thetorontostar--2020-03-30--Brazil’s Carnival beat fades, making way for virus shelter

RIO DE JANEIRO - A month ago , a massive Carnival party bursting with samba music and smiling faces raged inside Rio de Janeiro ’ s Sambadrome .
Today , its floodlights are off and there ’ s no hint of celebration as its grounds serve a humanitarian purpose : protecting the homeless from the new coronavirus .
Rio ’ s Sambadrome started receiving homeless people on Monday , with City Hall giving priority to the elderly , pregnant and women with children .
It ’ s one of several large event spaces in Brazil being re-purposed as the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 150 deaths .
Neighboring Argentina is doing the same for its homeless .
Beneath the Sambadrome ’ s bleachers , Rio city authorities have converted three rooms that normally serve as classrooms into dormitories .
Sixty beds were occupied on Monday , as authorities work to boost the total to 400 .
The beds are separated in ventilated and cleansed rooms , and social workers at the shelter check arriving homeless people for symptoms .
If they have any , they ’ re sent to a health post .
“ This space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being protected from the coronavirus , ” Jucelia Oliveira Freitas , secretary of social assistance and human rights , told The Associated Press .
“ This population is the most vulnerable of all .
In the streets , they are very exposed.
” Housing the homeless aims to avoid the spread of the virus in Rio state , where there are more than 500 cases -- the second-most of any city .
Mayor Marcelo Crivella has said the number of reported cases may represent 15 % of the true figure .
Brazil ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 virus ’ severity for those who aren ’ t elderly or lack preexisting health conditions , and has called for life to return to normal in order to avoid crushing the economy .
Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta , however , has said the country is beginning an “ upward spiral ” of contagion and reinforced the government ’ s recommendation for social isolation .
Federal authorities expect that toward the end of April , Brazil ’ s public health system may collapse , due to the growing demand from sick patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makeshift field hospitals could buy the health system some time .
The pandemic ’ s advance prompted Rio ’ s state government to impose lockdown measures , which left the homeless in an even more precarious position .
Many saw their means of scraping out a living - for example , collecting recyclables - vanish .
Restaurants that sometimes provide assistance are closed , and there is virtually no one in the streets to give alms .
Carlos Alberto , 52 , who declined to provide his last name , said he plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis because everyone left on the street will be fully abandoned .
“ No one , no one , will come out of their homes to help those that are on the streets , ” he said .
“ I wouldn ’ t come out .
I wouldn ’ t risk my life , take my car to feed someone.
” For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
Even before Covid-19 , Brazil had been struggling to recover from its devastating 2015-2016 recession that boosted the number of people on the streets .
The homeless population of Sao Paulo , which has been the focal point for the virus , jumped more than 50 % since 2015 to 24,344 , according to data City Hall released in January .
There have been some gestures of solidarity .
Eli Ferreira , 54 , has since 2013 sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the city centre , where he serves food to the homeless .
But in recent weeks he saw greater need on the streets , and began coming every day .
He tripled the amount he distributes daily , to 400 bread rolls and 60 litres of coffee .
“ Truly , we are violating the governor ’ s decree that says people shouldn ’ t gather , but what has weight at this moment is the human side , ” Ferreira said in an interview .
Behind him , hundreds of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other Brazilian cities are likewise revamping sporting centres .
In Sao Paulo , the city prepared a field hospital within the Pacaembú stadium , one of the sites of the 1950 soccer World Cup .
In Brasilia , the nation ’ s capital , the local government is setting up a field hospital in its Mané Garrincha stadium , erected for the 2014 World Cup .
In Argentina , Buenos Aires ’ City Hall is preparing three sports clubs with 250 beds to house the homeless amid the pandemic .
“ There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the people in the street , ” said Natalia Bullon , 40 , who collects paper and cardboard in the financial district , and sleeps in the city centre with her two dogs .
-- - AP reporter Debora Rey contributed reporting from Buenos Aires .

Marcelo De Sousa And Diarlei Rodrigues - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--Proposed state stimulus check removed from Alaska budget

JUNEAU , Alaska - Alaskans who found themselves suddenly out of work or working reduced hours because of shutdowns over the coronavirus were buoyed by news last week that lawmakers had proposed paying a $ 1,000 stimulus check to residents .
Checks would have gone to residents who received Alaska Permanent Fund dividends last year — most Alaskans — regardless of need .
The proposed payment was included in the Senate version of the state budget and would have been on top of a roughly $ 1,000 proposed dividend later this year .
But the stimulus check was removed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by House and Senate negotiators , leaving some lawmakers upset .
Rep. Cathy Tilton of Wasilla , in a floor speech before the package passed the House early Sunday , said people got their hopes up after the Senate inclusion of the payment .
“ I believe in expectation management , Mr. Speaker , and shame on us because we got their expectations up , ” said Tilton , a minority Republican .
Other lawmakers said they were trying to be careful stewards with the state ’ s resources and target relief to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as moratoria on evictions and foreclosures .
They also noted Congress recently approved an aid package .
The stimulus checks , which would have been paid before July 1 , would have required a draw from permanent fund earnings beyond a withdrawal limit many lawmakers have been loathe to violate .
Rep. Chuck Kopp , an Anchorage Republican , said an organizing principle for the bipartisan House majority , of which he ’ s a part , was staying within the draw limit .
He said it “ should not be a surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Gov .
Mike Dunleavy said he was “ puzzled ” by the Legislature ’ s decision .
The Republican had proposed an immediate check of about $ 1,300 , plus a dividend of about $ 3,100 that would have been paid in two installments , in June and October .
That amount , $ 3,100 , is roughly what the dividend would be this year if a longstanding calculation were followed .
That formula was last followed in 2015 amid a years-long deficit .
Dividends the last two years have been about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 and $ 1,100 in 2017 .
This year the dividend , traditionally paid in the fall with oil-wealth fund earnings , would be paid , in part , using the constitutional budget reserve .
Lisa Seifert , who is a photographer in Anchorage and has a vacation rental property , said she recently lost $ 2,000 of scheduled income and has had cancellations into June .
She said the $ 1,000 stimulus would have helped with her bills and “ peace of mind.
” She said she ’ s worried .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ further draw down the constitutional budget reserve , which requires three-fourths support from each the House and Senate to tap .
Some in the House minority had seen their vote as leverage .
But language in the package made funding for certain items , including part of the dividend and provisions related to the coronavirus , contingent upon reaching the three-quarter threshold .
The budget also would move $ 1 billion from permanent fund earnings to the fund ’ s constitutionally protected principal .
Sen. Bert Stedman , a Sitka Republican , saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those funds but others worried it could remove some funding flexibility for emergencies .
Legislators have gone through billions of dollars in savings unable to agree on how to resolve the deficit .
Lawmakers took a hiatus after passing the budget early Sunday , allowing them to return to their communities amid coronavirus concerns .
Dunleavy , who has veto powers , still must review the budget .
Alaska has seen its unemployment claims spike amid closures due to virus concerns , and major state industries , including tourism and fishing , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an associate professor of economics at the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage .
He said the long-term consequences of overdrawing the permanent fund earnings reserve are important to consider and one can ’ t overdraw on a regular basis .
“ I think the question right now is , given the depths of the economic decline , should unprecedented measures be taken or should the earnings reserve be used because it is indeed a rainy day fund and it is going to be raining really hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he appreciates the concern about the fund ’ s long-term viability and thinks the fund has been well managed .
“ I think that when you have reserves and you know that economic calamity potentially is coming , you ’ re going to have to do things that you didn ’ t think that you should do , ” he said .

State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada
Postal Code


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--US Rep. who sought to stall virus aid touts fundraising haul

FRANKFORT , Ky. - He drew the president ’ s wrath for seeking to slow congressional approval of a $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus-relief package , and now U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie is boasting of his tactic and hauling in campaign cash for his reelection bid .
Massie ’ s campaign said Monday it had raised more than $ 110,000 over a three-day period when the Kentucky Republican was in the spotlight for his failed bid to force a roll call vote on the relief on Capitol Hill .
He emerged as the only member of Congress willing to stall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package .
The congressman said he was just trying to hold up what he considers to be an unconstitutional vote for a wasteful bill .
But the stalling tactic prompted President Donald Trump to denounce Massie as a “ third rate Grandstander.
” Now in his fourth term , Massey faces a spirited 2020 primary challenge from Todd McMurtry in the northern Kentucky district .
On Monday , Massie touted his three-day fundraising haul from more than 1,600 donors while defending his actions .
The average donation was $ 65.33 , his campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m humbled by the hundreds of hard-working Americans who have supported my campaign over the last few days , ” Massie said in a news release .
“ If Congress expects Americans to go to work , bagging groceries , delivering packages and growing food , then congressmen making a $ 174,000 a year should do their job and show up to vote on the biggest spending bill in the history of mankind.
“ While his stalling tactic failed , Massie ’ s action last week forced hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nearly two-week recess — potentially raising their risks of exposure to the coronavirus at a time when public health experts were advising Americans to adopt safe social distancing .
In a series of tweets Friday , Trump called Massie “ a disaster for America , and for the Great State of Kentucky !
” and urged GOP leaders to “ throw Massie out of Republican Party !
’ ’ His challenger immediately sought to capitalize on Trump ’ s condemnation of Massie .
As his opponent sees it , by bragging about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s portrayal of the congressman as a grandstander .
“ For Massie , it ’ s all about him — not what ’ s going to best serve Kentuckians , “ McMurtry said in a release .
“ While we ’ re battling an unprecedented national crisis , Massie ’ s main concern is how much money he raised off the senseless stunt he pulled trying to block the Coronavirus Relief bill.
” Frustrated House lawmakers from both parties also lashed out at Massie last week .
McMurtry portrays himself as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s moves against the coronavirus-relief package showed the president can ’ t count on Massie .
The two are running in a district where the president remains highly popular .
McMurtry is an attorney who represented a Kentucky student who became engaged in media lawsuits after a viral encounter with a Native American activist in Washington , D.C. , in early 2019 .
He didn ’ t immediately respond to a question about his own fundraising after Friday .
Kentucky ’ s primary election , usually in late May , was pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--Time to ‘revenge shop’: China’s virus hot spot reopens

