thetorontostar--2020-04-24--Indiana lifting more virus limits on medical procedures

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana ’ s governor signed an order Friday largely lifting restrictions on elective medical procedures beginning next week .
The restrictions had been imposed to help preserve equipment and protective gear for hospitals treating coronavirus patients .
The state health commissioner also announced that at least 79 people died with coronavirus infection symptoms but were never tested .
Those presumed COVID-19 related deaths are in addition to the state ’ s official total of 741 deaths involving confirmed coronavirus infections The new medical procedure order covers providers such as surgery centres and dental , dermatology and veterinary offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as long as they have sufficient protective equipment and have adopted procedures to protect patients and staff members from COVID-19 .
Gov .
Eric Holcomb had already removed such restrictions on hospitals under an order that took effect Monday extending the statewide stay-at-home measures through May 1 .
Holcomb has talked about easing some of the state ’ s business and travel restrictions next month .
Michigan ’ s governor has extended that state ’ s stay-at-home order through May 15 , while the Illinois order now goes until May 30 .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and outdoor activities .
Holcomb said while he is co-operating with nearby governors on what steps to take , Indiana doesn ’ t have to be in “ lockstep ” with other states .
“ We are looking globally at all of these various sectors .
Everyone will not go all at once , ” Holcomb said .
“ I suspect we will begin to continue to open up in a very responsible , safe way.
” Indiana ’ s 79 presumed COVID-19 related deaths are in addition to 35 deaths with confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The presumptive deaths involved determinations by doctors of the person ’ s infection by use of chest X-rays , scans , information about their symptoms and how their conditions deteriorated , said the state health commissioner , Dr. Kristina Box .
Details about when the deaths occurred weren ’ t immediately released .
Box said the presumptive deaths wouldn ’ t be included in the confirmed death toll .
“ These deaths gives us a better sense of the impact of COVID-19 , ” Box said .
Holcomb has said the easing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing a surge in coronavirus cases cutting into the capacity of hospitals to care for patients .
The latest state statistics showed 621 COVID-19 patients were in the intensive care units of Indiana hospitals , and that 44 % of ICU beds remained available .
Holcomb and Box both warned against anyone acting on President Donald Trump ’ s comment Thursday that perhaps disinfectants could be injected or ingested to fight COVID-19 .
His words received strong pushback from health officials and even the maker of Lysol .
Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing by video from his hometown of Jasper , suggested Trump was caught up in the “ exuberance ” of people across the country eager to have business and travel restrictions start being lifted .
“ Sometimes when you ’ re not clear with how you say things , especially when you are at a high level where people watch , its best probably not to venture into areas where you may not know a lot about , ” Braun said .
“ Here , I would defer to what the health experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smile : “ Apply those disinfectants to surfaces , not yourself .
They work .
”


thetorontostar--2020-04-24--Georgia officials investigate racist text to Atlanta mayor

Attorney General Chris Carr directed his office ’ s prosecution division to investigate who sent the text , spokeswoman Katie Byrd said Friday .
Bottoms on Wednesday tweeted that she got a text to her personal cellphone addressing her by a racial slur and telling her “ Just shut up and RE-OPEN ATLANTA.
” Bottoms , an African American Democrat , has been an outspoken critic of Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp ’ s decision to allow some businesses to resume operations after he earlier shut them by executive order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
“ With my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received this message on my phone .
I pray for you , ” Bottoms tweeted , going on to paraphrase a quote from Martin Luther King .
Jr. that nothing is more dangerous than “ conscientious stupidity or sincere ignorance.
” Carr launched the inquiry after 15 Democratic state lawmakers who represent Atlanta asked him to .
The Democrats argue a crime may have been committed in part because the text purported to originate from a state email address — ReOpen @ Georgia.gov .
They said either a state employee sent it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state email address .
“ We expect your office is equally concerned , and we request that you immediately begin an investigation to determine the individuals or individuals behind this text message so they can be held responsible , “ the lawmakers wrote .
” Your office should be able to obtain the necessary subpoenas to unmask the individuals responsible for this.
” The lawmakers said Bottoms would co-operate with the investigation and aid Carr in seeking subpoenas to “ unmask the individuals responsible for this.
“ Bottoms told Atlanta City Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her 12-year-old son had also received the text , which she described as “ more concerning to me than anything.
” She said she had spoken to former Atlanta mayor and United Nations ambassador Andrew Young , “ and he just reminded me that white supremacy is a sickness.
“ Bottoms said that “ cowards don ’ t run for office.
“ “ I will continue to use my voice to speak on behalf of our community , ” she said .
Bottoms has been a prominent supporter of former Vice-President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some people mentioning her as a possible vice-presidential pick .
Democratic State Sen. Jen Jordan , one of the signers of the letter , tweeted that she was “ grateful ” for Carr ’ s investigation .
“ It sends the message that this sort of racism and hate won ’ t be tolerated , “ she wrote .
House Speaker David Ralston , a Blue Ridge Republican also sent a statement hailing Carr ’ s move , saying “ anyone who would attempt to masquerade as acting on behalf of state government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force of law .
”

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thetorontostar--2020-04-24--Senior official cited by Trump is subject of investigation

WASHINGTON - The senior Department of Homeland Security official who was thrust into the spotlight by President Donald Trump to describe the effects of temperature on COVID-19 has been the subject of misconduct allegations for his previous government work .
A Department of Energy Inspector General investigation was still pending Friday based on evidence submitted by a whistle-blower that William Bryan abused his government position with energy consulting work in Ukraine .
It ’ s unclear if Trump was aware of that investigation when he called on Bryan at his daily briefing Thursday to explain DHS research that prompted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus with disinfectant and kill it with sunlight .
Bryan has been acting undersecretary for the DHS Science and Technology Directorate , since May 2017 .
Before that , he was president of ValueBridge International ’ s Energy Group , a consulting firm in Virginia , following previous work with the Department of Energy .
Trump nominated him to be the undersecretary of the directorate , which is charged with developing technology for the components of DHS .
But days after his Senate hearing in August , a government whistle-blower and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Special Counsel that information they provided about Bryan showed a “ substantial likelihood of wrongdoing.
” The letter , first reported by The Hill newspaper in September , said the Office of the Special Counsel , an independent federal investigative agency , had referred the matter to the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General , which opened an investigation .
The letter , a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press , said the IG would conduct an investigation to see if his allegations could be substantiated and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The allegations against Bryan , which were reported by The New York Times in October 2018 , centre around his time as a senior adviser in the Office of International Affairs in 2016 .
He was designated a “ special government employee , “ which allowed him to do limited private sector work .
The whistle-blower , Robert Ivy , alleged that Bryan used his DOE position to develop his business interests with ValueBridge , including by providing money to foreign officials with the goal of influencing their actions and improperly sharing proprietary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured prominently in special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign .
The complaint , which was also obtained by AP , describes Bryan ’ s dealings with Rinat Akhmetov , the Ukrainian energy oligarch who hired Paul Manafort as an adviser years before Manafort became chairman of Trump ’ s presidential campaign .
According to the complaint , Bryan denied ever interacting with Manafort , who was convicted in Mueller ’ s Russia investigation related to Manafort ’ s work in Ukraine — though they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kyiv on one occasion recounted by the whistle-blower .
It says Bryan , as the head of an international Energy Department team that travelled to Ukraine with the goal of stabilizing the country ’ s energy security , aligned himself with Ahkmetov , became manipulated by the oligarch and his lieutenants and cashed in “ personally on the cowboy capitalism that has driven so much of the former Soviet Union.
” Ivy , a former DOE official who now works in the private sector , and his attorney said Friday that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not received any notice of a conclusion .
Both expressed surprise that Bryan , who has a military background but is not a scientist , was called upon by the Trump to discuss the research .
“ Bill Bryan should not be in that position in the first place , ” said John Tye , Ivy ’ s attorney and the founder and CEO of Whistleblower Aid .
“ The U.S. government found a substantial likelihood of wrongdoing by him on both the corruption and security violation matters.
” The Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which remains open , to its Inspector General ’ s office , which did not respond to a request for information .
DHS also did not respond to questions or make Bryan available for an interview .
Bryan presides over an organization that has had its budget cut by the Trump administration , despite the prominent role the president gave it during his briefing to discuss how work done at an agency lab in Maryland showed the virus breaking down when exposed to light and humidity .
Under the final year of President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget of $ 841 million , more than half of which was for research and development .
The Trump administration cut that to around $ 583 million in its first budget to fund other priorities .
It proposed restoring some of that this year and raising it to $ 643 million .
Associated Press writer Eric Tucker contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-04-24--Red Cross: COVID-19 crisis needs huge economy recovery plan

