thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Egypt announces 2-week, night-time curfew to slow virus

CAIRO - Egypt will impose a two-week , nightly curfew in the Arab world ’ s most-populous country in an effort to stop the spread of the new coronavirus , its prime minister announced Tuesday as the International Monetary Fund warned that a shortage of medical supplies could affect the Mideast ’ s poorest nations .
There are over 31,000 confirmed cases of the virus across the Mideast , the vast majority in the hard-hit nation of Iran .
While most recover from the virus and the COVID-19 illness that it causes , bottoming crude oil prices have put additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region .
That in turn could affect their ability to spend on needed supplies as the virus challenges medical systems worldwide .
Already , countries have reacted by either urging or ordering hundreds of millions of people to stay home .
Egypt , home to over 100 million alone , became the latest on Tuesday .
Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly told a news conference that the 11-hour curfew , from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. would go into effect Wednesday across the country .
He said many kinds of transportation will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has 366 confirmed cases and 21 fatalities , including two senior military officers .
Madbouly also announced the closure of schools and universities for another two weeks until April 12 .
He said shops and malls will be closed Fridays and Saturdays , the weekend in Egypt , and are allowed to work five days a week from 7 a.m. till 5 p.m .
He said groceries , bakeries and pharmacies would be excluded from the closure order .
“ We aim to protect our families and citizens across Egypt , ” Madbouly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures that we will take according to the developments.
” He did not elaborate .
The IMF , which traditionally has urged governments to implement greater austerity measures , now urges Mideast governments to offer temporary tax relief and cash transfers .
It warned a lack of medical supplies could hurt Iraq , Sudan and Yemen if it leads to a surge in prices .
“ Given the large numbers of people employed in the service sector , there will be wide reverberations if unemployment rises and wages and remittances fall , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle East , Jihad Azour , said in statement .
In Egypt , tourist cancellations have reached 80 % , while retail and hospitality sectors have also been hard-hit in countries like the United Arab Emirates where tourism is a pillar of the economy , according to the IMF .
The arrival of the global pandemic in Syria with one positive case , as well as in the Gaza Strip , has raised concerns the virus could run rampant in some of the most vulnerable areas in the Middle East .
War-torn Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report any cases , are also a source of concern .
The worst outbreak in the Mideast is unfolding in Iran , where authorities reported another 122 deaths on Tuesday , bringing the total number of fatalities to more than 1,900 amid more than 24,800 confirmed cases .
The dead included the mother-in-law of the son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , the state-run IRNA news agency said Monday .
Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour warned the public that numbers of the infected likely will rise further as Iran now has more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ministry also has launched a website for the public to report if they suspect they have the virus , which will link them to medical staff who will come to them for tests .
So far , 41 million people have used the site , Jahanpour said .
Iran is home to some 80 million people .
Lines have formed outside grocery stores , banks and gas stations across the Syrian capital , Damascus , as people braced for wider closures .
The government has already closed restaurants , cafes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transportation .
Pakistani authorities meanwhile said they ’ d shut down train operations across the country from Wednesday until March 31 in an effort to contain the spread of the new coronavirus as nationwide cases jumped to over 900 .
In Egypt ’ s Mediterranean city of Alexandria , dozens of people early Tuesday prayed to God for help against the virus .
Online video showed people praying from their windows and balconies .
Others showed some three dozen people marching in a side street and chanting : “ There is no God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Messenger , ” drawing criticism from people who said the demonstrators should have stayed at home .
Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell and Aya Batrawy in Dubai , United Arab Emirates ; Nasser Karimi in Tehran , Iran , and Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Japan’s ‘social distancing’ is shrinking as coronavirus fears ease. Some worry it’s too soon

TOKYO—It was as if the Japanese capital was collectively gripped with a form of spring fever .
The sun was shining and the cherry blossoms were blooming , and the capital seemed to all at once decide it had had enough of social distancing .
Two months into the pandemic here and the parks last weekend were full in Tokyo with people gathering to view cherry blossoms .
The temples were packed with those seeking blessings for the spring and the bars and restaurants were filled .
Just north of Tokyo , a martial arts events attracted around 6,500 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , despite the local governor ’ s pleas for restraint .
On Saturday , more than 50,000 people gathered in Sendai , north of Tokyo , to see the Olympic flame , newly arrived from Greece , burning in a golden cauldron .
Japan had so far dodged the worst of the coronavirus pandemic , but last weekend the capital was proof of what many experts have long warned : People might put up with social distancing for a few weeks , but eventually tire of remaining indoors , and seize on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an excuse to venture out again .
So much for the “ obedient ” Japanese of some crude stereotypes .
It also does not bode well for the idea that Europe and the United States will be able to maintain social distancing for months on end .
“ I am very concerned about complacency and fatigue , ” said Kentaro Iwata , an infectious disease expert at Kobe University .
“ People can not stand remaining in a restricted lifestyle for a long , long time.
” Japan has been a puzzling outlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing in the early weeks of the outbreak , and despite cold weather perfect for spreading respiratory infections , Japan has avoided the kind of explosive growth in infections seen in South Korea , Europe and the United States .
Japan added 38 new cases on Monday , bringing the number of confirmed infections to 1,140 , with 42 deaths , not including cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship .
The sense here is that Japan has dodged a bullet , either by luck or judgment , but experts warn the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m deeply concerned about the current situation in Japan , ” said Hitoshi Oshitani , a virology professor at Tohoku University ’ s School of Medicine and a member of the government ’ s own expert advisory panel .
“ Now the first wave of is almost under control ... but the second wave has already started , ” he said .
“ It is probably going to be much worse , and we are going to have more outbreaks , and some of them are going to be big.
” Some critics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the sand , either to protect its economy from a damaging shutdown or in a vain bid to lower the chances of an Olympics cancellation .
But by rationing tests only to people with prolonged fevers and more serious symptoms , they argue , the government has undercounted the number of infections and lulled the country into a false sense of security .
“ The government has given an optimistic picture all along , and so people don ’ t have an image of it being that scary , ” said Masahiro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research Institute , who has been calling for more extensive testing .
“ That ’ s natural if you see just the numbers.
” But Oshitani and Iwata say the government has been wise to concentrate its resources and its testing capabilities on people with more serious symptoms , and needs to strike a balance between strict measures and sustainable ones .
Each region , Iwata says , needs to make its own decision on how strict to be in imposing social distancing measures , depending on their local caseload — precisely because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and should be reserved for when they are most needed .
And many people did stay home last weekend in cities like Osaka and Kobe where infection rates have been climbing , he says .
But that doesn ’ t excuse what happened in Tokyo , Saitama and Sendai last weekend , critics say .
They bemoan a lack of leadership from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe , who has personally done little to drive home the importance of social distancing to the general public and often seems to have taken a backseat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s situations like this where Abe has not stepped up , ” said Jeff Kingston , a professor at Temple University Japan .
“ It ’ s a familiar situation during this crisis where Abe has been MIA.
” In Tokyo , some people are working from home , but commuter trains remain packed during the rush hour .
Kami is worried the government seems to be putting the economy ahead of the public ’ s health .
Whether Japanese habits — wearing masks , and bowing rather than shaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s spread remains an open question .
But good habits won ’ t protect Japan if complacency sets in , especially with a new wave of infected people entering the country from Europe and the United States , experts say .
Oshitani says he expects the government to come down more firmly this week to limit social interactions , as it now understands how dangerous the situation has become .
“ Our enemy is optimism , ” said Kuni Miyake , president of the Foreign Policy Institute , quoting President Franklin D. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment .
“ I don ’ t want to be a foolish optimist , ” he said .
“ I want to be a wise pessimist .
”

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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Likud members urge speaker to defy Israeli high court order