WUHAN , China - The city at the centre of China ’ s virus outbreak was reopening for business Monday after authorities lifted more of the controls that locked downs tens of millions of people for two months .
“ I want to revenge shop , ” one excited customer declared as she traversed one of Wuhan ’ s major shopping streets , Customers were still scarce , though , as those who did venture out were greeted by shop employees who wore masks and carried signs that told them to “ keep a safe distance.
” Among them was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family when most access to the city of 11 million was suspended Jan. 23 to stem the coronavirus spread .
“ I ’ m so excited , I want to cry , ” said the woman , who gave only her English name Kat as she eyed the wares in the Chuhe Hanjie pedestrian mall .
“ After two months trapped at home , I want to jump , ” she added , jumping up and down excitedly .
A teacher in the eastern city of Nanjing , Kat was among those trapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hub was shut down as the virus spread .
While governments worldwide were tightening travel and other controls , the ruling Communist Party has rolled back curbs on Wuhan and other areas as it tries to revive the world ’ s second-largest economy after declaring victory over the outbreak .
The city in Hubei province is the last major population centre still under travel controls .
Residents were allowed to go to other parts of Hubei but could not leave the province .
Restrictions on other Hubei residents were lifted March 23 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 .
Wuhan became the centre of the most intensive anti-disease controls ever imposed after the virus emerged in December .
Some researchers suggest it may have jumped to humans from a bat at one of the city ’ s wildlife markets .
The ruling party suppressed information about the outbreak and reprimanded doctors in Wuhan who tried to warn the public .
As late as Jan. 19 , city leaders went ahead with a dinner for 40,000 households to celebrate the Lunar New Year .
Local leaders held one more event , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ musicians and actors were sniffling and coughing , before the government acknowledged the severity of the problem .
The next morning , residents awoke to news that their sprawling city that straddles the Yangtze River was cut off from the outside world .
Police set up roadblocks at expressway entrances .
Only truckers leaving the city to collect food and a handful of other drivers with official passes were allowed through .
Bus and subway service was shut down .
Restaurants , shops , cinemas and other businesses were ordered to close , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreshadowing of controls that would spread to other countries .
Families were ordered to stay home .
Restrictions spread to cities near Wuhan and eventually expanded to cover some 800 million people , more than half of China ’ s population .
Wuhan became the centre of a massive effort to treat the sick , understand the virus and stop its spread .
Two temporary hospitals with more than 1,000 beds each were built and a third one was set up in an exhibition centre .
Hundreds of military doctors and nurses were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tons of medical supplies .
President Xi Jinping visited Wuhan for the first time March 10 in a show of official confidence that the virus was under control .
The next day , the government began to ease controls on Hubei , allowing some factories and other businesses deemed essential to reopen .
On Monday , about 75 % of shops in the Chuhe Hanjie mall in the city centre were open but many imposed limits on how many people could enter .
Shopkeepers set up dispensers for hand sanitizer and checked customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subways started to run again Saturday and the train station reopened , bringing thousands of people to the city .
At the same time , the ruling party rolled out a massive propaganda effort to portray its leaders as the heroes of the outbreak and deflect accusations they allowed the virus to spread due to politically motivated foot-dragging .
Government spokespeople have suggested the coronavirus ’ origin is unknown , contradicting earlier official statements that it came from Wuhan .
A foreign ministry spokesman said the virus might have been brought by visiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted an angry response from Washington .
Wuhan suffered 2,547 coronavirus deaths , accounting for about 80 % of China ’ s total fatality toll of 3,186 as of Sunday , according to the National Health Commission .
The country had a total of 81,470 confirmed cases , though both the number of cases and the death toll are believed to under count the real number of victims .
Officials are under orders to revive manufacturing , retailing and other industries while also preventing a spike in infections as people return to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were required to report how they arrived and their reason for coming .
Hotel guests were checked twice a day for fever .
They were required to show a code on a smartphone app that tracks the user ’ s health status and travel .
Authorities set aside five hotels to quarantine visitors , including foreigners who lack Chinese identity cards .
Hotel staff in protective coveralls sprayed guests and their luggage with disinfectant .
Passengers who wanted to board a public bus had to show the smartphone health code to volunteers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan International Mall were greeted by employees who wore masks and carried signs that said , “ Please wear masks all the way .
Please don ’ t gather .
Please keep a safe distance.
” Automakers and other manufacturers in Wuhan reopened but said they needed to restore the flow of components from suppliers before production can return to normal levels .
Some were waiting for employees who went to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year holiday and were stranded when plane , train and bus service in areas deemed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a candy shop in the Chuhe Hanjie mall said two of her four employees were back at work but she wasn ’ t sure whether the others were willing to come back .
“ We ’ ve only prepared a little stock , “ said the owner , Li Zhen .
“ Most people are still afraid of the virus.
” A poster at the entrance to the mall asked customers to wear masks and co-operate with fever checks .
A banner nearby said , “ Wuhan We Are Coming Back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ clothing that identified them as medical workers were surrounded by pedestrians who waved Chinese flags at them in a gesture of gratitude .
Li gave them bags of candy .
“ We may have to wait for a while to see when things can return to normal , ” Li .
said McDonald reported from Beijing .
Associated Press producer Olivia Zhang contributed to this report .

Ng Han Guan And Joe McDonald - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--They can’t afford to quarantine, so they brave the subway