TANZANIA , Tanzania - The head of the world ’ s largest humanitarian network urged governments Friday to start thinking about tackling the economic damage from the coronavirus with something like the Marshall Plan used by the United States to help countries recover after World War II .
Francesco Rocca , president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies , which operates in 192 countries , warned of the risk of social unrest , hunger and starvation as a result of the pandemic .
“ We need to plan together with institutions a social response before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Rocca said during a video news conference that the lack of any source of income for millions of people because of lockdowns is “ a huge concern for us , both in Western countries as well as in the countries in fragile and protracted crisis.
” Without a major economic recovery program , he said , people will abandon their communities if “ their only option is hunger and starvation , ” which will increase migration .
Rocca , who also heads Italy ’ s Red Cross , said this “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the international community.
” The Marshall Plan was an American initiative approved in 1948 to help Western Europe recover after the defeat of Nazi Germany .
The U.S. transferred $ 12 billion to West European countries to spur their economic recovery , which according to one estimate would be equivalent to over $ 128 billion in 2020 .
Rocca said he thinks a similar economic initiative “ is an imperative on which the governments should start to think.
” He cited a number of problems as the world deals with COVID-19 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find food ; loss of income for those put out of work ; a lack of safe water , adequate sanitation and reliable energy for homes ; and insufficient means to communicate and obtain information .
Rocca also cited the challenges of getting medical supplies and equipment to countries in need , and sanctions creating additional barriers to the flow of humanitarian aid .
He said every decision political leaders make must be “ an informed decision ” taken after consulting with scientists , and they should strike “ the balance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the health and life of the communities.
” Calling for global unity , Rocca said Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are supporting the most vulnerable communities affected by the crisis .
Citing Syria , he said Red Crescent volunteers in protective gear are distributing food door-to-door and operating ambulances around the clock .
Before COVID-19 , he said , more than 6 million Syrians were at risk of food insecurity , “ and now , due to the economic crisis , the number could raise to between 9 to 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1 million Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar have swelled the population , Rocca said volunteer teams have set up water distribution points and are going home-to-home to teach more than 372,000 people hand-washing skills .
In Venezuela , teams have worked to provide more than 40 tons of humanitarian aid , including medical supplies and hygiene items , to those most in need , he said .
Rocca warned that in 43 out of 55 African countries , there are just 5,000 intensive care beds , which means five beds for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are 4,000 beds for every million people .
“ We are only starting to see glimpses of the impact COVID-19 might have on the African continent , ” he said .


thetorontostar--2020-04-24--Georgia businesses reopen cautiously amid coronavirus worry

SAVANNAH , Ga. - Four customers clutching masks were waiting outside David Huynh ’ s nail salon as he opened his Georgia business for the first time in four weeks Friday .
Nearby , the lights were still off in clothing and jewelry stores closed because of the coronavirus pandemic , and many residents stayed locked inside their homes .
Georgia ’ s economy began a cautious , high-stakes reopening as Gov .
Brian Kemp relaxed a monthlong shutdown amid experts ’ warnings of a potential surge in infections and objections from President Donald Trump .
Huynh had 60 clients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alina Davis was among them .
“ Yes , I am ready to get my nails fixed , ” Davis said .
Georgia has ranked in the bottom nationally in per capita testing , a key component in preventing a resurgence of the coronavirus which causes COVID-19 , and critics say Kemp ’ s order to restart some businesses was premature despite a bump in screenings this week .
But in metro Atlanta , the Three-13 Salon , Spa & Boutique opened to a line of masked customers whose temperature was checked before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their spacing marked by blue tape , and chairs were placed at staggered intervals outside .
Managing partner Lester Crowell said there was some nervousness and anxiety among salon employees .
“ But you know , we all want to come back to work , ” he said .
With deaths and infections still rising in Georgia , many business owners planned to remain closed despite Kemp ’ s assurance that hospital visits and new cases have levelled off enough for barbers , tattoo artists , massage therapists and personal trainers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reopened Bodyplex Fitness Adventure in Grayson , a dozen people in masks required by the gym worked out on two floors , spraying down machines and weights with a sanitizer bottle staff handed each person .
The gym had a fraction of its usual number of customers and provided ample space for people to work out apart , yet some talked and stood close to one another anyway .
“ The social distancing I think is probably the biggest challenge , ” co-owner Mike Martino said .
“ I guess when people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re somewhat protected , but we ’ re still encouraging people to try to stay 6 feet apart whenever possible.
” A young couple bowled at midday in an otherwise empty Bowlero , a 34-lane alley in Kennesaw , kissing between rolls , but the arcade area was empty .
Workers wiped down games and other surfaces , and signs about social distancing were plastered everywhere .
Many people are staying put at home .
Advertising project manager Nikki Thomas is overdue for a visit to her hair stylist , but she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlanta employer mandated working from home on March 12 , and she had no plans to change that now just because of Kemp ’ s decision .
“ It ’ s obviously extremely stupid , and I ’ m simultaneously exhausted and so angry I can barely see straight , ” Thomas , 40 , said in a phone interview .
The effect of the reopening varied .
The president of the Warner Robins chamber of commerce in middle Georgia said more cars were in parking lots , but Waycross City Manager Tonya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many businesses open in her southeast Georgia town .
Traffic in Atlanta remained lighter than normal .
In Savannah , though a number of salons and shops remained closed , there was plenty of traffic around shopping centres .
Although many businesses never closed , the governor has said it was imperative to begin easing his state ’ s economic suffering by allowing others to resume work .
The Georgia Department of Labor said 1.1 million workers — about one-fifth of the state ’ s workforce — filed for unemployment since the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press that Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence repeatedly told Kemp they approved of his aggressive plan before the president bashed it publicly earlier this week , but Trump tweeted a denial as businesses reopened .
“ I ( or @ VP ) never gave Governor Brian Kemp an OK on those few businesses outside of the Guidelines .
FAKE NEWS !
Spas , beauty salons , tattoo parlours , & barber shops should take a little slower path , but I told the Governor to do what is right for the great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” the president said in the tweet .
Georgia ’ s approach to reopening falls into a global patchwork of measured steps to reviving economies .
In several European countries , the focus has been on reopening manufacturing , small shops and some schools .
In many places , restaurants remain shuttered or only allowing takeaway and delivery , and in France authorities announced that restaurants , bars and cafes won ’ t reopen before June .
Just across the state line in Anderson , South Carolina , a mall reopened Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t involve close contact like jewelry stores , clothing boutiques and bookstores to restart .
Public health experts have warned that reopening too quickly could trigger a coronavirus resurgence .
Preventing that will require increased testing and robust tracking of infected people ’ s contacts .
Georgia has more than 22,000 confirmed cases of the virus and 894 deaths , according to state statistics .
The reopening will pick up steam Monday , when Georgia will allow movie theatres to reopen and restaurants to resume dine-in service — as long as customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hugh Acheson , who owns three fine-dining restaurants in Athens and Atlanta , said Georgia is conducting too little testing to reopen .
“ If I open up fine dining in midtown Atlanta and ... 25 people show up to dinner because I ’ m brazen enough to do this , that ’ s not enough to make money and stay in business , ” Acheson said .
Back in Savannah , Ebony Housey of Savannah has mostly been staying home for five weeks , and she booked an appointment with hair stylist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both women wore masks and chatted while Stafford shampooed and blow dried Housey ’ s hair .
“ I ’ m getting my hair done , and I ’ m going straight home , ” Housey said .
Stafford replied : “ Well , when you get home , you ’ re going to look fabulous.
” Associated Press journalists Kate Brumback and Jeff Amy in Atlanta ; Sudhin Thanawala in Grayson ; Mike Stewart and Ron Harris in Marietta ; and Jay Reeves in Birmingham , Alabama , contributed to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Disinfectant riff is latest of many Trump science clashes

WASHINGTON - What President Donald Trump says and does often flies in the face of mainstream science .
Coronavirus and the idea of injecting disinfectants is only the latest episode .
When a rare solar eclipse happened in 2017 , astronomers and eye doctors repeatedly warned people not to stare directly at the sun without protection .
Photos show Trump did anyway .
He later donned protective glasses .
For decades , scientists have called climate change a pressing issue , pointing to data , physics and chemistry .
Trump regularly called it a hoax until recently .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he refers to as windmills — causes cancer , which is not accurate .
He ’ s also claimed that exercise will deplete the finite amount of energy a body has , while doctors tell people that exercise is critical to good health .
When Trump wanted to defend his warning that Alabama was threatened by Hurricane Dorian last year , he displayed an official weather map that had been altered with a marker to extend the danger areas .
Alabama National Weather Service meteorologists were chastised by their agency chief when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they were not in the path of the hurricane .
On Thursday , Trump raised the idea of injections of disinfectant to fight the coronavirus , which health officials warned would be dangerous .
The president later claimed he was being sarcastic , although the transcript of his remarks suggests otherwise .
Trump also suggested ultraviolet light , even internal light , could be a possible preventative measure , contrary to scientific advice .
On Friday , as the recorded U.S. death toll passed the 50,000 mark , the Food and Drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of using a malaria drug that Trump has repeatedly promoted for coronavirus patients .
Asked what kind of grade he ’ d give Trump on science , M. Granger Morgan , a Carnegie Mellon University engineering and policy professor who has advised Democratic and Republican administrations , answered with a quick “ F. ” “ When he starts to air things like that ( injection ) , it ’ s definitely a danger to the public because some people might actually do that , ” said Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This isn ’ t science .
This is something else.
” “ Our president certainly has high confidence in his beliefs , ” said Chu , chairman of the board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science , the world ’ s largest general scientific society .
“ Scientists always test their beliefs all the time .
That ’ s part of the fabric of science.
” Trump seems to put science , medicine and controlled studies on equal footing with rumour and anecdotes , said Sudip Parikh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of AAAS .
Mixing those two up when talking to the public is “ terrible for communication , ” Parikh said .
It muddles and confuses the public , he said .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said “ any suggestion that the president does not value scientific data or the important work of scientists throughout his time in office is patently false.
” Deere pointed to “ data-driven ” decisions on the virus , such as limiting travel from highly infected areas , expediting vaccine development and issuing social distancing guidance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deere pointed to Trump saying on Thursday , “ My Administration has partnered with leading technology companies and scientific journals to create a database of 52,000 scholarly articles on the virus that can be analyzed by artificial intelligence.
” Presidents of both parties often put politics before science , and Trump is not unusual there , Morgan said .
But this administration has regularly contradicted science and doctors .
“ We ’ ve seen daily statements that run counter to reality , and science is about physical reality , ” Morgan said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chu said Thursday ’ s ultraviolet and disinfectant comments could end up hurting people who don ’ t listen to doctors .
They pointed to a case in Arizona where a couple misinterpreted Trump ’ s promotion of malaria drug and wrongly used related chemicals ; one of them died .
Friday ’ s FDA warning was issued because of reports of dangerous side effects and deaths from the use of the malaria drugs in test treatments .
Gretchen Goldman , research director for the Union of Concerned Scientists ’ Center for Science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and his administration “ have ignored science , censored science , manipulated science across agencies.
” “ It ’ s a different beef than we ’ ve seen in past administrations , ” Goldman said .
“ This administration , there ’ s a lot of disinterest and disrespect for science and the process.
” Goldman published a survey this week in the peer-reviewed science journal PLOS One that she and colleagues made of 3,700 federal scientists .
Half of them said political interests hinder their agencies from making science-based decisions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ censorship of some kind either from political appointees in their own agency or in the White House .
Goldman said the survey , conducted in 2018 before the coronavirus outbreak , found that the highest level of scientists claiming White House interference was in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Meteorologist Ryan Maue , a conservative scholar , said that on policy , he and other conservatives like Trump ’ s agenda of deregulation , including pulling out of the United Nations ’ Paris climate agreement .
He pointed to increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moon mission as pro-science , and added that the weather service is improving its forecast models .
But when it comes to communicating science , Trump “ is a mess , ” Maue said .
He ’ s trying to be funny and folksy “ and it doesn ’ t work and the media is eating that stuff up alive .
And I think that ’ s fair.
” Associated Press writers Jill Colvin , Jennifer Farrar and Monika Mathur contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Nashville musicians find themselves without jobs or benefits