JERUSALEM - Israel appeared on the verge of a constitutional crisis Tuesday as top members of Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s Likud urged their party colleague and parliament speaker to defy a Supreme Court order to hold an election for the prime minister ’ s successor .
After suspending parliamentary activities last week , citing procedural issues and restrictions on large gatherings due to the spread of the coronavirus , Yuli Edelstein on Monday dismissed the court ’ s call to explain his delay in convening the Israeli Knesset , or parliament .
It sparked an unprecedented judicial rebuttal , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to hold a vote by Wednesday and ruling that “ the continued refusal to allow the vote in the Knesset plenum on the election of a permanent speaker is undermining the foundations of the democratic process.
” Even after that , at least two Likud Cabinet ministers , including Netanyahu ’ s surrogate interim justice minister , called on Edelstein to defy the order , deeming it a judicial “ coup ” against Israel ’ s elected officials .
Cabinet Minister Yariv Levin led the charge , accusing the court of trampling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said it was creating “ anarchy ” and acting as if it “ owned the country.
” Netanyahu has yet to comment but others in the party , while equally lambasting the high court , called on Edelstein to respect its ruling to avoid a full fledged constitutional crisis at such a sensitive time .
The developments marked the apex of an ever-deepening standoff between Netanyahu ’ s opponents and supporters in the wake of the country ’ s third inconclusive election in less than a year and against the backdrop of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quell the spread of the new virus .
The opposition Blue and White party , which is backed by a slim majority in the newly elected Knesset , said the country ’ s legislature must continue to function at such a critical time to provide oversight of the government .
The party accuses Netanyahu and his caretaker government of carrying out undemocratic measures amid the crisis , and using it as cover to cling to power .
With the country in near-shutdown mode , Netanyahu has already managed to postpone his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and authorize unprecedented electronic surveillance of Israeli citizens .
Even amid the health scare , Israelis have taken to the streets to protest what they consider an assault on Israeli democracy .
Blue and White is expected to choose a new speaker and use its parliamentary majority to push through legislation that could prevent Netanyahu from serving as prime minister in the future .
The Knesset on Monday voted 61-0 in favour of convening the key Arrangements Committee , which is authorized to create the parliament ’ s other decision-making committees .
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committees , including one devoted to the corona crisis .
Netanyahu and his allies boycotted the votes to protest what they called a power play that relied on Arab members of parliament .
Likud said it would take no part in the “ unprecedented destructiveness.
“ Netanyahu ’ s Likud emerged as the largest party in the March 2 election but along with his smaller religious and nationalist allies only won the support of 58 lawmakers — leaving his right-wing bloc three seats short of the required majority in Parliament .
Opposition leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply divided along ideological lines and unlikely to band together to form an alternative government .
But they are determined to oppose Netanyahu and seem willing to co-operate in parliament .
Replacing Edelstein on Wednesday appears to be the first step .
The parliament speaker informed the court that he will “ not agree to an ultimatum ” and that “ a permanent Knesset speaker has never been elected at a time of such great uncertainty concerning the composition of a future coalition.
” He said he would not put the Knesset speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation becomes clearer .
Netanyahu has called on his rivals to join him in an emergency unity government to combat the global pandemic , but says that option will be gone if Edelstein is replaced .
In Israel , daily life has largely shut down with tens of thousands out of work and all but essential movement out of the home restricted .
Cases have been multiplying over the past week , with more than 1,650 people testing positive for the new virus and fears that the spread will soon overwhelm the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 are in serious condition .
Gantz , who heads Blue and White , has pledged to support the government in its effort to combat the virus .
But he and his allies have been skeptical about Netanyahu ’ s power-sharing overtures , concerned that he will not follow through on his promises to cede power in 18 months .
If no compromise or alternative government is found , Israel could once again find itself faced with the prospect of yet another unfathomable election .
Given the current state of lock down and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear if that would even be possible .


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--NHK TV: Abe to propose 1-year postponement for Olympics

TOKYO - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will propose a one-year postponement for the Tokyo Olympics during talks with IOC President @ @ @ @ @ s NHK public television reported Tuesday .
Abe said a postponement is unavoidable if the @ @ @ @ @ held in a complete manner amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Abe held telephone talks with @ @ @ @ @ it would make a decision on the Tokyo Games over the next four weeks .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Authorities in Mozambique find 64 migrants dead in truck

MAPUTO , Mozambique - More than 60 undocumented migrants believed to be Ethiopians have been found dead in a cargo truck in Mozambique ’ s northwestern Tete province .
The truck entered Mozambique from Malawi and was stopped early Tuesday at a checkpoint in Moatize , near the Zambezi River , according to Zitamar News .
When authorities heard bashing noises coming from inside the container , they ordered the driver to open it and they found 14 survivors inside as well as the bodies .
The deceased died from a lack of oxygen , according to officials .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hired to smuggle the migrants from Malawi to Mozambique .
The survivors will be screened for the coronavirus and quarantined , health officials told Zitamar .
Mozambique is a transit route for African migrants trying to reach South Africa , one of the continent ’ s largest economies , according to the International Office on Migration .
So far this year at least 200 illegal migrants , mostly from Ethiopia , Malawi , Egypt and Somalia , have been arrested for attempting to enter Tete province and all indicated that their destination was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Worried Ethiopians want partial internet shutdown ended

ADDIS ABABA , Ethiopia - Rights groups and citizens are calling on Ethiopia ’ s government to lift the internet shutdown in parts of the country that is leaving millions of people without important updates on the coronavirus .
The months-long shutdown of internet and phone lines in Western Oromia and parts of the Benishangul Gumuz region is occurring during military operations against rebel forces .
“ Residents of these areas are getting very limited information about the coronavirus , ” Jawar Mohammed , an activist-turned-politician , told The Associated Press .
Ethiopia reported its first coronavirus case on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officials have been releasing updates mostly online .
Land borders have closed and national carrier Ethiopian Airlines has stopped flying to some 30 destinations around the world .
A ruling party official in the Oromia region , Taye Dendea , on Sunday posted on Facebook saying that “ tourists and other foreigners are not travelling to these areas because of the security problem that exists there , so there ’ s little chance that the virus will get there.
” Human Rights Watch has said millions of Ethiopians are not getting access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is laudable that ( Ethiopia ’ s prime minister ) Abiy is taking charge of managing a coronavirus prevention effort on the African continent , but he should not ignore the needs of those within his own country.
” Yohannes Tessema , a political figure from the Benishangul Gumuz region , said both internet and phones lines are cut in some locations and that it ’ s difficult to disseminate information about the pandemic to residents .
“ We have never experienced such lengthy cuts in the past .
People in these areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that is dangerous , ” he said .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--South Africa’s cases leap again as 3-week lockdown looms

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa ’ s coronavirus cases leapt again to 554 on Tuesday , the most of any country in Africa , as its 57 million people rushed to prepare for an unprecedented lockdown that begins Thursday .
Across Africa , 43 of its 54 countries now have cases , with the total at 1,788 .
Thirteen countries have reported 58 deaths .
South Africa has not recorded one .
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday night announced the 21-day lockdown .
Rwanda and Tunisia earlier announced lockdowns .
Determined shoppers made their last runs for supplies as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food would not run out .
Workers in South Africa will be required to stay home except for those in essential services including health care and security as well as the production and distribution of food , utilities and medical products .
Individuals can leave home only under “ strictly controlled circumstances ” to access essential items .
The country ’ s economic hub of Gauteng , which includes Johannesburg and the capital , Pretoria , has South Africa ’ s highest number of infections with 302 , followed by the Western Cape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Town , with 213 cases .
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said officials expected the number of cases to continue to rise despite the lockdown , but changes might be seen around the end of the second or third week of the lockdown .
“ We must not be shocked when we see the increase , ” Mkhize said .
Elsewhere in Africa , South Sudan closed its borders as the country struggling to rebuild from a five-year civil war tried to prevent the virus from arriving .
Nigeria ’ s ban on international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government issued a proposal to the G20 global forum for economic co-operation ahead of the G20 summit , saying “ COVID-19 poses an existential threat to the economies of African countries.
“ The statement asks for a $ 150 billion emergency financing package for Africa .
It also proposes that all interest payments to government loans , and part of the debt of low-income countries , should be written off .
African nations ’ economies are expected to take a severe hit from the coronavirus as borders close and trade drops .
Elias @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maura Ajak in Juba , South Sudan contributed .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Philippine Congress approves national emergency declaration

MANILA , Philippines - The Philippine Congress on Tuesday approved a bill declaring a national emergency and authorizing the president to launch a massive aid program for 18 million families and tap private hospitals and ships in fighting the coronavirus outbreak .
President Rodrigo Duterte can reapportion the executive department ’ s budget under the legislation , which will also punish people disobeying quarantine orders and spreading “ false information ” about the outbreak , legislators said .
The state of national emergency will last for three months but can be extended by Congress .
The Senate and the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duterte ’ s allies , both held emergency sessions Monday and worked beyond midnight to deliberate the bill , with most lawmakers participating online as a health precaution .
Duterte is expected to sign the bill into law soon .
Duterte has already locked down the main northern island of Luzon , home to more than 50 million people , by restricting travel to and from the region , which includes Manila , the capital .
Most residents have been ordered to stay home and work and classes have been suspended under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear Duterte ’ s extra powers could lead to abuses .
They urged the government to provide more protective suits for health workers , a better “ safety net ” for the poor and many more tests for the virus .
Philippine officials reported Tuesday a total of 552 cases of the virus in the country , with 35 deaths .
Twenty patients have recovered .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Business activity plummets, but markets rally on Fed support