NEW YORK — As the coronavirus pandemic has all but shut down New York City , its subway — an emblem of urban overcrowding — has become almost unrecognizable , with overall ridership down 87 per cent .
But even as officials crack down on gatherings in New York , removing hoops from basketball courts and sending police to break up parties , subway stations in poorer neighbourhoods are still bustling , as if almost nothing has changed .
It is a striking turnabout for a system that has long been the great equalizer , a space where hourly workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subway has become more of a symbol of the city ’ s inequality , amplifying the divide between those with the means to safely shelter at home and those who must continue braving public transit to preserve meagre livelihoods .
“ This virus is very dangerous .
I don ’ t want to get sick , I don ’ t want my family to get sick , but I still need to get to my job , ” said Yolanda Encanción , a home health aide , as she waited for her train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uses is one of two in the Bronx that have largely retained their ridership and serve neighbourhoods with some of the highest poverty rates in the city , a New York Times analysis found .
The 170th Street station in the University Heights neighbourhood and the Burnside station in the Mount Eden area are surrounded by large Latin American and African immigrant communities where the median household income is about $ 22,000 ( U.S. ) — one-third the median household income in the state , according to census data .
Many residents say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto trains with strangers , potentially exposing themselves to the virus .
Even worse , a reduction in service in response to plunging ridership has led , at times , to crowded conditions , making it impossible to maintain the social distancing that public health experts recommend .
Across New York , nearly 66,500 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 1,218 people have died , Gov .
Andrew M. Cuomo said Monday .
Most cases are concentrated in New York City , where over 36,000 people have tested positive .
Sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station , Encanción stretched a medical mask across her face and slipped her hands into latex gloves .
The risk of exposure to the coronavirus on the subway is just part of the simmering anxiety that hangs like a backdrop to her everyday life .
Her two teenage children are desperate to see their friends , but she only allows them to leave the family ’ s two-bedroom apartment for a walk with their aunt once a day .
Encanción ’ s husband was a janitor at a private school until he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , slashing her family ’ s income in half .
They have enough savings to cover this month ’ s rent , but nothing more .
“ Next month how will we pay ?
I can ’ t even think about it , ” she said .
Encanción was one of the few passengers on her line on a recent weekday after ridership across the subway plunged nearly 90 per cent compared with the same day last year , according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority , which runs the subway and buses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than five million people squeezed onto the system every day — today , it carries fewer than 1 million .
But a Times analysis of MTA data shows that ridership declines in each of the four boroughs served by the subway varies significantly and largely along socioeconomic lines .
Over the past two weeks , the steepest ridership declines have occurred in Manhattan , where the median household income is $ 80,000 — the highest of any of the city ’ s five boroughs .
Subway ridership in Manhattan fell around 75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bronx , which has the highest poverty rate of any of the boroughs and the lowest median income at $ 38,000 , dropped by around 55 per cent , according to an analysis of data of Friday morning commutes through March 20 .
The Burnside Avenue and 170th Street stations serve some of the people most vulnerable to the economic and public health threats sweeping New York .
In areas bordering the stations , roughly half the children live in poverty , 40 per cent of the population was born outside the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not have a high school diploma .
At the 170th Street station , riders still come in waves every morning : Men tend to arrive first , swiping into the station before dawn .
Wearing paint-splattered jeans and carrying battered hard hats , they board trains to construction sites .
Later , many women trickle onto the platform , mostly urses and home health aides who have been deemed essential workers .
Others are home cooks and nannies for the well-to-do , hoping to keep their jobs as long as possible in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 , was at the 170th Street station , starting her commute to Queens .
A personal care aide , she had received an email from her employer the day before instructing her and her colleagues in bold , red letters that they were considered “ ESSENTIAL ” and must show up for work .
On the one hand , Liriano is grateful to still have an income : Her husband , who had worked at a restaurant helping with deliveries and odd jobs in the kitchen , had been let go .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1/2 hours she spends every day huddling with strangers in an enclosed subway car .
For years , she made her work commute without giving it much thought .
Now she scans every pole , every seat , every person , as if looking for signs of an invisible enemy .
She is hyperaware of where she keeps her hands , resisting the urge to fix a fallen strand of hair or wipe a stray lash from her eyelids .
“ I am worried , really , ” said Liriano , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask since panicked shoppers emptied neighbourhood store shelves .
“ There are still many people here , people I don ’ t know , I don ’ t know what precautions they are taking , if they are sick .
“ It ’ s the riskiest part of my day , taking the train , ” she added .
The MTA has tried to protect its diminished ridership : It has deployed cleaners to disinfect train cars and buses every three days with the same disinfectants used in hospitals and nursing homes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers falling sick and the free fall in ridership , the agency has cut subway service by 25 per cent .
“ Service is constrained by the number of crews we have available during this crisis — not surprisingly , absences are in the thousands , ” said Sarah Feinberg , interim president of New York City Transit .
As of Monday , seven MTA workers had died from the coronavirus while at least another 152 workers had tested positive , and 1,181 were quarantined , officials said .
The chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the infection .
Outside the 170th Street station , the streets are nearly empty .
Most stores have shuttered , their metal security gates pulled closed .
The only places open were two pharmacies , where lines of customers curled out the front doors .
A short ride on the No .
4 train is Burnside Avenue station .
Every morning riders still stream onto its outdoor platforms .
Cindy Garcia , a caseworker at a homeless shelter in Manhattan , kept her hands tucked deep inside her pockets .
Her disinfecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pen a client touches , every doorknob she grabs , every chair she sits on she wipes down with Lysol .
When she meets with a client , they sit on opposite ends of the room .
But on the train , Garcia has no illusion about having that kind of control .
She can keep her hands covered , she can wear a mask , but it is impossible to stay the recommended 6 feet away from other riders .
“ Just look at these subway cars , they ’ re still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
4 train was among the lines where service was reduced , a policy that health officials warn could lead to packed trains and increase health risks for the essential workers , including health care employees , that need to ride them .
Still , for other riders , the possibility of contracting the coronavirus was the least of their concerns .
Daouda Ba , a 43-year-old immigrant from Senegal , sat hands tucked between his knees at the Burnside Avenue station .
Ba lives in a nearby shelter , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bathrooms .
The idea of disinfecting doorknobs or even having hand sanitizer is laughable .
Just getting time at the sink to wash his hands is hard enough .
“ I ’ m already stuck in a crowded box in the shelter ; I can ’ t do anything for my health , ” he said , looking at the other people standing nearby .
“ The only thing I ’ m worried about is the economic stuff.
” Ba was laid off from his job working for a sightseeing bus tour company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boss said they would hire him back by the end of March , but now his job prospects are as uncertain as ever .
On a recent morning , a friend had called with a small paying job : Someone was moving out of their apartment and needed a hand .
He sat waiting for the train to take him to Brooklyn , the rin-tin-tin of light rain hitting the metal awning .
If I die , I die , ” he said .

Christina Goldbaum - The New York Times,Lindsey Rogers Cook


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--Trump defends extending virus guidelines as spread continues

WASHINGTON - Siding with public health experts ’ dire projections , President Donald Trump on Monday defended his decision to extend restrictive social distancing guidelines through the end of April , while bracing the nation for a coronavirus death toll that could exceed 100,000 .
“ Challenging times are ahead for the next 30 days , ” Trump said during a Rose Garden press conference .
He called refraining from public outings “ our shared patriotic duty ” during the outbreak .
The comments came a day after Trump made a dramatic course reversal and announced that he would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the economy back up and running by Easter , as he said last week he hoped to do .
In the face of stark projections from his team and searing images of overwhelmed hospitals in his native New York City , Trump instead extended to April 30 the social distancing guidelines , which had been set to expire Monday .
Many states and local governments already have stiffer controls in place on mobility and gatherings .
“ The worst that could happen is you do it too early and all of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said during a nearly hour-long call-in interview with “ Fox & Friends “ as members of his coronavirus task force fanned out across other media outlets to warn the virus ’ spread was only just beginning .
Trump ’ s impulse to reopen the country , driven by pleas from business leaders , met a sober reality check from health experts , including Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious disease expert , who on Sunday said the U.S. could experience between 100,000-200,000 deaths and millions of infections from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington that the struggle against the coronavirus will not be resolved quickly even as Trump expressed a longing for normalcy .
“ It would not have been a good idea to pull back at a time when you really need to be pressing your foot on the pedal as opposed to on the brakes , “ Fauci said Monday on CNN , describing how he and Dr. Deborah Birx , the coronavirus task force co-ordinator , had convinced Trump to reconsider .
“ We showed him the data .
He looked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , “ Fauci said .
” It was a pretty clear picture .
Dr. Debbie Birx and I went in to the Oval Office and leaned over the desk and said , ‘ Here are the data .
Take a look.
’ He just shook his head and said , ‘ I guess we got to do it.
’ ” Americans are now being asked to prepare for at least another 30 days of severe economic and social disruption , with schools and businesses closed and public life upended .
A majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government orders to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus , and employment claims have already skyrocketed .
Trump said it was “ pretty unlikely ” that he would need to issue a nationwide stay-at-home order , adding he was in touch with governors on their actions .
Trump spoke with the nation ’ s governors Monday , as did other members of his administration .
Birx told the governors that it ’ s “ several weeks away from the peak of the curve for the United States.
” Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the nation did not incorporate social distancing .
“ I thought that was a very important study they did and it sure solved a lot of problems in my own mind and maybe in your minds , “ Trump said in an audio that was obtained by The Associated Press .
Republican Gov .
Larry Hogan of Maryland voiced appreciation for the $ 2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that Trump signed into law last week and the president ’ s acknowledgement that states will need more help , but he also emphasized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a scarcity of medical supplies .
Governors also remain unsatisfied with the availability of testing kits to screen patients for the virus .
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said the U.S. had now tested more than 1 million samples for the coronavirus .
But it wasn ’ t clear if that figure represented actual patients or samples processed .
With a population of over 330 million , 1 million patients tested would represent about one-third of 1 per cent of all Americans .
By comparison , South Korea has tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percentage of its population .
Still , Trump boasted testing was “ at a level that no other country has reached.
“ Public health experts have estimated the U.S. should be testing between 100,000 and 150,000 patients daily to track and contain the virus .
Azar said the U.S. is testing “ nearly 100,000 samples per day.
“ Vice-President Mike Pence said nearly three weeks ago that 4 millions tests were being distributed around the country “ I can tell you that every single governor in this United States understands the importance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the curve on test kits , ” said Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee .
The federal guidelines that Trump elected to continue recommend against group gatherings larger than 10 and urge older people and anyone with existing health problems to stay home .
People are urged to work at home when possible and avoid restaurants , bars , nonessential travel and shopping trips .
For more than a week , Trump had been bombarded by calls from outside business leaders who urged him to begin reopening the nation ’ s economy , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and warned of catastrophic consequences that could damage his reelection chances if it remained shuttered for much longer .
Trump told “ Fox & Friends ” that “ nobody “ was “ more worried ” about the economic impact on the country than he was .
But he said , “ We want to do something where we have the least death.
“ Trump , who has largely avoided talk of potential death and infection rates , cited projection models Sunday that said 2.2 million people or more could have died had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
And he said the country would be doing well if it “ can hold ” the number of deaths “ down to 100,000.
“ In addition to the numbers , Trump said he was moved by harrowing scenes from New York , particularly hard-hit Elmhurst Hospital in his native Queens .
He described the images he ’ d seen on television with “ body bags all over , in hallways .
I ’ ve been watching them bring in trailer trucks — freezer trucks ... because they can ’ t handle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them .
...
I ’ ve seen things that I ’ ve never seen before.
” But experts warn that those scenes could play out across the country , as the virus spreads .
Birx and Fauci said even areas that have so far been spared must prepare for the eventuality that they , too , will become hot spots , with undetected cases likely in existence now .
Fauci said on ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America ” that smaller U.S. cities are now ripe for the kind of acceleration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If you look throughout the country there are a number of smaller cities that are sort of percolating along , ” Fauci said .
“ It looks like it ’ s low level , it starts to accelerate , then it goes way up.
“ The U.S. had more than 140,000 COVID-19 cases reported by Monday morning , with more than 2,500 deaths , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins .
Most people who contract COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms , which can include fever and cough but also milder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The risk of death is greater for older adults and people with other health problems .
Hospitals in the most afflicted areas are straining to handle patients and some are short of critical supplies .
In the “ Fox & Friends ” interview , Trump also said his administration was considering providing hazard pay for medical professionals who are on the front lines of the pandemic .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin agreed , telling Fox Business Network in a separate interview that the idea “ makes a lot of sense ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put in the next bill.
” Some lawmakers have said a fourth economic relief package eventually will be needed .
Meanwhile , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday she wants the House to be ready as soon as it returns , perhaps in late April , to approve a fourth bill boosting the economy and strengthening the response to the virus .
She said she wanted the package to improve broadband , bolster hospitals and state and local governments and increase direct payments to Americans .
Pelosi said it should also strengthen safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and broaden workers ’ leave for caring for relatives .
For weeks , Trump had minimized the gravity of the pandemic , and Pelosi on Sunday accused Trump of “ denial ” in the crisis and called it “ deadly.
“ “ She ’ s a sick puppy in my opinion , “ Trump said .
” I think it ’ s a disgrace to her country , her family ” __ Associated Press writers Alan Suderman in Richmond , Virginia , Rachel La Corte in Olympia , and Darlene Superville contributed to @ @ @