NASHVILLE - Colin Poulton moved to Nashville in 2008 to study commercial guitar .
He dropped out of college but stuck with the city and the guitar , first playing in a series of original bands and more recently making his living in the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway along with “ a few wedding bands and some other bands.
” All those gigs ended abruptly when the coronavirus hit .
The clubs shut down on March 16 to slow the spread , and Nashville ’ s normally packed downtown streets are all but deserted .
Poulton applied for unemployment as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill extending benefits to nontraditional workers .
He ’ s been without steady work for five weeks now but so far has received nothing .
“ A lot of us went from having anywhere from four to seven gigs a week to nothing , ” Poulton said .
With its vibrant music industry , Nashville is a magnet for people like Poulton .
Music City is known as the home of country music in the U.S. , but tens of thousands of professional musicians of all kinds live there , drawn to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a community of artists .
Now they ’ re caught up in an unemployment system that ’ s not geared toward them .
“ There ’ s a lot of confusion and , frankly , fear rampant in the community because they don ’ t know if they ’ re going to get something and , if so , how much , ” said Dave Pomeroy , president of the Nashville Musicians Association , the local union .
Pomeroy said probably 100,000 people in Nashville play music professionally , although they may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t sure how many nontraditional workers have applied for unemployment , but it has received about 75,000 claims that were initially deemed ineligible .
The majority of those are assumed to be from nontraditional workers , Department of Labor and Workforce Development spokesman Chris Cannon said .
For many of Nashville ’ s musicians , there ’ s an additional hitch .
Their income is from a mix of sources , some treating them as employees and others treating them as independent contractors or self-employed .
Cannon said workers who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are eligible for traditional state unemployment can ’ t claim the new federal unemployment benefits from their contract work , even if that makes up the majority of their income .
But many musicians don ’ t know that .
“ It ’ s created a real black hole for these people , ” said Pomeroy , who ’ s been trying to act as a liaison with the state to provide musicians with answers about unemployment .
Session bassist Eli Beaird said his W-2 work makes up only about 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to apply for unemployment through the state system .
He hasn ’ t received anything yet , but the system shows him as eligible for $ 50 per week in unemployment benefits .
That ’ s far short of the state ’ s $ 275 weekly maximum , which is what he would likely receive if he could base his benefits off his contractor work .
Fortunately , anyone receiving unemployment from either traditional or nontraditional work is also eligible for a $ 600 per week coronavirus supplement , although Beaird hasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he is lucky to earn most of his incoming from recording , which will probably bounce back more quickly than performing .
“ Live music sounds terrifying right now , ” he said .
He has friends who tour with country star Miranda Lambert .
“ When ’ s the next time any of us thinks it ’ s going to be safe to put 40,000 people in a room together ?
” The state started distributing benefits to the self-employed , independent contractors and gig workers this week and Cannon said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week , but Poulton said Friday that he still wasn ’ t finding himself in the state ’ s system .
Poulton lives with his girlfriend and their son and says they have enough money to meet expenses for about a month .
He ’ s worried but still thinks thinks shutting the clubs was the right thing to do .
“ I was anxious going into that petri dish , ” he said .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Asia Today: Sri Lanka reimposes curfew; India eases lockdown

BANGKOK - Sri Lanka has reimposed a countrywide 24-hour curfew after a surge in the number of coronavirus cases , most of them navy sailors who were searching for those evading quarantine .
The 46 new infections on Friday were the highest in a day .
The Indian Ocean island nation has confirmed 420 cases of the virus , including seven deaths , and has ramped up testing .
Sri Lanka partially lifted a monthlong curfew on Monday during daytime hours in more than two thirds of the country .
The new curfew imposed on Friday night remains in effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 30,000 violators .
Among the newly infected were 30 navy sailors from a camp on the outskirts of the capital , Colombo .
A total 60 sailors so far have been infected and the camp has been isolated .
The virus is believed to have entered the camp through sailors who were deployed to search for a group of drug addicts who had contact with a COVID-19 patient and were evading quarantine .
Sri Lanka ’ s health ministry said Saturday that it has significantly increased the number of coronavirus tests being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday — more than double the roughly 700 tests on Thursday , and over 350 more than the 1,142 tests on Friday , according to the ministry .
— INDIA EASES LOCKDOWN : India announced the easing of a stringent lockdown for its 1.3 billion people by allowing neighbourhood and standalone shops to reopen .
India has reported more than 24,500 coronavirus cases and 775 deaths .
Last week , the government allowed resumption of manufacturing and farming activities in rural areas as millions of daily wage earners were left without work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : China reported no new deaths from the coronavirus for the 10th straight day .
Twelve new cases were reported on Saturday — 11 brought from overseas and one local transmission in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang bordering Russia , according to the National Health Commission .
Just 838 people remain hospitalized with COVID-19 while another 1,000 are undergoing isolation and monitoring for being either suspected cases or having tested positive for the virus while showing no symptoms .
China , widely believed to be the source of the global pandemic , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — AUSTRALIA MARKS ANZAC DAY WITH HOME VIGILS : Traditional crowds at dawn services for the Anzac Day memorial holiday in Australia were replaced with candlelit vigils in driveways and neighbours gathering to listen to buglers play “ The Last Post.
” Restrictions on crowds and social distancing due to the coronavirus meant that the usual packed dawn services in cities and towns across the country were not held .
The holiday , also celebrated in New Zealand , marks the anniversary of New Zealand and Australian soldiers , known as Anzacs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In New Zealand , where even tighter crowd restrictions are in place , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stood at dawn on the driveway of Premier House , the leader ’ s official residence , for a ceremony .
— DOWNWARD TREND HOLDS IN S. KOREA : South Korea reported 10 new cases of the new coronavirus , the eighth day in a row of a jump below 20 .
No new deaths were reported Saturday for the second straight day .
The figures released by South Korea ’ s Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,718 cases and 240 deaths .
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--India reopens stores, speeding easing of virus lockdowns