LONDON - Europe ’ s economy could shrink by some 10 % this year as efforts to contain the spread of the virus outbreak cause a collapse in commercial activity .
Yet markets were up sharply on Monday - extending weeks of stunning volatility - as investors digested the extent of the financial support provided by the Federal Reserve this week .
Here ’ s a look at the latest developments as the coronavirus outbreak tears through the world economy .
BUSINESS ACTIVITY : A closely watched measure of business activity in the 19-country eurozone has fallen at the sharpest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Purchasing Managers ’ Index , a gauge of business executives ’ outlook on the economy , fell to 31.4 points in March from 51.6 in February as governments put limits on business activity .
The index , which is compiled by research firm IHS Markit , is below the trough registered during the global financial crisis in 2009 .
The 50-point level separates economic growth from contraction .
The services sector took the biggest hit , particularly tourism and restaurants , with companies cutting jobs at the fastest pace since 2009 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ IHS Markit , says the survey suggests a quarterly economic contraction of 2 % , or over 8 % in annualized terms , though that forecast is likely to worsen .
In Japan , a measure of factory activity in the country fell to its lowest level since 2009 .
The preliminary version of this month ’ s Jibun Manufacturing Purchasing Managers ’ Index fell to 44.8 points from February ’ s 47.8 .
FINANCIAL MARKETS : Global stock markets are higher after the U.S. Federal Reserve promised economic support as Congress delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package .
Benchmarks in London and Frankfurt opened higher and Tokyo added more than 7 % .
Shanghai , Hong Kong and Paris also gained .
Futures trading on Wall Street was halted after they rose by the maximum 5 % .
The Fed said it would buy as much Treasury debt and other assets as needed to keep financial markets functioning .
That helped to offset unease over the failure of an aid bill in Congress that Democrats said favours companies at the expense of workers and public health .
Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as one-third of their value over the past month .


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Coronavirus suddenly upends campaign themes for both parties

WASHINGTON - The coronavirus pandemic and the nation ’ s crashing economy are scrambling the themes both major political parties thought would carry them to victory in November for control of the White House and Congress .
Shattered , certainly for now , is President Donald Trump ’ s ability to tout a brawny economy and record stock market prices as the predicate for his reelection .
The GOP could face a hard time calling Democratic candidates socialists with a straight face as Congress works on a bipartisan , near $ 2 trillion rescue package that would essentially have government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re the party that will protect people ’ s health care , but it ’ s unclear that would be heard by people focused mostly on when life will return to normal .
And by pounding away at Trump ’ s competence , they ’ d risk alienating voters who , during a stressful time , want policymakers to produce solutions , not partisan wrangling .
“ We ’ re in the middle of a hurricane .
We don ’ t know all the political consequences .
We don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 or a Cat 5 , ” said GOP consultant Matt Mackowiak , referring to categories used to express the strength of storms .
Trump has seized public attention with almost daily briefings about the government ’ s response to the pandemic .
That ’ s left former Vice-President Joe Biden , the likely Democratic presidential nominee , and his party ’ s congressional candidates searching for ways to break into the news cycle .
Clearly , campaign themes are changing .
Five political advertisers had run ads mentioning the coronavirus through last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firm that tracks ad data .
That included one in Florida , in Spanish , by Biden , and two by Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine .
“ In times like this , we must work together , ” Collins , who faces a competitive November reelection in a state that prizes independence , tells the camera .
Priorities USA , the largest outside Democratic political organization , planned to start ads Tuesday in election battlegrounds Florida , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
The spot plays Trump ’ s own words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally under control , ” as a bar graph displays the skyrocketing number of coronavirus cases .
The spot ends as “ AMERICA NEEDS A LEADER WE CAN TRUST “ is displayed against a black background .
GOP operatives say Republican candidates must emphasize rallying behind the effort to battle the twin crises .
“ The message is , ‘ We all need to come together , support the president and vice-president and do all we can to fight the virus , ’ ” Republican strategist John Feehery said .
“ Throw everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congressional Campaign Committee provided a memo last week offering guidance to its candidates .
“ Remind followers through your actions that you take this seriously and would be a calm voice through crisis , ” the House Democratic political arm said in the guidance obtained by The Associated Press .
It urged candidates to discuss the significance of health care access and affordability — issues that helped the party capture House control in 2018 .
It suggested asking voters , “ How are you doing ?
” and “ Do you need anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first to test the new political world will be two rivals for an open seat in a narrowly divided House district in Los Angeles ’ northern suburbs .
Republican Mike Garcia and Democrat Christy Smith face a special election in May , when voters seem certain to still be focused on the virus and the battered economy .
As elsewhere , efforts to curb the infection ’ s spread means campaign phone calls and digital communications are replacing public events .
Both concede it ’ s hard to get people ’ s attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharpening their appeals to voters .
During tough times , people “ remember what the important things are , and that ’ s God , country and family , ” Garcia , a Trump supporter and former Navy fighter pilot , said in an interview .
“ We ’ re all on the same team.
“ “ Patriotism alone doesn ’ t set food on people ’ s tables , “ said Smith , a state assemblywoman .
She said that Trump ’ s virus response has put the U.S. “ woefully behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s time for “ a reckoning on what effective government looks like.
“ Both parties say it ’ s too early to know if the virus will be contained and the economy resuscitated by the time voters focus on the fall campaigns — and whether they ’ ll blame or laud Trump and the GOP for the outcome .
Either way , Trump is casting himself as a wartime president in hopes of garnering the broad public support that usually goes to national leaders in times of crisis .
His reelection campaign has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that offer supporters autographed “ Keep America Great ” hats .
“ Our country is facing unprecedented times right now and President Trump is working around the clock to keep our Nation and its citizens safe , ” his emails say .
Biden used a fundraiser , held by phone , to swipe at Trump , who ’ s made numerous false statements about the virus , including on its seriousness and the availability of tests .
“ We need to tell the American people the truth , the unvarnished truth , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have in the White House right now , ” said Rep. Cheri Bustos , D-Ill. , using that same theme .
Bustos , who heads House Democrats ’ campaign arm , cited Trump ’ s lashing out at reporters during new briefings and said , “ We all look for leaders to lead in a crisis.
” Democrats are also using the virus ’ spread to reprise their call for better health care .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats marked Monday ’ s 10th anniversary of President Barack Obama signing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We couldn ’ t need it more ” than during this pandemic , Pelosi told reporters about the statute .
She blamed Trump for making “ mistake after mistake after mistake after mistake “ in handling the outbreak .
And on the Senate floor Monday , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , underscored something both parties will be looking for : ways to taint the other for using the life-altering crises to seek political gain .
McConnell accused Democrats of viewing the chamber ’ s blocked economic bill as “ a juicy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with environmental requirements and other priorities .
“ Are you kidding me ?
This is the moment to debate new regulations that have nothing to do with this crisis ?
That ’ s what they ’ re up to over there , “ he said .
Still , Republicans concede the party faces a huge downside should the virus remain uncontrolled .
“ If we become Italy , ” said the consultant Mackowiak , citing the country with the highest death toll so far , “ there ’ s no question the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price for that .
Absolutely no question .
”


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--US newspapers urge China not to expel their journalists

BEIJING - The publishers of three major American newspapers have written an open letter asking China to reverse its recent decision to expel many of their correspondents working in the country .
The letter posted online Tuesday referred to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , saying the expulsions threaten access to information at a time when it is needed most .
It was signed by the publishers of The New York Times , The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal .
“ This move — made in retaliation for recent expulsions by the United States government — is one that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ they wrote .
“ But it is uniquely damaging and reckless as the world continues the struggle to control this disease , a struggle that will require the free flow of reliable news and information.
” China said last week that most Americans working for the three publications would have to surrender their press cards within 10 days .
The move followed a Trump administration decision to limit the number of visas for Chinese working for China ’ s major state media in the U.S .
The U.S. , in announcing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , harassment and intimidation of American and other foreign journalists working in China .
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called his country ’ s actions “ essential countermeasures against the unreasonable oppression of the Chinese media organizations in the U.S. “ He said the American newspapers should take their complaint to the U.S. government .
Chinese media including the official Xinhua News Agency and the international arm of state broadcaster CCTV are now restricted to a total of 100 visas .
Collectively , they employed about 160 Chinese in the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave .
The Chinese action applies to Americans whose credentials are due to expire by the end of the year .
The Foreign Correspondents ’ Club of China said at least 13 journalists would be affected .
They are effectively expelled because their visas are tied to their press cards .
“ The media is collateral damage in a diplomatic dispute between the Chinese and U.S. governments , threatening to deprive the world of critical information at a perilous moment , ” the letter from the newspaper publishers said .
The coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of the rest of the world .
The publishers urged the Chinese government to reverse the expulsions and ease what they called a growing crackdown on independent news organizations in China .