Zeke Miller And Jill Colvin - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--Beshear announces order to restrict travel outside Kentucky

FRANKFORT , Ky. - Gov .
Andy Beshear announced a new order Monday instructing Kentucky residents to avoid travelling to other states in another aggressive step to slow the spread of the new coronavirus .
His order on out-of-state travel includes several exceptions .
It doesn ’ t apply to Kentuckians going to other states for work ; to get food , medicine and other necessities ; for health-care visits ; to care for a loved one ; or if a court requires the travel , said La Tasha Buckner , the governor ’ s chief of staff .
Beshear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s death toll from the virus rose to 11 .
But many surrounding states have considerably more coronavirus cases , the governor said .
“ What it means is your likelihood of getting infected and potentially bringing back the coronavirus may be greater in other states than ours right now , “ he said .
“ And really you need to be at home and you need to be healthy at home anyways.
” People travelling outside Kentucky will be expected to go into self-quarantine for 14 days , unless the travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Beshear announced 42 new cases in Kentucky and two additional deaths linked to the illness .
The deaths were those of an 88-year-old woman in Kenton County and a 90-year-old woman in Simpson County .
Meanwhile , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that a Coronavirus Response Portal has been added to his website .
The portal can be accessed by people with questions on such matters as unemployment insurance , low-interest federal loans , federal taxes and relief checks .
“ I hope the following resources will be helpful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business or community takes advantage of the federal funding I helped make available , ” McConnell , a Kentucky Republican , said in a statement .
In Louisville , a judge ordered a man with the virus to stay home after health officials reported he took a walk last week with his wife , according to media reports .
Both were ordered to remain indoors until April 6 and were fitted with GPS devices to track their whereabouts .
Beshear was asked Monday about General Electric workers in Louisville who were upset about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held a drive-by protest Saturday to demonstrate that some were worried about getting sick .
“ My hope is that we can come to a place where those who are going to work feel safe and that there have been significant steps taken by the employer as well , ” Beshear said .
GE has said the facilities underwent a cleaning and workstations were adjusted for proper social distancing .
Most people who contract COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms , which can include fever and cough but also milder cases of pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of death is greater for older adults and people with other health problems .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

Bruce Schreiner And Dylan Lovan - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--Economist: Hawaii in recession as virus shuts down tourism

HONOLULU - The coronavirus pandemic has plunged the state ’ s economy into a recession that ’ s unprecedented for people alive in Hawaii today , a University of Hawaii economist told lawmakers Monday .
“ We know Hawaii is already in a deep recession .
That recession will surpass anything we ’ ve seen in our lifetimes , ” Carl Bonham told members of a House committee on the economic and financial effects of the virus .
“ There ’ s really not any comparison that you can make to an economy where you basically shut down hospitality and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for several months — shut down much of the local economy , ” Bonham said .
He and the other committee members spoke to each other over a video conference as they practiced social distancing .
The state capitol building was closed earlier this month when a senator tested positive for COVID-19 .
Olelo Community Media broadcast the video conference online and on television .
Bonham said it ’ s difficult to predict what ’ s in store for the economy because it ’ s not known how long the health crisis will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take .
But he said he ’ s currently forecasting that the state ’ s unemployment rate will likely peak at 25 % in the April-June quarter .
Income will not drop as much because of new federal legislation providing extra unemployment benefits and direct payments to people .
State general fund tax revenues , meanwhile , are likely to drop between 10 % to 25 % , Bonham said .
For the full year , which includes strong performances in January and February and a predicted recovery later in the year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hawaii will likely be 41 % lower than 2019 .
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz told the meeting the federal legislation includes at least $ 4 billion for Hawaii .
Of that , $ 1.42 billion will go toward unemployment insurance claims and $ 1.24 billion will go to direct payments to individuals .
The funds also include $ 1.25 billion for state and county governments .
Hawaii on Monday reported 29 new cases of the disease , bringing the state ’ s total to 204 .
No one has died in the islands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized .
House Speaker Scott Saiki said he agreed with steps to help the economy that were outlined in a University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization report last week .
It called for stemming the influx of new infections , which the state has done by imposing a 14-day quarantine on travellers to the islands , and slowing the virus ’ spread in the local population , which it is doing through the governor ’ s statewide stay-at-home order .
The report also called for wider testing of those with symptoms and at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trace people positive cases have had contact with .
Saiki said after the meeting he hopes alternative testing methods in development will provide ways to test more people and identify positive cases more quickly .
And he believes federal stimulus funds will help support testing and tracking .
Saiki said it was important to keep residents ’ safety net and economy intact amid the upheaval .
He said it was especially critical that Hawaii keep its residents in the islands .
“ We need to focus immediately on a couple of things : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and secondly how to keep people fed , ” he said .
“ Because we ’ re going to need everyone here once the economy starts to turn .
”


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--3rd Alaskan dies from COVID-19; total cases in state top 100

ANCHORAGE , Alaska - A third Alaskan has died from COVID-19 as the total number of cases in the state @ @ @ @ @ .
The individual was tested and admitted to an Anchorage hospital March 23 and died @ @ @ @ @ there were 12 new coronavirus cases on Sunday , pushing the state total to at @ @ @ @ @ new cases , four each were in Anchorage and Fairbanks .
Eagle River , North @ @ @ @ @ each had one case .
The 12 new cases are evenly split between males and @ @ @ @ @ include one person under 18 .
Four are between 19 and 29 , and two @ @ @ @ @ .
The five remaining cases are in adults 60 or older .
Get more of @ @ @ @ @ Never miss the latest news from the Star .
Sign up for our free newsletters @ @ @ @ @ stories , your favourite columnists and lots more in your email inbox Sign Up Now


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--UN aid chief says Syrian COVID-19 cases are `tip of iceberg’

