trend in the last few days, the number of people under observation has come down to 1,23,490. So far, 14,613 samples from people with symptoms were sent for testing and the results of 12,818 samples have come negative, the government said in a statement on Saturday. Indicating that there would be a calibrated exit from the lockdown, Isaac said the withdrawal would depend on three main factors, including the count of cases and the percentage of people who are under observation. While emphasising that people must also be fed during the lockdown period, Isaac also said a time table is being prepared by the state to come out of the lockdown. Even as strict measures are being implemented to deal with the current situation, the state is also preparing for a possible third wave of coronavirus cases. Three students, who had returned from the Chinese city of Wuhan, were tested positive. They were also the first such cases, to be reported in January-February period, and have recovered. Wuhan was the epicentre of coronavirus infections before it spread to other countries. Later, there was a second wave of infections in Kerala. According to the minister, the possibility of a third wave has also been considered for the exit strategy. "A lot of Malayalees are expected to come back from outside the state. We will welcome them... before that, we want to stamp out all Covid cases in Kerala. Flatten the curve completely so that when these people from outside, they will be quarantined, they will be tested and only then they will be able to integrate with the rest of the community," he said. The Kerala government's measures, including extensive testing and efforts to trace people who came in contact with coronavirus-infected persons, have helped in curbing spreading of infections. The state's public healthcare system has also been appreciated in various quarters. "People are health conscious. There is a demand for quality healthcare services and the response to this demand has been strengthening of the public healthcare system. We have a robust public healthcare system," the minister emphasised. On April 9, Isaac tweeted about low level of coronavirus spreading in the state. "International norm for Covid spread is 2.6 per 1 Covid patient. Total number of primary Covid infected who arrived in Kerala from abroad is 254. The secondary spread has been limited to 91. The international mortality rate is 5.75. With just 2 deaths, rate in Kerala is 0.58," he had tweeted. Death toll due to the coronavirus increased to 273 and the number of cases to 8,356 in the country on Sunday. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country and the subsequent lockdown to curb its spread, the psychological effects of the coronavirus, especially on mental health of people, have become a poignant concern for health experts. Doctors say that most patients with pre-existing conditions like anxiety and depression are having a difficult time and that they are witnessing a surge of such mental health illness, due to fear of coronavirus. According to Rajiv Mehta, Psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here, in Delhi Problems related to depression and anxieties are on the rise these days in patients who are already are depressed. "Most common problem patients are complaining of is that they are depressed and anxious. Even if they have a minor cough, then get depressed and anxious that they could have contracted COVID-19 and also transferred the virus to othersm," Mehta said. Taking about the behavioural changes observed in his patients, Dr Mehta said," They keep ruminating on a single thought. They keep thinking about what will happen and how they can be saved. Anxiety and panic like dryness of mouth, palpitations and nausea is observed," he said. The physician said they had divided people in groups -children, previously depressed, not depressed people and old people. "Most problems related to anxiety and depression are coming from the already depressed in these time of coronavirus outbreak in the country," he said. He also cited that for those who are not depressed are just anxious about their job and the economy. "They also feel friction in relationships with family due to lockdown." For those who are retired and old, they have their own lifestyles and feel friction with family as they are not allowed to go outside or live their normal lifestyle. Another cause of worry for some is the issue of acohol withdrawal. "We got one such case which was serious but got treated in time," Dr Mehta said. The doctor said measures put in place by the government such as teleconsultation has come as a great relief. "The government has allowed teleconsultation between doctors and patients which is a great step and this is helping in treatment of people." According to Dr Nand Kumar, professor of psychiatric department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), most patients with mental health issues face a lack of social connectivity due to the ongoing lockdown. "I am personally calling up my patients for their follow up consultations over phone. A major challenge for those who have been already diagnosed is that they face a relapse in their condition due to the absence of social connectivity and unavailability of medicines." At the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in the capital, doctors narrated a similar situation. Dr Smitha Desphande, head of psychiatric department at RML Hospital said that mental health illness cannot be ignored. "We are getting patients who are having serious relapse of their existing mental health complication due to scare of COVID-19. Patients with bi-polar disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder are suffering the most. Lot of our patients are now unable to visit the hospital due to unavailability of transport. With this, we assume that OPDs would see upsurge in mental health issues once the lockdown is over." The union health ministry in collaboration with experts from AIIMS and Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) has developed innovative activities for people to boost their mental health during the period of lockdown in the country in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made his first appearance in the countrys Parliament for a sitting to pass an emergency measure to provide relief to workers and companies impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Trudeau was in self-isolation since March 12, after his wife Sophie Gregoire was diagnosed with coronavirus infection following her return from an event in London. Trudeau returned to in-person meetings late last week and spoke during the sitting of the House of Commons in Ottawa, the countrys capital. A small number of MPs, living within easy reach of Parliament, were present in the House as it passed the legislation required to offer early wage subsidy relief by employers and employees buffeted by the economic impact of the pandemic. Only 32 MPs were present as the bill was passed, even as the Government pushes for an early arrangement wherein Canadas parliamentary business can be conducted virtually. The session on Saturday, however, lasted for nearly six hours as MPs debated the bill tabled by the government. House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota described it as an exceptional day in the midst of exceptional times. Trudeau also chose the occasion for a rousing speech with overtones of a wartime mobilisation. 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, he said. The frontline in this battle, he said, was everywhere. In our homes, in our hospitals and care centres, in our grocery stores and pharmacies, at our truck stops and gas stations. And the people who work in these places are our modern day heroes, he went on to tell assembled MPs, though the message may have been directed at Canadians overall. Canada had 23,197 cases of coronavirus and 678 deaths due to the disease as of Saturday, according to news agency AFP. The Canadian economy lost more than one million jobs last month. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sara Shakeel (@sarashakeel) on Mar 4, 2020 at 3:14am PST Designers Abirr and Nanki, of label Limerick, donated 3000 masks to Kasturba Hospital, Mumbai and a generous amount to Dharma Bharti Mission for their fundraiser. In a conversation with Femina, the designers emphasised on the importance of the fashion industrys unification in this crucial time and how can they provide aid. Our other business is the manufacturing of non-woven fabrics which are used in health care products like masks, sanitary napkins etc. We already had the knowledge, and technical know-how to produce surgical masks. Looking at where things were headed, we felt this was the need of the hour. So, we decided to combine Abirrs technical knowledge and my design aesthetic to come up with the idea of making these masks that not only give required protection but also bring a little bit of cheer and positivity in these troubled times. All of us need to step up and do whatever we can in these troubled times. The kind of influence that the fashion industry has, right from celebrities, designers and influencers, to the stylists, it becomes our moral responsibility to set an example so that everyone comes forward and does their bit due.With physical stores indefinitely shut and online shopping at a halt, the business of fashion is facing its own set of turbulence. However, the industry has unified to churn its resources, given the gravity of the situation. Keeping the ongoing pandemic in mind, the meaning of luxury has a new definition. A Hermes Birkin does not take precedence over a surgical mask or a germ-killing hand cleanser at this moment. Nature being the biggest leveller of this time, will this hazardous virus serve as a lesson for humans to be more conscious and sustainable of their choices? It is only in the aftermath of this crusade will we find out. Airline travel has dropped to a new low due to the coronavirus pandemic, down nearly 95% from the same day last year, officials said Sunday. Just 93,645 travelers passed through a TSA checkpoint nationwide on Saturday, according TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said. That is a sharp decrease from the same Saturday last year, when 2,059,142 travelers were screened. (That weekend was not a holiday weekend, with Easter falling on April 21, 2019). The TSA is not providing screening numbers at specific airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport, but Farbstein said the decrease was seen nationwide. Not surprisingly, what is happening nationally is happening at every airport across the country, regardless of airport size, Farbstein said. On average, 2.2 million travelers are screened daily at Americas airports. The busiest day ever in TSA history was the Friday before Memorial Day in 2019, when nearly 2.8 million people flew. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage Travel typically spikes around Easter weekend and spring breaks, with as many as 400,000 more passengers flying around those weekends, the TSA says. Between March 14, 2019, and April 28, 2019, just over 3 million passengers were screened in Newark. The drop in TSA screenings translates to nearly-empty planes: a number of travelers have said they were the only passengers on recent flights. The lack of travelers during the coronavirus pandemic has caused service changes at Newark. Spirit has suspended its Newark operations entirely and reduced service to Atlantic City, where it is the only major airline. United Airlines has cut the number of daily flights out of Newark from 139 to 15. American Airlines will operate just two daily flights. On March 29, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a domestic travel advisory, asking residents of New York New Jersey and Connecticut to avoid non-essential domestic travel through April 12. 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. Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York City, the largest school system in the United States, moved to remote learning on March 23 for its over 1.1 million students as schools closed to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19). But some advocacy groups say a large population of at-risk students -- including low-income and homeless students -- are at risk of falling behind. New York City public school buildings have been closed since March 16 and were expected to reopen on April 20, until Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that schools in New York will continue to be closed until April 29 -- as part of his extension of the New York State on PAUSE executive order. Mayor Bill de Blasio has repeatedly said its possible that schools may not reopen for the remainder of the school year -- which means students could be participating in remote learning until the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. While some families were easily able to make the switch to remote learning, low-income students and homeless students -- also known as students in temporary housing -- have been struggling to secure an electronic device and gain access to internet services. Both are essential to learning online. We remain very concerned about the needs of kids who are most at-risk, said Raysa S. Rodriguez, associate executive director for policy and advocacy for Citizens Committee for Children. The crisisthey often say it doesnt discriminate, everyone is impacted. But having said that, there are folks who are going to be hit the hardest in terms of not only recovery but managing through this crisis. So one group that thats particularly true for is students of low-income families, as well as students in temporary housing. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** Rodriguez explained there are well over 100,000 students in the New York City public school system who dont have a home of their own. That equates to roughly 1 out of every 10 public school students who are either doubled-up with family, or living in shelters. According to an October report by the New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students, a project of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), 114,085 students in New York City identified as homeless in the 2018-2019 school year. That includes more than 2,500 Staten Island students in elementary, middle and high schools who are, or have been, homeless. While there are no city shelters on Staten Island yet, students are considered homeless if they are doubled-up in temporary housing situations with relatives, friends, or others. But even before the coronavirus outbreak hit, Rodriguez said this student population was already far behind when you look at their outcomes compared to their permanently housed peers. That includes factors like attendance rate, proficiency in math and English language arts, test scores on standardized exams, and graduation rates. These were things that we knew were the case and we knew were problematic even before the coronavirus, she added. Now, in light of this public health and economic crisis, the reality is that the conditions and the opportunities for educational gains for these students are even at greater risk. NO ACCESS TO TECH Many of these students dont have access to electronic devices or the internet to participate in online learning, Rodriguez explained. To address a lack of technology among students most in need, the city Department of Education (DOE) offered request forms for families to receive an Apple iPad. Since remote learning started, the DOE said it would deliver at least 300,000 iPads to students across the five boroughs, in addition to the devices that schools gave out to families. A Staten Island mother of five, Nikkeya Gulley, waited outside her childrens school building at PS 44 in Mariners Harbor on March 19 to try to secure one of the few laptops the school had available. She told the Advance/SILive.com at the time that she desperately needed a computer because the only device her kids could use was her cell phone. I have to do my own schooling online because its closed, so how are they going to do their stuff online because my phone is overloaded? she asked at the time. Truth be told, I think this whole thing should be shut down until they figure out what theyre doing and how things will be working correctly for these kids. The DOE said it has prioritized distribution of internet-enabled devices to students in temporary housing and is continuing distribution until all students are able to participate in remote learning. For most vulnerable children, schools are doing check-ins, counseling sessions, and restorative circles remotely. While the concern of getting technology and internet access to these students is being addressed by the city DOE, Rodriguez said environmental factors also affect the success of students in distance learning. Students who are in shelters or doubled-up with families may have a harder time completing online school work. How can we ensure that despite this crisis, we dont become complacent, we do not accept that these students who have, as I mentioned before, already have so much odds against them, dont fall even further behind? she asked. We cannot be okay with them falling more behind, we have to do more to ensure that despite this crisis, theyre able to move ahead. REGIONAL ENRICHMENT CENTERS When an announcement was made that New York City would open Regional Enrichment Centers (REC) across the five boroughs to provide childcare for children of first responders, healthcare workers, and other essential employees, advocates called on the city to allow homeless students entry into the centers. Schools are a crucial source of stability and social-emotional support for students who are homeless, and we fear that the COVID-19 outbreak will further exacerbate existing inequities, with long-lasting and potentially devastating consequences, read a letter sent to Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza on March 20 from various advocacy groups -- including the Advocates for Children of New York, Citizens Committee for Children of New York and the Coalition for the Homeless. The DOE recently added additional essential employees, including grocery store and pharmacy workers and workers for other city agencies, to qualify for child care at the RECs. Moving forward, the DOEs website said it will seek to include additional essential service providers and children in shelters. However, advocacy groups said families who are homeless need to know with certainty their children will have access to the centers. Rodriguez explained that while advocates believe its the right move to prioritize child care for the essential workforce, students in temporary housing should be considered for placement in the centers. Early on, the Department of Education recognized or at least voiced that these centers would also be opened up for students who have the most intensive needs, she said. So within that umbrella, students in temporary housing are definitely a group that should be enrolled and allowed to be prioritized in these centers. Again, to not risk them falling even further behind. The DOE said RECs should are currently viewed as a child care option for those on the frontlines of COVID-10 response efforts. However, the agency is actively assessing eligibility for additional groups of New York residents. Parents can express interest in sites most convenient to them, the DOE said. The department is constantly assessing need by survey and by engaging representatives of eligible groups like first responders and healthcare workers to understand how it can better serve. The DOE said it will continue to make adjustments to its portfolio of sites as needed, such as adding or subtracting sites to meet demand, staffing, and ensuring REC sites can follow capacity and social distancing guidelines. ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS While care at RECs is a solution advocates are urging, Rodriguez said additional supports are needed for at-risk students, as it may affect their educational gains and economic security in the long-term. Students from communities that are more resourced and families that have higher incomes not only are they figuring out distance learning, but truth be told, if there are glitches in distance learning, they are going to be okay, she said. They will continue to be on the upward trajectory in terms of educational gains. We remain very doubtful that this will be the case for this student population. The DOE said extensive efforts are being made to ensure its Bridging the Gap social workers are able to continue to offer teletherapy and remote counseling supports, in addition to wellness check-ins and remote learning support. Its also working to partner with contracted community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide enrichment and social-emotional learning opportunities to students in temporary housing. In close partnership with the Fund for Public Schools, $200,000 was raised to purchase additional resources for students during remote learning, such as headphones. Our educators and social workers are doing everything to ensure that a students housing status does not impact their ability to learn during the COVID-19 crisis," said Nathaniel Styer, spokesman for the DOE. "Students in temporary housing are prioritized for devices with internet access and access to social workers and mental health professionals is being made available remotely. We will continue to work to ensure all students especially those in temporary housing are supported for the duration of this crisis. 70 Coronavirus in NYC: Photos show the fight against the pandemic Uplifting video shows teachers dancing for their students FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. London, April 12 : The UK has recorded 737 new coronavirus-related hospital deaths, taking the total number to 10,612 on Sunday. It comes after one of the government's senior scientific advisers said the UK is likely to be among the worst-affected European countries. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said "today marks a sombre day", but welcomed efforts people had made to stay at home, the BBC reported. The number of reported deaths does not include deaths outside of hospitals. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked healthcare workers for saving his life after being discharged from hospital. Hancock told the daily press briefing: "Today marks a sombre day in the impact of this disease as we join the list of countries who have seen more than 10,000 deaths related to coronavirus. "The fact that over 10,000 people have now lost their lives to this invisible killer demonstrates just how serious this coronavirus is and why the national effort that everyone is engaged in is so important." The UK becomes the fifth country to surpass 10,000 deaths, joining the US, Spain, Italy and France. Public Health England medical director Professor Yvonne Doyle said the number of people in hospital with coronavirus in London was stabilising, but it is increasing in the North West, Yorkshire and North East. Speaking about those who have lost their lives to Covid-19, Hancock said: "Their grief is our grief and their stories will not be forgotten." He also congratulated the British public for "rising to this challenge" of staying at home. "Your steadfast commitment to following these social distancing rules is making a difference," he added. Hancock said that there was "always more to be done" regarding personal protective equipment for NHS workers, but added there were now "record amounts in the system". He added that 121,000 gowns had been delivered around the country and more would be coming. Ministers are continuing to urge people to stay at home over the Easter weekend to curb the spread of the virus, despite warm and sunny weather across parts of the UK. The increase of 737 deaths is less than the daily total announced on Saturday, when the UK recorded 917 new coronavirus deaths. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), virtually collapsed under its previous management, its new chief has said. Muhammad Nami, who assumed office as chairman last December, said he had to build the entire structure of the service again from scratch. This is not the first time Mr Nami is criticising the administration of his predecessor, Babatunde Fowler. In December, while giving his first Christmas message and felicitation to the revenue agencys staff, he accused Mr Fowlers management of superintending a steady decline in revenue collection by the service since the inception of his tenure in 2015. Mr Nami assumed office on December 19, 2019. In a recent interview with PREMIUM TIMES and other journalists in Abuja, he said his first 100 days in office has been challenging. Its challenging because it appears I am having to build the entire structure of the service again from 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, he said. He said that when he came on board, the entire structure of the agency had virtually collapsed. So I had the daunting task of piecing together the pieces, he said. He also said the staff are quite excited now and willing to work harder than before because he took steps to return the functions previously given to consultants back to the staff so that they can perform optimally. Fowlers performance Upon assumption of office in August 2015, Mr Fowler introduced the use of tax consultants in the collection of tax revenues and other services, a policy brought forward from his time as the head of the Lagos State Revenue Service. Despite the controversy that trailed the use of tax consultants to carry out services thousands of regular FIRS staff were competent and qualified to render, Mr Fowler sustained the policy till the end of his tenure last December 9. Also, in August, the presidency in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, queried Mr Fowler over worsening tax collection since 2015. We have observed significant variances between the budgeted collections and actual collections for the period 2015 to 2018, Mr Kyari wrote in the letter, dated August 8, 2019. READ ALSO: The query indicated that in 2015, although the FIRS set a revenue target of N4.7 trillion, it was only able to make N3.7 trillion in the actual collection. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, the presidency said from target collections of N4.2 trillion, N4.8 trillion and N6.7 trillion respectively, the actual collections were N3.3 trillion, N4.0 trillion and N5.3 trillion, respectively. In response, Mr Fowler said the query served him did not reflect all the facts. While he agreed that actual tax collection since the beginning of Mr Buharis administration is lower than the 2012-2014 period under former President Goodluck Jonathan, he told the presidency that the FIRS under him has performed better regarding specific non-oil tax types, such as VAT and CIT. He explained that the general lower collection since 2015 was as a result of oil market crisis which has seen a fall in commodity price compared to the period under Mr Jonathan, and recession which slowed down economic activities. Efforts to reach Mr Fowler to comment on this fresh criticism from his successor were unsuccessful as he did not return his calls nor reply text messages People were seen purchasing fruits and vegetables at Azadpur Mandi in the capital on Sunday while Delhi police teams were also deployed at the market amid COVID-19 lockdown. Some traders in the market had earlier had expressed concern that social distancing norms were not being observed and people were not wearing masks amid coronavirus outbreak. District Magistrate North, Deepak Shinde had on Saturday directed DCP North-West and Secretary Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) to take all necessary measures to ensure that social distancing protocol is followed in Azadpur Mandi. Other protocols include different timings or shifts for sale of vegetables and fruits etc. and deployment of additional police personnel, deployment of joint enforcement teams (at least five) of mandi officials and police officials. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of several presidential primaries over the last few weeks. Ultimately, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) dropped out of the Democratic race, leaving former Vice President Joe Biden as the last candidate standing. Biden even won Alaska's primary Saturday, where Sanders who performed well there in 2016 still had a shot at the vote-by-mail-only contest, signaling that the senator's chances at mounting a comeback were slim. But the question over how the virus will affect the general election between Biden and President Trump in November still looms. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN's Jake Tapper on Sunday's edition of State of the Union he's hopeful voting will be mostly standard by then. Like so many other things, though, it depends on how well the U.S. follows through on its efforts to slow the spread of the disease. Right now, things are trending in the right direction, but Fauci preached caution. I hope so, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, when asked if it will be safe for voters to go to the polls in November. ...However... there is always the possibility, as we get into next fall and the beginning of early winter, that we could see a rebound #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/WjmDJ2gEel State of the Union (@CNNSotu) April 12, 2020 Even if the virus does bounce back, though, Fauci believes the country may be better prepared to test for and treat the virus and therefore could avoid going to some of the extreme lengths again. 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 The backlog for COVID-19 testing in New Jersey is getting worse A newspaper close to the office of the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has suggested that financial institutions operating under his aegis should support low-income Iranians hit by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Jomhouri-ye Eslami (Islamic Republic) newspaper is funded by Khamenei's office and its editor Masih Mohajeri who wrote the article is known to be one of the Islamic Republic's old guards. Likening the fight against COVID-19 to Iran's war with Iraq in the 1980s, during which ordinary people provided the logistics for Iranian forces, Mohajeri wrote that the institutions should extend financial support to the underprivileged people whose livelihood has been endangered by the outbreak and its economic consequences. However, he wrote, that "no economic support by ordinary people can alleviate the hardships imposed on the poor by this outbreak," adding that "big financial powers should come to solve the problem and rescue the people." In recent weeks Iran has launched a diplomatic and public campaign to force the United States to suspend its economic sanctions, arguing that amid a pandemic these sanctions amount to economic terrorism. The U.S. State Department and others have countered that Khamenei controls billions of dollars and if the country needs money, he should loosen up his purse. During the past week since President Hassan Rouhani introduced the idea of "smart social distancing" and allowed small businesses to resume their activities, there has been a lot of debate in the media and among officials and the people in Iran about whether concern for the state of the economy should come first and endanger people's lives by encouraging them to act as usual, setting aside epidemic restrictions. Meanwhile, many observers, including the Iranian Parliament's research center warned Rouhani that the economic problems resulting from even partial lockdowns and closure of businesses might lead to protests and riots among by low-income Iranians. Mohajeri in his editorial suggested that powerful and rich financial organizations including the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, the Mostazafan Foundation and the Executive Headquarters Carrying Out Imam's Order, three of the richest organizations operating under Khamenei's direct supervision should help out the people in this hard times. Mohajeri reminded that "These organization's assets belong to the people and should be spent for them." He added that with their help, the people's problems could be solved during a short period. According to a 2013 Reuters report, the Executive Headquarters Carrying Out Imam's Order was in possession of $95 billion in assets. Mohajeri further mentioned some of the financial assistance these organizations extend to certain groups of underprivileged families, "But these are extremely rich organizations. They should come to the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 immediately and meet the requirements of the people who are suffering as a result of current economic hardships." The editor-in-chief of the Jomhouri-ye Eslami further opined that "Certainly, either the managers of these organizations are not well informed about the extent of the problem, or they simply do not want to spend the funds at their disposal to help the underprivileged." Mohajeri reminded that "two thirds of the country's population is self-employed and do not get paid regularly by the government. Very few of them can afford their expenses at this time. The rest of them, a majority, are now poor and empty handed," he said. He further noted: "Many have lost their jobs and this dangerous trend still continues while the [presidential] administration is not financially in a position to help them under the pressure of sanctions and reduced revenues." Mohajeri then called on the organizations under Khamenei's supervision to come to the frontline and spend people's money for the people. "How can they justify their raison d'etre if they don't spend their money to help the people?" Mohajeri asked. The Jomhouri-ye Eslami newspaper was the mouthpiece of the Islamic Republic Party in the 1980s. Later when the party was disbanded, the paper continued its existence. For several years, Ali Khamenei's name was still printed as the daily's proprietor and managing editor, but his name was finally retracted in 1990s although his office still pays for the paper. The significance of the editorial is that it appears in a paper owned and politically close to Khamenei although its slant in its economic articles favor President Rouhani's policies. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday moved from St Thomas hospital to the country house of Chequers in Buckinghamshire to rest and recuperate from coronavirus, as a senior government advisor admitted the UK could have the worst death rate in Europe. With Saturday figures putting the death toll at 9,875, the weekend is set to see the figure cross 10,000. The governments medical advisors believe that if the eventual figure is below 20,000, it will have done well. In his first statement after emerging from ICU, Johnson thanked doctors: I cant thank them enough. I owe them my life. A Downing Street spokesman later 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. The UK parliament is due to reopen virtually on April 21. Queen Elizabeth continued an optimistic note to the country in a rare Easter message: Coronavirus will not overcome usWe need Easter as much as everAs dark as death can be - particularly for those suffering with grief - light and life are greater. Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and member of the governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies said on Sunday that the UK is likely to see the worst death rate in Europe. He told BBC: The numbers in the UK have continued to go up. I do hope were coming close to the number of new infections reducing and the number of deaths plateauing and starting to come down. And yes, the UK is likely to be certainly one of the worst, if not the worst affected country in Europe. Farrar added that a second or third wave of the virus was probably inevitable and treatment and a vaccine was our only true exit strategy. A vaccine could be available by autumn but it would take longer to ramp up manufacturing to the scale required to vaccinate many millions. I would hope we would get (that) done in 12 months but that is in itself an unprecedented ambition, he said. As medical professionals continued to complain of lack of personal protection equipment while treating patients, new details of those contracting and dying from the virus include pharmacist Pooja Sharma, who worked at the Eastbourne General Hospital in east Sussex. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The fate of H-1B visa holders continues to be dicey even as the Indian government and industry body NASSCOM are talking to the US government regarding the same. According to a recent news report, the Indian government has asked the Donald Trump administration to extend validity of H-1B and others visas held by Indian nationals. On April 8, Indian Foreign Secretary took up the matter with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun. According to a report in The Times of India, NASSCOM has requested the Department of Homeland Service and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to extend the 90 days grace period given to leave the country after the visas expire. However, the Trump administration is yet to respond to the issue. This is unlike the United Kingdom, where the government has announced that it would extend visas for all foreign nationals till May 31. The European Union (EU) has also extended the stay for 90 days for those whose visa is about to expire. 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 In an earlier conversation, Netra Chavan, who manages one the largest H-1B and H4 community Facebook groups, said that the administration has not provided clarity on visa that have expired or about to expire. This lack of clarity over the issue in the US is what is keeping the community on tenterhooks, visa holders suggest. Visa holders are worried given that amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, it would be hard to find a job within the 60-day timeframe when your existing employment terminates. They are also at the risk of being deported, if they are unable to change their visa status. Thus, any decision by the Trump administration will not only have a bearing on the Indian community, but also the tech ecosystem there. There are over five lakh Indian H-1B visa holders in the US and many of them have been waiting to get their green card for more than a decade. Majority of these visa holders are employed in tech companies, including giants such as Apple, Google and Microsoft. For most tech firms, Indian techies constitute a significant portion of their workforce. In fact, some firms have made Indian kiosk a mainstay in their cafeteria. Well, our office had a section just for Indian food like idly and dosa. So we never had to worry about food when I had to travel for work to the headquarters, said a senior executive, who worked in the US-based tech major. Will the industry collapse if these techies were sent home? IT outsourcing sector is the biggest beneficiary of the H-1B visa by far. There are hundreds of techies who are citizens, green card holders and to-be-green card holders. It would not be too much of a stretch to say that it was the H-1B visa that lured thousands into the profession. However, there is no way that the system would collapse by thousands returning. It has happened before and the industry has proved it is resilient. Yes, in the short-term, business will suffer. The IT industry has been through ups and downs for decades and has shown resilience. They have better cash reserves and robust a business model that will tide them over. The bigger question would be: will the IT outsourcing landscape remain the same? Analysts suggest that post-COVID-19, business models are bound to change in more ways than one. International travel ban imposed since March has impacted sales. Few analysts Moneycontrol spoke to said that travel restrictions are here to stay for next few months and they might be here to stay. Also, during lockdown, IT companies are struggling to enable work from home (WFH) for its workforce, which has impacted project delivery. Though the IT majors have managed to let majority of its workforce to WFH, Phil Ferst, in his blog has questioned if large enterprises still have the appetite to keep outsourcing when this is over. We may emerge from this situation with a very different outsourcing landscape, he said in the blog. According to him, in the post-COVID-19 world, outsourcing industry may be the first vital piece of the global economy to come under the microscope as nations, businesses and societies try to build a blueprint for what the economy may look like. Its amazing how different our world looks today than it did just a month ago when Norwalk Hospital saw our first confirmed COVID-19 patient. The quickly evolving news about the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, state, and country has understandably resulted in a growing sense of fear and nervousness for many. Yet, during this situation that most could never have imagined, there are many positive developments that Id like to share with all of you. Weve been hard at work at Norwalk Hospital, and across Nuvance Health. In addition to the planning for possible healthcare emergencies we practice all year long, we started preparing specifically for COVID-19 early in January well before we even treated our first confirmed COVID-19 patient as it became clear that what was happening in Asia and Europe would most likely arrive here. These early emergency planning activities, and following the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for how to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and care for COVID-19 patients, have helped us effectively deal with this pandemic. We are continuing to follow new and temporary policies we implemented early on in order to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19. These include postponing nonessential procedures and surgeries, limiting visitors at our hospitals and facilities, and screening all employees and approved visitors for risk factors of COVID-19 before they enter our hospitals and facilities. Nuvance Health launched Virtual Visits at our primary care practices so doctors can screen patients remotely for possible COVID-19 infections. Virtual Visits are also for primary care patients who want to see their doctor about other health concerns such as colds, viruses, fevers, chronic conditions, new symptoms, and other common illnesses. This effectively has kept more patients home to help reduce the possible community spread of COVID-19, without sacrificing the care our patients need and deserve, especially now. Together with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) and our great local and state government and public health leaders, emergency medical services, and first responders, we opened two drive-through collection sites at Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital. People in our communities who meet criteria for COVID-19 testing have a safe and convenient place to go to give a specimen sample for a test while staying in their vehicle. To plan for possible surge scenarios, we prepared two field hospitals together with the City of Danbury, CT DPH, Connecticut Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and Connecticut National Guard: a 25-bed field hospital located outside Danbury Hospital, and 250-bed field hospital located at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. We launched Nuvance Health Medical Professional Reserves to prepare for possible clinical staffing needs. Were looking for volunteers 18 years of age and older with a clinical or healthcare background to assist us with the projected COVID-19 surge. For people who meet this criteria, please visit nuvancehealth.org/volunteer/now. These planning and response efforts are extremely important. But its also critical that everyone follow the guidelines established by the federal and state governments to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include executive orders by Governor Lamont that limit social and recreational gatherings. We know these temporary policies are difficult to follow, but we are all in the same position and we will get through this together. Additional and equally important guidelines to follow should be widely known by now, but worth repeating so you can continue to protect yourself, your family, and your community and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. These include: avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; wash your hands frequently; cover your coughs and sneezes; and stay six feet away from others. Please continue to postpone nonessential appointments, errands, and travel in order to stay home as much as possible. The CDC is also now recommending we wear cloth face coverings in public settings, such as the grocery store, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Please know that as of right now, Norwalk Hospital, and all seven of Nuvance Healths hospitals, still have adequate supplies. We are proactively planning for future need on a daily, even hourly basis. We welcome federal, state, county, local, and private support to help us maintain supplies during this pandemic. The generosity of our communities is heartwarming. Many people have asked us, What can I do to help? We cannot thank you enough. If you are able to provide financial support or an in-kind donation, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), please consider making a difference at this critical time when the demands on our healthcare system are immediate and growing. For more information, please visit: nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus/givenow As an ICU nurse by training, I remember the HIV/AIDs epidemic and what a worrisome time that was. We still cared for our patients and got through that time. Were seeing something similar now. We know how to work together to care for our patients despite any circumstance. Together well get through this. Lets make that our promise to one another. #NorwalkStrong Peter R. Cordeau is President of Norwalk Hospital, which is part of Nuvance Health. Christians around the world celebrated Easter Sunday under coronavirus lockdown with church pews empty and the pope on livestream. At the climax of Holy Week for most of the planets Christians, congregations were shuttered at home to avoid spreading the pathogen that has infected nearly 1.8 million people worldwide. Easter is the most important Christian festival commemorating Jesus Christs resurrection. Pope Francis was set to break with centuries of tradition by taking his Easter mass online, with Saint Peters Square, packed every year with worshippers, left deserted. The United States topped the list for both deaths and number of coronavirus positive cases, according to a tally maintained by Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University. Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe, has recorded more than 19,000 confirmed virus deaths second only to the US. On Saturday, Pope Francis livestreamed his Easter Vigil to the worlds 1.3 billion Catholics from an almost empty St Peters Basilica. Darkness and death do not have the last word, he said. As the days go by and fears grow, even the boldest hope can dissipate. Let us not give in to resignation We can and must hope, said the pontiff. Francis was praised by Italys Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte for his gesture of responsibility to observe Easter in private. A group of Nihangs chopped off the hand of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of Punjab police with a sword and injured two other personnel when they were not allowed to enter a vegetable market in Patiala district on Sunday morning during a curfew over the coronavirus pandemic. ASI Harjeet Singh, whose left hand was chopped off from the wrist, was rushed from Balbera village to the Government Medical College in Patiala and then referred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. He is being operated upon at PGIMER, senior officials said. Also Read: At PMs video conference, Capt Amarinder moots extending Covid-19 lockdown Station house officer (SHO) of Sadar police station Bikar Singh and ASI Raj Singh received injuries in their legs. Yadwinder Singh, an official of the Punjab Mandi Board, was also injured in the assault. Senior superintendent of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu along with other officials reached the spot after which a police team cordoned off the gurdwara at Balbera, where the Nihangs were hiding after attacking the personnel. Karan Bir Singh Sidhu, Punjabs special secretary, tweeted that all the seven Nihangs had been arrested and that one of them was injured in police firing and hospitalised. He said the operation was supervised by Jatinder Singh Aulakh, the inspector general of police of Patiala zone. Punjab Police chief Dinkar Gupta also tweeted about the incident. I have spoken to Director PGI who has deputed top Plastic surgeons of PGI for surgery, which just started. The Nihang group will be arrested and further action taken soon. DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) April 12, 2020 I have spoken to the PGI director, who has deputed top plastic surgeons for the surgery that has started. The nihang group has been arrested and further action will be taken soon (sic), Gupta wrote. Grateful to PGI for full support. Two senior surgeons are doing their best. All of us are praying to Waheguru for his full recovery! he added. Chick-fil-A founder's daughter on how mother's quiet faith, strength led to company's success Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment NASHVILLE, Tenn. Trudy Cathy White, the daughter of Chick-fil-A's founder S. Truett Cathy and his wife, Jeannette, shared how the faith and quiet strength of her mother contributed to the massive success of the fast-food restaurant beloved by millions of Americans. White sat down with The Christian Post to discuss her new book, A Quiet Strength, which recounts the life and legacy of Jeannette Cathy, who died in 2015 at the age of 92. Truett Cathy preceded her in death in 2014. A lot of people know about my dad who invented Chick-fil-A in 1946; theyve heard his story and read a great deal about him, White said. But the story of my mother has never been told. She was such an inspiration to our family. In fact, we would say that we would not be who we are, nor would the business be what it is today, had it not been for the influence of our mom. When Truett and Jeanette Cathy first married, they worked side-by-side, faithfully building up the Chick-fil-A business, White revealed. My mother worked as a waitress and did all the accounting and bookkeeping for the restaurant, she recalled. And then when children came along, she realized that my dad was going to be working long hours, and she needed to be a stay at home mom and work from there. But she did not take that calling lightly at all, she said. She actually is what I call a domestic engineer. She took care of that house, she kept everything organized. She took us wherever we needed to be. And she felt a sense of calling and fulfillment in that. According to White, her mother was dubbed the "Chief Supporting Officer" for the positive, uplifting way she championed her husband, family, and the company behind-the-scenes. She was the support behind my dad and everything that he did, White added. She always wanted to make sure that when he walked out the door, he was ready to be able to do his very best. Because of her, he was able to be successful." The companys dedication to prayer and biblical principles, she said, is largely due to Jeannettes influence. She described her mother as having a simple, yet powerful motto she lived by: "You can with God." My mother was a prayer warrior, White said. A big part of our culture at Chick-fil-A is to pray for one another, and that is the influence of my mother that has permeated the restaurant culture. She, like my father, believed good business practices are a result of good biblical principles, and we can apply those biblical principles to the practices that we have in business. She believed that God really has the formula for success in life. The goal of our restaurants is to be a faithful steward of what's been entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A, she continued. So much of this stemmed from mom's intimate walk with the Lord. She would constantly challenge us to make sure that we were stewarding well what God's entrusted to us. The companys policy of closing on Sunday, White revealed, was also influenced by her mother, who believed in the importance of taking a day of rest after a long work week. My father would work so hard for six days, and hed physically be very tired, she said. He and my mother decided it was best to close on Sunday because the Bible teaches that we need to take a day of rest to honor the Lord. Thats why, today, we're committed as a family to keep our restaurants closed on Sunday, White added. Not only is it a big help to our staff to realize they have that day off, but we know it's an opportunity to really honor God through it. Jeanettes love for her Heavenly Father was birthed from a place of longing, White said, explaining that her grandfather had abandoned her mother when she was just 3 months old. She (my mom) was raised by a single mother, White recalled. When she realized that she could be a child of God's, she was just enthralled by that and realized that she wanted to give her life to Christ and follow Him. Her Heavenly Father became her perfect Father for the rest of her life. My mother understood that life can be tough, and there are a lot of difficulties that we all have to face, she continued, but we get to choose how we respond to our circumstances. Jesus was so real to her; she talked to Him, sang songs to Him, memorized Scripture, and challenged us to walk with the Lord as well. She would always say: Remember whose you are. She wanted to help us to remember that our identity is wrapped up in who God is and what He's doing in our lives and not in who we are, what we do, or what we have accomplished. Though she worked at the family business for many years, White and her husband, John, went on to serve as missionaries in Brazil. Later, they co-founded Lifeshape and the Impact 360 Institute, two faith-based nonprofit organizations. Married for 40 years, the couple has four children and 15 grandchildren. My mother was not just an incredible role model for me as a person as a follower of Christ, but as a wife, mother, and grandmother as well, White said. She prayed for all of us and was our biggest encourager. There's a great verse In Isaiah that says, In quietness and trust is your strength. And that is the reflection of who my mom was. Today, alongside her brothers, Dan Cathy, the CEO of Chick-fil-A, and Bubba Cathy, senior vice-president of the fast-food chain, White continues to support the family business and carry on her parents' legacy of faith and perseverance. I hope my mothers story encourages other women whether they are businesswomen or stay-at-home mothers to know that they can make a significant, God-glorifying impact wherever they are, White said. A lot of times women feel that if theyre not in the spotlight, they cant be much of an influence. But my mother was perhaps the greatest influence behind both the success of Chick-fil-A and her family due to her faith and quiet strength. My mother, she added, was willing to step aside and let others get the praise. She always said, If you help others get what they want in life, youll get what you want out of life. Thats the challenge my mother took on. She helped others achieve what they wanted to achieve because she didnt need the praise. Her identity was firmly placed in Christ, and thats an example I think will inspire all women. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that Ireland is preparing to reach its Covid-19 peak later this month (Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland/PA) 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. 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. Your actions are making a difference. The spread of the virus is slowing. Its more important than ever that we persevere. Taking what we have learned we will build a better society at the end of this a great society for a great people. Happy Easter. pic.twitter.com/elLd4XKc9O Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) April 12, 2020 Its more important than ever that we persevere. Its possible that we havent seen the peak yet. When it comes, perhaps later this month, we will experience some of our darkest days. So we need to maintain our discipline and resolve in the knowledge that better days are to come. Wishing the public a Happy Easter, he added: This is a special time of the year when we recall some of the major turning points etched into our national story the Easter Rising, becoming a Republic, the Good Friday Agreement. For many of us Easter is a special moment in the Christian calendar, marking the resurrection, the Good News and what it means for the world. This Easter we reach another crucial point in our history our fight against Covid-19. Thank you for heeding the advice of our experts, for interrupting the spread of the virus, sheltering the most vulnerable, protecting our health service and ensuring the staff who work in it have not been overwhelmed so far. Your action are making a difference. The spread of the virus is slowing. So today whether we have faith or not let us remember the Easter message, a message of suffering and sacrifice followed by rebirth and renewal, and above all a message of hope as winter turns to spring. When this emergency ends we will mourn the dead, comfort the bereaved, and be together again. We will re-awaken the sleeping giant that is our economy, our people will go back to work and our businesses will reopen, and taking what weve learned, we will build a better society at the end of this a great society for a great people. On Saturday, health officials confirmed 553 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, the biggest increase since the outbreak began. The Department of Health also said 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. 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. On Friday, the Irish Government extended its current restrictions for another three weeks, until May 5. Vogue Williams braved the deserted streets of central London on Sunday for her new Heart Radio breakfast gig. The pregnant star, 34, looked ready for summer in a printed shift dress as she headed off home to husband Spencer Matthews and son Theodore, 18 months. The new weekend presenter appeared in high spirits following another successful morning, making the best of things despite the coronavirus pandemic. Stepping out: Vogue Williams braved the deserted streets of central London on Sunday for her new Heart Radio breakfast gig on Sunday Vogue showed off her toned and tanned legs in the thigh-grazing patterned frock. She accessorised with a pair of black leather boots and a matching bag. The Irish TV personality pulled her hair back into a bun and added a large pair of shades. Last month Spencer and Vogue announced that they were expecting their second child, a baby girl. Easter fun awaits! The pregnant star, 34, looked ready for summer in a printed shift dress as she headed off home to husband Spencer Matthews and son Theodore, 18 months Stylish: Vogue showed off her toned and tanned legs in the thigh-grazing patterned frock After confirming her pregnancy, Vogue admitted she's feeling more 'relaxed' this time. The TV presenter revealed they found out they were expecting 10 weeks into her pregnancy and they have since learned they are having a baby girl. During a live video appearance on Lorraine, Vogue suggested the reason she isn't 'obsessing' over her pregnancy is because she's looking after Theodore. The Irish beauty revealed: 'I guess it's because I have Theodore running around. Someone the other day said, "Send me a picture of your bump" and I thought, "I don't even have one" whereas last time I had an update almost every day. Cute: Spencer Matthews insisted he was 'feeling positive' despite the coronavirus lockdown as he shared a sweet snap of wife Vogue and their son Theodore 'This time, it's kind of nicer because I'm not obsessing over being pregnant. It's nice to spend time with Theodore and he's constantly needing attention, so it doesn't give me that much time to think about being pregnant.' Meanwhile, father-to-be Spencer, 31, insisted he's 'feeling positive' despite the uncertainty surrounding the lockdown as he shared a sweet snap of Vogue cradling Theodore last week. The caption for his post read: 'Easy to feel positive with these two in my life.... x' Vogue also continued to document her time in lockdown with Spencer and Theodore, as she shared a sweet snap with the tot in the sunshine. She wrote: 'Today was a very productive day! T was on better form, I had a lot of work on and it was sunny... thats a winner of a day.' (Newser) Bloody and hobbled, Mikhail Khachaturyan stumbled onto the landing of his Moscow apartmentwhere one of his teenage daughters stabbed him fatally in the heart. At least that's how prosecutors describe the final moments of a man whose murder has refocused attention on domestic violence and sparked a culture-war debate in Russia, the Guardian reports. Court documents say Khachaturyan, 57, regularly beat, humiliated, threatened, and sexually abused his three daughters, Krestina, Angelina, and Maria. Then on July 27, 2018, he allegedly pepper-sprayed each of them in the face, triggering a series of events that led the girls to spray him back, beat him with a hammer, and stab him to death. It was "the final straw," says Maria. story continues below But not all Russians side with the girls, despite corroboration of domestic abuse from Khachaturyan's estranged wife. Prosecutors charged all three with premeditated murder, while some conservativesincluding the powerful Russian Orthodox Churchare opposing the idea of beefing up Russia's limited domestic-violence laws. "It says nothing if a man has beaten his wife once," says an Orthodox activist. Then, in December, prosecutors stunned the nation by saying investigators should re-examine the case and consider self-defense as a motive, per the Moscow Times. Whatever happens, domestic abuse is out of the shadows: "That's the most noticeable change," says Angelina's lawyer. "People have begun talking about the issue of domestic violence." Click for the full article. (Or see how the coronavirus has affected domestic abuse.) What does Saturday Night Live look like without professionally crafted costumes, sets or hair and makeup? Without a studio audience or the ability of its cast members to be in the same place at the same time? This weekend, for the first time in the shows 45-year history, audiences got the chance to find out. Beginning with this weeks opening sketch, which showed all 17 cast members joining in a video call from their home quarantines and ended with Kate McKinnon exclaiming, Live from Zoom, its sometime between March and August!, it was clear this would not be your customary episode. Still, the show did all it could to keep things familiar, bringing in Tom Hanks as a guest host and Chris Martin as a musical performer and drawing upon its roster of famous alumni and celebrity pals. It was a little over a month ago March 7, to be exact that S.N.L. broadcast its most recent live episode from its usual home at Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center. Daniel Craig (whose new James Bond movie, No Time to Die, had been postponed four days earlier) was the host; the Weeknd was the musical guest; and Senator Elizabeth Warren, who had just dropped out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, made a surprise appearance in the shows cold open. There were even a couple of sketches that joked about how the spread of coronavirus could have unexpected effects on our lives. We laughed at the time. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao announced that students from Class 1 to 9 of all public and private schools in the state will be promoted to the next class. "The parents of students from class 1-9 need not worry about their exams. Today Cabinet has decided that all the students from Classes 1 to 9 of both public and private schools will be promoted to the next class," Rao said while addressing the media after a state Cabinet meeting on Saturday. The state Cabinet meeting was held after the video conference of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with all Chief Ministers wherein they discussed coronavirus and lockdown situation in the country. In his address to the media, KCR announced that the lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has been extended to April 30 in the state. Announcing the same, the Chief Minister said, "Till now there are 503 positive cases reported in Telangana state. At present, there are 393 active cases of which 96 have been discharged and 14 deaths have been reported. After the video conference held with the Prime Minister, we decided to extend the lockdown till April 30 in the state and it will be implemented immediately. The extension of the lockdown will be informed to the PM through a letter." The Chief Minister said that farming and related activities will be allowed to continue during the course of the lockdown. He also said that as many as "243 containment areas have been identified in the state" and hoped to "get good results". "Essentials will be delivered door-to-door in containment areas. Not a single person is in serious condition in the state. There is a possibility that by April 24 we can see the total cure of all the positive cases in the state," he added. The Chief Minister also urged all religious leaders to avoid mass gatherings during the extended course of the lockdown and appealed to the people to cooperate by staying inside their houses. "Luckily, if there is control in spreading of the virus, the lockdown after April 30 may happen in different phases according to the decision taken by the Centre. Till now the public have co-operated very well by staying at home, I request you all to do it for some more days so that we can avoid the spreading of the disease," he said. He also added that the state government will seal the border with Maharashtra if there is an increase in cases in the coming days. Earlier, Odisha, Punjab, and Maharashtra have also announced an extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown in their respective states. The total number of COVID-19 cases in India reached 7,703, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on April 11 at 9 pm. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pratap Bajwa has urged the government to work with the Afghan authorities to ensure there is no Pakistani interference in the probe into the Kabul Gurdwara attack last month. In a letter to Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Bajwa urged the government to ensure all efforts are taken for a fair investigation in the March 25 attack that left 25 Sikhs dead and eight injured. Pakistan had earlier demanded that Afghan authorities hand over Aslam Farooqui, the alleged mastermind and the leader of the ISIL-Khorasan wing, to it. But Afghanistan had declined the request. Pakistan has claimed that Farooqui is wanted for conducting anti-Pakistani activities. Bajwa believed that this demand is an attempt by Pakistan to hide information regarding their involvement in the terrorist attack. The attempt to coerce Afghanistan into handing over the main accused to Pakistan would negatively impact the investigation and further harm the safety and security of Sikhs in Afghanistan, he said. Bajwa also said if Farooqui is given to Pakistan, the nascent NIA case on the attack could also be impacted. Therefore, he urged the Minister to take all steps to ensure the non-interference of Pakistan in these investigations. 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. Representatives of Sino Hydro Corporation workers are mulling suing the power company for failing to ensure the safety of the employees against coronavirus, it has been learnt. Sino Hydro, a Hwange-based Chinese contractor working on the multimillion dollar expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station, was exempted from the 21-day lockdown that commenced on March 30 and immediately ordered hundreds of its workers to remain on site. Officially, Zimbabwe has confirmed 13 cases of people infected with coronavirus or Covid-19 with three fatalities so far. The Chinese company was awarded the tender to construct units 7 and 8 at Hwange Power Station as part of a US$1,4 billion expansion project, after signing a deal with the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) that is meant to add a 600-megawatt generation capacity to the national grid. The company assembled its 400-strong workforce and housed the workers in temporary shelters at the site to ensure continued supply of labour during the lockdown and enable the timely completion of the project, according to an internal notice seen by The Standard. To ensure this project can generate electricity for the country as soon as possible, site works should not be stopped thoroughly (sic), says part of the notice. Employees are encouraged to go on working at site. The workers, however, fear that the virus, which has killed thousands throughout the world since December last year, could easily spread at the site because they have been forced to live under overcrowded and unhygienic conditions. While the government and World Health Organisation have repeatedly urged social distancing as a method to break the corona virus transmission chain, the employees are living in squashed makeshift zinc shelters. A Sino Hydro artisan, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the workers, most of whom are on contract and fear losing their jobs if they protest, were not screened for Covid-19 before they were taken to the matchbox shelters, which accommodate an average six people each. Our bosses are only worried about reaching their targets, the artisan from the engineering department said. Several employees from management level refused to report for work because their full-time contracts cannot be terminated as easily as ours. He claimed that as many as 60 people share one toilet and the bathroom floors flood easily. The workers also share plates at the staff canteen Social distancing is impossible here because we queue for food and share plates at the canteen, he claimed. We fear for our lives, but there is nothing we can do because our supervisors warned us that those who do not come to camp here risked their contracts being terminated. An HIV-positive employee said he had been forced to default on his antiretroviral treatment, which he left at home when he was summoned to the site and subsequently discovered he could not go back to collect it. He added that a number of his colleagues suffer underlying conditions such as tuberculosis yet they were being crammed together. This is despite earlier promises by the ZPC management to investigate labour malpractices at Sino Hydro, its contractee. The workers also complained about long working hours, saying their employer was now taking advantage of the fact that they were camped at the site. We work without rest throughout the week, but they dont pay us for overtime. We are supposed to work for 44 hours per week, but we stretch to even 65 hours. Im afraid that coronavirus will affect me while still here and I am also worried about my wife whom I left behind nursing our newly born child and the other one who suffers from autism. We wish government could intervene and ensure that we get protective clothing, hand sanitisers and befitting salaries since our lives are at risk, said another employee. Muchapiwa Mazarura, the Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Trades Workers Union (Zcatwu) secretary-general, said they were worried about the plight of the Hydro Sino workers, but could not take immediate action due to the ongoing lockdown. Mazarura said they were not opposed to the employees working during the lockdown, but were unsettled by their living conditions that exposed them to Covid-19. Zcatwu is now contemplating legal action against the Chinese contractor. We are now waiting for the lockdown to end so that we engage the Labour ministry and even the courts on this matter because this is completely against the labour laws in the country, Mazarura said. We are appealing to the government to monitor this situation in Hwange before anything catastrophic happens as peoples lives should be put first, he added. Before the lockdown, the union was already at loggerheads with Sino Hydro over alleged wanton abuse of workers rights. A recent investigation by The Standard, which collaborated with Information for Development Trust, a non-profit organisation helping journalists unearth corruption and bad governance, revealed that employees at the project were routinely exposed to life-threatening working conditions. Correspondence between Zcatwu and Sino Hydro dating as far back as March 2019 showed that the union tried to engage ZPC and the Chinese contractor over the alleged abuses in vain. The workers grievances include poor remuneration, use of unapproved contract forms, non-provision of protective clothing and unfair dismissal of employees. In November last year, Remington Katsumbe died after falling from faulty scaffolding, while another Sino Hydro worker, Brighton Share, lost his fingers last month while operating a pole machine. Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele in a recent statement said he was extremely concerned and worried that Sino Hydro and another Chinese company, Jian Zhongsom, were failing to protect their workers from coronavirus. Community legal centres have blamed inconsistent government messaging and rapidly changing rules for dozens of Victorians inadvertently breaking the law during the crackdown on freedom of movement designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Police have carried out 550 checks and fined a further 92 people in the 24 hours before Saturday night as the total number of Victorian spot checks since March 21 nears 20,000. Competitive runner Nikki Lesberg was told by police to go home. Credit:Chris Hopkins While the state braces for the impact of possible stage four lockdown, police have refused to provide breakdowns of fine and spot-check data as some Victorians struggle to comply with the measures. Competitive runner Nikki Lesberg was about 20 minutes into her six-kilometre jog when a police car drove up, hailed her down and asked if she had driven to the park to exercise that afternoon. President Trump speaks at one of the recent press briefing on the coronavirus crisis, where he will sometimes change the subject to other issues. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) If youre an aspiring dictator, this pandemic is a job opportunity. People are sick, dying, scared of getting sick and dying, and desperate not to be scared of being sick and dying. They want help. They want solutions. They want jobs. They want drugs. They want leaders with no pharmaceutical expertise to prescribe them drugs. They are not interested in choices. They want to be told what to do. James Madison warned that tyranny arises on some favorable emergency. In wartime, American presidents have encroached on our liberties. Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus, Woodrow Wilson jailed dissidents, Franklin Roosevelt interned Japanese Americans, and George W. Bush instituted massive wiretapping. In 1972, Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos used a staged assassination attempt on his defense secretary to impose martial law and extend his rule for another 14 years. Using terrorism as a pretext, Russian leader Vladimir Putin seized control of private television in 2002 and abolished elected regional governors in 2004. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, national governments are seizing new powers. South Korea and Singapore launched invasive surveillance systems. Bolivia suspended its presidential election. Israels prime minister is shutting down courts. Thailands prime minister can now impose curfews and censor the news media. Hungarys parliament just gave Prime Minister Viktor Orban the power to suspend existing laws, suspend elections and rule by decree. Last year, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Cornstein said that President Trump would love to have the situation that Viktor Orban has. Unlike Orban, Trump is lazy. As much as he would love to have dictatorial powers, he doesnt want to put forth the effort necessary to seize them, even though he has a great excuse: preventing mass death. Instead of consolidating power, he is delegating to governors. Rather than fomenting public hysteria to justify emergency action, he minimized the dangers of the coronavirus, comparing it to the flu and saying it would go away on its own. Story continues Even now, after his decision to keep social distancing measures in place through at least April, he doesnt want to talk about the coronavirus. The focus of his April 1 press briefing was drug cartels. Five days later, he tweeted, Fake News is bad for America! So are hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths. Americans want the federal government to do more to keep them safe. But Trump largely refuses to employ his powers. Until late March, he had hesitated to invoke the Defense Production Act a wartime law his administration has used literally hundreds of thousands of times to acquire coronavirus test kits and hospital equipment. Rather than using his powers, he simply wants to be adored for having them. This isnt to say that Trump misprizes all crises. To avoid taking responsibility, hes desperate to manufacture a fake crisis to distract from his failures in this real crisis. Talking about drug cartels after predicting at least 100,000 deaths in the U.S. from the pandemic is like telling a meth addict that watching CNN will kill him. Trump is using his daily press briefings on his coronavirus response as a platform to distract us from his coronavirus response. Instead of trying to solve a real problem, Trump is offering new imaginary problems that he can control. Hes done it before. Trump stoked fears about illegal immigrants before the government shutdown last year. In an Oval Office address on Jan. 8, 2019, he said the word crisis six times and accused illegal immigrants of committing 30,000 sex crimes and 4,000 violent killings. After fabricating a crisis, the president declared a national emergency. The result? His fake crisis produced a real crisis: a partial shutdown of the federal government. Trumps brief, impulsive attempt at autocracy failed, just like his fragrance, Success, did. Trump prefers fake problems to real problems because real problems demand real solutions, which demand real work. Trump doesnt like to work and rarely does. While marking 100 days in office, he complained, This is more work than in my previous life. I thought it would be easier. He spends most of his waking hours watching TV, tweeting and talking on the phone. In addition to being too lazy to do things, Trump is uninterested in doing things. Hes interested in having things. This is what makes his narcissism malignant rather than benign. As the social psychologist Erich Fromm observed, narcissists derive their self-worth from their possessions, not from achievements. Subverting democracy requires more effort than Trump is willing to exert. He wants to be a dictator, but hes unwilling to do the work to become one. Just as he inherited a fortune, he wants to inherit an autocracy. To be a successful strongman, you need a strong work ethic. Trump has only weak ethics. Windsor Mann is the editor of The Quotable Hitchens: From Alcohol to Zionism. Back when I was working from a desk in the Stars newsroom, and not a desk in my home, I always kept a small window on the corner of my computer screen with walking videos on YouTube. These videos are exactly what they sound like: hour-long videos shot from the camerapersons point of view while they walk through cities, parks and small towns. There is no dialogue, no host, no music, just sounds of city life. It was a way to transport myself to another place without leaving my desk. In fact, I have one playing right now as I write this: a jaunt around the bustling Yokohama city centre during the holidays when shoppers are out in full force and the trees are decked out in twinkling lights. My family was supposed to be there next month, but as has happened with the holidays of many others, our vacation plans have been postponed indefinitely. Its a bummer, but right now the ability to stay safe inside our homes is a privilege. Besides, I can now travel the world in my sweatpants (or no pants). When Im cleaning the house on weekend mornings, Ill play a video of a morning stroll amongst sakura blossoms in Tokyos Yoyogi Park. As I get ready for bed, Ill broadcast a moody, Blade Runner-esque meander through Shibuya on my TV, courtesy of Japanese walking video YouTube channels, such as Ramblac and Nippon Wandering TV. If I keep the window open, the sounds of a breeze or the distant DVP sync with sounds on the video. Type in any city followed by the words city walk or walking video and youll find lengthy videos of Paris, New Delhi, London, Shanghai, New York and, yes, Toronto. Those of a certain generation will remember Night Walk, a series that originally aired on Global Television in the mid-80s to early 90s, which toured the stillness of Toronto at night, set against jazz music. Those videos can be found on the My Night Walk channel. There are plenty of dedicated walking channels such as Discovery Walking Tours TV, City Walks, Explore The World, Lets Go Somewhere New, Silent Walker, Booking Hunter TV and Nordic Ambience. All follow the same first-person view: no annoying host or jarring music, just a soothing walk in a time when being in a crowd didnt incite anxiety or a sense of longing. Of course, its all temporary fix. It wont replace the joys of going for a run in the park or a walk past the neighbourhood shops and restaurants that may or may not reopen once this is over. Its also a reminder of the importance of public spaces such as squares and playgrounds, especially for those who dont have access to a backyard or apartment balcony. Its a lot to think about. For now, Im going to go nowhere on my virtual walk. Free lunches won't keep the migrant worker from wanting to go home and start over After the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a pandemic came our government's latest surgical strike, the lockdown. With no thought to how the poor, particularly workers in the unorganised sector, will survive, it ordered a nationwide shutdown. It was Partition redux. Scenes of countless newly homeless people walking hundreds of kilometres back to their native towns and villages filled the television screens. The walkers were stopped at numerous 'lakshman rekhas' they didn't know they were crossing. The government invoked the 2005 Disaster Management Act and the colonial-era Epidemic Diseases Act to stop them. Scores lost their lives to hunger, uncertainty and the toll the journey took on their weakened frames. There are over 240 million unorganised sector workers in India. And close to two million homeless people. Our rulers didn't realise that their unpremeditated, unilateral action (a la demonetisation, reading down of Article 377, etc) would create an immediate crisis that was bigger than the virus itself. Nevertheless, the prime minister went ahead with his observance of a mini-Diwali, ostensibly to ward off the coronavirus, on April 5. Fear of hunger and fear of famine there was no one to harvest the standing rabi crop loom upon us. For no fault of theirs, workers lost wages due to loss of work as well as to employer default. And after calling upon the government to make arrangements for disbursement of wages, the Supreme Court wondered this week why workers need their wages when they are being fed by the authorities. The caste dynamic of the lockdown has come to the fore. Those dispossessed by it are mainly people who live by their labour, who are mostly drawn from marginalised castes and communities Muslims, Dalits, adivasis, most backward classes. And use of the term 'social distancing' legitimises this marginalisation while deepening caste lines and renewing belief in Manus precept of untouchability. Brahminist elites seek to justify this process in the name of the corona threat. Should the PM have been more careful in his choice of words, especially as the modifier term 'physical distancing', was already in the public domain? But he was happy simply tweeting yogic fitness mantras. The national lockdown has left the elite and the affluent among 130 crore Indians shellshocked. Like the coronavirus, government has become invisible in many places. In only a handful of areas have state administrations tried their best to provide rations and shelter to migrants. The governments earlier relief package of Rs 1.7 lakh crore has proved woefully inadequate and is hardly even remembered. One only hopes its new 'packages' do not produce the same results. In ordering the lockdown to pre-empt the spread of the virus, the government was conscious of its poor health infrastructure, especially at the small town and rural level, where it is completely unequipped to handle a crisis should community transmission the dreaded stage three of the disease eventually happen. India invests only 1.15 per cent of its GDP in this sector while countries like the United Kingdom, which invests 9.6 per cent, and the United States, 18 per cent, are seen floundering. But the poor are resilient. For them, death, disease and suffering have been a way of life. In fact they have taken their own pre-emptive measures. By going back home, they removed themselves from the vicinities of 15 lakh foreign returnees who had streamed into India during the 45 days preceding the lockdown. The state governments failed to screen, trace, test and treat foreign returnees. The kid-glove handling of those foreign returnees is a stark contrast to the Bareilly administration's inhuman treatment of migrant walkers. The question is what proof was there that these migrant workers were carriers of the virus, as the police and state administrations loudly warned us? After screening about 1.8 lakh migrant workers, who are living either with their families or at 3,115 quarantine centres, the Bihar government is now heaving a sigh of relief that none of them has tested positive. Has the migrant worker beaten the virus then? We'll find out. Meanwhile, what lessons can India and the government draw from this humbling experience? Lets turn to expert advice. Economist and Nobel Prize-winner Abhijit Banerjee has recommended aggressive quantitative easing and generous direct benefit transfers to tackle what is to come in the days ahead. He and fellow economist Esther Duflo have both also, pertinently, warned that the lives versus livelihoods dilemma being presented before the nation by the intelligentsia and the government is a false one as loss of livelihood would automatically lead to greater coronavirus susceptibility. Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan and the Congress Party too have favoured printing money and making cash transfers as an urgent measure to combat the looming recession. Turning our attention back to the problems of migrant workers, all over India, in the big cities and state capitals too, it was seen that the poor were rejecting free lunches. To them, this was but an old feudal measure to purchase their soul. Instead, they hoped to be given just enough time to reach their homes, and perhaps some cash in hand to free them from the tension of earning a livelihood in the months ahead amid a crashing economy, which is in no way their fault. Cash that would give them leeway to plan ahead, and maybe, just maybe, with the resourcefulness and grit that are so typical of the working class, fashion for themselves a new beginning. A friend of mine in his 60s has been suffering from crippling gastrointestinal problems for most of the past year. The symptoms became so debilitating that he rarely left his house, even before the coronavirus pandemic sent people into their homes. Yet he refuses to see a doctor. This frustrates his wife, although she admits there isn't much she can do about it. "He's a grown man," she says. "I can't force him to go." She's nagged him endlessly, but he won't listen, despite near-constant episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. (The couple requested anonymity for privacy reasons.) The man is not alone. Experts say that many men willfully resist getting medical help, even when they are sick or in pain. A Cleveland Clinic survey found that most men would rather do almost anything - including cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn - than go to the doctor. "A lot of men tend to put their health on the back burner, and don't make it a priority," says Eric Klein, who conducted the survey and is chairman of the clinic's Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute. "Men tend to be stubborn about a lot of things, with taking care of their health usually near the top of the list." But the reasons go beyond mere stubbornness. They are much more complicated, involving entrenched societal attitudes about masculinity and male behavior - conditioning that starts in childhood - that dictate men always should act tough and never show signs of weakness or dependence, experts say. "Men are socialized to follow masculinity rules from a very early age," says Diana Sanchez, associate professor of psychology at Rutgers University, who has studied this phenomenon. "Then they are forced to prove their masculinity on a regular basis, largely to the audience of other men, including the playing field and the boardroom." Men pay a serious price for this attitude, especially these days as the novel coronavirus strikes a disproportionate number of men, compared with women, for reasons that are still unknown. They don't live as long as women, and they tend to suffer more illness, according to Harvard Medical School, citing information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vital statistics report. They get sick at a younger age and develop more chronic illness. They have more heart disease, chronic liver disease, alcoholism, suicide and violence-related death than women. They are more likely than women to develop inguinal hernias, aortic aneurysms, gout, kidney stones, bladder cancer, emphysema, duodenal ulcers and alcoholism. And while women go to doctors more than men, men 65 and older end up costing the health system more, according to Harvard, probably because they do not go in for preventive screenings and ignore symptoms until they become more serious - and expensive. A 2000 survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that supports research into health-care issues, found that three times as many men as women had failed to see a doctor the previous year and more than half of all men had not had a physical exam or cholesterol test. Calling the statistics "alarming," the report stressed that many men ignored their symptoms or put off going to the doctor, even for preventive services. And when they did, they were less than forthcoming with their physicians. The report also said that the uninsured, younger men - those between 18 and 44 - men who live alone, the less educated and Hispanic men were more likely to delay care. Hispanic men were twice as likely as white or African American men to avoid the doctor. The Cleveland Clinic's results found that baby-boom men - those born between 1946 and 1964 - were the least likely of the men queried to discuss their health issues with anyone. "Our surveys have found that baby boomers are especially private about personal matters," Klein says. "Only a third of baby boomers - 29 percent - have more than one person they feel comfortable discussing private health topics with, compared to 47 percent of Millennials (those born between 1980 and 1994) and 44 percent of Gen X (those born between 1965 and 1980). A third - 26 percent - of baby boomers don't discuss private topics with anyone." Moreover, "many young men think they are invincible or untouchable, so often times initiating a relationship with a primary care doc is not top of mind for them," Klein says. The online survey, conducted among 1,174 American men 18 and older, found that 72 percent would rather do household chores than see a doctor, while 77 percent said they preferred to go shopping with their wives or partners over a trip to the doctor. Only half said they consider an annual checkup a regular part of their self-care. Additional research conducted by Sanchez and her colleagues at Rutgers confirmed that men holding traditional beliefs about masculinity were the most reluctant to see doctors. Moreover, when they did go, they were more likely to choose a male doctor over a female doctor - believing men to be more competent - but less likely to be as open with a male doctor, their studies found. They tended to be more forthcoming with female physicians, probably because they believed they did not lose status by being vulnerable with a woman, according to the research. "Basing self-esteem on self-sufficiency and bravery translates into minimizing health problems and failing to engage in preventive care, or in delaying care," Sanchez says. Sanchez became interested in the topic after a personal family tragedy. In 1997, her 53-year-old father refused medical help after losing partial feeling in his face. "What he didn't know then was that he would experience a debilitating stroke 24 hours later that would leave him with serious neurological deficits and partial paralysis," she says. "He was never the same, and ultimately died a year later." The experience left her puzzled and searching for explanations. "His reluctance to act was perplexing, and the consequences of this decision were devastating, so I have always wanted to understand the factors that lead to health-care avoidance and delays," she says. "I have always wondered why he resisted the pleas of family members who tried to persuade him to go to the doctor when his symptoms first emerged." Eric Schneider, senior vice president for policy and research at the Commonwealth Fund and a former primary care physician, says the behavior is quite common. Schneider says he has seen it countless times during his 25 years in medicine. He even admits he's guilty of it himself - and that it took a significant health scare to prompt him to change. "I didn't go to the doctor for years," he says. But then, more than a year ago, he developed a persistent and worsening case of bronchitis that later turned into life-threatening pneumonia. Initially, "I figured I knew what was going on, and I ignored pleas to go in and get seen," he recalls. "I had something fairly serious by the time I got in there. So I understand that family pressure for people to come in when they are otherwise reluctant. I personally lived it." In his own practice, "it was not unusual for a couple to come in, and the man came in only because his wife insisted," he says. "And while they were there, the wife would say to her husband, 'You didn't tell him this,' " suggesting he was reluctant or embarrassed to share everything. "Going to the doctor, for them, was a statement of vulnerability," he says. "It was always more challenging to build a trusting relationship with a male patient." Changing these attitudes may take a long time, but it's not impossible, experts say. "First, let's help boys identify and experience their emotions in ways that are helpful to them, and to their relationships," says Abigail K. Mansfield Marcaccio, a psychologist in the Men's Health Center at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. "Increasingly, schools are recognizing the importance of social and emotional development, and are including curricula that help students identify and respond to emotions in ways that are helpful and healthy," she says. "Second, it's helpful to launch public health campaigns that encourage help-seeking, and de-stigmatize it," she adds. "Finally, once men reach out and ask for help, we need to help them be comfortable with their choice. Therapists and doctors who welcome, validate and normalize expressions of pain or distress can make a huge difference." People joke that the man who avoids going to the doctor is a lot like the stereotypical male who won't ask directions when he gets lost. But they are not the same, Sanchez says. And it's no joke. "Both behaviors come from a need to be seen as self-sufficient," she says. "But there is one critical difference. The worst that could happen from not asking for directions is that you never reach your destination. Refusing to go to the doctor, on the other hand, could cost you your life." A case has been registered following a complaint by the Food and Civil Supplies department about a "fake" website issuing ration cards, according to a Delhi government statement issued on Sunday. The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has registered the case against unknown persons running the website, rationcardagent.co.in, it said. The website allegedly sought a fee of Rs 407 for issuance of a ration card. The Delhi government is undertaking relief operations during the coronavirus lockdown and providing free ration to card holders and also those who have applied for it. "Cheating the public and playing fraud on the government at this critical juncture is a crime against humanity. The guilty persons should be immediately arrested and sternly proceeded against for violating various provisions of law," Delhi Food minister Imran Hussain said. He expressed concern over the damage the "fake" website can cause to the poor in need of food. Personal information submitted by the applicants may also be misused by the persons running the website, he said. The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has registered an FIR under section 420 of the Indian Penal Code and under Section 66D of the IT Act. It has also launched an investigation into the matter. The minister has directed the commissioner, food supply, to provide necessary assistance to the police for expeditious investigation into the matter and bringing guilty to book without any delay, the statement added. Hussain appealed to the people to be alert and not fall prey to vested interests. The government is providing free ration to the needy and no money is being charged to generate e-coupons for ration, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) The Philippine presidential yacht BRP Ang Pangulo has officially opened its doors to COVID-19 patients, as the vessel has now been transformed into a "floating quarantine facility." In a press release on Sunday, the Philippine Navy said the newly converted isolation facility is ready to accommodate patients infected with COVID-19. The Navy said officers and enlisted personnel took the lead in the remodeling of the presidential yacht, just 48 hours after President Rodrigo Duterte made the pronouncement to utilize the ship as a quarantine site. The VIP compartments of BRP Ang Pangulo were converted into dedicated medical wards and patient rooms, which can accommodate up to 28 patients and five medical workers. The presidential yacht will also have three exclusive compartments for COVID-19 patients, and a three-meter distance will be observed among them. Access points for patients and health workers will be separate. The ship's crew will remain onboard; but the entry points to their billeting area, patient rooms, and select compartments will be sealed off. The Navy assured that it is keeping its promise of helping the country conquer the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. "[The] Navy is fully committed to support the Bayanihan to Heal as One initiative by devoting our personnel and resources, as we explore all possible means to contain and defeat the spread of the coronavirus disease in the country," the Philippine Navy reiterated. President Rodrigo Duterte proposed the idea of turning the BRP Ang Pangulo into a quarantine facility for COVID-19 in a televised briefing late night of April 3. Fears grow that the UK will end up as the country with the most virus deaths in Europe. The number of coronavirus-related deaths in the United Kingdom has exceeded 10,000. A further 657 people died in hospitals in England and 369 in Wales. In Scotland, the new overall toll stood at 566, while Northern Ireland reported a new total of 118, bringing the total death toll in Britain to 10,647. With virus death tolls in Italy and Spain on a downward slope, there are growing fears that the UK will end up as the country with the most virus deaths in Europe. Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and a scientific adviser to the British government, said the UK was likely to be one of the worst, if not the worst-affected, country in Europe. He told the BBC that the UK has lessons to learn from Germany, where much more widespread early testing and aggressive contact tracing have been accompanied by many fewer coronavirus deaths. Last week, the British governments chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, warned that the daily number of deaths would likely increase for a couple more weeks. Lockdown Britain has been in effective lockdown since March 23 and the government will extend the restrictions later this week. But the conservative government has come under fire for its slow response to confronting the pandemic allowing tens of thousands to gather at the Cheltenham horse racing festival in mid-March, for example. It has also faced criticism for its slow rollout of a coronavirus testing programme. In the past few days, the government also faced acute criticism over a lack of personal protective equipment for frontline hospital workers amid reports that some nurses had resorted to cutting up garbage bags to cover themselves. Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed on Saturday that 19 frontline medical workers have died of the virus. The Royal College of Nursing has piled more pressure on the government, urging members to refuse to treat patients as a last resort if adequate protections are not provided. Business Secretary Alok Sharma stopped short on Sunday of apologising for the shortage of medical masks and gowns but said it is absolutely right that no medical professional should be placed in a position where they have to make that choice. That is why we are making sure we get the equipment to the frontline, he told Sky News. Also on Sunday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was discharged from hospital after being treated for COVID-19. In his first statement since recovery, Johnson thanked the countrys National Health Service, saying he owed them his life. The Houston Chronicle has lifted the paywall on this developing coverage to provide critical information to our community. To support our journalists work, consider a digital subscription. 8:42 p.m. Across the Houston region, Christians celebrated Easter from home, tuning into livestreams and wondering what the church would look like in a post-coronavirus world, reports the Chronicle's Robert Downen. Sunday marked the first major Christian holiday since COVID-19 came to the United States. Pastors tried to remind their anxious flocks that Christians had persevered through worse. Read more. 7:26 p.m. Since noon, the statewide total of positive COVID-19 cases jumped from 13,328 to 13,831 -- an increase of 503 cases (3.8% increase). Nineteen new deaths makes a total of 290 statewide. A number of counties did not update for Easter. This includes Galveston and Montgomery in the Houston metro area. The Houston region's count is 5,071, up 101 from yesterday (2% increase). Harris County added 68 new cases today (1.9% increase) and is now at 3,629 cases total. There have been 70 deaths in the Houston region, up 3 from yesterday. 6:42 p.m. Another 16 Harris County Jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said. There are now 25 inmates with the virus, along with 49 jail workers. Dozens more inmates with symptoms are still awaiting test results. 6:33 p.m. An additional 13 people have fully recovered from COVID-19 in Brazoria County and have been released from isolaton, officials said. There are now 83 total recoveries in Brazoria County with an estimated 2,014 recoveries statewide. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has reported 271 fatalities. 6:31 p.m. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many families celebrate Easter. The Chronicle's Brittany Britto dives into what Houston families are doing to come together at home during the holiday. Most churches within the Houston metropolitan area have moved their Easter Day services online to help curb the spread of the virus, which as of Friday had killed more than 18,000 people in the United States and 102,000 globally. Read more. 5:27 p.m. The Liberty-Dayton Regional Medical Center CEO Matthew Thornton stays up into the wee hours worried about how he will replace the dwindling supplies he needs to fight the coronavirus pandemic, reports David Taylor. The health system in the area has a small margin for error and with a high demand for personal protective equipment around the country draining supplies, he can only hope Liberty County doesnt see a large jump in COVID-19 cases, he said. Liberty County had 19 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the office of emergency management. Read more. 5:18 p.m. Fort Bend County reported 18 new cases of COVID-19 and 24 new recoveries. There are now 536 total cases in the county with 56 total recoveries. 4:19 p.m. A man who primarily works in Houston tested positive for COVID-19 in Wharton County, according to a news release. The release did not say where the man worked, only that officials believe "he became positive through his work." The man is the 29th positive case in Wharton County. Seven residents there have recovered. 3:20 p.m.: Gov. Greg Abbott has extended the disaster declaration in Texas by 30 days. "By extending my disaster declaration, we are ensuring the state of Texas continues to have adequate resources and capabilities to support our communities and protect public health," Abbott said in a Sunday statement. 3:00 p.m.: As Easter celebrations began in Houston, there was one common theme: These days are dark, but we will persevere. "When you trust in Jesus Christ, you can get up out of any condition," Remus Wright, pastor of Houston's The Fountain of Praise, said in a sermon. "Resurrection reveals God's glory in life's darkest hour." Some local congregations opted for "drive-thru" services, their flocks congregating in parking lots, distanced from one another as they sat in their cars. But most churches continues to use the online services that've been commonplace as coronavirus continues to spread across the nation and world. At Houston's massive Second Baptist Church, a live worship band was accompanied by videos of the church choir singing together via Zoom, after which Pastor Ed Young asked that those watching from home not hold back from exclaiming "He is risen indeed" throughout his sermon. 1:30 p.m.: An 11th person has died of COVID-19 in Brazos County, officials said Sunday. Another six people have been diagnosed with the virus, bringing the total in Brazos County up to 140. Ten have been hospitalized, county officials said. 1 p.m.: Easter 2020 might be the "most authentic" iteration of the holiday many people will experience in their lifetimes, pastors told the Chronicle's Robert Downen. Christians around the globe are celebrating with solo services and socially distant egg hunts. And at Lakewood Church, what would've been a service with thousands of attendees is now a star-studded remote virtual performance, 11:35 a.m. Strapped for crash amid the economic crisis? Financial experts warn that tapping 401(k) plans early even with newly relaxed rules passed last month in $2 million federal legislation could have lasting negative financial consequences. An early withdrawal, writes Chronicle staff writer L.M. Sixel, is still an expensive way to generate cash. It compounds the losses for investors selling shares in a down market and will make it harder to save enough for retirement. I would consider it a last-ditch thing, said Jason L. McGarraugh, a certified financial planner for Neal Financial Group in Houston. 10:08 a.m. As of Sunday, 61 Harris County Sheriff's Office employees have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the agency tweeted. The tweet marks a 10-case jump from the 51 employees reported with COVID-19 on Saturday. Of the positive cases, 49 employees worked in the county jail. Four people have been hospitalized. 8:48 a.m. On the front page: Texas has 2nd-worst COVID-19 testing rate The true scope of the novel coronavirus in Texas will likely never be known because of the lack of testing. The state is the second worst at testing per capita in the nation. Only Kansas ranks lower. On Easter, a mix of fear, hope, reflection Tucked into the back of a River Oaks estate is a French chapel thats survived two world wars, the Spanish flu and Houston floods. Fears of a new Great Depression As the stay-at-home orders persist, the economic damage is expected to expand far beyond restaurants and hotels to most U.S. industries, raising fears among economists of a Great Depression-scale downturn across the country, which could stretch for a decade. Ode to the city, things we miss Features writer Andrew Dansby pens this touching essay on being grateful for the Houston community, while missing it amid the tragedies and the inconveniences. 8:00 a.m. The bulk of Harris Countys novel coronavirus cases are in three zip codes 77088, 77084 and 77449 which include Acres Homes, parts of the Energy Corridor, and a section of Katy east of the Grand Parkway and north of Interstate 10, respectively. Those zip codes have anywhere from 61 and 90 cases of the coronavirus, according to county data. The map, released on Saturday, is based on 3,561 cases in Houston and unincorporated Harris County. Titanic actor Leonardi DiCaprio is not just a global superstar, but also known as a philanthropist. There have been several instances wherein Leonardo has proved his kind-heartedness. He is also the founder of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Leonardo is one of the few actors who have been actively participating in raising awareness regarding the depletion of resources, climatic changes, and issues concerning nature and mankind on his social media handles. Here are several instances when Leonardo helped others. Also Read | Who Is Leonardo DiCaprio's Rumoured Girlfriend? Here's All You Need To Know Also Read | Take A Look At Leonardo DiCaprio And Tobey Maguire's Endearing Three-decade Old Friendship Showing directions About a month ago, Leonardo DiCaprio stepped out in the West Village of New York City for grabbing a meal with his longtime friend and actor Kevin Connolly. On his way, he was stopped by a tourist who seemed to have lost his way in New York City. Leonardo was spotted helping the tourist with directions by the paparazzi. Image source: LRNYC/MEGA Saving mother nature In 2019, Leonardo also decided on donating a whopping $5 million for reducing the fires in the Amazon rainforest. He had announced that an organization named Earth Alliance, which is dedicated to environmental philanthropy pledged to donate $5 million to protect the Amazon forest. He himself is the co-chairperson of Earth Alliance and also took to his Instagram handle to announce the pledge. Also Read | How Leonardo DiCaprio's Little "best Girl" From Titanic Landed The Role Saving Animals The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) helps prevent endangered species through several projects. The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor donated $1 million to a Nepal based conservation project for protecting Nepal's wild tigers. In addition to this, the LDF reportedly also funds various projects that work extensively on protecting the Black Rhinos of Tanzania, the snow leopards of Central Asia, and the lowland gorillas of Central Africa. On the career front, Leonardo DiCaprio will be seen in the science-fiction titled Akira. The film is based on Japanese manga (novel) named Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo. This Taika Waititi directorial is produced by Warner Bros. and is slated to release on May 21, 2020. Apart from Akira, Leonardo will also star in a crime-drama titled Killers of the Flower Moon which is a book adaptation too. It is also expected to release in 2021. Also Read | Leonardo DiCaprio's Long Dating History; From Naomi Campbell To Demi Moore Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. A firebombing air tanker that played a vital role during Australia's horror bushfire season was almost called Archie before a royal intervention. The New South Wales government wrote to Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle last year asking if the state's Rural Fire Service could call their new 737 Large Air Tanker after their son Archie, who turns one next month. The proposal was in recognition of the couple confirming Meghan's pregnancy with their firstborn during their Australian tour in late 2018. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry declined a request for a NSW firebombing air tanker to be named after their son Archie (pictured together on a tour of South Africa in September) The New South Wales government wrote to Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle last year asking if the state's Rural Fire Service could call their new 737 Large Air Tanker after their son Archie, who turns one next month In their response, the then-royals thanked the NSW government for the 'kind offer' before politely declining the request as their son had 'not yet entered public life', The Sunday Telegraph reported. A NSW RFS spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the official request was made by the office of Emergency Services minister David Elliott. Officials had hoped Archie could one day visit the plane on a royal tour of his own, but were shocked to be knocked back by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The firefighting plane was eventually named after former NSW Governor Marie Bashir when it was unveiled last August. The state's first female governor, who served between 20012014, stated at the time of the unveiling she was humbled by the honour. 'Our emergency service members are world class and I thank them for all they have done and continue to do, protecting the communities of NSW,' Ms Bashir said. The 737 Large Air Tanker (pictured in action during the recent bushfires was eventually named Marie Bashir, in honour of NSW's first female Governor General NSW is the only Australian state or territory with a permanent '737 Fireliner' large air tanker, which can deliver 15,000 litres of water or retardant, transport 70 firefighters and fly at speeds of up to 850km/h. 'The new addition to the NSW RFS aerial firefighting fleet will be based at RAAF Base in Richmond and can operate from some regional airports. It will be able to reach all parts of NSW within an hour,' NSW RFS announced at the time. The 737 air tanker was put to use within two days of its unveiling near Tenterfield in north-west NSW. Local state MP Robyn Preston, minister David Elliott, former Marie Bashir, Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers and Britt Coulson at the unveiling of the air tanker last August The aircraft played an integral role in fighting major fires during the horror bushfire season from the state's north and mid north coast to the NSW South Coast and as far as the Snowy Mountains region. The snub by Prince Harry and his wife recently came to light after the couple launched new charity Archewell. The foundation's name was inspired by the word 'Arche', which is Greek for 'source of action' and influenced the name of their firstborn son. I figured it was grief spilling out for the loss of a parent. However, several months later, when I was trying to sort things out and give this stepchild items that were part of their family, again, the response was nasty. This stepchild constantly blew off their father while he was alive, calling only when they wanted or needed something. By IANS MUMBAI: Four days after a massive political furore, scam-accused businessmen Kapil Wadhawan and his brother Dheeraj Wadhawan on Sunday gave their side of the story about their Thursday (April 9) trip from Khandala to Mahabaleshwar allegedly flouting lockdown norms. The hill-station hopping trip between Pune and Satara districts sparked off a row after a senior Maharashtra IPS officer, Principal Secretary (Special) in Home Department Amitabh Gupta, granted a written permission on April 8. While Gupta was sent on "compulsory leave", the Wadhawan brothers and 21 others have been shunted into compulsory quarantine at a Panchgani facility and Home Minister Anil Deshmukh ordered a probe into the fracas by a senior officer to be completed within 15 days. ALSO READ: IPS officer faces probe for road pass to scam-tainted Wadhawans The CBI shot off an email to the Satara police asking them not to release the Wadhawans without their permission while the ED has seized the five vehicles in which they travelled. On Sunday, the Wadhawan brothers - named in the Yes Bank scam - issued a detailed statement through their legal firm, Rashmikant and Partners, giving their version of the entire episode and other related aspects of the probes carried out by Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) The duo said they travelled from a rented accommodation in Khandala to their ancestral home in Mahabaleshwar as they were genuinely concerned for the health of their family owing to the coronavirus pandemic. "They also heard that there were possible Coronavirus cases in Khandala. They were in Khandala alongwith their mother, aged 70 years, who has a multitude of health problems and their respective wives and children," said the lengthy statement. Besides, Kapil Wadhawan suffers from hypertension and was recently hospitalised while Dheeraj Wadhawan is also a heart patient who underwent emergency angioplasty in Switzerland in January 2018, and spent time in a hospital ICU in October-November 2019 for a severe lung infection, which the ED was aware of, it said. During his interrogation by ED, Dheeraj Wadhawan again suffered chest pains for which he was admitted to Hinduja Healthcare Hospital. "Thus, Mr. Kapil Wadhawan, Mr. Dheeraj Wadhawan and their mother were highly susceptible to the coronavirus, which could pose serious risk to their health in view of their medical conditions. Considering the circumstances, the Wadhawans thought it fit to travel further away from Khandala and Mumbai and thus decided to go to their ancestral residence in Mahabaleshwar," said the statement from Rashmikant and Partners. When they reached their home in Mahabaleshwar, they were informed by the local authorities to self-quarantine themselves for 14 days, and later shifted to a private quarantine facility in adjoining Panchgani hillstation. The Wadhawans also refuted speculation that they are not cooperating with the ED and CBI, are absconding or flouting lockdown rules, as "false and absurd" and claimed "none of their actions have been taken to defeat the law". Attempting to set right the record, the Wadhawans said that the within 24 hours, the CBI issued three notices to them in March for appearance at short notice. These were notice on March 13, 2020 to appear before it on March 14 at 10 am, a notice on March 14 to appear on the same day evening, and another notice notice on March 14 for appearance on March 15. Responding to each notice, the Wadhawans requested for consideration as they were both travelling with their mother and respective families since March 6 due to Kapil Wadhawan's health issues. On March 15, in the last communication to the CBI by the Wadhawans, they pointed out the advisories of the Centre and state governments to avoid unnecessary travel in view of the rapid spread of coronavirus, making it inadvisable for them to return to Mumbai from Khandala. The lawyers said even the ED had issued three summons to them - on March 10 for an appearance on March 13 morning, on March 13 for appearance on March 16 morning, and on March 16 for appearance on March 17 morning, and the Wadhawans responded akin to the CBI, seeking time to appear before the probe agency. On March 17, the Wadhawans even sought a questionnaire about the information required by the probe agencies, but said there was no response from ED. The Wadhawan brothers refuted all "misinformation" being spread that they are no cooperating with the ED-CBI, and said they had not "skipped" any appearances before them, as they felt comforted that their last request for accommodation' had been accepted in view of the Covid-19 pandemic threats. he duo also reiterated that they are not linked to or concerned with the ongoing legal proceedings pertaining to the Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative Bank, and if they were trying to abscond, they would not have sought the Maharashtra government's permission to travel in their own names to their own house in Mahabaleshwar. Rashmikant and Partners added that the Wadhawans have been in contact with all the investigations agencies and other authorities for various legal/officials matters, Kapil Wadhawan's passport is deposited with the ED while Dheeraj Wadhawan cannot travel abroad without the court's permission, so they are not a flight risk. "In fact, they are quite anxious to join the investigation," the statement concluded. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is seeking bail on the ground that he is in danger of contracting coronavirus while in the Belmarsh prison, while his partner revealed on Sunday that he fathered two children while he was holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy. Assange, 48, who had taken refuge in the embassy to avoid an European arrest warrant, fearing eventual extradition to the US to face charges of leaking classified information, was dragged out of the embassy and arrested in April last after Ecuador revoked his political asylum status. The Boris Johnson government is releasing come categories of prisoners across jails to avoid the virus spreading, but it is not clear if they include those facing extradition proceedings. Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India to face charges of major financial offences, is due to appear by videolink from the Wandsworth prison for another remand extension hearing on April 15. Assanges partner, Stella Moris, 37, revealed in the Mail on Sunday that Assange had watched the births of both children in London hospitals via live videolink, adding that both boys had visited him in prison, and that they were planning to marry, whether Assange is released or not. There were genuine fears of Assanges health, the South Africa-born lawyer said. His next extradition hearing is due in the Westminster Magistrates Court on May 18. The Observer reported that as part of the bail application, Moris revealed in that they began a relationship when she interacted with him on extraditions legal issues in 2011: Over time Julian and I developed a strong intellectual and emotional bond. He became my best friend and I became his, she wrote. Moris said she had gone to great lengths to protect the couples children, adding that she was making the statement now because their lives were on the brink and she feared Assange could die. According to her, Assange is in isolation for 23 hours a day and all visits have stopped. My close relationship with Julian has been the opposite of how he is viewed of reserve, respect for each other and attempts to shield each other from some of the nightmares that have surrounded our lives together, Moris said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As pressure continues to mount on hospitals now treating more than 800 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and with additional emergency services to be drafted in to assist intensive care units this week, 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." Stating he was optimistic Ireland would start to unwind restrictions in May and into the summer, Mr Varadkar also admitted that in due course it would be established that mistakes had been made in the effort to protect the elderly in nursing homes. "We'll find that we got some things right and we got some things wrong," he said. However, as the latest figures revealed 33 further deaths in Ireland related to Covid-19, the Taoiseach was keen to signal to the public an approaching end to the current restrictions, and to rule out renewed austerity measures to pay for the massive undertaking against the virus. Mr Varadkar's comments were made as the Social Democrats for the first time signalled that they have opened the door to participation in a new government comprising Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Read More Co-leader Roisin Shortall said the two parties would have to show they "are serious about ensuring things are different from now on". She said: "We're certainly open to looking at the document if Fine Gael or Fianna Fail have come to the conclusion that they got it wrong over the last number of years and they are prepared to do things differently." This development comes as health chiefs have contacted a number of ambulance services about redeploying staff to intensive care and emergency departments to relieve pressure on overburdened healthcare staff. Both private and voluntary ambulance services have been asked to provide paramedics and emergency medical technicians to help healthcare staff treating the critically ill Covid-19 patients on ventilators and to help them breathe. Ventilated patients require proning, or turning, several times a day - an intensive and delicate task that can require four to six people. One private ambulance operator, David Hall, owner of Lifeline ambulances, said his company is among several organisations that has been asked to provide emergency medical technicians and paramedics in emergency departments and intensive care units. Dr Catherine Motherway, president of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland, was not aware of such personnel being used as of yet, but said hospitals would be prepared to take on additional staff. "We are happy to take in staff to help in proning, and some units are looking at healthcare attendants to assist. So long as they are trained to use appropriate PPE, the requirements of proning, and the lead is airway-trained, all are very welcome and appropriate," she said. The development indicates the pressures on hospitals that currently have more than 150 patients in intensive care. Hospitals across the country are continuing to prepare for the expected surge in cases which is due to hit in the middle of this month. The latest number of fatalities from the virus increased by 33 yesterday, bringing the total to 320. An additional 553 new confirmed cases were reported by Irish laboratories and another 286 confirmed cases were reported by a laboratory in Germany, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 8,928. In today's interview with the Sunday Independent, the Taoiseach also detailed his plans for a major overhaul of the welfare system and revealed that the pandemic payment would be phased out for workers who lost their jobs during the Government's social distancing regulations. "We are looking at how that can be done - one option is to phase it out so you wouldn't go from 350 to 205 or 203, phase it down," Mr Varadkar said. "Another option is to do what we wanted to do in the first place, to give people a proportion or a percentage of their income initially." He said he wanted a new welfare system where those who become unemployed suddenly are paid 70pc of their wage initially and this was reduced over time if they did not return to the workforce. Mr Varadkar also signalled that strict coronavirus restrictions - which have forced the country into a national lockdown - may be relaxed next month and gradually phased out over the summer. He said he was "certainly hopeful and optimistic" that he would start unwinding the social distancing regulations next month and continue the process "throughout the course of the summer". However, he added: "Now, I can't guarantee that; our best guess is that we're not yet past the peak. It will peak sometime in April, around the middle of April, and after that we may see the number of new cases falling off." He admitted he may have got some aspects of the response to the coronavirus wrong when asked about the Government's late intervention for the private nursing home sector. "When we look back on this in a year's time or two years' time and we can really understand what happened I'm sure we'll find that we got some things right and we got some things wrong and even the best of us will get some of the decisions right and some of the decisions wrong," he said. Health Minister Simon Harris echoed the Taoiseach's comments about the winding back of restrictions at a press briefing yesterday. He has said 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 could 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 fewer than one other person. If this is maintained, the virus will eventually die out. "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," he 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." He added that the loosening of restrictions would involve a "blended mix of measures". "When we do it we'll 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 would clear this week. He said Ireland had more testing capacity than most other EU countries and testing per head of population was the fifth highest in the EU." Between 25,000 to 35,000 tests have been sent to Germany. KALAMAZOO, MI Kalamazoo County announced five new cases of the coronavirus on Easter Sunday, bringing the countys total number of confirmed cases to 84. The county reported four of its seven COVID-19 deaths over the past week, and has seen the number of local cases climb from 45 to 84 since last Sunday. Only 10 new cases have been reported over the past three days. Related: Black residents affected disproportionately as coronavirus cases inch up in Kalamazoo County Of the 84 Kalamazoo County residents who had tested positive as of Sunday, 28 were black, making up 33.3% of the countys total confirmed cases. African Americans make up less than 12% of the countys total population, according to the latest census data. Statewide, 33% of positive tests have been for black residents. African Americans make up 14% of the Michigans overall population. Browser does not support frames. The median age of the seven people who have died of COVID-19 in Kalamazoo County is 84, according to data released by the county health department. All seven deaths have involved patients with underlying health conditions who are age 70 or older, according to the department. And while the statewide median age for those who have died from the virus is 10 years younger, at 74, Kalamazoo County does have a much higher percentage of COVID-19 cases in younger populations than represented in statewide data. Nineteen percent of confirmed cases in Kalamazoo County involve patients 29 and younger, compared to 10% statewide, according to data released by the county and the state on Sunday. 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. Elsewhere in Southwest Michigan, Berrien County on Sunday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases, which now total 104. The county also reported its fourth death as a result of the outbreak. Eaton and Calhoun counties each reported three new cases Sunday. Each of those counties is now reporting 74 total cases. Allegan County reported two new cases, bringing its total to 21, while St. Joseph and Branch counties each reported one new case on Sunday. Barry, Cass and Van Buren counties did not report any new cases. Statewide, only 645 new cases of COVID-19 were reported Sunday. It was the lowest single-day total on record since March 26. RELATED: Michigan cites possible testing lag as coronavirus cases drop We cannot say if this represents a true decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths in our state, according to a statement from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. "Reported case counts may reflect a reduction in the amount of laboratory testing performed over the weekend and holiday. According to the department, while comparative statistics are limited, previous testing reports have illustrated consistent Sunday decreases with some being as high as a 25% reduction over the previous day. Sunday, March 22, had a 25% drop in reported tests and Sunday, March 29, saw a 3% drop in reported tests. Sunday, April 5, saw a 25% drop in reported tests, the data shows. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. 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. Complete coverage of coronavirus in Michigan. Read more on MLive: Michigan cites possible testing lag as coronavirus cases drop Black residents affected disproportionately as coronavirus cases inch up in Kalamazoo County Sunday, April 12: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan 19 more coronavirus cases in Jackson County, more than half of total are women Need tips on teaching children at home? Home-schooling parents have got you covered New Book Recycles Oldand BadTeacher Union Talking Points Commentary There is nothing new under the sun. This ancient saying certainly rings true in the debate on public education today. As evidence, teacher unions across the country regularly recycle the same old chestnuts. Standardized testing is bad for students, wealthy business leaders want to destroy public education, think tanks cannot be trusted, and charter schools have no right to exist are but a few examples. True to form, Nova Scotia teacher and union leader Grant Frost recycles these points in his new book, The Attack on Nova Scotia Schools: The Story Behind 25 Years of Tumultuous Change. Predictably, Frost endorses everything that teachers unions support and attacks anything that they oppose. His writing is nothing if not consistent. Frost spends the first part of his book arguing that public education has been unfairly criticized over the last 60 years. He particularly opposes the so-called Global Education Reform Movement (GERM), which focuses on students learning the core competencies of literacy and numeracy and promotes accountability measures such as standardized testing. According to Frost, standardized testing limits the creativity of teachers because it forces teachers to teach to the test. In common with other union leaders, Frost relies heavily on American examples in his book. For example, he points out significant flaws with the No Child Left Behind legislation in the United States that required students to write high-stakes literacy and numeracy tests every year. But no Canadian province tests students this frequently, nor does any province use standardized test results to evaluate teachers. Since most standardized tests in this country are curriculum-based, teaching to the test simply means teaching the curriculum. Moreover, there is considerable scope for teachers to teach material that is wider and deeper than the test items assess. When Frost finally turns his focus toward Canada, he directs much of his ire at think tanks such as the Fraser Institute and the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS). By identifying the wealthy benefactors of these think tanks and pointing out their strong support for free market principles, he claims the think tanks have a secret agenda to destroy public education. However, there is more bluster than substance in his claims. For example, Frost makes much of the fact that Fraser and AIMS support charter schools, which are publicly funded schools that operate independently of school boards. Like other teacher union leaders, he believes that charter schools undermine public education and fail to improve student achievement. To prove his point, he describes charter school failures in the United States but glosses over the success of many charter schools in Alberta. Its not hard to see why Frost spent as little time as possible describing Albertas charter schools. Had he dug deeper, he would have had to explain the success of Foundations for the Future Charter Academy, a high-performing charter school in Calgary with several thousand parents on its wait list. He would also have had to acknowledge that the tiny rural hamlet of Valhalla saved its only school from imminent closure by creating a community-based charter school. These success stories, and many others, contradict Frosts predetermined conclusion that charter schools are bad for students. At one point, Frost briefly goes off script and expresses frustration with no-zero assessment policies. Considering the grief that no-zero policies have caused for many Canadian teachers, its too bad he doesnt give this controversial issue the attention it needs. Instead, he simplistically claims that public pressure was the reason these policies came into existence. However, anyone with any knowledge of the no-zero debate knows that it had nothing to do with public pressure but resulted from the impressive marketing effort of self-styled assessment gurus such as Ken OConnor. When Edmonton physics teacher Lynden Dorval was fired in 2012 for opposing his schools no-zero policy, the massive outpouring of support for Dorval left no doubt that the only people who supported no-zero policies were the consultants who made a living peddling their impractical assessment theories. If Frost is looking for the real problems facing public education, he need look no further than the failed progressive education ideas coming from the United States. Since he and other teacher union leaders are fans of American education historian Diane Ravitch, they should read her 2000 book Left Back: A Century of Failed School Reforms. In it, Ravitch shows how William Heard Kilpatricks progressive philosophy came to dominate Columbia Universitys Teachers College, which was the most influential teacher education institution in the United States. From there, these bad ideas quickly spread to teacher training institutions across both the United States and Canada. Progressive education might not be part of GERM, but it is much more contagious and a whole lot more deadly. Even though there is a wealth of research supporting the importance of a content-rich curriculum, structured classrooms, and direct instruction, teachers are still pressured to adopt the latest progressive fad. It would be helpful if teacher unions did more to support those teachers who are courageously standing up for evidence-based practices. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) is a fortunate exception. Not only did OSSTF lead the charge against no-zero policies when they first came to Ontario, OSSTF was the first teachers union in the world to sponsor a researchED conference. Unlike so many other professional development conferences, researchED encourages teachers to look at the evidence for themselves and to reject ideas that lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness. Other unions should follow OSSTFs example and encourage their members to challenge ineffective teaching practices. In order to address the real challenges facing public education, we must go beyond the standard union talking points and promote evidence-based teaching practices. Our students deserve nothing less. Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and author of A Sage on the Stage: Common Sense Reflections on Teaching and Learning. He has also written for several Canadian think tanks, including the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Lithuanian English On 30 April 2020 the ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Snaige AB, the address of head office Pramones str. 6, Alytus, the company code 249664610 (hereinafter, the Company) is convened the ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter, the Meeting). The place of the meeting at AB Snaige office, at the address Kareiviu str. 6, Vilnius, Lithuania. The Meeting commences at 10 a.m. (registration starts at 9.45 a.m.). If the quarantine announced in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania by Government Resolution No. 207 of 14 March 2020 will be continuing on the meeting day, the meeting will not take place on meeting place but the Company's shareholders are invited to participate in the ordinary General meeting and vote on the agenda items in writing, by filling voting ballot in advance and submitting to the Company. The Meetings accounting day 23 April 2020 (the persons who are shareholders of the Company at the end of accounting day of the General Meeting of Shareholders or authorized persons by them, or the persons with whom shareholders concluded the agreements on the disposal of voting right, shall have the right to attend and vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders). The Board of directors of the Company initiates and convenes the meeting. Agenda of the Meeting: 1.Consolidated annual report of Snaige AB on the companys activity for 2019 with information about the Company strategy and its implementation. 2.Auditors conclusion on the companys financial statements for 2019. 3.Approval of the set of financial statements of the company for 2019. 4.Approval of distribution of profit (loss) of Snaige AB for 2019. 5.The remuneration policy The Company shall not provide the possibility to participate and vote in the Meeting through electronic communication channels. Draft resolutions on agenda issues, documents be submitted to the General Meeting of Shareholders and other information related with the exercising of the shareholders rights are available on the website of the Company www.snaige.lt on menu item For investors. This information will be also available for the shareholders at the head office of the Company (Pramones street 6, Alytus) on business days from 9:00 am. till 16:00 pm. (on Fridays till 14:00), tel. +370 315 56206. Shareholders holding shares that grant at least 1/20 of all votes shall have the right of proposing to supplement the agenda of the Meeting by providing the Meeting draft resolution on each additionally proposed issue or in case no resolution is required - the explanation. The proposals to supplement the agenda shall be submitted in writing or by e-mail. The proposals shall be presented in writing to the Company on business days or by sending it by registered mail at the address Snaige AB, Pramones street 6, LT-62175 Alytus, Lithuania. The proposals submitted via the e-mail shall be sent on snaige@snaige.lt . The proposals to supplement the agenda with the additional issues shall be submitted till the15 April 2020, 4:00 p.m. In case the agenda of the Meeting is supplemented the Company will report on it no later than 10 days before the Meeting in the same ways as on convening of the Meeting. Shareholders holding shares that grant at least 1/20 of all votes shall have the right of proposing new draft resolutions on the issues already included or to be included in the agenda of the Meeting, audit firms for auditing purposes of financial statements. The proposals shall be submitted in writing or by e-mail. The proposals shall be presented in writing to the Company on business days till 29 April 2020, 2 p.m. or by sending it by registered mail at the address Snaige AB, Pramones street 6, LT-62175 Alytus, Lithuania. During the Meeting the proposals shall be submitted to the Chairman of the Meeting after he announces the Meeting agenda and no later than the Meeting starts working on the issues of agenda. The proposals submitted via the electronic mail shall be sent on snaige@snaige.lt . The proposals submitted on this e-mail till 29 April 2020, 2:00 p.m. will be discussed during the Meeting. The shareholders shall have the right to present questions related to the General Meeting of Shareholders' agenda issues to the Company in advance in writing. The shareholders shall present the questions not later than 3 business days before the Meeting via the electronic mail on snaige@snaige.lt . The Company undertakes to respond to the submitted questions via the electronic mail till the Meeting day, except the questions related to the Companys commercial secret and confidential information. During the registration to attend the Meeting the shareholders or the persons authorized by them shall submit a document which is a proof of his identity. The shareholders' authorized persons shall submit the power of attorney confirmed by the established order. The power of attorney issued by the natural person shall be notarized. A power of attorney issued in a foreign state must be translated into Lithuanian and legalized in the manner prescribed by law. Representative can be authorized by more than one shareholder and shall have a right to vote differently under the orders of each shareholder. The shareholder holding shares of the Bank, where the shares have been acquired on his own behalf, but for the benefit of other persons, must disclose before voting at the General Meeting of Shareholders to the Company the identity of the final customer, the number of shares that are put to the vote and the content of the voting instructions submitted to him or any other explanation regarding the participation agreed upon with the customer and voting at the General Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholder shall also have the right to authorize through electronic communication channels another person (natural or legal) to participate and vote in the Meeting on shareholder's behalf. Such authorization shall not be confirmed by the notary officer. The power of attorney issued through electronic communication channels must be confirmed by the shareholder with a safe electronic signature developed by safe signature equipment and approved by a qualified certificate effective in the Republic of Lithuania. The shareholder shall inform the Company on the power of attorney issued through electronic communication channels by e-mail snaige@snaige.lt no later than the last business day before the meeting at 2:00 p.m. The power of attorney and notification shall be issued in writing. The power of attorney and notification to the Company shall be signed with the Electronic Signature but not the letters sent via the e-mail. By submitting the notification to the Company the shareholder shall include the Internet address from which it would be possible to download free of charge software to verify an Electronic Signature of the shareholder. Each shareholder or representative thereof shall have the right to cast his/her vote in advance in writing by filling in a general ballot paper. The general ballot paper form is on the Company's website www.snaige.lt on menu item For Investors. Upon the written shareholders request, the Company no later than 10 days before the Meeting shall send a general ballot paper by registered mail or hand it in person against signature. The general ballot paper filled shall be signed by the shareholder or his/her representative. In case the ballot paper is signed by the shareholder's authorized representative, such person along with the filled ballot paper shall submit the document to confirm the voting right. The ballot paper filled and the document confirming the voting right (if required) shall be submitted in a written form to the Company by registered mail at the address Snaige AB, Pramones street 6, LT-62175, Alytus, Lithuania, or by submitting it to the Company. Validated will be dully filled-in ballot papers, received until the meeting. The following information and documents are available on the website of the Company www.snaige.lt on menu item For Investors: - report on the convening of the Meeting; - the total number of the Companys shares and the number of shares with voting rights on the convening day of the Meeting; - draft resolutions on each agenda issue and other documents to be submitted to the Meeting; - general ballot paper form. Draft resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders are attached. Managing Director Mindaugas Sologubas Attachment Boris Johnson 12.04.2020 LISTEN Does God indeed love black people more than the whites when it comes to revealing his hidden secrets to humankind? I am simply confused and scratching my head for an answer. Out of every ten people coming out with prophecies of any sort, about eight of them are black people. They prophesy about who will win an impending general election in a country, which celebrity will die in the following year, who is doing what and to whom, etc. From all these numerous prophecies most of which turn out to be false, I am compelled to inquire if God Almighty loves black people most hence always revealing his end time agenda and things unseen, more to the black people than to the white people. In my native country Ghana, all those claiming to be men of God, thus pastors and prophets, constantly keep revealing messages and things purported to come from the Most High God. Their predictions which are claimed to have come to them from God, are mostly centred on politics and death of celebrities, and which family member is scheming to harm who, and how one can prosper without wiping off sweat from their forehead and so on and so forth. I was sent the underlying video clip to my WhatsApp on Saturday, 11 April 2020, and after listening to half of the message by prayer intercessor Israel Daniels, a Black American, on the sickness of the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson with novel coronavirus (Covid-19), I became a bit sceptical about his revelation. Why would the European Union (EU) plan his death? The decision to pull out of the EU was the majority decision taken by the British people through a referendum held in 2016, although led by certain influential people like Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage. How could they come to inflict him with Covid-19 through the spiritual realm as allegedly revealed to Mr Israel Daniels, a prayer intercessor/prophet by God? Why are the so-called black prophets fond of publicising what are purportedly revealed to them by God instead of keeping them secret and disclosing them only to whom they are concerned? I am honestly in doubtful mind about the credibility of the revelation about Prime Minister Boris Johnson's illness by my fellow black man. It is all centred on governmental politics and union breakup. I am not sure God is the driving force behind the United Kingdom pulling out of the EU as alleged by Israel Daniels. Could the decision by Britain to pull out of the EU not have been influenced by man or by Satan, if I may ask? There are a handful of genuine black prophets out there. They do not come public with their revelations but keep them between themselves and those who such prophecies are about. Do my fellow black prophets think to be more popular and famous when they reveal all their prophecies in the public domain, publishing them on the social media? I think it is about time black people advised themselves to see the prophecies by our fellow black prophets as getting over board hence must not take them serious anymore. Enough is enough with their shenanigans. Prime Minister Boris Johnson fell sick with Covid-19 same as many people worldwide some of whom have lost their lives. The only enemy who could have wished Boris' death like all those infected or affected by Covid-19 is whoever created that virus in the first place. The virus in my opinion is created in the laboratory by man but not a natural disease sent by God to wipe off part of the earthly human population. How I wish my fellow black men claiming to be prophets and constantly making revelations purported to have come from God the Most High, would stop making a mockery of themselves. Most of them are out there to court cheap popularity and to make money, I should think. Rockson Adofo Sunday, 12 April 2020 Flash The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Belarus to be ready for the worst-case scenarios for the spread of COVID-19, a visiting expert told a briefing on Saturday in Minsk. Belarus should prepare for the worst-case scenarios and take new measures to physically distance people, said Patrick O'Connor, head of the WHO's expert mission in Belarus at the invitation of local authorities. O'Connor urged Belarusian authorities to stop all public events, including sports, to introduce distance learning and reduce unnecessary movement of people, especially those at risk -- the elderly and those with chronic diseases. Noting Belarus is paying enough attention to the protection of health workers, O'Connor stressed that the safety of health workers should be a high priority. The WHO mission was invited to assess the spread of the coronavirus in the country, as well as the measures taken by the health ministry and other authorities to combat infection and treat sick people. The mission turned out to be quite complex and comprehensive, O'Connor said, adding that the health ministry's data on the situation with the coronavirus is extensive and complete. According to Belarusian Healthcare Minister Vladimir Karanik, at the moment it is not necessary to introduce strict quarantine measures in Belarus. The minister urged all people to limit their optional contacts and take measures to socially distance themselves. Only nine players make up the O'Neill St. Mary's girls basketball roster in 2021-22 and three of those nine are sophomores. All three started last year as freshmen, all three are averaging in double figures this year and all three have led the Cardinals to an 8-2 start. Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he speaks from 10 Downing Street praising NHS staff in a video message for saving his life as he was discharged from hospital a week after being admitted with persistent coronavirus symptoms (Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street/Crown Copyright/PA Wire) The Prime Minister has called the NHS unconquerable after seeing first-hand how it was dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Boris Johnson was discharged from hospital on Easter Sunday, a week after being admitted with persistent coronavirus symptoms. In a video posted on Twitter, the PM said the NHS has saved my life, no question. His comments come as it was confirmed the number of those who had died in UK hospitals after contracting Covid-19 had breached the 10,000 mark, in what Health Secretary Matt Hancock called a sombre moment for the country. Conservative Party leader Mr Johnson admitted he had personally seen, during his seven days at St Thomas Hospital in central London, the pressure the NHS is under. But he said the NHS had the resolve to get the country through the health emergency. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Mr Johnson said: We will win because our NHS is the beating heart of this country. It is the best of this country. It is unconquerable. It is powered by love. Heralding the personal courage of everyone from doctors to cooks, he mentioned by name the nurses who watched over him all night while he fought severe coronavirus symptoms in intensive care Jenny from New Zealand, and Luis from Portugal. The reason in the end my body did start to get enough oxygen was because for every second of the night they were watching and they were thinking and they were caring and making the interventions I needed, he said. Mr Johnson praised the countrys efforts in following the tough social distancing measures over the Easter weekend and said the measures were proving their worth in protecting the NHS. The public comments from the PM could be the last from Mr Johnson for a number of days as he prepares to head to his country residence, Chequers in Buckinghamshire, to convalesce. Expand Close Boris Johnson has praised the NHS staff who treated him while at St Thomas Hospital in central London with coronavirus symptoms (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Boris Johnson has praised the NHS staff who treated him while at St Thomas Hospital in central London with coronavirus symptoms (Dominic Lipinski/PA) A Number 10 spokesman confirmed the PM would not be returning to work immediately after being told to rest by his doctors. Following the PMs discharge from hospital, his fiancee Carrie Symonds tweeted in praise of the incredible staff at St Thomas. Ms Symonds, who is expecting the couples baby, said: I will never, ever be able to repay you and I will never stop thanking you. I cannot thank our magnificent NHS enough. The staff at St Thomas Hospital have been incredible. I will never, ever be able to repay you and I will never stop thanking you. Carrie Johnson (@carrielbjohnson) April 12, 2020 Mr Hancock, who led the Downing Street press briefing on Sunday, confirmed: an NHS app is now available to warn if people come into close contact with someone experiencing coronavirus symptoms Covid-19 testing for care home staff is set to be rolled out Spare NHS critical care capacity is higher currently than it was when the pandemic started, with 2,295 spare beds available More than 5,000 former and retired health staff are now back on the NHS front line and over 36,000 have come forward to enlist Addressing the number of deaths in hospitals, Mr Hancock told reporters: Today marks a sombre day in the impact of this disease as we join the list of countries who have seen more than 10,000 deaths related to coronavirus. The fact that over 10,000 people have now lost their lives to this invisible killer demonstrates just how serious this coronavirus is and why the national effort that everyone is engaged in is so important. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called Sundays figures heartbreaking, adding: Every one is a tragedy, every one is a family shattered. Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show that the UK looked set to have one of the worst, if not the worst death rate in Europe. Asked about the prediction, Mr Hancock said the future of this virus is unknowable and that there had been a flattening of the curve because most people were following the social distancing measures. Announcing a new NHS coronavirus smartphone app, Mr Hancock encouraged people to start using it so earlier preventative measures could be taken. The technology will securely and anonymously alert fellow app users when they have been in contact with a person that has developed coronavirus symptoms, he explained. The Cabinet minister added: The more people who get involved then the better informed our response to coronavirus will be and the better we can protect the NHS. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) piled more pressure on ministers this weekend after it urged members to refuse to treat patients as a last resort if adequate PPE was not provided. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Mr Hancock, who contracted coronavirus previously, defended the Governments record on PPE, declaring there there to be record amounts of PPE in the system. Quizzed on the RCNs fresh advice, Mr Hancock replied that he had been in contact with the organisation as part of the Governments bid to get this right. Mr Hancock said Covid-19 testing had been available throughout for care home residents but confirmed testing for staff in the homes was coming, although admitted the process was complicated. On Sunday, the Department of Health said, as of 5pm on Saturday, a total of 10,612 patients had died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK, up by 737 from 9,875 the day before. One of the many corona warriors' on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, Ramakrishna literally dropped everything he was doing back home in Telangana and headed 1,500 km to Lucknow when he got a call from his guide requesting that he return to his post' his laboratory. The PhD scholar at the microbiology department of Lucknow's King George Medical University was helping his parents farm their land in their village in Khammam district when his head of department Amita Jain phoned him. His help was needed in testing samples for the infection that was spreading rapidly. And like a soldier called back in war-time, Ramakrishna said he immediately packed his bags and even lied to his parents, worried like everybody else about the spread of the infection. In an hour he was ready. "I initially told my parents I will be staying with my friends from the village who are studying in Hyderabad. Now, with the attention I got, they know I am working in Lucknow in this fight against coronavirus and they are fine with it," the 29-year-old microbiologist told PTI. It was March 21 and Ramakrishna set off immediately, telling his parents that he was going to Hyderabad to write his thesis at a friend's place. His parents were not too convinced, unwilling to let their son make even the 270 km journey to the city but finally agreed. He reached Hyderabad on March 22, the day of the Janta curfew' when all routes to Lucknow or anywhere else were blocked. Before daybreak, in the early hours of March 23, he headed to the airport. The going was not easy there either. Ramakrishna said he was stopped by police. However, when he explained his reason for heading to the airport, they helped him get there. He caught a flight to Lucknow, much to the delight of his guide and the team at KGMU that is tirelessly working to test more and more samples each day. Ramakrishna, who hit the public spotlight when Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted about him, insisted he was just doing his duty like all the others in the medical fraternity to fight this pandemic. The PhD scholar had completed his project six months ago and returned to his village. He was working on his thesis and also helping his parents in farming. Jain, head of department, microbiology, KGMU, said she had called four of her students for help. Two were in Lucknow and joined immediately, while Ramakrishna and one more person were away and immediately came to help. Asked what she told Ramakrishna on the phone, Jain said, "I told him that we need him if he can help. He asked for an hour to convince his parents and within an hour, he said he is coming." "Their research scholars helping out in testing) commitment is akin to soldiers reporting to their battalions in times of war. This time soldiers wore masks," Jain told PTI. Ramakrishna's contribution and commitment came into focus when Priyanka Gandhi sent him an appreciation letter last week and also tweeted about his selfless act. Hailing the microbiologist, she said they are lakhs of such "soldiers" in India who should be honoured and encouraged. Jain also appreciated the dedication of Ramakrishna and many others who have come to help at the KGMU's microbiology department, saying all of them just came without once asking about remuneration or incentives. "All of them will be paid, but they never asked about it, such is their commitment," the head of the microbiology department said. The virology laboratory at KGMU has been testing suspected samples for COVID-19 under the headship of Jain since February. The laboratory's technicians, virologists and scientists, attendants and research scholars have been working on a war footing 2X7 to deal with the pandemic. Uttar Pradesh has reported 452 cases of coronavirus and five fatalities, according to Health Ministry data. The disease has infected more than 8,000 people and claimed at least 273 lives across the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Although the coronavirus pandemic has led to the cancellation of the April 25 Baisakhi parade in the Canadian city of Surrey, deemed the largest outside India, the community through a new initiative called Virtual Vaisakhi will honour the sacred holidays spirit of seva, a media report said. Through the initiative, a collective of Sikh groups, including a Surrey gurdwara, was invoking the spirit of Baisakhi by raising money for community outreach organisations and nonprofits, said the Surrey Now-Leader newspaper in a report. This year, we are directly asking and inspiring Sikhs and non-Sikhs to collectively open their wallets and hearts to help invoke the spirit of Vaiskahi to address the most pressing and emerging needs with organizations working with local food banks, seniors outreach, marginalized communities and domestic support services, said Jessie Kaur Lehail of Kaur Project. The Surrey Vaisakhi parade draws in a crowd of more than 5,00,000 people every year, reports the Vancouver-based City News. Canada has so far reported 22,148 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 570 deaths. There have been hopeful signs in the statistics tracking the spread of the coronavirus through Louisiana in recent weeks and encouraging words from public officials that the state may be succeeding in slowing it. But nearly a month after Gov. John Bel Edwards and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell put restrictions on gatherings and businesses in place, officials and experts say it's still far too soon to consider going back to normal. Inside the coronavirus battle at Our Lady of the Lake: the fight of their lives Dr. Jonathan Richards tapped on a square of glass as the blue-gowned people he was watching called out for sedatives and started to move more We need you to stay at home and follow the mandates, because they are working, and do not use this weekend as an opportunity to break the rules, Cantrell said Thursday. All the things we've gained in terms of progress can be turned around really quickly. Experts agree that, despite the progress, its way too early to declare victory. I dont know that weve pushed it down enough to completely stop the epidemic in its tracks, but I suspect that were getting closer to that than certainly we were two weeks ago, said Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at Tulane University who specializes in infectious diseases. The restrictions aim to flatten the curve -- to slow the pace at which individuals pass the virus to others, so the health care system is not hit with a sudden and overwhelming influx of patients. A rapid spread and peak would result in a devastating cost in human lives. If the curve if flattened, there will be a long, gradual pace of cases as the virus continues its spread more slowly. Theres a difference between a peak and a plateau, New Orleans Health Department Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno said. Were going to have both. Theres going to be a day or more likely a week -- in which we look back and say, Thats the most cases we ever diagnosed on one day. That was the height of the epidemic. The flattening, though, is about sustainability and its about how long can we keep this up. Coronavirus in Louisiana: 761 new cases reported statewide Saturday, deaths up 51 The number of known coronavirus cases in Louisiana stood at 20,014 midday Saturday, representing an increase of 761 cases from Friday. Charts often measure the viruss spread by highlighting the number of new cases or deaths recorded each day. Thats important for gauging whether things are getting better or worse, but can also present a sense of false comfort, since even the downslope represents growth in the toll it is taking. And as long as there are active cases, the coronavirus could have a resurgence, leading to a devastating second wave of infections. Were not out of the woods. We need to keep the pressure on, because we know that cases are going to continue to increase, Alex Billioux, assistant secretary for the states Office of Public Health, said Wednesday. Its hard to predict what the coming months will bring, but were still very much at risk. New Orleans was among the first wave of U.S. cities to see a serious outbreak, and among the earliest to start cracking down on large gatherings, closing bars and limiting restaurants. The experience of other places on the globe that went through it first -- and implemented tougher restrictions -- suggests it will be awhile before the state begins to open up. The Chinese province of Hubei has just started to lift its draconian quarantine measures this week. That's nearly 100 days after the first known patient to contract the virus was identified in its capital, Wuhan, and 60 days after businesses were shuttered and residents confined to their homes, not allowed to leave even for essentials like groceries. A national quarantine in Italy, ordered the same day Louisiana registered its first case and nearly two weeks before Louisianas stay-at-home order, is now expected to remain in place through early May. Its not clear how long Louisianas restrictions will last, though Edwards has already extended his order through the end of the month. Some experts have suggested nationwide restrictions should remain in place through May or longer. It doesnt take many missed infections if you start circulating again for this to begin spreading rapidly again, said Joshua Yukich, an epidemiologist at Tulane Universitys School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Especially if we dont have really strong processes in place for testing anybody who might be infected. We risk it ramping right back up. John Bel Edwards: An emotional thought on Easter, a call for coronavirus disparity task force After releasing data showing a wide racial gap in Louisianas coronavirus deaths that has put black people at greater risk from the virus, Gov Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The virus can be hard to detect in real time. It often takes weeks after infection for symptoms to show up, and another week or more before those symptoms become severe enough that a patient decides to get tested. The results can take a week or more. It may take even longer before a patients condition deteriorates enough that they are hospitalized, and up to two weeks from then before they succumb to the virus. That means that understanding the numbers requires watching for multiple peaks in the daily data released by the Louisiana Department of Health. The first indicator to look for would be a decline in new cases, something that could already be occurring. The 6,000-plus new cases reported from April 3-5 represent the highest number the state has seen since the beginning of the outbreak. New cases have fallen over five of the seven three-day spans since, and the numbers reported from Thursday through Saturday were less than half as high. That decline comes about three weeks after Edwards stay-at-home order and four weeks after he closed public schools, a timeline that suggests that social distancing is working. Still, experts warn there can be significant fluctuations in the daily numbers and that caution is warranted until a longer-term trend emerges. Additionally, there is so much variability in who gets tests and how long they take to process that confirmed cases alone are an imperfect metric. The lag thats built in there is the real challenge in terms of how to interpret it, Hassig said. These numbers, we have to look at with a long view. Day-to-day can fluctuate. We need a long enough perspective on the numbers that we have a trend. Were not to the point where Id be confident yet of that." As a result, some experts have focused on hospitalizations, which indicate the most serious cases of the virus. Those numbers have been rising overall, though the daily increases are slowing. As of Saturday, the state reported 2,045 patients were in hospitals and have coronavirus. John Bel Edwards: 'Really good chance' Louisiana schools will close for academic year Gov. John Bel Edwards said Thursday there is a "really good chance" he will order public schools to remain closed for the rest of the academic The hospitalization increases suggests the peak has not yet come. A slower growth rate, meanwhile, indicates that efforts to flatten the curve may have prevented the hospital system from being overwhelmed. Over the past weeks, officials had warned that unless the viruss spread was curbed, Louisiana hospitals, especially in New Orleans, would run out of life-saving ventilators. New projections do not show any part of the state running out of ventilators in the next week and a half, Edwards said at a press conference on Friday. The ultimate metric of the viruss toll is the number of lives it takes. To me, the number I care about is the deaths, because as a community thats the biggest blow, Avegno said. It will be a happy day when I can report zero deaths today, but unfortunately its going to be a long time. Hassig said before restrictions are lifted, new infections must be driven down to a very low level, noting that Wuhan didnt lift its restrictions until it had almost completely ceased seeing new cases for some time. Tests to determine if someone had already recovered from the virus, and might be immune, could aid that process. A vaccine would potentially allow a return to normal life, though that prospect is many months away. +2 'People need help and need it now': Louisiana to begin disbursing $600 benefit to jobless Unemployed workers on Thursday expressed relief mixed with some skepticism at the news they will begin receiving nearly three times as muc In the meantime, Louisiana also has to deal with the reality that many of its neighbors have been slow to enact restrictions. That means even if things get better here, theres a risk in opening up to people from areas that are still grappling with a widespread outbreak. The worst thing that could happen is New Orleans was flattening, doing our thing, starting to open up the spigot a little bit and people in Mississippi who are three weeks behind say, Oh my gosh, New Orleans is open, I want to go, Avegno said. And this is what happened in parts of China, they opened up, people from outside China came in and brought the virus back. Were going to have to think strategically about how to do that, particularly with an economy that is going to be starved for visitors, she said. For netizens, Sunday morning began with a gastro delight as Ranveer Singh posted some rather delectable pictures of cheesy pizzas prepared by his doting wife, Deepika Padukone. She's been cooking up a storm in the kitchen these days while the couple is at home during the lockdown. From Thai cuisines to Italian, Deepika is making sure its all finger-licking good. Ranveer shared a series of clicks of pizzas made by Queen Dee along with a short video expressing his excitement overeating his wife's preparation. A few clips showed the different ingredients used in her recipe as well as a boomerang of Deepika spreading the pizza sauce. Ranveer also shared a video of the cheese dripping from the baked pizza and o mushrooms and chicken dressing being added. In the process, Ranveer revealed that Deepika had taken pizza making lessons from the famous Chef Paola Bassetti. Sharing a picture of Deepika along with the chef, he wrote, "She's classically trained." Arent they delicious-looking? Though the world assumed they were going to live an idyllic life full of love and laughter, Princess Diana and Prince Charles relationship never lived up to those vast expectations. Though their 1981 wedding appeared to be plucked straight from a Disney fairytale, as their marriage crumbled over the years, royal fans learned that appearances can be deceiving. A naive and very young school teacher when she wed Prince Charles, Princess Diana had very little life experience. In fact, while royals like Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex were given a crash course in royal life, the late princess was seemingly thrown to the wolves. For his part, Prince Charles was weary of his temperamental new wife, and he was still very much hung up on his former girlfriend, Camilla Parker Bowles. Though their pairing was touted as the romance of the century, in reality, the Prince and Princess of Wales had only met one another a handful of times before tying the knot. The Prince And Princess Of Wales During A Visit To Ottawa In Canada | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images Prince Charles and Princess Diana were never a good match Their age difference, vastly different personalities, and warring approaches to royal life were just some of the main reasons the prince and princess never stood a chance. Prince Charles love for Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, also caused a great deal of strife in the marriage. There were three of us in the marriage, so it was a bit crowded, Princess Diana said candidly in a 1995 BBC interview. Overall, the pair were desperately unhappy and it began to show. [Princess Diana] was just bitterly unhappy, she was disappointed in her marriage as was Charles it was a car crash from the very beginning, royal biographer Penny Junor explained. When Charles and Diana got together it seemed on paper that this was the most perfect match, but Dianas childhood had been very difficult and the happy jolly-go-lucky venire that she presented to the world was nothing more than a venire. Charles was a very complex character and the two of them was about the worst match you could possibly have made. The Princess of Wales stands next to her husband, Charles the Prince of Wales, during a function held in their honor February 11, 1987 in Bonn, Germany. | Georges De Keerle/Getty Images Princess Diana was not impressed when she first met Prince Charles Since she grew up in an aristocratic family, and Prince Charles briefly dated her older sister, Princess Diana had known of the prince for years. Unfortunately, her first impression of him was less than desirable. God what a sad man, Princess Diana told Andrew Morton of her first impression of the prince. I was asked to stay with some friends in Sussex, and they said, Oh, the Prince of Wales is staying, and I thought I hadnt seen him in ages. Hed just broken up with his girlfriend, and his friend Mountbatten had just been killed. I said it would be nice to see him. I was so unimpressed. Princess Diana and Prince Charles only met a handful of times In reality, before they wed on July 29, 1981, the Prince and Princess of Wales had only met 13 times in person. In fact, the prince remembered her as a joyful young girl. I remember thinking what a very jolly and amusing and attractive 16-year-old she was, Prince Charles told the Daily Telegraph in 1981. I mean, great fun, and bouncy and full of life and everything. The princes comments even then reveal how little he knew about the woman that was to become his wife. We had this ghastly interview the day we announced our engagement, and this ridiculous [reporter] said, Are you in love?, Princess Diana recalled following their divorce. I thought, what a thick question. So I said, Yes, of course, we are, and Charles turned round and said, Whatever love means. And that threw me completely. I thought, what a strange answer. Unfortunately, the royal couples marriage never did get much better than that awkward answer. Russia on April 12 reported the 2,186 new coronavirus cases marking the largest jump since the outbreak first began in January. As of now, Russia has reported 15,770 cases of COVID-19 infection and over 130 people have died. This comes as the countrys coronavirus related deaths rose by 24 in the previous 24 hours Crisis in Russia worsens As per reports, Moscow is the worst affected region in the country and many other regions of Russia have recently entered into their second week of a partial lockdown. Residents of Moscow have been told to remain at home and step out only for essential work such as a trip to the market or for urgent medical care. According to reports, Russia has recorded fewer cases of coronavirus infection than many other western European countries during the initial stages of the pandemic, but new cases began to spike in the country in April with Moscow as the epicentre. Read: Russia Releases New Footage Of Crashed Polish Plane Read: Russian Theatre Artists Give A Quarantine Twist To Ballet Amid COVID-19 Lockdown Russian official earlier claimed that the situation in the country was under control and that there was nothing to worry about but reportedly their demeanour changed after Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin cast doubt on official figures. As per reports, Sobyanin has said that perhaps the real coronavirus situation in Russia was much worse than it seemed. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly advised Russias regional governors to create their own plans to tackle the coronavirus crisis so that they are able to adjust the measures to local needs. Siberian prison colony ablaze In another news, one inmate was found dead at a Siberian prison colony where a fire that started amid unrest between prisoners and guards destroyed several buildings. The fire, which engulfed an area of about 30,000 square meters (300,000 square feet), broke out April 10 and was reported extinguished on April 11. Inmates at the maximum-security prison in Angarsk, 4,000 kilometres (2,500 miles) east of Moscow clashed with guards, the cause of the unrest is unclear. (Image credit: AP) Read: Flowers Destroyed In Russia As Virus Hits Demand Read: Inmate Found Dead After Russian Prison Fire, Unrest Spain is "far from victory" in its fight against the coronavirus, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned on Sunday as the country's death toll from the pandemic rose again after falling for three days in a row. The nation registered 619 new deaths in the last 24 hours from COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 16,972, the health ministry said, the highest in the world after the United States and Italy. The toll was 510 on Saturday, the lowest since March 23. But the number of new infections continued its slow, rising by 4,167 to 166,019, a smaller increase than was recorded on Saturday. Although health chiefs say the pandemic has peaked, they have urged the population to strictly follow a national lockdown which was put in place on March 14 in order to reduce the spread of the virus. "We are still far from victory, from the moment when he will recover normality in our lives," Sanchez said during a televised address. "We are all keen to go back out on the streets... but out desire is even greater to win the war and prevent a relapse," he added. His comments come as Spain braced for the reopening of some sectors of its economy, with some factory and construction workers set to return to work on Monday. The government on March 30 tightened the lockdown by halting all non-essential activities for two weeks but this measure is now about to be lifted, drawing criticism from some regional leaders and unions. Police will hand out face masks at metro and train stations on Monday as some companies re-open after this so-called "economic hibernation" period. The rest of the lockdown restrictions in the nation of around 47 million people will remain in place until April 25 although the government has made clear it expects to announce another two-week extension. They prevent people from going outside except to go to work if they can not do so from home, buy food, seek medical care and briefly walk their dog. Sanchez warned on Sunday that Spain had not entered the "second phase" in the fight against the coronavirus of a "de-escalation" of lockdown measures "which will start at the earliest in two weeks and will be very gradual and very prudent". "Health will always be the priority," he added. Earlier on Sunday Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto warned that rules on social distancing will remain in place this summer "even on the beach". "Until there is a vaccine nothing will be the way it was before," she added in an interview published in daily newspaper El Pais. Spain is the world's second-most visited country after France and tourism is crucial for the domestic economy, making up nearly 12 percent of gross domestic product. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man rows a boat on a section of the Nhue River flowing through Hanoi, November 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh. Environmental pollution in several parts of northern Vietnam was above safe levels during the first two months of the year. The Vietnam Environment Administration (VEA), which monitors the environment, said that in this period, in terms of suspended particulates, 42 out of a total of 93 values exceeded acceptable levels for an average of one hour a day in 28 cities and provinces. The pollution was most clearly observed at traffic axes and industrial zones, with the worst values recorded at the Pho Noi A and Nhu Quynh industrial parks in Hung Yen Province, and Dai An IP in Hai Duong Province, where the average suspended particles were half again higher than Vietnam's acceptable levels at 452.3 g/m3. Residential areas too were polluted with the rate of suspended particles at three out of nine monitoring stations - Pho Noi-Hung Yen area in Hung Yen Province, near Ha Dong beer company in Hanoi and near the martyrs cemetery in Bac Ninh Province - exceeding safe levels. As for water, 185 monitoring stations in five rivers in the north showed that the water quality index (WQI) at 70 percent of stations was very good (91-100) or good (76-90), 18 percent was average (51-75) and 12 percent was bad and very bad. Low WQI values were found in the Nhue River and its branches in Hanoi and the Cau River and its branches in Bac Ninh Province. They are polluted by untreated domestic wastewater in Hanoi and Thai Nguyen Province and wastewater discharged from craft villages in Bac Ninh. The worst pollution was recorded in the Ngu Huyen Khe branch of the Cau River: a WQI value of just 12. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), the most widely used parameter applied to wastewater and a measure of the dissolved oxygen required by microorganisms to oxidize or decompose the organic matter in wastewater, in this section was 133 mg per liter, nine times the standard value. In the Bong Toi stream, a section of the Nhue River in Thai Nguyen Province, the ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) level was 31 times the standard level of 0.9 mg per liter. As assigned by the environment ministry, the VEA collected the data for the monitoring in January and February, and had yet to announce the figures for March. DOJ to Review COVID-19 Restrictions on Religious Services The Department of Justice (DOJ) on April 11 said it may take action this week against local governments that have cracked down on all forms of religious services amid the CCP virus pandemic. During this sacred week for many Americans, AG Barr [Attorney General William Barr] is monitoring govt regulation of religious services, DOJ spokesperson Kerri Kupec wrote on Twitter on April 11. While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly & not single out religious orgs. Expect action from DOJ next week! Kupecs statement comes as a number of officials across the United States have taken action to stop churchgoers from any form of gatherings to celebrate Easter. Last month, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a press briefing that no faith tradition endorses anything that endangers the members of that faith, adding that he would impose fines or potentially close down buildings of worship if services continued in the city that has in recent weeks become the epicenter of the U.S. COVID-19 outbreak. The NYPD, Fire Department, Buildings Department, and everyone has been instructed that if they see worship services going on, they will go to the officials of that congregation, theyll inform them they need to stop the services and disperse. If that does not happen, they will take additional action up to the point of fines and potentially closing the building permanently, de Blasio said, before encouraging churches across the city to help people practice their faith in different ways, but not in groups, not in gatherings that could endanger people. On April 11, the Kansas Supreme Court reinstated Democrat Gov. Laura Kellys ban on religious services of more than 10 people after it was initially overruled by the Legislative Coordinating Council. Meanwhile in Mississippi, Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons also issued an executive order this week blanket banning all church services. Also on April 11 in Kentucky, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer thanked local faith leaders for canceling their services and other events, and urged others to follow suit and stay at home, noting that social distancing had so far helped to prevent a surge in the number of cases of CCP virus. He then said that drive-in church services wouldnt be allowed to happen under his watch, but his decision was later blocked from being enforced by a federal judge, who on April 11 issued a temporary restraining order on the ban, calling it unconstitutional. Under U.S. law, the First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition, and forbids Congress from restricting an individuals religious practices. However, during these unprecedented times, churches throughout the United States are being encouraged to hold services via remote communication services such as Facebook Live and Zoom, in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading. During an Easter blessing with Bishop Harry Jackson at the White House on April 10, President Donald Trump spoke about celebrating the Christian holiday as the United States is engaged in a battle like never before, noting that while we will not be able to gather together with one another as we normally would on Easter, we can use this sacred time to focus on prayer, reflection, and growing in our personal relationship with God. The president also praised the nations brave doctors, nurses, and first responders who are fighting to save lives, adding that they are making tremendous sacrifices to end this pandemic. He asked 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, he said. As of April 12, more than 542,000 cases of CCP virus have been confirmed in the United States, while more than 21,700 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19. As part of its continuous efforts to provide educational opportunities that enhance the capabilities of Bahraini youth in their preferred fields, Al-Mabarrah Al-Khalifia Foundation (MKF) has signed an agreement with Vatel to provide the first scholarship to study at Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School, within its Rayaat scholarship programme, said a report. The scholarship qualifies students to receive a Bahraini and a French Bachelors degree in International Hotel Management and includes four-year university fees at Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School; one of the most prominent French educational institutions in the hospitality management sector, said a report in BNA. Vatel has 50 schools around the world, and follows a unique educational method whereby they provide the theoretical aspects within its classrooms and practical application within four- and five-star hotels in Bahrain. Eligible applicants must be Bahraini, a fresh graduate, achieved a cumulative average of 85 per cent and above, must have good English communication skills, and must have received an acceptance letter from Vatel prior to applying for the scholarship, then they can apply starting from May 3 to 9 by filling out the online application form via the website www.mkfbh.org. Commenting on the occasion, Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al-Mabarrah Al-Khalifia Foundation, said: "We would like to thank Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School for their collaboration, which comes as part of our aim to empower Bahraini youth and enhance their opportunities to achieve their academic dreams, by attending top educational institutions in the Kingdom through the Rayaat scholarship programme. The hospitality sector is witnessing a huge growth in the Kingdom of Bahrain, especially with the effort to diversify the sources of local income. We believe that this sector will provide a wide range of job opportunities in the near future." Julien Liscouet, general director of Vatel, Bahrain, stated: "Bahrains vision is that its learning and teaching should produce skilled and capable graduates to serve the local, regional and international communities. This will be achieved by providing an academic environment that brings together learning, and teaching, and engages both the social and business communities to underpin high quality academic provision. Vatel strives to establish close collaboration and understanding between the School, the business community, our partners, and indeed society. Vatel ensures its students are provided with the knowledge and skills employers really need." The Rayaat scholarship programme was launched in 2011, in line with the foundations vision to provide students with scholarship opportunities at accredited universities in the kingdom, as well as providing them with training opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 12:52:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Sanaa Kamal RAMALLAH, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Ibrahim Melhem, spokesman of the Palestinian government, has praised China's efforts and experience in fighting the novel coronavirus outbreak. In an interview with Xinhua on Saturday, Melhem said since the COVID-19 outbreak in China, the Chinese leadership has taken its responsibility to protect tens of millions of people, by locking down the epicenter city of Wuhan as well as increasing health measures in the surrounding areas. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in Palestine a month ago, Palestine has been dealing with the pandemic by following the prevention and control measures practiced by the Chinese side such as quarantine, social distancing, and staying-at-home, he said. The Palestinian government has also declared a state of emergency, shutting down all public places such as schools, universities, popular markets as well as stopping movement between the cities. Due to the anti-virus measures, most Palestinians have been staying at home instead of going to work, said Melhem, which has a negative effect on the economy. The Palestinian government is currently considering restarting some factories, which also calls for China's experience to revive the economy and avoid more losses, the government official added. So far, 268 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Palestinian territories, including 13 in the Gaza Strip, while 44 patients have recovered and two died. Palestine is drawing on China's experience in combating the virus, Melhem said, as the Chinese people have proven that they can overcome the tribulations and crises. In a shocking development, locals in Jharkhand's Ranchi, on Sunday gathered in the city's Ratu Road Graveyard allegedly opposing the burial of a deceased COVID-19 patient. Inspite of a traffic police officer stating that no patient's body was being brought to the graveyard, the crowd had persisted. Jharkhand has seen 2 new cases in the past 24 hours, state tally is at 19 cases and 1 death. Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Five states extend lockdown till April 30; total cases at 8447 Ranchi locals defy lockdown Jharkhand: Locals gather in huge numbers near Ratu Road Graveyard in Ranchi amid lockdown, allegedly opposing the burial of a body of a #Coronavirus positive patient at the graveyard. pic.twitter.com/ZBq2tVicRO ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2020 Corona And the End Of Globalism CM Soren hints at lockdown extension On Friday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that the extension of lockdown would depend on the emerging situation in the state. This statement from the CM comes after Jharkhand reported the first death due to coronavirus on Thursday morning. He asked for more aid from the Centre to battle the novel coronavirus and warned the anti-social elements, who are trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The other states have a different situation from ours. More than seven lakh labourers from Jharkhand are stuck in other states. We must think about them as well," he added. People's Bank of China buys 1% stake in HDFC Ltd, picking up 1.75 crore shares Coronavirus crisis in India As of date, 7409 active cases have been reported of the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 764 have been discharged and Maharashtra reported the highest at 1761. 273 deaths have been reported till 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'. With the rise in the number of cases, five states -Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra have extended their state's lockdown till April 30. Rahul Gandhi warns Centre of 'foreign interests taking over Indian cos' amid COVID crisis Nobel-prize winning economist Robert Shiller warns a pandemic of fear could tip the economy into an undeserved depression. Shiller, an expert in how our emotions drive financial decisions, finds the sheer volume of chatter surrounding depression risks due to the coronavirus could severely hurt the economy. "This isn't the same story as the Great Depression. The Great Depression lasted ten years. They didn't have an unemployment rate under 12% until the decade was over," the Yale University professor told CNBC's "Trading Nation" on Thursday. "It's a popular narrative. But this is a pandemic. It shouldn't last ten years. It should be over in one or two years." Even though he suggests there are few parallels between the 1930s and now, Shiller contends there's no question the downturn will be severe. "We may not be up to our previous peak for a long time," he added. Shiller, who wrote the 2019 book "Narrative Economics: How Stories Go Viral and Drive Major Economic Events," warned investors on "Trading Nation" in early March that the coronavirus panic was just beginning. He also said the market meltdown was far from over. "The shortage of supplies is generating horrible news stories that put us all on edge," said Shiller. "It may mean people won't go to restaurants or sporting events in good numbers for years. You know the disease might not well be eradicated for several years from now." Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has voiced fears about how school closures are affecting pupil progress amid growing Cabinet tensions over the length of the lockdown. Mr Williamson does not want schools reopened until it is safe, but is worried about the lack of pupil-teacher interaction. It came as a senior Government source said last night that the prospect of lockdown restrictions being eased later this week was zero. Over the weekend former Bank of England governor Lord King demanded an end to the restrictions, saying that schools should be reopened as a first step. Gavin Williamson does not want schools reopened until it is safe, but is worried about the lack of pupil-teacher interaction Professor Russell Viner, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said he believed school reopening could take place early in any exit strategy. The Cabinet is said to be split between hawks who want the lockdown to be lifted in weeks and doves who believe it should last until Whitsun at the end of May. A Government source said there was no table-thumping going on, but added of Mr Williamson: Hes Education Secretary hed, of course, prefer schools to be open. But its not his choice. He is worried about all children and how they are going to do. There is no replacement for children going along to classes under the supervision of teachers who know them. However, schools will only be opened when it is safe to do so. The hawks are said to include Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey. The doves are led by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove. One Tory adviser said: I cant think of many people outside the Health Sector who want things to stay the same. The Treasury is getting jittery because they can see what is happening to GDP [gross domestic product] whats happening to businesses and growth. Over the weekend former Bank of England governor Lord King demanded an end to the restrictions, saying that schools should be reopened as a first step Mr Sunak has warned of the effect to the economy and is shocked that his job retention scheme attracted nine million claims three times more than expected. Miss Patel is concerned about a rise in domestic violence while Miss Coffeys welfare bill has exploded. There are concerns that a longer closure of schools will damage the life chances of poor and vulnerable children. Ministers had planned for one in five pupils the children of key workers to stay in class yet only two per cent did so. It is highly unlikely that schools will begin to return after the Easter holidays. Pupils in England could start to go back after the half-term in late May. Lord King told Sky: To maintain the lockdown has its own costs, not just economic costs but costs in terms of the health and well-being of those affected by it. TUCSON, Ariz. At this time of the year, the beaches of Puerto Penasco are usually brimming with families and vendors selling trinkets and snacks to visitors. Hotels fill to capacity, and spending at its many bars and restaurants spikes as the U.S.-Mexico border region celebrates Semana Santa, or Holy Week. It's the busiest time of the year for the beach city, also known as Rocky Point and located on the Sea of Cortez, about an hour's drive south of the Arizona-Mexico border. Tourism officials expected 120,000 visitors from Mexico and the U.S. to descend on Puerto Penasco twice the number of its permanent population during the weeklong holiday that starts Palm Sunday and ends with Easter Sunday. U.S. coronavirus map: Tracking the outbreak, state by state. Instead, the city's long, sandy beaches are deserted, hotels sit mostly empty, and bars and restaurants are shut indefinitely. "I closed ... about March 20," Jose Torres said. "But right now, it's our busiest season. There's no stopping since March 1 and usually goes on until about June. March and April are our strongest months." For 14 years, Torres has owned Boo Bar on the Malecon, the city's popular pier lined with shops, restaurants and large open spaces. Nearly 90% of his sales come from tourists, he said. Across Mexico, cities normally empty during Holy Week as residents travel to their hometowns to visit family, or flock to the country's beaches, rivers and lakes. Along the U.S.-Mexico border, a large number of Mexicans head north for the week, spending millions of dollars at U.S. businesses. Sandy Beach, a stretch of hotels and condos popular with Arizona visitors in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, is completely empty on April 9, 2020. The city closed the beaches, despite it being the peak of tourism season, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As COVID-19 sweeps the globe, local and federal governments have issued stay-at-home orders and restricted travel. Tourism is not considered an essential reason to travel. Those restrictions have dampened Semana Santa this year, historically one of the busiest travel periods along the border. "The closure of bridges and the other ports of entry to non-essential, non-industrial traffic means that roughly $95 million of retail sales are at risk in El Paso, Texas, alone," said Tom Fullerton, an economist at the University of Texas at El Paso. Story continues During Semana Santa, an additional 100,000 cars and 100,000 pedestrians typically cross the border from Ciudad Juarez to El Paso, on top of regular traffic. Mexican shoppers leave behind an additional $8.5 million in retail sales in El Paso during the holiday period, Fullerton said. With stores closed and the traffic at crossings reduced, it's a lot different this year. US-Mexico border has been closed to non-essential travel since March 21 The United States and Mexico agreed March 21 to close the border to non-essential travel to limit the spread of COVID-19. This week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency in charge of enforcing the travel restrictions, warned visitors to stay away unless they had an essential reason. "Historically, the Easter holiday is one of the busiest at the Arizona ports of entry," CBP officials said. "CBP officers and agriculture specialists continue securing the borders, facilitating trade and processing essential travel." CBP data from Good Friday showed that wait times at most border crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border are down significantly, at a time when the numbers normally rise, ahead of Easter Sunday. In addition to the travel restrictions, the U.S. and Mexican customs agencies have announced a series of closures or reduced hours at several ports of entry, affecting commercial and passenger traffic. In Nogales, Arizona, the pedestrian crossing used mostly by Mexican shoppers is closed indefinitely, the two customs agencies announced last week. "It's just a sign of the times with this health emergency that we're all facing," said Bruce Bracker, the chairman of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in Nogales. More than 40 businesses in the historic downtown area have shut down as COVID-19, and now the closure of the border crossing, keep customers away. Most had to lay off employees. If travel restrictions didn't already keep most Mexican shoppers away from U.S. stores, the weakening of the peso will. Could this country provide coronavirus answers? Iceland has tested more of its population for coronavirus than anywhere else. Mexico's currency has lost nearly a third of its value in the economic meltdown caused by the pandemic, Fullerton said. The unfavorable exchange rate will discourage even more Mexican shoppers from crossing, even for essential reasons, he added. Fullerton, the UTEP economist, said he expects a rise in bankruptcies on both sides of the border as businesses take a hit not just from lost Semana Santa sales, but also from the prolonged closures as the two economies enter into a recession. Small businesses in the U.S. such as those in Nogales can apply for federal and state relief in the shape of loans and grants, and some of their employees are paid during this crisis. That's on top of stimulus-spending checks and increased unemployment resources for U.S. workers. Mexico doesn't have the financial ability to replicate the U.S. government's action. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been roundly criticized for his response to the pandemic. His plan to get the country's economy back on track failed to take into account the private sector, including the small businesses that make up the backbone of Mexico's economy. "At this point it appears that (the Mexican government) is playing catch up with a lot of the measures enacted by the U.S. government," Fullerton said. "So any response will be delayed and potentially that will cause the recession to go longer." Layoffs abound in Puerto Penasco, a traditional tourism hot spot in Mexico In Puerto Penasco, more than 5,300 workers have been laid off, according to tourism officials, as hotels trimmed their staff and restaurants and bars shut down. Maria Eugenia Zacatelco Montiel owns EcoFun Rentals, a boat tour and water activity rental business in the city since 2012. Normally, her phone would be buzzing during Semana Santa, she said, and she would have to schedule additional boat tours to meet demand. She employs 24 people at her business. Since she closed on March 20, she has laid off all but 10, a decision she called "horrible." Her remaining employees help her maintain the boats and equipment, in anticipation of when the business will reopen. Coronavirus travel restrictions around the world: A country-by-country list "Everybody will be back, as soon as this is over and as needed, that was the agreement," she said. "That is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do." Torres, the owner of Boo Bar, said he had to lay off his 28 employees and freeze plans to hire more workers. While Mexico has yet to announce any plans to help out businesses, some state governments have taken action. In Sonora, the governor announced in March a series of zero-interest loans for small businesses with fewer than 50 workers. Torres said he has already applied for the loan. The maximum amount he's eligible to receive, based on the number of his employees, is 50,000 pesos, or about $2,100. "It's not enough to pay employees, so a lot of businesses like mine decided to close, and those who can and are able to are supporting their employees a little more," he said. Torres said he's still paying for his employees' benefits and is providing them with a monthly salary as long as he is able to "or until this is over." The first cruise has sailed from Mexico's Puerto Penasco: Will it attract more companies? Hector Vasquez del Mercado, president of the Puerto Penasco Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the pandemic will take a long-lasting toll on shops and businesses. "April accounts a little over 10% of all revenue that Penasco generates the whole year," he said. "If we have more than 2 million visitors a year, we're talking about losing out on 200,000 visitors that didn't come to Penasco just in April." Overall, the bureau estimates businesses in the city will lose nearly $10 million in revenue this month. And that's if the restrictions to contain COVID-19 don't go longer. "We're asking people that normally travel to Penasco not to visit us during this time," Vasquez del Marcado said. "But once this is all over, they'll be more than welcome. We'll be waiting for them with open arms." Reach the reporter at rafael.carranza@arizonarepublic.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RafaelCarranza. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Coronavirus stops Holy Week on US-Mexico border: 'A sign of the times' - As at Saturday, April 11, Kenya had recorded 191 cases of the virus after testing at least 6,192 contacts - Rwanda comes in second with 120 cases and 18 recoveries after testing at least 806 people - Uganda has tested up to 4,856 people, out of which 53 tested positive and four have recovered - Some 3,577 people have been tested in Ethiopia and 69 positive cases have since been confirmed - The Ministry of Health said cases in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan were likely to spike after the counties firm up efforts to do rigorous tests Health Services Director General Patrick Amoth has said the government has been able to identify more coronavirus cases due to robust testing it is conducting on people suspected to have been exposed to the virus. Amoth said the competitive testing had put Kenya at a vantage position of netting more cases thus reducing community infections in the region since the first was reported on Friday, March 13. READ ALSO: MP Benjamin Gathiru among 35 people arrested for drinking, violating social distance Health Services Ag Director-General Patrick Amoth said Kenya will also experience a surge in cases as soon as mass testing will be rolled out. Photo: MoH. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Coronavirus: National police service denies 2 officers are infected The DG made the remarks on Saturday, April 11, when he was tasked with answering why the country had the highest number (191) of coronavirus cases in the region. "The clear and straight forward answer is that Kenya has tested more than any other country in the East African region so we are able to pick up more cases," said Amoth. READ ALSO: Mamake Harriet ageuka kicheko kijijini baada ya video ya mwanawe kusambaa mtandaoni Kenya has recorded 191 cases of the virus after testing at least 6,192 samples. Photo: MoH. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Coronavirus: US leads world with highest number of COVID-19 deaths, infections According to the medic, cases of Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia were likely to spike as the counties firm up efforts to do rigorous testing. He added that Kenya will also experience a surge in cases as soon as mass testing will be rolled out. "So as they ramp up their testing, their numbers will also significantly rise. These numbers will rise further as we go to mass testing at the community level," the health DG explained. Health Services DG Patrick Amoth said the competitive testing had put Kenya at a vantage position of identifying COVID-19 cases. Photo: MoH. Source: UGC As of early Sunday, April 11, Kenya had recorded 191 positive cases of the virus after testing at least 6,192 contacts. The county has 24 recoveries and seven deaths. Rwanda comes in second with 120 cases and 18 recoveries. The President Paul Kagame led country has tested at least 806 people. Uganda has tested up to 4,856 people, out of which 53 tested positive and four have recovered. Some 3,577 people have been tested in Ethiopia and 69 positive cases have since been confirmed. The country has three deaths and 10 recoveries. Other countries that have confirmed COVID-19 cases are Eritrea (34), Tanzania (32), Somalia (21), Burundi (5) and South Sudan (4). The Ministry of Health on Saturday confirmed that it had received more testing kits and it is now able to test up to 7,000 people. Medics in the country plan to use the Cobas 6800 or the 8800 HIV viral load machines and the GeneXpert that also work for point of care tuberculosis testing to diagnose coronavirus cases. The government is set to order up to 100,000 kits that will enable the machines to switch from HIV and tuberculosis testing to COVID-19 diagnosis. Globally, 1,780,315 have been infected with the virus which broke out in China in December 2019. Some 404,031 people have recovered from the respiratory illness while 108,828 have lost their lives. 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. My husband left me for our househelp - Justina Syokau of Twendi Twendi | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness is getting another episode. This means more information on the shows stars is rolling out in rapid time. One of the biggest stories in Tiger King is that of Carole Baskins missing husband, Don Lewis. However, Baskin dated another man, Jay Baykal, before she met her current husband, Howard. As it turns out, Baykals experience with Baskin wasnt a good one. Heres what we know. Don Lewiss disappearance was a big part of Tiger King Carole Baskin | Netflix By now, viewers of Tiger King know all about animal rights activist Carole Baskins second husband Don Lewis. In case you havent caught up to the hit Netflix docuseries yet, well recap. Baskins second husband (Lewis) mysteriously vanished in 1997 without a trace. Investigators found no evidence of foul play and Baskin was never a suspect. The case fueled Joseph Maldonado-Passages (aka Joe Exotic) hatred, leading to his eventual 22-year sentence in prison. Still, it hasnt stopped fans from developing their own theories about Baskins alleged involvement especially since she declared him legally dead five years after he disappeared. Some think she fed him to her big cats. Investigators have asked for new leads in the case and Baskin is not currently a suspect. The story has inspired a new crime documentary spin-off that will delve deeper into Lewiss case and, hopefully, find some sort of answer as to what happened to him. Baskin refuted much of Tiger King, saying the series is sensationalized and filled with unsavory lies. With that said, Baskin met her current husband, Howard, shortly after Lewis was declared dead. But, she dated a man named Jay Baykal while Lewis was still considered a missing person. Who is Jay Baykal? To anyone currently bingeing #tigerking on Netflix: I spent four years working on a podcast and a long magazine story about Joe and Carole. I spent a week living at the zoo. Ive spoken with almost everyone youre seeing in the doc, and I attended the trial. Ask me anything! (@robertmoor_) March 21, 2020 Baskins relationship with Baykal is mostly under wraps. A quick Google search shows a man by this name still resides in Florida, but theres no photographic evidence that links Baykal and Baskin together. There is, however, court documents. Baykal filed an order of protection in 2002. There was no factual evidence of violence or threats. The order was denied. The only real proof of their relationship came via author and podcaster, Robert Moor, who tweeted a slew of behind-the-scenes facts about Tiger King not shown in the seven-part docuseries. Heres what Baykal said in his protection order against Baskin 12. After Don Lewis vanished, but before Carole married Howard, she dated a guy named Jay Baykal. In 2002, Jay filed a restraining order against Carole, which includes some bizarre and suspicious-sounding details regarding Don's disappearance: https://t.co/k2uWfaT4is pic.twitter.com/hKsQIzCjeL (@robertmoor_) March 24, 2020 In the tweet, he posted screenshots of the protection order Baykal filed against Baskin. After he asked Carole what would happen if Lewis someday reappeared, she allegedly said, dead bodies cant talk. He also said Lewiss daughter warned him that Baskin was dangerous and to watch his back. The documents stated Baskin carried two loaded guns and that if bones were found on her property, she was in deep sh*t. Baskin has not addressed these claims but again, she maintains her innocence regarding the disappearance of Lewis. Don was not easy to live with and like most couples, we had our moments. But I never threatened him and I certainly had nothing to do with his disappearance, she posted on her website. When he disappeared, I did everything I could to assist the police. I encouraged them to check out the rumors from Costa Rica, and separately I hired a private investigator. Only time will tell how this mystery shakes out. Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness are available on Netflix. By PTI ISLAMABAD: The Taliban have met with the head of US 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, America's 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 Afghanistan's 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 February 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. BEIJING Chinese officials have begun inspecting every shipment of N95 respirators, ventilators and other medical supplies for quality issues before export, a policy likely to delay the arrival of critical gear at hospitals around the world that are struggling to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. The policy, announced by the General Administration of Customs on Friday, produced immediate delays Saturday as manufacturers, freight agents and traders tried to understand how to comply. Depending on the city, they said, the delays could range from a few hours to a few days or longer as government officials rush to comply. The new customs policy comes after a series of complaints from Europe that medical supplies from China had quality problems. Chinese officials have countered that many of these complaints involved industrial respirators that were purchased for medical use but were not designed to meet those standards. The new delays come as countries have complained that a global free-for-all for personal protective equipment has left acute shortages for doctors and nurses. These countries include the United States, Spain and, most recently, Russia. China is the worlds dominant producer of a wide range of medical supplies. Its manufacturing lead has widened in many sectors as it has engaged in a nationwide mobilization of medical supplies production since late January, when Beijing ordered a lockdown in the city of Wuhan to curb the rapid spread of the coronavirus there. Chinas daily production of masks and respirators soared from 10 million at the start of February to 116 million just four weeks later. The Chinese customs agency said Friday that it would assess the quality of medical supplies before export, adding to the checks that exporters already face. The agency had been checking whether medical supplies were accurately counted, whether the goods infringed on foreign patents and whether the documents accompanying shipments were fraudulent. The agency gave no indication how long the quality testing might take. Many factories already have their own quality inspectors. The governments new rules require an additional check by customs inspectors or other government inspectors acting on their behalf. The new rules cover Chinas exports in 11 categories: medical respirators and surgical masks, medical protective clothing, infrared thermometers, ventilators, surgical caps, medical goggles, medical gloves, medical shoe covers, patient monitors, medical disinfection towels and medical disinfectants. Wen Guicheng, vice general manager of the Hubei V-Medical Products Co., 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 Friday did not specify whether the new mandate was in addition to the requirement for factory certification or instead of it. As China appears to have brought the virus mostly under control within its borders, it has ramped up exports of safety gear for medical workers fighting the outbreak. China imported 2 billion masks and 400 million other items of personal protective equipment for its own health care workers during the dangerous and arduous task of containing the virus, particularly in Wuhan. Zhao Lijian, a foreign ministry spokesman, said at the ministrys daily news briefing Friday that from March 1 through April 4, China exported 3.86 billion masks, 2.8 million coronavirus test kits, 2.4 million infrared thermometers and 16,000 ventilators. China has mounted a humanitarian aid blitz to allay international criticism that it was slow to alert the world to the dangers of the pandemic. China has donated or sold medical gear to more than 100 countries, including Italy, Nigeria and the United States. In the United States, the debate over the quality of Chinese medical supplies has centred on respirators that are manufactured to meet Chinas KN95 technical standard, which is slightly different from the N95 standard commonly used in North America. The Food and Drug Administration announced April 3 that it had approved the emergency use of KN95 respirators in medical settings in the United States. Read more about: Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 11:34:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHENGDU, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Japanese bookstore chain Tsutaya will set up a branch in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province after market research was conducted last December. According to a strategic cooperation framework agreement drafted in early January with the Chengdu Rail Transit Group, Tsutaya is expected to participate in the group's transit-oriented development (TOD) projects in the city, which enables more advanced mobility, urban planning, and facility management of stations along Chengdu metro lines. Tsutaya will make customized plans based on the TOD projects and open bookstores to cultivate cultural consumption in the city, the agreement said. Chengdu, well-positioned at the forefront of TOD development, is creating the new economy and new consumption scenarios by luring in global businesses. The city has seen 14 demonstration projects underway since last year. "It is the first international cooperation program in the commercial operation of TOD," said Liu Shichuan with the Chengdu Rail Transit Group, noting that the two sides shook hands on the deal in mid-March and finished a "cloud signing" of the agreement. With its flagship store in Daikanyama in Tokyo named one of the 20 most beautiful bookstores in the world by culture website Falvorwire, Tsutaya now runs more than 1,400 bookstores in Japan and has branches previously planned in Shanghai and Hangzhou. United Nations, April 12 : UN Middle East envoys have launched a joint appeal for the cessation of hostilities and for dialogue across the region amid the COVID-19 crisis. The joint appeal was launched on Saturday by Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria; Jan Kubis, the UN special coordinator for Lebanon; Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Iraq; Martin Griffiths, the UN special envoy for Yemen; and Nickolay Mladenov, the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, reports Xinhua news agency. On March 23, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched an appeal for an immediate global ceasefire, urging all warring parties to pull back from hostilities, put aside mistrust and animosity, and silence their guns. Many parties have responded positively to the secretary-general's appeal, but more needs to be done to translate words into action, said the envoys. Too many in the Middle East have endured conflict and deprivation for far too long. Their suffering is now compounded by the COVID-19 crisis and its likely long-lasting social, economic and political impacts, they said. "We call on all parties to engage, in good faith and without preconditions, on negotiating immediate halts to ongoing hostilities, sustaining existing ceasefires, putting in place more durable and comprehensive ceasefires, and achieving longer-term resolutions to the persistent conflicts across the region," said the envoys in a joint statement on Saturday. "We also appeal to all to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions and work to resolve differences through dialogue, negotiation, mediation or other peaceful means. We further call on all to refrain from any activities that can lead to further deterioration of stability and security in any country or the region as a whole," they added. They called on all sides to facilitate humanitarian access and assistance to the internally displaced and refugees, communities under siege, and all who have been ravaged by war and deprivation, without prejudice or discrimination. "This requires fast-tracking the passage of health and aid workers at borders and in-country and ensuring they are protected. We further call on all to facilitate safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and IDPs (internally displaced persons) to their homes by urgent, effective and meaningful action and measures," they said. No country, region or community can face the challenge of COVID-19 alone, they said, adding that "solidarity is required today and will be very much needed tomorrow". "None of these efforts will succeed if the guns of war and conflict are not silenced. At a time like this, partisanship and narrow interests must yield to the greater cause and the good of the people. "That is why we echo the secretary-general in calling on all parties in the Middle East to work with the UN so we can focus on the true fight of our lives," said the envoys. The petition was supported by almost 27,500 signatures with the required minimum being 25,000. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given feedback on an electronic petition posted on the presidential website on March 23 to call for Ulana Suprun's reinstatement as health minister. He thanked all those who signed the petition for their active social stand and understanding of the need to continue the transformation of the healthcare sector, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Read alsoKyiv's court rules to reinstate Suprun as Ukraine's Acting Health Minister The petition was supported by almost 27,500 signatures as of March 30 with the required minimum being 25,000. Yet, the president recalled that Ukraine's parliament on March 30, 2020, appointed Maksym Stepanov as health minister, who continues implementing healthcare reforms. "With regard to the continuation of the healthcare reform, I'd like to inform you that a program providing medical guarantees for all types of medical care began on April 1, 2020, under October 19, 2017, law No. 2168 on state financial healthcare guarantees for the population," he said. Zelensky says Stepanov sees the fight against coronavirus and the continuation of the healthcare reform as priorities in his ministerial post, since people's health is one of the main priorities of the country's development. As was earlier reported, Suprun, who was acting health minister from 2016 to 2019, criticized the proposed use of Proteflazidum, a locally produced antiviral extract of herbs, for treating coronavirus patients in Ukraine. She insists that this medicine will be ineffective. In a startling revelation it has been found that Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese laboratory which is facing intense scrunity from global community over coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, has been carrying out research on bats from the cave which is seen as the source of the coronavirus outbreak. The Daily Mail reported on Sunday (April 12) that coronavirus experiments were undertaken on mammals captured more than 1,000 miles away in Yunnan at the Wuhan-based laboratory. Notably, the researchers were provided USD 3.7 million grant by the US government for these experiments. Scientists have traced the sequencing of the COVID-19 genome to bats found in caves of Yunnan. Senior government sources in UK told the Daily Mail that while 'the balance of scientific advice' was that COVID-19 was first transmitted to humans from a wet market in Wuhan, it will not be wise to disregard the theory that an accident took place at the laboratory in Wuhan. According to one unverified claim, it is likely that some researchers at Wuhan Institute of Virology could have become infected after being sprayed with blood containing the virus. It is likely that the local community got infected from the coronavirus postive scientists. The Daily Mail reported that scientists at Wuhan laboratory undertook their experiments on bats as part of a project funded by the US National Institutes of Health. The findings of the study 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.' It is learnt that all sampling procedures were performed after approval from 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," reported Daily Mail. In April 2018, another study titled 'fatal swine acute diarrhoea syndrome caused by an HKU2-related coronavirus of bat origin' described the research conducted at Wuhan lab as such: 'Following a 2016 bat-related coronavirus outbreak on Chinese pig farms". The researchers involved in the study grew the virus in a lab and injected it into three-day-old piglets and the samples were taken from the intestines of sick piglets and these samples were ground up and fed to other piglets as well. Last week, Cao Bin, a doctor at the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, debunked the theory that coronavirus spread from Wuhan animal market, stressing that the research showed that 13 of the first 41 patients diagnosed with the infection did not come in contact with the market. "It seems clear that the seafood market is not the only origin of the virus," he said. Interestingly, Wuhan Institute of Virology is located ten miles from the now infamous wildlife market. On Saturday, Anthony Bellotti, president of the US pressure group White Coat Waste, slammed the US for funding research projects in China. "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," he was quoted as saying by Daily Mail. 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." Did it bother you, just a little, that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams admonition to New Mexicans that they needed to do a better job of moving around less and staying at home more was based on your cellphone data? Did it remind you, just a little, of George Orwell and Big Brother? It should have, because it is a dead ringer. The tracking data, which is broken down into trips to grocery stores, pharmacies, parks and essential jobs, is used in state jawboning and decision-making on social distancing requirements and whether more is needed to avoid a potential surge in COVID-19 patients. Google says the data is from people who use Google Maps or share location history through Google accounts. The company believe them if you are so inclined claims the data is aggregated and anonymous. That doesnt mean that in sufficiently dire circumstances there might not be attempts to drill down to individual levels. The use of this data, in which the state is comparing behavior by county and ranking us against other states, may well be justified in this pandemic. But it isnt something we should simply shrug off any more than we should shrug off other restrictions and mandates sometimes arbitrary directed at citizens of this country. These are decisions that should be discussed and debated. This isnt China, which has closed its borders and where people returning to the country spend 14 days in government-assigned hotels and are required to send their temperatures daily to neighborhood committees on a messaging service. Or Taiwan, where the government uses location tracking on mobile phones to enforce quarantine. Police show up if the phone is turned off, writes Motoko Rich of the New York Times. In Germany, the government has discussed certificates of immunity to people who test positive for coronavirus antibodies, essentially allowing them to return to work and engage in other activities. In effect, it is the government deciding who can have a job. In New Mexico, thousands of businesses have been shuttered and tens of thousands of people thrown out of work because the state declared them to be non-essential. A city of Albuquerque press release notes a second violation of operating a non-essential business carries a possible fine of $100 and/or six months in jail. Ironic at a time government is releasing inmates. As for the edicts from Santa Fe, its fair to say they reflect the political climate there vs. the political climate in, say, Texas. In New Mexico, for example, abortion is allowed despite the governors ban on non-essential surgical procedures an order designed to save crucial supplies and hospital beds. Gun stores in New Mexico are not considered essential by this governor. In some states, governors of a different political bent have taken the opposite tack, trying to limit abortion and allowing gun stores to operate. In both cases we are talking about clear constitutional rights. That means the state must have a compelling interest in limiting them and fashion the least restrictive remedy to implement the policy. That would clearly not seem to be the case in states that have tried to stop abortions. Roe v. Wade is the law of the land. But why favor some constitutional rights over others? For instance, could gun stores in New Mexico which for the most part handle required background checks be allowed to operate by-appointment-only with a limit on the number of people allowed inside, thereby respecting the Second Amendment while pursuing the effort to curb the spread? When it comes to places of worship, it would be wrong and irresponsible for a pastor to assemble a large congregation on Easter. Most would never put their congregants at risk. But is there a justification for the state not allowing churches to operate in the same fashion as a big box store a limit on the number of people inside and distancing required for those who are there? Last week the governor announced the state is helping pueblo tribes erect roadblocks to keep non-tribal members off reservations. Considering the surge on some tribal communities, what if she announced the roadblocks were to keep people in? Is there a sound rationale for shutting down a mom-and-pop liquor store when you can buy all the booze you want at most supermarkets or Big Box stores? Have we really thought through the extent to which we are picking winners and losers in the economy? Closing small stores in counties with no or few cases and sending everybody to Walmart? For sure, the loser list is long on the little guy. When we come out of this and there is a vaccine, can the government require every person be vaccinated? The COVID-19 pandemic is, in fact, an emergency. And in an emergency, government has extraordinary power. Abraham Lincoln, for example, suspended habeas corpus. None of this is to say the steps taken here have been in bad faith or even are wrong. Decision-making during a crisis is difficult and, thankfully, we arent as brutally efficient as the Chinese Communist Party. But as we move forward, all of us should carefully consider where we have been, where we are going and what rights we are willing to have curtailed. Its our collective civic obligation, and its what sets this nation apart as a beacon of freedom. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Esfandyar Batmanghelidj (Bloomberg) New York, United States Sun, April 12, 2020 13:15 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd157be3 2 Business Iran,IMF,COVID-19,US,Trump-executive-order Free The coronavirus epidemic has hammered Irans economy. Like many developing countries around the world that have seen export revenues fall, Iran faces a balance of payments crunchbut one that has been uniquely exacerbated by the Trump administrations maximum pressure sanctions campaign. Brian Hook, the State Departments point person on Iran, has revealed that the Trump administration had restricted the Islamic Republics access to 90 percent of its foreign currency reserves. Even when Iran is able to access these funds, medical supplies can be hard to procure. John Smith, the former head of the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control, has said the sanctions have likely dissuaded many companies from exporting medicine and medical devices to Iran that they otherwise could. To address this crunch and to ease imports of medical supplies, Iran has requested a $5 billion emergency loan via the International Monetary Funds Rapid Financing Instrument, one of the facilities through which $50 billion in financing will be made available to low-income and developing countries facing balance-of-payments challenges due to the impact of the pandemic. Although Iran last received a loan from the IMF 60 years ago, the country maintains a good relationship with the Fund. Iran underwent an Article IV consultation with the IMF in 2018 and has proven willing to make tough reforms suggested by the funds economists, including a controversial cut to fuel subsidies that spurred protests in November of last year. But the US will likely aim to block Irans access to the requested loan. Since US law defines Iran as a state-sponsor of terror, the Trump administration is obligated to vote down Irans request. The US vote share of 16.51 percent means it lacks a veto on the IMF board, but even if it is unable to block the loan, it could use its sanction powers to sabotage the disbursement of the funds. The European Union has said it would support Irans request, and there are growing calls for the Trump administration to ease its economic pressure on Iran at this time of crisis. Unswayed, Trump administration officials have sought to undermine support for Irans request to the IMF by arguing that funds risk being diverted away from COVID-19 relief and that Iran should meet its financial needs by drawing down its sovereign wealth funda step the Iranian government already took last year as the countrys economic crisis was compounded by devastating floods. To get Iran the assistance it needs, the IMF can take steps to address the Trump administrations concerns. First, the Fund can account for the unease of US regulators by excluding dollars, which are normally part of the Special Drawing Right (SDR) basket of currencies in which loans are made. Iran could even agree to accept the loan in euros alone, given that the EU is its primary supplier of medical goods. Second, the loan could be paid into an account maintained in Europe by the Central Bank of Iran. This would mean that the funds are spent within the European financial system, and therefore subject to oversight from regulators who can monitor for potential misuse, in communication with American counterparts. The Trump administration has itself implemented a similar system as part of the Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement, a payment channel launched in February that enables the Central Bank of Iran to use assets in Switzerland towards payment of humanitarian exports by Swiss companies. Administration officials know a loan to Iran can be de-riskedwhat they are seeking to avoid is a political defeat. To that end, the IMF could seek a more discrete way to provide financial support: it could boost Irans access to liquid foreign-exchange assets by arranging the sale of some of Irans assets at the Fund to a third party, such as a European country. In this scenario, the IMF would reallocate some portion of Irans 1.55 billion in SDR holdings (valued at approximately $2.1 billion) to the buyer, which would then make a payment to Iran in a foreign currency, such as euros, to an account maintained by Irans central bank outside the country. The funds would then be spent in accordance with the same oversight measures described above. Such a transaction would not require approval from the IMF board of governors, meaning the US can avoid appearing isolated during an approval vote. It can be done. The question now is whether the IMF has the will to do it. 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 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 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. 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. 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, 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. Everywhere the police see us, they will come and pursue us and tell us to go home. But where can we go? he said. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates It will take a long time to fix the damage done by al-Bashirs regime on the social fabric of the Sudanese society. The last year has not been easy for the Sudanese people. It has been marked by a few major victors and many setbacks. On April 11, 2019, after months of popular protests against the regime of Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese military removed him from power and announced the formation of a Transitional Military Council (TMC) to rule the country. Knowing all too well that no real political change would come from a military government, the sit-in in front of the army headquarters in Khartoum and protests in other cities continued. A day before Eid Al-Fitr on June 3, forces loyal to the TMC attacked the sit-in, killing dozens, gang-raping young women and going to terrorise civilians across the country for days. The purpose of the massacre was to suppress the revolutionary movement, but it failed to do so. The Sudanese people mobilised again, and on June 30, hundreds of thousands marched in Khartoum and other cities, calling for civilian rule. We kept the pressure on the military throughout the summer until finally, it accepted a power-sharing deal with civilian forces. As a result, in August a Sovereign Council was formed with civilian members selected by the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), the coalition that led the protest movement. On August 21, a civilian prime minister, Dr Abdullah Hamdok, was sworn in and two weeks later, he formed his council of ministers. Since then, the new government has tried to manage the countrys ills while remaining preoccupied with dismantling the corrupt networks of al-Bashirs National Congress Party, putting an end to the wars he waged all over Sudan, and reforming the countrys discriminatory and oppressive legal system. Progress has been slow and has been threatened by continuing political instability and military interference in civilian matters. There have also been attempts to destabilise the civilian government. In early March, Dr Hamdok survived an assassination attempt in Khartoum. Nevertheless, efforts have persisted. A day before the one-year anniversary of al-Bashirs removal on April 11, the committee responsible for dismantling the party-state, fighting corruption and repatriating of looted resources, held a news conference to announce the dissolution of the Islamic Dawa Organization (IDO) and the seizure of all its assets. The IDO was one of the social arms of the former party and its headquarters were used to record the first statement made by al-Bashir after the 1989 coup that brought him and the Islamists to power. The dismantling committee as it is called was formed in November last year after the transitional government approved a law to dismantle al-Bashirs regime. Since then, the body has been instrumental in breaking the NCPs grip on the political scene, state resources and institutions. This committee is, by far, the best initiative taken by the transitional government and the only body that is actively trying to help Sudanese people reclaim their country after 30 years of dictatorial rule. But while there has been some progress on the political scene to dismantle the ancien regime, its legacy in the social sphere very much persists. We are still suffering from the remnants of the NCPs civilisational project which sought to carve the Sudanese society into some kind of an Islamist utopia that would inspire and lead the way for other Muslim nations. It sought to forcefully homogenise a nation instead of celebrating its religious and ethnic diversity, thereby destroying inter-communal trust and tolerance. It also created a pool of brainwashed youth who were easily recruited to wage wars on behalf of the regime, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and devastated whole regions of the country, leading to its break-up in 2011 as well as continuing deadly tribal conflicts. The civilisational project has mentally and psychologically damaged the Sudanese people, and the healing process requires sustained efforts to help people mitigate conflicts, trust each other and understand that the transitional period needs collective work. The NCP also promoted a culture of corruption within its ranks and at every level of the bureaucracy and state institutions. Corrupt practices have become so mainstream that even ordinary people would casually hoard commodities, such as flour and petrol, by buying them at wholesale prices and re-selling with exorbitant mark-ups. They are taking advantage of a lack of consumer protection and a society that is complicit in protecting what we call middle-men. Being a middle-man has grown into a legitimate and very popular career for a large sector of young men. The middle-men are in every neighbourhood, selling goods on the black market and engaging in various fraudulent deals, including selling plots of land without the knowledge of the owner, by relying on the corrupt networks at various government offices. The security apparatus of al-Bashirs dictatorship sought to spread mistrust in society by actively encouraging spying and recruiting informants among ordinary citizens. This has also had a lasting and profound effect on the social fabric of the Sudanese society which persists to this day and undermines efforts at social and political organising. Within the professional and social networks which are working to safeguard the revolution, there is persistent mistrust. People are not used to working together and many are suspicious that others are conspiring against them. This culture has alienated so many people including myself from public work, as we have come to feel that we are spending too much energy into trying to solve disagreements and mediate disputes and neglecting real work to advance the slogans of the revolution: freedom, peace and justice. Many refuse to see the toxic social legacy of al-Bashirs regime and admit that our society needs serious work on mending social relations and building trust. As long there is no society-wide will to combat these maladies, they will remain a major challenge to realising social change in post-revolutionary Sudan. As we go forward with the political transformation, we as a society need to reveal our insecurities and have the will to heal, and do so in a communal way. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Unorthodox is a limited Netflix series starring Shira Haas as Esty Shapiro, a young woman raised in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn. The character of Esty is loosely based on a writer named Deborah Feldman. She is the author of Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots, a memoir published in 2012. The book tells the story of Feldmans experience living an oppressively strict communityas well as her escape from it. The writer recently shared her reaction to seeing a version of herself onscreen in Unorthodox. She named one sceneone of the most emotionally powerful scenesas her favorite of the series. Unorthodox author Deborah Feldman says this scene in the final episode stood out to her the most Deborah Feldman, author of | Christophe Gateau/picture alliance via Getty Images Marisa Mazria-Katz from the New York Times Times recently interviewed Feldman about her reaction to the new Netflix show. Did the author have a favorite scene from Unorthodox? The scene when Esty explodes in the bedroom with her husband, because its the most powerful, Feldman replied. She finally says everything that has been going on in her head. The memoir author says the scene in the Netflix miniseries was like a volcano. But another big reason that scene stood out to Feldman? In real life, she never took the opportunity to stand up to her husband, or her community, in such a direct way. Feldman continued: I also felt jealous because I never had a moment like that I had many small moments where I tried to express myself, and I tried to speak up for myself, but I love how she just lets it all out. It really touched me, and it made me wish I had been the same way. The writer hopes the scene in Unorthodox will be inspirational for viewers. It made me admire her, Feldman told the Times. I hope that other people will see that scene and want to be like her, too. The Netflix series put Feldmans story in a new light However, Feldman also told the New York Times that watching those final moments of the show were incredibly difficult. The last two episodes were very hard for me, she shared. I thought I was prepared. The author explained why it was so emotionally taxing for her to see: I had experienced, written and talked about it for years, but these were other people not me interpreting it, putting it into images, playing the parts, and cutting the scenes. For the first time, I was able to see how others would interpret, or receive, the experience, based on the images fed back to me. Unorthodox author on the idea of dignity in the story of a harrowing personal journey Overall, Feldman admitted the thing she was most worried about was the dignity of Esty. She said it was also one of the things I was concerned about when writing Unorthodox. how do you write about the things that are most shameful and painful in a way that retains dignity? Feldman wondered. She went on to say of Unorthodox the Netflix series: Shira Haas filming Unorthodox | | Anika Molnar/Netflix I was worried how [actress Shira Haas] would manage to juggle the experience of humiliation and the kind of shattering of all hope while still maintaining some sense of dignity as a woman and human being. I was so scared for her the whole time as I watched the episodes. However, Feldman was able to let go of that worryand trust the process. Its scary to give someone your story for the screen because you cant control it, she told the New York Times. On the other hand, I knew I didnt want a part in controlling it. CHICAGO Expanding on efforts to protect the physical and mental health of Illinois communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker announced the launch of a new Remote Patient Monitoring Program and mental health support line. We are living in a deeply unprecedented moment, and holding the emotional ramifications of that inside will only be harder on you. Please know that you dont have to feel it all alone, said Governor JB Pritzker. My administration is here to serve you and help see you through this time of crisis I want you to know that were here to help. Remote Patient Monitoring Program Illinois has launched a new Remote Patient Monitoring Program utilizing Telehealth Services and Pandemic Health Worker (PHW) Programs in partnership with OSF HealthCare and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. The program will reduce barriers to health and mental health services to support residents across Illinois with a focus on underserved communities and those at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help see all our residents through this pandemic, the Department has contracted for these specific at-home COVID-19 supports for anyone in the state regardless of whether they are insured, said Theresa Eagleson, Director of Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Weve also significantly expanded telehealth and remote options to ensure access to health care, including addiction and mental health treatment, for our over 3 million Medicaid members. Pandemic Health Workers (PHWs) will digitally connect with members in the community who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and need to stay home or quarantine to protect themselves and others. PHWs will virtually visit recipients daily, deliver wellness kits that include essential tools to monitor their health, and follow-up over a 14-day period to ensure no further assistance is needed. Wellness kits will include items such as thermometers, pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, and alcohol wipes. Through this statewide program, the state of Illinois will safeguard hospitals from being overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, limit the spread of the virus, and digitally support those needing care. A person is eligible for the program if he or she is showing COVID-19 symptoms, or is at high risk for contracting the virus, but does not require emergency or inpatient care, and can be digitally monitored at home. A person must call the COVID-19 hotlines for a final determination of eligibility for the Pandemic Health Worker Program. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services has formalized contracts for Central and Southern Illinois and is finalizing the partnership for the Northern Region this coming week. The OSF PHW teams are serving East Central and North Central Illinois communities include Peoria/Bloomington, Champaign/Urbana, Evergreen Park, Danville, Galesburg, Kewanee, Monmouth, Ottawa, Mendota, Streator, Pontiac and Rockford. The OSF Hotline number is 833-673-5669 and is available now. More information can be found at www.osfhealthcare.org. The SIU SOM PHW program is serving West Central and Southern Illinois include Springfield, Quincy, Decatur, Carbondale, and Metro East communities. The SIU Hotline number is 217-545-5100 and will be available starting Monday. More information can be found at www.siumed.edu/phw. Call4Calm The Illinois Department of Human Services Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text TALK to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, HABLAR to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0. Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous. Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support. Individuals can also text 5-5-2-0-2-0, with keywords such as unemployment or food or shelter and will receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services. Youth Town Hall The Governor will be co-hosting a virtual town hall meeting for youth of all ages today at 5 p.m. with the Center for Childhood Resilience (CCR), the Illinois Childrens Mental Health Partnership, and Mikva Challenge. This townhall will directly reach Illinois youth to address their unique concerns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The town hall will be hosted through Facebook Live on the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago Facebook page www.facebook.com/luriechildrens/. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) - After winning the fight against COVID-19, some survivors are paying it forward by helping doctors better treat coronavirus patients. Filipino COVID-19 survivor Ian Ceasar Frias donated his blood, which could potentially help another patient recover from the virus. Frias told CNN Philippines he did not expect his donation to be a big deal to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) doctors, saying he did it with the main reason of helping patients who are suffering from the viral illness recover. "Yung purpose ko po talaga is para matulungan natin yung critically ill na COVID-19 patient na naka-confine ngayon sa ICU," Frias said on an interview with CNN Philippines. [Translation: My purpose is to help the critically ill COVID-19 patients now confined to the ICU.] Dr. Edsel Salvana, an infectious disease expert and a COVID-19 frontliner from PGH explained the recovered patients blood is rich in antibodies which could fight COVID-19. READ: PGH urges COVID-19 survivors to donate blood for recovery efforts Frias also told CNN Philippines he did not expect to be the first COVID-19 survivor to donate his plasma. "Noong nalaman ko po na pwede po pala kaming mag-donate ng plasma, hindi na po ako nag-dalawang isip na i-contact yung mga doktor sa PGH para magdonate ng plasma," Frias said in an interview on CNN Philippines. [Translation: When I found out that we could donate plasma, I didn't think twice about contacting the doctors at PGH to donate plasma.] Frias said the experience was similar to those he had as a regular blood donor of Red Cross, except for the use of the Apheresis machine. The Apheresis machine is able to detect the plasma and divert it into a collection bag while the rest of the blood given back to the donor. The 31-year-old is a crew member of the Diamond Princess, a coronavirus-hit cruise ship that was docked in Japan. He tested positive for COVID-19 last month. Upon recovery, he and two other donors joined a blood plasma donation drive at the Philippine General Hospital. READ: COVID-19 survivors donate blood to help infected patients COVID-19 survivors who wish to donate their blood may contact 155-200 or visit the PGH's Facebook page for more details. The generosity of people to support a food service to the homeless never ceases to amaze, Aubrey McCarthy told the Leinster Leader. After No Bucks Cafe which feeds up to 180 people per night in Dublin ran out of sweet treats, Mr McCarthy made an appeal to neighbours in the Broadfield-Punchestown area, and was astonished at the speedy and generous response. We are feeding an average of 170-180 people per evening, said Mr McCarthy. We adhere totally to the Covid-19 guidelines and those seeking our services are respectfully adhering to the two metre distancing. We have perspex screens to reduce the risk to our staff and to the diners. But we had run out of treats to put into the take away boxes. I put a mention in our neighbourhood Whatsapp group here at Punchestown-Broadfield stating Id put a hand luggage case on the gates at The Elms and if anyone would like to contribute, all donations of sweets, chocolate, etc would be appreciated. Within a few hours only, the suitcase was full! People are amazing, even in adversity! I am leaving the case there so please, if anyone would like to donate, please do. The items are given out every evening at the Lighthouse, and I can tell you our work is so appreciated by those who seek our services. More good news came to Tiglin and the team last week, as another donation was received, to aid the work of the volunteers at the Lighthouse and the diners. A sanitiser stand with four stations was received with ample supplies of sanitiser. The donor wished to remain anonymous but Mr McCarthy stated the generosity of Kildare people in recent weeks has been astonishing but the charity, especially all at the Lighthouse and No Bucks Cafe, are so appreciative of the support. Mr McCarthy, well known business man of The Elms and AMC Removals, is the co founder of Tiglin Rehab- ilitation Centre, which he and close friend Phil Thompson from Newbridge founded at Ashford, Co Wicklow. Tiglin has further opened a ladies rehabilitation centre at Brittas Bay, a support accommodation centre at Greystones plus other outreach programmes. The No Bucks Cafe is perhaps one of the most vital services the charity delivers to the homeless in Dublins inner City. Every night the service feeds from 150-200 people at the Lighthouse on Pearse Street. Police officers set up a checkpoint on the Frosses Road heading towards Portrush as the coronavirus pandemic continues in Northern Ireland on April 10th 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) The British Army help move medical supplies at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff (Ben Birchall/PA) A further 15 people have died in Northern Ireland after testing positive for coronavirus, it has been confirmed, as a row erupts over calling in Army assistance in dealing with the pandemic. This is the highest number of deaths in a single day in the region since the outbreak began and brings the death toll to 107. A further 128 positive cases have also been confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland to 1,717. Across the UK, 917 people have died after testing positive for the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of UK deaths to 9,875. The news comes after Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill hit out Health Minister Robin Swann's "failure to consult ministerial colleagues" before seeking the Army's help in combating the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Swann has made two formal requests to the Army; for help in distributing live-saving equipment and in planning a Nightingale hospital at the former Maze Prison site. I believe the Armys skills and logistical expertise could assist with the redistribution of essential life-saving equipment across Northern Ireland to ensure that all hospitals have the materials and resources required to fully enact their surge plans," he told the BBC. Michelle O'Neill, however, said the Executive should have been informed prior to any such request. "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 life saving equipment are moved swiftly to where they are needed most," she said. "Sinn Fein is seeking an urgent meeting with the health minister, on his failure to consult ministerial colleagues at yesterdays Executive meeting." Meanwhile, the PSNI has urged the public to stay indoors and follow social distancing rules over the Easter weekend. Police have increased patrols and are manning checkpoints to ensure people are only travelling for necessary, essential purposes. Check out our live blog below to see how Saturday's developments unfolded. Express News Service By The lockdown has severely disrupted Indias agricultural sector, starving it of buyers and migrant labourers as the restrictions halt peoples movements. With a sharp decline in takers for vegetables, fruits and flowers, farmers are looking to the government for help Uttar Pradesh For the farmers, who were facing huge financial losses owing to untimely rain and hailstorms in January and February and even March, the lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak had proved a double whammy.The future was seemingly uncertain not only for those whose rabi crop was standing ready in the fields for harvesting but also lakhs of cane-growers in western UP, prepared with fields for sowing. All were clueless about reaching their fields as ban was imposed movement because of the pandemic and all were facing the acute dearth of agricultural labourers. FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES HERE At this juncture, the timely personal intervention by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath brought a big respite to the community. Harvesting commenced in Uttar Pradesh on April 5 and is going on in full swing. To bring relief to farmers, the CM contacted the authorities concerned at the Centre seeking permission for allowing farmers and agri labourers to work in fields. 2.5 crore farmers and over three crore agriculture labourers are there in the state, which is the biggest producer of foodgrains, milk and vegetables Tamil Nadu The farmers were anticipating a good profit this year, but the lockdown has crippled their livelihoods. Farmers who cultivate cotton, onion, banana, flower and other cash crops were worst hit while the paddy farmers have slightly escaped from the lockdown impact. Banana and flower farmers suffered huge losses as the nature of their produce requires timely sales. Banana is a yearly crop. At many places, banana plantains have reached the harvesting stage now. But the farmers left the banana bunches to ripen in trees because of transport restrictions as most of the banana harvest is transported to states like Kerala. 15,000 acres of land see banana cultivation in Tiruchy district. At least 20 per cent of the banana bunches spoiled before the government cleared transport curbs, as per a farmer. Kerala The lockdown has come as a major blow for Kerala farmers engaged in paddy cultivation and farming of perishable goods. Though initially, they found it hard, later the state government started procuring vegetables and paddy, in addition to a slew of market intervention measures. However, the huge mismatch between procurement and production has severely affected the farmers. In the case of Vazhakkulam pineapple, the average daily production is 1200 tonnes as against the average daily procurement of 20 tonnes. Due to the restrictions imposed, stocks have been piling up in the markets. 200 TONNES: The average daily production of Muthalamada Mango, as against only three tonnes of average procurement by Horticorp. Maharashtra Agricultural produce rates have drastically fallen. Farmers had no option but to dump their produce. We have seen many viral videos of grapes growing and vegetable growing farmers are dumping their product, said Vijay Jawandiya, an agriculture expert . He said that international cotton prices have declined, hurting domestic prices. Even if the government lifts the lockdown, there is little hope for farmers. ALSO READ: Labour crunch, low demand crippling farm sector The government should reserve Rs 1 lakh crore - Rs 1.5 lakh crore and buy the produce at government declared prices. It should give crop loans to every farmer without looking at their past records Vijay Jawandiya, an agriculture expert. Rs 20,000 crore loss in perishable and nonperishable produce in the state due to the lockdown, according to estimates. Madhya Pradesh Over three weeks of lockdown in Madhya Pradesh have left the wheat and vegetable farmers in a deep crisis. The wheat farmers are finding it difficult to harvest their crops owing to the absence of combined harvesters from Punjab, and the vegetable farmers are not even finding customers for distress sales for their produce owing to the closure of mandis. Owing to untimely and massive rains which stretched up to September-October 2019, maximum food grain farmers switched over to wheat cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, which consequently saw the area of wheat cultivation in the state growing from the 77.22 lakh hectares last Rabi season to 101.84 lakh hectares this season. But with the standing wheat crop ready for harvest, the absence of combined harvesters usually coming from Punjab and a high labour cost has emerged as a major hurdle for the harvest of wheat in major part of the state, including Sehore and Ashok Nagar districts, which are considered the rice bowl of the state. Many farmers in Harda and districts of the Malwa-Nimar region own combined harvesters, but the movement of their harvesters to other districts of the state is impeded due to the lockdown. Rs 1,600 price of A quintal of wheat in the state during the lockdown, which is around Rs 300 less than the 2020-21 minimum support price of Rs 1925 per quintal. Chhattisgarh In Chhattisgarh, which is known as the central rice bowl of India, the paddy is not an issue as the process of procurement is already over across the state. In our state Rabi crop not procured but the challenge remains more for horticulture and dairy. To facilitate the grain trade, all Mandis are kept open and direct purchase allowed and facilitated, said Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, the principal secretary (Agriculture). Farmers growing mustard and pulses facing crop damage due to untimely and heavy rainfall recently are not able to fix their crops as most of the labourers have fled. There would indeed be a long term impact. The worst affected as of now remain the vegetable growers who are neither getting farm labourers nor suitable means of transport on time KK Sahu, professor at Indira Gandhi University of Agriculture 20% decline in prices of vegetables and fruits, according to Dr Sanket Thakur, an agriculture scientist West Bengal Bengals agricultural sector, which suffered recently due to uneven monsoon, will face another blow because of the COVID-19 lockdown. As another harvest season approaches, farmers worry about their standing crops. Farmers growing wheat, mustards and pulses in the winter season, they are now facing a tough time as most of the labourers available returned to their homes amid lockdown. The state government has already received reports that potatoes are lying in cold storages and godowns because of unavailability of labourers and problems that truck drivers are scared to face while transporting. A large part of the sowing zones will remain untouched because of unavailability of labourer, said a professor of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya. 70% of the states farm output is rice during the Kharif season. The crop production will be affected due to the coronavirus lockdown Andhra Pradesh Farmers in drought-prone districts like Anantapur and Kadapa are now crestfallen as they are finding it difficult to sell their produce. Banana production in Andhra Pradesh during the rabi season is expected to be around 27 lakh metric tonnes and 70 per cent of the produce is exported to other states, with Delhi, Lucknow and other cities in northern states being the main markets. However, with the lockdown, almost all the markets are now closed. On our part, to minimise the losses of horticulture farmers, the state government has procured 80,000 metric tonnes and will continue to do so in the coming days, said Chiranjeevi Chowdary, horticulture commissioner. Due to lack of farmhands, I have not harvested the crop and now with no market, I am looking at losses of Rs 1.5 lakh. I took loans of Rs 1 lakh and now I might not be in a position to repay Gowtha, a farmer in Nutimadugu village, Anantapur district 59 lakh metric tonnes is the expected yield of paddy in the state. About 47% of the major food crop has been harvested so far. Telangana It is a mixed bag for the agriculture sector in the state during the lockdown a loss for fruits and vegetable farmers and luck for paddy and maize farmers. As there are no transportation facilities, the vegetables in some places and sweet lime in Nalgonda were thrown on roads by farmers. For example, in Siddipet, represented by Finance Minister T Harish Rao, the tomato farmers are resorting to distress sales. The price of 1 kg tomatoes was just Rs 6 in some places. "After the initiatives taken by [Finance Minister] Harish Rao, some traders from Hyderabad are also coming to Gajwel to purchase the vegetables. Now, the situation is not as bad as it was a few days ago," Pala Sairam, Gajwel Agriculture Market Committee chairman Rs 25,000 crore loan the Civil Supplies Corporation can raise for purchasing paddy, the government has approved Odisha The COVID-19 lockdown and excessive restrictions on movements of farmers and farm goods have taken a heavy toll on the rural economy. With a bumper yield of vegetables and cash crops like pulses and oilseeds, farmers are desperately looking for government help to sell their produce at least in the local markets at whatever prices. Clouds come floating into the life of Basanta Barik, a progressive farmer of Balasore district in coastal Odisha with 20 acres of agricultural land, as he is staring at a huge loss due to rotting of his ripened vegetables.50% fall in the price of brinjal in Bhubaneswar amid a bumper yield in the state "One or 2 quintals of pumpkins are getting waste every day and I am helpless to do anything without transportation," said Samrendra Singh, pumpkin farmer with 40 tonnes in stock. Rajasthan The lockdown has compounded the problems of the farmers in Rajasthan. The lack of labour has impacted the harvesting process. Moreover, transporting and selling the crop in the market has been a serious concern as 125 major grain markets out of a total of 247 are hardly functional. Also the farmers are themselves apprehensive of visiting these markets fearing Corona infection. Lack of storage and availability of pesticides at some places has further raised complications. The State Government has initiated some steps to help the farmers. The rabi crops such as wheat, mustard and barley are ready for harvesting. Many migrant workers from UP and Bihar have left due to the lockdown and other farmers are managing the workload by themselves. But it has also meant a delay in the cutting of wheat crops. CM Ashok Gehlot said, We are providing tractors to farmers along with different equipment. We will give 1.5 kg seed kits free to 10 lakh small and marginal farmers. The farmers had started harvesting wheat, but with markets not open, the storage became a problem. If sold in the open, the buyers are not giving a fair price. The farmers were not getting more than Rs. 1600 per quintal. "Farmers are finding it tough to get the crop cut, cleaned and sell. They also need people for grading of the crops. Currently, they are helping each other as 40-45% of labourers have gone back to their home states," said Babulal Gupta, Chairman of Rajasthan Khadya Padarth Vyapar Sanghat Jaipur Anaaj Mandi. 1.02 lakh tonnes of wheat and 32 lakh tonne mustard and 18 lakh tonne barley it has been a season of bumper crops in the state Uttarakhand With the ongoing lockdown, farmers in Uttarakhand are facing losses as they are unable to sell their produce in markets available prior to lockdown. Most of their produce, especially which has a short shelf life and perishes within a weeks time such as fruits and vegetables. Harvest of crops like wheat, barely, gram, mustard and vegetables like cauliflower, tomato, capsicum and onion have also been affected adversely. 70% of vegetables is being wasted as there are no buyers or transport, a farmer from Nainital district said "With lockdown going on and extension insight, we are unable to find workers and machine to deploy for the harvest. I hope there will be some measures to provide respite to the farmers," Hemant Rawat, a farmer from Udham Singh Nagar district Karnataka Summer paddy crops in some 15 taluks of Tungabhadra region are all set for harvest but with neither labour nor transport nor promise of procurement available farmers are a worried lot. With places of worship closed and ban on all cultural, traditional or religious ceremonies over COVID19, there are no takers for flowers. With government procurement centres shut, transportation becoming a challenge and heavy restrictions imposed on APMC yards sale of fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses have all taken a hit landing farmers in heavy losses running into crores. With unseasonal rains already beginning, procurement of seeds and fertilisers in time for sowing is a new challenge. "15,000 hectares of plantain cultivation in the state. The fruit is not being sold We may soon see an increase in price since farmers may not grow vegetables anymore," said Kurbur Shanthakumar, a farmer. Punjab The state government has decided to commence the wheat procurement of 135 lakh tonnes from April 15 but the problem is a lack of labour and space. Puneet Singh Thind, National Director of Vegetable Growers Association of India, said, The farmers who have grown green chillies, cucumber, capsicum, cabbage, onion are facing major losses as their produce has been dumped at the vegetable markets. Wholesale buyers (hotel, restaurant and caterers) are not purchasing the produce as many establishments are shut. Only retail vendors or hawkers are buying the produce which is just 20 per cent of the total. 50 per cent fall in prices of vegetables such as cabbage Due to misinformation on social media, the public is not buying vegetables and this has exacerbated the situationPuneet Singh Thind, National Director of Vegetable Growers Association of India facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published April 13, 2020 Two University of Louisiana Monroe students took award-winning photos in a competition by the College Media Association. Saugat Shrestha and Prajal Prasai attended the College Media Association convention in New York City in mid-March. Competing against colleges and universities from across the country, the ULM students placed second and third in the photojournalist "shoot out." Shrestha, a dual Communication and Computer Science major, placed second in the contest. Photographing in New York City has been a dream destination for Shrestha. His photograph depicts the emptiness of the subways as the city braced for COVID-19. "Subways are getting emptier" By Saugat Shrestha A man sits inside an almost-empty train on a Thursday at noon. The coronavirus has a significant effect on New York City traffic. "People are avoiding trains and subways, and they are taking other alternatives to go to their work," said the passenger on a subway to Brooklyn. "I was inspired by everything about the city, and I saw a story in everything," said Shrestha, describing his experience. Prasai, a Communication major, placed third in the contest with his photograph of an optimistic New Yorker. "Photojournalism is harsh and gritty in the sense that the photos don't necessarily represent all the nice and good things people love to see. It exists to show an honest depiction of life and the human condition that people ignore or can't see for themselves," said Prasai. "Unafraid" By Prajal Prasai "Unafraid" Tyler is an Uptown New York resident who works for Comedy Central. Despite the dwindling number of tourists, he says, "The business is good for us as the Broadway is closed." Tyler feels prepared in case there is a city-wide lockdown. He has savings and has grocery stocked to last him for a few months. As a result, he does not feel scared during this COVID-19 pandemic. Prasai credits his passion to the many mentors, professors, and friends who have guided him along his three-year photography journey. Both Prasai and Shrestha share appreciation for having the opportunity to photograph times like these and win awards for their work. Christopher Mapp, Ph.D., Director of Student Publications and Associate Professor of Communication, is proud of his students, who are members of The Hawkeye staff. "Saugat and Prajal have been all over the world, so shooting in a place like New York City, they really understand what connects humanity. They have incredible eyes for things other people might miss and an intuition for that 'magic moment' all photographers seek. They really captured the hectic pace of New York while documenting the growing sense of isolation that was creeping in during those early days of the crisis," Mapp said. To view each of the photos along with more information about the convention, click here. Congregants arrive at the Life Tabernacle Church in Central, La., Sunday, March 29, 2020. Pastor Tony Spell has defied a shelter-in-place order by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, due to the new coronavirus pandemic, and continues to hold church services with hundreds of congregants. Read more CENTRAL, La. Hundreds of worshippers attended services at a Louisiana church on Sunday, flouting a ban on large gatherings, angering neighbors and seemingly turning a deaf ear to their governor, who once again warned that hospitals could soon be overwhelmed with new cases of the coronavirus. An estimated 500 people of all ages filed inside the mustard-yellow and beige Life Tabernacle church in Central, a city of nearly 29,000 outside Baton Rouge. Assistant ministers and worshippers who stood outside the front doors and in the parking lot of Life Tabernacle told news reporters to leave, saying cameras would not be allowed on the property and they had been told not to talk to the news media. They went inside without further comment. Across the street, Paul Quinn and other neighbors took pains to stay 6 feet (2 meters) apart from each other as they stood in a driveway and commented on their opposition to the services being held. Other congregations are using the internet, Skype, and other safe ways to congregate. Why cant they? What makes them so special?" Quinn asked. "I wish state police would come out and do something. ... If they get out of church and go to the grocery store, its a serious health hazard. They dont know how many people theyre affecting, and they dont seem to care. Thats a problem. Briefly commenting Sunday in the church's parking lot, Timothy Spell, father of Pastor Tony Spell, said Life Tabernacle has a right to assembly, is not forcing anyone to attend services, is not breaking any laws and will continue to hold services at the church. More than 3,500 Louisiana residents have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, and more than 150 of them have died, according to state figures released Sunday. Deaths included that of the first federal prison inmate, a man with serious preexisting conditions who was being held in Oakdale, Lousiana, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said Saturday. The virus has killed seven of more than 160 people diagnosed with the disease in East Baton Rouge Parish, where the church is located, according to state figures. People who violate the ban are being selfish and grossly irresponsible, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Sunday afternoon in New Orleans. They "take the time and attention of first responders and make it much more likely that this disease will continue to spread, he said. In New Orleans, police broke up a funeral repast of about 100 people Saturday afternoon, issuing a warrant for a 28-year-old man who refused to shut it down and giving the band leader a summons, a news release said. Several complaints about that event were among more than 300 received in the past week about violations of a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said in a separate statement. More than 1,300 of the COVID-19 diagnoses and 73 of the deaths have been in New Orleans, and Edwards repeated on Sunday's national news talk shows what he's been saying for days: The city's hospitals are likely to run out of ventilators by April 4 and beds by April 10. New Orleans' tourist economy has also been hit hard, with hotels, restaurants, bars, convention centers and other businesses closed. Dwindling food banks for local residents got a boost when the U.S. Department of Agriculture agreed on Friday to let them use about 4 million pounds (1.8 million kilograms) of stockpiled federal emergency supplies, The Times-Picayune / The New Orleans Advocate reported. New Orleans leaders had been asking for about a week before the USDA granted the waivers. We told them tens of thousands of people have been laid off in the hospitality industry, and they need food now, City Councilwoman Helena Moreno said. Then they kind of got it. FAQ: Your coronavirus questions, answered. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 21:21:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NICOSIA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A third batch of China-donated medical supplies will be transported to Cyprus next week with a Cypriot chartered flight, the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus announced on Sunday. Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Huang Xingyuan and Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides will attend the handover ceremony of the supplies on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia, said the Embassy in an statement. According to the Chinese Embassy, the second batch of China-donated medical supplies arrived at Larnaca on April 11 via a Cypriot chartered flight along with other procured goods. It included 20,600 FFP2 masks, 110,000 disposable medical masks, 30,000 non-medical masks and 500 non-medical protective coveralls donated by the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus, Chinese companies and sister cities. The third batch, which includes 5,000 protective coveralls, 417 sets of test kits adequate for 10,008 persons, and 10,000 N95 masks coming from the official aid from the Chinese government to the government of Cyprus, along with 50,000 disposable medical masks donated by a sister city, will be transported to Cyprus aboard another Cypriot chartered flight, according to the Embassy's statement. "In the past two weeks, the Embassy of China in Cyprus has made or is making free provisions of over 14,000 disposable medical and non-medical masks to the municipality of Paphos, local hospitals, schools and government departments to help alleviate the shortage in medical supplies," the statement said. It added that since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe, the China Embassy has been working in partnership with the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health on a non-stop basis. "Chinese local governments such as the City of Jinhua of Zhejiang Province, Chinese companies such as Huawei, and cities of Nanjing and Guangzhou have all done their part by lending a helping hand in different ways. We are pleased to have learned that the Chinese communities in Cyprus and their Cypriot neighbors and friends have been voluntarily helping each other in this difficult time. Nothing could have been more effective in demonstrating the true spirit of Strength in Unity," the Embassy's statement added. The statement also noted that through joint efforts of both China and Cyprus, Cyprus will be able to win the fight against COVID-19 soon and the friendship and partnership between the two countries "will come out of the pandemic even closer and poised for further growth." From microbead-free skincare to zero-waste packaging, and even a proposed ban on microplastics, it might seem like beautys war with plastic is steadily being won. Yet there is still seven times more plastic than fish in the ocean, with the average human ingesting up to 5g of plastic per week roughly the weight of a credit card. This rate is steadily increasing, according to a study by The University of Newcastle in Australia. Its no wonder, then, that experts are now questioning the safety of liquid plastics the smallest, most widespread form. They are often water-soluble and invisible to the naked eye. Liquid plastics are commonly used to make products more spreadable, and are found in everything from face cream and sunscreen to shampoo and shower gels, explains Ruth Morgan-Evans, co-founder of Shrub. This new haircare brand, free from liquid plastic, launched in Boots earlier this year. Experts are now questioning the safety of liquid plastics the smallest, most widespread form. They are often water-soluble and invisible to the naked eye (file image) In scientific circles, liquid plastics are called synthetic polymers. Some of the most worrisome ones are polyethylene glycols or PEGs, and are found in bath products, skincare and haircare, explains Jayn Sterland, the managing director of liquid-plastic-free skincare brand Weleda. Liquid plastics pose more of a danger than other types as it is nearly impossible to recover them from waterways and oceans. Sewage plants cant filter them out of the water system, and even if they could, they would still end up in our soil via sewage sludge, which is often used as fertiliser. We rinse them out into our waterways and oceans every time we wash our faces or rinse our hair, explains Ruth. But the concern isnt just environmental. Liquid plastics are damaging to our skin, too. Some PEGs are comedogenic (pore-blocking) and some are known skin irritants, so theyre not ideal skincare ingredients, says Jayn. Most worrying is how many of our beauty items contain liquid plastics. Research by CodeCheck, Europes biggest product database, found that 64 per cent of hair products contain at least one liquid plastic. But despite the damage they may do to the environment, and subsequently our health, the beauty industry has no plans to ban their use. Unfortunately, the European Chemicals Agency, the body in charge of testing the safety of our ingredients, are only focusing on solid or semi-solid microplastics, says Madhuri Prabhakar, author at Beat The Microbead. She is the campaigner behind the 2018 ban on the use of microbeads in beauty products. To help you filter out the fantastics from the plastics, weve rounded up the six most common skincare buys with liquid-plastic-free swaps (file image) As always, the price of ingredients plays a big role. Synthetic polymers are often included as cheap fillers ingredients that give the product a good consistency and a smooth feeling when applied to the skin or hair, notes Jayn. The cost of time-consuming research could play a factor in the industrys finger-in-ears approach, too. It takes skill and dedication to make genuinely all-natural products without synthetic ingredients which also have the necessary shelf life retailers and consumers expect, Jayn adds. So how can you tell if a product is free from liquid plastic? It can be hard to identify which ingredients are synthetic because they often have several alternative names. Look out for trusted certification logos such as Natrue, Cosmos or Soil Association, says Jayn. But also bear in mind that some small organic brands may not have a certified logo yet, in which case contact the company to ask the question. Despite all the doom and gloom, there is some good news there are still lots of products out there that are free from liquid plastics. All products that bear the Natrue certification logo on their pack are authentically natural and made without plastic ingredients or synthetic polymers, explains Jayn. There are more than 6,400 products from 285 beauty brands, so youre not short on choice. Check out the product database at natrue.org/our- standard/natrue- certified- world. To help you filter out the fantastics from the plastics, weve rounded up the six most common skincare buys with liquid-plastic-free swaps Sunscreens SWAP: Chemical. FOR: Mineral. TRY: Green People scent-free sun lotion spf30, 24 for 200ml, greenpeople.co.uk Its estimated that a quarter of the sunscreen we apply on our skin ends up back in the sea, which is terrifying considering over half of sunscreens contain liquid plastics. Choose a mineral sunscreen in other words, one that uses naturally occurring minerals to physically block UV rather than synthetic chemicals to filter the rays. Shop Hair conditioners SWAP: Thick creams. FOR: Lightweight sprays. TRY: Shrub Instant Detangling Spray, 10, beautybay.com Liquid plastics are used in conditioners to thicken their texture and help hair feel instantly smooth. Lighter sprays like this one use plant-derived polymers to give hair shine without suffocating strands like a liquid plastic would. Shrub uses the oil from the lunaria annua plant, which is biodegradable, and as its grown nearby on the east coast of England, its carbon-friendly, too. Shop Shower gels SWAP: Thick foams. FOR: Lightweight gels. TRY: Beauty Kitchen Fragrance Free Organic Vegan Body Wash, 8, feelunique.com Research has found that almost half of shower gels contain liquid plastic polymers. They can often be recognised when the gel foams up on contact with water. The less foam is produced, the more natural a product is likely to be. Shop Cleansers SWAP: Micellar water. FOR: Cleansing balms. TRY: Jane Scrivner nourishing cleanser balm, 33 for 50ml, lovelula.com On the label of most mass-market micellar waters youre likely to find a couple of synthetic polymers listed. These block pores and irritate sensitive skin. You also tend to use micellar waters with a cotton wool pad, which just exacerbates oceanic pollution. Natural balms without liquid plastics are kinder to skin, can be used with a reusable face cloth, and contain organic ingredients that are not harmful to the environment. Shop Face creams SWAP: Thick lotions. FOR: Plant-based oils. TRY: Kyushi The Power Of Ten Face Oil, 21 for 10ml, kyushi.co.uk Liquid plastics are almost like our second skin when you consider that, according to CodeCheck, a third of all face creams contain them. Plant-based oils tend to have less questionable ingredients and additives, so make a safer bet than lotions and creams. Shop According to West Springfield Public Schools, there are more than 14 different languages represented at Cowing Preschool. That is a strong indicator of the cultural diversity in not only this city, but also surrounding cities and towns. As municipal officials work to get the word out on social distancing and stay at home policies to combat the spread of coronavirus, language barriers may play a role for some not completely understanding the message and its urgency. Baystate Medical Centers 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment, a report produced every three years, underscored the need to overcome language barriers related to public health. The report emphasized the need for more bilingual providers, translators and health materials translated into a wider range of languages. Marion Davis, communications director for the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), said, getting information out in various languages during this public health crisis is very much an unmet need in Massachusetts. Its something that has been neglected. Westfield and West Springfield have large populations of Russian-speaking refugees. Over the past several weeks, Westfield Mayor Don Humason and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, along with leaders of Russian speaking communities, have been conducting outreach efforts after reports of large religious ceremonies held several days after a statewide mandate was issued, capping gatherings at 250 people. Subsequent to these events, there appeared to be a spike in illness and death in the population, but according to Humason there is no evidence the Russian community played a role. People need to understand, all of this finger-pointing is not going to help anything. Were kind of past that. Its now widespread community transmission. Humason said. Other regions have also been struggling with getting appropriate messaging out to immigrant communities. In Central New York, immigrant advocacy agencies are replacing in-person meetings with phone calls, social media and the utilization of texts, videos, Facebook messages and WhatsApp, a free messenger app for smartphones. Humason is right. This isnt a time to point fingers. But it might be a time to address and study methods that other communities are using to effectively reach vulnerable members of their communities. Cities and towns are doing their best to handle the uncharted waters of COVID-19. There are advocacy groups in other areas that are reaching out to immigrant communities with a variety of innovative measures to help with messaging. Such groups as MIRA, with 130 coalition members, could offer valuable resources to assist with a solid understanding of methods and tools that can assist in crisis communication. Our Russian-American neighbors are a vibrant and important strand of the beautiful fabric of the Western Massachusetts community. We grieve with them at their losses, and stand allied with them as together we confront the evil of this virus. Let us all work to smash the barriers of language and culture so we all can achieve our full potential as healthy, loving humans. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, April 12, 2020 11:21 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd150bcf 4 National Wiranto,Wiranto-stabbed,LPSK,compensation,victim-protection,pandeglang,Banten,terror-attack,JAD Free The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has requested Rp 65 million (US$4,113) in financial compensation for former coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister Wiranto, who was stabbed during an alleged terror attack in Pandeglang, Banten, in October last year. LPSK deputy chairman Maneger Nasution said the agency had submitted the request to a high court as Wiranto, who is now chairman of the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres), was eligible for compensation according to prevailing law. Law No. 5/2018 on Terrorism stipulates an obligation for the state to provide compensation to victims of acts of terrorism. Wiranto is a victim of terrorism. Therefore, the LPSK must ask for compensation for him, Maneger said on Friday as quoted by kompas.com. He added that Wiranto had not asked for compensation, but the agency is required by law to request it for him. Read also: COVID-19 may reduce pro-IS activity, but attacks still possible: IPAC The regulation requires the agency to apply for compensation on behalf of victims even though the victims do not request it in the first place. It also requires the LPSK to include a letter of statement from the police or the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) in submitting the request. However, Maneger claimed that a statement from the police calling the stabbing against Wiranto a terror act would be enough. It will depend on the judges whether they will grant our request, said Maneger. Wiranto was stabbed in the stomach by a man identified as Syahrial Alamsyah, also known as Abu Rara, and his wife FA after an event in Sindanghayu village, Saketi subdistrict, Pandeglang on October 10, 2019. The attackers were both linked to the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) terror group, which supports the Islamic State (IS). Both attackers and another individual identified as Samsudin, also known as Ending, were named suspects for their respective roles in planning and carrying out the attack. The case is currently on trial at the South Jakarta District Court. (aly) Kochi, April 12 : Dulquer Salmaan's Instagram family is simply growing, now touching five million, and the Malayalam star feels "humbled, blessed and eternally grateful". "Woo Hoo!!! Today we are a family of 5 Million !! Thank you all for all of the love! Humbled, blessed and eternally grateful," Dulquer wrote on Instagram along with a photo in which the "Kali" star is all suited up. His Instagram page is quite an entertaining one, with photos of him showing how he is spending time at home due to the nationwide lockdown. One of his most popular posts was the one in which he flaunted his little daughter's talent. Taking to Instagram, he showed his fingernails painted by his daughter and captioned it: "Quarantined Dad things!" He picked some interesting hashtags for the post too. He wrote: "Playing princess to my princess", and added that the butterfly is a sticker tattoo. Dulquer also added that he is his daughter's "canvas" and shared that the tattoo and the nail-paint "all of it washes away". On the work front, Dulquer will be teaming up with Kajal Aggarwal and Aditi Rao Hydari in a new Tamil film titled "Hey Sinamika". RTX2IKOX Mike Segar/Reuters Hart Island, located in the Bronx, is the little-known home to City Cemetery: a potter's field where the bodies of the unclaimed or unknown are buried. New York City bought the island in 1868 and has used it as a mass graveyard since 1869. Each year, about 1,000 bodies are laid to rest there, as well as 40 disinterred and reclaimed by families. A funeral director told Business Insider that the city's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner typically waits about 30 days before burying unclaimed bodies there. However, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic which has killed hundreds of people each day in April the city shortened its holding window to six days, then 14 days after pushback by the funeral industry. A photographer's rare visit to the island, as well as satellite and drone imagery, provide a glimpse of Hart Island and its 150-year history as a mass grave site. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. In New York City, the bodies of the unknown, unclaimed, and often the poor have a bleak and typically final destination: a mass grave on an uninhabited island in the Bronx. Each week, unclaimed human remains in NYC-run morgues are transported by ferry to City Cemetery, a potter's field on Hart Island. It is there they are buried below unmarked gravestones amid crumbling buildings, leaving no physical information about the deceased. More than a million bodies rest there, making Hart Island the largest mass graveyard in the United States; about 1,000 new unidentified coffins are buried there each year, according to Reuters. But with the spread of the novel coronavirus, the scene on Hart Island is changing. Hundreds of people in the city are now dying each day from COVID-19 (the respiratory disease caused by the virus), grieving family members are finding themselves stuck in quarantine, and the city is on lockdown to limit the pandemic's spread. Meanwhile, even expanded hospital and city morgues are reaching capacity so the city has prepared to temporarily inter an unprecedented number of unclaimed remains. Story continues "The heartbreaking numbers of deaths we're seeing means we are sadly losing more people without family or friends to bury them privately," Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted on Friday. "Those are the people who will be buried on Hart Island, with every measure of respect and dignity New York City can provide." Getting access to the cemetery is challenging, and photography and videography of any kind is typically prohibited. In 2016, however, the city provided a rare visit to photojournalist Mike Segar. Shifting city policies regarding the dead have also attracted satellites, drones, and offshore photographers. Here's what those images show, and a brief history of how Hart Island came to be. Hart Island is located in the Long Island Sound within the confines of the Bronx, New York City's northwestern borough. new york city cemetery hart island potters field nyc bronx satellite map google photos labeled Hart Island sits less than a mile east of Orchard Beach, located in Pelham Bay Park, and somewhat closer to City Island, a quaint seaside refuge in New York City. Orchard Beach, a crescent strip, is located at the top left. City Island sits to the south and Hart Island to the east. New York City bought Hart Island in 1868. It's about a mile long from north to south and about half a mile wide at its center, where most of the mass graves are now located. hart island potters field city cemetery nyc new york city bronx satellite photo april 6 2020 2020 04 10T005947Z_215146081_RC2C1G9W8EYY_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS USA HART ISLAND.JPG The city converted much of the island into a cemetery in 1869. A prison on the island housed Confederate soldiers at the time. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Dilapidated buildings are reminders of the failed institutions that have been on the island at different times, including a halfway house, sanitarium, military camp, and missile base. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Source: New York Times The island was originally intended for the burial of "strangers." After the Civil War, those considered "strangers" in New York City included African Americans, immigrants, and those who had died in the city's slums. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Today the cemetery is home to bodies that don't get claimed at city morgues. There are also bodies that had been donated to science most of which ended up in the potter's field due to poor record-keeping in addition to the remains of stillborn babies, homeless people, and those whose families couldn't afford a proper burial. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Sources: New York Times, Business Insider Typical graves in a traditional cemetery are three-feet-by-seven-feet plots for a single body. However, in a mass graveyard, plots are a whopping 15 feet wide, eight feet deep, and intended for multiple bodies. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Source: New York Times Many of the older "gravestones" are completely unmarked, but the newer ones hold ID numbers for each coffin. The ID numbers, and names that are known, are kept in an online database that helps people find the bodies of relatives and friends. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Source: The Hart Island Project There are a large number of babies buried in potter's field. In 1995, for example, New Yorker MJ Adams couldn't afford a plot for her stillborn, so she let the city bury her child, thinking the body would be placed in a cemetery for children. The baby was buried on the island, but Adams wasn't informed of this by the hospital or the city for almost two decades because the child was listed under the wrong name in the city's records. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Source: NPR Before 2015, families could not access the grounds because the city had security concerns. Following a class-action lawsuit, the city agreed to grant families monthly visits. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Getting there requires a special 15-minute ferry ride. The island is off-limits to all but staff, approved family members, and prisoners on work detail. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Families must be escorted by correctional officers and are not allowed to bring phones or any other photography aid. There's also a second ferry for the general public that travels to the island once a month, but it doesn't give access to the grave sites. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Source: NPR Families who have relatives buried in New York's potter's field are still fighting to make the island a public park, but officials are resisting. For now, visitations are still held monthly, and with heavy restrictions. New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Source: Reuters These days, Rikers Island inmates visit the island most often. They are paid about $0.50 an hour to bury pine coffins in the field. When he was an inmate, Vincent Mingalone (now a funeral florist) says he typically helped bury up to 24 unclaimed bodies a week as part of a team of 20 prisoners called the "Hart Island Crew." coronavirus covid 19 corrections prisoners ferry hart island potters field new york city cemetery nyc bronx april 8 2020 2020 04 09T164154Z_806753687_RC241G9BADEZ_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS USA HART ISLAND.JPG Sources: New York Times, Melinda Hunt/The Hart Island Project via Vimeo A medical examiner's truck with bodies would board the ferry along with a Corrections vehicle. Inmates wrote the names of the deceased on the side of coffins with a wax crayon. Bodies get stacked three high, raked with sand, and covered with plywood. coronavirus covid 19 burial trenches inmates burying unclaimed bodies wooden caskets hart island potters field new york city cemetery nyc bronx april 9 2020 04 09T164235Z_1389564795_RC241G91KIPT_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS USA HART ISLAND.JPG Source: Melinda Hunt/The Hart Island Project via Vimeo Heavy machinery would then dump top soil on the burial site to cover the mass grave. coronavirus covid 19 burial trenches excavator hart island potters field city cemetery nyc new york bronx april 6 2020 2020 04 06T200258Z_1216444879_HP1EG461JOY5E_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS USA BODIES.JPG Source: Melinda Hunt/The Hart Island Project via Vimeo "We always wondered: Did this person serve me coffee? Was this person a janitor in a building? What did this person do in life that they ultimately wound up here alone?" Mingalone said. "We did the best we could with dignity and we handled the bodies carefully." New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Source: Melinda Hunt/The Hart Island Project via Vimeo In early April, as the coronavirus pandemic worked toward its peak in NYC, the city dug a roughly 200-foot-long trench on the island. coronavirus covid 19 burial trenches excavator hart island potters field new york city cemetery nyc bronx drone photo april 8 2020 04 09T164203Z_1653016799_RC241G9P3V2L_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS USA HART ISLAND.JPG Source: Business Insider Two of the trenches had appeared by April 8. The scene did "not look normal," according to a New York-licensed funeral director known to Business Insider, but who requested anonymity to avoid retaliation. coronavirus covid 19 burial trenches hart island potters field city cemetery nyc new york city bronx drone photo april 8 2020 04 09T164148Z_1096290949_RC241G9TTBVT_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS USA HART ISLAND.JPG Source: Business Insider The trenches appeared after the city deployed large emergency mortuary tents and dozens of refrigerated trucks room for about 3,600 additional bodies, up from 900 prior to the pandemic. coronavirus covid 19 refrigerated semi trailer trucks temporary morgues randalls island park nyc new york city bronx april 9 2020 04 09T234655Z_1_LYNXNPEG382I5_RTROPTP_4_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS USA BODIES.JPG Source: Business Insider The city told Business Insider on April 6 that it had adequate space in its temporary morgue expansion. But the next day, the medical examiner changed its policy to inter unclaimed bodies after just six days instead of what is typically a month. Later that week, facing pushback from funeral directors struggling to handle the volume of bodies, the city increased storage to 14 days. coronavirus covid 19 white marker crumbling building hart island potters field city cemetery nyc new york bronx april 7 2020 2020 04 07T194842Z_1562988995_HP1EG471J156D_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS USA BODIES.JPG Source: Business Insider Around 40 bodies are claimed and returned to their families each year. But if hundreds more are buried on Hart Island in the coming months and disinterment policies aren't streamlined, the unnamed funeral director said it could "take years to get bodies off of Hart Island." New York's potter's field, cemetery, death Mike Segar/Reuters Sources: Reuters, Business Insider This story was originally published on June 29, 2016. It has been updated with new information and images. Read the original article on Business Insider The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) on Saturday called on the Ministry of Information, to engage personnel of the Nation Builders Corps (NaBCo)and National Service Scheme to provide on the ground public education about COVID-19. The call was to enable the personnel to support the Information Service Department and the National Commission for Civic Education in undertaking public education to control the spread of the pandemic. A UPDN statement jointly signed by Mr Kofi Asante Mensah, the President and Mr Kelvin Malor, the National Organizer, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra stated. United Press for Development Network (UPDN) commends Information Minister, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; Deputy Information Minister, Mr Pius Enam Hadzide, and Health Minister, Mr Kwaku Agyeman Manu, for the enormous and gallant work done on public information delivery in the wake of COVID-19. We are fully aware that, information dissemination is a tedious, vigorous, rigorous and challenging task and UPDN sincerely appreciates the assiduous, relentless and tireless efforts by the aforementioned government officials and we say Ayekoo, the statement said. The UPDN also urged the Ministry of Information to consider commencing a daily media briefing to better inform Ghanaians on Governments policy direction and the Countrys Coronavirus preventive protocols in all sectors of the economy. The recommendation would not only edify the media and public on COVID-19, but also enhance information release and delivery, communication efficiency and demystify several misconceptions about the virus, the statement said. Some Ghanaians, it noted, were defying the partial lockdown orders in various communities, market places and posing danger to citizens because of lack of enough information and understanding. Therefore, a daily media encounter or briefing would allay fears or scare among the public, lessen the stigmatization and bring about confidence to fight to victory as a country. 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 Matthew Thornton gets very little sleep these days. The Liberty-Dayton Regional Medical Center CEO stays up into the wee hours worried about how he will replace the dwindling supplies he needs to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Liberty County has about 100,000 residents with less than 100 hospital beds, including about 25 at the Liberty-Dayton Regional Medical Center. The health system in the area has a small margin for error and with a high demand for personal protective equipment around the country draining supplies, he can only hope Liberty County doesnt see a large jump in COVID-19 cases, he said. Liberty County had 19 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the office of emergency management. Stimulus package: 401(k) withdrawals just became a better option We have supplies on hand, but we have the potential to run out before were able to get some more in, he said. Finding PPE Thornton is turning to the public and asking for help in acquiring some of the supplies that may be lying around at home, in their shops at work, or even a contact that can help them acquire the life-saving equipment. The shortage didnt grow through a lack of trying to close the gap, he said. Thornton said it is hard to procure personal protective equipment for his staff and other agencies on the front lines. More Information A way to help Those interested in donating items should call 936-336-7316, ext. 149 and ask for Jordan Skinner. Drop off donations will be through the Travis Street entrance Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To volunteer, call Skinner at the same number. He will ask for your name, DOB, address, email address, and phone numbers. This allows hospital to begin credentialing and verifying license status. See More Collapse Often he has companies contact him and tell him they have the supplies only to find out they really dont and put them on a list to get them. Then the insult to injury comes with ridiculous prices for shipping. One company wanted to charge us $300 shipping for 12 masks, he said. He even reached out to the spouses of his employees who work in nearby chemical plants for PPEs, but the companies were unwilling donate their supply. We have been trying to order for weeks and have been unable to source these items through any medical vendor or other vendor that we could identify. We have requests in with state organizations who acquire this at the state level, but there are no guarantees of what or when any of it will be delivered, the CEO said. Now hes asking the public for their help in donating protective gear, specifically N-95 masks, surgical masks, surgical or isolation gowns, gloves (boxes only, unopened), hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial or anti-microbial soap, disinfectant spray/wipes, face shields, and safety goggles. Bill assistance: Entergy suspends service disconnections indefinitely We are also accepting homemade masks, but these will only be utilized in the event there are no more medical grade masks available, he said. Thornton confirmed they didnt have anyone in the hospital at the current time with COVID-19. Currently, there are 25 beds at the Liberty-Dayton Regional Medical Center and the rest are divided between the Cleveland Emergency Hospital, and Texas Emergency Hospital in Cleveland. They routinely use PPE daily for infectious diseases like the flu. If patients with COVID-19 started rolling in, they would only be able to sustain themselves for three days, and seven days if none were hospitalized over night. We are better prepared than most hospitals our size with ventilators, he said. He didnt want to give a specific number but said they were about five times more than their typical rival. Testing limitations Testing the countys patients who are symptomatic has been an issue. The hospital has done numerous tests, but they must drive them to the Department of State Health Services lab in Houston. Our turnaround time is typically two days, although weve had a couple that took a little longer but for the most part they average two days, said Thornton. Were a little more stringent on who we test. Were not just testing everybody because they have sniffles. Were strictly following the DSHS criteria, he said. They have hospitalized some patients who were admitted while they waited on results to come back, but at this point, all have returned negative. I wish we were doing more testing, he said. Cleveland ISD Students adapt to distance learning To that end, he has sought to purchase an analyzer from Abbott Laboratories, but they are reserved for the virus hot spots who are the focus of much of the supply line. Theyve got us on a list but wont give us any indication as to when well receive one, he said. Preparing for a surge In the meantime, they already have a plan for isolating coronavirus patients if they come in, he said. One team of medical staff personnel will care for those in one part of the hospital away from the regular operations of the care center. Keeping them in one spot means fewer people will have contact with them, and its better that way, he said. Thornton says they have contingency plans for another hospital if necessary. The plans are in the works. We wouldnt set up a mobile hospital outside of our footprint because of staffing issues, he said. If FEMA comes in, we have already identified sites that could potentially be used. We would work with them to make it happen. He has also identified surge capacity, or an influx of patients at one time. We have the ability to add a significant number of beds within the hospital. The biggest problem at that point becomes staff and providing the appropriate nursing care, Thornton said. His head of nursing has already reached out to local colleges to pursue any nursing students who might be able to help. We dont necessarily want volunteers off the streets who have no medical experience. We can get those pretty easily if we need them. We dont want to expose anyone unnecessarily. Were really looking for certified people to help us out, he said. Thornton is not an island. His colleagues throughout the county participate in a ZOOM call on Mondays during lunch time. The callers are from every part of the frontline defense in hospital personnel, doctors offices, EMS, fire, and law enforcement officials. We try to take care of each other if theyre short on gloves, gowns, or any other supplies, he said. Thornton promised any excess would go to support the EMS crews, fire department, and law enforcement in Liberty County to assure they are protected too. Seeking volunteers Thornton said they would use the volunteer nurses to help take care of the routine patients needs. Weve also begun building a volunteer list and the state also maintains a list as well, he said. We could pull staff from there too. That includes, but is not limited to, RN, LVN, PA, NP, physicians, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, lab techs, phlebotomists, radiology techs, and other experienced support staff. It is important that we not take away from any providers who are continuing to care for patients. This may be a great opportunity for some college students who may be home right now as well as retired or furloughed healthcare workers. dtaylor@hcnonline.com The city of Kyiv ranks second. The Ukrainian Health Ministry has disclosed the dynamics of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the regions. It ranked the regions by number of confirmed cases on Facebook on April 12. Read alsoUkraine's Health Ministry expects surge in coronavirus cases on Friday "As of April 12, the most rapid spread of the coronavirus disease was recorded in Chernivtsi region (432 cases) and the city of Kyiv (416 cases). These areas have been leading in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases since the very start of the epidemic," it said. "Ivano-Frankivsk region ranks third (291 cases)," it said. The lowest number of cases was confirmed in Mykolaiv region, Luhansk region and Chernihiv region two, three and nine, respectively. As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Health Ministry reported 2,777 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 83 deaths, in the country as of 09:30 Kyiv time on April 12. First and foremost happy Easter! I hope you are able to find some normalcy in celebrating this spring holiday that happens to be in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Take time to reach out to your family and friends even if it means doing it via FaceTime, Skype, or other virtual means. My staff has found that Zoom meetings (free if you are less than 40 minutes) is effective, fun and a good connector. Since the shelter-in-place directive from the governor, the chamber has continued our intense efforts to help Helena area businesses navigate these tough times albeit from our home offices. We hope all businesses are finding their way through the Payroll Protection Plan and other economic stimulus options that may be the make or break for many of our small businesses. The chamber website has a small business resource page specifically with all the information from local, state, and federal check it out at www.helenachamber.com . This is updated daily. Probably the most important thing to do is connect with your business banker to get the loans done. You can also check https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ which takes you directly to the loan application. We were able to create a list of restaurants doing take out for your use to support the food establishments who are still operating whether take out, drive-through, or curbside service. (also on our website and Facebook page). This list is also evolving. Weve worked to make it as complete as possible, including all Helena options (not just chamber members). We are all in this together and we want to help all businesses as much as we can. This week, as a sign of caring for our businesses that have to be closed, we created a closed sign that says Closed, but still awesome be back soon and worked with FastSigns to get it printed. They are available for any businesses for free if picked up from either McDonald's locations, 1889 Coffee or the brochure racks in front of the chamber at 225 N. Cruse Ave. We hope businesses will pick one up and put on their door to let Helena know that even if they are closed, they are still awesome and will be back soon. Our heartfelt compassion goes out to these businesses, and we are hoping they all weather this impact and come back strong after it ends. Many of the closed businesses have options to purchase gift cards online check out your favorite and help them out if you can. Good news keeps coming in as some businesses are reopening for take out such as Perkins Family Restaurant, which was closed but now open as of Friday open for carry out from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (including Easter dinners if you need it today). Kudos to businesses that are doing great things to help their fellow businesses or citizens to get through this pandemic. Such as, Gulch Distillers who are manufacturing hand sanitizer. Wendys who are giving away Frosties to all who go through their drive-thru. A free listing for business in a special online gift card promotion called Buy Local Marketplace in the Independent Record. All the TV Stations have free inclusion (and promotion) in a listing of the open food establishments. 1889 Coffee is doing free delivery of larger orders especially for health care workers to save delivery costs. Many of our chamber members are offering free webinars on pertinent and important COVID-19 issues (Anderson Zurmuehlen Technology, Wipfli, Dayspring Restoration, and more). I am sure many more businesses are doing great things to help others and we are so proud to know that our Helena businesses are so caring! NorthWestern Energy has suspended shutting off delinquent accounts through this pandemic and also has committed $300,000 in donations plus some grant opportunities for businesses. Check out their info here: www.northwesternenergy.com/our-company/media-center/current/news-article/2020/04/01/NorthWestern-Energy-donates-$300-000-to-COVID-19-crisis-relief. They are also making contributions to specific local organizations in our service territory for the purposes of COVID-19 efforts. In the Helena area they chose to contribute $9,000 to the COVID-19 efforts that the Helena Community Foundation and the United Way of the Lewis & Clark Area are partnering on. A second program gives a limited number of $250 bill credit grants to small businesses whose operations are affected by the mandatory shutdown of their business. The requirements for applying and the grant application are on their website at www.northwesternenergy.com. Changes around town: Burdick Locksmith Services Inc. is moving to a new location on Helena Avenue next to Slate Architecture and the new Vanilla Bean. Look for that to happen in the next month or so. They will continue to operate at their Last Chance Gulch location until the move. Hang in there Helena. Together well get through this pandemic and rebuild Helenas businesses to pre-pandemic greatness. We got this. Stay safe. Cathy Burwell is president/CEO of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. Love 4 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 TV presenter Chris Tarrant poses during the Morrisons' Charity Of The Year photocall, at Camden Morrisons on November 23, 2009 in London, England. Morrisons have chosen Cancer Research UK for their charity for 2009. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) It was the scandal that shocked the nation, and is now the subject of a high-profile dramatisation, but Chris Tarrant has spoken out about Who Wants To Be A Millionaire cheats who tried to con their way to the ultimate prize. Major Charles Ingram managed to answer all questions to win 1million on the popular quiz show - but it emerged he did so by cheating, with the help of a friend and his wife Diana. Now Tarrant has spoken out ahead of the screening of the new series Quiz, which sees Michael Sheen portraying Tarrant, and Matthew Macfadyen and Sian Clifford as the guilty couple. Read more: See Michael Sheen as Chris Tarrant in ITV's 'coughing major' drama Quiz Speaking to The Sunday People, Tarrant said: There is no question that the Ingrams were guilty as sin. This is a view a jury agreed to, and the Ingrams, along with pal Tecwen Whittock, were convicted of procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception. They were fined 15,000 each, ordered to pay 10,000 in prosecution costs and given suspended prison sentences. Starring in Quiz: @michaelsheen as Chris Tarrant, Matthew Macfadyen & @SiansUniverse as Charles and Diana Ingram.#Quiz starts Easter Monday on ITV and @ITVHub pic.twitter.com/4WwD6qtVNU ITV (@ITV) April 8, 2020 The three-part series appears to humanise the Ingrams and possibly raise questions over their guilt, but Tarrant isnt best pleased about the show. The 73-year-old said: I dont think it ever really needed to be made. Somebody has got to redress the balance and remind everyone the major actually is a crook and was found guilty by a jury. Story continues Read more: Michael Sheen describes transforming into Chris Tarrant for cheating drama Quiz Despite not being convinced by the premise of the show, Tarrant conceded there is one thing he enjoyed - Michael Sheens portrayal. He said: He does a very good portrayal of me. His voice is spot on. Also, the things he does with his body mannerisms and the way I stand. Im watching it going, I really do that! Im thrilled and flattered. Quiz starts on ITV Easter Monday, 13 April at 9pm. It will run for three episodes, concluding on 15 April. Pope Francis prayed for tens of thousands of coronavirus victims in an unprecedented livestream Easter Sunday message delivered from a hauntingly empty Vatican to a world under lockdown. The 83-year-old pontiff spoke softly at a ceremony attended by just a handful of priests and a small choir that was spaced out across the expansive marble floor of Saint Peter's Basilica. "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," Francis said. The pandemic raging outside the Vatican's locked gates has killed more than 110,000 people and left billions confined to their homes. - Easter in confinement - Most of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics were in forced confinement as the pope spoke, and few of the world's churches were open on Christianity's holiest day. In his homily, the pope called for a global ceasefire and debt relief for the poorest countries. His message was livestreamed for the first time -- a bow to technology in the face of a new illness that has transformed society and altered the way religion is observed. Around the globe, others followed his advice and found creative solutions. In Britain, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby -- the spiritual leader of Anglicans -- celebrated mass with thousands of followers on a video recorded from his kitchen. Panama Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa donned mask and gloves and toured the city in a "popemobile" used during Francis' visit to the Central American country last year. Ulloa's cavalcade halted outside hospitals as he rose to bless the sick and those caring for them. Rio de Janeiro priest Omar Raposo took to a helicopter to bless the Brazilian city from the sky. At Latin America's biggest Catholic sanctuary, the Basilica of Aparecida in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, Archbishop Orlando Brandes celebrated mass before an empty church and urged Brazilians to practice social distancing. "Let's stay home, let's follow our doctors' recommendations. That is an act of charity, of devotion to life," Brandes said, in a homily that was broadcast live on TV and online. In the United States, President Donald Trump, a Presbyterian, said in an Easter message that this year's celebration "comes during a sombre time for our nation." Trump followed a televised service by Robert Jeffress, the leader of a Southern Baptist megachurch. Baltimore, Maryland, Pastor Alvin Gwynn defied a state lockdown to call on parishioners to flock to his Friendship Baptist Church for his Easter service, but given fears over the coronavirus, fewer than 10 showed up. While priests in Mexico celebrated mass in empty churches, some indigenous communities in the south defied the pandemic by holding traditional processions. Earlier, in Seville, Spain, worshipers left wreaths of flowers outside the locked churches from where festive processions had normally departed. In Italy, Europe's hardest-hit nation, the great Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli livestreamed a special concert from the deserted square facing Milan's lacelike Duomo Cathedral. A parish near the Philippines' capital Manila pasted the empty pews with family photos that the faithful had emailed to the priest. Catholics in Syria -- where celebrations had continued in Christian quarters of Damascus despite years of agonising war -- watched the Facebook Live mass posted by the country's patriarch. In Jerusalem, a few priests also gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre -- under lockdown like the Vatican -- to pray at the spot where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected on Easter. As a solemn Easter day darkened into night in Latin America, Rio de Janeiro Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta blessed Brazil from the city's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the first such ceremony since it was inaugurated in 1931. The iconic statue had a doctor's uniform projected on it, reading "Thank You" in honor of the medical staff fighting the pandemic. - 'Unable to bid farewell' - Bells rang across a still and completely silent Rome when the pope's mass began. Francis pleaded with world leaders to forget their differences and support his appeal "for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world" during a global health emergency of a magnitude not seen in 100 years. "This is not a time for division," Francis said. Health considerations required global powers to ease crippling economic sanctions imposed against their adversaries, he said -- a possible reference to those weighing on pandemic-hit Iran. He called for a "reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations" and for European nations to show the same "solidarity" they did in the wake of World War II. "After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again," he said. "The European Union is presently facing an epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world." The official toll across Europe passed 75,000 moments before Francis spoke. The Argentine-born pontiff offered a special message of consolation to those "who mourn the loss of their loved ones (but) to whom, in some cases, they were unable even to bid a final farewell." burs-zak/db/to The Rev. Mark Wilkins led the service from a stage under the churchs vestibule while the occupants of the vehicles remained in their cars and tuned in to FM 90.9 to listen. The drive-in church was an alternative way to come together in fellowship during this time of gathering-size restrictions and social isolation called for by Gov. Eric Holcomb in an effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. UN Middle East envoys urge greater action on COVID-19 ceasefire appeal 11 April 2020 - In a joint appeal issued on Saturday, the five UN envoys to the Middle East urged warring parties in the region to work towards an immediate end to hostilities, in line with the Secretary-General's recent call for a global ceasefire during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many parties have responded positively to the UN chief's appeal, they stressed that more needs to be done to translate it into action. "Too many in the Middle East have endured conflict and deprivation for far too long. Their suffering is now compounded by the COVID-19 crisis and its likely long-lasting social, economic and political impacts", they said. The envoys represent the Secretary-General in countries that include Syria, Iraq and Yemen, which on Friday confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus disease. Globally, more than 1.6 million cases of COVID-19 have been recorded, and nearly 100,000 deaths. Engage in good faith "We call on all parties to engage, in good faith and without preconditions, on negotiating immediate halts to ongoing hostilities, sustaining existing ceasefires, putting in place more durable and comprehensive ceasefires, and achieving longer-term resolutions to the persistent conflicts across the region", the UN envoys said. Rival sides are also encouraged to exercise maximum restraint, to de-escalate tensions and to work to resolve their differences through dialogue, negotiation, mediation or other peaceful means. "We urge parties to reach out across conflict lines and cooperate locally, regionally and globally to stop the rapid spread of the virus and, where possible, to share resources, and allow access to medical facilities where needed", they added. Humanitarian access and solidarity The five envoys underscored the need to facilitate humanitarian access and assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, communities under siege, and all those who have been ravaged by war and deprivation. "This requires fast-tracking the passage of health and aid workers at borders and in-country and ensuring they are protected", they explained, while also callng for the safe and voluntary return of refugees and IDPs. The senior officials further urged all partners to work with the UN on pandemic response and recovery, and underlined the need for solidarity at this moment. "None of these efforts will succeed if the guns of war and conflict are not silenced", they emphasized. "At a time like this, partisanship and narrow interests must yield to the greater cause and the good of the people. That is why we echo the Secretary-General in calling on all parties in the Middle East to work with the UN so we can 'focus on the true fight of our lives'". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Union health ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to seek the services of ENT specialists and resident doctors to fight 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.) New Delhi: The West Bengal government on Sunday (April 12) made wearing masks mandatory in public places to combat the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, officials said. The state government issued an order making the use of masks mandatory for citizens while stepping out of their houses. The order said that in the absence of mask, people can use a piece of cloth, either a handkerchief or any such material that can be used to cover a person's nose and mouth. "Mouth and nose should be covered by facial masks or any other available piece of cloth which may even include a properly folded or rolled dupatta, gamcha, handkerchief or any such material that acts as a protective cover," said the order, signed by the Chief Secretary. "It is hereby directed that it shall be mandatory to use this cover always, especially when in public places." Several states and cities have so far made wearing masks mandatory in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. So far, Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad have made wearing mask compulsory when visiting public places. West Bengal has witnessed seven COVID-19 deaths and currently there are 95 active coronovirus cases. In California, several thousands of residents have been tested for antibodies against coronavirus. Scientists are currently waiting for the results of these privately funded endeavors to strengthen the community against the ongoing pandemic. Stanford headed a study that has already finished testing at least 3,200 people for antibodies against the virus. Premier Biotech developed the finger-prick tests that were utilized for the project. The country health department of Los Angeles will initiate a pilot testing program this coming Friday to test hundreds of people randomly to determine who has the antibodies. United Biomedical executives are supplying the resources needed to test all the residents of San Miguel County in Colorado. The project itself There have already been 8,000 tests administered, but the company's laboratories have their hands full with the processing of the results done. A total of 986 results have finished the process, eight of which were found to have the antibodies in their system. The tests taken were not yet approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but due to the existence of the crisis, they have been allowed to operate under relaxed guidelines. Twenty-three of the remaining residents were dubbed 'indeterminate,' and the rest were found to be negative. This speaks to the inaccuracy of the results revealing the tests are not full proof. Only one of the tests is approved by the CDC --- Celex, and it is expected to be available within 10-14 days. On Thursday, Dr. Fauci shared he was advised that the availability of the kits would take 'weeks or days' The CDC did not reveal why only one test was approved. New York, despite having the worst overall statistics of the infection, has not produced its antibody tests. The State Department of Health took upon itself to roll out its antibody tests to provide its residents. Governor Andrew Cuomo stated they are now working to ensure the tests are brought out to everyone in the area. Officials say it is possible to administer 300 tests per day, increasing to 1,000 per day next week, and up to 2,000 per day the week after. Authorities explained the delay was a result of the incapacity of private companies to scale up quickly enough. Leaders around the world are hoping the tests would bring about a change in the course of the pandemic, but there has been no effective one yet. In Europe, several thousands of tests were discovered to be ineffective; this includes Spain, where it was found it was only 30% accurate. The reason for this is believed to be due to the insensitivity of the tests in detecting the antibodies. Very little is known with the deadly COVID-19, such as the duration of immunity or if having contracted the virus beforehand and recovering could still lead to a second infection. Read Also: [VIRAL VIDEO] Royal Mail Postmas Repeatedly Touches Front Door With Hand Contaminated From Wiping Nose What can we expect? Stanford scientist Dr. Eran Bendavid is leading the process in California, said he is hopeful the administered tests will answer some of the unknowns. He expressed his belief in the importance of the study and its implications on moving forward with how we understand the pandemic. He says the most crucial piece of information is the number of infected people in the country. A total of 3,200 volunteers from Santa Clara County were tested last week are now eagerly waiting for their results. The locations for the tests were held at three sites; a church and two parks. Several volunteers, both from the clinical and non-clinical fields, handled the facilities and equipment. The volunteers were notified of the project through Facebook ads, which led to a surge of participants that doubled every few minutes. Dr. Bendavid told Stanford Daily the number was growing in real-time, which led the team to panic and called off the registration so they may re-evaluate the process. The volunteers were given a supplementary gift in the form of a $10 Amazon gift card. If the results were fruitful, the ones who were found to have antibodies would later be contacted within the week. Premier Biotech posted on its website that the results will be available after 10 minutes of executing the tests and are viable up until 20 minutes afterward. Read Also: Final Fantasy VII Remakr Goes Live On PS4: Here's What You Should Know As You Dive In To The World Of Midgar And Begin Your Adventure Church buildings are silent. Restaurants are closed. Family members who arent already under the same roof will not be gathering for a meal of ham or lamb, scalloped potatoes and spring vegetables. The real egg hunts are happening in grocery aisles, not backyards. This Easter Sunday is very different than any we have experienced in living memory. The novel coronavirus pandemic has shut down cities, economies and in-person social interaction around the world and casts a shadow more in keeping with the darkness of the Good Friday crucifixion than with the sunrise of the Easter resurrection. It is a special day for more than 2 billion Christians worldwide and 167 million in the United States, most of whom will be worshiping through remote livestreams or even Zoom, another reminder of what the virus has done to our daily lives. It is not a religious holiday for others, but it has become a celebration nonetheless. The holiday involves family gatherings, events for children and the unofficial celebration of the beginning of spring, a traditional time for embracing renewal, rebirth and a sense of hope after a winter of discontent. Thats a hope shared by Iranians in the Nowruz New Year, by Indians during the Holi festival of colors, by Jews marking Passover and by many, many others. This year, the Easter message of hope and renewal is especially welcome, as the nation heads into what experts believe will be the peak of COVID-19 deaths. For most of us, Easter is the first major holiday we have celebrated since the shutdowns and stay-at-home orders began to constrict our lives. It is a difficult moment for many of us. Its a great time to collectively pause and embrace all the good news and all the hope we can find. The latest projections suggest that the pandemic curve may finally be bending, that the number of deaths still tragically high will not be as great as once feared and that a return to something closer to normal may be on the horizon. Our suffering is not in vain and sooner or later a new day will come. This is not to diminish the Christian good news, the gospel, that God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life and that Son humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Easter is the day in which the hearts of Christians around the world quicken at the words, He is not here; he has risen and to respond, He is risen indeed. For Christian believers this is not just another inspiring story, because believing the biblical account of the cross changes lives in ways no mere allegory can. But it doesnt mean it cant be inspirational for all, especially as we find ourselves struggling against a common enemy. A man who was completely innocent offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world, Mahatma Gandhi, a Hindu who changed the world through the political theory of nonviolent resistance, said. It was a perfect act. Our Easter observance this year should be a time to count our blessings for the doctors, nurses, EMTs, first-responders, police officers, grocery store workers, delivery drivers, farmers, truckers and so many others who are putting themselves in harms way to keep our lives tolerable. Lets also appreciate those who have stayed at home, avoided unnecessary travel and crowds and followed the guidelines from medical experts to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives. Those Christians who stayed away from crowded sanctuaries this week are the ones who showed faith in the promise that where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Even if its on the internet and the two or three are sitting six feet apart. Easter is not just a message of hope, but it is not less than that. We will make it through this. Do not lose faith, hold on to hope. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Happy Easter. Welcome, spring. Intersociety speaks to the Voice of America on poor management of COVID-19 in Nigeria: https://www.voanews.com/nightline-africa?fbclid=IwAR2Pk_FAXiGFdi0YTToq08sOjemBd3-fVkwQJX0G-iTWhQLoFp6yiApSiEM Onitsha, Eastern Nigeria, 12thApril 2020 -Following the obvious incapacity and inability of the Government of Anambra State to put in place realistic control measures including fumigation of all residences and public facilities and arenas, to ward off further spread of Coronavirus across the State, the Intl Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law has, with most humility and respect, written to Anambra State Health Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Okpala, calling on the State Government to make public the simplified template for anti Coronavirus fumigation. It is on record that Anambra citizens and residents are almost second to none in terms of culture of self help development which has been age-long. Also, by extending the lockdown for another two weeks, the Government of Anambra State must provide verifiable feeding incentives including 50kg bags of rice per house-hold and other food items and their condiments. Provision of Mudu size of rice is roundly rejected and regarded as nothing short of providing none. Other items that must be provided by the Government of Anambra State are cash sums and protective devices using house-hold method. Such provisions must be devoid of political party affiliations or considerations and must strictly be done house-hold by house-hold. We feel the pains of the citizens and residents of Anambra State particularly in this challenging period of COVID-19 caused lockdowns; yet safety is the most priceless gift of nature warranting huge sacrifices at ensuring same. We are on the same page with the good citizens of the State, which is why we feel pained when Government sits and does little or nothing while citizens are cocooned amidst hashes and rashes of life being gone through. Government of the State has also done and achieved little all this period citizens have been confined to their homes. It is therefore our informed reasoning that more attention and resources shall be channeled into the areas of fumigation and provision of verifiable and house-hold to house-hold feeding incentives and protective devices as it makes no sense spending billions in building isolation and others designated centers for lizards, cockroaches and rats-especially when Government lacks obvious capacity to locate, identify and get as much citizens as possible tested and quarantined if tested positive from the virus. It is no longer hidden that Governments at all levels in the country including that of Anambra State acutely lack the necessary equipment and experts to fish out those that are infected and those that are not through diagnosis and other conventional methods. The public health quagmire as per COVID-19 is also aided by Nigerias terribly failed data system. Governments efforts in this area are nothing more than random sampling and fire brigade approach. This was exactly our position when we spoke to the Voice of America in the early hours of yesterday, being 11th April 2020. Governments at all levels in Nigeria including that of Anambra State must face and live with the realities of their colossal failure particularly in the area of social services including public healthcare facilities and their deliveries. The whole idea is lost when Government spends billions building isolation and other designated centers only to leave them in the hands of lizards, rats and cockroaches. It is a common logic that he or she who is never tested of Coronavirus has no business playing guest to such centers. This is more so when without effective Government monitoring and identification, no citizen will voluntarily visit the centers. Apart from obvious lack of equipment including testing or diagnostic equipment and their well trained handlers, social stigma, fears, ignorance and material poverty are also fundamental impediments responsible for Government failure in having accurate data on number of citizens living with Coronavirus; whether mildly or critically infected. It is therefore on account of these that we wrote the Anambra Health Commissioner, demanding for the release of simplified template for anti Coronavirus fumigation for purpose of citizens self help method. It is our firm demand that citizens of the State be involved or persuasively incorporated in the anti Coronavisus drive. It is specifically recalled that Anambra Health Commissioner had five days ago at Onitsha Main Market during the flag-off of the fumigation of the Market, disclosed that the anti-Coronavirus fumigation is being done with diluted sodium hypochloride in line with the provisions of the World Health Organization (WHO). Put in plain language, it is understood that there is likely not much difference in terms of basic methods in use, between the referenced and fumigation involving control or elimination of killer germs and ants such as mosquitoes. Since many residences and their residents routinely fumigate their houses and environments, the Government of Anambra State should simplify the template for anti Coronavirus fumigation, make same public and persuasively encourage the citizens of the State to follow suit or assist. Specifically, Government should provide a guide for interested clusters of citizens to do theirs or fumigate on their own, if they so wish or have the capacity. This can be done through a live broadcast or public service announcements or paid advertorials or use of town criers, town unions and worship centers or their media. This citizens self help method being asked for must not be interpreted by Government to mean relinquishing or abdicating its constitutional or social contact responsibilities. As a matter of fact, Government of Anambra State must mobilize all the staff of the States 21 Local Government Areas particularly their health officers and fully swing into action. This is no time for armchair syndrome or culture. Therefore, since the fumigation is done using diluted sodium hypochloride and chemical spray containers; questions Government must provide answers to include: what is the amount of dilution of the sodium hypochloride in terms of litre of same versus litre of water? Where and where can it be sprayed or fumigated? Are there environmental health implications if sprayed close to living places or sales stores, etc? Does it have specified duration when sprayed to avoid harmful effects? And are there other expert clarifications deemed necessary for public knowledge or caution? Attached hereunder is the link to our Voice of America interview on its Nightline Africa Program of early Sat, 11th April 2020. We humbly invite the public to listen to it and share widely. HAPPY EASTER!!! For: Intl Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chair of the Board Lawyer Obianuju Joy Igboeli Head, Civil Liberties & Rule of Law Program Lawyer Chinwendu Cordelia Umeche Head, Democracy & Good Governance Contacts: Mobile/Whatsapp Line: +2348174090052 Email: [email protected] Website: www.intersociety-ng.org New York City has been rocked by two fatal shootings that have left three people dead and another in a critical condition. The shootings occurred within minutes of each other on Saturday evening, sparking fears of an uptick in violence amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Big Apple has been crippled by the coronavirus outbreak, with its police force severely affected. On Friday, more than 7,000 uniformed NYPD officers - nearly 20 per cent of the force - were off sick. Saturday's first fatal shooting occurred shortly before 8pm in Harlem - where nearly a third of officers have called out sick in recent weeks. The Big Apple has been crippled by the coronavirus outbreak, with its police force severely affected. Residents have been left rattled by multiple fatal shootings that have occurred this weekend According to bystanders, the gunman opened fire on a group of people, killing two and leaving a third critically injured. A shocked witness said that one of the victims had been shot in the head. 'Honestly, we have enough to worry about with COVID-19. We don't need this right now,' she told The New York Post. A nearby deli owner told the publication: 'I didn't go outside. I was too scared. It's crazy, man. People should be helping each other.' The gunman fled from the scene on foot and is still at large. Meanwhile, just minutes later, a separate fatal shooting occurred in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood. The victim, a 31-year-old man, was fatally shot in the head. He was rushed to hospital, but pronounced dead on arrival. On Friday evening, another fatal shooting occurred, when a 23-year-old man was shot dead outside his apartment complex in East Harlem. On Friday, more than 7,000 uniformed NYPD officers - nearly 20 per cent of the force - were off sick Despite the fears of local residents, major crimes cases have dropped 33 percent since lockdown measures were put in place on March 22 Pictured: Officers detain a woman outside the Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens on March 30 However, despite the fears of local residents, major crimes cases - which include murder and felony assault - have dropped 33 percent since lockdown measures were put in place on March 22, according to a MarketWatch report. However, in poorer neighborhoods, lesser crimes are actually on the rise. In southeast Queens, there has been a 50 percent increase in burglaries and car thefts over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, in East and Central Harlem, burglaries are up 18 percent. New York City is the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, with more than 98,000 confirmed cases. Over 6,000 city residents have died from the virus. Lawyers warn many of the fines issued on the basis of hastily written public health orders could fall over in court, saying they lacked clarity on key details and left police with too much discretion. They say the uncertainty over exactly how former Arts Minister Don Harwin breached the orders by living at his second house and the refusal of police to give any more detail about why he was fined illustrated the problems with the new offences. Police fined Mr Harwin after the 55-year-old had relocated to a second home at Pearl Beach "in contravention of current Ministerial Direction under the Public Health Act". But the orders do allow people to move between residences, and to leave for essential business. Barrister Stephen Lawrence said it was difficult to judge whether Mr Harwin's fine was justified without knowing whether he had given police information that had not been made public. A nurse walks outside of Wyckoff Hospital in the Borough of Brooklyn in New York on April 6, 2020. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images) WHO Special Envoy Says COVID-19 Will Stalk Human Race for a Long Time The special envoy to the World Health Organization (WHO) said he does not expect the CCP virus to disappear entirely until a vaccine is developed. We think its going to be a virus that stalks the human race for quite a long time to come until we can all have a vaccine to protect us, Dr. David Nabarro, the special representative for the WHO, told NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday. The official warned that countries should only begin to let up on social distancing procedures until they can track and isolate new cases. So the key for this particular virus is that every community, as a kind of defensive shield, can pick up cases as soon as they appear, isolate them and stop outbreaks from developing, Nabarro added. Its going to be necessary for every single country to have that capacity. Nabarro was also asked what the United States can expect in the coming months from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus as countries struggle to cope with the pandemic. There will be small outbreaks that will emerge sporadically and they will break through our defenses, he said. An EMT tends to a COVID-19 patient arriving to the Montefiore Medical Center Wakefield Campus in the Bronx borough of New York City on April 6, 2020. (John Moore/Getty Images) He noted that communities across the world will have to develop infrastructure and capacity to defend against the virus, which emerged late last year in Wuhan, China, before turning into a global pandemic. Critics of the CCP have said that mismanagement and a regime-implemented coverup exacerbated the spread of the virus, which causes the disease COVID-19. We are not so sure it will come in waves in the way that influenza does. We think its going to be a virus that stalks the human race for a quite a long time to come, until we can all have a vaccine that will protect us, Nabarro said. In the United States, roughly 2,000 deaths a day were reported for the last four days in a row, the largest number in and around New York City. Even that is viewed as understated, as New York is still figuring out how best to include a surge in deaths at home in its official statistics. President Donald Trump mulled over when the country might begin to see a return to normality. The Trump administration sees May 1 as a target date for relaxing the stay-at-home restrictions, said commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Stephen Hahn on Sunday. But Hahn cautioned that it was still too early to say whether that goal would be met. Reuters contributed to this report. A church member gets his temperature checked at the entrance of a church located in Daegu on Easter Sunday./ Yonhap By Kim Se-jeong Many protestant churches in Korea opened to hold Easter services, the most important holiday for Christians who celebrate the story of the resurrection of Christ, on Sunday, despite ongoing government warnings against gatherings. Sarang Cheil Church in Seongbuk-gu in Seoul has continued to hold worship gatherings every weekend despite the warnings. Last month, the city government ordered a shutdown of the church. City officials were outside the church, trying to stop the gathering, but the church members blocked their access. The city assessed almost 1,200 people attended the Easter service. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Sarang Cheil Church was one of more than 2,000 protestant churches that were open on the Easter weekend there are almost 6,400 registered protestant churches in the jurisdiction. No figure was available for other cities. In March, the central government banned any type of gathering and violators can now be punished with fines of up to 10 million won or up to one year of imprisonment now. Those churches followed social distancing and hygiene rules asking their members to keep a two-meter distance between people, checking temperatures of arriving members at the church's entrance and making sure everyone was wearing a mask. Churches that chose to stay closed held services either online or at drive-in style locations where members stayed in their cars. Most Catholic churches stayed closed. Religious and other mass gatherings are considered a high-potential breeding ground for new infection clusters of the coronavirus. Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu was a prime example of this, allegedly leading to the massive increase of COVID-19 cases in Korea. Last month in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, a nondenominational church became another infection cluster with almost 50 people contracting the virus. The Gyeonggi provincial government was fast in its containment effort by ordering shutdowns of all Shincheonji churches and other churches in the jurisdiction. Seoul also saw infection clusters occurring at a church in Guro-gu where more than a dozen cases were reported at the end of last month. Korea has many megachurches with more than 10,000 members, and it is a point of concern for infectious disease experts and quarantine officials. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80 percent of cases occur from people congregating close together particularly in enclosed spaces. Some churches' defiant attitudes continue to draw criticism. Critics called the churches selfish and lashed out at them saying their motivations are purely financial in nature. Protestant churches rely heavily on members' offerings when it comes to their finances. President Moon Jae-in along with Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and Seoul City Mayor Park Won-soon thanked churches that chose to stay closed and urged others to join the government's effort to contain the virus spread by staying closed. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 21:32:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) denied that it stopped its support for refugees in Lebanon, a local media outlet reported Sunday. "We did not stop our support for refugees. We are still distributing soaps and disinfectants in camps," Lisa Abou Khaled, spokeswoman of the UNHCR, was quoted as saying by Elnashra, an online independent newspaper. The UNHCR is "working on increasing financial support for refugees' families during the current tough times," she added. Earlier this week, Claudio Cordone, director of UNRWA in Lebanon, said his agency, along with other UN agencies in Lebanon, had launched an awareness campaign to limit the spread of COVID-19 among refugees. President Trump has said he's reviewing whether to pull funding from the World Health Organization because he believes it allowed China to get away with hiding the truth about the novel COVID-19 coronavirus within its borders. Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb doesn't believe now is the time to make a decision like that, especially because he's concerned about the virus taking off in the Southern Hemisphere where several countries lack the necessary health infrastructure. But he does think the president raises some valid concerns. "China was not truthful with the world at the outset of this," Gottlieb told CBS' Margaret Brennan on Sunday's edition of Face the Nation, adding that if Beijing had been upfront about things, they may have been able to contain the virus entirely. And he doesn't think the WHO is blameless, either, since it was validating Chinese claims as late as Jan. 14 that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The organization, he said, also didn't compel Beijing to share the viral strains, which would have allowed diagnostic tests to be produced earlier around the world. Instead of getting stripped of major U.S. funding, though, Gottlieb thinks the WHO needs to launch a report into how China handled things. He also echoed an ever-more popular talking point among analysts that the organization needs to "embrace Taiwan's role and allow them to attend the World Health Assembly." As things stand, the WHO has "frozen" Taiwan out, at "the behest of China," Gottlieb said. Tim O'Donnell NEWS: @ScottGottliebMD says the @WHO should commission an after-action report to study "what China did or didn't tell the world" as well as the organization's response. pic.twitter.com/qC9ID87pJE Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) April 12, 2020 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 The backlog for COVID-19 testing in New Jersey is getting worse Indias ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said a consignment of hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial drug being cited as many as game-changer in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, from India arrived at Newark, New Jersey on Saturday. Supporting our partners in the fight against #Covid19. Consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India arrived at Newark airport today, Sandhu tweeted. India, the largest producer of hydroxychloroquine, had agreed to lift the ban on the export of the medicine to the US after President Donald Trump spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on phone. Trump had thanked India for its decision to export the anti-malarial drug to the US, which is the worst-hit country in the world in terms of the number of Covid-19 related deaths. Also read: India steps up medical diplomacy, flies plane loads of medicines to friends Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you PM Modi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight! the US president had tweeted. Also read: India has enough Hydroxychloroquine says govt and specifies who can use it India is also sending the drug to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius and some African countries. One of the early consignments, an Air India plane with 10 tonnes of medicine, was sent to Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The government has also cleared export of Covid-19 drugs to countries such as Spain, Brazil, Bahrain, Germany and the UK in line with the commercial contracts signed with Indian pharmaceutical companies. The United States now leads the global tally and global death toll due to coronavirus as 20,000 people have died so far. The Covid-19 infections in the US have now grown to 529,740 cases. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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. Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) CEO Khalid Anib is urging hotel groups to 'act responsibly' towards employees in the face of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In a message to the hospitality operators, Anib said: "Giant hotel groups operate in different countries, some with strong social security systems while others offering weak or totally inexistent support, leaving employees at risk when forced out of work." "During my career, this is the third time when employees are being either made redundant or forced to take unpaid leave on a large scale." "Operators once again are sending their compassionate newsletters to the hotels, whilst employees are in desperate need of financial help due to their countrys social welfare failure." In his message, Anib urged operators to act responsibly and share a tiny portion of their generous fees collected during the previous years to support the staff across all levels, particularly associates at the properties; and to seriously consider creating some sort of solidarity fund dedicated to preserve the dignity of employees should something like this arise in the future. "The hospitality industry all over the world has been dramatically disrupted by the ongoing drastic measures imposed yet critical to preserve life," he noted. "The main focus facing every hotel owner today is how to deal with this unprecedented challenge of occupancies having reached unbearable levels in a very short period of time with growing uncertainties around the rebound and related timing," he said. "Forcing employees to be on paid / unpaid leaves is unfortunately necessary to partially reduce payroll costs; owners will continue to bear in full all other employee benefits: accommodation, food, insurance etc along with other massive fixed liabilities such as loans and interest repayments / building maintenance and insurances / necessary capital expenditures and others," he noted. Having strong empathy towards employees despite the importance of preserving the cash to back up the above expenditures, Anib recommended the release of a portion of each employees accrued end of service benefit to financially help them to support their loved ones back home during such difficult times. "I would like to thank our Board Executive Committee members for approving and supporting this initiative. I remain optimistic and confident that the industry will bounce back soon, meanwhile Stay home, stay safe and God bless us all," he concluded. - TradeArabia News Service The number of Covid-19 cases in Pakistan crossed the 5,000-mark on Saturday, and nearly half of them are from Punjab province alone. The Ministry of National Health Services said that 254 new infections were reported in Pakistan, taking the total number to 5,038. The nation-wide breakdown of the patients showed that Punjab has 2,425 cases, Sindh 1,318, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 697, Balochistan 228, Gilgit-Baltistan 216, Islamabad 119 and Pakistan occupied Kashmir 35. In the last 24 hours, 14 people have died in the country due to Covid-19, taking the total number of dead in Pakistan to 86. Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar told the media on Saturday that the government has been losing one-third of its revenue and exports had already dropped by 50 per cent due to Covid-19. The minister also said that 144 billion Pakistani Rupees would be given to 12 million families under the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme (EECP). This was the biggest relief package in the countrys history, he announced. Umar said that Prime Minister Imran Khan would chair a meeting of the National Coordination Committee on Coronavirus on Monday on whether to extend the lockdown or ease restrictions after April 15. The coronavirus crisis is going to take a heavy toll on Pakistans economy, the World Bank said. In a report based on country-level data till April 7, the bank said that Pakistan, along with Afghanistan and the Maldives, is expected to fall into recession. Pakistan economy is expected to shrink by up to 2.2 per cent, the World Bank report further said The US on Sunday overtook Italy as the country with the highest number of deaths due to Covid-19 pandemic with the fatalities crossing 20,000. Globally, the novel coronavirus that originated in China in December has killed 108,862 people and infected over 1.7 million people globally. The US has the highest number of infections at 529,887, according to Johns Hopkins University data. By ANI CHENNAI: On the occasion of Easter, members of CSI Immanuel Church in Chennai distributed food among the municipal corporation workers amid coronavirus outbreak. "Usually we would be busy and occupied with Easter celebration. But this time, we are unable to spend time at church. We prayed and live telecast on Facebook and YouTube. Today we shared food with the needy and we are happy to do that," Pastor E.david said. This includes workers, sanitation staff and street cleaners. Meanwhile, Rev Charles led the prayers at All Souls' Church in Coimbatore on Easter, without the presence of any devotees as mass gathering have been suspended. Prayers were live-streamed live on Facebook for members of the church. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion on Good Friday. It also marks the culmination of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance. However, this year, the public rituals had to be canceled amid 21-day COVID-19 lockdown, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24. Tributes have been paid to two Filipino hospital porters thought to have died after contracting coronavirus in Oxford. The men, named locally as Oscar King Jr and Elbert Rico, were described as popular and hard-working members of the team at the citys John Radcliffe hospital. Both men were married to members of the nursing team at the hospital, the trust said. Fundraising pages were set up in the names of both workers following their deaths. Mr King Jr, believed to have worked at the hospital for 10 years, was described as a beloved friend, loving husband, and devoted father to his 10-year-old daughter. His wife had also been taken to hospital after suffering severe symptoms, according to the GoFundMe page. A page set up for Mr Rico said he had worked for the hospital since coming to the UK in 2004, adding that he loved the work that he did. A GoFundMe page set up in honour of porter Oscar King Jr (GoFundMe/PA) He was always hard working and would prioritise others needs firsts. He would walk around the hospital with a smile on his face and very rarely would he call in sick from work. The news comes days after the death of Filipino nurse Leilani Dayrit, who worked at St Cross Hospital in Rugby. A GoFundMe page set up in her memory said she had worked for the NHS for 16 years and described her as a ray of sunshine to those people who were fortunate to meet her. A Commons library report published last year found that more than 18,000 Filipinos work in the NHS, third only to the numbers from Britain and India. The Philippines also provided more nurses and clinical support staff than any other country outside of the UK, the study found. Lola McEvoy, NHS organiser for the GMB union, said the porters deaths was awful, awful news. Support staff in our NHS are risking their lives to protect us. The sacrifice to our country of those who have lost their lives must never be forgotten, she added. Ministers broken promises on PPE have exposed frontline workers to increased risk. Protective equipment is not just a precious resource its an absolute necessity to protect lives. Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: Staff across health, care and key local services are facing huge risks and pressures. These deaths will heighten anxiety and show why the Government must sort any problems with PPE supplies immediately. By Gwynne Dyer 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," Nadia Calvino, Spain's deputy prime minister and economics minister, said 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 percent of people's normal salaries for at least three months, up to a maximum of 2,500 pounds ($3,000) a month, if their employers will just keep them on the books. Even freelancers and "gig" workers are not being forgotten (80 percent of the income they reported for taxes, averaged over the past three years). And all this from a Conservative government. Canada is paying workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak $2,000 Canadian a month for up to four months. Even the U.S. government will be providing its citizens with two $1,000 checks over the next three months (plus $500 extra for each child) and they don't 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 don't 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 favored: 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). There's 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? It's certainly a good policy politically, because those who benefit from it will probably vote for you. It's 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 programs, plus the cost of administering all those programs, 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 World War II 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 people's 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. Gwynne Dyer (gwynne763121476@aol.com) has worked as a freelance journalist, columnist, broadcaster and lecturer on international affairs for more than 20 years. He is the author of "Growing Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work)." On Saturday evening (April 11), members of Prince Edward Islands harness racing industry hosted another episode of Virtual Tack Room, the fourth episode of a series created to bring some positivity to the world of harness racing during the dark days of racing. Red Shores' Lee Drake & Peter MacPhee and race historian Jerry McCabe interviewed Earl Smith, Vance Cameron and Hon. Darlene Compton. Longtime Maritime horseman Earl Smith took a trip down memory lane to the 2008 Gold Cup & Saucer where he drove his trainee Pownal Bay Matt to an upset victory. The horse was trained down and then sent to me, we finished training him and raced him a few times. He was a class horse - he had a lot of injuries but he was so classy that he came back from them all. Winning the Gold Cup & Saucer was a great feeling. Its too bad that everyone in the business couldnt experience what it feels like to win this race. It took me a while to get my wind after winning the race, its like winning the Stanley Cup or any other big league win, its something else. Voice of the Gold Cup & Saucer and track announcer Vance Cameron announced Earl Smiths victory with Pownal Bay Matt in what he considers the greatest Gold Cup & Saucer of all time. The race was also voted as Canada's Best Race Call in 2019. I never go back and listen to my race calls again too often - in every Gold Cup & Saucer youre going to get the BOOM call and the Over to the half call but that day, going to the five-eighths and I saw Earl Smith was sitting third over and he looked to have lots of horse and then theyre going up the backside and you give the bridle to bridle - toe to toe call, I really thought when they rounded the turn and hit the seven-eights and you could see all nine horses, does it get any better than this? My race calls are not something that I plan but the race to me at that time because all the horses were so close, I had to come up with the greatest Gold Cup & Saucer of all time even without all the pageantry we usually have because we were racing in the afternoon. To see Earl Smith coming hard on the end of it when Ive been an Earl Smith fan for a very long time, to see a guy that you have watched try to win this race so many times and then win is something else - because everyone who has grown up in the Maritimes or has anything to do with the Maritimes wants to win the Gold Cup & Saucer. Hon. Darlene Compton, Minister responsible for harness racing and Finance Minister for PEI discussed the current COVID-19 situation in Prince Edward Island noting that the situation is very surreal and stressed how important it is to follow protocols. Compton also discussed her introduction into the world of harness racing and what this industry means to her. I didnt get to go to the CDP very much as a child but Pinette Raceway was where I really got the appreciation and love for harness racing. Its carried with me my whole life and is still with me today. To be the Minister responsible for harness racing is a privilege and I am so thrilled to be able to do what I can for the industry as well as push the agenda for everyone involved in the business. My Grandfather was my first connection to the business - and he was quite the character. He never had a car but he always had a racehorse. So, on Saturdays when they would have the races at Pinette my Grandfather would drive the horse to the track, race the horse, cool them down and then drive the horse back home. Those were my earliest memories of the harness racing industry and there are a lot of very good memories." The episode of Virtual Tack Room was produced by Universum Media and is available below. The US Air Forces Thunderbirds squadron performed a flyover over Las Vegas on Saturday, April 11, to pay tribute to first responders battling against the coronavirus on the front line. The air force described the flyover as a way to show appreciation and support for the healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel who are working on the front lines to combat COVID-19. The flyover featured eight F-16 Fighting Falcons flying above Las Vegas for about 25 minutes. According to the air force, the Thunderbirds flew over 18 Las Vegas hospitals in total. As of April 12, Clark County, Nevada, officials reported 2,258 positive cases of COVID-19, and 96 deaths. Credit: US Air Force Thunderbirds via Storyful Our weekly roundup of books that should be on your radar. We love stories, and even in the age of Netflix-and-chill, there's nothing like a good book that promises a couple of hours of absorption whether curled up in bed, in your favourite coffeehouse, or that long (and tiresome) commute to work. Every Sunday, we'll have a succinct pick of books, across diverse genres, that have been newly made available for your reading pleasure. Get them wherever you get your books the friendly neighbourhood bookseller, e-retail website, chain store and in whatever form you prefer. Happy reading! For more of our weekly book recommendations, click here. *** FICTION A Ballad of Remittent Fever: A Novel By Ashoke Mukhopadhyay, translated by Arunava Sinha Aleph Book Company | Rs 699 | 293 pages Ashoke Mukhopadhyays novel is set in the early years of the 20th century, when Calcutta is gripped with deadly diseases like the plague, cholera, typhoid, malaria, and more. Added to this is a people suppressed by the British rule and World War I looming large ahead. The novel follows Dr Dwarikanath Ghoshal and his family as they try to fight the diseases and cope with the world around them. Read more about the book here. BIOGRAPHIES and MEMOIRS Paresh Maity: A Portrait of the Artist in the World Art by Paresh Maity; photos by Nemai Ghosh; text by Ina Puri Westland | Rs 4,999 | 370 pages The recently deceased Nemai Ghosh photographed prolific figures of Indias film and art community. In this book, along with text by biographer Ina Puri, he documents the life and work of artist Paresh Maity, who Ghosh accompanied on his travels. The two had met at an exhibition in Kolkata and decided that Ghosh would document Maity, resulting in this book. Akbar: The Great Mughal By Ira Mukhoty Aleph Book Company | Rs 999 | 624 pages Author Ira Mukhoty writes a detailed biography of Akbar, the third Mughal emperor, including his ambitions, mistakes, bravery, military acumen, empathy, and trailblazing efforts to reform governance. It also discusses his open-mindedness about religion and gender, and his curiosity about the world around him. Read more about the book here. NON-FICTION White as Milk and Rice: Stories of India's Isolated Tribes By Nidhi Dugar Kundalia Penguin Random House India | Rs 399 | 256 pages Journalist and author Nidhi Dugar Kundalia details the history, way of life, and customs of six of Indias isolated tribes, as they face radical change over the past century. The tribes include the Marias of Bastar, the Halakkis of Ankola, the Kanjars of Chambal, the Kurumbas of the Nilgiris, the Khasis of Shillong, and the Konyaks of Nagaland. Read more about the book here. The Dictionary of Hindustani Classical Music By Pandit Amarnath Penguin Random House India | Rs 499 | 240 pages Indian classical vocalist and composer Pandit Amarnaths book explains the various terms associated with Hindustani classical music, from avaart and kharaj bharna to moorchhana and shrutee, making them accessible to anyone interested in the art form. He discusses the terms of both, their etymology and implications in musical practice and listening. He also includes short profiles of masters in the field. This present version has been updated by Rekha and Vishal Bhardwaj. Read more about the book here. YOUNG READERS India's Space Adventure (Let's Find Out) By Biman Basu Red Panda | Rs 210 | 80 pages Journalist and author Biman Basus book takes readers through Indias achievements in space and space technology, from the first rocket launch to the challenging moon missions. With pictures from NASA and ISRO, the book informs about Indias adventures in space, as well as how one can be part of these adventures. CURRENT EVENTS My Hero is You: How kids can fight COVID-19! By Helen Patuck The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings has released a story book that helps children understand and deal with the coronavirus outbreak. It is the joint effort of over 50 humanitarian organisations, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Childrens Fund, and Save the Children. Aided by Patucks lively illustrations, it explains to children how they can protect themselves and loved ones, and manage difficult emotions. Download the book for free in English and various language translations here. Matthew Thornton gets very little sleep these days. The Liberty-Dayton Regional Medical Center CEO stays up into the wee hours worried about how he will replace the dwindling supplies he needs to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Liberty County has about 100,000 residents with less than 100 hospital beds, including about 25 at the Liberty-Dayton Regional Medical Center. The health system in the area has a small margin for error and with a high demand for personal protective equipment around the country draining supplies, he can only hope Liberty County doesnt see a large jump in COVID-19 cases, he said. Liberty County had 19 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the office of emergency management. Stimulus package: 401(k) withdrawals just became a better option We have supplies on hand, but we have the potential to run out before were able to get some more in, he said. Finding PPE Thornton is turning to the public and asking for help in acquiring some of the supplies that may be lying around at home, in their shops at work, or even a contact that can help them acquire the life-saving equipment. More Information A way to help Those interested in donating items should call 936-336-7316, ext. 149 and ask for Jordan Skinner. Drop off donations will be through the Travis Street entrance Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To volunteer, call Skinner at the same number. He will ask for your name, DOB, address, email address, and phone numbers. This allows hospital to begin credentialing and verifying license status. See More Collapse The shortage didnt grow through a lack of trying to close the gap, he said. Thornton said it is hard to procure personal protective equipment for his staff and other agencies on the front lines. Often he has companies contact him and tell him they have the supplies only to find out they really dont and put them on a list to get them. Then the insult to injury comes with ridiculous prices for shipping. One company wanted to charge us $300 shipping for 12 masks, he said. He even reached out to the spouses of his employees who work in nearby chemical plants for PPEs, but the companies were unwilling donate their supply. We have been trying to order for weeks and have been unable to source these items through any medical vendor or other vendor that we could identify. We have requests in with state organizations who acquire this at the state level, but there are no guarantees of what or when any of it will be delivered, the CEO said. Now hes asking the public for their help in donating protective gear, specifically N-95 masks, surgical masks, surgical or isolation gowns, gloves (boxes only, unopened), hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial or anti-microbial soap, disinfectant spray/wipes, face shields, and safety goggles. Bill assistance: Entergy suspends service disconnections indefinitely We are also accepting homemade masks, but these will only be utilized in the event there are no more medical grade masks available, he said. Thornton confirmed they didnt have anyone in the hospital at the current time with COVID-19. Currently, there are 25 beds at the Liberty-Dayton Regional Medical Center and the rest are divided between the Cleveland Emergency Hospital, and Texas Emergency Hospital in Cleveland. They routinely use PPE daily for infectious diseases like the flu. If patients with COVID-19 started rolling in, they would only be able to sustain themselves for three days, and seven days if none were hospitalized over night. We are better prepared than most hospitals our size with ventilators, he said. He didnt want to give a specific number but said they were about five times more than their typical rival. Testing limitations Testing the countys patients who are symptomatic has been an issue. The hospital has done numerous tests, but they must drive them to the Department of State Health Services lab in Houston. Our turnaround time is typically two days, although weve had a couple that took a little longer but for the most part they average two days, said Thornton. Were a little more stringent on who we test. Were not just testing everybody because they have sniffles. Were strictly following the DSHS criteria, he said. They have hospitalized some patients who were admitted while they waited on results to come back, but at this point, all have returned negative. I wish we were doing more testing, he said. Cleveland ISD Students adapt to distance learning To that end, he has sought to purchase an analyzer from Abbott Laboratories, but they are reserved for the virus hot spots who are the focus of much of the supply line. Theyve got us on a list but wont give us any indication as to when well receive one, he said. Preparing for a surge In the meantime, they already have a plan for isolating coronavirus patients if they come in, he said. One team of medical staff personnel will care for those in one part of the hospital away from the regular operations of the care center. Keeping them in one spot means fewer people will have contact with them, and its better that way, he said. Thornton says they have contingency plans for another hospital if necessary. The plans are in the works. We wouldnt set up a mobile hospital outside of our footprint because of staffing issues, he said. If FEMA comes in, we have already identified sites that could potentially be used. We would work with them to make it happen. He has also identified surge capacity, or an influx of patients at one time. We have the ability to add a significant number of beds within the hospital. The biggest problem at that point becomes staff and providing the appropriate nursing care, Thornton said. His head of nursing has already reached out to local colleges to pursue any nursing students who might be able to help. We dont necessarily want volunteers off the streets who have no medical experience. We can get those pretty easily if we need them. We dont want to expose anyone unnecessarily. Were really looking for certified people to help us out, he said. Thornton is not an island. His colleagues throughout the county participate in a ZOOM call on Mondays during lunch time. The callers are from every part of the frontline defense in hospital personnel, doctors offices, EMS, fire, and law enforcement officials. We try to take care of each other if theyre short on gloves, gowns, or any other supplies, he said. Thornton promised any excess would go to support the EMS crews, fire department, and law enforcement in Liberty County to assure they are protected too. Seeking volunteers Thornton said they would use the volunteer nurses to help take care of the routine patients needs. Weve also begun building a volunteer list and the state also maintains a list as well, he said. We could pull staff from there too. That includes, but is not limited to, RN, LVN, PA, NP, physicians, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, lab techs, phlebotomists, radiology techs, and other experienced support staff. It is important that we not take away from any providers who are continuing to care for patients. This may be a great opportunity for some college students who may be home right now as well as retired or furloughed healthcare workers. dtaylor@hcnonline.com An EMT tends to a COVID-19 patient arriving at the Montefiore Medical Center Wakefield Campus in the Bronx on April 6, 2020. (John Moore/Getty Images) New York State Reports Lowest Net COVID-19 New Hospitalizations on Record New York state has recorded the lowest number of net new COVID-19 hospitalizations since officials began keeping records in mid-March. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the number of patients in the states hospitals due to COVID-19 increased by just 53 people on April 11, the lowest total since March 16, the first day on which the state calculated a tally and reported an increase of 94 patients. The three-day moving average of new hospitalizations in the state has dropped for eight of the past nine days. This is the number that we have been watching because the great fear for us was always overwhelming the hospital system, the capacity of the hospital system, Cuomo said during his daily pandemic briefing on April 12. Weve added capacity. Weve moved equipment around. But the great fear was always overwhelming just the raw capacity of the hospital system and the number of beds. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks to the press at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York on March 27, 2020. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images) People gather to watch the sun set behind the Throgs Neck Bridge at Little Bay Park in the Queens borough of New York City on April 8, 2020. (Frank Franklin II/AP Photo) New York quickly became the worst-hit state in the nation after reporting its first case on March 2. The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, claimed 758 lives in the state in a single day on April 11. Somebody asked the question once, Can you ever get numb seeing these numbers? Unfortunately, no, Cuomo said. While hospital metrics suggest the state is at or near the apex of the pandemic, the number of deaths remain high because those who succumb on a given day may have entered hospitals days or weeks ago. The trend in the state is driven by gradual improvements in New York City, which account for the biggest portion of the cases and deaths in the state. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on April 12 that the citys need for ventilators has declined again. An average of 70 patients were placed on ventilators during the week ending April 12, down from 200 to 300 two weeks prior. A total of 9,385 people have died of the CCP virus in the state. Of those, 6,367 died in New York City. Cuomo issued an initial two-week stay-at-home order on March 22 and has since extended it until April 29. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Brenda Goh (Reuters) Wuhan, China Sun, April 12, 2020 09:15 639 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd1447f1 2 Health China,wuhan,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free China reported on Saturday a rise in new coronavirus infections, mostly in travelers arriving from abroad, as doctors in the central city of Wuhan, where the virus initially emerged, warned its behavior was still not well-understood. Tough curbs imposed in China since January have reined in infections sharply since the height of the pandemic in February, although it has spread worldwide to infect 1.6 million people with 100,000 deaths. But Chinese authorities fear the possibility of a second wave triggered by arrivals from overseas or asymptomatic patients. "We can't say that there is no such potential risk," said Wang Xinghuan, president of Wuhan's Leishenshan hospital, its second built especially for virus patients. While some experts do not expect a big second wave, thanks to China's stringent controls, the possibility could not be ignored, he told reporters. "At present, from the hospital perspective, our understanding of the virus is still very insufficient," Wang said, during a hospital tour organised by Wuhan officials. For instance, it was not immediately clear how infectious asymptomatic people were, he added. Doctors in China have seen some differences in virus behavior from that experienced in Europe and the United States, said Zhao Yan, a doctor at Wuhan's Zhongnan Hospital. "The most obvious one is that in Europe and the United States quite a few people lost their sense of taste and smell, (but) we saw very few such cases," Zhao told reporters. The National Health Commission said 46 new cases were reported on Friday, including 42 from abroad, up from 42 a day earlier, as Hubei province, whose capital is Wuhan, reported no new cases for a seventh successive day. Of the new imported cases, 22 were in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, where Chinese nationals crossing over the border from Russia figured in a recent spike in cases. Read also: China seeks to contain 'silent carriers' of coronavirus Provincial health officials said all the new imported cases also involved such instances, though the province had one new local case in its capital, Harbin. Elsewhere, Inner Mongolia had a daily tally of 27 new imported cases by Saturday morning, also all from Russia, the region's health authority said. The region's city of Manzhouli, along the border with Russia, said it was preparing a new hospital to treat virus patients that would be completed on Tuesday. The rise in cases from abroad has spurred authorities in the southern city of Guangzhou to step up scrutiny of foreigners, ordering bars and restaurants not to serve clients who appear to be of African origin, the city's U.S. consulate said. Anyone with "African" contacts faces mandatory virus tests followed by quarantine, regardless of recent travel history or previous isolation, it said in a statement, advising African-Americans or those who fear being targeted to stay away. China detected 34 new asymptomatic cases on Friday, down from 47 the previous day, according to the health commission. Mainland China's tally of infections now stands at 81,953. The death toll rose by three on Friday to 3,339. The Police in Delta state have arrested three clerics for allegedly violating governments lockdown order by conducting Church services on... The states Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Warri.He listed the Churches to include: Saint James Anglican Church, All Saints Anglican Church and Christ for the World Mission, all in Warri.The DPOs A and B Divisions apprehended one each while the Area Commander in Warri arrested one, all totalling three, Onovwakpoyeya said.The pastors are- Rev. David Nnamani, Vicar, All Saint Anglican Church; Rev. Dan Obong, General Overseer, Christ for the World Mission and one other.Also speaking, Warri Area Commander, ACP Mohammed Garba said that the clerics were detained alongside about 20 of their followers.They had almost 100 worshippers in one of the Churches, you can imagine. We are going to charge them to court on Tuesday, Garba said.The two of erring pastors said they were holding fellowship, not full scale services before they were arrested.It was just a fellowship with neighbours and not a full scale Church service, one of them said. Too often the people of Westmeath are victims of circumstance. Most winters, they battle against rising water, because land on the banks of the Shannon is vulnerable to flooding. Last winter was no different, but this was nothing compared with the deluge of Covid-19 cases the county has had to put up with in recent weeks. It seems Westmeath has fallen victim to circumstance again, resulting in clusters, pubs and Cheltenham playing key roles in Westmeath's coronavirus story. It was one of the first counties with a suspected case and until a surge in Cavan last week, Westmeath was the worst-affected county outside Dublin. Yet, does this rural county appear to be worse off than more urban settings like Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford? At the end of February, a group of 35 students from Castlepollard Community College returned from a mid-term break trip to northern Italy with four of their teachers. Soon afterwards, one of the pupils felt unwell. He had worrying symptoms. A doctor was consulted, swabs were taken and the boy was isolated while Covid-19 test results were pending. Contact tracing commenced. The school trip itinerary did not include travel to parts of Italy that were then affected by Covid-19. A list of places the boy visited with classmates was analysed. It was determined he could only have contracted the deadly virus at Milan Bergamo Airport on his way home, but even this seemed unlikely. "Security in the airport was a bit different to what you would usually expect," a source with knowledge of the trip told the Sunday Independent. "People were keeping their distance, passengers had their temperature taken, and he was never in a confined space for a minute with anyone." It was widely believed the boy was Westmeath's patient-zero, but then his test results came back negative. It remains unclear how Westmeath first contracted coronavirus. This weekend it accounts for 152 cases, significant given the size and rural sprawl of its population. According to the Central Statistics Office, 89,000 people call Westmeath home. This means, per capita, it has a higher number of cases than every other county except for Dublin and Cavan. Per 100,000 people, Westmeath has had 171 cases. The Breffni County only surpassed its southern neighbour last week after a huge spike in cases was linked to a cluster at Cavan General Hospital. Some locals feel Dublin had a role in the high volume of cases in Westmeath. Other CSO data shows more than 1,000 people living here commute to the capital every day for work. Map data produced by the State's statistics agency shows many of these commuters are congregated around Mullingar, in the east of the county and near the M4. Local minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said commuting should be dismissed as a reason. "People are starting to ask questions about the clusters in Westmeath," he said. "They want to know is it in Athlone, Mullingar, Kinnegad. Some people think it is because people have been commuting up and down to Dublin because Liffey Valley is just 45 minutes away on the motorway, but it's not. It has got in to the communities early. The commuting stopped when people were told to work from home." He was reluctant to expand on why the area was so badly hit, instead insisting people must focus on preventing further spread of the virus. However, mayor for the Mullingar municipal district and Independent councillor Michael Dollard was happy to give his view on why eastern parts of the county have been badly hit. Mullingar is home to at least one nursing home cluster and another bunch of positive cases in other healthcare settings. Pubs in the area were also the focus of attention for contact-tracing teams working to understand how the virus has been spreading here. He blames the cancelled Ireland-Italy Six Nations match for attracting supporters to the county when they had no game to attend. "The second issue is a big number of people from Mullingar went to Cheltenham last month," he said. There is little evidence of Italians having a role in transmission of the disease locally, but many people are concerned about the role a bumper week in Cheltenham has had. Westmeath is home to a sizeable hunt club community, and, according to Horse Racing Ireland's directory, seven trainers are based in the county. There is a keen interest in the sport here. The Sunday Independent spoke to five trainers last week. None of them visited Cheltenham. Four of them knew people who had made the trip across the Irish Sea for the festival. "I know five or six people who travelled over and came back with it," one trainer said. "Not all of them had it [Covid-19] but I know some of them did, and people some of them would be in contact with had it." There is anecdotal evidence this had a role in community transmission around Mullingar, and this has been backed up by a health professional source in the county. "Cheltenham will play a role in the Covid-19 cases in many counties, especially around the midlands," they said. Many locals claim to know a group who travelled to the festival and visited a pub in Mullingar on the way home, before continuing to another establishment nearby. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), which has been compiling Ireland's Covid-19 data, just three pubs across the country have been linked to a coronavirus cluster. However, two of these pubs are in the midlands. The Sunday Independent understands at least one of these cluster pubs is in Mullingar. Half of the country's clustered cases have been linked to either a nursing home or a hospital. Mullingar's regional hospital is not home to a cluster but patients are being treated there. Newbrook Nursing Home in Mullingar has confirmed it had a cluster of six cases. The six include both residents and staff. They have not amounted to fatalities. In some cases, residents have already made a full recovery and returned to the nursing home after receiving treatment in hospital. Health professionals in the area attribute Westmeath's high coronavirus figures to testing. "When you look at anywhere there is a high number of cases, you need to look at how many tests are being carried out," a health source in the county said "High levels of testing will uncover more cases and it appears we are testing more than other counties. "To really measure this issue, you need to look at deaths, but the coronavirus deaths in Westmeath are in single figures. "They are very low. What has happened here is more people are being tested and the contact tracing is more effective. That is why it is possible to link cases. "Mullingar hospital is uniquely placed, too, as it can actually test cases. Other counties are sending samples to parts of the country where there are backlogs." So once again, Westmeath seems to have fallen victim to circumstance. The local HSE team said testing has been a key part of the response. "The rate of illness is not attributable to any particular setting and reflects widespread testing. All protocols in relation to restricted movements, isolation and contact tracing are being followed," a HSE Midlands spokeswoman said. "Testing for Covid-19 is a key element in pandemic control and has been implemented in these various settings." Phuket Property Guide: Pandemic and property How will the current global situation affect the Phuket property sector? Given the economic uncertainty unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there seems to be a widespread belief that this should have some kind of a knock-on effect on the Phuket real estate sector. Many potential buyers see this as opportunity to hunt for bargain basement prices in the months ahead. propertyCOVID-19Coronaviruseconomics By Thai Residential Sunday 12 April 2020, 10:30AM Image: Mohamed Hassan / Pixabay But will the likely economic slowdown we face really lead to lower prices across the board? Well, this remains to be seen. While there may be bargains to be found on global stock markets, the multitude of discounted properties which many are expecting (and hoping) to find in Phuket may never materialise. We did hint at this in our last article, and promised to expand upon it. Everyone loves a good deal, and finding a property bargain is especially gratifying. Properties regularly hit the market at ridiculously attractive prices, and these get snapped up almost as soon as they are listed. While we have seen such bargains already this year, their sale price had nothing to do with coronavirus or its aftermath. A highly motivated seller someone who must liquidate a property quickly may list a truly cut-price villa or condo, but such owners in Phuket are very rarely that desperate to sell. This owes much to Phukets foreign real estate sector being a cash market with almost no borrowing. We estimate that only 1% of properties sold to foreigners here have any bank lending, so neither unemployment nor a credit crunch is going to affect mortgage payments. The peaks and troughs found in other property markets around the world are generally caused by credit drying up and the subsequent risk of foreclosure. Because this is a systemic problem across the broader economy, some people are forced to fire sale their home, either to avoid losing it completely or to plug holes elsewhere in their finances. Phuket does not experience the same volatility because there is virtually no borrowing/leverage in the market. In the last 20 years, Phuket has faced bird flu, SARS, the tsunami, military coups and red-shirt, yellow-shirt political disruptions. Globally we have seen 9-11, the dot-com bubble popping and the 2008 global financial crisis with its destructive credit crunch. Each of these events resulted in a contraction in tourism, but not once in the last two decades did we see property prices fall significantly. Instead, prices stagnated for a period of time a sideways movement rather than a collapse. Sellers of real estate in Phuket are very rarely desperate for money because, unlike sellers in most other countries, they did not borrow beyond their means to finance the property in the first place. Saying that, we may yet see motivated sellers begin to reduce prices to make their properties more attractive. People sometimes buy the dream and their irrational or emotional purchase may have cost them significantly more than their property was worth. After a period of denial, and if money becomes tight, they may need to raise cash quickly, finally cutting their losses and offloading the property at a lower price. But this is highly unlikely to occur on a scale that would precipitate the same widespread drop in property prices seen in other countries. For every bargain that comes on the market in Phuket there are 25 people who have been hunting that bargain sometimes for months. Such a deeply discounted property is sold before most people ever saw it listed. Most of the bargains found today are properties bought 10 years ago (or more) by people from countries such as Sweden, Russia or Australia. Their currencies have depreciated against the baht, so even by selling at a supposedly low price, the stronger baht means they are still making a tidy profit in their home currency. There has also been a change in rental focus by property owners, but this actually started a year ago or so in the wake of the government enforcing short-term rental regulations. Owners began to shift their attention from the holiday market to longer-term residential rentals, and this trend has intensified due to the recent drop off in tourism. Because the foreign residential population today is significantly higher than it was during previous crises, it has been no real struggle to find tenants. Owners must accept slightly lower annualised returns than they would have received with holiday rentals, but they are not panicking and they are certainly not selling. Finally, we must mention the tourists who are not traveling to Phuket at this time whether by personal choice or due to national travel bans. Nearly EVERY airline is offering some form of credit for travel to be completed either by the end of 2020 or within 12 months. We have spoken with hundreds of people who have postponed their trips, but they are all planning to be in Phuket by the end of the year. We dont know when travel bans will be lifted. We dont know when tourism will return to normal. But we do know that every significant hit to Phuket tourism in history has been temporary, and Phuket always bounces back. We can expect nothing less this time. This article was provided by Thai Residential, creators of the 2018/2019 Phuket Property Guide. To view the 2019/2020 Thai Residential Phuket Property Guide online, visit thairesidential.com/phuket-property-guide. You can also contact Thai Residential directly at Email: phuket@thairesidential.com or Tel: +66 9484 11918. Sumi Sukanya dutta By Express News Service One of Indias best-known epidemiologist and former principal of Christian Medical College, Vellore, Dr Jayaprakash Muliyil tells Sumi Sukanya Dutta that the country should prepare for a continued battle with Covid-19. Emphasising why herd immunity is important, Dr Muliyil says that hiding will always make a person susceptible and if the elderly are protected and transmission is allowed in the younger population, in a staggered manner, it can work. We are now into the third week of the nationwide lockdown, how effective has it been in terms of containment of COVID-19 outbreak? Lockdown serves the purpose of reducing transmission, which might occur at an exponential rate. It is difficult to make people participate in such an exercise because a majority of the Indians wont even understand what a virus is. In one sense, it has created awareness among the people and I hope the population practices social distancing measures in the weeks to come. Of course, not everybody would have learnt but a good proportion of people now know how to reduce the chance of getting infected and for that alone the lockdown has made a difference. Two main things that have been achieved areslowing down transmission and creating alertness. The number of fresh coronavirus cases that we are seeing every day has been considerably higharound 800-900 cases on some days despite the lockdown. Why is that? I wonder if anyone thought we will get rid of the virus completely through the lockdown. The idea was to slow down transmission and whether it was a success or not subsequent analysis will show. The chances are that there was a small dent in the rate of transmission. Also, it gave us time to prepare ourselves for the grim situation of dealing with a high number of people approaching hospitals. The reality is we should prepare ourselves for a continued battle. How do you see Indias effort in containing the outbreak? Could we have done anything differently in the beginning for instance, essentially quarantining all international travellers coming to the country since early March maybe? This is a new disease and all the information we have accrued is over the last four months but its clear that a country like India could not have prevented the virus from establishing the foothold. Now, small countries like New Zealand have managed to contain it and thats because those societies are much more organised and people follow directions. We, on the other hand, are a huge country with diversity and education and income levels that vary vastly. We could not have stopped travels overnight. We eventually did but infectivity and transmission of the disease is something that made the virus extremely viable. Its also a helpless situation even for the governments. Lets not get into blame games. We have to move away from the institutional quarantine of every positive person. Those with mild symptoms can be home quarantined. at home. You have spoken about natural herd immunity to overcome the epidemic? What does that mean? Whenever a new virus emerges they have an easy way around because everyone is susceptible and the pathogens travel from person to person at will. You can try and keep yourself protected but for how long? Somewhere along the line, it will catch you. Viruseslike measles, Influenza, induce an immune response and that can kill the viruses completely, thats the blessing we have. After someones body has killed the virus the body forever remembers that pathogen and you become immune to it for the rest of your life. I believe, SARS CoV 2 behaves like many other viruses and triggers an immunological response in individuals. Those who recover after battling it will become protected from it. After a sizeable proportion of the population becomes immune to a virus thats called herd immunity and a virus finds it hard to thrive because its difficult to find a host thats vulnerable. In the case of Influenzathe population that required herd immunity to stop the epidemic was 40 per cent. Once we reached 40 per cent in a localitythe epidemic seized. It was like magic. So a locality and then a country has to reach a certain level of herd immunity. For COVID-19, we do not know what that level is but with analyzing the data as it emergeswe will know that. People sometimes say its not a good strategy but its not a strategyits the natural journey of an epidemic whether you like it or not. The only thing is that during the process many people can die and the elderly above 60 will be the most susceptible. The rate of death among younger people is very low but even if one young person per 1,000 dies due to the disease, the absolute number could be significant because we have a huge population. The infection, therefore, must be slowed down. Are you saying that the government should allow slow progression of the disease in order to achieve herd immunity? Remember, if you keep hiding you always remain susceptible. The virus causes just mild symptoms in the young and in people above the age of 60 years, the mortality is high. In India, nearly 12 % of the population is over 55, so a large chunk of the population is not vulnerable in terms of fatality rate. In my view, if the elderly are protected and transmission is allowed in the younger population, in a staggered manner, it can work. For instance, big gatherings should be avoided and social distancing should be maintained. But societies and industries should be allowed to function at a slower rate. Young people who catch the infection will mostly keep recovering. But that doesnt mean it wont come back again. It might come back in a year or so but by then, we may have a vaccine to protect all. You are suggesting protecting the elderly but can that be possible in a country like ours? At the family level, the elderly can be kept in a room and though WHO suggests a distance of one meter, I will say follow the rule of maintaining at least two meters distance. Remember, maintaining a physical distance, for the time being, is important. There is a chance that they might still get infected but it will reduce the spread. Having said that I do understand that in some areas like urban slums, it will not be easy. New Delhi, April 12 : Since the lockdown, the three Rajya Sabha members from Delhi are feeding the needy and also distributing grain packets among them. Speaking to IANS, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sushil Gupta said, "From the day one, I am trying to support people with the help of non-government organisations and social workers. We started with distribution of 2,000 food packets a day. It has now reached 7,500 packets. I am monitoring it and visiting slums and JJ clusters." "This is apart from the food packets distributed by the Delhi government through the MLAs," said the AAP MP who is distributing food packets in Outer Delhi, West Delhi and Northwest Delhi. N.D. Gupta, another AAP MP, is getting food prepared at his official residence for distribution by the government agencies. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had a discussion with the party MPs about helping the poor and needy. Sanjay Singh, another party MP, who has been distributing ration to the needy, said, "We aim to provide ration to 25,000 people." He has donated his one month salary and is motivating more people to help the poor. "Until now, we were serving cooked food. Now we are supplying grain as per our capacity and the requirement," Singh said. Last month, he had started a kitchen at his residence in the North Avenue to feed the poor. But after a coronavirus case was found in the area, the kitchen was shut. "We are supplying packets of rice, flour and pulses to about 4,000-6,000 a day. We are also taking help of our local teams, if we run short of food for distribution," he said. The fight against the first wave of this pandemic, experts say, depends on data, a hyperlocal ground campaign and an ability to put all resources into battle for an intense couple of months. That sounds an awful lot like an election campaign which raises some interesting questions about how the tools of modern politics could be repurposed in the fight against COVID-19. Its now accepted wisdom that a pandemic is no time for politics. But election campaigns are basically mass exercises in communicating with citizens and nudging their behaviour in one direction or another. Coincidentally, so is the fight against a pandemic. Tom Pitfield ran the big-data operations for the past two Liberal election campaigns and his company, Data Sciences, has also worked with political parties in several other countries, including Britain and France. He stresses that hes not doing any work for Justin Trudeaus government right now (hes also an old family friend of the prime minister.) But Pitfield does see parallels between the efforts to get people out to vote and getting them to stay home. In election campaigns, an uptick in voter turnout can shape political parties fortunes, he points out. In a pandemic, an uptick in compliance with physical distancing can save lives. Pitfield says that political parties not just the Liberals have become extremely precise in knowing where their support is, and where it isnt. The same approach, knowing which segments of the population are going along with social distancing and which arent, could focus public-health efforts at compliance, he suggests. Canadas chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, said this week that officials are looking at innovative ways to bump up compliance on physical distancing inside government and outside. Apps are being studied in different places, Tam said, citing work being done by Google and other media giants. Those innovative tools tell us something about how our public health measures are working. Some of the technological weapons for the pandemic fight are raising privacy flags. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney floated the idea this week, for instance, of using phone-tracking apps to enforce compliance with quarantine and isolation as part of the relaunch strategy his province is planning to move out of lockdown. Facebook has also been rolling out research in recent days about social connectedness using its vast reams of data (anonymized, it says) to track how the virus and its effects are moving. All the major political parties have big databases of citizens, too, which theyve been building for years outside of any privacy-protection laws. Facebook data has been part of the information theyve found valuable in identifying and motivating citizens. I talked to a number of strategists Conservative and Liberal about whether anything in those political-party databases could be useful to the government in this pandemic, whether in providing economic relief to citizens or in contact tracing; tracking down people who have been exposed to the virus. But they were generally agreed that the value of their data was inadequate for a task of this scale. (None wanted to talk on the record.) Not the right kind of info, one strategist said. The contact tracing we have is very elementary, said another. One pointed out that while the virus is attacking in local pockets of the country, the governments massive aid package is not all that micro-targeted its more blanket relief or one size fits all. When the federal government released its data-modelling scenarios for COVID-19 last week, it stated that Canada didnt really have one epidemic, but a series of regional epidemics. The virus, like political pros, it seems, breaks the country down into demographic segments. One government insider said he could foresee a time, somewhere down the road, where it may be possible to isolate where the containment efforts are working better and worse. In that case, the government might want to consider targeting their efforts demographically like the political pros do. In the meantime, though, the public-information campaign in this pandemic is largely being waged by political leaders holding daily press conferences people not unfamiliar with a battle that requires data, micro-targeting and intense battles that stretch into weeks and months. Inspector-General of Police Vivek Sharma on Sunday sang 'Hum Honge Kaamyaab' to encourage the police personnel working round the clock amid COVID-19 crisis. He also boosted the morale of the officers and said that this fight will be definitely be won. "We will win the battle again COVID-19 if we all stay united without fear. Don't be scared of the corona. Some of us will definitely fall during this battle but we won't let others fall. If we keep walking like this, peace will definitely be there," said Sharma. His message comes at a time when the city's COVID-19 toll increased to 32, after samples of two individuals who had passed away earlier, tested positive for the coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Music director Kevin McCann wont be surrounded by his usual 10-person praise group during Easter Sunday services at Saints Peter and Paul Church. Instead, hell be playing the psalm This Is the Day the Lord Has Made on guitar alone as the priest enters the empty Great Meadows church. A cameraman will livestream the ritual for hundreds of its members online. Its not going to be as glorious as it normally would have been. Using the new technology, we can at least get the mass out to people, said McCann, 60. The show must go on. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, worshippers in New Jersey wont be packing into pews on what is normally the highest-attended service of the year, and one that takes months of meticulous planning. But churches across the state are using creative tactics to stay connected and bring consolation to congregants during dark times albeit from a safe distance through Facebook and Youtube. To make the Saints Peter and Paul Church appear less empty, leaders are asking parishioners to drop off pictures of themselves at the church to be taped onto pews on Easter, McCann said. In Sayreville, Pastor John Wagner, his wife and a worship director sat in their Epic Church International offices reviewing a medley about Jesus resurrection for Easter in late February. That was the last face-to-face meeting Wagner had about the holiday services, after Gov. Phil Murphy on March 12 banned gatherings of 250 people. Since then, Wagners team has tweaked their plans: Scrapping most rehearsals and gearing the message to the current crisis. The need for faith now is greater than ever, Wagner said, as people face job and income losses, illness and worry for whats to come. Camera feed from Sunday church service at Epic Church International which was affected by the coronavirus. Church members were told to stay home and service was broadcast over the internet, less than 25 people attended (staff and essential volunteers) the service in Sayrevile, N.J. March, 15, 2020 Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for Over the past month, Wagner said, his church has received a number of prayer requests from those impacted in some way by COVID-19. Several congregants have tested positive themselves, Wagner said. For a lot of people, they have to deal with the internal storm of fear and anxiety about the future, their finances, the wellbeing of their loved ones. The message will be similar but tailored to the crisis that were in, he said. Theres peace available, there is comfort, there is courage. Its our responsibility to calm as much as possible the storm. Some states have deemed church an essential service" and are allowing Easter worship to proceed even as public health officials warn that large gatherings could be a major setback in controlling the pandemic. But all Catholic churches in the Archdiocese of Newark are locked to the public. Some elsewhere remain open for private prayer. Although social distancing is still in effect, we remain the gathering of Gods people, the Church, united in Christ, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of Newark, said in an Easter message for parishioners. We need not be afraid. He is with us always. With everyone staying home, churches are starting to feel a financial strain. Wagner said offerings are down at least 10 percent, and possibly more, since physically passing the donation basket during services became impossible. Online donations have a renewed importance. The Archdiocese of Trenton and Newark both set up emergency COVID-19 funds, allowing people to donate either to the diocese or to a specific church online. The money will help each diocese fund its own operations and social services. Cancellations have dealt a staggering blow to our parishes, which are primarily dependent on the weekly offertory given so generously by the faithful," The Diocese of Trenton said on its website. When the parishes are faced with such a sudden drop in offertory, the Diocese of Trenton is also left without a means to fund all that it does on behalf of the faithful. For the Rev. Lynn Weber, its been a steep learning curve figuring out how to stay connected with her congregants at the Church of Atonement in Tenafly. Over the past month, she mastered Facebook Live as a way to hold prayer sessions for nurses, the sick and those in financial difficulty. Easter Sunday services will be uploaded to Youtube, without a big choir or brass instrumentations, she said. But the church is still reaching worshippers in other ways. Weber said the church organized a water bottle donation drive for one of its members, who is a nurse at a Hackensack Meridian hospital in need of supplies. She has also been anointing sick parishioners through Zoom calls, instead of visiting hospitals rooms or homes. Everything is being done in a different context, but the message of Easter is that no pain or suffering that we face in our lives is the end," Weber said. Easter will have a special meaning for people this year, even though they will be sad they cant be in the church. A sign outside the Rutherford Congregational church on Union Avenue.George McNish | For NJ Advance Media 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. Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AvalonZoppo. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. The Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has made public, more information about the identity of the states index coronavirus case. The Governor disclosed that the infected person is a 75-year-old retired civil servant and former Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As previously reported by Naija News, Kano State on Saturday, reported its first confirmed case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Giving further updates on the development, Governor Ganduje disclosed that the state government took the blood samples of 10 suspected cases to Abuja three days ago in which nine came out negative, while that of the former Ambassador was positive. He is a 75-year-old retiree and former Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He travelled to Kaduna, Lagos and Abuja, and came back to Kano on 25 March, 2020, Ganduje stated. The Governor further added that, today, it is confirmed that we have a case of COVID-19 in Kano. The former Ambassador has no history of travelling abroad in recent times, but medical reports confirmed that he has health complications. The patient has already been taken to Kurna Dawakin Kudu Isolation Centre where he is receiving adequate attention. Speaking further on measures put in place by the government to contain and manage the disease, the Governor, who spoke at the Government House, ordered that tricycles in the state will henceforth be allowed to carry only one passenger as part of measures to prevent the escalation and further spread of the virus. In his words, Indeed, it is a sad moment for us. This is an occasion that we are not happy with. I am unhappy to inform the people of Kano State that today (Saturday), we got a patient who tested positive for COVID-19. Ganduje confirmed the state has adequate facilities to manage the situation and efforts have been activated to trace all those that might have had contact with the index case. There in kurna Dawakin Kudu, we have 70 beds, ventilators and other facilities. What we are doing now is to trace those he has contacts with. We learnt that he attended a marriage ceremony, we are trying to get those who he had contacts with at the marriage ceremony. We also learnt that he attended Mosque last Friday, we are also tracing those who had contacts with him. He also confirmed that a Private Hospital where the former Ambassador had gone for normal treatment before he was found to be COVID-19 positive has been shut down and all contacts traced. He urged members of the public to adhere strictly to directives as given by the health experts to contain further spread of the coronavirus infection. Social distancing in places of worship should be strictly observed. We must take drastic actions. In the markets, business will no longer be as usual. We will hold a meeting and find out those markets that must operate. We must remain in our homes so as to save lives. People should bear with us. We know that the measures we are taking are hard, but the public should bear with us. We have made adequate arrangements for protective items for our doctors, nurses and other health workers. We are also working out some remunerations for our frontline doctors and nurses, he stated. Share this post with your Friends on Manipur police on Sunday arrested 302 people for violating the lockdown norms to combat COVID-19 pandemic in the state, a senior police officer said. The arrested people were produced before a court which imposed a fine of Rs 24,600 on them for violating the lockdown to combat COVID-19 pandemic in the country, a press release issued by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), in- charge of law and order, L Kailun said. The police appealed to the public to remain at home for safety of personal life and for all, the press release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Area rescues are still committed to animal welfare during the coronavirus pandemic. Midland Animal Shelter Adoptables (MASA) rescue and Permian Basin Animal Advocates are continuing to match fosterable and adoptable pets with owners during this unprecedented time. Both rescues advise people to look at their lifestyles before committing to foster or adopt. Tracye Gearhart, president of MASA rescue, said she hasnt seen an increase in people wanting to foster but said people shouldnt jump into fostering or adopting a pet now when they have time because after the pandemic they might not have as much time to devote to an animal. She said she is concerned about the current stay-at-home orders and quarantines people are doing because people will return to work eventually. When their lives return back to a somewhat new normal, are they going to no longer have time for the dog or are they going to surrender that dog? she said. The rescue has a time we call them the Christmas return puppies. Find a best friend --Midland Animal Shelter Adoptables https://www.facebook.com/PBAnimalAdvocates/ Applications are available at http://masarescuedogs.org/be-a-foster/ -- Permian Basin Animal Advocates https://www.facebook.com/MASAdoptables/ Applications are available at https://pbanimaladvocates.com/ See More Collapse A lot of the puppies adopted at Christmas time are returned by February because puppies grow up, Gearhart said. She added that she is trying to remain optimistic that people will continue to commit to that dog or cat they are fostered or adopted after this quarantine time has ended. MASA rescue transports animals to other states at the end of every month to help alleviate the population at the Midland Animal Shelter. She said they are trying to prepare people who are fostering dogs that the dogs might be in their care for longer. We are keeping a thought in the back of our mind that our transport might not go at the end of the month. The dogs might not be able to leave at the end of April, Gearhart said. As soon as possible, we will get them out when our receiving rescue in the other state says its safe to bring them in. She said they currently are going through applications and trying to place dogs in a successful foster situation, which includes where the foster owner resides, whether it is an apartment or a home with a backyard. The foster-based Permian Basin Animal Advocates has seen an increase in applicants, according to secretary Jillian Verta. I would say weve had a few more people fill out foster applications, which is great because weve got people at home now, and I know a lot of animal shelters across the country are promoting while youre staying home fostering an animal, Verta said. She said animal shelters are dealing with a whole different issue because they are brick-and-mortar facilities that have to abide by rules during this time. Verta, who moved from Illinois a few years ago, said she didnt realize that there were still kill shelters. Coming down here is a completely different world, she said. As far as animals being surrendered, theyre always being surrendered. When the price of oil is high, theyre being surrendered, or when the price of oil is low, theyre being surrendered. She said there is also the issue of animals being dumped on the streets. There (are) a lot of animals that arent even in the shelters that we try to basically intercept because we dont want them to have to go through that, she said. Fostering can be difficult as well, Verta said. She said that when she started fostering, she developed an emotional attachment to the animals, which was a problem. For other people it might be an adjustment, she said. Some people dont like change, and as much as we would love to say that every single animal we rescue is 100 percent perfect; theyre not. A lot of them have been through traumatic experiences. She said foster animals are usually being treated for multiple issues, from something as simple as mange to something as extreme as having a limb amputated. Those can be things that people dont think about, she said. They just think theyre going to cuddle a dog for a couple of weeks. Verta said they are always looking for people willing to foster, and this might be a good time because they have more time to commit. We have foster applications for anybody who is interested in helping out. We would absolutely love you to reach out and be a part of what were doing, she said. *** Permian Basin Animal Advocates postponed its fundraiser, K-9 Eggstravaganza, which had been scheduled for April 4. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant at the Bushehr province in southern Iran will cease operations starting from today (April 12), said Mahmoud Jafari, executive director of Iran Atomic Energy Production and Development Company and deputy director of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Trend reports citing AEOI. According to Jafari, the operation of the nuclear power plant is suspended for the purpose of fuel change, inspections and repairs. Jafari added that one of the main purposes of changing the fuel now is to keep the plant operational during peak summer electricity consumption. The official said that hopefully, with the completion of work on Unit 1 of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the plant will return to operation at the scheduled time. "The first power unit of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has generated about 43 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity since its commissioning and handed over to the country's electricity grid. Also, 7.2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity have been generated at the station since the change of fuel last Iranian year (late April)," he said. Jafari said that a group of experts from the World Association of Nuclear Operators conducted an evaluation program at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in the last Iranian year (March 21, 2019 - March 20, 2020). According to the assessment, the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is in the top five among the member countries of the association. Electricity produced at the 1st power unit of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran began to be delivered to the Iranian electricity grid on Sep. 3, 2011. In Latin America, COVID-19 has almost everyone staying at home, distracting school and work patterns. One major positive change is the significant drop in killings and burglaries that typically disrupt daily life throughout much of the region. Relatively, in Rio de Janeiro, a well-known crime-ridden Brazilian state, killings with the use of guns during the past month were ranked third of the same period last year. Meanwhile, El Salvador, considered as one of the deadliest nations in Latin America, recorded the least number of homicides in history. While in Caracas, the frequently lawless Venezuelan capital, crime has dropped to almost zero. Unfortunately, though, there are offsetting circumstances, like in the U.S., where domestic violence has seen a rise as abusive people are now spending long hours with defenseless children and partners. Moreover, distinctive to the region-gangs running vast swathes of territories are establishing control, frequently imposing government lockdown or distribution of food, as the so-called "self-appointed guardians of civic responsibility." Recorded Murders Dropped In Medellin, Colombia, in March, 18 murders were reported and recorded, a number which was 46 percent lower than last year and the lowest recorded in four decades. Even Rio reported a 50 percent decrease in shootouts since the lockdown began. Meanwhile, in El Salvador, last month's record of 65 murders was said to be the lowest-ever recorded. The crime data of Mexico, also for March, as opposed to those of the majority of the region. According to the report, they were up, including lootings and murders. However, Mexico jumped international trends last month by keeping the shops and markets operational, shutting down society only towards the end of the month. The Situation in Other Areas Is Different On the contrary, gangs in San Salvador have imposed quarantines and extorted crowds as well, which prompted the government agencies "to collect the $300 promised them" as part of the recovery and incentive project. According to San Salvador's intelligence chief, he sent government offices to penetrate the crowd that sought its payments, and they acknowledged numerous criminal gang members. U.S. law enforcement intelligence specialist Paul Consoli said even "his house cleaner could not come to work" as the 'Muchachos' or the gang ruling the streets where she lived barred anyone from going out to lessen the infection rates. Meanwhile, in Colombia, rebels from the group of terrorists that inked a peace deal with the Administration in 2016, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, have stayed active. Concerning this, a brochure released in March claimed to come from the rebel group directed those who lived in the areas where they are operating to stay inside. The said group threatened sanctions to anyone who disobeys. There is also a rise in domestic abuse. According to Colombian Vice President Marta Lucia Ramirez, the government is using several properties sequestered from money-launderers and drug-traffickers, which include hotels, warehouses, and buildings, to house women who escape from abuse at home. The official data present that towards the end of March and beginning of April, "calls to report domestic violence" in the country doubled from 602 to 1,221 over the same period last year. Check these out! Congratulations, pearatpikeplace.com got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Pearatpikeplace.com scored 85 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 4/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 12 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. pearatpikeplace.com is very popular in Facebook and Twitter. It has 110 twitter followers. Furthermore its facebook page has 164 likes. Add a widget like this on your site: click here The total number of people who shared the pearatpikeplace homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the pearatpikeplace homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the pearatpikeplace homepage on Twitter + the total number of pearatpikeplace followers (if pearatpikeplace has a Twitter account). This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the pearatpikeplace homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if pearatpikeplace has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the pearatpikeplace homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. Basic Information PAGE TITLE Welcome | Pear Delicatessen & Shoppe DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS shoppe, pear delicatessen, delicatessen, order, seattle, the shoppe, our kitchen The title found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords 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. Domain and Server DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE ISO-8859-1 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux Character set and language of the site. Type of server and offered services. Operative System running on the server. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) The language of pearatpikeplace.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for pearatpikeplace.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/pearatpikeplace DESCRIPTION Pear Delicatessen & Shoppe is one of the premier delis in the city of Seattle. www.pearatpikeplace.com206.443.1926Hours:Mon-Sat: 8am-7pmSun: 9am-6pm LIKES 164 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT 1 PAGE TYPE Local business TIMELINE PAGE TIMELINE The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The type of Facebook page. The URL of the found Facebook page. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK FOUND TWITTER PAGE twitter.com/#!/pearatpikeplace DESCRIPTION Pear Delicatessen & Shoppe is one of the premier delis in the city of Seattle. ACCOUNT CREATED ON 17 Apr 2010 LOCATION 1926 Pike Place TWEETS 19 FOLLOWERS 110 LISTED 8 South Africas economy could contract by 3% for each month it spends in lockdown, according to a report by the City Press. Investec economist Annabel Bishop said that a lockdown of one month could result in a contraction of 3% and, if it lasts for another month, South Africas economy could see a 6% contraction. The World Bank has also warned that South Africas GDP could contract by eight percentage points due to the national lockdown and the effect of the coronavirus pandemic. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has also stated that the countrys budget deficit could be more than 10% of its GDP this year. This is comparable with historic lows of 11.6% during World War I in 1914 and 10.4% during World War II in 1940, the City Press stated. Lockdown extension President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 9 April that South Africas national lockdown would be extended by another two weeks until the end of April. We are only at the beginning of a monumental struggle, said Ramaphosa. If we end the lockdown too soon, we risk a resurgence of the disease. He added that risk-adjusted measures will be assessed to ensure certain businesses can return to operation. The priority for the government is to ensure there is not a massive loss of life, while at the same time not allowing the economy to collapse. This will see healthcare efforts ramped up, along with financial packages for local businesses. Massive job losses Efficient Group economist Dawie Roodt recently told MyBroadband that between 100,000 and 200,000 South African businesses could be shut down permanently due to the impact of the coronavirus and the governments lockdown. This would result in massive job losses across the country, with Roodt estimating that 1 million jobs could be lost in South Africa in 2020. Roodt explained that the South African economy was already in dire straits before the virus came into play. The South African economy was in a recession before the virus, so it was contracting in any event, Roodt said. We actually were in crisis and now we have a crisis on top of a crisis, and we were losing jobs in any event. The average South African has been getting poorer every year for the past six years and our unemployment rate just keeps on going up every year, he said. Neanderthals used plant fibers to create string more than 40,000 years ago at a site in France where they hunted reindeer, further evidence according to scientists of the ingenuity and cognitive capabilities of our closest extinct human relatives. Researchers on Thursday described a string fragment - comprised of three small bundles of fibers twisted together into a cord - associated with a stone cutting tool that may have been used to skin animal carcasses. The string dates to an occupation by Neanderthals at the Abri du Maras archeological site in southeastern France, 30 miles (50 km) north of Avignon, between 42,000 and 52,000 years ago, where they apparently hunted reindeer during seasonal migrations. It represents the latest evidence to debunk the stereotype of Neanderthals as our dimwitted cousins. The oldest indication of string-making by Homo sapiens dates to 19,000 years ago at a site in Israel. The cord, as well as fiber technology in general, is an example of an infinite use of finite means, said anthropologist Bruce Hardy of Kenyon College in Ohio, lead author of the research published in the journal Scientific Reports. Strings and rope can be used in many ways: Tying tools onto a haft, snares, bags, nets, et cetera. Fiber technology in general is foundational in our society - from strings and ropes to tie things together, clothing, and even twisted wires used as cables in construction of modern buildings, Hardy added. The quarter-inch-long (6-mm-long) fragment apparently was made from fibers from the inner bark of a conifer tree. It may have been used to bind the stone-flake blade - 2-1/2 inches (6 cm) long and 1-1/2 inches (4 cm) wide - to a handle, or perhaps been part of a bag or net that ended up under the tool. Other studies have shown Neanderthals used complex group hunting methods, may have used spoken language, used pigments probably for body painting, used symbolic objects and may have buried their dead with flowers. They disappeared a few thousand years after Homo sapiens swept through their Eurasian homelands roughly 40,000 years ago. Study co-author Marie-Helene Moncel of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris said Neanderthals should be considered on their own merits rather than merely comparing them to our species. If we want to compare a pear and an apple, we observe the characteristics of the two fruits: Different but both good depending on what you prefer. How to compare them? They are just different, Moncel said. Neanderthals are a group that are typically defined by their extinction, Hardy added. Because we dont see Neanderthals walking down the street with us, we assume that they must have done something wrong. Therefore we tend to look for deficiencies rather than strengths. This evidence suggests that they are not terribly different from us in the way they thought and navigated the world. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Stark Corporation of Thailand has completed the purchase of 100 per cent equity in Thipha and Dong Viet Non-Ferrous & Plastic JSC for $240 million. Stark Corporation PCL found great synergies in its domestic and international markets with the two Vietnamese companies The transaction was implemented by Stark Corporations subsidiary Phelps Dodge International (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading Thai and Southeast Asian wire and cable manufacturer. According to newswire Dealstreestasia, the overall business of the company and the target companies is similar and complement the companys core business and also enhance the competitive advantages of the group in domestic and international markets. The transaction represents the largest inbound private sector industrial transaction in Vietnam in the last three years. according to Mergermarket. It reflects the continued attractiveness of the Vietnamese domestic market, and Vietnams strong regional position within the ASEAN. Thipha is the second-largest manufacturer of electrical cables and wires in Vietnam, with a business presence throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia. It has established strong market positions across the business-to-government and the business-to-business market segments both domestically and overseas. Dovina manufactures copper wire, copper rods, aluminum rods, and processes PVC and XLPE compound plastic products. They are among the 100 largest private companies in Vietnam. Stark Corporation is a publicly-listed investment holding company which focuses on investment in manufacturing and services in the industrial sector. Its core subsidiary, Phelps Dodge International (Thailand) Co., Ltd., is a wire and cable manufacturer with a track record spanning five decades and a reputation for the highest quality and world-class standards. PDITL is a market leader in Thailand and Southeast Asia, and is recognised in both local and international markets in over 30 countries around the world. According to information released by ABB Vina Cable, among more than 200 electric wire production and trading enterprises across the country, only about 20 per cent have products that meet TCVN standards and have invested in building and branding, the rest are industrial enterprises. VIR Kim Oanh Thai Srithai Superware to push investment in Viet Nam Leading melamine maker Thailand's Srithai Superware Plc is pushing its investment in Viet Nam, Vietnam News Agency reported. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an urgent appeal to Nigerian lawmakers to divert the N37 billion for the renovation of the National Assembly complex to all the thirty-six states of the federation. speaking via aIn the letter dated 11 April, 2020 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the human right and accountability group praised the lawmaker philanthropic gesture to Nigerian during pandemic period but also appealed to them to immediately make a public commitment to redirect the N37 billion for the renovation of the National Assembly complex to give N1 billion to each of the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as COVID-19 direct reliefs and benefits to the countrys poorest and most vulnerable people. SERAP said: We applaud the patriotic steps and voluntary contributions already made by the National Assembly towards fighting COVID-19 in the country. We now urge you to make major strides to national efforts to deal with one of the greatest threats facing the country by immediately redirecting the N37 billion to provide direct and tangible benefits to the poorest and most vulnerable people among us. According to SERAP: While some of the authorities responses to COVID-19 across the country may be necessary to stop the spread of the disease and save lives, we are concerned that the prevailing situation has taken its toll on the countrys poorest and most vulnerable people who continue to endure the grimmest of conditions in several states and the FCT. SERAPs urgent appeal, read in part: We also urge you to immediately advise President Muhammadu Buhari and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to urgently implement your commitment to redirect the N37 billion to provide direct and tangible benefits and reliefs to the countrys poorest and most vulnerable people. The money must be spent now to serve the public good. Spending the N37 billion as proposed would increase the ability of states and FCT authorities to provide COVID-19 reliefs and benefits. It would not cause any budget deficit. But assuming it does, it would be a good deficit, as it would serve the public good. Share this post with your Friends on Possibly weve reached the peak of the coronavirus scourge and the numbers of infections and deaths will slow day by day. Slight glimmers of hope, declared Gov. Ned Lamont, though some experts warn we are not yet at the summit. Hope is a welcome and fitting word on Easter Sunday, Passover week, and with Ramadan beginning on April 23. After a month of social isolation, schools closed and most businesses shuttered, hospitals girded for the pandemic hoping medical supplies could keep up with the demand, we are all in need of hope. With hundreds of deaths each tragic to loved ones and thousands out of work, these are anxious times. But as eager as all are to return to a sense of normality, it cannot be rushed. Strict stay-at-home measures must continue for the foreseeable future to avoid a resurgence. Lamont acted prudently on Thursday when he extended isolation to May 20. For one, the glimmer is based more on optimism than statistics. Testing is not widespread enough in Connecticut, or anywhere in the United States, for health officials to determine with certitude the rate of infections. What we do see is inconclusive: Fairfield County, the epicenter of the outbreak in the state, had one fewer hospital admission for one day at the end of last week. It is too soon to declare the worst over. Extending the closing of schools until at least May 20 does put pressure on parents. Its another month of overseeing distance learning and keeping kids on track. Its another month of the glaring disparity in education in which some students, particularly in urban areas, lack Chromebooks from their schools or necessary broadband connections at home. Efforts are underway to address the discrepancy, with the Connecticut Partnership for Education foremost among them, but its gift of 60,000 computers hasnt reached the hands of students yet, given the time needed for procurement and set up. The loss of commerce for another month has some politicians suggesting closures should be week by week. We understand that view particularly with unemployment skyrocketing but weekly milestones prolong uncertainty and hinder planning. Expect the voices to get more persistent. Im as concerned as anyone about this public health crisis, but this complicated situation demands a balanced approach, House Minority Leader Themis Klarides tweeted Friday. Our states economy is unraveling,and a lot of people will wake up today feeling like the scales have tipped from hope to anxiety. This crisis should not be represented as health vs the economy. They are intertwined. And while the unemployment rate is alarming, government measures are mitigating the impact. Lamont on Thursday ordered landlords to give renters grace periods of a few months, unemployment benefits are extended, and the federal government is about to deposit stimulus funds into individual accounts. Businesses should re-open gradually, so theres not a virus resurgence. These are anxious times. But in this season of religious significance for many, let us focus on rebirth on hope. Wuhan Residents Will Face Higher Risks When the Enforced Isolation Is Lifted Mr. Zhang is one of the volunteers in Wuhan who provides help to residents, patients, and medical staff when needed. As he has come into contact with many people, he knows the overall situation in Wuhan. Mr. Zhang: Now Hubei residents and Wuhan residents need to quarantine first if they go to other cities to work. Quarantine for 14 days and then take a nucleic acid test. The costs of isolation and the test are paid by the person. But now, who has the money to pay the quarantine fee? Mr. Zhang: Lifting the closure on April 8th means that Wuhan residents can leave the city. You can go to all parts of the country; but the premise is that, for example, if you want to go to Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen, you need to have an acceptance letter (from the destination city) to go there, otherwise you cant leave. Mr. Zhang: There is a criterion you must meet: You have to find a receiving company. That is, the other party must send you an acceptance letter so you can get a local official stamp. The letter should read: ABC company in Guangzhou received Zhang Yi in Wuhan to come to work. He is an employee of our company, etc. Otherwise you cant leave your neighborhood. As far as I know, that is the situation. Mr. Zhang: With regard to the actual situation in Wuhan, just yesterday someone died in their home. It happened just yesterday. Journalist: So in fact, it is still very risky to lift the closure on April 8th. Mr. Zhang: Maybe the final result will be the herd immunity (method) that Germany and the U.K. have proposed. Whoever is doomed to die will die, and whoever is destined to survive will survive. Mr. Zhang: I heard that the Daily Mail in the U.K. also stated that the numbers reported by mainland China have to be multiplied by 40 to be accurate, because Chinas population density is higher than any other country in the world. Here are the latest developments in Asia related to the novel coronavirus pandemic: - China's imported cases up - China recorded its highest daily toll of imported virus cases, confirming 97 new infections. No new deaths were reported Sunday. The country where the disease first emerged has largely brought its domestic outbreak under control, but it faces a fresh battle against imported cases from overseas, mostly Chinese nationals returning home. - 'Perfect storm' for South Asia - The World Bank said South Asia is on course for its worst economic performance in 40 years because of coronavirus -- with decades of progress against poverty at risk. India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other smaller nations have 1.8 billion people and some of the planet's most densely populated cities, and experts fear they could be the next virus hotspots. The dire economic effects are already in evidence, with widespread lockdowns freezing most normal activity and vast numbers of poor workers suddenly jobless. - Virus spreads in Mumbai slum - The number of coronavirus cases has risen in Mumbai's Dharavi district, one of Asia's biggest slums and made famous by the 2008 Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire". Mumbai council spokesman Vijay Khabale-Patil told AFP Sunday that there were now 43 cases, including four deaths, in the slum. - Philippines' Easter lockdown - Easter is normally greeted with parades, church services and large family parties in the overwhelmingly Catholic Philippines, but these events were cancelled in major urban centres and severely curtailed in the countryside. With churches empty on Easter Sunday, one parish near the capital Manila had parishioners email photos of their families -- there are now over 1,000 pasted to pews. - Tasmanian hospital cluster - At least 35 healthcare workers at two hospitals in Tasmania, Australia, have tested positive for coronavirus, with both facilities to be temporarily closed for cleaning. All staff at the North West Regional Hospital and North West Private Hospital in Burnie, a small port city, will be quarantined for two weeks. - Hundreds of foreigners fly out of India - More than 400 people, mostly Australians, left New Delhi on a charter flight to Melbourne, the Australian High Commission said Sunday. The flight included 430 Australians and 14 New Zealanders, The Hindu reported, adding that further charter flights were expected in coming days. burs-kaf/fox Salman Khan, who is stuck in his Panvel farmhouse due to the lockdown, is finding fun ways to entertain his fans. The superstar gave a hilarious twist to one of his iconic scenes in Maine Pyaar Kiya, his first film as a leading man, and gave a glimpse of what it would look like if it were shot in the times of the coronavirus pandemic. The video shared by Salman on his Twitter account begins with the original scene from Maine Pyaar Kiya, in which he reads a letter from his ladylove bidding him goodbye and leaving a lipstick mark on the wall of glass. The scene ends with him kissing the lipstick mark left behind by her. However, things would be a little different if the same scene were shot in the current circumstances. The second half of the video has Salman recreating the same scene, but with a funny twist at the end. He sees the lipstick mark on the glass wall, but instead of kissing it, he sprays it with sanitiser and wipes it away. If MPK releases now... Happy Easter. Stay focused and stay strong! Salman wrote on Twitter. The tweet got thousands of likes and retweets within minutes. If MPK releases now... Happy Easter Stay focused and stay strong! pic.twitter.com/c4wrrMD0qA Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) April 12, 2020 Salman is currently at his Panvel farmhouse with his nephew Nirvan (son of actor Sohail Khan), while the rest of his family is at their Galaxy Apartments residence in Mumbai. Despite being scared and missing everyone, he said in a video shared on social media that they were staying put and urged everyone else to remain indoors as well. Also read | Salman Khan eats horse food during lockdown, seems to enjoy it: Its damn good Meanwhile, Salman has been doing his bit to help fight the coronavirus pandemic as well. After taking on the financial responsibility of 25,000 daily wage workers from the film and television industries, he sponsored rations for the families of daily wage workers. Salmans close friend and politician Baba Siddique shared pictures of a godown and trucks filled with supplies and wrote on Twitter, 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. Follow @htshowbiz for more The world, as we all know, is a very different place today than it was just a month ago when we saw our first confirmed COVID-19 patient at Danbury Hospital. The news arriving by the hour, if not even more frequently, about the spread of COVID-19 in our nation, state, and communities has understandably resulted in a growing sense of fear and perhaps even helplessness for many about the situation. But whats getting lost in the story are the positive developments that are being made as we all rise to this extraordinary challenge. We have been hard at work at Danbury and New Milford hospitals, and across Nuvance Health, well before we even treated our first confirmed COVID-19 patient, as it became clear that it was only a matter of time before what was (and still is) happening in Asia and Europe would also arrive here. Those preparedness activities and following the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for how to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and effectively care for COVID-19 patients, have helped us immeasurably in dealing with this pandemic. Today, we continue to prepare and execute emergency response activities. For example, Nuvance Health launched Virtual Visits at our primary care practices so doctors can screen patients remotely for possible COVID-19 infections. Virtual Visits are also for primary care patients who want to see their doctor about other health concerns such as colds, viruses, fevers, chronic conditions, new symptoms, and other common illnesses. This effectively has kept more patients home to help reduce the possible community spread of COVID-19, without sacrificing the care our patients need and deserve, especially now. Together with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) and our incredible local and state government and public health leaders, emergency medical services, and first responders, we opened two drive-through collection sites at Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital so people in our communities who meet criteria for COVID-19 testing have a safe and convenient place to go to give a specimen sample for a test; all without even leaving their vehicle. To plan for possible surge scenarios, we prepared two field hospitals together with the City of Danbury, CT DPH, Connecticut Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and Connecticut National Guard: a 25-bed field hospital located outside Danbury Hospital, and 250-bed field hospital located at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. We also launched Nuvance Health Medical Professional Reserves to prepare for possible clinical staffing needs. Were looking for volunteers 18 years of age and older with a clinical or healthcare background to assist us with the projected COVID-19 surge. For people who meet this criteria, please visit nuvancehealth.org/volunteer/now. We are continuing to follow new policies we implemented early on in order to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19, including postponing nonessential procedures and surgeries, limiting visitors at our hospitals and facilities, and screening all employees and approved visitors for risk factors of COVID-19 before they enter our hospitals and facilities. These planning and response efforts are important. But its also imperative that everyone follow the guidelines established by the federal and state governments to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Governor Lamont has signed several executive orders on a daily basis, indicative of how quickly the situation is changing. These include limiting all social and recreational gatherings. We understand these are difficult instructions to accept and follow, but this is a critical time in public health history and its crucial we all work together to ensure these temporary orders are followed. We know this by now but its worth repeating the other important ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. These include: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; wash your hands frequently; cover your coughs and sneezes; and stay six feet away from others. Please continue to postpone nonessential appointments, errands, and travel in order to stay home as much as possible. The CDC is also now recommending we wear cloth face coverings in public settings, such as the grocery store, to slow the spread of COVID-19. I want to assure you that, as of right now, Danbury and New Milford hospitals, and all seven of Nuvance Healths hospitals, still have adequate supplies. We continuously and proactively plan for future need, and we welcome federal, state, county, local, and private support to help us maintain supplies during this pandemic. The magnitude of generosity in our communities is quite amazing. During this challenging time, many people have asked us, What can I do to help? We cannot thank you enough. If you are able to provide financial support or an in-kind donation, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), please consider making a difference at this critical time when the demands on our healthcare system are immediate and growing. For more information, please visit: nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus/givenow Together well get through this. Lets make that our promise to one another. #DanburyStrong #NewMilfordStrong Sharon Adams is president of Danbury and New Milford hospitals, which are part of Nuvance Health. Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 09:32:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- China's policymakers have rolled out a raft of measures over the past week to get the economy up and running to mitigate the impacts of the novel coronavirus outbreak. The following are the latest policies and measures taken during the period: -- More support for small businesses In a joint circular on April 7, the State Tax Administration and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission urged lenders to help small and micro firms with eligible tax payment ratings ease financial strains in resuming work and production. Banking institutions were asked to roll out credit products that suit the need of the businesses, expand credit lines, extend terms of loans, and expedite implementation of the temporary policies of granting deferred repayments. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Friday called for local authorities to take steps to encourage the innovation of SMEs, help them expand market share and offer better services to those companies. -- Stabilize foreign trade, investment China will establish new pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce, support the processing trade and host an online Canton Fair to stabilize foreign trade and investment, according to an executive meeting of the State Council on April 7. In addition to the 59 cross-border e-commerce pilot zones already set up, China will establish 46 new ones and exempt retail export goods in all pilot zones from value-added tax and consumption tax, while encouraging companies to jointly build and share overseas warehouses. -- Keep employment stable The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on April 7 launched a special employment activity for China's job-hunting graduates in 2020. The activity, which will last until the end of July, is part of the ministry's special online hiring project launched on March 20, offering over 10 million positions for job seekers. By the end of March, the country had allocated 9.3 billion yuan (about 132.3 million U.S. dollars) of unemployment insurance premiums for 2.3 million unemployed persons, said Gui Zhen, an official with the ministry, at a press conference on April 10. Meanwhile, 67,000 jobless migrant workers have received 410 million yuan worth of temporary living allowances. A Berks County man was killed Thursday afternoon when he crashed his motorized bicycle, state police said. Pennsylvania State Police in Hamburg said the accident happened at 3:41 p.m. along Tulley Road -- about a half mile south of Pine Hill Road. Police said John L. Hartman, 35, was headed south on the bike when he struck a large pothole along the right side of the road. The bike then flipped end over end with Hartmans head striking the pavement, according to police. Hartman was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email her. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A technical glitch is denying Indian exporters the much needed benefit under the interest equalisation scheme (IES). IES was announced by the government in the Foreign Trade Policy (2015-20), the validity of which was extended by another year recently. A directive from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is all that banks need to pass on the benefits to their exporter customers. The current circular, issued by RBI on February 21, 2019 had instructed banks to pass on the benefit of interest subvention under the scheme only till March 31, 2020 -- the date on which the FTP 2015-20 was due to expire. The extension of the Foreign Policy till March 31, 2021 was notified by the Director General of Foreign Trade on the March 31. However, RBI is yet to officially notify the change to the servicing banks. Under IES scheme, large sector manufacturers and merchant exporters of 461 specified four-digit tariff lines are eligible for 3 per cent interest subvention per annum. The rate of equilisation is 5 per cent for MSME sector manufacturers across all tariff lines. The IES scheme for pre and post shipment rupee export credit is implemented by DGFT, while operational guidelines to the banks are issued by the RBI. Also Read: Coronavirus India Lockdown live updates: Lockdown extension certain; country's COVID-19 active tally at 6,634 In 2018-19, the Union Budget had allocated Rs 2,500 to help exporters through interest subvention. The exporters have already approached RBI through respective export promotion councils to look into the matter. In the absence of the circular issued by RBI for extension to the banks on the pre and post shipment IES availed by exporters from April 1, 2020, the banks are charging full interest at prime lending rate with no benefit passed on to the exporter. The technical issue is adding to the liquidity problems of the exporters, already in trouble due to shipments that are held up due to restrictions associated with the country wide lock down. Also Read: People's Bank of China raises stake to over 1% in HDFC 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. When the Chronicle arrived at the quarantine sites, a total of 120 people had arrived at Bulawayo Polytechnic while about 100 were said to have arrived at UCE as more buses were still on their way with more deportees. The number of COVID-19 cases on USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has risen to 550, the US Navy said on Saturday. In an update, the US Navy said that 92 per cent of the crew members have been tested for COVID-19, with 550 positive and 3,673 negative results, and that a total of 3,696 sailors have moved ashore, Xinhua news agency reported. The data came some two weeks after the ship's captain Brett Crozier sounded alarmed over the outbreak when only dozens of sailors on the ship had tested positive for the virus. In doing so, Crozier was relieved of his command by then-acting Secretary of the US Navy Thomas Modly, who himself resigned later after his remarks lashing out at the captain backfired. US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper has said that the reinstatement of Crozier is not off the table and that no decision will be made until an investigation is complete. "We've taken nothing off the table. What I look to do is hear from the chain of command. My inclination is always to support the chain of command and to take their recommendation seriously," Esper told some American newspapers on Friday. The US Navy has reported 945 cases and four deaths across the branch, according to Saturday's update. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The states first COVID-19 death was reported March 19 about three weeks ago and life as many Oklahomans know it has since become unrecognizable. Following the closure of dine-in restaurants and nonessential businesses, stay-at-home orders and playgrounds wrapped with caution tape, Tulsa officials began recommending this past week that residents don cloth face coverings in public. The covering doesnt necessarily protect the one who wears it, but it protects others in case the wearer is unknowingly infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, serving to limit its spread. County models predict the viruss peak to come this week, and the states is predicted to come within the next three weeks. A driver on the New Jersey Turnpike died early Saturday morning after another car struck the back of his Kia and caused it to strike a concrete barrier and overturn, police said. The crash happened in the northbound lanes of the inner roadway of the highway in Bordentown around 5 a.m., New Jersey State Police Trooper Charles Marchan told NJ Advance Media. The driver of the Kia, who was not identified, was travelling north when a Toyota hit the back of his car, Marchan said. The impact sent both cars into the barrier and they both overturned. It was unclear if the driver of the Toyota, who was also not identified by police, was injured or if anybody else was in the car. No other information about the crash was released Saturday evening. 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. Chennai, April 12 : People who have consulted doctor Kumarappan at Malar Hospital in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam are requested to self-report to the health authorities as he is a Covid-19 patient, officials said on Sunday. "We have made an appeal to the public to self-report if they had any medical consultation with Kumarappan, a Covid-19 patient," District Collector Praveen P Nair told IANS. He said the doctor himself had self-reported after he suspected that he was infected with Coronavirus. A total of 24 persons have been found infected with Coronavirus in Nagapattinam district. According to Nair, the containment zone has been strictly implemented in the district and about 50,000 people surveyed. In Tamil Nadu, eight doctors have been infected with coronavirus. Female prison officers have been raped by male-bodied inmates who self-identify as trans women, a former Minister has revealed. The disclosure was made by Rory Stewart, the ex-Tory Cabinet Minister who oversaw prisons in 2018 and 2019 and who is now running as an independent candidate for Mayor of London. It will fuel questions about policies that have allowed criminals with male bodies to describe themselves as female and demand to be housed in women's prisons. Speaking out: Former Prisons Minister Rory Stewart said there was an issue of those self-identifying as trans women raping female prison officers Mr Stewart told GQ magazine: 'When I was Prisons Minister, we had situations of male prisoners selfidentifying as females then raping staff in prison.' The claim is the first public reference to trans women assaulting prison staff in women's jails, but it follows warnings that allowing malebodied criminals into female jails puts women in danger. It was reported last year there are up to 1,500 inmates who describe themselves as transgender among the 90,000 prisoners in England and Wales raising concerns that some are claiming to be trans to get access to women's jails. In 2018, a transgender inmate was found to have sexually assaulted women in a female prison. Karen White, born Stephen Wood, had been sent to HMP New Hall near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, despite having had neither surgery nor hormone treatment and despite being a convicted paedophile on remand for grievous bodily harm, multiple rapes and other sexual offences against women. In response to concerns about the situation, the Prison Service last year established a dedicated wing for housing some trans inmates at women's jail HMP Downview near Banstead, Surrey. In the interview with GQ, Mr Stewart was asked about so-called 'self-ID' policies, which could mean anyone who identifies as a woman is allowed to go into female-only spaces, such as changing rooms and toilets. He replied: 'I'm instinctively worried about that, partly because when I was Prisons Minister, we had situations of male prisoners self-identifying as females then raping staff in prison. 'So I think if somebody is biologically male, particularly in an environment like a prison, we shouldn't allow that to happen. 'We have to be pretty cautious about how we think that happens in other spaces. 'The important thing is: I think the rights of women to feel safe trump the rights of somebody who's biologically male to enter that space.' The Ministry of Justice recently said policies are in place to manage the risks that might be posed by male-bodied prisoners who say they are trans women. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pratap Bajwa has urged the government to work with the Afghan authorities to ensure there is no Pakistani interference in the probe into the Kabul Gurdwara attack last month. In a letter to Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Bajwa urged the government to ensure all efforts are taken for a fair investigation in the March 25 attack that left 25 Sikhs dead and eight injured. Pakistan had earlier demanded that Afghan authorities hand over Aslam Farooqui, the alleged mastermind and the leader of the ISIL-Khorasan wing, to it. But Afghanistan had declined the request. Pakistan has claimed that Farooqui is wanted for conducting anti-Pakistani activities. Bajwa believed that this demand is an attempt by Pakistan to hide information regarding their involvement in the terrorist attack. The attempt to coerce Afghanistan into handing over the main accused to Pakistan would negatively impact the investigation and further harm the safety and security of Sikhs in Afghanistan, he said. Bajwa also said if Farooqui is given to Pakistan, the nascent NIA case on the attack could also be impacted. Therefore, he urged the Minister to take all steps to ensure the non-interference of Pakistan in these investigations. 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. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jaronda Hinton has heard over and over that she cant be evicted. Her friends, neighbors and the lawyers trying to keep her housed say she can't be kicked out, not while the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread. But today is the day they say the rent is due, she said this week. Were supposed to be out by noon. Im trying to come up with the funds, but its stressful. I dont know what to do. Hinton lives at the InTown Suites Extended Stay in Metairie along with dozens of other people, many of whom lost jobs after the pandemic forced the closure of businesses and crippled New Orleans tourism-dependent economy. Despite a March 18 order from Gov. John Bel Edwards suspending evictions during the pandemic, theres been a spike in the number of hotel tenants evicted or threatened with evictions over the past two weeks, said Alexis Erkert, a lawyer with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services. Motel staff arrested after forcibly evicting long-term tenants in New Orleans East during pandemic A security guard and maintenance worker were arrested Thursday night after they tried to forcibly evict residents barricaded in an extended-st Her office has received calls from extended-stay tenants living in at least a dozen hotels and motels in the New Orleans area since the coronavirus hit Louisiana. We have a stay-at-home order, and people know they have a right not to be evicted right now, Erkert said. But its still happening, and there are no repercussions. Last week, Erkert obtained a restraining order halting an eviction at the Studio 6 Extended Stay in New Orleans East. It had little effect. Shortly after, a motel maintenance worker and security guard cut the locks of people barricaded in their rooms and allegedly ordered people to leave at gunpoint. The maintenance worker and guard were arrested by New Orleans police, but the judge found no probable cause and ordered both men released. The incidents at the Studio 6 underline the apparent legal gray area in which extended-stay motels operate. They are both apartments and motels. Tenants pay monthly or weekly rates but sign no leases and may not have the same protections as people renting houses or apartments. Managers for the Studio 6 did not return calls for comment. A manager for the InTown Suites declined an interview, and the motels corporate office did not return calls. Tenants say eviction notices came after they failed to meet payment deadlines. Motels and hotels have offered a variety of other reasons for ordering people out, from needing to spray for roaches to curbing the spread of coronavirus, tenants' rights advocates say. Some motels have opted to fully shut down and force all tenants out, while others are targeting just the people who fail to pay on time. +18 Story of an illegal eviction during coronavirus: How a New Orleans man got back into his home New Orleans sanitation worker Bobby Parker, 56, spent two weeks sleeping on floors and couches after his landlord locked him out for paying re Adela Connor, who shares a hotel room with her three children, is worried she'll soon be one of them. Conner had been unemployed for months until she landed a job a few weeks ago cooking at a French Quarter restaurant. I had literally worked two days before I lost my job and it all shut down, she said. It started a chain reaction. Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Shes bounced around a few motels, but all my resources are maxed out. Her room is paid up for a few more days. After that, shes not sure where she and her kids, ages 7, 9 and 13, will go. Its up to God to work out, she said. New Orleans City Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen, who helped three Studio 6 families relocate, said the city needs to put teeth into the governors order. We should provide clarity, she said. We dont want hotels to shut down but if youve lost your job and a hotel or motel is your living quarters, you should not be evicted. Besides the arrests at the Studio 6, the New Orleans Police Department has taken a hands-off approach to evictions after the governors order. Hinton and other tenants say the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office has participated in evictions at InTown Suites in Metairie in recent weeks. The Sheriffs Office was unable to confirm its participation in recent evictions and did not return calls and emails asking for clarity on whether it believes the governors order applies to hotels and motels. The governor hasnt weighed in on the matter. In an email, a Governors Office spokesperson said only that there is no legal mechanism to evict someone right now. Cashauna Hill, executive director of the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, said the wording and intent of the order are clear even if its not being followed. +3 Eviction warning amid coronavirus crisis draws outrage in New Orleans: 'People need help, not harm' The notice with the apartment company's name was taped to the front door of a shotgun double in Treme on Wednesday morning. The governor and every health official has said we all need to stay home to slow the virus, she said. Whether youre in long-term or short-term housing, youre covered by the order. If that werent enough, state law prohibits the removal of a hotel or motel occupants during a medical emergency requiring the continued use of the room or campsite. Were in the middle of a global pandemic, said Davida Finger, a Loyola University professor specializing in housing and tenants' rights. I cant think of a greater medical emergency than that. For evictions to stop, Finger said city and parish leaders may need to explicitly forbid removing all people residing in hotels and motels. Otherwise, each eviction must be battled on a case-by-case basis, a strategy that has so far produced few victories and will likely result in more people on the street, she said. Parents and students of a Government school collect rations during the Covid 19 panademic threat on Saturday. (Photo Satish.B) Thiruvananthapuram: The infant came to this world as a symbol of the hope and survival spirit of his mother when the world is celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter. A woman, who recovered from Covid-19 just two days ago, gave birth to a healthy baby boy at government medical college hospital, Kannur, Kerala. This is the first such case in the state and the third in the country. Both the woman and her husband were infected with the virus and were under treatment in the isolation ward at Kannur government medical college. Both of them recovered and the woman was shifted to the gynaecology ward as her due date was nearing. She delivered a baby boy on Saturday through Caesarean section. The C section was done by ensuring all safety and precautionary measures. In his daily press meet with reporters, Kerala chief minister PInarayi Vijayan shared the "happy news" that the woman who was cured of the infection had a baby through Caesarean section. While talking to the media, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that amidst the apprehensions over the global pandemic, there is a piece of good news from Kannur. Both the mother and newborn are doing fine. Congratulations to the medical team, he said. The woman hailing from Kasargod got infected from her husband, who returned from Gulf. "The mother had tested negative. But since her due date was close, she was at the hospital itself. Both the mother and the child are doing well. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the parents and the health officials for taking care of them and the baby," Vijayan said. Kerala reported 10 more cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, taking the total number of patients under treatment in the state for the deadly virus to 228, Vijayan said. Nineteen people were cured of coronavirus in the state, Of the 10 new cases, seven were from Kannur, two from Kasaragod and one from Kozhikode and three of them had come from abroad while seven were the primary contacts of the affected persons. Kasaragod has 123 COVID-19 cases, which is the highest in Kerala, followed by neighbouring Kannur with 44. "A total of 373 people were affected with the virus in the state and presently 228 are under treatment in various hospitals. We have 1,23,490 people under observation in the state. We have also sent 14,163 samples for testing," he said. A 71-year-old coronavirus patient from Mahe, an enclave of Puducherry, died at a hospital in Kerala on Saturday morning. His final rites were performed at Kannur itself in the presence of Mahe police. In Alappuzha, the district administrtation has decided to make use of houseboats in the backwaters as isolation units in the event of any emergency. "We have identified 5,806 beds with attached toilets in Alappuzha from hotels, resorts, hostels and lodges to accommodate patients, if there is a need, as there are not many hospitals in the district", an official said. The chief minister also said "sanitiser tunnels" at some places have been debunked as "unscientific" by experts and information regarding that has been passed on to the district collectors. He said strong action would be taken against those who misuse the essential services, including ambulances. "There was a report that some people were caught at Kozhikode for travelling in an ambulance during the lockdown period. The vehicle was seized. Others had crossed the state borders by walking or riding bikes through or parallel to railway tracks. Such actions will not be allowed," Vijayan said. 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 who might have been infected by coronavirus carriers. The idea is to help national or regional 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. Software 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 such an app after Easter. Britain, Germany and Italy are also developing their own tracing tools. 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 said in a rare joint announcement that user privacy and security are baked into the design of their plan. The technology might serve as a stopgap in the absence of widespread testing for the novel coronavirus, which in the U.S. remains limited after production problems and limited federal coordination of the tests' production and distribution. "It's not a replacement for just having widespread testing, which would be more accurate," said Tiffany Li, a visiting law professor at Boston University who studies privacy and technology. "But clearly we have a huge shortage of tests." Li suggested that Bluetooth signal tracking protects privacy better than the use of other options such as GPS or cell-tower based location data, which would allow centralized authorities access to the information. But it could still lead to numerous mistaken alerts, she said for instance, if someone was in full protective gear or in an adjacent apartment while physically close to an infected person. Pam Dixon, executive director of the World Privacy Forum, said a conversation with Apple's senior director for global privacy, Jane Horvath, assured her that the initiative will protect people's privacy. Sensitive information will stay on individual phones in encrypted form and alerts will be handled by public health agencies, not the tech companies, she said. "I think they've taken care of some of the really big problems," Dixon said, noting the companies say they can turn off the system when it's no longer needed. "The government is not going to have identity information of those testing positive." Asked about the Google-Apple effort at his daily news briefing, President Donald Trump called it "very interesting," but expressed concern that "a lot of people worry about it in terms of a person's freedom. We're going to take a look at that." Security experts note that technology alone cannot effectively track down and identify people who may have been infected by COVID-19 carriers. Such efforts will require other tools and teams of public health care workers to locate people in the physical world, they say. In South Korea and China, such efforts have included the use of credit-card and public-transit records. In general, epidemiologists say contact tracing wont be effective without widely available testing. In the Czech Republic, the plan is to have soldiers perform testing; medical students have been trained to staff call centers for notifying people at high risk of infection. The Czech app will use both Bluetooth technology and geolocation data from wireless carriers and banks to create memory maps that trace the movement of infected people to identify others they came into close proximity within the five to ten days before they tested positive. The hope is to quickly isolate people who may be affected so the virus can be contained and restrictions on movement relaxed. The app builds on a popular cellular-location mapping app used by one in ten Czechs, who number 10 million. Given the great need for effective contact-tracing a tool epidemiologists have long employed to contain infectious disease outbreaks Google and Apple will roll out their changes in two phases. In May, they will release software that will support public-health apps for both Android and iOS phones. In coming months, they will also build this functionality directly into the underlying phone operating systems. On Friday, the companies released preliminary technical specifications for the effort, which they called "Privacy-Preserving Contact Tracing." Frank Bajak and Matt OBrien of The Associated Press wrote this story. AP reporter Karel Janicek contributed from Prague; Deb Riechmann contributed from Washington. PRESIDENT John Magufuli says the government decided not to close its borders but keep them open for humanitarian reasons, as closing them would gravely hurt land-locked countries that are dependent on its ports, especially the Dar es Salaam terminal, for importing and exporting goods. In his message after attending Good Friday prayers at Kilimani Catholic Parish in Chato, Geita Region, President Magufuli said eight countries depended on Tanzanias ports for handling their imports and exports. According to President Magufuli, terminals such as Dar es Salaam harbour were crucial for the countrys economy, adding that closing borders would mean shutting down the larger part of operations, given the huge amount of transit cargo destined for land-locked countries they handle. Land-locked countries that use Dar es Salaam Port services for import and exports are DR Congo, Malawi, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe and some parts of Mozambique and Comoro. He also said currently there are mega projects under implementation by the government, most of which depend on ports to receive equipment and material. Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Mwalimu Nyerere Hydro Power projects are among the undertakings that depend on ports to receive equipment. The country also imports other necessities such as drugs and oil. In his message, President Magufuli urged the public to engage in crop production to protect the nation from likely food shortage. Because of the impact of coronavirus outbreak, the world is likely to be adversely impacted, there is a possibility that we could experience food shortages as a result, he said. Many Christians around the world observe Good Friday on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates Jesus Christs passion, crucifixion, and death, which is told in the Christian Bible. Good Friday commemorates Jesus death on the cross. President Magufuli said so far the number of Tanzanians who have been infected with coronavirus is 32, five of whom have recovered, three have died and about 90 per cent of those infected are in good health. In his message, Dr Magufuli thanked Father Innocent Sanga for a sermon that reminded Christians that the cross represents redemption and death of Jesus Christ and that through the cross God will save the world against various disasters, including coronavirus. He urged all Tanzanians to continue to pray to God to save the world from the pandemic. On 7th April 2020, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) passed a resolution that warrants undisrupted flow of essential goods across the region throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. According to Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, proper logistics will be put in place to enable smooth flow of essential goods such as medical supplies, food, protective gears, spares, agricultural inputs, fuel, as well as food processing equipment whilst ensuring that the pandemic doesnt spread further. With countries increasingly resorting to lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly virus, the regional bloc has set a harmonised mechanism that allows ports within the region to continue transporting essential goods to land-locked members. The move is aimed at enabling land-linked countries in the SADC region to have access to vital goods and commodities to ease the socio-economic impact of the contagion, which has so far spread to over 200 territories. The US death toll from coronavirus has eclipsed Italys for the highest in the world at more than 20,000, as Chicago and other cities across the Mid West braced for a potential surge in victims. The US death toll passed 20,000, while 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. 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. (PA Graphics) 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. 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. 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 pandemics 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. 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. Story continues 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. Shoppers queue in Madrid (Manu Fernandez/AP) 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. Globally, confirmed infections rose above 1.7 million, with more than 100,000 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Close to 400,000 people have recovered. Managing Director of Barony Construction and Tacoa Construction Limited, Mr Henry Tackie, has furiously dared authorities of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to produce or publish evidence of fraudulent charges against him from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Central Regional police headquarters. The soft-spoken Managing Director of the construction company that started over forty-five (45) years ago, noted that some individuals of the university, allegedly being led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah have continuously dragged his enviable reputation in the mud with such spurious and ill-motivated allegations without any proof. According to him, the malicious allegations started last year December with a paid publication in Daily Graphic and its online portal with the hoax claim that the Central Regional Police Command had referred an alleged docket on a case of alleged forgery and fraud involving him (Henry Tackie), to the Attorney Generals Department for advice. He disclosed that the unprofessional story which was hurriedly written to satisfy the desires of its paymasters failed to verify from either the Central Regional police commander whether he was actually arrested for presenting fake documents to secure contracts from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and if there was a docket to that effect or from the Attorney Generals Department if indeed, such a docket had been forwarded to them for advice. Mr Tachie furthered that, the said publication, which lacked the basic principle of journalism was a concocted piece aimed at tarnishing his reputation because there is no docket at the regional command indicating his arrest or forwarded to the Attorney General Department for any advice. There is nothing like fraud against me at any police station. I have never been charged for fraud as being shamelessly speculated by those desperate individuals at UCC. I am daring them to bring out the charge sheet or publish it if there is any. Its so sad that such individuals manning the affairs of such a great university could be peddling lies just to tarnish the image of others, he noted angrily. Setting the records straight He noted further that he was not arrested by the Central Regional police command but that he was invited to following a malicious report by the University of Cape Coast that I had presented fake documents to secure contracts from the University in 2014 after he had filed a contempt case against the Vice-Chancellor and two others. As a law-abiding citizen, I went to the Central Regional Police Command with my lawyer and my statement was taken. I was requested to make available some documents to the Central Regional Police Command since the same case is pending before a high court and was asked to go home without being charged for anything. I subsequently provided all the documents as requested by the Regional crime officer, Chief Superintendent Reuben Asiwoko, he disclosed. He said since then, he has not heard anything from the Central Regional police command or any other police station regarding the issue which is pending before an Accra high court adding that its curious that those individuals in the university continuous to swimming in such baseless allegations as if they were a branch of the police station. Its the state that handles criminal cases such as fraud and not individuals, so if the police had found any evidence of fraudulent activities against me why are they not prosecuting me at the law courts, he quizzes. How We Got Here Mr. Tackie explained that he secured four separate contracts from the UCC with genuine documents which had been completed and was waiting to be paid but the university authorities failed to settle him for unknown reasons. The contracts involved the construction of three-storey regional study centre at Zuarungu in the Upper East Region; the construction of a three-storey multi-purpose building at Cape Coast campus for the College of Distance Education (CoDE); the construction of a three-storey regional study centre for CoDE at Jumapo in the Eastern Region and the construction of office block for the School of Business in Cape Coast. He said before signing the contracts, his company was requested to present a performance bond and advance payment guarantee so we relied on an agent for his services which were backed by payment receipts. Mostly the bonds are issued to confirm with the duration of the contract. But in our case, the bonds had expired because the contracts has exceeded its tenor(2years). In early April 2019, the university under the new Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Gartey Ampiah wrote a letter to my company notifying us of alleged fake bond and gave us a period of seven (7) days to respond to which my lawyers responded within two(2) days with copies of receipts of payments from the agent. But we later realised that the agent was not honest and immediately lodged a complaint at the Police for his arrest and prosecution. The police went to court and secured a bench warrant for his arrest and are currently looking for him. However, out of the four contracts, two have been fully completed and advance payment duly paid by us. The two others are ongoing and are at various stages of completion. The construction of three-storey regional study centre at Zuarungu in the Upper East Region is seventy per cent (70%) complete and the construction of a three-storey regional study centre for CoDE at Jumapo in the Eastern Region is thirty per cent (40%) complete. The Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, on assumption of office, issued a note to TACOA Construction Limited to terminate all projects on the basis of alleged submission of a fake contract for signature and asked the university to set up a panel and report on the petition within a month. Henry Tackie, on his part, petitioned the Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who directed the National Council of Tertiary Education (NCTE) to investigate the alleged illegal termination of contracts by the UCC. But the university allegedly refused to comply with the ministers order and rather through its counsel, Solomon Faakye, took him to the Cape Coast High Court for an order to release the keys to them to get access to the buildings for the use of students even though the university claimed the contracts were secured illegally. Mr. Tackie explained that the Cape Coast High Court, at its last sitting on the case, referred it to the Chief Justice to transfer the case to Accra which is currently pending at High court. Source: Ghanaweb 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 United States passed the grim milestone of 20,000 coronavirus deaths Saturday as huge swathes of the globe celebrated the Easter holiday weekend under lockdown at home. The outbreak has now claimed the lives of at least 20,071 people in the US, which leads the world in deaths and in the number of declared infections -- at least 519,453, according to a tally maintained by Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University. Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe with a population a fifth the size of the US, was also approaching the bleak marker, with 19,468 confirmed virus fatalities. Hopes began to rise in Western Europe and heavily infected parts of the United States that the pandemic was peaking, however, with many looking to China's Wuhan, the disease's original epicenter, where officials were lifting stay-indoors restrictions and life began to return to normal. Schools in hard-hit New York city will remain closed until September to curb the spread of the virus. By Johannes EISELE (AFP) Churches were expected to be empty on Easter Sunday, the climax of Holy Week for the world's two billion-plus Christians, with congregations shuttered at home by global stay-at-home directives aiming to stem a pandemic that has infected 1.7 million and killed more than 100,000. 'Like soldiers' Pope Francis was due to livestream his Easter Vigil from an empty St Peter's Basilica later Saturday, after he presided over a Good Friday service -- also with no attendees -- to kick off the weekend. Pope Francis was due to livestream his Easter Vigil from an empty St Peter's Basilica after he presided over an empty Good Friday service to kick off the holiday weekend. By Vincenzo PINTO (AFP) In a call to an Italian television show Friday, he extolled doctors and nurses battling to confront the pandemic. They "died on the front lines, like soldiers, who have given their lives out of love," he said, according to the Vatican. The pontiff was praised by Italy's prime minister Giuseppe Conte for his "gesture of responsibility" to observe Easter in private. "His words, although spoken far from Saint Peter's Square, which was wrapped in an unreal silence, have reached everyone," said Conte. Worshipers 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. Madrid Civil Protection paramedics in full protective gear wheel a homeless man suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus in Madrid on April 11, 2020. By OSCAR DEL POZO (AFP) In the United States a handful of priests and pastors snubbed rules and medical advice and risked arrest announcing they would hold public services in their churches on Sunday. But most were putting services online, and some were innovating with "drive-in" blessings -- though that also risked enhancing the spread of the virus. Leveling Meanwhile the hardest-hit countries of Europe, and the centers of infection in the United States -- New York and New Orleans -- were seeing signs that infection rates were levelling off. 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) Newly-reported coronavirus deaths in France fell by one-third from Friday to 635 on Saturday. "A very high plateau for the epidemic appears to have been reached but the epidemic remains very active," said French health official Jerome Salomon. "We must absolutely remain vigilant," he added. British PM recovering 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. 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) Although global infections stand at 1.75 million, according to an AFP tally of official counts, the real number is thought to be much higher, with many countries only testing the most serious cases. In New York and New Orleans, hopes were that a slowdown in the number of new infections, deaths and hospitalizations is pointing to a leveling off in the crisis. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the state's Governor Andrew Cuomo and were involved in a public disagreement over reopening the city's schools. De Blasio announced that classrooms would remain closed until the start of the school year in September, prompting Cuomo to snap back at his daily news conference that it wasn't the mayor's call. "We may do that, but we're going to do it in a coordinated sense with the other localities," Cuomo said, claiming authority over the matter. Many experts and the World Health Organization are cautioning countries against lifting lockdown measures too quickly. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned Friday that jumping the gun could lead to a "deadly resurgence" of the novel coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2. From the crowded slums of Mexico City, Nairobi and Mumbai to conflict hotspots in the Middle East, there are fears that the worst is yet to come for the world's poorest. War-torn Yemen reported its first COVID-19 case, and in Brazil, authorities confirmed the first deaths in Rio de Janeiro's sprawling favelas. With China already ending its once-severe lockdown in Wuhan, US President Donald Trump said this week that the disease was near its peak in the United States and he was considering ways to re-open the world's biggest economy as soon as possible. "But you know what? Staying at home leads to death also," Trump said. burs-pmh/ft Officials in Minsk say a nuclear power plant being constructed in western Belarus will be launched during the summer and start producing electricity in the autumn. Energy Minister Viktar Karankevich announced the timetable for the Belarusian nuclear power plant on April 11 during an interview with the Belarusian TV channel ONT. "We target July in respect of the physical launch," Karankevich said about the plant in the western region of Hrodno. "Accordingly, the output of first kilowatt hours of electric power -- the energy -- will start in September-October." The plant is being built in the town of Astravets near the border with Lithuania. It is just 40 kilometers from Lithuania's capital, Vilnius. In January, Lithuanian Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas told RFE/RL that the Belarusian plant is "a threat to our national security, public health, and environment." "The key question is the site selection, which was done politically -- geopolitically," Vaiciunas told RFE/RL. Plans for the nuclear plant were unveiled by Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in 2008 when Minsk received a $10 billion loan from Moscow for the project. The general contractor for the Belarusian nuclear power plant building is Atomstroiexport, an affiliate of Russia's state-owned Rosatom. Based on reporting by TASS, ONT, and RFE/RL correspondent Matthew Luxmoore The term artist in residence has taken on new meaning as the populace continues to confront the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its probably safe to say that every artist these days is an artist in residence since they are having to stay at home just like everyone else, said Lauren Rogers, communications specialist at Gilcrease Museum. It was during a discussion about how Gilcrease, which is closed to the public in accor dance with the citys policies in halting the spread of the disease, might still find ways to connect with audiences during this time. One of our staff members, Calvin Frank, came up with the idea of reaching out to artists we have worked with before and have them submit work that was about how they felt about the current situation and share that with the public, Rogers said. I sort of hijacked the idea and said that, instead of limiting it to certain groups, lets open it up to everyone. The first call for artists to contribute to the #ArtistsinQuarantine project went out March 20, and so far, more than 50 artists have responded. Gilcrease staff members selected certain images that it features regularly on its various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Gilcrease Museum Executive Director Susan Neal said, Our plan to engage the community during this crisis was to focus on what we call The Three Cs feeling calm, connected and creative. And I thought this idea ticked all the boxes. Enjoying a work of art cant help but give one a personal sense of calm, and offering this outlet for area artists is a way of helping them stay connected and engaged with the museum, she said. Other online programs include Makers Moments, videos of artists guiding viewers through art projects that can be done with everyday objects, and Soothing Scenes, images from the museums collection that offer a touch of tranquility. For some of the artists whose work has been chosen to be featured, the #ArtistsinQuarantine project has been a unique opportunity. I know a lot of artists, including myself, have had to cancel shows due to COVID-19, Travis Mammedaty said. Submitting a piece of my work is a way for it to be seen on a large platform and to show that we artists are still out there making art, even in the most trying times. Im self-taught and have been making art for about two years now, Heath Lane said. I hope my work can maybe inspire someone else to try (to make art of their own), especially with all the potential free time many of us have. Roy Boney, a Cherokee artist from Tahlequah who also works in the Cherokee Nations language revitalization program, used an image of Sequoyah as a starting point. I decided to transform the famous portrait of Sequoyah by Charles Bird King into a public service announcement, Boney said. The tablet Sequoyah is holding in my mixed-media drawing says, in Cherokee, Help stop the spread of germs. He is wearing a mask so emblematic of our current situation. I submitted the image to the Gilcrease Facebook page because several artist friends of mine pointed me to the project, he said. The Gilcrease has such a long history with native artists in Oklahoma so I thought it was a good match. I also hope it might provide some health advice and expose people to a bit of Cherokee language. Rogers said artists wishing to submit their work for the #ArtistsinQuarantine project may do so on any of the museums social media sites. Submissions must include the #ArtistsinQuarantine hashtag. Most of what weve received so far has been paintings, but were open to anything, Rogers said. Songs, dance, video, you name it. We want to see what artists of all types are doing. Featured video James D. Watts Jr. 918-581-8478 james.watts@tulsaworld.com Twitter: watzworld Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Pope Francis at the Saturday Vigil at the Vatican City on Saturday. (AFP) Vatican City: Pope Francis will break with centuries of tradition and livestream Easter Sunday mass to allow the world's 1.3 billion Catholics celebrate their holiest holiday under a coronavirus lockdown. Fear and confusion in the face of a disease whose official death toll has soared past 100,000 -- but whose real one is feared to be higher still -- are reshaping society and transforming the way religion is observed. Even such hallowed traditions as the pope's messages to the faithful on Saint Peter's Square have been replaced by prayers that Francis reads into a camera from the seclusion of his private library. His only audience is the camera and the 83-year-old Argentine has admitted that the entire experience makes him feel "caged". Life in confinement Francis cut a lonely but striking figure when he slowly entered a dark and starkly empty Vatican square in his white robe for a torch-lit Good Friday procession. It had taken place around the Roman Colosseum in the presence of at least 20,000 faithful for more than 50 years. These days, the pope's only audience is the camera But Rome and the rest of Italy have been living under forced confinement since early March. His Easter Sunday Mass and "Urbi et Orbi" blessing drew 70,000 to Saint Peter's Square last year. The Vatican's entrance is now sealed off by armed police wearing facemasks and rubber gloves. The pope has openly admitted that he was struggling along with everyone else to make sense of these extraordinary times. "We have to respond to our confinement with all our creativity," Francis said in an interview published by several Catholic newspapers this week. "We can either get depressed and alienated ... or we can get creative." Religious improvisation The pope's virtual prayers are just the most vivid example of religious improvisation in the age of social distancing and confinement. The faithful have already followed his advice and found creative solutions. Coronavirus has led to hallowed traditions such as the pope's messages to the faithful on Saint Peter's Square being replaced by livestreamed prayers Thus the archbishop of Panama took to the air and blessed his tiny Central American nation from a helicopter. The faithful in Spain blasted religious music from their balconies during Holy Week. The scale of the unfolding tragedy has seen a New York City cathedral replace rows of wooden seats with hospital beds in case the surrounding emergency wards get full to overflowing. The Catholic Church in the Philippines is urging the faithful not to kiss the cross. Its Orthodox counterpart in Greece is planning to hold mass behind closed doors for its Easter on April 19. "Seven out of 10 Greeks enjoy roasting lamb for Easter," Greek meat trader Angelos Asteriou told AFP in Paris. "That's not happening this year." Jews across the world did their best by using Zoom or other video conferencing apps to "seder-in-place" when the eight-day Passover holiday started on Wednesday evening. Westminster Abbey in London is following the technological trend by releasing Easter podcasts for the faithful of the Anglican Church. And priests at France's Roman Catholic shrine in the southwestern town of Lourdes began relaying nine consecutive days of prayers on Sunday by Facebook Live and YouTube. 'Saints next door' The pope himself has in previous years observed Holy Thursday service marking Christ's last supper by washing the feet of 12 inmates on the outskirts of Rome. Francis instead said a prayer for the dozens of priests and health workers who have died across Italy while attending to the sick since the outbreak began in the Mediterranean country's north in February. "They are the saints next door, the priests who gave their lives by serving," Francis said. He invited five nurses and doctors to accompany him for the Good Friday processions in order to highlight their profession's sacrifices over the past month. Francis himself has reportedly been tested twice for COVID-19 since coming down with a cold at the end of February. He told the Catholic newspapers that people across the world could try to spiritually escape their confinement through introspection. "So: to be in lockdown, but yearning, with that memory that yearns and begets hope," the pope said. "This is what will help us escape our confinement." Hyderabad, April 12 : Ever since Telangana reported the first COVID-19 case early last month, a battery of senior bureaucrats have been working overtime behind the scenes to evolve the state's strategy to tackle the situation. Leading the team of officials is Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, the topmost bureaucrat in the state. Though it is Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao or Health Minister Eatala Rajender, who have been briefing the media and making key announcements with regard to handling of the pandemic, it is Somesh Kumar who is doing the backroom work with some other officials. Assisting Somesh Kumar in the task are said to be senior officials in Chief Minister's Office including Principal Secretary S. Narsing Rao, Chief Advisor Rajiv Sharma, who had served as the first chief secretary of Telangana, Principal Secretary (Health) A. Santhi Kumari and Director General of Police Mahender Reddy. For more than a month, a round-the-clock command and control centre has been functioning from the office of the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare to handle the coronavirus crisis. Headed by the Health Minister, the centre is monitoring the situation round the clock. The Chief Secretary is also part of this centre. The minister and the top bureaucrat conduct video conference with district collectors and health officials and give them necessary instructions. That the Chief Secretary is playing the key role in crisis management was evident when he visited some containment clusters created in those areas of Hyderabad which reported more number of positive cases. Somesh Kumar along with the police chief visited containment clusters and appealed to the people to voluntarily support the government in curtailing and combating COVID -19. "Areas where positive cases were found are being demarcated as containment clusters and cordoned off so that people from these areas don't go out and no outsider enters these areas. The idea is to contain the virus from spreading," he told media persons. The team of officials had done well in devising appropriate strategies to trace and track the foreign returnees and their contacts and put over 25,000 people under quarantine. While the number of cases in this phase was around 100, the second phase proved challenging for authorities. This phase began towards March end as many of those who had attended Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi and their family members and contacts tested positive. Though Telangana has so far reported 14 deaths and the number of positive cases mounted to 503, but the state government claimed that the graph was showing a downward trend for the last couple of days and it was confident that all those under treatment now would recover and discharge by April 24. Somesh Kumar is known to be Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Rao's 'Man Friday' in the government and bureaucratic circles. This is said to be the reason why KCR ignored some seniors to appoint him as the chief secretary in January. As KCR has another four years of his term left, he was keen to have an officer with four more years of services so that the government can implement its welfare and development schemes without any hassles. The IAS officer, who was Commissioner of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) at the formation of Telangana state, was allotted to residuary state of Andhra Pradesh cadre by the Centre. However, Somesh approached the High Court and the Central Administrative Tribunal and continued in Telangana. KCR was impressed with the functioning of Somesh and handed him several key portfolios during the last six years. He headed the department of Excise and Commercial Taxes and was later promoted as Special Chief Secretary for Revenue. A native of Bihar, Somesh Kumar is a 1989 batch IAS officer. He will hold the office of chief secretary till December 2023. While the world is fleeing from coal, Vietnam is becoming increasingly addicted to coal, according to Nguyen Dang Anh Thi, an energy and enviornment expert. In December 2019, Standard Chartered announced the withdrawal from the funding of two coal-fired thermopower projects Vung Ang 2 (1,200 MW) and Vinh Tan 3 (1,980 MW). More and more coal-fired thermopower projects in Vietnam have been turned down by large financial institutions. Four years ago, Bac Lieu province rejected the Cai Cung coal-fired power project and replaced it with a gas-fired project. One month ago, the province approved the $4 billion Bac Lieu LNG-fired power project with the capacity of 3,200 MW to Delta Offshore Energy. Long An province has also been consistent in shifting from developing coal-fired power projects into gas-fired projects. It has been saying no to coal-fired thermopower over the last two years. The pollution at Vinh Tan, Duyen Hai and Quang Ninh coal-fired power plants can provide an argument to advocate the views of Bac Lieu and Long An local authorities. The pollution at Vinh Tan, Duyen Hai and Quang Ninh coal-fired power plants can provide an argument to advocate the views of Bac Lieu and Long An local authorities. Thi, in his article on Thoi Bao Kinh Te Sai Gon, cited the forecast by IEA as reporting that the global gas demand would increase by 50 percent in 2014-2040, much more rapidly than other kinds of fuel and twice as much as oil demand. IEA predicted that Asia would be the major driving force for the growth in natural gas demand in the future, with an average growth rate of 3-4.3 percent per annum. Of this, China and India alone make up 30 percent. Meanwhile, Thi commented that Vietnam is going contrary to the rest of the world. Gas-fired power had its golden days which lasted 15 years, from 1999 to 2014. At its highest peak, in 2009, gas-fired power output was three times higher than coal-fired power. However, with the sixth national power development plan (2007), the seventh (2011) and the revised seventh (2016), coal-fired power became the mainstay. In 2015, coal-fired power output began surpassing gas-fired power output and has has been maintaining an annual 13 percent growth rate. While the world is fleeing from coal-fired power, Vietnam has become more addicted to coal, Thi commented. If Vietnam doesnt change its view, it will have face immeasurable risks in environmental security and national energy security, he warned. The expert believes that Vietnam needs to develop gas-fired power instead of coal power, especially when the former has lower investment rate. In Asia, the investment rate for gas-fired power is $0.757 million per MW, while it is $1.295 million for supercritical-technology coal-fired power. The figures are $0.81 million and $1.576 million, respectively, in Vietnam. In general, the investment rate in coal-fired power is 1.8 times higher than in gas-fired power. Thanh Mai Will the Mekong Delta have fewer coal-fired power plants? Ecology expert Nguyen Huu Thien has warned about a series of problems that coal-fired power plants may cause to the Mekong Delta, especially the impact on the ecosystem. The Delhi government's pet project of happiness classes' for school children will resume from Sunday as they will be conducted at homes due to the lockdown in view of the COVID-19 situation in the country. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said happiness classes have a crucial role to play in such "turbulent times". "The purpose behind the happiness curriculum' is to make children introspect and get to know themselves better. Mindfulness is practised by all 16 lakh students everyday in our schools, he said. We are all gripped with anxiety today. These are unusual times and we do not know what to do as a fun activity. We cannot go out, go to movies, or sit in parks, we are confined to our homes with our family," the minister said. "In such situations, it is possible to get irritated with one another, and we do not know how to refresh our minds as we are still restricted to our homes, he said. Underlining the importance of happiness classes in such times, Sisodia, who is also the minister, said, The activities of happiness class would now be conducted at home everyday by the parents. We will support around 8 lakh students and their families to practice mindful meditation from tomorrow with the help of our teachers. It is important to turn the atmosphere positive in our homes and make the families spend quality time together," he added. The Delhi government introduced the happiness curriculum in July, 2018. According to the curriculum, students studying in classes 1 to 8 at Delhi government schools spend 45 minutes every day to attend happiness classes wherein they participate in exercises such as storytelling, meditation, and question and answer sessions. Similarly, for nursery and kindergarten students, the classes are held twice a week. US First Lady Melania Trump had attended a happiness class at a Delhi government school during US President Donald Trump's two-day visit to India in February this year. Schools in the city were closed a week before the nationwide lockdown was announced due to coronaviurs outbreak. Meanwhile, the Delhi government teachers have been conducting daily online sessions for one-and-a-half hour for class 11 students. "During the period, classes are being held online for class 11 students who are awaiting results to join class 12. Besides that, nursery to class 8 students are being given daily activities via SMS to which IVRS (interactive voice response) will be added to support happiness classes, reading, writing and numeracy activities from today," an official of the Directorate of (DoE) said. According to the Union Health Ministry, the death toll due to the novel coronavirus rose to 273 and the total number of cases to 8,356 in the country on Sunday. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 7,367, as many as 715 people were cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 20:24:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Pandemic Watch: U.S. has most COVID-19 deaths worldwide as death toll tops 20,000. (Xinhua/Tan Yixiao, Hu Yousong) "Staying at home is literally saving lives. This isn't over yet. We have to keep it up." NEW YORK, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States has surpassed Italy in the total number of deaths from COVID-19 on Saturday, becoming the country with the most confirmed cases and fatalities worldwide. According to a running tally kept by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University, the United States has reported 529,951 cases with 20,608 deaths as of 2 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday. Italy has reported 152,271 cases with 19,468 deaths in total and Spain recorded 163,027 cases with 16,606 deaths, according to the tally. U.S. President Donald Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Wyoming state on Saturday. So far, all 50 states, Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico have received the declaration for the same reason, the first time in U.S. history, as local media reported. The designation allows state and local governments to gain federal funds and resources such as the Army Corps of Engineers to help combat the pandemic. A man walks past an epidemic themed mural in downtown Los Angeles, the United States, April 10, 2020. (Xinhua) California and New York, the two hardest-hit states, have seen the curve of COVID-19 infections flattening in their states during the past few days due to staying-at-home orders and social distancing protocols, and both governors urged residents to keep doing so. "Staying at home is literally saving lives. This isn't over yet. We have to keep it up," California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted on Saturday. Meanwhile, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said at his daily briefing that he wants to "make sure any decision we make to open the economy is based on what we've learned from our own experience and from other places around the globe." "I understand the need to bring back the economy as quickly as possible and that people need to work, but more importantly we need to save lives," he added. A man rides a bike past the Calvary Cemetery, which is closed to visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic, in Queens of New York, the United States, April 11, 2020. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) The Empire State has seen 181,825 cases with 8,650 deaths by Saturday night, according to the Johns Hopkins tally. Over 98,000 cases and more than 6,300 fatalities were reported from New York City. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Saturday that all public schools in the city will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, adding that the decision was not an easy one, "But it's the right one." "The social distancing strategies have been working, and we cannot risk a resurgence of the virus," the mayor tweeted. He promised the city will complete deliveries of Internet-enabled digital devices for every student who needs them for remote learning. The city is also rapidly moving homeless people from crowded shelters to hotels for better isolation. Seniors and anyone who has symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 is being prioritized, said the mayor. "Our homeless neighbors living on the street are going through a lot right now, and we're working to bring more and more of them inside," he said. (Article by Xinhua Reporter Chang Yuan) Northern Irelands health minister has paid tribute to health staff, saying they have moved mountains to prepare for the expected surge in coronavirus cases. Robin Swann wrote to workers on the frontline ahead of the expected Covid-19 surge in Northern Ireland in the coming days. In an open letter, Mr Swann thanked staff for their commitment and passion in tackling the Covid-19 crisis. He made the comments as it emerged that the number of people with coronavirus who have died in a hospital setting in Northern Ireland had risen to 118, with 11 further deaths reported on Sunday. Minister writes to Health and Social Care staff as #COVID19 surge approaches https://t.co/m3fQit7WYx pic.twitter.com/JgQroynnT3 Department of Health (@healthdpt) April 12, 2020 There were 89 new cases of the virus, bringing the total of confirmed positive tests in the region since the outbreak began to 1,806, officials said. Mr Swann said: I am very aware of the incredible work pressures you are already under and that you are facing in the immediate future with a mixture of determination, deep anxiety and great pride in the work you and your colleagues are doing. Let me assure you that everyone across Northern Ireland is proud of you all. I have personally known for many years just how skilled, committed and, above all, compassionate our health and social care staff are. Many families across Northern Ireland will have experiences similar to mine, stories that involve staff from all parts of the system going the extra mile day after day to deliver the care that patients need. We have trained hundreds of staff in new roles. We have increased our workforce. We have moved mountains. Robin Swann He said that the health system has trebled its critical care capacity and freed up almost half of the bed stock. We have trained hundreds of staff in new roles. We have increased our workforce. We have moved mountains, Mr Swann added. We have all seen the reports from Italy and Spain. We have seen the severe impact this virus can have on society. However, there are some indications that the peak here may potentially be less severe impact than at one time we had feared. It would seem that the Northern Ireland people have risen to the challenge and that social distancing has reduced the impact of this virus in this wave. We cannot be certain about this no modelling can predict the future but we can acknowledge that the unprecedented social distancing restrictions on all our lives are starting to make an impact. Obviously, there are no grounds whatsoever for complacency across our community. We cannot undo the efforts made to date. We all have to dig deep and keep doing the right thing staying at home, saving lives and protecting the health service. We also know that there will be very difficult times ahead, particularly for those of you working on the frontline. He said that because of the actions of health staff, people will live who might otherwise have died. There is nothing more important than this, he concluded. By Bahk Eun-ji All travelers from the United States to Korea will be tested for COVID-19 within three days of self-quarantine beginning Monday as confirmed cases coming from the U.S. have been increasing steadily, the health authorities said Sunday. According to data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), out of 459 cases from overseas, 228, or 49.7 percent, came from the U.S. In the last two weeks alone. All passengers from the U.S. have been under stricter quarantine measures since March 27 passengers who do not show symptoms are required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days, and those who show symptoms are required to take tests at the airport. However, new coronavirus cases in Korea stayed at around 30 for the second straight day on Saturday. According to the KCDC, 32 new cases were detected Saturday, bringing the total number of infections to 10,512. The death toll rose by three to 214. The government is still on the alert as the possibility of cluster infections in Seoul remains high and imported cases are rising. Another challenge is controlling people under self-quarantine. The government is now forcing people who defy quarantine rules to wear tracking wristbands. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Saturday the measure was because of the increasing number of people who breached the rules in recent weeks. "For those violating the quarantine order, such as going outside and not answering phone calls by quarantine officials, will be asked to wear the wristbands for the rest of their period," Chung said during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in Seoul. But some people have pointed out that such a measure could be subject to potential human rights violations, and raised questions about how effective it would be because there was no legal grounds to strap the band on forcibly. "We hope the violators will cooperate for the safety of themselves as well as others," Lee Beom-seok, a health ministry official in charge of quarantine measures, said during a regular briefing at the Government Complex in Sejong. "We also ask them to cooperate actively when signing the agreement for the wristband." US Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with three others on April 11 criticised the Chinese Coast Guards recent sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat in Vietnams Hoang Sa archipelago waters. Fishing vessels of Vietnam on East Sea (Illustrative photo: VNA) US Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Bob Menendez, Cory Gardner and Ed Markey, on Saturday issued a statement over the incident in Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago waters in the East Sea. They described the sinking of the boat, and Chinas other activities on illegally reclaimed features in the East Sea, as deeply concerning saying the actions undermine regional stability at a time when the international community should be coming together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. They condemned Chinas actions as causing division and tension, and called on the US to work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific and to promote peaceful activities in the East Sea Earlier on Thursday, the US Department of Defence also issued a statement expressing its deep concern over the incident. "Chinas behaviour stands in contrast to the US's vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, in which all nations, large and small, are secure in their sovereignty, free from coercion, and able to pursue economic growth consistent with accepted international rules and norms," according to the statement. The US will continue to support efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and economic opportunity throughout the entire Indo-Pacific, it said. The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of the rules-based international order, as it sets the conditions that enable us to address this shared threat in a way that is transparent, focused, and effective, it added. The US called on all parties to refrain from actions that would destabilise the region, distract from the global response to the pandemic, or risk needlessly contributing to loss of life and property. The Vietnamese vessel, number QNg 90617 TS, with eight fishermen on board, was hit and sank when near Hoang Sa's Phu Lam island on April 2. VNS US voices concern over Chinas sinking of Vietnamese fishing vessel in East Sea The US Department of Defence issued a statement on April 9 expressing its deep concern over a Chinese coast guard's collision with and sinking of a Vietnamese fishing vessel near Vietnam's Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago. England's Coronavirus Hospital Death Toll Rises By More Than 800 in 24 Hours Sputnik News 13:14 GMT 11.04.2020(updated 14:01 GMT 11.04.2020) Earlier in the day, the Daily Mail reported that the UK Ministry of Defence had set up a new 300-strong Joint Helicopter Aviation Task Force to airlift critical patients from remote areas in a bid to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials reported on Saturday that the coronavirus death toll in English hospitals rose over the past 24 hours by 823 to a total of 8,937. Those who died aged were between 11 and 102 years old, according to the NHS. Earlier in the day, the office of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he was making "good progress" in his recovery from COVID-19. As of Saturday, the UK has more than 68,000 confirmed coronavirus cases with 9,875 fatalities. The government on Friday published a UK-wide plan to ensure supplies of personal protective equipment for health care workers. Hancock faced criticism from opposition leader Keir Starmer for implying that NHS staff were wasting supplies. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Centre on Sunday sought to assure that as the country is dealing with an infectious pandemic, the number of the cases may rise to an exponential but the government is adequately prepared for the management of novel corona virus cases. Addressing the daily press briefing, Lav Agarwal, joint secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, "this is a pandemic and numbers can be exponential. Our effort is to take advanced steps." So far, a total of 8,356 positive cases have been reported in the country of which 909 new cases and 34 deaths have been recorded in 24 hours. The total deaths due to the infection stands at 273. Elaborating on the level of preparedness, Agarwal said that on March 29, there were 979 positive cases and 20 per cent of these cases, or 196, needed critical care and oxygen. That time, 41,900 dedicated COVID beds were available in 163 state-run hospitals. On April 4, when we required 580 beds, we had 67,500 beds, on April 9, 1,100 beds were required but there were 8,5000 beds available in the country, he said. "The total number of the cases has increased and we have 8,356 positive cases, of these 20 per cent cases need ICU support, that means today 1,671 patients need oxygen support and critical care treatment and we have 1,05,000 dedicated Covid beds available in the country in 601 hospitals, Agarwal added. This figure is important to show that the government is planning things in advance and is over prepared." The government reiterated that as part of the preparedness efforts, training of health staff is also an area of focus through the mentor institutes like AIIMS and NIMHANS, Bengaluru. Online training modules and webinars for ventilator management, clinical management, infection prevention control, bio medical waste management and epidemiology have been organised by these institutions, a statement by the government said. To prepare frontline medical workers, mock drills too have been organised. Welcome, DISH customer! Please note that we cannot save your viewing history due to an arrangement with DISH. Watchlist and resume progress features have been disabled. ACCEPT Zena El Farra, 27, founded MasterPeace, a mindful art studio and art box delivery service, in 2019. She lives in London with her husband Nick. At school, art was the subject I looked forward to most. I put myself under pressure to do well in exams and worked too hard. But when I painted, Id stop worrying. I studied art up to GCSE, but read economics and management at LSE. After graduating, I got a job as a Barclays venture developer. I enjoyed it, but my artistic side couldnt flourish. It is also hard to find space to paint as a flat-sharer in London, and art classes could be scary and hard to commit to regularly. Zena El Farra (pictured), 27, founded MasterPeace, a mindful art studio and art box delivery service, in 2019. She lives in London with her husband Nick I thought, Wouldnt it be amazing if there was somewhere you could go to paint and unwind when you had the time, like a yoga class? I was working crazy hours, and I kept putting my idea off. Then, in February 2017, my mum was diagnosed with cancer. I was rushing from work to chemo appointments, while planning my wedding. I hit breaking point weeks before the ceremony in South Africa. My new husband gave me a canvas, and I painted a giraffe, from a photo hed taken on our wedding day. I found it restorative. At the same time, I came across some research by UCL which showed how painting and creativity can help with the management of anxiety and even depression. This reminded me how helpful painting can be, and the importance of making these benefits accessible to everyone. I knew I had to go for it. MasterPeace's Mindful Art Kits have everything you need to complete a painting from home My parents thought I was mad. I left my job and, with my creative director, Georgie Mason, started a crowdfunder campaign. We raised more than 16,000 in only 22 days, which included 5,000 from the NatWest Back Her Business scheme. Last year, with a team of 20 artists we launched a mindful art studio, MasterPeace, in Londons Belgravia. We run six 90-minute classes a day, six days a week, which cost from 49, with food and drink. We also have talks by top artists such as Chris Levine, who captured portraits of the Queen and the Dalai Lama. Many people come in saying, I cant even draw a stick man!, so you can plug your phone into a projector to cast the stencil of an image onto the canvas. That makes it easier for even beginners to start getting creative, before trying out one of our more advanced classes. For now, weve had to shut due to coronavirus. But we now deliver art boxes with a sketched outline, paints, brushes and an online tutorial. Its my dream to make mindful painting as mainstream as yoga as a way to unwind. Weve never needed it more. Published on 2020/04/12 | Source Eighteen-year-olds can vote for the first time in Korean history in the general election next week as the country falls in line with international practice. Advertisement The vote for those born on or before April 16, 2002 is expected to boost the younger generation's political clout in their communities. To prevent the politicization of classrooms and better guide young voters, the National Election Commission initially planned to visit high schools to educate voters ahead of the election. But the plan had to be shelved due to the coronavirus epidemic. Instead, they made videos on the voting process to provide students with needed information. The Education Ministry also shares election guidelines on the NEC's website. The Labor Department announced this week that another 6.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment, taking the number of total claims over the past three weeks of coronavirus chaos to nearly 16.8 million. Somewhere around 5% of the US population is now out of a joband that's only those who have formally applied for benefits. It's a completely unprecedented spike. But then again, we live in unprecedented times. And startups, of course, haven't avoided the carnage. Job losses continue to mount at some of the buzziest and most well-funded startups around, which is one of nine things you need to know from the past week: The empty chairs are adding up in Silicon Valley. (Westend61/Getty Images) 1. Layoff laments The coronavirus outbreak and ensuing shutdowns have hit some industries harder than others. That's reflected in some of the most notable VC-backed companies that have parted ways with workers in recent days, either temporarily or permanently. And there are fears in the industry that the damage could continue for quite some time. The near-total evaporation of travel and tourism is bad news for Oyo, an Indian hotel-chain startup. The company announced this week that it will put "a significant number" of employees on furlough, or unpaid leave, with reports indicating the number is in the thousands. This comes on the heels of 5,000 job cuts in March, during the early days of COVID-19's global spread. It's believed none of Oyo's workers in India will be affected until that country's lockdown ends. But it's still a worrisome time for a startup that was reportedly valued at $10 billion just four months ago. A lack of travel is also hammering Away, a luggage unicorn that had already experienced a bumpy few months before a pandemic arrived. This week, the company laid off 10% of its workers and furloughed a further 50%, citing sales figures that have plunged more than 90% in recent weeks. The emptying of office buildings and the shuttering of restaurants is proving a harmful combination for ezCater, a corporate catering startup valued at $1.25 billion last year, according to PitchBook data. The company reportedly laid off 400 of its 900 employees this week. As ezCater told Axios, "There is not enough sugar on the planet to sugarcoat this." Restaurant closures are also causing hard times at Toast, a creator of point-of-sale software for eateries. Less than two months ago, the business raised $400 million in VC at a $4.9 billion valuation, according to PitchBook data. This week, it either laid off or furloughed about 50% of its workforce, reportedly accounting for well over 1,000 job losses. For at least one startup, it was the layoffs at other companies that led to layoffs of its own. Reports emerged this week that AngelList has cut jobs from its talent unit, which provides hiring help for startups. With few companies hiring, it's become a division with little to do. That's just the damage from recent days. Look back over reports from the past few weeks, and the list grows longer. The lack of travel has caused layoffs at companies such as TripActions and Zeus Living. Social-distancing measures contributed to job cuts at names like The Wing and ClassPass. Lockdowns have led to layoffs and furloughs at scooter startups Bird and Voi. Not even well-funded unicorns like Rent the Runway and Compass have been immune. Lux Capital partner Bilal Zuberi weighed in on Twitter: "We are only starting to see startup layoffs, and many many more are to come," he wrote. "So many startups are absolutely crushed." Hunter Walk, a partner at Homebrew, responded: "I don't think it's crazy to predict like 80% of startups will have to cut between 10-50% of employees over next 2-4 quarters." We're still a long way from that scenario. But there's a real chance that the cascade of lost startup jobs is just getting started. 2. WeWork sues SoftBank In some ways, it seemed inevitable that the long, unusual saga of WeWork and SoftBank would end up in the courts. Now, here we are. The special committee of WeWork's board filed suit against SoftBank this week after the Japanese company pulled out of a planned deal to buy $3 billion worth of secondary shares in WeWork, alleging breaches of contract and fiduciary duty. It's the latest twist in a roller-coaster journey for SoftBank and its massive Vision Fund. 3. Airbnb stays busy On Monday, Airbnb announced $1 billion in new debt and equity funding from private equity firms Silver Lake and TPG Sixth Street Partners, with later reports indicating those backers will receive warrants that can be converted to shares at an $18 billion valuationa far cry from the $31 billion figure that came with Airbnb's latest VC round. But even that 10-figure funding might not be enough for the ailing vacation rental company: On Tuesday, reports emerged that Airbnb was still considering taking on as much as $1 billion in additional debt funding. 4. Cancellations continue More and more deals that were lined up before the coronavirus crisis are now falling by the wayside. Major aerospace suppliers Woodward and Hexcel called off a planned merger this week that would have valued Hexcel at $6.4 billion. PE firm TriArtisan Capital Partners will have to look for a new exit route from TGI Friday's after a planned $380 million sale fell apart this week. And EQT is walking away from an agreement to buy Metlifecare, an operator of retirement homes in New Zealand, for NZ$1.49 billion (about $900 million). TGI Friday's will remain in PE hands for at least a while longer. (Mike Mozart/CC BY 2.0) 5. Crisis mega-funds PitchBook analysts expect fundraising to slow down in the coming months. But for now, at least, major new vehicles are still in the works. New Airbnb backer Silver Lake is seeking between $16 billion and $18 billion for its latest tech fund, according to Reuters. Index Ventures has raised $1.2 billion for a new growth fund and $800 million for early-stage deals. And China's Qiming Venture Partners closed its latest flagship fund this week on $1.1 billion. 6. Timely funds Other funds closed this week seem particularly suited to our current moment. Deerfield Management raised $840 million for its new healthcare fund, the latest sign of increasing VC interest in life sciences. And Silverfern Group held a first close on $110 million for its latest opportunities fund, a type of vehicle that typically targets distressed assets and other unexpected chances for profit. 7. An IPO emerges Keros Therapeutics navigated Wall Street's troubled waters to conduct a successful IPO, pricing its shares at the top of their range and closing its first day of trading up another 25%. It's another sign that, in certain sectors, deals are still getting done. Two other examples from this week: Podium, which raised $125 million for its online customer-messaging platform, and BigBasket, an online grocery startup from India that brought in a reported $60 million in new funding. 8. Data deals Cohesity was another startup to secure major backing this week, hauling in $250 million at a $2.5 billion valuation to continue building out its data-storage services. The data industry could be transformed entirely if a different startup, PsiQuantum, achieves its ultimate aim of building a high-powered quantum computer; it announced $150 million in new funding this week from an investor list that includes Microsoft's M12 venture arm. 9. Astronomical acquisitions Koch Industries completed its full takeover of enterprise software giant Infor this week, buying out Golden Gate Capital's remaining stake at an astronomical valuation that earlier reports pegged at $13 billion. It was also a notable week for one of astronomy's most famous names: The VC backers of Galileo Financial Technologies agreed to sell the company to SoFi for $1.2 billion, continuing a string of huge fintech mergers in 2020 that also includes Visa's planned $5.3 billion purchase of Plaid and Intuit's anticipated $7.1 billion takeover of Credit Karma. *Correction: This post has been updated to reflect that Sentinel Capital Partners is not a current backer of TGI Friday's; the firm fully exited its investment in 2019. OTTAWACliff Groen gulped when he saw the numbers. It was the middle of March, and even as the economy quavered and COVID-19 evolved into a global pandemic, Groen and his colleagues at Service Canada were chugging along as usual. Jobless claims stayed steady at around 7,500 each day, processed at the routine pace of bureaucracy. Then the wave hit, and it hit hard. Service Canada got more than 71,000 applications for employment insurance on March 16, the most ever in a single day until the next day, when it got more than 88,000. By the time the tally for the third day came in at more than 130,000 claims, Groen knew routine wasnt good enough anymore. They would need to change everything fast. Definitely there was a big gulp on my part and lots of my colleagues, Groen, the assistant deputy minister of benefits delivery at Service Canada, told the Star by phone this week. Unless we did something dramatically different, he said, there would be no way we would be able to process those applications on any kind of a timely basis. You could say the necessity to do something completely different is the modus operandi of the public service in the time of coronavirus. With thousands of workers shifting to home offices, Ottawa has redeployed workers to process millions of jobless claims as Groen and his team designed a whole new program to replace EI and reach more people its called the Canada Emergency Response Benefit over the span of just three weeks. At the same time, the government has reimagined its industrial policy to rally Canadian companies to the coronavirus fight by converting factories to pump out much-needed medical equipment. Charles Vincent, an acting assistant deputy minister responsible for COVID-19 industry mobilization, said he has seen hundreds of civil servants step up to clock in extra hours to field thousands of proposals to help domestic manufacturers convert to help with the pandemic fight. This included a complete reorganization of his department as workers focus exclusively on the crisis, he said. I have not seen anything quite like this ever before, to be frank, and its been three weeks at this pace 16, 17 hours a day, seven days a week, he said. Groen and his team at Service Canada shifted into high gear that week after they received record-setting jobless claims for three days in a row. That was a call to arms for the team, Groen said, which began immediately with a rush of meetings and briefings to other departments and cabinet ministers about the tsunami of EI claims flooding in. Groen said it was clear even then that the current EI system wouldnt cut it. They needed something simpler and quicker. They also wanted to make sure people that arent eligible for regular EI like self-employed business owners and people who leave work to care for someone else received government support amid the pandemic, he said. The other key element was it needed to be extremely speedy. We knew that we couldnt take months to develop and launch this new program, Groen said. The rush carried into that weekend, March 20 and 21, as public servants scrambled to write legislation to create the new benefit, Groen said. IT workers with Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency also started the crucial task of creating the web platform for applications that would need to be able to carry the huge volume of expected requests, he said. Like many of his colleagues, Groen said he was working 18 to 20 hour days, walking home to crash briefly before returning to the Service Canada headquarters in Gatineau, Que. Typically there are lots of checks and balances within government. Normally the policy design is developed, and theres consultation, and theres review by different areas within government, Groen said. Instead, from the realization a new program was needed when legislation was tabled in the House of Commons on March 24, six days had passed. After that, it was a matter of testing the system to make sure it could handle the volume, and then applications opened April 6. About 4.58 million of 5 million claims had been processed by Thursday this week, including EI claims since March 15 that were rolled into the new benefit, according to Employment Minister Carla Qualtroughs office. In my career, and Ive been a public servant for over 20 years, I have never seen anything in that order, and then in less than three weeks it was fully launched, Groen said. Theres nothing in my career that compares to that. Mollie Jacques is a chef in Toronto who lost her job last month, applied for EI, and received two payments already this week. While she questioned whether she received the right amount of money, and noted many she knows in her beleaguered industry are still confused how the benefit works, Jacques said she is impressed to see the payments flowing so soon. As someone who has applied for EI before, two to three months is the normal amount of time it takes, she said. Ive dealt with the government quite a bit over the years, and snails pace is what I normally expect Im honestly surprised that it has come together this quickly. Groen said he has never been prouder to be a public servant that during the pandemic. Especially when we were able to launch the benefit and knew that people were going to be able to get their payments, tears did come to lots of our eyes, he said. We were so happy and proud that we were there for Canadians. The humble NHS hero nurses who helped save Boris Johnson's life and stood by his bedside when things could have gone 'either way' for him have brushed off his praise and returned to work, their families revealed. The Prime Minister said staff nurse Luis Pitarma, 29, and ward sister Jenny McGee, 35, watched over him for 48 hours, giving him the vital care he needed. Last night their proud families said the pair would view it as just doing their jobs. In a video recorded shortly after he was discharged from St Thomas's Hospital, Mr Johnson thanked the 'utterly brilliant' doctors, and praised the nurses for their 'astonishing' care. He said: 'I want to thank the many nurses, men and women, whose care has been so astonishing. I am going to forget some names, so forgive me, but I want to thank Po Ling and Shannon and Emily and Angel and Connie and Becky and Rachael and Nicky and Ann.' Mr Johnson - who has now been reunited with fiancee Carrie Symonds - reserved special acclaim for two more, who he described as 'Jenny from New Zealand, Invercargill on the South Island to be exact, and Luis from Portugal, near Porto'. He continued: 'The reason in the end my body did start to get enough oxygen was because for every second of the night they were watching and they were thinking and they were caring and making the interventions I needed.' Ms McGee, left, and Mr Pitarma, right, were singled out for praise by Prime Minister Boris Johnson after treating him during his stay in intensive care Mr Pitarma, from Aveiro, Portgual, circled in red, with colleagues. The nurse helped save Mr Johnson's life and was praised by Portugal's President The PM, who was wearing a suit, will not be returning to work immediately on doctors' orders, instead recuperating at Chequers, his country residence in Buckinghamshire. Rob McGee, Jenny's brother, heaped praise on his sister and NHS staff. He told MailOnline last night: 'She is very humble and is back at work now for another night shift. 'She said she was just really pleased to see all the hard working people in the NHS be recognised for the amazing work they are doing.' Mr McGee added: 'She is just doing her job, and that is how she sees it. This is what she was trained for, helping people who need care. [Medics are] special people.' Ms McGee has been in the UK for eight years after studying here then moving to St Thomas' in central London. She previously worked at the Royal Melbourne Hospital for six years where she did her intensive care training. Her other brother, Michael, told 1 News, he was also immensely appreciative of his sister. He said: 'We are all very proud of Jen, and to get acknowledged by Boris is something else.' Her mother Caroline described her as an 'exceptionally friendly person' and a dedicated nurse. She told Stuff that her daughter hadn't told anyone she was nursing the PM until the news became public, making for a 'bit of a surprise' when her name was read out, but the whole family was 'absolutely astounded and exceptionally proud'. The mayor of her home city Sir Tim Shadbolt branded her actions 'absolutely amazing'. He said: 'It's not very often a nurse from Invercargill saves the life of the British Prime Minister.' Jenny McGee's family have been full of praise for her efforts in helping patients during the coronavirus pandemic Mr Johnson's video message from inside no 10 this afternoon, after he was discharged from hospital The Prime Minister is spotted in the back of a car in Downing Street this afternoon. He is expected to head to Chequers for rehabilitation Mr Pitarma, 29, was born in Aveiro, just 30 miles from Porto, and is thought to have moved to London in 2014 after completing his medical qualifications in Lisbon. The medic was thanked on Sunday by the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in a telephone call. A statement issued by the Portuguese president's office said: 'Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa would like to highlight the special recognition the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given Portuguese nurse Luis Pitarma for his work and care during his time in intensive care. 'The President of the Republic has already personally transmitted his gratitude to the nurse Luis Pitarma and in his name, he also thanks the commitment of all Portuguese health professionals who in Portugal and around the world are providing decisive help in the fight to the pandemic. 'A word of encouragement that is also addressed to professionals of other nationalities who, reinforcing the National Health Service, provide an invaluable service to Portugal.' Mr Pitarma worked as a staff nurse at Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for two years, caring for pre and post surgical patients, before moving to London and becoming an ICU staff nurse His firefighter cousin Ivo Pitarma, who lives in Aveiro, said: 'I'm obviously very proud. 'I knew of course that Luis was a nurse in London but had no idea he had been looking after Boris Johnson so this has come as a real surprise for me.' Mr Pitarma worked as a staff nurse at Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for two years, caring for pre and post surgical patients, before moving to London and becoming an ICU staff nurse. Jenny McGee also got special thanks from her own Prime Minister. Ms McGee got a thanks from her own Prime Minister, New Zealand's leader Jacinda Ardern, who decided to 'send her a Facebook message'. New Zealand's leader Jacinda Adern told News Hub she had 'sent her a Facenbook message, adding: 'This morning, like many of you, I saw the reports of nurse Jenny from Invercargill being credited by Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his recovery,' Ardern said while addressing media on Monday. 'We've thanked our frontline health workers in New Zealand many times and rightly so, but I wanted to add an acknowledgement that many, many Kiwis work in healthcare around the world. 'They show the same commitment, same care, same work ethic that they do here - and we're all very proud of them, especially nurse Jenny.' She added that her 'informal tactic' of sending Ms McGee a Facebook message has not yet worked as she has not received a response yet. Her mother Caroline said her daughter was just pleased the NHS is getting recognition. She told Television New Zealand: 'It makes us feel exceptionally proud obviously. But she has told us these things over the years and it doesn't matter what patient she is looking after, this is what she does.' Mrs McGee added: 'I just find it incredible that she, any nurses, can do this for 12 hours, sit and watch a patient and twiddle away with all the different knobs and things they do to keep their patients alive, it's absolutely amazing.' Her father, Mike McGee, said that she hadn't told anyone she was treating the PM. He said: 'I think over the years she has always told us that her job is one-on-one nursing with very critically ill people and that means she's there all the time for 12 hours. 'So once we'd heard that Boris Johnson had gone into intensive care it was obvious that at some stage Jenny would possibly run into him and be giving him the same level of care that she would have given anybody else the week before or next week and we're really proud of her.' It came on another day of important coronavirus developments: Britain's death toll rose by 737 to surge past 10,000 with one expert warning it was set to be the highest in Europe; It emerged the Cabinet is split over when to end the lockdown, with growing concerns about the impact of school closures; Michael Gove revealed he had been granted special dispensation to have his daughter tested for the virus so he could get back to work; The Archbishop of Canterbury urged that the dead be treated with dignity; Ministers admitted that only 4,200 of 300,000 small firms had been given loans; The Royal College of Nursing told its members to refuse to treat patients if they didn't have adequate protective clothing; Some Britons flouted lockdown rules and were seen soaking up the sun in the nation's parks; Health Secretary Hancock said he did not have any update on how many NHS staff had died following the 19 he confirmed on Saturday; The Queen stressed the importance of maintaining the coronavirus lockdown, but insisted: 'Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever'. In the sobering address Mr Johnson also said the NHS would be 'unconquerable' in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. He added: 'I have today left hospital after a week in which the NHS has saved my life, no question. 'It's hard to find the words to express my debt - but before I come to that, I want to thank everyone in the entire UK for the effort and the sacrifice you have made and are making.' He thanked people for continuing to socially distance and to self-isolate, saying: 'I do believe that your efforts are worth it, and are daily proving their worth.' While he said the 'the struggle is by no means over', he appeared to offer some hope by adding that progress is being made. He said: 'We are making progress in this national battle because the British public formed a human shield around this country's greatest national asset - our National Health Service.' Mr Johnson said he had personally 'seen the pressure the NHS is under' and listed the essential staff including cleaners, cooks and all healthcare workers who he said had shown 'personal courage' by continuing to work and 'risking this deadly virus'. He said: 'It is thanks to that courage, that devotion, that duty and that love that our NHS has been unbeatable.' As well as the dedicated nurses mentioned by Mr Johnson, his care was also overseen by some of the best physicians in the country, such as Richard Leach, a senior clinician at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital. Luis Pitarma's (pictured) firefighter cousin Ivo Pitarma, who lives in Aveiro, said: 'I'm obviously very proud' Ms McGee, pictured left, has been in the UK for eight years after undertaking her Overseas Education (OE) here then moving to St Thomas' in central London Dr Leach has worked at the central London hospital trust since 1994, and at King Edward VII Hospital since 2016. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the respiratory system has even been laid down in five leading textbooks. While Dr Leach had reportedly assumed ultimate responsibility over Mr Johnson's treatment, hospital sources warned against exaggerating how hands-on a role he was playing. Another medical professional thought to be overseeing the Prime Minister while he spent time at hospital was Dr Luigi Camporota, a consultant in intensive care medicine. Just last week, Dr Camporota, held a seminar explaining to other hospitals the best way to attach a coronavirus patient to a ventilator. In a tweet following her fiance's release from hospital, Carrie Symonds said there had been some 'very dark' times in the past week. Dr Richard Leach, senior clinician at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, is responsible for the Prime Minister's coronavirus recovery and had been at his bedside Another medical professional thought to be overseeing the Prime Minister while he spent time at the hospital was Dr Luigi Camporota, a consultant in intensive care medicine His pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds tweeted her praise for staff at St Thomas's Hospital, adding: 'There were times last week that were very dark indeed Britain's supply chain of food and medicine could grind to a halt Britain's vital supply chain could grind to a halt as nearly half of the country's lorries have been taken off the road since the coronavirus crisis began, an industry body has warned. The lorries are transporting essential goods such as food and medicine up and down Britain as the country continues to battle the pandemic. Britain's spiralling death toll hit 10,000 today with 737 new fatalities. The Road Haulage Association warned it is reaching crisis point with many transport firms are on the brink of collapse. If they go under, the UK's fleet of lorries which deliver essentials will stand idle. Multiple shops and factories rely on hundreds of small independent hauliers to ferry goods to them from distribution centres and ports. But 46 per cent of the trucks have been taken off the road since the crisis began, an RHA survey found. Advertisement Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the PM's recovery was 'great news' but added: 'The fact that over 10,000 people have now lost their lives to this invisible killer demonstrates just how serious coronavirus is and why the national effort that everyone in engaged in is so important.' Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth was among those who wished the PM a speedy recovery, tweeting: 'Best wishes to the Prime Minister for a continued recovery. 'I know our NHS staff everywhere are showing themselves again to be exceptional and brave in caring for all our loved ones at this time of health emergency. ' Shortly after news of his release, Ms Symonds had tweeted to pay tribute to the 'magnificent NHS'. She said: 'I will never, ever be able to repay you and I will never stop thanking you. 'There were times last week that were very dark indeed. My heart goes out to all those in similar situations, worried sick about their loved ones. 'Thank you also to everyone who sent such kind messages of support. Today I'm feeling incredibly lucky.' Stanley Johnson said he was delighted by the latest update, said he hopes his son 'does not overdo it' while recovering at Chequers. Mr Johnson, who is at his farm in Exmoor, said: 'I am absolutely delighted to hear the news that Boris has left hospital - it is wonderful news. Boris Johnson's Covid-19 journey: March 3: Mr Johnson dismissed the trend for coronavirus 'elbow bumps' - saying he is perfectly happy to keep shaking hands with people March 5: He shook hands with Mr Schofield and Mrs Willoughby as he appeared on This Morning to reassure Britons March 6: He meets scientists as he visits testing laboratory at Bedford Technology Park March 8: Surveys flood defences in the Worcestershire town of Bewdley March 9: He attempts to shake hands with a bishop at Westminster Abbey before stopping himself March 10: Says people should avoid shaking hands, to shame other people into washing their hands March 12: Mr Johnson says preventing mass gatherings is not an effective way to tackle coronavirus March 16: He advises against mass gatherings in policy U-turn March 17: Talks about importance of social distancing at briefing with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Chief Scientific Officer Patrick Vallance March 18: Speaks at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons and says all schools will be closed March 19: Says UK can 'turn the tide' in fight against coronavirus within 12 weeks March 20: Closes pubs, restaurants and theatres at press conference March 23: Orders a UK-wide lockdown with people told to stay at home March 25: Speaks at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons March 25: Speaks to Queen Elizabeth II by telephone March 26: Holds a video call to other G20 leaders and later joins in with a national applause for NHS staff March 27: Takes part in NHS clap for carers outside Downing Street with Chancellor Rishi Sunak March 27: Announces in a video that he has tested positive for coronavirus April 3: Issues video on social media urging people to stay at home during sunny weather, and also reveals he is continuing to self-isolate as he is still suffering a temperature April 4: Carrie Symonds, the PM's pregnant fiancee reveals she has been self-isolating at her Camberwell flat. April 5: Mr Johnson is admitted to an NHS hospital in London for tests April 6: No10 announce that the Prime Minister had been admitted to intensive care April 12: Boris is discharged from St Thomas' Hospital in central London Advertisement 'Of course it is not only me who is delighted but the whole family. 'I am especially pleased that he will now be able to be with his fiancee Carrie, and if they head to Chequers I very much hope he doesn't overdo it.' He also praised the NHS for the care they gave his son. He added: 'I realise now - I think the whole country realises - how close he came to a crisis situation and it is wonderful he has come out of that crisis. 'It is wonderful that the national health service was able to help him and I think he has also paid tribute to them. 'Our thoughts are with everybody, not only those who are fighting the battle against coronavirus, but those who are suffering from it.' Dr Ian Abbs, chief executive at Guy's and St Thomas', paid tribute to hospital staff. He said: 'It is a great credit to the exceptional professionalism of clinical teams, as well as everyone in the wider organisation, that we have been able to care for the Prime Minister so effectively, whilst continuing to deliver equally high standards of care to all of our patients.' He said thoughts must 'turn immediately to those who still need our help at this time' and reiterated the plea for people to 'stay home to help us save lives and protect the NHS'. It comes after delivering lifesaving protective gear to frontline health staff has become 'hand to mouth', an NHS leader has revealed. The Government is airlifting in crates from China on a daily basis but some are being removed from planes before take-off by officials who want to test them. Other boxes are reaching the UK only for NHS officials to discover that they have been wrongly labelled. Rather than containing much needed protective gowns, they are filled with masks. Even worse, much of the kit from China the world's main supplier is unusable because it fails UK safety checks. The astonishing revelations come from Chris Hopson of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, ambulance services and mental health trusts. He said: 'It's all been a bit hand to mouth. The heart of the problem is that getting that stock that was ordered weeks ago from China is proving somewhat erratic.' He said China was the only country with access to the right materials and manufacturing capacity to produce protective equipment. More than 30 NHS staff are believed to have died from coronavirus and campaigners say some of the deaths were a direct result of a lack of personal protective equipment, or PPE. The Royal College of Surgeons said a third of members did not have enough PPE. Protective clothing should be worn by anyone including doctors, nurses, care home workers and paramedics within two metres of a suspected coronavirus patient. It includes gowns, masks, gloves and visors and is vital for preventing individuals from contracting the disease and passing it to patients or their own families. At least 30 NHS staff have died during the outbreak after testing positive although it is not known how many contracted the virus due to inadequate supplies of PPE. Victims include Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, who died in Romford, east London, last week, five days after urging Mr Johnson to make sure staff had 'appropriate' PPE. Ministers claim they have delivered 761million items of protective clothing to the NHS and care homes in recent weeks but in the past few days hospitals have reported severe shortages of gowns. Chris Hopson, whose organisation represents 217 NHS trusts with more than a million staff, said China was the world's only supplier of these gowns, which must be water-resistant. The extreme shortage of PPE is adding increasing strain to NHS staff across the nation, as guidelines state protective clothing should be worn by anyone including doctors, nurses, care home workers and paramedics within two metres of a suspected coronavirus patient Chris Hopson (pictured speaking on the Andrew Marr show), whose organisation represents 217 NHS trusts with more than a million staff, said China was the world's only supplier of gowns which the UK now relies upon He said the Government had arranged daily airlifts, mostly from Shanghai, which were being overseen by the Foreign Office helped by the Department for Trade and Industry. But explaining the logistical problems that led to these supplies being held up, he added: 'We understand the Chinese are pulling off stocks to test them before they leave the country. So even if you've got the plane there, the consignment there, you can't actually guarantee it actually gets on the plane. 'The second issue is that when the plane arrives in the UK there have been some boxes which say on the outside gowns but actually when you open them up have masks. We also have to test all of the garments when they come over and some consignments have failed tests. 'Everybody in the NHS is incredibly frustrated about the fact that we can't get the supply. The reality is that it's probably only China which has got the volume and the manufacturing capacity and access to fluid repellent material.' Sara Trollope (pictured with Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year), 51, was just months away from retiring when she became yet another hero to been named a victim of the deadly virus Mr Hancock said the circumstances of the deaths of NHS staff would be investigated to understand as much as possible how they caught the virus. Mr Hancock said he knew of 19 healthcare employees that had died after contracting the disease although the Mail has identified at least 32, from surgeons to doctors, nurses to porters. He told the Downing Street press conference: 'We are looking into each circumstance to understand as much as possible how they caught the virus, whether that's at work, outside of work, and making sure we learn as much as we possibly can and, therefore, of course protect our health workers as much as possible.' But he insisted it would be impossible to commit to a timescale to getting PPE to everyone who needed it, including 'many millions of people across the NHS and social care'. Meanwhile the Royal College of Nursing issued guidelines to members saying that if they hadn't been given adequate PPE, they could refuse to treat patients. The recommendations state: 'Ultimately, if you have exhausted all other measures to reduce your risk and you have not been given appropriate PPE ... you are entitled to refuse to work.' A survey by the Royal College of Surgeons found that a third of surgeons do not believe they have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment. More than half 57 per cent of the 1,978 members who took part in the poll said their trust had experienced shortages within the past 30 days. One described the lack of masks as 'scandalous' and said he had caught the disease from a patient who had gone on to infect six other members of staff. Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, pictured left, passed away in hospital after a 15-day battle against the virus - five days after urging Mr Johnson to make sure staff had 'appropriate' PPE Sue Hill, vice president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: 'We have been working with Government to ensure surgeons and their teams have the right advice about what level of PPE they need for different surgical procedures, but the overall picture from our survey is that there is still a lot more work to do to get adequate equipment to the front line. In the meantime we have urged our members not to risk their health, and that of their patients carrying out risky procedures.' An NHS source said the reason Chinese officials were taking some protective clothing off the flights for testing was in case they got blamed if the shipments were found to be unsafe. The Foreign Office is understood to be co-ordinating the flights with some input with the Department for Trade and the Department of Health. The military is not involved. Friends of the PM previously revealed how close the Prime Minister had been to death. New figures released by the Government today show traffic fell on Good Friday, perhaps impacted by a fall in work traffic on a bank holiday They relayed a message from the premier who said he owed his life to the NHS medics and added: 'I can't thank them enough.' Indeed, a delighted member of his family likened the recovery to a biblical resurrection, and upon hearing he had been discharged from critical care made a timely Easter allusion, saying: 'He is risen'. Health Secretary Matt Hancock vows 'we won't rest' until all NHS medics have PPE they need Matt Hancock vowed 'we will not' rest to get vital protective equipment to NHS staff today as the main nursing union told its members they could refuse to treat coronavirus patients if they felt unsafe. The Health Secretary came under mounting pressure at the daily news conference this afternoon as he revealed that under-pressure units face on average a two-and-a-half-day wait to be restocked with personal protective equipment (PPE). He spoke after the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) advised its members to refuse to treat coronavirus patients as 'a last resort' amid claims vital items like masks, goggles and gowns are still not reaching the frontlines. A spokesman for the union admitted that with-holding treatment would 'go against every instinct', but added that 'their safety must not be compromised'. One nurse, Becky Usher, 38, who works at Dewsbury and District Hospital in West Yorkshire, remains critically ill on a ventilator after treating patients without a mask. When asked about the supply of PPE and if the government could commit to a date to deliver more PPE, Mr Hancock said: 'It's impossible because the quest is to get the right PPE to the right people on the front line at the right time across many millions of people across the NHS and social care. 'I'm glad to say that effort is moving in the right direction, we now have record amounts of PPE that's been put out into the system but until everyone gets the PPE they need then we won't rest.' Advertisement When 'the boss' was first moved into intensive care on Monday night, cabinet colleagues took to the airwaves to assure the stricken PM would pull through and hailed him a 'fighter'. But behind closed doors, his team of ministers and advisers exchanged private calls where they were forced to swallow the grim reality that the PM's chances were on a knife-edge at '50-50'. Crushed aides who eulogise Mr Johnson as the glue binding together a tight-knit Downing Street team were even moved to prayers. After three nail-biting nights, they finally celebrated as the physically drained but 'euphoric' PM was released from intensive care and moved back into a general care ward. The hospitalisation of the country's head of government hammered home the indiscriminate nature of the virus and shook ministers to the core. One cabinet member told the Sunday Telegraph: 'It took us all by surprise. We all think we're sort of invincible.' Devouring his Tintin books which tell the adventures of a Belgian journalist - Mr Johnson made his name as a correspondent in Brussels - the PM is thankfully on the road to recovery and is being boosted by scans of his unborn baby sent by his fiancee Carrie Symonds. Number 10 advisers have now reportedly turned their attention to how to tell their determined boss he needs time to recover. 'It will have been a shock and hopefully enough to convince him that he needs to take it easy,' a source told the Sunday Times. When Mr Johnson first began self-isolating with the disease on March 27, he had a stripped-back workload but continued taking his red box and steering the government's crisis response. One of his first acknowledgements that the energy-sapping disease was taking its toll came on April 2, the day before his seven-day isolation period ended, during the daily 9.15am morning coronavirus meeting. After coughing over videolink from his Number 11 flat, Mr Johnson told his Covid-19 taskforce: 'I've got it and, I can tell you, it's a b****r this thing,' according to the Telegraph. When the PM was moved out of intensive care on Thursday following three days of oxygen treatment, a member of his family compared his recovery to the resurrection and remarked: 'He is risen', according to the Times. The number of new coronavirus confirmed cases, split between tests administered in hospitals (blue) and drive-through centres (orange) The global daily comparison of national death tolls His condition was described as 'exhausted but euphoric', the Sun on Sunday reports. LEADING PSYCHIATRIST SAYS VIRUS EXPERIENCE MAY LEAVE LASTING IMPRESSION ON PM Boris Johnson has lavished praise on the NHS staff who saved his life, but one leading psychiatrist said the frightening experience of Covid-19 may still leave a lasting impression. Professor Neil Greenberg, a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Health Protection Research Unit at King's College London, said some people who survive a brush with death may find they have a renewed zest for life - while others may find the trauma more difficult to recover from. 'Many people experience post traumatic growth - anything that doesn't kill us makes us stronger,' Prof Greenberg said. 'Most of us in life find we go through a challenging experience; it gives us resilience and might make you more motivated and help a person go on to do a better job. 'The most common long-term impact of traumatic events is no impact. People remain resilient.' Prof Greenberg said people often suffer distress, poor sleep, poor concentration and nightmares in the days after a life-threatening event. During the next few weeks these symptoms usually begin to get better by themselves although for a small minority they become more persistent. 'A key point is how a person is supported after they come out,' he said. 'Good support, good colleagues, it makes it much more likely you will recover and have it as a positive resilience building intervention. 'Whether your decisions involve running the country or running a household, if you are unwell, your mental health will clearly make a difference. 'But it needn't impact your ability - it might focus your mind. 'If you look back to World War Two and Churchill, he suffered from depression, he called it his black dog but he led our country to success. 'It would be wrong to say you can't lead the country to success.' The Prime Minister, who was discharged from St Thomas' Hospital in London on Sunday, has now gone to Chequers, his county retreat, to recuperate. Professor Greenberg said people who suffer a traumatic event should spend time with others who can provide support. He said it was better to speak to people you trust about how frightening or distressing the experience was, rather than to avoid the subject. 'Try and surround yourself with people who are going to be supportive and take time to speak about it,' he said. 'Trauma can have a more positive outcome - an experience might make a person say I'm going to be a better father or brother. 'As a nation, assuming we come through this, I think the evidence is some people won't remember it as well as we do now. 'It will take a while for things to adapt - but people will adjust to the new normal.' Advertisement 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 his allies insist he will control the vital process of when and how Britain emerges from the lockdown. One source told the Times: 'Who is going to make the speeches conditioning the nation for the big decisions and lifting national morale, if not Boris?'. Overnight, the PM's half brother Max Johnson, 35, branded the care the premier received while self-isolating in Downing Street a 'shambles'. In a rare intervention, the Hong-Kong based businessman told CNN: 'From what I gather, and I wasn't there, no one asked a doctor to mask up and physically examine him the whole time - more than 10 days.' 'He'd tested positive so there was no doubt what he was dealing with. The word 'shambles' comes to mind.' The PM's steady recovery came as fears grew of a surge in deaths. The government has begged the public to stay indoors, but still this weekend police were forced to have words with people enjoying the good weather in parks. Parks and beaches are once again filling up with people flouting lockdown rules by sunbathing - as councils have been forced to shut cemeteries to stop Easter mourners gathering to lay flowers. Shocking pictures have shown sunbathers lounging on the grass around London including at Battersea Park. Councils closed cemeteries ahead of Easter to stop mourners gathering and laying flowers over the Holy weekend. Away from London, beaches are far quieter than normal Bank Holiday weekend, but a minority continue to head out for walks along the shore. It comes after the coastguard was called out to a scuba diver who was caught fishing under Brighton Pier on Saturday night. Revellers are returning to Beachy Head after groups were seen standing on the edge of the cliff in the sunshine on Saturday. Politicians and nurses have repeatedly pleaded with the country to stay indoors and protect the NHS, but the spring heat wave has seen a small group of people, now being referred to online as #Covidiots, ignoring advice. It came after a top scientist said Britain could surpass the number of deaths recorded in Europe. Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, said increasing testing would 'buy you time' to allow the health service to deal with the crisis, and there were 'lessons to be learned from that'. Mr Johnson is recuperating at his official country retreat, as he takes some time off from the top job following his coronavirus battle. The Prime Minister will spend time at the 16th century Buckinghamshire mansion, following a seven-night spell in hospital during which he said 'things could have gone either way'. The house and its 1,000 acre estate in the Chilterns were gifted a century ago to whoever holds the office of prime minister as a retreat from the bustle of Downing Street. A child's rainbow drawing is placed in the window of 10 Downing Street in London this afternoon after the PM's discharge from hospital A graph showing new UK cases which are reported when lab tests are completed. This may be a few days after initial testing Transport usage continues to be at a very low level since the lockdown was imposed by the Prime Minister on March 23 Bequeathed to the nation in 1917 by Sir Arthur Lee, an MP and director-general of food production, Lloyd George became its first prime ministerial occupant in 1921. As set out in the Chequers Estate Act 1917, it was hoped to draw the sitting PM to 'spend two days a week in the high and pure air of the Chiltern hills and woods'. The thinking behind that being 'the better the health of our rulers the more sanely will they rule'. It has been the site of many a historical moment. Sir Winston Churchill is known to have written some of his most famous radio speeches during the Second World War in the mansion's Hawtrey room. Temperatures reached up to 70F in Brighton, but this group of young men in coats had to be moved off the beach on Sunday afternoon. Police were out patrolling the beachfront from the move any loiterers along Walkers and cyclists are having trouble obeying the two metre social distancing rule while walking along the canal path at Hertford Union canal in London on Sunday More recently, it was used by Theresa May as the location for a crunch 2018 Cabinet meeting to agree her new Brexit proposals, but in the following days senior ministers including then foreign secretary Boris Johnson resigned in disagreement over the plans. Photographic portraits of all the British prime ministers who have used the residence are on display in the Great Parlour. During a visit in 2015, then prime minister David Cameron told French president Francois Hollande that Chequers was 'a good place for thinking - away from London'. Visitors over the years have ranged from the Queen, to foreign leaders such as Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, and celebrities including Sir Elton John, Bryan Adams and David Bowie. Since-disgraced television star Jimmy Savile made a number of visits while Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, and once claimed he spent 11 consecutive Christmases at Chequers. It is run and managed by an independent trust and is maintained by an endowment administered by the trustees. The Trust also receives an annual grant-in-aid from public funds towards maintenance and staffing costs - 882,000 in 2018/19. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California saw its first daily decrease in intensive care hospitalizations during the coronavirus outbreak on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Associated Press Six people were shot at an apartment complex in Bakersfield, California, early Saturday, the Kern County Sheriff's Office said. All of the victims were treated at a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said. California has recently reported some success in using social distancing orders, which limits gatherings, to "flatten the cure" of new COVID-19 infections Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Six people were shot Saturday in California in what police called a 'large party' despite state orders that have prohibited gatherings to reduce new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. In a statement, the Kern County Sheriff's Office said officers responded to reports of "multiple shots fired" and "several victims of a shooting" at an apartment complex in the city of Bakersfield. When police arrived, they determined a "large party" had been occurring before the shooting. Victims included a juvenile female and five adults four females and one male according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office. Police said all six victims of the shooting were treated at a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No arrests had been made in the shooting, according to the Sheriff's office. Major cities across the country, including Los Angeles, California, have reported a reduction in crime due to policies put in place because of the novel coronavirus. Los Angeles arrests dropped during the first half of March by 14% from 3,406 to 2,944 arrests dropping the daily average from 300 to 60, the Los Angeles Times reported. On March 19, California became the first state in the US to issue a stay-at-home order, which has been implemented in most states nationwide to "flatten the curve" of coronavirus cases and deaths. In California, people who do not live in the same household are asked to stay six feet apart. State leaders directed all unessential gatherings to be canceled or postponed. Police did not say whether the six people injured in the shooting Saturday resided in the same household. Story continues The state has reported apparent success as a result of its social distancing orders. COVID-19 cases in California were doubling about every 3.5 days at the end of March. Last week, they were doubling every week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a press conference on Wednesday. "Over time, and as we implemented different stay-at-home efforts and orders, we see that it has generally gone down," Mark Ghaly, secretary of California's Health and Human Services Agency, said on Friday. "And that this is exactly the kind of data that helps inform us as to whether we need to do something different with our expectations and our directions to our counties and all across California or whether we stay the course." There are at least 22,416 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California and 634 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Read the original article on Insider Thirty-one more coronavirus cases surfaced in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, taking the count in the state to 483, a state government official said. The state has so far reported five death--one each from Basti, Meerut, Varanasi, Agra and Bulandshahar. In a statement, Dr Vikasendu Agrawal, Joint Director, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), said of the 31 cases, the maximum 12 were reported from Agra, the worst-hit district in the state with 104 cases. Among the most affected districts, Agra is followed Gautam Buddh Nagar (64), Lucknow (32), Saharanpur (28) and Ghaziabad (27). He added that so far 272 people who came in contact with Tablighi Jamaat tested positive for COVID-19. "On Sunday, 18 such positive cases were reported from the state," he said. Dr Agarwal said till date, 46 patients have recovered from the disease. This includes 13 in Gautam Buddh Nagar, 10 in Agra, nine in Meerut, five each in Ghaziabad and Lucknow; and one each in Kanpur, Shamli, Pilibhit and Lakhimpur Kheri, he said. "One patient was declared recovered in Gautam Buddh Nagar on Sunday, the official added. Earlier in the day, Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad told reporters, "On Saturday, 1,640 samples were tested. "Soon, we will cross the 2,000-mark," he said. The official said the doctors who want to offer tele-consultation will be registered. "Voluntary registration for doctors will be started on the Health Department's website. An advice can also be sought on helpline 18001805145 and counsellors have been engaged for this," he said. "We are also planning to make a pool of serving and retired government doctors and start taking their services for tele-consultation in the next a couple of days," the principal secretary added. He said it has also been decided to impart training to doctors and paramedical staff from where coronavirus cases have been reported as a doctor in Agra was found infected with the infection. At present, there are 576 patients in isolation wards while 8,084 are in quarantine facilities, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 21:51:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHENGDU, April 12 (Xinhua) -- An investigation team has been set up to look into a forest fire accident in the city of Xichang in southwest China's Sichuan Province that killed 19, local authorities said Sunday. The government of Sichuan Province has set up an investigation team to find out the cause of the accident as soon as possible, said the provincial emergency management department. The fire started on a local farm on March 30 and quickly spread to nearby mountains due to strong winds. It was put out on April 2. Nineteen people, including 18 firefighters and a local forest farm worker who led the way for the firefighters, died while battling the fire. An outspoken cleric who supervises Irans Qods Force says the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is Washington's agent, assigned to culturally infiltrate the clergy-dominated country. Meanwhile, the mid-ranking cleric, Ali Shirazi, who is Supreme Leader Ali khamenei's appointed man to watch the Qods (Quds) Force has called for defying UNICEF and countering its activities in Iran. In a note published in the IRGC-run Tasnim news agency on April 11, Shirazi lambasted the Iranian authorities for permitting a reference to the UNICEF activities in a fourth-grade textbook. "The enemies of Islam are pursuing their own aims through international and public educational institutions", Shirazi maintained. UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. The Islamic Republic has always looked upon the activities of international organizations in Iran with the utmost suspicion. As a rule, Khamenei and his extremist supporters believe that all international bodies are, one way or another, agents of the West, specifically the U.S.A., and their only aim is to strike fatal blows at the Islamic establishment in Iran. Without any elaboration, Shirazi has insisted that Washington vehemently wants to change "lifestyle" in Iran and uses UNICEF as an instrument to achieve its ends. "Under the cover of topics such as human rights advocacy, promoting children's and women's rights, and supporting gender equality, America aims at turning the Islamic lifestyle into a western way of life" Shirazi has maintained, adding, "UNICEF seeks to achieve the same aims in Iran." Shirazi's comments are not unprecedented. He is a staunch opponent of the West and Israel, who has always insisted that the Islamic Republic's campaign will go on until the annihilation of "global arrogance". In a November 4, 2019 speech aired by the monopolized state-run TV network in Iran, Shirazi asserted, "The confrontation with America will continue until the oppressive foundations of the global arrogance are disrupted, and until the leaders of the White House and the Zionist regime are annihilated." There are many countries in the world which are quite small and the population there is not much. Although Vatican City, located on the continent of Europe, is considered the smallest country in the world, but do you know which is the smallest country in the continent of Asia? This country situated in the Indian Ocean is very beautiful. Yes, today we are going to tell you interesting things about this country. This country is located about 983 km from Sri Lanka while about 793 km from Lakshadweep, India. The name of this country is Maldives. In the year 1965, it got independence from the British. First of all, India had recognized this country. Maldives was declared a republic country on November 11, 1968, ending the 853-year-old monarchy here. It is the smallest country in Asia both in population and area. According to the 2016 census, the total population here is about four lakh 28 thousand. Actually Maldives is an island group. There are a total of 1,192 islands, out of which only 200 islands have a local settlement, while some islands are for tourists, where beautiful resorts and hotels have been built. According to an estimate, about six lakh tourists visit Maldives every year. Please tell that Maldives is a Muslim country. Although this was not always the case. The country remained under Hindu kings until the 12th century, but later it became the center of Buddhism and gradually over time it was completely transformed into a Muslim nation. The most important thing here is that no non-Muslim person can become a citizen of Maldives. The Maldives is the lowest of all the insular countries on Earth. It is just 1.5 meters above sea level. If a tsunami ever occurs, the country is most likely to drown. You will be surprised to know that the world's first underwater cabinet meeting was held in Maldives. In 2009, the then President Mohammad Nasheed presided over this meeting. Also Read: Math genius Raziuddeen Siddiqui transforming lives of underprivileged childrens through Likee Likee and Yuvraj Singh-backed Healthians answer FAQs, bust myths related to Covid-19 Likee is Honoured by the Government Federal Agency For Calling on Young Russians to Stay at Home During COVID-19 Outbreak