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Africa’s jazz great Manu Dibango dies in France of virus

PARIS - Renowned jazz man Manu Dibango , to many the beloved “ Papy Groove ” who served as an inspiration and pioneer in his art , died on Tuesday with the coronavirus , his official Facebook page announced .
He was 86 .
The saxophonist who inspired what is known as “ world music ” was recently hospitalized with an illness “ linked to COVID-19 , ” his official Facebook page said last Wednesday , adding that he was “ resting well and calmly recovering.
“ The announcement did not say where he had been hospitalized , but Dibango @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was known to live in France .
“ He can ’ t wait to meet you again , ” the earlier message said .
That was not to be .
The artist inspired “ world music ” in the 1970s with the song “ Soul Makossa.
” Funeral services were to be “ held in strict privacy ” followed by a tribute “ when possible , ” Tuesday ’ s announcement said .
Funerals in France have been limited to 20 people who are in the closest circle of the deceased because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of COVID-19 .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--US shames Afghan leaders’ obstinance as pandemic looms

KABUL - Washington ’ s unprecedented threat to cut $ 1 billion in Afghanistan funding — a response to the refusal of rivals in Kabul to work together to advance peace — comes at a time when the impoverished nation risks being overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic .
On Tuesday both President Ashraf Ghani and his rival , former Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah , blamed one another for failing to resolve the feuding , which prompted U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to threaten the massive funding cut .
Pompeo called out the two leaders as he ended a rushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a near-global travel ban because of the virus .
He left Kabul without being able to secure a power-sharing deal .
Ghani told the nation in a televised address that Abdullah ’ s power-sharing demands were unconstitutional .
For his part , Abdullah said Pompeo ’ s visit was a missed opportunity .
Pompeo said the Trump administration would slash $ 1 billion in assistance to Afghanistan and reduce all co-operation unless Ghani and Abdullah agree on forming a new government .
Speaking to reporters aboard his plane on the return flight home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two rivals “ will get their act together and we won ’ t have to ” cut the assistance .
“ But we ’ re prepared to do that , ” he said .
Earlier , he said Ghani and Abdullah ’ s “ leadership failure poses a direct threat to U.S. national interests.
“ Apart from reducing assistance by $ 1 billion this year , another $ 1 billion will be cut in 2021 if the bickering continued , Pompeo said .
Ghani seemed unphased , though his government covers barely 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Sopko , the U.S .
Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction .
More than 75 % of all expenses , including the running of government ministries , is covered by the international community .
Sopko ’ s regular reports have also criticized the Afghan government for widespread corruption and Transparency International has ranked Afghanistan among the most corrupt at 173 out of 180 countries .
The United States alone pays $ 4 billion annually toward Afghanistan ’ s security forces .
“ I can assure you that the reduction of the U.S. assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system , ” Ghani said in his speech .
From Kabul , Pompeo flew to the Persian Gulf to meet with a leader of the Taliban , the Afghan insurgent group that last month signed a peace deal with the U.S. as a first step toward withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan by mid-2021 .
As part of the deal , rival factions in Afghanistan were to come together in all-Afghan talks about shaping the country ’ s future .
However , Washington made clear from the start that the pace of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taliban clamping down on terror groups and aiding in the fight against the militant Islamic State group — not on the success of intra-Afghan talks .
Ghani and Abdullah , his main rival in last September ’ s disputed presidential polls , have been waging a bitter power struggle that has seen both men declare themselves president in competing inauguration ceremonies earlier this month .
After meeting the chief Taliban negotiator Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Qatar , Pompeo told reporters he was satisfied the Taliban were keeping their side of the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start negotiations with the leadership in Kabul .
In an English-language statement Tuesday , the Taliban said Baradar ’ s meeting with Pompeo stressed that only a strict implementation of the peace deal would “ pave the way for intra-Afghan negotiations along with enduring peace and cease-fire , including a future Islamic government in accordance with the agreement.
” The statement also said Pompeo assured the Taliban that the U.S. forces ’ withdrawal “ will continue in accordance with the declared timetable.
” The squabbling between Ghani and Abdullah — both linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed militias — put a pall over the deal since its signing on Feb. 29 .
Ghani has also refused to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners the deal promised would be freed as a good-will gesture ahead of intra-Afghan talks .
Separately , the Taliban were to free 1,000 Afghan officials and military personnel they hold captive .
While the rest of the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic , Afghans have vented their frustrations on social networks and local media over the government ’ s lack of action .
Afghanistan has registered only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fears the true figure could be far greater after more than 137,000 Afghans have returned since the start of the year from Iran , the scene of the Middle East ’ s largest outbreak .
Many of the returnees visited the southern Herat province and later dispersed throughout Afghanistan with no follow-up or documentation , according to officials .
Iran has had more than 1,800 deaths and over 23,000 infected with the virus .
Pompeo said that despite the threatened aid cuts , Washington remained committed to the Afghan people .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the U.S. would provide $ 15 million in assistance to help Afghanistan fight the spread of the coronavirus .

Kathy Gannon And Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Negotiators close on a nearly $2 trillion virus aid package

WASHINGTON - Top congressional and White House officials emerged from grueling negotiations at the Capitol over the nearly $ 2 trillion coronavirus rescue package saying they expected to reach a deal Tuesday .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said they had spoken by phone with President Donald Trump during the long night of negotiations .
While the two sides have resolved many issues in the sweeping package , some remain .
At midnight Monday , they emerged separately to say talks would continue into the night .
“ We look forward to having a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exiting Schumer ’ s office .
“ The president is giving us direction , “ Mnuhcin said .
” The president would like to have a deal , and he ’ s hopeful we can conclude this.
” Moments later , Schumer agreed that a deal was almost within reach .
“ That ’ s the expectation — that we finish it tomorrow and hopefully vote on it tomorrow evening , “ he said .
The long evening of shuttle negotiations came after a long day trying to close the deal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prop up the U.S. economy , help American households and bolster the health care system amid the growing crisis .
Mnuchin said talks were expected to resume at 9:30 a.m. EDT .
Tensions flared Monday as Washington strained to respond to the worsening coronavirus outbreak , with Congress arguing over a nearly $ 2 trillion economic rescue package and an impatient Trump musing openly about letting the 15-day shutdown expire next Monday , March 30 .
As the U.S. braces for an onslaught of sick Americans , and millions are forced indoors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the most ambitious federal intervention in modern times is testing whether Washington can act swiftly to deal with the pandemic on the home front .
“ It ’ s time to get with the program , time to pass historic relief , ” said an angry Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier in the day as he opened the chamber after a nonstop weekend session that failed to produce a deal .
“ This is a national emergency.
” Fuming , McConnell warned Democrats — pointedly House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as he described Democratic efforts to steer more of the aid toward public health and workers , and push other priorities .
Trump , who has largely been hands off from the negotiations , weighed in late Monday from the White House briefing room , declaring that Congress should vote “ for the Senate bill as written , “ dismissing any Democratic proposal .
“ It must go quickly , “ Trump said .
“ This is not the time for political agendas.
” The Republican president also sounded a note of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halt the virus ’ march by essentially shutting down public activities in ways that now threaten the U.S. economy .
Even though Trump ’ s administration recommended Americans curtail activities starting a week ago , the president said : “ We can not let the cure be worse than the problem itself .
At the end of the 15-day period , we will make a decision as to which way we want to go.
” “ Let ’ s go to work , “ he said .
“ This country was not built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a county that was built for this.
” Trump said that he may soon allow parts of the nation ’ s economy , in regions less badly hit by the virus , to begin reopening , contradicting the advice of medical and public health experts across the country , if not the globe , to hunker down even more firmly .
Pelosi assailed Trump ’ s idea and fluctuating response to the crisis .
“ He ’ s a notion-monger , just tossing out things that have no relationship to a well-co-ordinated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Pelosi said on a health care conference call .
“ Thank God for the governors who are taking the lead in their state .
Thank God for some of the people in the administration who speak truth to power.
” The White House team led by Mnuchin worked on Capitol Hill for a fourth straight day of talks as negotiators narrowed on a bipartisan accord .
In the nearly empty building , the virus continued to strike close .
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky , who announced he tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators under self-quarantine .
Several other lawmakers have cycled in and out of isolation .
And the husband of Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minnesota , is in a hospital with pneumonia after testing positive , she said Monday .
First lady Melania Trump , meanwhile , has tested negative for the coronavirus , Trump said .
With a wary population watching and waiting , Washington laboured under the size and scope of a rescue package — larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined .
Democrats are holding out as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporations and should do more to help suddenly jobless workers and health care providers with dire needs .
In particular , Schumer , D-N.Y. , wants constraints on the largely Republican-led effort to provide $ 500 billion for corporations , which Democrats have called a “ slush fund.
” Schumer wants the bill to limit stock buy-backs , CEO pay and layoffs .
Yet , he said , “ We ’ re very close to reaching a deal.
“ Even so , another attempt to move the package forward snagged , blocked as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won one concession — to provide four months of expanded unemployment benefits , rather than just three as proposed , according to an official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks .
The jobless pay also would extend to self-employed and so-called gig workers .
But Republicans complained Democrats were holding out for more labour protections for workers , wanting assurances that corporations taking federal aid will commit to retaining their employees .
Pelosi came out with the House Democrats ’ own sweeping $ 2.5 trillion bill , which would provide $ 1,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion to the states , as governors are pleading for aid .
She urged Senate negotiators “ to move closer to the values ” in it .
Trump has balked at using his authority under the recently invoked Defence Protection Act to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators , even as he encourages them to spur production .
“ We are a country not based on nationalizing our business , ” said Trump , who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden criticized Trump for stopping short of using the full force of emergency federal authority .
“ Trump keeps saying he ’ s a wartime president , ” Biden said in an online address .
“ Well , start acting like one.
” On the economic front , the Federal Reserve announced Monday it will lend to small and large businesses and local governments as well as extend its bond-buying programs as part of a series of sweeping steps to support the flow of credit through an economy ravaged by the viral outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is as much as $ 350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home .
The package also proposes a one-time rebate of about $ 1,200 per person , or $ 3,000 for a family of four , as well as extended unemployment benefits .
Hospitals would get about $ 110 billion for the expected influx of sick patients , said Mnuchin .
But Democrats are pushing for more health-care dollars for the front-line hospitals and workers .
The urgency to act is mounting , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eager for signs that Washington can soften the blow of the health-care crisis and what experts say is a looming recession .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take three to six weeks to recover .
Bev Banks contributed .
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin , Colleen Long , Hope Yen , Mary Clare Jalonick , Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar , Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .

Lisa Mascaro, Andrew Taylor And Jonathan Lemire - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Solidarity: Foreign hospitals help French virus hotspot cope

STRASBOURG , France - The eastern French border city of Mulhouse was fought over by France and Germany across two centuries , but the horrors of the new coronavirus cluster tearing through this community of 110,000 is inspiring unusual solidarity .
While many countries have shut their borders to stem the march of the pandemic — even some nations within the borderless European Union are instituting ID checks — three German states have opened their hospitals to patients from eastern France .
Hospitals in bordering Switzerland have done the same .
The Grand Est region is now the epicenter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buried the third most virus victims in Europe , after Italy and Spain .
The crisis there can be traced largely to a dayslong evangelical church gathering in Mulhouse attended by hundreds of people at the end of February .
In a sign of the devastating toll , the local newspaper in Mulhouse has had to add extra obituary pages as the deaths from the coronavirus increase — as has been done in some areas of Italy .
In France , only the area around Paris had confirmed more cases than Grand Est @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region has a population more than twice the size .
“ Every day we have eight to 12 people who arrive .
We don ’ t know what to do , ” said Dr. Patrick Vogt , a general practitioner at the hospital in Mulhouse who recalled a shift just two weeks ago answering the city ’ s emergency hotline when call after call came in for respiratory problems .
In Germany , the states of Saarland , Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Wuerttemberg have offered spare hospitals beds to treat French patients .
The spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the state would “ naturally try to help our French neighbours , ” and authorities have asked all hospitals with free capacity to take in French patients requiring ventilators .
While Germany has many more confirmed virus cases than France , it has a much smaller number of deaths : 123 , according to data from Johns Hopkins University , compared to France ’ s 860 .
Today ’ s scenes in and around Mulhouse are sadly reminiscent of the bloodiest moments in the border region ’ s turbulent history .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 19th-century Franco-Prussian war and a site of intense battles during the 20th century ’ s two world wars , which included bitter territorial disputes over the Alsace region , now part of what ’ s called the Grand Est .
The city was the site of France ’ s World War I opening attack against Germany in 1914 ’ s Battle of Mulhouse , while bloody battles and burning villages tore it apart again during World War II as German and U.S. forces fought each other .
Regional health officials say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the rest of France in terms of infection rates : As of Monday , according to French government data , the region had recorded nearly 4,300 cases in an area with around 5.5 million people .
In contrast , the area around France ’ s capital of Paris , home to more than 12 million , had around 6,200 confirmed virus infections .
The analysis serves as a deadly warning for France , a nation of 67 million that has already seen a dramatic lockdown , that the worst could be yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help offered from abroad , Mulhouse has drawn the focus of French President Emmanuel Macron , who ordered a field hospital to be built to help tend to the sick .
Around 50 soldiers have been putting up the structure that will have equipment usually used to make surgery possible in combat zones retrofitted to treat patients with the coronavirus .
Authorities hope the five tents , each with six beds , could receive patients starting Monday .
About 100 military health personnel — anesthetists , nurses and nursing assistants — will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In an unprecedented move during peacetime , the French army has also started evacuating critical coronavirus patients from the country ’ s east .
On Saturday , there was a new military airlift of patients hospitalized in Mulhouse .
The first one took place last week .
“ The epidemic is in full swing .
The virus continues to spread .
The patients keeping coming in serious condition , ” said Vogt , the doctor in Mulhouse .
“ So far , there are no signs of hope.
” Adamson reported from Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbet and Lori Hinnant in Paris contributed to this report .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Thomas Adamson And Jean-Francois Badias - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--China to lift lockdown in most of virus-hit Hubei province

BEIJING - Chinese authorities said Tuesday they will end a two-month lockdown of most of coronavirus-hit Hubei province at midnight , as domestic cases of the virus continue to subside .
People with a clean bill of health will be allowed to leave , the provincial government said .
The city of Wuhan , where the outbreak started in late December , will remain locked down until April 8 .
China barred people from leaving or entering Wuhan starting Jan. 23 in a surprise middle-of-the-night announcement and expanded it to most of the province in succeeding days .
Train service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on roads into the central province .
The drastic steps came as the coronavirus began spreading to the rest of China and overseas during the Lunar New Year holiday , when many Chinese travel .
The virus raged for weeks in Wuhan , the provincial capital , and surrounding cities .
Hospitals overflowed , and temporary ones were hastily set up to try to isolate the growing number of infected patients .
The outbreak gradually was brought under control , and Hubei has seen almost no new infections for more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown shows the authorities ’ apparent faith in the success of the drastic measures in much of China .
After barring people from leaving or entering the city , authorities swiftly expanded what at the time were unprecedented measures to most of Hubei , with its tens of millions of residents , as well as many other parts of the country of 1.4 billion people .
It remains unclear , however , whether other cities and provinces , such as Beijing , the capital , will allow people leaving Hubei to enter their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain in place for those travelling outside their local areas .
Officials have now largely turned their attention to the threat of the virus returning from abroad , with almost all new cases being recorded among passengers travelling in from overseas .
Beijing , Shanghai and other major cities have ordered mandatory 14-day quarantines for all returnees , mainly in hotels and other government-designated locations where those staying must pay their own way .
Exceptions are allowed in some cases , including for those living alone , who must quarantine themselves at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slam the door on the crisis , starting Wednesday , Beijing will also require everyone arriving from overseas to be tested for the coronavirus in addition to being quarantined .
In a notice published online Tuesday , Beijing city authorities said those who have entered the capital within the last 14 days will also undergo mandatory testing .
“ Currently , the imported risk from the epidemic ’ s rapid spread overseas continues to rise , ” said the Beijing notice .
China ’ s National Health Commission on Tuesday reported 78 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were imported .
At the same time , the government is pushing efforts to kick-start the world ’ s second-largest economy and put money in the pockets of workers who have gone weeks without salaries .
While most of Beijing ’ s world-famous tourist sites remain closed , parts of the Great Wall have reopened and some restaurants were reopening for business on the condition that customers do not sit facing each other .
The government says work has restarted on about 90 % of major public construction projects across the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain trapped by travel bans , industrial production has also restarted , including in the crucial auto manufacturing industry , which is largely based in Wuhan , and in businesses that provide critical links in global supply chains .