TANZANIA , Tanzania - The U.N. humanitarian chief warned Monday that the 10 cases of COVID-19 and one death confirmed in Syria are just “ the tip of the iceberg , ” and judging from other countries “ a devastating impact ” can be expected on vulnerable communities .
Mark Lowcock told the U.N. Security Council that “ all efforts to prevent , detect and respond to COVID-19 are impeded by Syria ’ s fragile health system , ” noting that only around half the country ’ s hospitals and primary health care facilities were fully functional at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent and combat the virus are also impeded by high levels of population movement , challenges to obtaining critical supplies including protective equipment and ventilators , and difficulties of isolating in crowded camps for the displaced with “ low levels of sanitation services.
” With the Syrian conflict entering its 10th year this month , Lowcock said , over half the population has been forced to flee their homes , more than 11 million people in the country including nearly 5 million children need humanitarian assistance , almost eight million people don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 20 per cent more than last year , and 500,000 children are chronically malnourished .
He said humanitarian needs in Syria “ remain enormous , ” with data showing clear evidence of deteriorating conditions since December , including increased rates of stunting — “ a consequence of child malnutrition , from which it is rarely possible fully to recover.
” In the last rebel-held stronghold in northwest Syria , he said , almost 3 out of 10 displaced children under the age of five are stunted .
U.N. special envoy for Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after terrible violence , an uneasy calm prevails on the ground – and now , Syrians face a new potentially devastating threat in COVID-19.
” He echoed U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ’ call for an immediate global cease-fire in all conflicts to tackle the coronavirus , warning that “ Syria is at high risk of being unable to contain the pandemic.
” In northwest Syria , he said , “ there has been a significant decrease in violence , especially in aerial attacks and ground operations .
Sporadic incidents continue , involving all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he expressed appreciation that arrangements between key parties including Russia , Turkey , the United States and Syrians , “ also continue to broadly hold.
” “ But in both the northeast and northwest , there is a real risk of hostilities resuming , ” Pedersen said in a video briefing to the council .
“ If that happened , the pre-existing dangers to civilians would be multiplied by the pandemic and the virus would spread like wildfire , with devastating effects for the Syrian people – humanitarian , societal and economic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ He urged all countries to avoid this scenario by cementing existing arrangements into a nationwide cease-fire .
Pedersen said the U.N. is engaging concerned countries to put aside all hurdles and ensure humanitarian exemptions so critical items can be moved into Syria urgently to combat COVID-19 .
“ I welcome the initial engagement by the United States with us in this regard , and stress the need for utmost urgency.
” he said , He gave no details but the U.S. State Department said $ 16.8 million of nearly $ 274 million that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in emergency health and humanitarian aid to 64 of the world ’ s most at-risk countries in response to the pandemic would go to Syria .
U.S .
Ambassador Kelly Craft strongly supported a sustained cease-fire , “ not another tactical pause that allows Syrian forces and their Russian and Iranian allies to rest before resuming their campaign of terror in the northwest.
” She also urged more U.N. cross-border operations , criticizing Russia and China for blocking a crossing in the northeast that has prevented badly needed medical aid and equipment from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council meeting by video conference was closed , but a number of speeches were released by the U.N. and some council nations .
The council issued a press statement after the meeting expressing concern at the humanitarian situation in Syria and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and called for unimpeded humanitarian aid deliveries and “ a sustained period of calm ” throughout the country .


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--Liberty University: We’re complying with virus-related ban

RICHMOND , Va. - Virginia ’ s governor on Monday ordered all higher education institutions to halt any in-person instruction amid the coronavirus pandemic , a move likely directed at Liberty University , which initially declined to stop all on-campus teaching .
The evangelical college in Lynchburg led by President Jerry Falwell Jr. has faced intense criticism over its decision to welcome students back to campus last week after their spring break .
As of Monday , the only in-person teaching taking place was flight instructing , and that was going to be suspended to comply with the governor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lamb .
At least three Liberty students have been tested for COVID-19 , the school said in a statement Monday .
One of those , a recent graduate who was taking additional online classes while living in the area with family , tested positive .
One test was negative and one was pending , the statement said .
Lynchburg currently has four confirmed COVID-19 cases , according to the latest information available from the state Department of Health .
Falwell , one of President Donald Trump ’ s earliest and most ardent high-profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus as overblown .
He has accused the news media of stoking fear and suggested coverage was politically motivated to hurt the president .
The university has said it will comply with all applicable governmental directives and guidance concerning COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus that has crippled economies and upended daily life around much of the world .
But it also said two week ago that certain programs such as aviation , osteopathic medicine and nursing , and certain types of performance classes , like labs , could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could only take them in person .
College officials said at the time that they would ensure no classes had more than 100 people .
Eli Best , a sophomore engineering major from Alexandria in northern Virginia , said he went home for spring break and returned to campus because he had class projects that he thought needed to be finished and required the use of the on-campus machine shop .
“ I didn ’ t see any other way to complete them , “ he said .
Best said Monday that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since been shut down , and he returned home .
Northam urged Falwell last week to rethink “ his message that invites and encourages students to return to campus.
” Liberty responded by accusing Northam of making ” false accusations.
“ City officials and the top local public health official have fielded complaints from concerned residents and Liberty parents about the school ’ s response .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--Countries crack down on basic rights amid virus pandemic

BELGRADE , Serbia - Soldiers patrol the streets with their fingers on machine-gun triggers .
The army guards an exhibition centre-turned-makeshift-hospital crowded with rows of bunks for those infected with the coronavirus .
And Serbia ’ s president warns residents that Belgrade graveyards won ’ t be big enough to bury the dead if people ignore his government ’ s lockdown orders .
Since President Aleksandar Vucic announced an open-ended state of emergency on March 15 , parliament has been sidelined , borders shut , a 12-hour police-enforced curfew imposed and people over 65 banned from leaving their homes — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to combat the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Serbian leader , who makes dramatic daily appearances issuing new decrees , has assumed full power , prompting an outcry from opponents who say he has seized control of the state in an unconstitutional manner .
Rodoljub Sabic , a lawyer and former state commissioner for personal data protection , says that by proclaiming a state of emergency , Vucic has assumed “ full supremacy ” over decision-making during the crisis , although his constitutional role is only ceremonial .
“ He issues orders which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sabic said .
“ No checks and balances.
“ In ex-communist Eastern Europe and elsewhere , populist leaders are introducing harsh measures including uncontrolled cellphone surveillance of their citizens and lengthy jail sentences for those who flout lockdown decrees or spread false information .
The human rights chief of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said that while he understands the need to act swiftly to protect populations from the COVID-19 pandemic , the newly declared states of emergency must include a time limit and parliamentary oversight .
“ A state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for whatever reason — must be proportionate to its aim , and only remain in place for as long as absolutely necessary , “ the OSCE rights chief , Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir , said in a statement .
In times of national emergency , countries often take steps that rights activists see as curtailing civil liberties , such as increased surveillance , curfews and restrictions on travel , or limiting freedom of expression .
China locked down whole cities earlier this year to stop the spread of the virus as India did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researcher Massimo Moratti said states of emergency are allowed under international human rights law , but warned that the restrictive measures should not become a “ new normal.
“ “ Such states need to last only until the danger lasts , “ he told The Associated Press .
In Hungary , parliament on Monday passed a law giving Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ’ s government the right to rule by decree for as long as a state of emergency declared March 11 is in effect .
The law also amends the criminal code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets prison terms of up to five years for those convicted of spreading false information about the pandemic and up to eight years for those interfering with efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus , like a curfew or mandatory quarantine .
Rights groups say the law creates the possibility of an indefinite and uncontrolled state of emergency and gives Orbán and his government carte blanche to restrict human rights .
“ This is not the way to address the very real crisis that has been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Hungary director , Hungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga said criticism of Hungary ’ s bill were “ political attacks based on the wrong interpretation or intentional distortion ” of its contents .
Elsewhere , governments have also adopted extreme measures .
In Israel , Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s caretaker government passed a series of emergency executive measures to try to quell the spread of the new virus .
These include authorizing unprecedented electronic surveillance of Israeli citizens and a slowdown of court activity that forced the postponement of Netanyahu ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges .
In Russia , authorities have turned up the pressure on media outlets and social media users in an effort to control the narrative amid the growing coronavirus outbreak in that country , where the capital , Moscow , went on lockdown Monday and many other regions quickly followed suit .
Under the guise of weeding out coronavirus-related “ fake news , ” law enforcement has cracked down on people sharing opinions on social media , and on news outlets that criticize the government ’ s response to the outbreak .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new government smart phone application introduced for people in home quarantine .
Panoptykon Foundation , a human rights group that opposes surveillance , says it has received a number of queries from users who support government efforts to fight the pandemic but worry that by using the app they could be giving too much private data to the government .
Panoptykon notes that people have been receiving home visits from police even though the app asks them to send photos of themselves at home .
This double control is “ disproportionate , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 16 deaths have been recorded in Serbia , according to Johns Hopkins University , testing has been extremely limited and experts believe the figures greatly under represent the real number of victims .
Most people suffer mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , but for some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , more severe illness can occur , including pneumonia and death .
Images of the transformation of a huge communist-era exhibition hall in Belgrade into a makeshift hospital for coronavirus-infected patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detention camp-looking facility filled with row-upon-row of 3,000 metal beds .
The Serbian president said he was glad that people got scared , adding he would have chosen even a worse-looking spot for the makeshift hospital if that would stop Serbs from flouting his stay-at-home orders .
“ Someone has to spend 14 to 28 days there , ” Vucic said .
“ If it ’ s not comfortable , I don ’ t care .
We are fighting for people ’ s lives .
If someone thinks they will apply makeup or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , well they won ’ t .
They ’ ll do it once a day.
“ “ Do not Drown Belgrade , ” a group of civic activists , has launched an online petition against what they call Vucic ’ s abuse of power and curtailing of basic human rights .
It says his frequent public appearances create panic in an already worried society .
“ We do not need Vucic ’ s daily dramatization , but the truth : Concrete data and instructions from experts , ” the petition says .
Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Budapest , Hungary , and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--FBI reaches out to Sen. Burr over stock sales tied to virus