NEW DELHI - A tentative easing around the world of coronavirus lockdowns gathered pace Saturday with the reopening in India of neighbourhood stores that many of the country ’ s 1.3 billion people rely on for everything from cold drinks to mobile phone data cards .
The relaxation of the super-strict Indian lockdown came with major caveats .
It did not apply to hundreds of quarantined towns and other hotspots that have been hit hardest by the outbreak that has killed at least 775 people in India and terrified its multitudes of poor who live hand-to-mouth in slum conditions too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also remained closed across the country .
Still , for families that run small stores , being able to earn again brought relief .
“ This is a good decision , “ said Amit Sharma , an architect .
“ We have to open a few things and let the economy start moving .
The poor people should have some source of income .
This virus is going to be a long-term problem.
” Last week , India also allowed manufacturing and farming activities to resume in rural areas to ease the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without work by the country ’ s lockdown imposed March 24 .
India ’ s stay-home restrictions have allowed people out of their homes only to buy food , medicine or other essentials .
Elsewhere in Asia , authorities on Saturday reported no new deaths for the 10th straight day in China , where the virus originated .
And South Korea reported just 10 fresh cases , the eighth day in a row its daily jump came below 20 .
There were no new deaths for the second straight day .
In Sri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightened , not eased , confirming a pattern of one-step-forward , one-step-back also seen elsewhere as countries battle the pandemic , trying to juggle public health against the health of shut-down economies .
Sri Lanka had partially lifted a monthlong curfew during daytime hours in more than two thirds of the country .
But it reimposed a 24-hour lockdown countrywide after a surge Friday of 46 new infections , the highest increase in a day on the Indian Ocean island .
The new curfew remains in effect until Monday .
The global death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a tally compiled by John Hopkins University from government figures .
The actual death toll is believed to be far higher .
Pope Francis appealed to people to pray for funeral home workers , saying : “ What they do is so heavy and sad .
They really feel the pain of this pandemic.
” The U.S. states of Georgia , Oklahoma and Alaska also began loosening lockdown orders on their pandemic-wounded businesses , even as the confirmed U.S. death toll from the coronavirus soared past 50,000 and despite warnings from health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too early .
In Europe , Belgium sketched out plans for a progressive lockdown relaxation , starting May 4 with the resumption of nonessential treatment in hospitals and the reopening of textile and sewing shops so people can make face masks .
Bars and restaurants would be allowed to start reopening June 8 , although Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes also cautioned that a surge in infections could alter the timeline and that “ nothing is set in stone.
“ Kids in Spain will get their first fresh air in weeks on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside is relaxed .
After 44 days indoors , they ’ ll be allowed to take one toy or scooter with them but not play together for the adult-supervised one-hour excursions no further than one kilometre ( 0.6 miles ) from home .
Italy announced Saturday that free protective masks will be distributed to nursing homes , police , public officials and transport workers , preparing for the return to work of millions of Italians when lockdown restrictions are eased from May 4 .
Britain was still holding off on changes to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals was on target to surge past 20,000 .
It ’ s the fourth highest in Europe , behind Italy , Spain and France , each of which has reported more than 20,000 deaths .
In France , the government is preparing to gingerly ease one of Europe ’ s strictest lockdowns from May 11 .
The health minister detailed plans Saturday to scale up testing to help contain any new flare-ups .
Testing shortages are a critical problem elsewhere , too , including in Brazil , Latin America ’ s largest nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic hot spot .
Medical officials in Rio de Janeiro and four other major cities warned that their hospital systems are on the verge of collapse or already overwhelmed .
In Manaus , the biggest city in the Amazon , officials said a cemetery has been forced to dig mass graves because there have been so many deaths .
Workers have been burying 100 corpses a day — triple the pre-virus average .
In the U.S. , Republican governors in Georgia and Oklahoma allowed salons , spas and barbershops to reopen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resume dine-in service and retail shops and other businesses to open their doors , all with limitations .
Some Alaska municipalities chose to maintain stricter rules .
Though limited in scope , and subject to social-distancing restrictions , the reopenings marked a symbolic milestone in the debate raging in the United States and beyond as to how quickly political leaders should lift economically devastating lockdown orders .
In Michigan , Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer lengthened her stay-at-home order through May 15 , while lifting restrictions so some businesses can reopen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as golf and motorized boating .
Michigan has nearly 3,000 deaths related to COVID-19 , behind only New York and New Jersey .
During a White House press briefing Friday , President Donald Trump spoke optimistically of the economy but also asked people to continue social distancing and using face coverings .
The same day , Trump signed a $ 484 billion bill to aid employers and hospitals under stress from the pandemic .
Over the past five weeks , roughly 26 million people have filed for jobless aid , or about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said his widely criticized comments suggesting people can ingest or inject disinfectant to fight COVID-19 were an attempt at sarcasm .
Amy Pembrook and her husband , Mike , reopened their hair salon in the northwest Oklahoma town of Fairview after it had been shuttered for about a month .
“ We ’ re super excited about going back , but we have caught a little flak from people who say it ’ s too early , ” Amy Pembrook said .
“ We just said we can live in fear for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everything is going to be OK. ” Leicester reported from Le Pecq , France .
Associated Press journalists from around the world contributed to this report .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Ashok Sharma And John Leicester - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Boris Johnson aide attended key science meetings on virus

LONDON - Britain ’ s government on Saturday defended the independence of the scientists advising it on coronavirus after it emerged that Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s controversial chief aide had attended meetings of the group .
Criticism of Johnson ’ s Conservative government is mounting as the U.K. ’ s COVID-19 death toll rises and a nationwide lockdown imposed a month ago drags on .
The confirmed number of coronavirus-related hospital deaths is likely to reach 20,000 this weekend .
After a report in The Guardian , the government confirmed that Johnson adviser Dominic Cummings had attended several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emergencies , or SAGE , and listened to discussions .
But it denied the Guardian ’ s claim that Cummings — who is not a scientist — was a member of the group .
Cummings is a contentious figure , a self-styled political disruptor who was appointed to a key role by Johnson after masterminding the victorious “ leave ” campaign during Britain ’ s 2016 referendum on European Union membership .
The government said “ SAGE provides independent scientific advice to the government .
Political advisers have no role in this.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty .
The government has declined to publish its full membership , saying that could leave the scientists open to lobbying or other pressure .
David King , a former government chief scientific adviser , told The Guardian he was “ shocked ” to learn political advisers were involved in SAGE meetings .
But other scientists who have advised the government said it was usual for political aides to attend , though only as observers .
The main opposition Labour Party said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credibility of government decision-making .
“ The best way to clear all of this up is for the government to be completely transparent with us and publish the minutes of the SAGE committee , ” said Labour health spokesman Jonathan Ashworth .
The government says its response to the pandemic has been guided by scientific advice .
That advice is under increasing scrutiny by critics who accuse the government of being slow to respond to the outbreak .
Britain imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 23 , later than in many other European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until at least May 7 .
As of Friday , 19,506 people with the coronavirus had died in British hospitals .
The figure does not include deaths in nursing homes , which are likely to number in the thousands .
Scientists say the U.K. has reached the peak of the pandemic but is not yet out of danger .
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is declining , and the number of daily deaths peaked on April 8 .
As fears recede that the health system will be overwhelmed , opponents are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Conservative government over shortages of protective equipment for medical workers and a lack of testing for the virus .
Meanwhile , health authorities urged Britons not to ignore symptoms of conditions other than the coronavirus , amid fears that cancer and other illnesses are going untreated .
Public Health England said visits to hospital emergency departments have fallen by almost 50 % in April from the same month last year .
The charity Cancer Research UK estimated that 2,250 new cases of the disease could be going undetected each week , partly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals for fear of catching the virus or overburdening the system .
The National Health Service encouraged people to seek urgent help if needed and to continue to attend services such as cancer screening and maternity appointments .
NHS chief executive Simon Stevens said “ ignoring problems can have serious consequences — now or in the future .
”


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--On Anzac Day, services in lockdown replaced by home vigils

CANBERRA , Australia - Traditional crowds at dawn services for the Anzac Day memorial holiday in Australia were replaced Saturday with candlelit vigils in driveways and neighbours gathering to listen to buglers play “ The Last Post.
” Restrictions on crowds and social distancing due to the coronavirus meant that the usual packed dawn services in cities and towns across the country were not held .
The holiday , also celebrated in New Zealand , marks the anniversary of New Zealand and Australian soldiers , known as Anzacs , landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 .
More than 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during that World War I campaign in what ’ s now Turkey , although Anzac Day honours those killed in all wars .
Visiting the site in Canakkale , in northwestern Turkey , has become a pilgrimage for many Australians and New Zealanders to remember their fallen compatriots , but the annual dawn service and other commemorative ceremonies were cancelled this year to stem the spread of COVID-19 .
Early Saturday , three employees of a local tourism company placed red flowers at the ANZAC Cove memorial in Canakkale .
In France , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Somme , Deputy Mayor Benoit Decottegnie laid a wreath at sunrise at the Australian National Memorial that honours Australian soldiers who fought and died in France and Belgium .
With France in a coronavirus lockdown , there were no crowds .
Decottegnie also laid a wreath at another monument to victims of World War I in the centre of town .
“ It is true that this ambiance is really particular .
There is no one , ” he said .
“ It is very , very , very frustrating , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saddened by not being able to assist.
” “ Of course , I hope that a lot of people will commemorate this by lighting a candle or by a minute of silence or by any other means , ” Decottegnie said .
In Australia ’ s capital , Canberra , Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke at a crowd-free commemorative service held inside the Australian War Memorial .
A didgeridoo sounded the beginning of the service .
In the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga , 8-year-old trumpeter Lewis Ketteridge and 16-year-old French horn player Grace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing “ The Last Post ” from their driveways at dawn before 40 residents observed a moment of silence .
“ Strangely , it made it more moving that people were still willing to commemorate Anzac Day instead of just letting it go by , ” said resident Catherine Colville .
She said the community carefully maintained social distancing as they placed candles , pictures of serving ancestors and wreaths of native leaves and flowers under an Australian flag hanging on a tree .
Marches and gatherings were cancelled for only the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1942 and during the devastating Spanish flu outbreak of 1918 .
In New Zealand , where even tighter crowd restrictions are in place , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stood at dawn on the driveway of Premier House , the leader ’ s official residence , for a ceremony .
Thousands around New Zealand participated in the “ Stand at Dawn ” initiative , and in one Christchurch suburb , bagpiper Tom Glove greeted the families that gathered at each driveway with a rendition of “ Amazing Grace.
” Associated Press journalists Zeynep Bilginsoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , France , contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--A rarity: cricket goes live in Vanuatu in the South Pacific

PORT VILA , Vanuatu - Some overnight rain couldn ’ t prevent Vanuatu from producing a rarity in these coronavirus-restricted times — a live sporting event .
The tropical island in the South Pacific was likely the only venue in the world hosting a competitive sports final on Saturday , as most international sport remains shuttered around the globe .
Vanuatu Cricket Association chief executive Shane Deitz invited anyone missing live action to tune in to a live stream .
And more than 3,000 did at various times during a men ’ s 10-over exhibition match and the women ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bulls .
“ It ’ s one of the only live sports around the world at the moment .
We can showcase a bit of cricket for everyone who is in lock down , ” Deitz told the Associated Press on Friday The matches were played at the Vanuatu Cricket Grounds in the capital Port Vila , on the island of Efate .
Officials set up four cameras and commentary for the online stream on Vanuatu Cricket ’ s Facebook site .
The commentators had a bit of fun as well , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were getting rowdy “ now that the red wine has kicked in.
” Play was delayed for minute or two when a few children ran on the field , and the commentators apologized for not having many security people at the ground .
Vanuatu went into lock down late last month as a precaution during the coranavirus pandemic , and was then hit hit by a destructive cyclone on April 6 .
Spectators who came to the ground on Saturday were asked to bring food or clothing donations for those affected by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders meant there were no reported cases of COVID-19 in Vanuatu .