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Thailand decrees state of emergency to control coronavirus

BANGKOK - Thailand ’ s prime minister says his government has agreed to declare a state of emergency to implement @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said his Cabinet agreed Tuesday at its weekly @ @ @ @ @ state of emergency into effect on Thursday .
It will give the government enforcement powers @ @ @ @ @ .
Powers available to the government under the law governing public administration in emergency situations @ @ @ @ @ the media , dispersing gatherings and allowing deployment of military forces for enforcement .
Prayuth @ @ @ @ @ urged the public to remain calm and warned people against the improper use of social @ @ @ @ @ there would now be stricter enforcement against violators .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Coronavirus-related crimes capitalize on global fear, panic

WASHINGTON - Thieves steal surgical masks and COVID-19 test kits .
Hate groups encourage sick members to infect law enforcement officers .
Imposters pose as public health officials .
Con artists peddle fake cures and financial scams .
As the coronavirus pandemic spreads , so too do the crimes related to it — transgressions that capitalize on fear , panic and the urge to lay blame , and add to the burden on law enforcement agencies trying to protect vulnerable citizens .
“ It is really disheartening in a time like this that someone would take advantage of the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need , ” Tucson , Arizona , Police Sgt .
Pete Dugan said .
Everyday life has essentially stopped in many countries in a bid to slow the virus , and some crimes have been declining .
But reports of virus-related fraud are on the rise , along with concerns about hate crimes .
U.S. President Donald Trump and others have taken to calling the virus the “ Chinese coronavirus , ” even as scientists say the disease has nothing to do with Asian ethnicity .
But the president dismissed the idea that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s not racist at all , ” Trump has said .
In Los Angeles , a 16-year-old boy of Asian descent said other students bullied him and accused him of carrying the virus .
In New York , a man on the subway sprayed an Asian passenger with Febreze and verbally abused him .
State Attorney General Letitia James set up a hotline for New Yorkers to report hate crimes in the country ’ s outbreak epicenter .
The Anti-Defamation League , which tracks hate groups , blames the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including suggesting that Jews are somehow responsible for the pandemic .
Some hate groups have suggested tainting doorknobs or other surfaces with the virus so FBI and police officers fall ill. “ If any of you get this , I expect you to spend as much time as possible with our enemies , “ one wrote .
Hundreds of masks have been stolen in Portland , Oregon , amid shortages for health care workers .
A Missouri man who was coughing told two store clerks he had a high fever .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give the employees coronavirus .
People in Pennsylvania and Illinois were accused of similar comes .
Texas prosecutors brought charges against someone who falsely claimed on social media to have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Meanwhile , police in Bowie , Maryland , are investigating reports of a man wearing an orange vest and blue surgical mask who approached people at two homes claiming to be inspecting for coronavirus .
He actually entered one home before a resident confronted him .
A similar scam was sweeping through Germany .
The World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debunk spurious claims about possible cures .
They include false assertions that silver , bleach , and garlic could protect against the coronavirus , or that bananas prevent it .
In Uganda , the parliament speaker endorsed a businessman who said he had discovered a chemical that “ instantly kills ” the virus .
Speaker Rebecca Kadaga announced that the businessman had offered to produce the “ treatment ” in Uganda and it would go on the market shortly .
Kadaga ’ s comments were widely mocked because the product is actually a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will produce the chemical , not to be ingested .
New York officials recently ordered the Jim Bakker television show to stop marketing colloidal silver products .
Trump himself falsely suggested a drug typically used to treat malaria patients had been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the coronavirus .
Fraudsters purport to collect contaminated banknotes in South Africa .
And police bust a clinic selling false testing kits in Kenya .
The United Kingdom ’ s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has received more than 100 reports of virus-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1.1 million ( 970,000 pounds ) .
“ We have already seen fraudsters using the COVID-19 pandemic to scam people looking to buy medical supplies online ... and targeting people who may be vulnerable or increasingly isolated at home , “ Graeme Biggar , director general of the National Economic Crime Center in the U.K. , said in a statement .
In the U.S. , the Justice Department created a central fraud hotline ( 1-866-720-5721 or disaster @ leo.gov ) and has ordered U.S. attorneys to appoint special coronavirus fraud co-ordinators .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offering “ senior care packages ” that include hand sanitizer or even a purported vaccine , which doesn ’ t exist .
Some falsely claim that Trump has ordered that seniors get tested .
It ’ s all a trick to get personal information that can be used to bill federal and state health programs , health officials said .
“ It ’ s a straight-up ruse to get your Medicare number or your Social Security number under the guise of having a test kit or a sanitary kit sent to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general for investigations at Health and Human Services .
The worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 350,000 people and left more than 15,000 people dead .
For most people , the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The World Health Organization says criminals are increasingly posing as WHO officials in calls and phishing emails to swipe information or money .
The United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help prevent fraud .
But the warning came too late for an 83-year-old woman in Mannheim , Germany , who was convinced by scammers to hand over a five-figure sum , claiming it was for a relative who had fallen ill. Police , who would not give an exact figure on the stolen euros , said the woman was told that a driver would pick up the money from outside her front door , to avoid possible infection .
By the time she got suspicious , the money was gone .
Muhumuza reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writers Frank Jordans in Berlin and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar in Washington also contributed to this report .

Colleen Long, Michael Balsamo And Rodney Muhumuza - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Virus outbreak halts damaged Wisconsin refinery rebuilding

SUPERIOR , Wis. - Husky Energy has suspended rebuilding its oil refinery in Superior , Wisconsin , that was damaged by an explosion two years ago because of the coronavirus outbreak , the company announced Tuesday .
“ Given the current safety and public health risks , Husky has begun a systematic and orderly suspension of major construction activities related to the Superior rebuild project , ” Husky spokeswoman Kim Guttormson said .
The fire and explosion in April 2018 injured dozens of people and forced thousands to evacuate .
Alberta , Canada-based Husky received the final approvals to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrap up the $ 400 million project early next year .
Some workers will remain on site as essential functions continue , such as the wastewater treatment plant and gasoline and diesel terminals , Guttormson said .
Social distancing rules are in place for employees and customers , including pacing of truck traffic , to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Mayor: Liberty U. ‘reckless’ to let students back amid virus

RICHMOND , Va. - Officials in Lynchburg , Virginia , said Tuesday they were fielding complaints about the hundreds of students who have returned from spring break to Liberty University , where President Jerry Falwell Jr. welcomed them back amid the new coronavirus pandemic .
“ We could not be more disappointed in the action that Jerry took in telling students they could come back and take their online classes on campus , “ Lynchburg City Manager Bonnie Svrcek told The Associated Press .
As many colleges nationwide began announcing campus closures this month , Liberty , which is among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent evangelical institutions , initially planned to continue on-campus instruction .
But last week , after Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam restricted gatherings of more than 100 , Liberty said it would transition most classes online effective Monday .
Residential students were told they were “ welcome ” to return to campus , according to an email to students .
The move was at odds with many other institutions of higher education that urged students to stay home as the outbreak upended daily life around the globe .
Liberty said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comply with all state restrictions while providing safe and reliable accommodations for students , including extra sanitizing measures and changes to on-campus dining .
“ We think Liberty ’ s practices will become the model for all colleges to follow in the fall , if Coronavirus is still an issue , “ Falwell said in a statement .
A statement from the local health department said an unannounced campus inspection found no violations .
Liberty spokesman Scott Lamb said about 1,100 students were back on campus by Tuesday morning .
He said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a quarantine site if needed and tents have been set up “ preventatively ” for any student on campus who might feel ill. Falwell , one of President Donald Trump ’ s earliest and most ardent high-profile supporters , has generally characterized virus concerns as overblown .
He has praised Trump ’ s virus response , compared the virus to the flu and has accused the news media of stoking fear .
“ You guys paid to be here .
You wanted to be on campus .
I want to give you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told students earlier this month during a livestreamed convocation , a gathering of the student body usually held in person multiple times a week .
“ We do have to be sensitive to people with respiratory problems and to older people.
” Lynchburg Mayor Treney Tweedy said in a statement that she thought the decision letting students return was “ reckless.
” “ I am concerned for the students , faculty and employees at Liberty University , and I am also very concerned for the residents of the Lynchburg community , “ Tweedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a city council meeting where members sat separately at individual tables instead of their usual dais .
Liberty ’ s decision also prompted an unusually critical and public dissent from a faculty member .
Faculty members , most of whom do not have tenure , frequently decline interview requests from The Associated Press and other news outlets .
“ It is unconscionable that the leadership of the university is fully implementing Falwell ’ s politically motivated and rash policy that unnecessarily risks an unmanageable outbreak here in Lynchburg , ” Marybeth Davis Baggett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opinion piece published by Religion News Service and The Washington Post .
Baggett wrote that faculty had been told to conduct classes from their offices , even though that instruction was being delivered virtually .
And she said professors were “ expected to hold office hours and welcome students for face-to-face interaction.
” The university ’ s news release said Liberty ’ s human resources department has been processing requests from employees with health problems that put them at a higher risk for contracting the virus and ” making accommodations as appropriate.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ release Monday and said , in part , “ Bet the ‘ Baggett ’ lady is embarrassed now !
“ Some Liberty students raised concerns about their classmates ’ behaviour .
In interviews , they described “ quarantine ” parties occurring off campus , as well as large gatherings of students , including meetups to play sports or share meals .
“ I would say it ’ s an exception to see someone do the right thing , “ said Alexa Whaley , a junior from Albuquerque , New Mexico .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned because of her job at a local law firm .
The campus was quiet Tuesday afternoon , with only a smattering of students visible , including one wearing a bandana to cover his face .
The virus causes only minor flu-like symptoms in most people .
But it is highly contagious and young people who show no symptoms can infect others .
It can cause severe illness or death , particularly among the elderly and those with underlying health problems .
Total U.S. infections surpassed 50,000 with more than 650 dead Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally .
Dr. Kerry Gateley , a regional health director for the Virginia Department of Health , said his office also received calls from worried citizens and parents of Liberty students .
Gateley , who dispatched the inspectors , said the health department was advising Liberty on best practices with dining and student dorm accommodations .
There are nearly 300 confirmed cases statewide and at least nine deaths , according to the state health department .
Gateley said Lynchburg doesn ’ t have any confirmed cases .
___ Associated Press photographer Steve Helber @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Arizona appeals court upholds Jodi Arias’ murder conviction