WASHINGTON - The FBI has reached out to Sen. Richard Burr about his sale of stocks before the coronavirus caused markets to plummet , a person familiar with the matter said Monday .
The outreach suggests federal law enforcement officials may be looking to determine whether the North Carolina Republican exploited advance information when he dumped as much as $ 1.7 million in stocks in the days before the coronavirus wreaked havoc on the economy .
Burr has denied wrongdoing but has also requested an ethics review of the stock sales .
The Justice Department ’ s action , first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss it and spoke on condition of anonymity .
The Justice Department declined to comment .
In a statement , Alice Fisher , an attorney for Burr , said , “ The law is clear that any American -– including a Senator -– may participate in the stock market based on public information , as Senator Burr did .
“ When this issue arose , Senator Burr immediately asked the Senate Ethics Committee to conduct a complete review , and he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other appropriate inquiry .
Senator Burr welcomes a thorough review of the facts in this matter , which will establish that his actions were appropriate , “ the statement said .
Burr , whose stock sales were first reported by ProPublica and The Center for Responsive Politics , is one of several senators whose financial dealings have generated scrutiny in recent weeks .
Senate records show that Burr and his wife sold between roughly $ 600,000 and $ 1.7 million in more than 30 transactions in late January and mid-February , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government health officials began to sound alarms about the virus .
Several of the stocks were in companies that own hotels .
Burr has acknowledged selling the stocks because of the coronavirus but said he relied “ solely on public news reports , ” specifically CNBC ’ s daily health and science reporting out of Asia , to make the financial decisions .
There is no indication that Burr , whose six-year term ends in 2023 and who does not plan to run for reelection , was acting on inside information .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any briefings on the pandemic the week when most of the stocks were sold , according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential committee activity .
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report .


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--How dire projections, grim images dashed Trump’s Easter plan

WASHINGTON - The two doctors spread out their charts on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office .
The projections were grim : Even if the U.S. were to continue to do what it was doing , keeping the economy closed and most Americans in their homes , the coronavirus could leave 100,000 to 200,000 people dead and millions infected .
And the totals would be far worse if the nation reopened .
Those stark predictions grew even more tangible and harrowing when paired with televised images of body bags lined up at a New York City hospital not far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The confluence of dire warnings and tragic images served to move the president off his hopes for an Easter rebirth for the nation ’ s economy .
But while Trump sided with the White House doctors over its economists , at least for now , the decision shed light on a West Wing beset with divisions and a commander-in-chief torn between an instinct to embrace the image of a wartime president fighting an invisible enemy and one protecting the nation ’ s bottom line as he barrels into a bruising reelection fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s tone was startling : Easter was no longer going to be the sunrise after blackest night .
Instead , it could be the darkest moment before dawn .
“ We ’ re thinking that around Easter that ’ s going to be your spike .
That ’ s going to be the highest point we think , and then it ’ s going to start coming down from there , ” Trump said Monday on Fox & Friends .
“ The worst that can happen is you do it too early and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That makes it more difficult.
” The bleak forecasts were carried into the Oval Office by Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx , who displayed to Trump projections that , on the low end , could yield 100,000 American deaths from COVID-19 .
One model showed that deaths could have soared past 2 million had there been no mitigation measures .
“ We showed him the data .
He looked at the data .
He got it right away .
it was a pretty clear picture , ” Fauci told CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birx and I went into the Oval Office and leaned over the desk and said , ‘ Here are the data , take a look.
’ He just shook his head and said , ‘ I guess we got to do it.
’ “ But as is often the case with Trump , it also took the power of images to prompt him to act .
Over the weekend , the death count in New York City skyrocketed , the silence of the city ’ s empty streets shattered only by ambulance sirens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Central Park .
And hospitals , including Elmhurst Medical Center in Queens , not far from Trump ’ s childhood home , were so overwhelmed that patients were lying in hallways and corpses stowed in refrigerated trucks .
“ This is essentially in my community , in Queens , Queens , New York , ” Trump said .
“ I ’ ve seen things that I ’ ve never seen before.
” Aides likened Trump ’ s emotional response to his reaction to the 2017 pictures of dead Syrian children that prompted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first air strike of his presidency .
Trump also invoked some friends , whom he did not identify , he said are battling the virus .
“ I have some friends that are unbelievably sick , “ he said Monday in a Rose Garden press conference .
“ We thought they were going in for a mild stay and in one case , he ’ s unconscious — in a coma.
” The weekend decision also revealed the sharp divides among those advising Trump , both inside and outside of the West Wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House who warned that the doctors ’ strict recommendations would cripple the economy — and Trump ’ s reelection chances — had the president ’ s ear and pushed him toward the idea of restarting business in the states where infections were low .
Trump ’ s decision to extend national guidelines to clamp down on activity left them disappointed .
Stephen Moore , a former Trump adviser who had been pushing the administration publicly and privately to roll back restrictions in places with low infection rates , said the economic impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutdown continues , with more bankruptcies and more jobs lost .
He had urged Trump to begin to re-open in places like Idaho , Iowa and Nebraska , far from the infection hot spots .
But Trump was swayed by arguments that the fiscal pain would be worse if the economy was reopened and then forced to be shut again .
As in the early , chaotic days of his administration , Trump ’ s White House has become increasingly siloed in recent weeks , with different working groups functioning separately and sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s coronavirus task force , led by Vice-President Mike Pence and including Fauci and Birx , did not know that Trump would be floating the idea of a quarantine of the New York area over the weekend — and then quickly moved to walk him back , according to three administration officials not authorized to publicly discuss private conversations .
The president is getting conflicting advice from outside the White House as well .
While some Republican governors , like Henry McMaster of South Carolina , have urged the president to reopen the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida considered banning travellers from hot spots like New York from entering his state , which experts believe is poised to see a surge in coronavirus cases .
After speaking with DeSantis , Trump mused to reporters Saturday about a quarantine of New York , as well as parts of New Jersey and Connecticut , blindsiding the local governors and raising questions about federal authority .
Even if the measure was unenforceable , Trump thought it could be a signal to supporters elsewhere that he was walling off a virus hot zone comprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other advisers persuaded him that it would accomplish little except ignite worry .
Like forecasts for a monster hurricane , the pandemic projection models can disagree with one another .
But the coronavirus models all agree that this outbreak and its consequences are extremely serious .
Birx singled out one by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle , suggesting it ’ s close to how government experts see things .
That model forecasts predicts more than 82,000 total U.S. deaths through early August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — an estimated 2,271 — occurring April 15 .
That would be three days after Easter .
Lemire reported from New York .
Associated Press writer Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar contributed reporting from Washington .

Jonathan Lemire, Jill Colvin And Zeke Miller - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-30--Trial delayed for Ohio doctor charged in deaths at hospital

COLUMBUS , Ohio - The murder trial of an Ohio doctor accused of ordering excessive painkiller doses for dozens of patients will be delayed due to coronavirus concerns .
Dr. William S. Husel , 44 , is accused of killing 25 intensive-care patients in the Columbus-area Mount Carmel Health System from February 2015 through November 2018 .
The victims were given at least 500 micrograms of the opioid fentanyl .
The trial ’ s June 1 start date will be pushed back to an undetermined date , the judge and attorneys decided during a telephone conference Friday .
Franklin County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another call is scheduled for April 24 to decide a new trial date , the Columbus Dispatch reported .
Husel was indicted in June on 25 counts of murder and has pleaded not guilty .
Husel ’ s attorneys have said he was not trying to kill anyone and was only providing care to severely ill patients .
Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
Sign up for our free newsletters to get today 's top stories , your favourite columnists and lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Workers find mortar shell near Greek parliament in Athens

ATHENS , Greece - Police in Greece have cordoned off an area near the country ’ s parliament after workers @ @ @ @ @ be a decades-old mortar shell while doing water line maintenance .
Authorities said several streets @ @ @ @ @ Athens were blocked to traffic and pedestrians Tuesday while a bomb-disposal team from the Greek @ @ @ @ @ .
Circulation restrictions were already in effect in Athens and across Greece due to the @ @ @ @ @ of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
@ @ @ @ @ newsletters to get today 's top stories , your favourite columnists and lots more in @ @ @ @ @ Now


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--White House turns to statistical models for virus forecast