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Outbursts, panic: Lockdown ordeal for special-needs families

PARIS - After weeks of France ’ s strict lockdown , Mohammed , a 14-year-old with autism , took a pickax and started hitting the wall of his house , hoping that he could finally go out .
His explanation : “ Too long at home , too hard to wait.
“ Coronavirus lockdown is proving a particularly trying ordeal for children with disabilities and their families who are struggling to care for them at home now that special schools and support programs have been shut down .
Mohammed hasn ’ t picked up the axe again since the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with relief .
But his son still gets exasperated , and says , “ I want to break the house down.
” The family , like others who spoke to The Associated Press about what they ’ re going through , spoke on condition they be identified by first name only , out of privacy concerns for their children .
Making matters worse , Mohammed ’ s mother , who works in a nursing home , has been on sick leave after testing positive for COVID-19 .
She had to live for weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house in the Paris suburb of Mantes-la-Jolie , and was forced to keep distance from her family .
Her health has since improved .
That was particularly hard for Mohammed , who has a close relationship with his mother .
“ We kept telling him that there ’ s the disease .
He took note .
Then he tried again to go up and see her , ” Salah said .
Violent outbursts , incomprehension , disputes , panic attacks : Lockdown is a shock to many children with special needs , cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deprived of their reassuring routine .
And France ’ s virus lockdown measures — now in their second month and not set to end until at least May 11 — are among Europe ’ s strictest .
At home , Mohammed requires constant attention so that he won ’ t put himself in danger .
“ That ’ s tough on him .
We reprimand him , saying no .
... We need to repeat and repeat , ” Salah said .
The father admits to his own fatigue , working at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care of his two other sons , ages 12 and 8 .
Salah knows how to detect signs on Mohammed ’ s face when he is under too much pressure and may get angry : “ I don ’ t let things get heated.
” Mohammed ’ s teacher at the Bel-Air Institute near Versailles , Corentin Sainte Fare Garnot , is doing his best to help .
“ If you remove crutches from someone who needs them from one day to the next , it gets very complicated , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of activity can be very deep ” for people with autism , he said .
Mohammed calls him several times a day .
Aurelie Collet , a manager at the Bel-Air , which provides specialized educational and therapeutic services for dozens of children with different types of disabilities , said some teenagers just didn ’ t understand the lockdown rules at first , and kept going out .
Others who used to be well-integrated in their class turned inward , isolating themselves in their bedrooms .
So the staff developed creative tools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , including through social networks , she said .
Thomas , 17 , and Pierre , 14 , brothers with intellectual disabilities who also go to the Bel-Air , are similarly destabilized by lockdown .
“ I feel worried about how long the lockdown will last , what ’ s going to happen next ” , Thomas said .
The teenager has lots of questions about “ how many people will get the virus , when the epidemic will stop.
” At first , their parents recalled , the boys acted as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all day and calling their friends .
Then the family , which lives near Versailles , west of Paris , organized activities to keep their lives more structured .
Another big concern for Thomas is his future , as the internship he was planning to do this summer is likely to be postponed .
His younger brother Pierre says he ’ s having more nightmares than usual , adding that the lockdown is also prompting more family quarrels .
Pierre especially misses the gardening he used to do at the Bel-Air , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grow radishes .
Under nationwide restrictions , the French can only leave home for essential services , like buying food or going to the doctor , and must stay close to home .
Physical activity in public is strictly limited to one hour , and within a nearby radius .
Police routinely fine violators .
Recognizing the burden this places on people with autism , French President Emmanuel Macron announced in early April an exception that allows them to go out in places where they are accustomed to go , taking the necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and distance .
The challenges are familiar to millions of families around the world .
Across the U.S. , teachers are exploring new ways to deliver customized lessons from afar , and parents of children with disabilities are not only home-schooling but also adding therapy , hands-on lessons and behavioural management to their responsibilities .
Salah has started again to take Mohammed do some biking outside , something he used to do before .
“ This is like a safety valve to him , he needs it .
... We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s going ahead , happily shouting , ” Salah said with a smile in his voice .
Sainte Fare Garnot is helping the family to find concrete solutions .
Because playing soccer with his brothers in the garden has proven difficult for Mohammed because the rules of team games are too complex for him , he suggested that the three boys instead take shots at goal in turn .
France is still playing catch-up with some developing-country peers in terms of educational opportunities for children with autism spectrum disorders , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend months relearning skills they may have lost during the lockdown period .
The president has announced that schools will be “ progressively ” reopened starting from May 11 , but authorities have not provided details yet about special-needs children .
France counts more than 350,000 school students with disabilities , including 70,000 in the special education system that includes the Bel-Air .
The uncertainty is specially hard for young people like Mohammed .
“ I know he will ask me again , “ his teacher said .
” ’ When is @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Indian Muslims face stigma, blame for surge in infections

NEW DELHI - India ’ s government is blaming an Islamic missionary meeting for a surge in coronavirus cases , triggering a wave of violence , business boycotts and hate speech toward Muslims that experts warn could worsen the pandemic in the world ’ s second-most populous country .
The stigma faced by India ’ s Muslims , poorer and with less access to health care than other groups , is making health workers ’ battle against the virus even tougher , according to veterans of other epidemics .
India has about 24,500 confirmed coronavirus cases — about one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the missionary meeting — and 775 deaths , and the outbreak may not peak until June .
“ Not only is the ( Muslim ) community at a higher risk of being infected , but they will also be at a high risk of spreading the virus , ” said Dr. Anant Bhan , a bioethics and global health expert .
“ It becomes a cycle that will continue.
” About 8,000 people in the Tablighi Jamaat congregation met for three days in March at the group ’ s compound in the crowded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Indian government banned large gatherings .
The compound stayed open , later giving shelter to people stranded in a 21-day lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 , according to the group ’ s spokesman , Mujeeb ur Rehman .
On the second day of the lockdown , a government raid on the compound discovered the largest virus cluster in India .
Police filed a case against some of the group ’ s leaders for violating the ban , a charge the group denies .
Officials said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 foreigners , who participated in the missionary meeting .
India ’ s communal fault lines , still stressed by deadly riots over a new naturalization law that excludes Muslims , were split wide open by the allegations against Jamaat .
Politicians in Modi ’ s ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party were quoted on TV and in newspapers describing the Jamaat incident as “ corona terrorism.
” False news targeting Muslims began to circulate , including video clips purportedly showing congregation members spitting on authorities .
The clips were quickly proven to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hashtag “ CoronaJihad ” was trending on Twitter in India .
Lav Aggarwal , joint secretary of India ’ s health ministry , repeatedly called out the congregation by name in daily news briefings .
On April 5 , he said the number of virus cases was doubling in just 4.1 days , and would have been a slower 7.4 days “ if the additional ... cases due to the Tablighi Jamaat meeting would not have arisen.
” That same day , Dilshad Mohammad took his life .
Panic , blame and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37-year-old chicken peddler was shunned by his neighbours in Bangarh , a village in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh , for giving two members of the Jamaat congregation a ride to their village on his scooter .
Neighbors accused him of deliberately trying to infect them with the virus , which causes the COVID-19 disease .
Karthikeyan Gokulachandran , the district police superintendent , blamed his suicide on stigma .
In Rajasthan state , a pregnant Muslim woman was turned away from a public hospital because of her religion , resulting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Vishvendra Singh , the state ’ s tourism minister .
In Uttarakhand , Hindu youths forced Muslim fruit vendors to stop selling .
Shots were fired at a mosque in Gurugram , a suburb of New Delhi , and a Muslim family in the neighbouring state of Haryana was attacked by neighbours who accused them of not turning off their lights on April 9 , the night Modi had asked the country to extinguish household lights for 15 minutes in a show of national unity .
Doctors who studied previous epidemics warn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease weaken trust in marginalized communities , threatening decades-long efforts against illnesses such as polio and tuberculosis by making people less likely to seek treatment .
Stigma in general is adding to India ’ s coronavirus death toll , said Dr. Randeep Guleria , head of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi and among the architects of the country ’ s response .
“ It is actually causing increasing morbidity and mortality .
Because of the stigma that is happening , many patients who have COVID-19 or who have flu-like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Muslims were already at a disadvantage when the coronavirus entered India .
India ’ s 200 million Muslims account for 14 % of the population and are the largest minority group in the Hindu-majority nation and also the poorest , surviving on an average of 32.6 rupees ( $ 0.43 ) per day , a 2013 government survey found .
Muslims also have less access to health care .
About 40 % of villages with large Muslims populations don ’ t have medical facilities , a government report in 2006 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state with the biggest concentration of coronavirus cases -- said Muslim-majority areas had a “ paucity of health facilities ” in a 2013 report .
It said the “ threat of communal riots ” forced Muslims to “ live together in slums and ghettos ” where social distancing is often impossible .
In deeply polarized India , some Modi critics have suggested that the government singled out the Jamaat congregation for strategic reasons .
The “ vilification of Muslims was done to hide the government ’ s mismanagement in dealing with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Tanweer Fazal , a sociologist at the University of Hyderabad .
On Sunday , Modi tweeted that the coronavirus does not discriminate based on race , religion or creed .
“ Our response and conduct thereafter should attach primacy to unity and brotherhood .
We are in this together , ” he said .
His remarks came hours after the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ’ s human rights body condemned the “ unrelenting vicious Islamophobic campaign in India maligning Muslims for spread of COVID-19.
” The Associated Press Health and Science Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

Aniruddha Ghosal, Sheikh Saaliq And Emily Schmall - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--For Peace Corps evacuees, there wasn’t even time for goodbye

DUMFRIES , Va. - After two weeks alone in a hotel room in the Virginia suburbs , 40 minutes outside Washington , Kelsea Mensh was ready to go home .
A few weeks earlier , the 22-year-old Peace Corps volunteer had completed a year of service in the Dominican Republic .
She loved being in her “ pueblo ” surrounded by families and lively children .
She was working on a school improvement project and applying for funding to install hand-washing stations to help provide running water in her community .
She was filled with purpose and excited to fulfil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then an email came , followed by a phone call .
The Peace Corps was pulling all its volunteers from projects around the world because of concerns about the coronavirus .
There would be no hand-washing station .
There would not even be time to say goodbye .
In a message posted on the Peace Corps website last month , Director Jody Olsen said the decision to temporarily suspend operations was difficult .
“ Fortunately , we were able to safely evacuate each of our posts , avoiding a situation where Volunteers would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air space were shutting down to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , ” she said .
In response to questions , the agency said about 7,000 volunteers were evacuated from 60 countries .
Upon returning to the U.S. , they were asked to self-quarantine for two weeks .
The Peace Corps declined to comment on whether any evacuees tested positive for the coronavirus .
Although she is grateful to have been evacuated , Mensh said she is very worried about the community she had to leave behind in the Dominican Republic .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t get to say goodbye , and we both started to cry , “ Mensh said .
Mensh ’ s mother , Holly Balcom , a fourth-grade teacher , said , ‘ I didn ’ t get to say goodbye to the children here , either , ” Mensh recalled .
As a cancer survivor with viral-induced asthma , the 54-year-old Balcom could be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus infection .
Once evacuated , Mensh had nowhere else to stay .
What could she do ?
How could she come home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she hadn ’ t been exposed to any known infections , her evacuation had forced her to travel through three international airports .
The Peace Corps put Mensh up in a hotel in her hometown to self-isolate so she wouldn ’ t risk her mother ’ s health .
She chose a Holiday Inn Express that was a five-minute drive from her mother ’ s home .
“ The Peace Corps were very supportive , ” Mensh said .
“ They sent out an email and said they would refund a hotel for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stipend for food .
You ’ re leaving your job that you love .
It was hard .
But I ’ m extremely grateful to Peace Corps for helping me have a place to stay so that my mom could be safe.
” While staying at the hotel , Mensh and her mother realized they could be within 6 feet ( 1.8 metres ) of each other if outdoors -- no touching allowed .
“ So we had a picnic lunch outdoors .
You couldn ’ t hug each other , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ We were just grateful to have her home and safe.
” Jakob Leichtman , 23 , and Jack Cashmere , 22 , were serving together in the Peace Corps in Ecuador for two months and were awaiting their first placements when they were evacuated .
Rather than put his 72-year-old father at risk , Leichtman decided to stay with his fellow evacuee at Cashmere ’ s family home in Bethesda , Maryland .
“ It ’ s less lonely than staying in a hotel , ” Leichtman said , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Peace Corps would be able to reimburse , if at all .
I have to find a job now .
The plan for the next three years is gone.
” Leichtman later decided not to pursue employment in order to keep infection risks lower for his father .
Olsen , the Peace Corps director , said the agency already is planning for the time when operations could resume .
“ Volunteers who seek to return to their host countries or seek a new assignment will be given expedited consideration over the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ 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.
” Leichtman said he was considering it .
“ I ’ ve been accepted to one graduate program and waiting to hear back from a few others that I ’ ve applied to , ” Leichtman said , “ but Peace Corps has been and always will be the dream.
” Mensh doesn ’ t plan on completing her remaining two years of service because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could be .
“ A lot of us volunteers are in the same boat , ” Mensh said .
“ We would have loved to finish our service , but there is so much insecurity and uncertainty in waiting and putting our lives on pause to try to go back in what could be six months or more.
” Mensh dreams of becoming a nurse and is looking at prerequisite classes to apply for nursing schools .
“ I know a lot of fellow Peace Corps volunteers are searching for jobs now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the worst times to find a job , “ she said .
” It ’ s not easy , but there ’ s a saying in the Dominican Republic , ‘ Hay que seguir echando pa ’ lante ’ — ‘ got ta keep moving forward ’ — so that ’ s my mentality now .
”


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Bloomberg moves past presidential defeat with virus crusade

NEW YORK - Nearly two months after an embarrassing end to his presidential campaign , Mike Bloomberg is again deploying his massive personal fortune – this time to combat the coronavirus .
The billionaire former New York City mayor is spending tens of millions of dollars to bolster social services , feed first responders and help local officials trace the spread of the coronavirus in the city that has become the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States .
The effort is in line with Bloomberg ’ s long-standing interest in scientific research and public health .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rebuild an image that was badly damaged earlier this year by accusations from some Democrats that he was trying to buy the White House .
He spent more than $ 1 billion on a campaign that ultimately resulted in just one primary victory , in American Samoa .
Allies say the coronavirus plays to Bloomberg ’ s strengths .
“ He is really good at a lot of things , but he ’ s really , really good in crisis , in organizing , in bringing people together and making plans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Nutter , who served as a national co-chair for Bloomberg ’ s presidential bid .
Bloomberg plans to spend $ 10.5 million to build a contact tracing program , which would help local officials follow the spread of the virus in an effort to contain it .
The work will centre on New York City , but also go into neighbouring jurisdictions .
The effort , which requires a massive data operation and significant budget , was seen as a natural fit , according to two people close to the former mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss his thinking .
Beyond the New York contact tracing work , Bloomberg ’ s philanthropic operation announced a $ 40 million pledge to support efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income nations .
Though Bloomberg didn ’ t win the Democratic presidential nomination , his coronavirus response could still leave him as a counter to President Donald Trump , whose handling of the pandemic has been criticized as too slow .
It would mark the latest twist in the complicated relationship between the two New Yorkers .
Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president , belittled Trump on the presidential campaign trail .
Trump reveled in his defeat , calling him “ Mini Mike ” and saying he “ didn ’ t have what it takes ” to be president .
While Bloomberg ’ s allies say their fields of influence may overlap because of the coronavirus response , they note the two haven ’ t spoken since the weeks following Trump ’ s November 2016 victory .
At the time , the president-elect recited his personal cellphone number to Bloomberg before the men hung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t write the number down .
When an aide expressed surprise , Bloomberg indicated there was no point in writing down the number because he would never use it , according to an aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private conversation .
While Trump made his name in real estate , Bloomberg built a personal fortune from his namesake financial data and media organization .
He served three terms in City Hall before running for president .
As he turns his focus to the coronavirus , Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connect local officials with national leaders .
On Friday , local leaders heard from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Former Presidents Barack Obama , George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have joined previous events .
A Bloomberg aide also said he ’ s had personal conversations with a number of European leaders in recent weeks about the coronavirus response , and the firm is planning to roll out a new global initiative soon that is partly the result of those talks .
But some of those who have known Bloomberg the longest say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight is welcome , this may mark just the latest move in a long history of philanthropic giving with political aims .
George Arzt , a veteran New York political operative and former press secretary for Mayor Ed Koch , noted that Bloomberg ’ s primary loss launched a month of negative headlines , including stories about failing to pay staff as promised .
Bloomberg ’ s work on the coronavirus response could overshadow such criticism .
“ He had a couple of bad stories , and he needed some reputation doctoring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that by giving the money for testing .
Gov .
Cuomo , who was not always on friendly terms when Mike was mayor , said glowing things about him.
” “ When you have the resources , you can mend your reputation quite easily , ” Arzt added .
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer noted that , during his mayoral tenure , Bloomberg was known for making charitable contributions that helped make up for some of the steep cuts he enacted in the city ’ s budget , or for donations that might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know how much of it was from the heart , because you believe in it , or how much was strategic , ” she said .
As a presidential candidate , Bloomberg didn ’ t shy away from the advantage his billions have afforded him .
He often touted the successes he helped pay for , noting his spending helped shut down 300 coal-fired power plants , strengthen gun laws in 20 states and flip the U.S. House to a Democratic majority .
But those directly involved in some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus say , regardless of the motivation , he ’ s filling a vacuum in leadership left by the White House .
Stephen Benjamin , the Columbia , South Carolina , mayor who served as a co-chair on Bloomberg ’ s campaign , has participated in the weekly conversations with mayors .
“ There are challenges with the messages resonating from the White House , ” he said , pointing to the president ’ s heavily criticized suggestion that Americans inject themselves with “ disinfectants ” to cure the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from our governors , “ Benjamin said .
” In trying to cut through the noise and come up with thoughtful , public-health-driven , pragmatic solutions to help our communities deal with it — that ’ s Mike Bloomberg ’ s and Bloomberg ’ s Philanthropy ’ s sweet spot .
”

Alexandra Jaffe And Jonathan Lemire - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Alaska allows some businesses to reopen with limitations

JUNEAU , Alaska - Businesses in parts of Alaska cautiously began reopening Friday , as part of Gov .
Mike Dunleavy ’ s plan to restart segments of the economy affected by coronavirus concerns .
Signs of the times were everywhere : barbers wore face masks , and notices warned of limits on customer numbers .
In Juneau , whose downtown core typically hums this time of year , many storefronts remained dark .
The city earlier Friday urged businesses to wait to commit to reopening until the Assembly on Monday considers whether to “ moderate ” Dunleavy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest city , Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz outlined plans for reopening Monday largely consistent with Dunleavy ’ s approach .
Alaska is among the first states in the West to begin reopening , allowing restaurants to resume dine-in service and retail shops , personal care services and other businesses that were classified as nonessential to operate , all with limitations .
Dunleavy , a Republican , has said health considerations must come first and that officials feel good about Alaska ’ s numbers , health care capacity , equipment and ability to track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 350 cases of COVID-19 , which includes 208 recovered cases , and nine deaths .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
The state believes it can maintain the health of Alaskans while beginning to reopen the economy , Dunleavy said Thursday .
“ And the near future ’ s going to determine whether that call is correct .
And , again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as we follow the science and the data , ” he said .
He has said the state will adjust if needed .
He also said the state will continue working with communities , and there ’ s “ no need for the heavy hand of the state.
“ The state ’ s order restricts how many people can be in a restaurant , barber shop or other public-facing businesses and outlines protocols for face coverings and sanitation .
For personal care services , such as salons and tattoo shops , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopenings were met eagerly .
Homer hairstylist Ashley Story said she had Friday booked .
She told the Homer News people wait in their cars until she signals for them to enter .
A regular customer was waiting at Airport Way Family Restaurant in Fairbanks when it opened at 7 a.m. , Fairbanks television station KTVF reported .
Alice Camacho and William Hawkins went to Bishop ’ s Jewelry Gallery in Fairbanks to find rings for their wedding , also set for Friday , the station reported .
“ I ’ m pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get married before he comes , and William just came back from Iraq , so it seemed like a good time , ” said Camacho .
Hawkins is stationed at Fort Wainwright , KTVF reported .
In Juneau , barber Rhonda Adams was adjusting to a mask , which sometimes caused her glasses to fog .
She said she was excited to return to work and felt good about the protocols in place .
Alicia Smith , owner of the specialty toy store Juneau ’ s Imagination Station , has been doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours starting Tuesday .
She is considering capping the number of people inside the store below the state ’ s guideline due to the shop ’ s narrowness .
The Juneau Empire reported a downtown photo store owner was preparing to close up shop but still work from a personal studio .
In Nome , city officials asked restaurants to postpone opening until Monday to give them more preparation time , City Manager Glenn Steckman said .
Patrick Krier , owner of the Polar Cafe in Nome , has been doing takeout orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s recommendation and working to prepare the restaurant to resume a level of onsite dining .
“ We ’ ve got to protect the people .
I don ’ t want to get sick .
I don ’ t want to get anybody else sick , ” Krier said .
“ I mean , we ’ ve got to follow it to the tee so we don ’ t get people sick.
“


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Navy admiral advises reinstatement of fired carrier captain

WASHINGTON - The top Navy officer has recommended the reinstatement of the aircraft carrier captain fired for sending a fraught email to commanders pleading for faster action to protect his crew from a coronavirus outbreak , officials familiar with the investigation said Friday .
Adm. Mike Gilday recommended that Navy Capt .
Brett Crozier be returned to his ship , said the officials , who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the results of an investigation that have not yet been made public .
If approved , his recommendation would end a drama that has rocked the Navy leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew members ashore in Guam for quarantine and impacted the fleet across the Pacific , a region critical to America ’ s national security interests .
Gilday met with Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , on Tuesday and with Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Friday morning to lay out his recommendations .
An official said Esper has asked for a delay in any public announcement while he considers the recommendation .
Earlier in the day , Esper ’ s chief spokesman Jonathan Hoffman had suggested that Esper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open mind , and said “ he is generally inclined to support Navy leadership in their decision.
” In a written statement released after the news of Gilday ’ s recommendation broke , Hoffman said Esper got a “ verbal update “ from Gilday and wants to read the written report and then meet with the Navy to “ discuss next steps.
” While other details of Gilday ’ s recommendations were not clear , they are expected to address the broader communications and leadership issues on the ship and within the fleet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with growing outbreak , and how that information travelled through the chain of command .
There have been ongoing questions about whether Navy leaders took too long to acknowledge the ship ’ s problems and if other commanders share blame for not being responsive to Crozier ’ s concerns .
One senior defence official said the investigation covered a complex timeline of communications that spanned multiple time zones and military commands .
The official said Esper wants to make sure the report is thorough and stands up to scrutiny .
Rep. Adam Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the House Armed Services Committee , urged Esper to restore Crozier to command .
“ While Captain Crozier ’ s actions at the outset of the health crisis aboard the TR were drastic and imperfect , it is clear he only took such steps to protect his crew , ” Smith said in a statement .
The extraordinary episode has captivated a public already overwhelmed by the pandemic .
And it has played out as the military copes with the coronavirus by reducing training , scaling back recruiting and halting troop movements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of National Guard and other troops to help civilian agencies deal with virus outbreaks across the country .
Crozier was abruptly removed earlier this month by acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly , who resigned days later .
His return to the ship would reunite him with crew members so upset about his firing that many crowded together on the deck and applauded and chanted his name as he strode off the ship .
As of Friday , 856 sailors on the USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for the virus and four are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Arkansas , has died , and more than 4,200 of the ship ’ s nearly 5,000 crew members have been moved onto the island for quarantine .
As that outbreak continues , a second Navy ship at sea is now also reporting a growing number of infections .
Navy officials said at least 18 crew members on the USS Kidd naval destroyer have tested positive , and one sailor has been evacuated to the U.S .
The Kidd , with its crew of 350 , is off the Pacific coast of Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of a U.S. counter-drug mission .
Clearing the aircraft carrier and its crew of the virus has proven to be difficult and complicated .
Sailors who test negative after time in quarantine are suddenly showing symptoms a day or two later .
The virus ’ bewildering behaviour , which is challenging the broader international medical community .
is making it harder to determine when the carrier might be able to return either to duty or head home .
Gilday ’ s recommendations were first reported by The New York Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after sending an email to several naval officers warning about the growing virus outbreak and asking for permission to isolate the bulk of his crew members on shore .
It was an extraordinary move that would take the carrier out of duty in an effort to save lives .
“ 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 , ” Crozier said in the memo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor judgment ” in the middle of a crisis , saying the captain copied too many people on the memo , which quickly went public .
Modly also asserted that Crozier had improperly allowed sensitive information about the ship ’ s condition to become public .
A few days later , Modly flew out to the ship and delivered a profanity-laced condemnation of Crozier over the loudspeaker to the crew .
Crozier , he said , may have been “ too naive or too stupid ” to be commanding officer of the ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely reported , Modly apologized .
But the next day , in the face of widespread criticism , he resigned .
Esper initially defended Modly ’ s firing of Crozier , saying he made a “ very tough decision.
” But other military leaders , including Gilday , internally opposed the firing , saying an investigation should be conducted first .
Modly ’ s trip to the carrier cost him Esper ’ s support .
Esper first demanded Modly apologize and a day later accepted his resignation .
President Donald Trump has expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He initially blasted Crozier , calling his memo “ terrible.
” But a short time later he softened his take , saying he didn ’ t want to destroy someone who may just have “ had a bad day .
”

Lolita C. Baldor And Robert Burns - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Don’t inject disinfectants, Lysol warns as Trump raises idea

WASHINGTON - The parent company of Lysol and another disinfectant warned Friday that its products should not be used as an internal treatment for the coronavirus after President Donald Trump wondered about the prospect during a White House briefing .
Trump noted Thursday that researchers were looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus and wondered aloud if they could be injected into people , saying the virus “ does a tremendous number on the lungs , so it would be interesting to check that.
” That prompted a strong warning from the maker of disinfectants Lysol and Dettol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement to combat “ recent speculation.
” “ As a global leader in health and hygiene products , we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body ( through injection , ingestion or any other route ) , ” said the statement from Reckitt Benckiser .
Trump has often talked up prospects for new therapies and offered rosy timelines for the development of a vaccine as he encourages states to move to reopen their economies .
On Thursday , the White House also pitched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sunlight and humidity in diminishing the threat of the coronavirus .
Past studies have not found good evidence that the warmer temperatures and higher humidity of spring and summer will help tamp down the spread of the virus .
But William Bryan of the Department of Homeland Security said at a White House briefing Thursday that there are “ emerging results ” from new research that suggest solar light has a powerful effect in killing the virus on surfaces and in the air .
He said scientists have seen a similar effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biocontainment lab in Maryland has been conducting testing on the virus since February , Bryan said .
“ The virus is dying at a much more rapid pace just from exposure to higher temperatures and just from exposure to humidity , ” Bryan said .
Trump was asked if it was dangerous to make people think they would be safe by going outside in the heat , considering that so many people have died in Florida .
“ I hope people enjoy the sun .
And if it has an impact , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding , “ It ’ s just a suggestion from a brilliant lab by a very , very smart , perhaps brilliant man.
” “ I ’ m here to present ideas , because we want ideas to get rid of this thing .
And if heat is good , and if sunlight is good , that ’ s a great thing as far as I ’ m concerned , ” the president said .
Bryan stressed that the emerging results of the light and heat studies do not replace social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific advisers told the White House there ’ s no good evidence yet that the heat and humidity of summer will rein in the virus without continued public health measures .
Researchers convened by the National Academies of Sciences , Engineering and Medicine analyzed studies done so far to test virus survival under different laboratory conditions as well as tracking where and how COVID-19 has spread so far .
“ Given that countries currently in ‘ summer ’ climates , such as Australia and Iran , are experiencing rapid virus spread , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and temperature elsewhere should not be assumed , ” the researchers wrote earlier in April in response to questions from the White House Office of Science and Technology .
In addition , the report cited the global lack of immunity to the new virus and concluded , “ if there is an effect of temperature and humidity on transmission , it may not be as apparent as with other respiratory viruses for which there is at least some preexisting partial immunity.
” They noted that during 10 previous flu pandemics , regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a peak second wave about six months after the virus first emerged .
In March , Dr. Michael Ryan , the World Health Organization ’ s emergencies chief .
said , “ We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread , and it ’ s a false hope to say yes , it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza .
”


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Brazil becoming coronavirus hot spot as testing falters

RIO DE JANEIRO - Cases of the new coronavirus are overwhelming hospitals , morgues and cemeteries across Brazil as Latin America ’ s largest nation veers closer to becoming one of the world ’ s pandemic hot spots .
Medical officials in Rio de Janeiro and at least four other major cities have warned that their hospital systems are on the verge of collapse , or already too overwhelmed to take any more patients .
Health experts expect the number of infections in the country of 211 million people will be much higher than what has been reported because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Jair Bolsonaro has shown no sign of wavering from his insistence that COVID-19 is a relatively minor disease and that broad social-distancing measures are not needed to stop it .
He has said only Brazilians at high risk should be isolated .
In Manaus , the biggest city in the Amazon , officials said a cemetery has been forced to dig mass graves because there have been so many deaths .
Workers have been burying 100 corpses a day — triple the pre-virus average of burials .
Ytalo Rodrigues , a 20-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manaus , said he had retrieved one body after another for more than 36 hours , without a break .
There were so many deaths , his employer had to add a second hearse , Rodrigues said .
So far , the health ministry has confirmed nearly 53,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 3,600 deaths .
By official counts , the country had its worst day yet on Thursday , with about 3,700 new cases and more than 400 deaths , and Friday was nearly as grim .
Experts warned that paltry testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far greater .
And because it can take a long time for tests to be processed , the current numbers actually reflect deaths that happened one or two weeks ago , said Domingos Alves , adjunct professor of social medicine at the University of Sao Paulo , who is involved in the project .
“ We are looking at a photo of the past , ” Alves said in an interview last week .
“ The number of cases in Brazil is , therefore , probably even greater than what we are predicting.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paulo , University of Brasilia and other institutions say the true number of people infected with the virus as of this week is probably as much as 587,000 to 1.1 million people .
The health ministry said in a report earlier this month that it has the capacity to test 6,700 people per day — a far cry from the roughly 40,000 it will need when the virus peaks .
“ We should do many more tests than we ’ re doing , but the laboratory here is working at full steam , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease specialist at the Hospital Sao Jose in northeastern Ceara state who has been advising state officials on the pandemic response .
Meanwhile , health care workers can barely handle the cases they have .
In Rio state , all but one of seven public hospitals equipped to treat COVID-19 are full and can only accept new patients once others have either recovered or died , according to the press office of the health secretariat .
The sole facility with vacancy is located a two-hour drive from the capital ’ s centre .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city of Belem ’ s intensive-care beds are all occupied , according to online media outlet G1 .
As the number of cases rises in the capital of Para state , its health secretary said this week that at least 200 medical staff had been infected , and it is actively seeking to hire more doctors , G1 reported .
On Saturday , the city of Rio plans to open its first field hospital , with 200 beds , half reserved for intensive care .
Another hospital erected beside the historic Maracana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next month .
In Ceara ’ s capital , Fortaleza , state officials said Friday that intensive care units for COVID-19 patients were 92 % full , after reaching capacity a week ago .
Health experts and officials are particularly worried about the virus spreading into the poorest neighbourhoods , or favelas , where people depend on public health care .
Edenir Bessa , a 65-year-old retiree from Rio ’ s working-class Mangueira favela , sought medical attention on April 20 ; she was turned away from two full urgent care units before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kilometres ( 25 miles ) away .
Hours later , she was transferred by ambulance almost all the way back , to the Ronaldo Gazzola hospital , according to her son , Rodrigo Bessa .
Still , she died overnight , and he had to enter the hospital to identify her body .
“ I saw a lot of bodies also suspected of ( having ) COVID-19 in the hospital ’ s basement , ” said Bessa , a nurse at a hospital in another state .
The hospital released Edenir ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meaning that her death — like so many others — doesn ’ t figure into the government ’ s official tally .
A small group of family members gathered for her burial on Wednesday , wearing face masks .
“ People need to believe that this is serious , that it kills , ” Bessa said .
Bolsonaro has continued to dismiss health officials ’ dire predictions about the virus ’ s spread in the country .
Last week , the president fired a health minister who had supported tough anti-virus measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening the economy .
Bolsonaro ’ s stance largely echoes that of his counterpart and ally U.S. President Donald Trump , who has been stressing the need to put people back to work as unemployment figures reach Depression-era levels .
Unlike Bolsonaro , however , Trump has moderated his skepticism about the virus .
The fight to reopen business “ is a risk that I run , ” Bolsonaro said at the swearing-in of his newly appointed health minister , Nelson Teich .
If the pandemic escalates , Bolsonaro said , “ it @ @ @ @ @ @

David Biller, Diane Jeantet And Leo Correa - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-04-25--Mexico says auto factories to reopen with virus safeguards

MEXICO CITY - The Mexican government said Friday it plans to reopen automotive factories in conjunction with the United States and Canada .
The Foreign Relations Department said in a statement that the details of the plan would be released in the coming days .
The department said health safeguards would be in place to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus , which caused Mexico to order the closure of non-essential plants several weeks ago .
“ The Mexican government will be emphatic about health protection and will ensure that the reopening will be orderly , gradual and cautious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement came three days after the U.S. government launched a campaign to get Mexico to reopen plants , suggesting the supply chain of the North American free trade zone could be permanently affected if they didn ’ t resume production .
Mexico ’ s border assembly plants are key to the U.S. supply chain , including defence contractors , and more employees at the facilities have staged walkouts and protests because of fears over the coronavirus .
Christopher Landau , the U.S. ambassador to Mexico , launched a Twitter campaign Tuesday urging efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed concern about virus lockdowns damaging the flow of parts and goods that feed businesses in the United States , Mexico and Canada and warned that “ if we do not co-ordinate our response , these chains can evaporate.
” “ There are risks everywhere , but we don ’ t all stay at home for fear we are going to get in a car accident , ” Landau wrote .
“ The destruction of the economy is also a health threat.
” Ellen Lord , U.S. undersecretary of defence for acquisition and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington .
“ We are seeing impacts on the industrial base by several pockets of closure internationally .
Particularly of note is Mexico , where we have a group of companies that are impacting many of our major primes , ” she said .


thetorontostar--2020-04-24--Chicago’s horse-drawn carriages to end next year

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council voted Friday to end horse-drawn carriage rides in the city after Dec. 31 .
Alderman Brendan Reilly , whose ward includes the city ’ s central business district , said he has tried to persuade carriage operators to “ treat their animals in a humane way.
” When the violations continued , he had no choice but to push to banish them from city streets , Reilly said .
“ This is a banner day for overworked horses in Chicago , who will no longer be forced to pound the pavement through extreme heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are often deprived of even a drink of water , ” said Newkirk , president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals .
Larry Ortega , owner of Chicago Horse and Carriage , has dismissed the animal cruelty argument .
“ Even though there are city , state and federal laws clearly stating what is animal cruelty , there has never been one horse driver or owner arrested operating on the city streets of Chicago , ’ ’ Ortega previously said .
The horse-drawn carriage industry has been shrinking for years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three companies , with 10 licenses unused .
At one time , the city had 60 licenses available .
With the vote , Chicago joins cities such as Salt Lake City and Camden , New Jersey , that have banned horse-drawn carriages .