PHOENIX - The Arizona Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld Jodi Arias ’ first-degree murder conviction and life sentence in the 2008 killing of her former boyfriend .
Arias ’ lawyers had argued that a prosecutor ’ s misconduct and a judge ’ s failure to control news coverage during the case deprived her of the right to a fair trial .
But the three-member appeals court , in a 29-page opinion , unanimously concluded that prosecutor Juan Martinez ’ s conduct in the case didn ’ t outweigh Arias ’ guilt .
“ We conclude that Arias was convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilt , not as a result of prosecutorial misconduct , ” the ruling said .
However , it noted “ an egregious case of misconduct by a highly-experienced prosecutor “ who “ improperly engaged in self-promoting conduct.
” The panel condemned Martinez ’ s “ argumentative phrasing of questions “ to defence witnesses , adding that his “ aggressive tone and combative , bullying behaviour ” were recurring issues in the trial and Arias ’ attorneys moved for a mistrial six times .
“ We strongly disapprove of his actions , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do not ‘ reverse convictions merely to punish a prosecutor ’ s misdeeds.
’ ” Arias was convicted of killing ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander at his home in the Phoenix suburb of Mesa .
Prosecutors have said Arias violently attacked Alexander in a jealous rage after he wanted to end their affair and planned a trip to Mexico with another woman .
Arias has acknowledged killing Alexander but claimed she acted in self-defence after he attacked her .
He was stabbed nearly 30 times , had his throat slit and was shot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention as salacious and violent details about Arias and Alexander were broadcast live .
The guilt phase of Arias ’ trial ended in 2013 with jurors convicting her of murder but deadlocking on punishment .
A second sentencing trial ended in early 2015 with another jury deadlock , leading a judge to sentence Arias to life .
The Maricopa County Attorney ’ s Office moved to fire Martinez this year after suspending him .
But the dismissal was stayed pending his appeal under civil service protections .
Martinez has been a county prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martinez seeking comment on the court ruling wasn ’ t immediately returned Tuesday and neither was an email to Arias ’ attorney Peg Green .


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Crater Lake, Mt. Rainier, other national park sites close

PORTLAND , Ore. - Crater Lake National Park , Mount Rainier National Park and several other national park sites across the Pacific Northwest have temporarily closed to the public , responding to the coronavirus outbreak that has spread across the U.S. Crater Lake made the announcement Tuesday morning , while Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks closed on Tuesday afternoon .
Park officials said rangers will remain at the parks to enforce the closure and protect the parks .
“ The health and safety of our visitors , employees , volunteers , and partners at Crater Lake National Park is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said in a news release .
Other park closures in Oregon include the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and John Day Fossil Beds .
In Washington , North Cascades National Park closed campgrounds and facilities , as well as some trailheads and access roads .
National parks around the country were also closing Tuesday , from Yellowstone to the Great Smoky Mountains .
The closures come less than a week after the National Park Service said it was waiving entrance fees during the coronavirus outbreak , encouraging people to continue visiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife temporarily closed all state-managed parks , wildlife areas , and water access areas for at least two weeks starting Wednesday .
Essential staff will remain at parks to preserve and protect resources , officials said .
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thetorontostar--2020-03-24--Florida shifts virus restrictions to travellers from NYC area

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. - Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis has refused to follow the lead of other states issuing broad shutdowns to control the spread of the coronavirus , instead shifting the onus to outside travellers whom he blames for bringing COVID-19 into his state .
DeSantis issued an executive order Monday requiring anyone arriving on a flight from New York City , Connecticut and New Jersey to self-quarantine for two weeks , the toughest restrictions any one state has imposed on others during the crisis .
He extended that order Tuesday to anyone arriving by any means of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We don ’ t want to get seeded as people flee the hot zone , ” DeSantis said .
Miami , Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach , the state ’ s areas hardest hit by the coronavirus , have a particularly close relationship with New York , earning South Florida the nickname “ The Sixth Borough.
“ Many residents are New York transplants : In 2018 , the most recent year for which numbers are available , more than 63,000 New Yorkers migrated to Florida , close to double the residents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yankee baseball games are broadcast on local radio .
And this is the time of year many transplants ’ families visit .
“ A lot of people in Florida are going to be put off , “ New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday shortly after DeSantis issued the order .
“ But I also have to be honest that I understand.
” A check of online flight boards at Florida ’ s six busiest airports Tuesday afternoon showed that about 40 % of approximately 150 flights from the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to gauge how many were due to DeSantis ’ order .
Flights nationwide have plummeted : U.S. airlines have cut most international flights and announced plans to reduce service domestically by up to 40 % in April .
More than 8,300 U.S. flights were cancelled Tuesday , according to tracking service FlightAware .
Arriving passengers were asked to complete forms with details about health , travel and locations they ’ ll stay .
DeSantis said National Guardsmen would be deployed at some major airports to collect forms .
He said violating the order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 days in jail and a $ 500 fine , but that he expected most to voluntarily comply .
Diane Cascio , a 55-year-old hairdresser from Fort Lauderdale , returned home from a visit to her mother and son in Long Island on a Tuesday JetBlue flight that carried only six passengers .
She completed the form and dropped it into a box monitored by a person in a National Guard uniform .
She called that intimidating but said the person didn ’ t check it or request an ID to verify the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the order about an hour before departure and was given the option of cancelling , but she returned to the home she shares with her 31-year-old daughter .
“ They didn ’ t quarantine her .
They quarantined me .
There ’ s a big Catch-22 .
...
So it ’ s not really a true quarantine is it ?
” she said .
Valdemar Ozuna worried he ’ d have to quarantine in Florida after taking a flight to Orlando on Tuesday from Kennedy International Airport in New York — one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corpus Christi , Texas , from Australia .
Ozuna said he spent three hours trying to find out whether he fell into Florida ’ s quarantine requirement since he ’ d only been in the New York airport for five hours .
He called JetBlue , which referred him to the Transportation Security Administration .
He was later referred to the Florida Department of Health , the local health office in Orlando and finally a hotline .
He hung up after staying on hold for a half-hour .
Ozuna said he completed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one took it from him in Orlando .
“ The flight attendant asked one of the crew members on the ground what they should do with the papers .
They said , ‘ We haven ’ t been told anything about that.
’ I still have it , ” Ozuna said .
Sarah Wilson , who lives in Guilford , Connecticut , has elderly parents who reside in Naples , Florida , during winter .
She said she ’ s worried about what might happen should either have a medical emergency .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be able to see them , ” she said .
Wilson said she usually flies out of Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks , Connecticut , when she goes to see her parents .
But she also noted that she could easily fly out of Rhode Island , which isn ’ t included in DeSantis ’ order .
“ So I can take a flight out of Rhode Island instead of Bradley ?
Suddenly , I ’ m OK to come ?
” Wilson said .
“ Ultimately , limiting certain states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem.
” Florida has more than 1,400 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 17 deaths .
About half the state ’ s cases are in Miami-Dade , Broward and Palm Beach counties , which have imposed tight restrictions on business and residents .
But testing remains limited and has yet to show any cases of the virus in a third of Florida ’ s 67 counties .
Another third have reported only a few .
The virus causes minor flu-like symptoms in most people , but it ’ s highly contagious and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly the elderly and those with underlying health problems .
Those with severe cases are often only able to breathe with respirators , stressing the health care system ’ s capacity to respond .
While moving to stem possible infection from outside travellers , DeSantis said he hadn ’ t issued a statewide shutdown as New York , California and others have done because he was trying to balance safety concerns with the need to avoid undue economic harm .
The tourism-dependent state has already closed most beaches while Disney World , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out-of-state visitors shut down more than a week ago .
DeSantis noted that requests for unemployment benefits have spiked , to 130,000 in four days last week , compared with 28,000 for the entire previous week .
DeSantis asked President Donald Trump to declare Florida a disaster area , which would make the state eligible for federal aid .
Trump hasn ’ t acted on the request .
Pointing to videos he said he ’ d seen of California block parties , the governor said he wasn ’ t even sure the bans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wouldn ’ t it just be better to go to work ?
You are probably going to transmit the virus less in the office than you are with a bunch of drunk idiots , ” DeSantis said .
Associated Press reporters Brendan Farrington in Tallahassee , Florida ; Jennifer Peltz in New York ; Lisa Marie Pane in Boise , Idaho ; and Airlines Writer David Koenig in Dallas contributed .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Kelli Kennedy And Terry Spencer - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--‘A bullet train’: Virus peak may come soon, swamp hospitals