WASHINGTON - Like forecasters tracking a megastorm , White House officials are relying on statistical models to help predict the impact of the coronavirus outbreak and try to protect as many people as possible .
The public could get its first close look at the Trump administration ’ s own projections Tuesday at the daily briefing .
High numbers of potential deaths estimated under different models have focused President Donald Trump ’ s attention .
He ’ s dropped talk of reopening the country by Easter and instead called on Americans to stay home for another month and avoid social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool of epidemiology , the branch of medicine that deals with how diseases spread and how to control them .
But they ’ re really just fancy estimates , and results vary by what factors the modelers put in .
Some models updated on a daily basis may seem disconcerting to average folks searching for certainty .
White House coronavirus task force adviser Dr. Deborah Birx and the National Institutes of Health ’ s Dr. Anthony Fauci have been talking about the models at press briefings .
Fauci on Sunday cited one estimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how officials are working to refine their own model .
On Monday , Trump signalled that the White House will explain its forecast soon .
“ We will meet again tomorrow for some statistics , ” he told reporters at the daily briefing .
As soon as it ’ s released , the White House model is certain to get a thorough vetting by independent experts .
The models can feed in numbers from around the country on deaths and other data points .
They use statistical analysis to predict the outbreak ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as measured in people sickened , hospitals overwhelmed and lives lost .
Fauci and Birx have talked about using testing data — once enough is available .
Part of the idea is to try to drill down close to the community level , providing a tailored view that can help state and local officials .
For example , the age of a local population can make a difference .
A senior administration official said other streams of data being analyzed include local hospital capacity , the ability of health departments to trace the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the types of businesses in a community and whether they could ensure worker safety if they reopen and economic modeling under varying scenarios .
The official provided details on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing planning .
Birx said the White House task force has looked at about a dozen models designed by other experts .
“ And then we went back to the drawing board over the last week or two and worked from the ground up , utilizing actual reporting of cases , “ she explained .
Birx singled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle , suggesting that model is close to how government experts see the situation .
As of Tuesday morning , the IHME forecast predicted about 84,000 U.S. deaths through early August , with the highest number of daily deaths occurring April 15 .
That would be three days after Easter .
The model generated attention because it offered the first state-by-state outlook for the next several months , based on how the outbreak is reacting to the various containment efforts put in place at different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the outbreak will unfold at a different pace in various states .
For example , the model predicts it will peak about a month earlier in New York than in Texas .
The IHME model is what ’ s called a “ planning model ” that can help local authorities and hospitals plan for such things as how many ICU beds they ’ ll need from week to week .
“ Nobody has a crystal ball , ” said Dr. Christopher Murray of the University of Washington , who developed the model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data arrives .
While it is aimed at professionals , Murray hopes the model also helps the general public understand that the social distancing that ’ s in place “ is a long process.
” Just like a massive evacuation can save lives in a Category 4 hurricane , social distancing and shuttered workplaces can slow the rate at which the virus spreads , in hopes that severe illness and deaths may not hit a particular locality all at once .
Overwhelmed hospitals unable to care for patients could make things worse .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they represent well-informed guesswork .
They involve a wide span of possible results , from a best-case scenario to calamitous impacts .
Usually the mid-range estimate gets cited .
But sometimes , it ’ s worst-case projection .
“ What I like to do — as a scientist , a physician , a public health official — is to not ignore models , “ said Fauci .
But to ” look at the data as it ’ s evolving and do everything you possibly can to mitigate that instead of getting overly anxious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , or death .
The vast majority of people recover .
The virus has caused a global pandemic that has sickened about 800,000 people and killed tens of thousands , according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar And Lauran Neergaard - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Assailant with axe, machete wounds man in southern Germany

BERLIN - An assailant armed with an axe and a machete threatened a woman and wounded a man who came to her help in southern Germany on Tuesday , police said .
The suspect , a 27-year-old Tunisian citizen who lives in Augsburg , first broke the windshield of a bus taking bus drivers to their early shift in the Bavarian city , police said .
A few minutes later , at about 4 a.m. , he smashed the windshield and side window of a 50-year-old woman ’ s car and threatened her .
Another man tried to overwhelm the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head with a machete , according to a police statement .
The injured 28-year-old was still able to prevent the suspect from attacking anyone else .
Police arrested the assailant at the scene and the victim was taken to a hospital .
There was no immediate word on a possible motive .
Police said a search of the suspect ’ s apartment produced no evidence of any danger to residents .
Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star .
Sign up for our free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , your favourite columnists and lots more in your email inbox Sign Up Now


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Parents feel virus shutdowns leave disabled students behind

BOSTON - At school , Rose Hayes , 8 , works with a team of teachers and therapists trained to help with her genetic condition .
They set goals for her reading , give her physical therapy to improve her balance and make sure she stays on track .
But for the last two weeks , her only connection to school has been through a computer screen .
Rose , home amid the coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered schools across the country , now watches lessons her teacher posts to YouTube .
Her therapists check in via video chat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assignments .
Her parents say it ’ s the best they can expect , but they still struggle .
Rose has difficulty working on her own , so they need to stay nearby .
And without the therapy equipment Rose uses at school , they have to improvise .
“ We ’ re trying to be teachers .
We ’ re trying to be therapists .
We ’ re a little bit of everything right now , and it ’ s very stressful , ” said Rob Hayes , of Woonsocket , Rhode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for pharmaceutical companies and have continued working during the pandemic , trading turns staying home with Rose and their 2-year-old daughter .
Across the U.S. , schools and families face new challenges in maintaining instruction for students with disabilities .
Teachers are exploring new ways to deliver customized lessons from afar .
And while parents of all children have taken on schooling duties , those whose children have disabilities are adding therapy , hands-on lessons and behavioural management to the list .
Last year , nearly 7 million U.S. students ages 3 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to federal data .
Schools are required to craft individual education plans for each one : For some , it ’ s mostly a matter of providing extra time on assignments ; others need an array of complex services , and some have lost access to expensive technology they use at school to help them communicate .
As they adapt to shutdowns , some schools are turning to video conferencing to provide lessons and therapy sessions , while others are bringing small groups of students back for services or training parents to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move special education online .
As virtual instruction began unrolling , the U.S. Education Department issued a reminder that students with disabilities must be granted the same opportunities as other students .
It led some districts , including Philadelphia ’ s public schools , to forgo online instruction entirely , citing concerns about their ability to serve all children .
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos blasted that approach , saying schools have a duty to serve their students .
She urged schools to use online platforms or , if that isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or written assignments .
“ It was extremely disappointing to hear that some school districts were using information from the Department of Education as an excuse not to educate kids , ” DeVos said in a March 23 statement .
“ This is a time for creativity and an opportunity to pursue as much flexibility as possible so that learning continues.
” Many districts say it ’ s inevitable that families would have to help .
Some are asking parents to guide students through daily lessons or administer tests measuring their children ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special education laws .
Officials in South Carolina ’ s largest district said they know it ’ s a tough ask , and they ’ re asking families to set realistic expectations .
“ We can ’ t replicate the general education curriculum in the home , so we ’ re not trying to replicate the special education program either , ” said Traci Hogan , Greenville ’ s assistant superintendent for special education services .
“ It ’ s not perfect on our end , and we don ’ t expect it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advocates say it ’ s crucial that students with disabilities continue to receive instruction during closures .
Research has found that breaks in schooling — even for a day or two — can erode ground on skills students were starting to master .
But keeping them engaged from afar will be a challenge , schools say , especially for those with severe disabilities .
A rescue package approved by Congress aims to help by providing $ 13.5 billion that schools could use to buy computers and technology for students with disabilities .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government should temporarily waive requirements around the instruction of students with disabilities , a move disability advocates strongly oppose .
Amid rapid change , some parents say they already feel left out .
Darlene Gildersleeve , of Hopkinton , New Hampshire , has a 14-year-old daughter whose education plan includes counselling , occupational therapy , speech therapy and specialized instruction .
Her school is offering to arrange some of that by phone and Google Classroom , but Gildersleeve hasn ’ t heard anything about speech therapy or support for math , English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea how to get on Google Classroom , ” Gildersleeve said .
“ That ’ s a big concern of mine — will I be able to step in and help her ?
” Some districts say it will be hard to avoid learning setbacks , especially in skills that are tougher to teach from afar .
Honing social skills amid social distancing mandates , for example , has already proved challenging .
Rose Hayes ’ teacher tried to gather the class for a video conference , but some families didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Elsewhere , teachers are using interactive video games to keep students connected , said Kelly Grillo , a special education co-ordinator for Cooperative School Services , an organization that works with nine school districts in Indiana .
But Grillo said some problems remain unsolved .
She ’ s currently grappling with how to help students who use costly Braille machines at school but don ’ t have access to them at home .
“ There are lots of barriers , but we can find lots of ways to work around them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Indiana .
“ Our field has never felt the urgency that it feels right now.
“ Roslyn Holcomb , a social worker in Dunwoody , Georgia , worries that her son Kell , 8 , isn ’ t learning at the same pace he was in the classroom .
His school posts daily video lessons , and his teacher calls every day to go over assignments he found difficult .
But Kell , who has autism , ADHD and a language processing disorder , needs his mother ’ s help to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work nights so she can spend her days helping him .
She appreciates what the school has done , but wonders how much longer the arrangement can last .
“ It ’ s labour intensive .
It really is , ” she said .
“ This is not something that we ’ ll be able to do for months.
“ Associated Press writer Holly Ramer contributed to this story from Concord , New Hampshire .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--US extends Iran nuclear co-operation sanctions waivers

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration on Monday renewed several waivers on U.S. sanctions against Iran , allowing Russian , European and Chinese companies to continue to work on Iran ’ s civilian nuclear facilities without drawing American penalties .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the waiver extensions but couched the decision as one that continues restrictions on Iran ’ s atomic work .
“ Iran ’ s continued expansion of nuclear activities is unacceptable .
The regime ’ s nuclear extortion is among the greatest threats to international peace and security , ” State Department spokeswoman Morgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former officials familiar with the matter said Pompeo had opposed extending the waivers , which are among the few remaining components of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that the administration has not cancelled .
However , the officials said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had prevailed in an internal debate on the subject last week by arguing that the coronavirus pandemic made eliminating the waivers unpalatable at a time when the administration is being criticized for refusing to ease sanctions to deal with the outbreak .
The officials were not authorized to publicly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anonymity .
Last week , the administration slapped new sanctions on 20 Iranian people and companies for supporting Shia militia in Iraq held responsible for attacks on bases where U.S. forces are located .
At the same time , however , it extended another sanctions waiver to allow energy-starved Iraq to keep importing Iranian power .
President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and has steadily reimposed U.S. sanctions on Iran that had been eased or lifted under its terms .
The so-called “ civilian-nuclear co-operation “ waivers allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iran ’ s declared nuclear sites without becoming subject to U.S. sanctions .
Deal supporters say the waivers give international experts a valuable window into Iran ’ s atomic program that might otherwise not exist .
They also say some of the work , particularly at the Tehran reactor on nuclear isotopes that can be used in medicine , is humanitarian in nature .
But Iran hawks in Congress have been pressing Pompeo to eliminate all the waivers , saying they should be revoked because they give Iran access to technology that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hawks most strenuously objected to the waiver that allowed work at Iran ’ s once-secret Fordow facility , which is built into a mountain .
Pompeo cancelled the Fordow waiver in mid-December but the others , which allow work at the Bushehr nuclear power station , the Arak heavy water plant and the Tehran Research Reactor , were last extended in late January for 60 days .
On Monday , the waivers were extended for another 60 days .


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Dubai throws Emirates Air a cash lifeline as travel grounded

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates - Dubai ’ s government announced Tuesday it will inject equity into Emirates airlines as the Middle East ’ s largest carrier grounds nearly all of its flights due to coronavirus restrictions on travel .
Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in a statement that liquidity would be given to the state-owned airline , “ considering its strategic importance ” to Dubai and the economy of the United Arab Emirates , as well as the airline ’ s “ key role in positioning Dubai as a major international aviation hub.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit would be pumped into the airline , only that further details would be announced at a later stage .
Emirates carried around 58 million passengers last year , keeping Dubai ’ s airport as the world ’ s busiest for international travel for several years running .
The coronavirus travel disruptions have pummeled the aviation industry worldwide , with carriers temporarily laying off cabin crew and pilots or reducing salaries of staff .
The United Arab Emirates , which is home to Dubai and Abu Dhabi , has closed its borders to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only cargo flights , a small number of returning Emirati citizens and emergency cases are flying through the country ’ s airports .
On Tuesday , low-cost carrier flydubai became the latest airline to announce pay cuts of its staff of nearly 4,000 , though not all staff are being affected the same .
The company told The Associated Press it was reducing salaries to between 25-50 % for a three-month period starting in April .
Employees ’ benefits will remain unchanged , and senior employees will see the biggest pay cut .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lightly , ” the company said , but with a “ heavy heart “ and “ with the aim of retaining our employees and ensuring we are in the best possible place when our regular schedule resumes.
” Emirates Air has already reduced salaries for its staff for three months , with cuts also ranging from 25-50 % .
The president of Emirates is taking a full basic salary cut for that period of time .
Emirates and flydubai are owned by Dubai ’ s sovereign-wealth fund and have the same chairman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe are also urging their governments to bail out airlines .
In one instance , low-cost carrier Norwegian Air was offered around $ 270 million in credit guarantees by the government of Norway , but the assistance is far from guaranteed given the many restrictions and hurdles in place for the airline to access the help .
In the United States , the airline industry is lobbying for $ 29 billion in cash grants and a similar amount in zero-interest loans .
The White House and Senate Republicans are offering up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grants .
Some lawmakers are resisting what they consider a bailout , while others want to impose conditions on airlines – such as new consumer protections opposed by the industry – to any relief .


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Commander: Kurdish forces end riots by IS prisoners in Syria

BEIRUT - Kurdish-led forces have successfully put down riots by Islamic State militants in a prison in northeast Syria with none of the prisoners escaping the facility , the top commander of the U.S.-backed forces said .
Mazloum Abdi of the Syrian Democratic Forces tweeted shortly before midnight on Monday that “ we were able to avoid catastrophe ” in the prison in the northeastern city of Hassakeh .
Kurdish authorities run more than two dozen detention facilities , scattered around northeastern Syria , holding about 10,000 IS fighters .
Among the detainees are some 2,000 foreigners , including about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries of the foreign fighters find a solution for the prisoners .
“ Our allies must find a quick radical solution to this international problem , ” he said .
The prison riots first broke out Sunday night when former IS members held there began knocking down doors and digging holes in walls between cells .
It was one of the most serious uprisings by the prisoners since the Islamic State group ’ s defeat a year ago .
The riots were brought under control on Monday morning but resumed in the afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ambulances rushing to help the wounded , activists in the area said .
The U.S-led coalition said it assisted the Syrian Kurdish-led forces with aerial surveillance as they quelled the riot .
“ Due to great efforts made by our forces & swift intervention against the insubordination of ISIS detainees inside one prison , we were able to avoid catastrophe & take control , ” Abdi tweeted in English , using an alternative acronym for the Islamic State group .
“ No prisoners escaped , ” Abdi added , without saying if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the Syrian Kurdish forces .
It was not immediately clear if the riots were triggered by concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus .
Mustafa Bali , a spokesman for the forces , said late Sunday there was no connection between the riot and fears of the fast-spreading virus .
There have been no official reports of infection in Kurdish-administered northeastern Syria or in any detention facilities there .
A video posted by activists said to be taken during Sunday ’ s riots , showed two inmates carrying a banner with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We call upon the coalition and international organizations that human rights be respected.
” The U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces declared a military victory against IS in March last year , after seizing control of the last sliver of land the militants had controlled in southeast Syria .
The Hassakeh prison , in the city ’ s southern neighbourhood of Ghoeiran , is believed to house foreign IS militants though the prisoners ’ nationalities were not immediately known .
The Rojava Information Center said the prison holds about 1,000 low-ranking foreign IS members while Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly on the building ’ s upper floors .
The families of IS militants and supporters who came out of the last territory controlled by the group are also holed up in camps around the Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria , with the largest one housing nearly 70,000 women and children , many of them foreigners .


thetorontostar--2020-03-31--Hundreds of stranded Americans leave Nepal amid lockdown

KATHMANDU , Nepal - Hundreds of stranded Americans left Nepal on a repatriation flight Tuesday , days after a complete lockdown was imposed in the Himalayan nation to help fight the coronavirus .
A Qatar Airways flight arranged by the U.S. government flew out 302 Americans from Kathmandu ’ s Tribhuvan International Airport to Washington , D.C .
The elderly , families with children and people with a medical condition were given priority on the flight .
The U.S. Embassy in Nepal estimates that 3,000 to 4,000 Americans are still in the country , but says that not all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for future flights to evacuate more of the Americans were unclear .
Passengers on board Tuesday ’ s flight said they paid $ 1,250 for the seat home .
“ I have a three-month visa and I was hoping to stay another month and a half or so , “ said one of the passengers , Ryan Paugh , a software engineer from Washington , D.C. , who was trekking in Nepal .
“ We don ’ t feel like we want to leave , but it is the right decision to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can calm down.
” Cameron Collins , a plumber from Albany , New York , was trekking and learning yoga when he too decided to shorten his trip and head back home .
“ I just feel as if I should go home and be with my family , “ he said .
“ I am just nervous of the outcome.
” There were an estimated 10,000 foreign tourists in Nepal when the lockdown was imposed last week .
Over the weekend , two flights to Germany and one to France took Europeans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambassador to Nepal , Randy Berry , said it took several days to gather Americans from various places and bring them to Kathmandu , Nepal ’ s capital , before the flight could be arranged .
“ We wanted to make sure we had time to get those people back in from those remote locations so that we were able to send a flight back to the States in fact capturing as many people as we can , ” Berry said .
As a result of the lockdown , all flights have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered off the road , while businesses , markets and offices have been closed .
Nepal has confirmed five cases of the coronavirus , including one person who has recovered from it .

Binaj Gurubacharya - The Associated Press