NEW YORK - Gov .
Andrew Cuomo sounded his most dire warning yet about the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday , saying the infection rate in New York is accelerating and the state could be as close as two weeks away from a crisis that sees 40,000 people in intensive care .
Such a surge would overwhelm hospitals , which now have just 3,000 intensive care unit beds statewide .
The rate of new infections , Cuomo said , is doubling about every three days .
While officials once projected the peak in New York would come in early May , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to three weeks .
“ We are not slowing it .
And it is accelerating on its own , ” he said during a briefing at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center .
“ One of the forecasters said to me we were looking at a freight train coming across the country .
We ’ re now looking at a bullet train.
” New York officials have been racing to essentially double their hospital capacity to up to 110,000 beds .
Cuomo now said there could be a peak need of 140,000 beds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in New York state and at least 210 deaths , according to state figures .
Most of the cases and deaths have been in New York City , an emerging worldwide hotspot in the outbreak .
White House officials urged people who have left New York City amid the outbreak to self-quarantine for 14 days after their departure because of the widespread rate of infection .
New York officials are planning to add at least 1,000 temporary hospital beds at the Javits Center for non-COVID-19 patients and thousands of beds elsewhere .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nowhere near ” the number that will be needed .
The state also faces shortages of ventilators and protective equipment for medical workers .
New York has 7,000 ventilators , the breathing machines that can keep COVID-19 patients alive , and Cuomo says the city needs 20,000 of them in a matter of weeks .
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said 4,000 ventilators were coming from the federal government in the next two days , with half going to the city .
But Cuomo said many more were needed , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send all available ventilators to New York immediately .
After the expected surge of patients in the state passes , those ventilators could then be redeployed to the next hot spot .
“ I will take personal responsibility for transporting the 20,000 ventilators anywhere in this country that they want , once we are passed our apex , “ Cuomo said .
” But don ’ t leave them sitting in a stockpile.
” Peter Pitts , a former associate commissioner at the Food and Drug Administration and president of the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interest , said that ventilators — about the size of two old VCR machines — are certainly portable .
But he said there would have to be regional or national co-ordination of such a surge .
Dr. Nicholas Hill , chief of pulmonary and critical care at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston , said he was skeptical anyone with ventilators would be willing to give them up .
Asked if Tufts would temporarily lend out ventilators to New York , he responded succinctly , “ Hell , no.
” “ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them back when a spike was coming , I might be willing to talk more , ” he said .
“ But no one is going to be able to guarantee that.
” He said that with what ’ s going on in New York , “ we have to think that we ’ re going to be next , and we don ’ t want to be caught with our pants down.
” New York will reduce subway service beginning this week in the wake of an 87 % drop in ridership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The changes will begin to go into effect Wednesday..
Subway service will be reduced by about 25 % , chief operating officer Mario Peloquin said .
Morning and evening peak service would be preserved .
Service also will be reduced on the MTA ’ s bus lines , the Long Island Rail Road and MetroNorth Railroad .
Ridership has fallen more than 70 % on all of the MTA ’ s services , chairman Pat Foye said .
A shortage of available employees has caused hundreds of subways to be delayed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in mourning around the state .
In Brooklyn , Dez-Ann Romain , 36 , principal of a school for students who had struggled in traditional high schools , was remembered as a dedicated educator who gave her all to her students and staff .
In the Albany area , 92-year-old technology pioneer Walter Robb died just days after being admitted to the hospital with a severe cough and being put on a respirator .
Robb had spent years working at General Electric Co. , pushing advancements in imaging equipment used in health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporter at The New York Times , was remembered for his decency and kindness .
Current Times reporter Kevin Sack said on social media that Finder was a terrific reporter , a calming presence and one of the “ menschiest ” guys around .
The losses included those who had made New York City their artistic home .
Renowned American playwright Terrence McNally , whose work was a mainstay of New York theatre , died at 81 in a Sarasota , Florida , hospital .
Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sini has been at home under self-quarantine for about a week and received his test results late Monday night , chief of staff Justin Meyers told the newspaper .
The prosecutor has no symptoms and has been working from home .
Villeneuve and Associated Press writer Michael Hill contributed from Albany , N.Y.. Matthew Barakat contributed from Falls Church , Va. and Deepti Hajela from New Jersey .

John Minchillo And Marina Villeneuve - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-24--US deal appears at hand to ease economic pain of coronavirus

WASHINGTON - Congressional and White House officials said Tuesday they were closing out final details of unprecedented legislation to rush sweeping aid to businesses and workers facing ruin from the coronavirus pandemic .
After days of pressure , unusual partisanship in a crisis , and intense haggling over the fine print , negotiators appeared almost done with a nearly $ 2 trillion bill to respond to what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called “ the most serous threat to Americans ’ health in over a century and quite likely the greatest risk to America ’ s jobs and prosperity that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Depression.
” Yet even as the public-health crisis deepened , President Donald Trump expressed eagerness to nudge many people back to work in coming weeks and held out a prospect , based more on hope than science , that the country could be returning to normal in less than a month .
“ We have to go back to work , much sooner than people thought , ” he told a Fox News town hall .
He said he ’ d like to have the country “ opened up and just raring to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But in a White House briefing later , Trump said “ our decision will be based on hard facts and data.
” Medical professionals say social distancing needs to be stepped up , not relaxed , to slow the spread of infections .
At the White House briefing , the public-health authorities said it was particularly important for people in the hard-hit New York City metropolitan area to quarantine themselves for 14 days , and for those who have recently left the city to do the same .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert , said pointedly at the briefing : “ No one is going to want to tone down anything when you see what is going on in a place like New York City.
” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and congressional leaders engaged in final negotiations after a tumultuous but productive day on Monday .
While the two sides have resolved many issues in the sweeping package , some sticking points remained .
A Senate vote appeared likely on Wednesday , with a House vote to follow .
“ We ’ re trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of complicated issues , and we ’ re making a lot of progress , ” Mnuchin said .
Ravaged in recent days , stocks rocketed as negotiators signalled a resolution was in sight .
At issue is an unprecedented economic rescue package that would give direct payments to most Americans , expanded unemployment benefits , and a $ 367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home .
One of the last issues to close concerned $ 500 billion for guaranteed , subsidized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment of $ 1,200 per person , or $ 3,000 for a family of four , would go directly to the public .
A huge cash infusion for hospitals expecting a flood of COVID-19 patients grew during the talks at the insistence of Sen. Chuck Schumer , the Democratic leader , while Republicans pressed for tens of billions of dollars for additional relief to be delivered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency , the lead federal disaster agency .
Democrats said the package would help replace the salary of furloughed workers for four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first proposed .
Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment , plus a one-time $ 600 add-on .
Opening the Senate on Tuesday , McConnell combined optimism about the chances for a deal with frustration at the delays — and a sober view of the crisis at hand .
“ The urgency and the gravity of this moment can not be lost on anyone , ” he said .
On the negotiations , he said : “ It ’ s taken a lot of noise and a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still , “ we are very close .
We are close to a bill that takes our bold Republican framework , integrates further ideas from both parties , and delivers huge progress.
” Earlier Tuesday , Trump urged swift action .
“ Congress must approve the deal , without all of the nonsense , today , “ he tweeted .
“ The longer it takes , the harder it will be to start up our economy.
” Democrats pointed to gains for hospitals , additional oversight of the huge industry stabilization fund , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companion appropriations package ballooned as well , growing from a $ 46 billion White House proposal to more than $ 300 billion , which dwarfs earlier disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy combined .
To provide transparency , the package is expected to create a new inspector general and oversight board for the corporate dollars , much as was done during the TARP bank rescue , officials said .
The sense of optimism extended to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , who told CNBC : “ I think there is real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next few hours.
” Only Monday , Pelosi introduced a massive Democratic measure with liberal priorities , drawing scorn from Republicans .
The package is a far-reaching effort to prop up the U.S. economy , help American households and bolster the health care system in the growing crisis .
Trump in recent days has sounded a note of frustration about the unprecedented modern-day effort to halt the virus ’ march by essentially shutting down public activities in ways that now threaten the U.S. economy .
Even though Trump ’ s administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , starting just over a week ago , the president says he may soon allow parts of the economy , in regions so far less badly hit by the virus , to begin reopening .
He continued on that theme Tuesday as he weighed a relaxation of social distancing guidelines after the 15-day period is up .
His suggestion that the pandemic could ease and allow a return to normalcy in a mere few weeks is not supported by public health officials or many others in government .
On Tuesday , top defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus problems could extend for eight to 10 weeks , or longer .
Army Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , said during a Defence Department town hall meeting that the crisis could even extend into July .
The emerging rescue package is larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined .
Trump has balked at using his authority under the recently invoked Defence Protection Act to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators , even as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are a country not based on nationalizing our business , ” said Trump , who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .
Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor , Zeke Miller , Mary Clare Jalonick , Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar , Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .