thetorontostar--2020-05-03--After record year, Alabama tourism revenues expected to fall

MONTGOMERY , Ala. - The coronavirus pandemic is expected to end years of record growth in Alabama ’ s tourism revenues as spending falls by the billions .
The Alabama Tourism Department said 28 million visitors spent nearly $ 17 billion in the state in 2019 , which was the third straight year that travel spending grew by more than $ 1 billion in the state .
Tourist spending increased nearly 8 % statewide , according to the agency .
But that growth streak will likely end because people are reducing travel during the pandemic , said state tourism director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline to as low as $ 14 billion , he said .
“ That would put us where we were three years ago , ” said Sentell .
With schools out early to guard against spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 , a longer-than-normal beach season could help fill some of the gap , he said .
A report from the tourism agency said the state ’ s travel and hospitality industry employed more than 200,000 people for the first time last year , but that also could change because of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues and other attractions have scaled back operations or closed since mid-March .
Coastal Baldwin County was the state ’ s top moneymaker for tourism last year , with $ 5.2 billion in revenues and about 54,000 people employed around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach .
Yet the coast is just now reopening after being shut down for weeks because of the new coronavirus .
In Baldwin alone , about 12,500 unemployment claims have been filed since the economic slowdown began , state labour statistics show .
But Bill Brett , whose Brett/Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said business has picked up substantially since Gov .
Kay Ivey allowed the state ’ s beaches to reopen on Thursday .
“ When the governor made the announcement , right away we booked about eight times what we did the previous day .
It had an immediate effect , ” he said in an interview Friday .
With people trying to get back to the coast after weeks at home , bookings since Wednesday have been about 20 % better than normal for this time of year , Brett said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ company ’ s condominiums were reserved for this weekend compared to 75 % in a normal year , Brett said , and business could still be only 70 % of normal by July .
“ We are expecting a much slower summer , ” he said .
About 11,500 unemployment claims have been filed in Shelby County , where many jobs are tied to the hospitality industry around Birmingham .
Despite often having the state ’ s lowest jobless rate , the county is second-highest in the state per capita for claims behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent unemployment claims skyrocketing .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Rohingya refugees floating at sea land on Bangladesh island

DHAKA , Bangladesh - At least 29 Rohingya refugees from a fishing boat floating for weeks in the Bay of Bengal have landed on an island in southern Bangladesh , officials said Sunday .
The refugees , including 15 women and six children , landed on Bhasan Char island on Saturday and are believed to be from one of several boats stuck at sea , said Tonmoy Das , the chief local government official in Noakhali district .
Das said food , doctors and a team of 10 policemen were sent to the island to take care of the refugees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Refugee Commissioner ’ s office in Cox ’ s Bazar district said the office was aware of the development .
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media .
Rights groups said recently that hundreds of Rohingya are stranded on at least two fishing trawlers between Bangladesh and Malaysia .
The refugees reportedly attempted to illegally reach Malaysia , but failed because of strict patrols to keep out the coronavirus .
The United Nations , the British government and Human Rights Watch have recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floating at sea , but the government had a lukewarm response , saying all other nations in the Bay of Bengal region should also share the responsibility of sheltering them .
Bhasan Char was previously submerged by monsoon rains but Bangladesh ’ s government said in January that it was ready to house up to 100,000 Rohingya refugees from the crowded and squalid camps where they ’ ve lived for years in Cox ’ s Bazar .
Bangladesh ’ s navy was involved with a multimillion-dollar project under which flood protection embankments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built on the island .
But no refugees have agreed so far to move to the island , and the U.N. and other international agencies did not show much optimism about the relocation to the newly built island .
The U.N. ’ s refugee agency said Sunday that it was concerned about the refugees .
“ The U.N. ’ s longstanding position is that comprehensive technical and protection assessments to evaluate the safety and sustainability of life on Bhasan Char are essential before any relocations to the island take place .
The U.N. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onsite assessment work , ” Louise Donovan , a spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees , or UNHCR , said in an email .
More than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims came to Bangladesh starting in August 2017 , when the military in Buddhist-majority Myanmar began a harsh crackdown against them in response to an attack by insurgents .
Global rights groups and the U.N. have called the campaign ethnic cleansing involving rapes , killings and torching of thousands of homes .
Currently more than 1 million Rohingya live in Bangladesh .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Myanmar , rendering them stateless , and face other forms of state-sanctioned discrimination .

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thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Amnesty reports chilling details of Egypt press crackdown

CAIRO - Journalism in Egypt has effectively become a crime over the past four years , as authorities clamp down on media outlets and muzzle dissent , Amnesty International said in a report released Sunday .
As the number of coronavirus infections in Egypt continues to rise , the government is strengthening its control over information , the London-based rights group said , instead of upholding transparency during the public health crisis .
“ The Egyptian authorities have made it very clear that anyone who challenges the official narrative will be severely punished , “ said Philip Luther , Amnesty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director .
Amnesty documented 37 cases of journalists detained in the government ’ s escalating crackdown on press freedoms , many charged with “ spreading false news ” or “ misusing social media ” under a broad 2015 counterterrorism law that has expanded the definition of terror to include all kinds of dissent .
An Egyptian press officer did not respond to multiple calls seeking comment , but authorities have previously denied rights violations and justified arrests on national security grounds .
Following general-turned-president Abdel Fattah el-Sissi ’ s rise to power in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ television programs and newspapers have taken the government position and steered clear of criticism , or else disappeared .
Many privately owned Egyptian news outlets have been quietly acquired by companies affiliated with the country ’ s intelligence service .
But even a pro-government voice hasn ’ t spared 12 journalists working for state-owned media outlets , who have landed in jail for expressing various private views on social media , the report said .
One of them is Atef Hasballah , editor-in-chief of the AlkararPress website .
When he challenged the Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Facebook page last month , he was promptly bundled into a police van and detained on suspicion of “ joining a terrorist organization.
” Egypt ’ s public prosecutor warned in a recent statement that those who spread “ false news ” about the coronavirus may face up to five years imprisonment and steep fines .
At least 12 individuals have been caught up in the COVID-19-motivated crackdown so far , according to Amnesty .
Last month , authorities blocked a local news site that covered calls by activists to release political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Egypt ’ s crowded prisons .
Separately , Egypt expelled a correspondent for The Guardian newspaper over an article that indicated the coronavirus infection rate may be higher than officially reported .
The journalists interviewed by Amnesty reported increasingly direct state intervention in their coverage .
Many working for government-owned or aligned papers said they receive specific instructions via WhatsApp on what to report and to omit .
For instance , a directive on how to handle President Donald Trump ’ s proposal to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict this year asked reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violations of long-standing Arab policies , as Trump and el-Sissi have cultivated close ties .
Those who do not hew the official line , such as by praising prison conditions and smearing the state ’ s political opponents , “ lost their jobs , were interrogated or imprisoned , ” one journalist was quoted as saying .
“ I can not even imagine that someone could refuse to comply.
” Marking World Press Freedom Day , Amnesty urged Egyptian authorities to halt their censorship , harassment and intimidation of journalists — and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out their work.
“


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Asia Today: India and Bangladesh have biggest 1-day jumps

BANGKOK - India on Sunday reported its biggest one-day jump in coronavirus cases as the country entered the 40th day of a nationwide lockdown .
Confirmed infections have neared the 40,000 mark and the death toll has reached 1,301 , including 83 deaths in the last 24 hours , officials said .
The 2,600 newly confirmed cases are a single-day high for the country .
The six-week lockdown , which was supposed to end last Monday , has been extended another two weeks , with a few relaxations .
The lockdown has slowed the spread of the virus , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Indian Air Force on Sunday conducted fly-pasts and showered flower petals on hospitals across cities , including New Delhi , as part of efforts to thank medical and police personnel for being at the forefront of the battle against the pandemic .
In other developments around the Asia-Pacific region : — BANGLADESH SEES SINGLE-DAY HIGH : Bangladesh also confirmed its highest single-day total , announcing 665 new cases on Sunday .
The country has confirmed a total of 9,455 cases , including 177 deaths .
There are major concerns that Bangladesh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses and police are facing serious dangers of being infected .
At least 113 police officers have been infected over the last 24 hours , raising the total to 854 , police officials said .
More than 500 doctors have also been infected with the virus , according to a doctors ’ group .
— BANGKOK RESTRICTIONS EASED : Residents of Bangkok were able to enjoy public parks and purchase alcoholic beverages Sunday as coronavirus restrictions were eased .
Restaurants have to keep their customers at least 1.5 metres ( 5 feet ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitary measures , beginning with taking the temperature of customers and staff , and circulating fresh air .
Small restaurants that could fit 20 people before might be able to seat eight to 10 under the rules .
Restaurants had been limited to takeout and delivery services since mid-March .
A partial lifting on the sale of alcoholic drinks will allow takeaway purchases , even while bars remain closed .
— CHINA SLOWLY REOPENS : Chinese health authorities said two new coronavirus cases were confirmed on Sunday , as millions of domestic tourists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five-day holiday .
Nearly 1.7 million people visited Beijing parks on the first two days of the holiday , and Shanghai ’ s main tourist spots welcomed more than a million visitors , according to Chinese media reports .
The surge comes after a relaxation of travel restrictions as the coronavirus outbreak slows in mainland China and the government tries to reboot the economy .
China reported just three new cases in the last two days .
One new case was in inland Shanxi province , west of Beijing , and the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s official confirmed case count stands at 82,877 .
Most of the patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals .
China reported no new deaths in the last 24 hours and has recorded just one in the past two weeks .
The country ’ s official death toll is 4,633 .
— SOUTH KOREA TO FURTHER EASE GUIDELINES : South Korea said it will further relax its social distancing guidelines amid a continued slowdown of new coronavirus cases .
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said Sunday that the government , starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed over concerns about the coronavirus to reopen in phases .
He said public parks , outdoor sport and leisure facilities and museums will reopen earlier than welfare centres , public theatres and concert halls .
Park said schools will reopen in phased steps .
Currently , South Korean students are taking classes online .
South Korea reported 13 additional cases of the coronavirus on Sunday , raising its total to 10,793 , including 251 deaths .
Daily increases have consistently shown a downward trend in recent weeks .
Follow AP news coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Bangkok’s parks reopen as coronavirus restrictions eased

BANGKOK - Residents of Thailand ’ s capital enjoyed the city ’ s parks , booked haircuts and stocked up on beer and other alcoholic drinks Sunday as they enjoyed their first day of eased restrictions that were imposed weeks ago to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
The top perk in Bangkok , a city famous for its eateries , may have been the reopening of restaurants .
But it was not clear how many were actually serving seated customers again , since strict guidelines will make it hard for many of them to turn a profit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 1.5 metres ( 5 feet ) apart and practice a wide range of sanitary measures , beginning with taking the temperature of customers and staff , and circulating fresh air .
Small restaurants that could fit 20 people before might be able to seat eight to 10 under the rules .
Restaurants had been limited to takeout and delivery services since mid-March .
There was also a partial lifting on the sale of alcoholic drinks that will allow takeaway purchases , even while bars remain closed .
A nationwide ban had taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of April , but provinces including Bangkok can reinstate a ban anytime .
When the ban was originally announced with just a few hours of notice , there was a rush to liquor stores and other sellers .
With the lifting of the ban on Sunday , buyers could be seen piling cases of beer inside cars outside a supermarket .
City dwellers seeking some fresh air and a chance to stretch their legs flocked to Lumpini Park in central Bangkok , where they lined up to be checked for face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being allowed to enter .
Runners and walkers , singly and in pairs , filled the park ’ s pathways but kept their distance from each other .
Team sports and use of the park ’ s exercise equipment is still not allowed .
Park guards blew whistles to break up any gatherings of more than a handful of people , whether they were running or picnicking .
Barbers and hairdressers around the city were also back in action , and also under rules to ensure social distancing .
They appeared to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers to book appointments for the following day .
Thai health authorities reported three new confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Sunday , bringing the total to 2,969 , including 54 deaths .
There have been single-digit increases in new cases for more than a week , leading to optimism that the country has the rate of transmission under control .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Emerging from lockdown: ‘46 days in the house was enough’

BEIJING - From the United States to Europe and Asia , people in many parts of the world are emerging from their homes as virus-related restrictions begin to ease and springtime temperatures climb .
But the global pandemic took a turn for the worse in other places .
India on Sunday reported more than 2,600 new cases , its biggest single-day jump .
That followed record increases in neighbouring Pakistan and Russia the previous day .
There was also worrying news from Afghanistan , where about a third tested positive in a random test .
China , which reported two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in visitors to tourist spots , many newly reopened , after domestic travel restrictions were relaxed ahead of a five-day holiday that runs through Tuesday .
Nearly 1.7 million people visited Beijing parks on the first two days of the holiday , and Shanghai ’ s main tourist spots welcomed more than a million visitors , according to Chinese media reports .
Many spots limited the number of daily visitors to 30 % of capacity or less , keeping crowds below average .
Masks were worn widely around the world , from runners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .
In New York City ’ s Central Park , joggers moved past each other without a glance on Saturday , and a steady stream of folks left tips for a trio working their way through a set of jazz standards alfresco .
“ It ’ s great to have an audience after all these weeks , ” saxophonist Julia Banholzer , a native of Germany , said .
“ All my dates have been cancelled through September , and I don ’ t know if any will come back this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , but this is just another tough period we need to get through.
” Neighbouring New Jersey reopened state parks , though several had to turn people away after reaching a 50 % limit in their parking lots .
Margie Roebuck and her husband were among the first on the sand at Island Beach State Park .
“ Forty-six days in the house was enough , ” she said .
In Spain , many ventured out Saturday for the first time since a lockdown began on March 14 .
“ I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice that it has been a month and I am not in shape , ” Cristina Palomeque said in Barcelona .
“ Some people think it may be too early , as I do , but it is also important to do exercise for health reasons.
” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez asked citizens to remain vigilant .
COVID-19 has caused more than 25,100 deaths in Spain .
“ Until we have a vaccine , we are going to see more outbreaks , ” Sánchez said .
“ What we need to guarantee is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national health system in danger.
” The divide in the United States between those who want lockdowns to end and those who want to move cautiously extended to Congress .
The Republican-majority Senate will reopen Monday , while the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives stays shuttered .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s decision to convene 100 senators gives President Donald Trump , a Republican , the imagery he wants of America getting back to work , despite health worries and a lack of testing .
In India , air force helicopters showered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday to thank doctors , nurses and police who have been at the forefront of the battle against the pandemic .
U.S. Navy and Air Force fighter jets flew over Atlanta , Baltimore and Washington , D.C. , on Saturday in honour of health care workers .
The number of confirmed cases in India neared 40,000 as the country of 1.3 billion people marked the 40th day of a nationwide lockdown that has upended lives and millions of jobs .
The official death toll reached 1,301 .
Afghanistan ’ s health ministry said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of 500 randomly tested in Kabul , the capital .
Ministry spokesman Wahid Mayar called the results concerning and said that more cases would surely be found if the government was able to conduct more tests .
Russia announced 9,633 new cases Saturday , and Pakistan , nearly 1,300 , both one-day highs .
More than half of Russia ’ s new cases were in Moscow , which is considering establishing temporary hospitals at sports complexes and shopping malls to deal with the influx of patients .
The virus has killed more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 66,000 in the United States and more than 24,000 each in Italy , Britain , France and Spain , according to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University .
Health experts warn a second wave of infections could hit unless testing is expanded dramatically .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms .
For some , especially older adults and those with health problems , it can cause severe illness such as pneumonia , or death .
There are economic factors to consider as well .
The shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into its deepest slump since the 1930s and wiped out millions of jobs .
Singapore announced Saturday it will let selected businesses reopen from May 12 in a cautious rollback of a two-month partial lockdown , and Sri Lanka said the government and private sector should resume work from May 11 “ to ensure a return to normalcy in civilian life and to revive the economy.
” Bangladesh , which opened thousands of garment factories last month , confirmed 552 new cases on Saturday .
The South Asian country ’ s health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would not be able to provide ventilation and intensive care support for more than 500 people at one time .
Porter reported from New York .
AP journalists around the world contributed to this report .

Ken Moritsugu And David Porter - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--5 Indian security personnel, 2 rebels die in Kashmir fight

SRINAGAR , India - Five Indian security personnel and two militants were killed in a major spike in fighting in disputed Kashmir when the army and police stormed a house where rebels were holding hostages , officials said .
A five-member counterinsurgency team entered the house in northwestern Handwara area on late Saturday and “ successfully extricated the civilians , ” an Indian army statement said .
The security forces came under heavy gunfire from militants and in the ensuing firefight , two militants and all the team members died , it said .
The statement did not specify how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group has immediately commented and there was no independent confirmation of the hostage-taking .
A police officer said an army colonel and a major along with a police officer and two other soldiers tried to storm the hideout when they were gunned down by the militants .
The officer spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with department policy .
The officer said the reinforcement of special forces was called in and they shot dead the two militants but other two likely escaped .
India has stepped up its counterinsurgency operations across Kashmir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the coronavirus .
Militants fighting Indian rule have not ceased their attacks on government forces and alleged informants either .
There has also been almost daily fighting over the last several months along the rugged and mountainous highly militarized frontier that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan .
On Friday , two Indian soldiers were killed in border skirmishes .
On Wednesday , a Pakistani soldier and three civilians on both sides of Kashmir were killed in another bout of fighting .
Rebel groups in Indian-held Kashmir demand that the territory be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an independent country .
India accuses Pakistan of arming and training anti-India rebels .
Pakistan denies this , saying it offers only moral and diplomatic support to the militants and to Kashmiris who oppose Indian rule .
Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989 .
Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Israel’s high court to hear petitions against Netanyahu rule

JERUSALEM - Israel ’ s high court was set Sunday to begin hearing petitions against Benjamin Netanyahu forming a government while facing criminal indictments .
The proceedings , held by an exceptionally large panel of 11 justices and in a rare instance to also be broadcast live , will focus on the issue of whether an politician can form a government while under indictment — something the Israeli legal code does not explicitly prohibit .
If the court voids Netanyahu ’ s ability to serve as prime minister , Israel could be plunged into political chaos , and it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive election in just over 12 months .
The high court has become a lightning rod for criticism by Netanyahu and his political allies , who accuse it of overreach and political interference , while the long-time leader ’ s opponents consider it a bastion of democracy under dangerous assault .
Pro-democracy demonstrators have been taking to the streets weekly to protest Netanyahu ’ s continued rule .
Last week , counter-protesters against the court demonstrated against its hearing the petitions against Netanyahu ’ s rule .
In an unprecedented move , Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the high court ’ s website while most of the country remains under coronavirus movement restrictions .
Netanyahu was indicted earlier this year on charges of accepting bribes , fraud and breach of trust .
He has denied any wrongdoing .
His trial was postponed due to restrictions his hand-picked interim justice minister placed on the courts after the coronavirus crisis erupted and is scheduled to commence later this month .
Last week , Israel ’ s attorney general , Avichai Mandelblit , said in an opinion to the court that while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems , ” there was no legal basis for barring him from serving while facing criminal charges .
Israeli law mandates that Cabinet ministers and mayors resign if indicted , but prime ministers are not specifically required to step down .
In January , the Supreme Court declined to rule on whether Netanyahu could form a government under indictment , saying the matter remained “ theoretical ” ahead of March ’ s elections .
On Monday , the court will address petitions concerning Netanyahu ’ s power-sharing coalition deal with his main rival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netanyahu and Gantz signed the agreement to form a national government last month after Israel ’ s third consecutive , deadlocked election in just over a year .
The deal would have Netanyahu serve the first 18 months as prime minister , after which Gantz would assume power for the next 18 months .
The coalition deal and Netanyahu ’ s upcoming corruption trials have triggered large protests in Tel Aviv ’ s main square .
Participants in the demonstrations observed social distance in accordance with public health regulations .
The petitions against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have asked the high court to ban any indicted politician , including Netanyahu , from being allowed to form a new government .
They also say that parts of the coalition deal are illegal .
Eliad Shraga , head of one of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel , one of the groups petitioning the court , said in a statement ahead of Sunday ’ s proceedings that it was “ unconscionable that a man like this will go in the morning to court to sit in the dock and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send us and our children to battle.
” Netanyahu , Israel ’ s longest serving prime minister , has held onto power as a caretaker leader for more than a year as political stalemate prevented the creation of a government and triggered successive elections .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Foiled prison break leaves inmate dead in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO , Sri Lanka - Prison guards in Sri Lanka foiled an attempt by inmates to escape on Sunday after @ @ @ @ @ sheets to scale down the wall , leaving at least one dead , police said @ @ @ @ @ flee the penitentiary in Mahara on the outskirts of the capital Colombo , the police @ @ @ @ @ .
They were confronted by guards after scaling down the prison walls , leading to @ @ @ @ @ guards fired in the air , police said .
One inmate and two guards were @ @ @ @ @ died in a hospital , police said .
Sri Lankan prisons are highly congested with @ @ @ @ @ in facilities with the capacity of 10,000 .
In March , two inmates were killed @ @ @ @ @ they fought with guards during a protest against new strict measures to control the spread @ @ @ @ @ .
Last month , the government temporarily released on bail about 3,000 prisoners .

Bharatha Mallawarachi - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--IS extremists step up as Iraq, Syria, grapple with virus

BAGHDAD - The man wearing an explosive vest emerged from a car and calmly marched toward the gates of the intelligence building in Iraq ’ s northern city of Kirkuk .
When he ignored their shouts to halt , guards opened fire , and he blew himself up , wounding three security personnel in the first week of Ramadan .
Days later , a three-pronged co-ordinated attack killed 10 Iraqi militia fighters in the northern province of Salahaddin — the deadliest and most complex operation in many months .
The assaults are the latest in a resurgence of attacks by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The first was a brazen suicide mission not seen in months .
The second was among the most complex attacks since the group ’ s defeat in 2017 .
In neighbouring Syria , IS attacks on security forces , oil fields and civilian sites have also intensified .
The renewed mayhem is a sign that the militant group is taking advantage of governments absorbed in tackling the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing slide into economic chaos .
The virus is compounding longtime concerns among security and U.N. experts that the group would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” which once encompassed a third of Iraq and Syria , was brought down last year .
In Iraq , militants also exploit security gaps at a time of an ongoing territorial dispute and a U.S. troop drawdown .
“ It ’ s a real threat , ” said Qubad Talabani , deputy prime minister of the northern Kurdish region of Iraq .
“ They are mobilizing and killing us in the north and they will start hitting Baghdad soon.
“ He said IS was benefiting from a “ gap ” between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by political infighting .
Intelligence reports say the number of IS fighters in Iraq is believed to be 2,500-3,000 .
In northeast Syria , Kurdish-dominated police have become a more visible target for IS as they patrol the streets to implement anti-virus measures , said Mervan Qamishlo , a spokesman for U.S.-allied Kurdish-led forces .
IS fighters in late March launched a campaign of attacks in government-held parts of Syria , from the central province of Homs all the way to Deir el-Zour to the east , bordering Iraq .
Some 500 fighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison , recently slipped from Syria into Iraq , helping fuel the surge in violence there , Iraqi intelligence officials said .
IS is shifting from local intimidation to more complex attacks , three Iraqi military officials and experts said .
Operations previously focused on assassinations of local officials and less sophisticated attacks .
Now the group is carrying out more IED attacks , shootings and ambushes of police and military .
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media .
Multiple factors help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military personnel on duty has dropped 50 % because of virus prevention measures , the military officials said .
Also , territorial disputes between Baghdad and authorities from the northern Kurdish autonomy zone have left parts of three provinces without law enforcement .
The rugged landscape is difficult to police .
The uptick also coincides with a pullout of U.S.-led coalition forces from bases in western Iraq , Nineveh and Kirkuk provinces in line with a drawdown conceived in December .
“ Before the emergence of the virus and before the American withdrawal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only one operation per week , ” said a senior intelligence official .
Now , he said , security forces are seeing an average of 20 operations a month .
He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media .
Coalition spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III said IS attacks were increasing in reaction to operations against its hideouts in the mountains and rural areas of north-central Iraq .
Iraqi military officials believe the improved , organized nature of the attacks serves to cement the influence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was named after his predecessor was killed in a U.S. raid late last year .
One military official said more operations are expected during Ramadan to demonstrate the new leader ’ s strength .
In Syria , one of the most significant attacks occurred April 9 , when IS fighters attacked government positions in and near the town of Sukhna .
The government brought in reinforcements for a counterattack backed by Russian airstrikes .
Two days of fighting left 32 troops and 26 IS gunmen dead , according to the Britain-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracks the country ’ s nine-year war .
Days later , the government said that because of the security situation in the desert several gas wells in the fields of Shaer and Hayan were damaged , leading to a 30 % drop in electricity production .
Back in Iraq , the green pastures of the northern village of Kujalo conceal a hidden enemy that keeps resident Nawzad up at night .
His farming community lies in a disputed territory that has witnessed a sharp increase in attacks , including a nearby ambush earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said the militants have local collaborators .
“ They know everything about each farm in Kulajo and they know to whom each house belongs , ” he said , asking to be identified only by his first name , fearing reprisals .
The militants also receive shelter , supplies , food and transport from local sympathizers , said Kurdish Brig .
Kamal Mahmoud .
His peshmerga forces are based on part of the front lines there , but can ’ t operate in other parts run by government troops — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security forces control only main roads with no presence in villages and towns .
On April 1 , a federal police officer was killed , and a battalion commander and brigadier general wounded in a security operation in the Makhoul mountain range in Diyala .
Two days later , an IED attack targeted a patrol of a commando regiment of the Diyala Operations Command in the outskirts of Maadan village .
Sartip , a Kujalo resident , said he fears the militants ’ improved capabilities .
“ IS has been carrying out attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but now they are more organized and have more people , ” he said .
Mroue reported from Beirut .
Associated Press writer Salar Salim contributed from Irbil , Iraq .

Qassim Abdul-Zahra, Bassem Mroue And Samya Kullab - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-02--Plans were in place in case the British prime minister died from COVID-19

LONDON—Britain ’ s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said plans were being made in the event of his death while he @ @ @ @ @ in hospital .
“ I was not in particularly brilliant shape and I was aware @ @ @ @ @ place , ” Johnson said in an interview with the British tabloid The Sun on @ @ @ @ @ a tough old moment , I won ’ t deny it .
They had a @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Death of Stalin ’ -type scenario , ” Johnson said , referring to the @ @ @ @ @ the events surrounding the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin .
At a point when @ @ @ @ @ were considering putting a tube down his windpipe , there were discussions about “ how @ @ @ @ @ The 55-year-old spent a week in hospital after he fell ill with COVID-19 , the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
He was in intensive care for three days .


thetorontostar--2020-05-02--‘We had to do something’: U.S. groups scramble to prevent massive food waste amid COVID-19

While millions of Americans are worried about having enough to eat and lines at food banks grow , farmers have been plowing under vegetable fields , dumping milk and smashing eggs that can not be sold because the coronavirus pandemic has shut down restaurants , hotels and schools .
Now , the destruction of fresh food on such a scale has prompted action by the Trump administration and state governments , as well as grassroots efforts like a group of college students renting trucks to rescue unsold onions and eggs from farms .
But they most likely won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses remain closed for months .
Over the next few weeks , the U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin spending $ 300 million ( U.S. ) a month to buy surplus vegetables , fruit , milk and meat from distributors and ship them to food banks .
The federal grants will also subsidize boxing up the purchases and transporting them to charitable groups — tasks that farmers have said they can not afford , giving them few options other than to destroy the food .
The Dairy Farmers of America , the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has diverted almost a quarter-million gallons of milk to food banks .
“ It ’ s just a drop in the bucket , ” said Jackie Klippenstein , a senior vice-president at the co-op .
“ But we had to do something.
” There are some signs that the waste is starting to dissipate .
At the beginning of April , farmers were dumping 3.7 million gallons of milk each day , draining it into manure pits , where it mixed with fertilizer used in the fields .
Now , the waste is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the dairy co-op , as farmers scale back production and restaurant chains like Papa John ’ s heed the industry ’ s call to add extra cheese to every pizza .
The need at food banks is only increasing as the economic crisis intensifies .
There are still long lines outside many food banks , as the charities struggle with a surge in need and a scarcity of volunteers because of stay-at-home orders .

Michael Corkery - The New York Times,David Yaffe-Bellany


thetorontostar--2020-05-02--Bolivia air force plane crashes, killing 2 crew, 4 Spaniards

LA PAZ , Bolivia - A Bolivian air force plane flying a humanitarian mission crashed minutes after takeoff in the @ @ @ @ @ six occupants , including four Spaniards who were being ferried to catch a flight to @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said Saturday .
The Beechcraft Baron , a twin-engine propeller plane , went down @ @ @ @ @ the outskirts of Trinidad , a city in the northeast of the country , the @ @ @ @ @ identified the Spaniards as Francisco José Gallegos Gonzáles , Yandira Olivera Velarde , Delis Salvatierra @ @ @ @ @ .
It said the plane was crewed by an air force captain and lieutenant .
@ @ @ @ @ Spaniards to the city of Santa Cruz , where they were to board a flight @ @ @ @ @ The ministry said investigators were working to determine the cause of the accident .


thetorontostar--2020-05-02--Washington state's Yakima County has highest rate of COVID-19 cases on U.S. West Coast

SPOKANE , Wash.—The highest rate of coronavirus cases of any county on the U.S. West Coast is Washington state ’ s Yakima County .
Health experts point to a large number of essential workers , a large number of cases in long-term-care facilities and a large agricultural workforce living and working in close quarters as the causes .
The county has about 250,000 residents .
“ We just haven ’ t been as much down as the rest of the state because our workforce is going to work , ’ ’ said Lilian Bravo , a spokeswoman for the Yakima @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work every day is going to put you at a higher risk than others.
’ ’ As of Friday , Yakima County had 1,203 positive cases , a rate of 455 cases per 100,000 residents , the highest in the state .
Second was Franklin County at 326 cases per 100,000 .
The statewide average was 185 cases per 100,000 residents .
Yakima County , 225 kilometres southeast of Seattle , also had a relatively high number of deaths from coronavirus with 47 .
Bravo said people in long-term-care facilities account for about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deaths from COVID-19 in the county .
Bravo said the health district is involved with testing staff and residents at long-term-care facilities .
State health officer Dr. Kathy Lofy said Washington Department of Health officials were sent to Yakima to help the long-term-care facilities deal with the outbreaks .
“ I think what we ’ re seeing in some of these outbreaks , whether it ’ s a long-term-care facility or a food-processing plant , is that you get a lot of people together , there ’ s a lot of transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and back to their own communities and infect others in their family and others in their community , ” Lofy said .
Meanwhile , nearly 73,000 of the 115,000 Yakima County jobs , or 63 per cent , are in essential industries such as agriculture , health care and wholesale trade , according to the Yakima County Development Association .
“ We ’ re not as shut down as some areas in the state , ” Bravo said .
The county has a large number of people in the agriculture and food-processing industries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarters , which can spread the disease .
With the harvest season just getting underway , Bravo said the health district is wary that the infection rate will continue to grow , especially in housing for migrant workers that tends to be cramped .
The state recently issued new guidelines to protect agriculture workers against COVID-19 .
The new Department of Labor and Industry rules require growers and operators to have procedures for a suspected or confirmed case of the virus , to educate workers on health recommendations and to have employees stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also required to ensure social distance and physical barriers between workers , to have hand-washing stations and to increase sanitation .
But two farmworker groups filed lawsuits in Skagit County Superior Court seeking tougher rules and immediate oversight .
Yakima-based advocacy group Latino Civic Alliance is demanding the state adopt enforceable standards to protect agricultural workers from exposure .
The organization noted 96 per cent of the state ’ s agricultural workers are Latinos , with many living below poverty levels and without health-care benefits .
Despite the high number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not overwhelmed , Bravo said .
“ We do have the capacity to serve individuals , ’ ’ she said .
“ The community has done a great job.
’ ’ For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , that clear up in two to three weeks .
But it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , for some people , especially older adults and people with existing health problems .

Nicholas K. Geranios - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Top Georgia Democrats running for US Senate spar in debate

ATLANTA - Two of the top Georgia Democrats vying to take on Republican Sen. David Perdue in November took hard swipes at each other during a virtual debate Sunday as criticism of the official response to the coronavirus took centre stage .
Former Columbus mayor Teresa Tomlinson took an opening shot against former congressional candidate Jon Ossoff , citing a recent internal GOP poll that showed him struggling outside metro Atlanta against Perdue .
“ People know you , but not enough want to vote for you , ” Tomlinson said .
Ossoff fired back by saying that Tomlinson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t even bother polling your name.
” The evening debate , conducted by online video conference with candidates joining from their homes because of the virus , was awkward at times with coughing and heavy breathing interrupting speakers and , at one point , a dog barking in the background .
“ These are different times for a debate , ” said Georgia Public Broadcasting host Donna Lowry , as she reminded candidates that their microphones were all on throughout the debate .
Perdue , a former business executive and close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no Republican primary opposition as he seeks a second term .
The contest over Perdue ’ s seat is only half of the U.S. Senate battle in Georgia this year .
Georgia ’ s other Senate seat , currently held by Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler , is also up for grabs in November .
The twin races have raised Georgia ’ s political profile , as Republicans look to hold their Senate majority and the White House .
Tomlinson and Ossoff are among a handful of Democrats that Georgia voters will get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary .
Also running for the right to face Perdue are 2018 candidate for lieutenant governor Sarah Riggs Amico , former ACLU of Georgia head Maya Dillard Smith , Air Force veteran James Knox and another hopeful , Marckeith DeJesus .
A primary runoff , required if no candidate receives more than 50 % of votes , would be held Aug. 11 .
Ossoff smashed fundraising records during his 2017 special election loss to Republican Karen Handel for a metro Atlanta U.S. House seat , raking in a total of nearly $ 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats in this race as well , but Tomlinson and Amico have proven themselves to be contenders with considerable support .
The candidates collectively criticized the state and federal response to the coronavirus pandemic during the debate , with several saying that Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp has moved too quickly to reopen businesses in Georgia .
“ For goodness sake don ’ t open business like massage parlours or tattoo parlours where you have to be physically touching someone else , ” Amico said .
“ I mean there ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has done.
” Kemp has defended his push to reopen the state , one of the most aggressive in the nation , saying that testing capabilities are ramping up and that jobs must be protected where possible .
That focus on the global pandemic comes as both of Georgia ’ s Senate races face dramatically different rules .
Unlike the race for Perdue ’ s seat , the race for Loeffler ’ s seat won ’ t be filtered by party primaries and all contenders will face off in November .
Loeffler , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed following Sen. Johny Isakson ’ s retirement , has pledged to spend $ 20 million of her own money to win the election .
But she ’ s gained a serious challenge from within her own party from Rep. Doug Collins , a four-term congressman popular with the Republican base in Georgia .
Top Democrats in the race for Loeffler ’ s seat include the Rev .
Raphael Warnock , pastor of the Atlanta church where the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. preached ; Ed Tarver , who served as U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under President Barack Obama ; and Matt Lieberman , an educator and the son of former vice-presidential candidate Joe Lieberman .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--In televised town hall, Trump pushes for economic reopening

WASHINGTON - Anxious to spur an economic recovery without risking lives , President Donald Trump on Sunday insisted that “ you can satisfy both “ — see some states gradually lift lockdowns while also protecting people from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 60,000 Americans .
The president , fielding questions from Americans in a virtual town hall from the Lincoln Memorial , acknowledged valid fears on both sides of the issue .
Some people are worried about getting sick ; others are reeling from lost jobs and livelihoods .
But while Trump increased his projection for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90,000 — up by more than 20,000 fatalities from what he had suggested just a few weeks ago — he struck a note of urgency to restart the nation ’ s economy , declaring “ we have to reopen our country.
” “ We have to get it back open safely but as quickly as possible , ” Trump said .
After more than a month of being cooped up at the White House , Trump returned from a weekend at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland for the virtual town hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president said of his backdrop : “ We never had a more beautiful set than this.
” As concerns mount about his reelection bid , Trump stuck to his relentlessly optimistic view of the nation ’ s ability to rebound soon .
“ It is all working out , ” Trump said .
“ It is horrible to go through , but it is working out.
” Many public health experts believe the nation can not safely reopen fully until a vaccine is developed .
Trump declared Sunday that he believed one could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
U.S. public health officials have said a vaccine is probably a year to 18 months away .
But Dr. Anthony Fauci said in late April that it is conceivable , if a vaccine is soon developed , that it could be in wide distribution as early as January .
Though the administration ’ s handling of the pandemic , particularly its ability to conduct widespread testing , has come under fierce scrutiny , the president defended the response and said the nation was ready to begin reopening .
“ I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right thing and I really believe we saved a million and a half lives , ” the president said .
But he also broke with the assessment of his senior adviser and son-in-law , Jared Kushner , saying it was “ too soon to say “ the federal government had overseen a “ success story.
” Trump ’ s impatience also flashed .
While noting that states would go at their own pace in returning to normal , with ones harder hit by the coronavirus going slower , he said that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t going fast enough.
“ He singled out Virginia , which has a Democratic governor and legislature .
And he urged the nation ’ s schools and universities to return to classes this fall .
Federal guidelines that encouraged people to stay at home and practice social distancing expired late last week .
Debate continued over moves by governors to start reopening state economies that tanked after shopping malls , salons and other nonessential businesses were ordered closed in attempt to slow a virus that has killed more than 66,000 Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths by Johns Hopkins University .
The U.S. economy has suffered , shrinking at a 4.8 % annual rate from January through March , the government estimated last week .
It was the sharpest quarterly drop since the 2008 financial crisis .
Roughly 30.3 million people have filed for unemployment aid in the six weeks since the outbreak forced employers to shut down and slash their workforces .
It was the worst string of layoffs on record .
The president ’ s advisers have nervously watched Trump ’ s support slip in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presented with polls late last month that , if the election were held that day , had him losing to Democrat Joe Biden .
The president ’ s aides believe restarting the economy , even with its health risks , is essential to a victory in November and are pushing for him to pivot away from discussions about the pandemic and onto an American comeback story .
To that , he will begin travelling again , with a trip to a mask factory in Arizona planned for Tuesday .
And the grand setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was meant to evoke patriotism and overcoming national adversity .
Larry Kudlow , Trump ’ s top economic adviser , said on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” that the administration would “ pause ” to review the effectiveness of trillions in economic relief spending before making any decision on whether additional aid is needed .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said Thursday that state and local governments are seeking up to $ 1 trillion for coronavirus costs , The Senate planned to reopen Monday , despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virus hot spot and with the region still under stay-at-home orders .
The House remains shuttered .
The pandemic is forcing big changes at the tradition-bound Supreme Court : The justices will hear arguments , beginning Monday , by telephone for the first time since Alexander Graham Bell patented his invention in 1876 .
The leaders of California and Michigan are among governors under public pressure over lockdowns still in effect while states such as Florida , Georgia and Ohio are reopening .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a Democrat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated inside her state ’ s Capitol “ depicted some of the worst racism ” and “ awful parts ” of U.S. history by showing up with Confederate flags , nooses and swastikas .
Despite the opposition of Michigan ’ s Republican-controlled Legislature , Whitmer has extended a state of emergency declaration and directed most businesses statewide to remain closed .
Trump on Sunday night singled out her and Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee , also a Democrat , for criticism even as he praised the federal co-ordination with most governors .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. have not kept their distance from one another and have rallied without masks , not heeding public health recommendations .
Dr. Deborah Birx , co-ordinator of the White House coronavirus task force , called that behaviour “ devastatingly worrisome.
” She said people will feel guilty for the rest of their lives if they end up infected and unwittingly spread the virus to vulnerable family members .
Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter : http : //www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap and Lemire at http : //twitter.com/ @ JonLemire

Darlene Superville And Jonathan Lemire - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--San Francisco police chief bans ‘thin blue line’ face masks

San Francisco ’ s police chief said the city ’ s rank and file will wear neutral face coverings to defuse a controversy that was sparked when officers sent to patrol a May Day protest wore masks adorned with the “ thin blue line ” flag .
The police union ordered and distributed the masks emblazoned with black-and-white American flag with a blue stripe across the middle .
The symbol is associated with the Blue Lives Matter movement , a display of unity among police officers in response to the national Black Lives Matter movement .
In an email obtained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his officers Friday he considered the blue flag and stripe “ a meaningful expression to honour fallen officers.
“ However , he worried that some may perceive the symbol as “ divisive and disrespectful.
” A retired civil rights lawyer told the San Francisco Chronicle the masks , which also includes the logo for the San Francisco Police Officers Association , violate a long-standing policy that bars police from expressing political opinions while wearing their uniforms .
“ The thin blue line is a political symbol , ” John Crew said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s like wearing a political button.
” The police union president , Tony Montoya , said the union had shown the masks to Scott ’ s command staff , and several of them had asked for more than one .
The blue line “ represents law enforcement ’ s separation of order and chaos , ” he said .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--As lockdowns ease, some countries report new infection peaks

ROME - While millions of people took advantage of easing coronavirus lockdowns to enjoy spring weather , some of the world ’ s most populous countries reported worrisome new peaks in infections Sunday , including India , which saw its biggest single-day jump yet .
Second in population only to China , India reported more than 2,600 new infections .
In Russia , new cases exceeded 10,000 for the first time .
The confirmed total death toll in Britain climbed near that of Italy , the epicenter of Europe ’ s outbreak , even though the U.K. population is younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more time to prepare before the pandemic hit .
The United States continues to see tens of thousands of new infections each day , with more than 1,400 additional deaths reported Saturday .
Health experts have warned of a potential second wave of infections unless testing is expanded dramatically once the lockdowns are relaxed .
But pressure to reopen keeps building after the weekslong shutdown of businesses worldwide plunged the global economy into its deepest slump since the 1930s and wiped out millions of jobs .
At a virtual town hall Sunday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans are worried about getting sick while others are concerned about losing jobs .
Though the administration ’ s handling of the pandemic , particularly the ability to conduct widespread testing , has come under criticism , the president defended the response and said the nation was ready to begin reopening .
“ We have to get it back open safely but as quickly as possible , ” Trump said .
China , which reported only two new cases , saw a surge in visitors to newly reopened tourist spots after domestic travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday that runs through Tuesday .
Nearly 1.7 million people visited Beijing parks on the first two days of the holiday , and Shanghai ’ s main tourist spots welcomed more than 1 million visitors , according to Chinese media .
Many spots limited daily visitors to 30 % of capacity .
On the eve of Italy ’ s first steps toward easing restrictions , the Health Ministry reported 174 COVID deaths in the 24-hour period ending Sunday evening — the lowest day-to-day number since the national lockdown began on March 10 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen on Monday .
In Britain , Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under pressure to reveal how the country will lift its lockdown .
The restrictions are due to last through Thursday , but with hundreds of deaths still being reported daily — twice as many recently as Italy or Spain — it ’ s unclear how the country can safely loosen the restrictions .
The 55-year-old Johnson , who spent three nights in intensive care while being treated for COVID-19 , told The Sun newspaper that he knew his doctors were preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tough old moment , I won ’ t deny it , ’ ’ he said .
“ They had a strategy to deal with a ‘ death of Stalin ’ -type scenario ’ ’ if he succumbed to the virus .
Another potentially troubling sign emerged in Afghanistan ’ s capital city of Kabul , where a third of the 500 people selected in random test came up positive for the virus .
In the U.S. , New Jersey reopened state parks , though several had to turn people away after reaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots .
Margie Roebuck and her husband were among the first on the sand at Island Beach State Park .
“ Forty-six days in the house was enough , ” she said .
Speaking on “ Fox News Sunday , “ White House coronavirus co-ordinator Deborah Birx expressed concern about protests by armed and mostly maskless crowds demanding an end to stay-at-home orders and a full reboot of the economy .
Trump has encouraged people to “ liberate ” their states .
“ It ’ s devastatingly worrisome to me personally , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandmother or their grandfather ... they will feel guilty for the rest of our lives , ” she said .
“ So we need to protect each other at the same time we ’ re voicing our discontent.
” If restrictions are lifted too soon , the virus could come back in “ small waves in various places around the country , ” said Dr. Tom Inglesby , director of the Center for Health Security of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health .
“ Nothing has changed in the underlying dynamics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press.
” Meanwhile , the divide in the United States between those who want lockdowns to end and those who want to move more cautiously extended to Congress .
The Republican-majority Senate will reopen Monday in Washington .
The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives is staying shuttered .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s decision to convene 100 senators gives Trump , a Republican , the imagery he wants of America getting back to work , despite the risks .
Elsewhere , Russia ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases reported a week ago .
More than half of Russia ’ s new cases were in Moscow , where concern is rising about whether the capital ’ s medical facilities will be overwhelmed .
Indian air force helicopters showered flower petals on hospitals in several cities to thank doctors , nurses and police at the forefront of the battle against the pandemic .
The country ’ s number of confirmed cases neared 40,000 as the population of 1.3 billion marked the 40th day of a nationwide lockdown .
The official death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , where authorities expect infections to peak next week , workers will turn the Hernandez Rodriguez Formula 1 racecourse into a temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients .
The paddocks and suites along the front straightaway will have eight hospital modules with 24 beds each .
The pits will be used as offices for consultations .
Government have reported the virus has infected 3.5 million people and killed more than 247,000 worldwide , including more than 67,000 dead in the United States , according to a count by Johns Hopkins University .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , due to testing issues , the problems of counting deaths in a pandemic and deliberate concealment by some governments .
Moritsugu reported from Beijing , Gorondi from Budapest , Hungary , and Kirka from London .
Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report .

Frances D'Emilio, Pablo Gorondi And Danica Kirka - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--January? Autumn? Doctors debate arrival time for COVID-19 vaccine

Researchers continue to debate how fast a coronavirus vaccine may be available as states and nations look for a fast track to recovery from the pandemic ’ s economic toll , with January or even the fall now on the timetable .
British scientists hope to see a “ signal ” on whether their vaccine candidate is working by June , John Bell , professor of medicine at Oxford University , said on Sunday .
The chances are “ pretty good ” of a vaccine within the year , Bell said on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there ’ s an 80 per cent chance , though .
Vaccines can typically take at least several years to develop .
The White House last week announced an initiative , dubbed “ Operation Warp Speed , ” to try to develop a vaccine and have enough doses for many Americans by January .
Some 14 potential candidates will undergo testing , NBC News reported , before the contenders are whittled down to six or eight .
Dr. Deborah Birx , a member of the White House coronavirus task force , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s possible ” that the unusually swift deadline could be met .
“ The way that it ’ s possible is if you bring forward five or six different classes of candidates , ” Birx said on “ Fox News Sunday.
” “ And then it ’ s about doing compressed phase one , phase two , phase three trials in an overlapping way , moving forward when you have a good safety and immunogenicity data , but not with the level of pauses that are often present in vaccine development , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , said vaccines may be available in the autumn “ in doses sufficient to ring-fence infections in cities ” even as further testing is under way .
Multiple manufacturers by that time will have “ cleared early stage safety trials and have millions of doses that could be deployed in large-scale studies , ” Gottlieb predicted on CBS ’ s “ Face the Nation.
” The U.S. has more than 1.15 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 , and has recorded over 67,000 deaths .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1,000 deaths in the U.S. each day could become the “ new normal ” for the next few months , Gottlieb said .
Deaths could reach 100,000 by the end of June .
Gottlieb expanded on a Twitter post from earlier that showed national infections , hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise , excluding the New York tristate area that has been the hardest hit so far .
“ While mitigation didn ’ t fail , I think it ’ s fair to say that it didn ’ t work as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Among the states still seeing cases increase are Illinois , Texas , Indiana and North Carolina .
Oxford ’ s Bell said the coronavirus vaccine , once developed , may become an annual event , like the seasonal flu jab that millions of people around the world receive .
“ Coronavirus doesn ’ t mutate at the pace of flu as far as we can see .
But it ’ s also quite a tricky virus in terms of generating long-standing immune responses to it , ” Bell said .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against coronaviruses going into the future .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Violent arrest raises concerns about NYPD distancing patrols

NEW YORK - A New York City police officer who was caught on video Saturday pointing a stun gun at a man and violently taking him to the ground over an alleged social distancing violation has been stripped of his gun and badge and placed on desk duty pending an internal investigation .
Bystander video showed the plainclothes officer , who was not wearing a protective face mask , slapping 33-year-old Donni Wright in the face , punching him in the shoulder and dragging him to a sidewalk after levelling him in a crosswalk in Manhattan ’ s East Village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that video is simply not acceptable , ” Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted Sunday .
He said earlier in the day that there will be a careful look into what happened .
Police spokeswoman Sgt .
Mary Frances O ’ Donnell said Wright “ took a fighting stance against the officer ” when he was ordered to disperse and was arrested on charges including assault on a police officer and resisting arrest .
The charges have been deferred pending further investigation , a Manhattan District Attorney ’ s Office spokesperson said .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers union .
Wright ’ s arrest and that of two other people minutes earlier on the same block across from a public housing complex raised new questions about the police department ’ s use of force , the role of officers in enforcing social distancing measures and inconsistency in how they ’ re applied .
The manner of Wright ’ s arrest appeared to echo that of 20-year-old Fitzroy Gayle , who was seen on bystander video pleading for help as several officers wrestled him into submission on a Brooklyn sidewalk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lawyer with the Legal Aid Society ’ s Cop Accountability Project , said footage of the arrests Saturday stood in sharp contrast to photos and video — including some tweeted out by the police department — showing officers in crowded city parks handing out face masks and gently reminding people to stay 6 feet apart .
“ This certainly isn ’ t the first time and this isn ’ t even the first time in this pandemic that we ’ ve seen evidence of discriminatory policing by the NYPD , ” Wong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police watchdog Communities United for Police Reform , said : “ This incident illustrates why public health professions and community partners should be responsible for social distancing education and creating norms — not police.
” The police department assigned 1,000 officers to social distancing patrols over the weekend as temperatures reached the high 70s ( about 25 degrees Celsius ) .
On Saturday , they issued 51 summonses , including 43 in city parks .
At a news conference Sunday , Shea said he was aware of just three arrests .
Minutes before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nearby security camera showed officers used force in arresting a couple for allegedly failing to comply when asked to disperse .
O ’ Donnell said officers saw that one of them , a 31-year-old man , had a “ bag of alleged marijuana in plain view.
” The bystander video of Wright ’ s arrest showed the plainclothes officer , Francisco Garcia , helping take one of those people to the ground before turning his attention to Wright , who was moving toward the area of that arrest from about 10 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black T-shirt , jeans and a Yankees cap — turned toward Wright and cursed at him to “ ( get ) back right now , ” according to the video .
At the same time , the officer pulls up his Taser and points it toward Wright , possibly triggering the device .
Garcia continued toward Wright and eventually holstered his Taser .
It wasn ’ t clear what Wright was doing because he wasn ’ t in the frame the entire time , though just before Garcia tackled him , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the officer with what appeared to be a clenched fist at his side .
“ What you flexing for ?
Don ’ t flex , ” Garcia said , before grabbing Wright and wrestling him to the ground , slapping and punching him in the process .
The officer then took Wright ’ s arm and dragged him from the crosswalk where he landed back onto the sidewalk and pushed him onto his stomach .
The video then showed another officer stepping in and helping handcuff Wright .
Kneeling on the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep him down , the plainclothes officer started jawing and cursing at bystanders .
One of them yelled back : “ he didn ’ t even do nothing .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Venezuela says it foiled attack by boat on main port city

CARACAS , Venezuela - Venezuelan officials said they foiled an early morning attempt by a group of armed “ mercenaries ” to invade the country in a beach landing using speedboats Sunday , killing eight attackers and arresting two more .
Socialist party chief Diosdado Cabello said that two of the attackers were interrogated by authorities .
Cabello said it was carried out by neighbouring Colombia with the United States backing the plot to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro - a claim dismissed by U.S. and Colombian officials .
“ Those who assume they can attack the institutional framework in Venezuela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their action , “ said Cabello , adding that one of the detained claimed to be an agent of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration .
Authorities said they found Peruvian documents , high-calibre weapons , satellite phones , uniforms and helmets adorned with the U.S. flag .
Both Colombia and the United States have repeatedly denied previous Venezuelan allegations of backing military plots against the socialist government .
“ We have little reason to believe anything that comes out of the former regime , ” said a spokesperson with the State Department Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on condition of anonymity , referring to Maduro ’ s government .
“ The Maduro regime has been consistent in its use of misinformation in order to shift focus from its mismanagement of Venezuela.
” Colombia ’ s Foreign Affairs Ministry also rejected the claims made by what it called “ Maduro ’ s dictatorial regime.
” Venezuelan Interior Minister Nestor Reverol described the attackers as “ mercenary terrorists ” bent on destabilizing Venezuela ’ s institutions and creating “ chaos.
” Officials said the attack took place on a beach in La @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kilometres ) from Caracas and home to the nation ’ s largest airport .
Authorities say the attackers had vehicles and heavy arms waiting for them in the port city .
Venezuela has been in a deepening political and economic crisis in recent years under Maduro ’ s rule .
Crumbling public services such as running water , electricity and medical care has driven nearly 5 million to migrate .
A coalition of nearly 60 nations backs opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela ’ s legitimate leader , saying Maduro ’ s 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular opposition candidates were banned from running .
The United States has led a campaign to oust Maduro , increasing pressure in recent weeks by indicting the socialist leader as a narco-trafficker and offering a $ 15 million reward for his arrest .
The U.S. also has increased stiff sanctions , cutting off Venezuela ’ s oil sector to choke Maduro from a key source of hard cash .
Iván Simonovis , a former high-ranking Venezuelan police official who now advises opposition leaders on intelligence strategy from Washington , speculated on Twitter that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security forces on Sunday and suggested Maduro ’ s government created the story of a plot to justify “ repression against the interim government and any Venezuelan who opposes the dictatorship.
“ But in addition to U.S. economic and diplomatic pressure , Maduro ’ s government has faced several small-scale military threats , including an attempt to assassinate Maduro with a drone and Guaidó ’ s call for a military uprising , which was joined by few soldiers .
The Associated Press reported on Friday that an apparently ill-funded attempt to amass an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving a former Venezuelan military officer and an ex-Green Beret , suffered setbacks in March when a main organizer was arrested , an arms cache was seized and some participants abandoned its camps .
Jordan Goudreau , the ex-Green Beret , said in a video posted Sunday on Twitter from undisclosed location that forces had entered Venezuela from other points and were “ deep inside Caracas.
” He didn ’ t take credit for the alleged pre-dawn beach invasion , but said “ our units have been activated , ” although no other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Retired Venezuelan National Guard Capt .
Javier Nieto Quintero appeared in the video with Goudreau , urging members of the armed forces to help liberate the nation in an action he called “ Operation Gideon.
” Nieto , when contacted by AP on a Miami telephone , declined to comment and hung up .
Goudreau also declined to comment in a call from Caracas .
Cabello linked Sunday ’ s attack to key players in that alleged plot .
One of the men he said was killed , a man nicknamed “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as involved in obtaining weapons for the force in Colombia .
Maduro and his allies say the Trump administration is determined to end Venezuela ’ s socialist government to exploit the South American nation ’ s vast underground oil reserves .
Maduro remains in power , backed by the military and with international support from Cuba , Russia , China and Iran .
Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López , speaking on state TV Sunday backed by armed soldiers and tanks units , called the attackers mercenaries who “ don ’ t have souls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused Maduro ’ s government of seizing on this example of unrest to draw the world ’ s attention away from embarrassing bloodshed in other parts of the country , including a prison riot days earlier that left at least 40 dead .
“ Of course , there are patriotic members of the military willing to fight for Venezuela , ” Guaidó said .
“ But it ’ s clear that what happened in Vargas is another distraction ploy.
“ Associated Press writer Joshua Goodman contributed to this report from Miami , Florida @


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--LAPD officer wounds fellow officer in off-duty shooting

BARSTOW , Calif. - A Los Angeles Police Department officer was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of shooting and wounding a fellow LAPD officer while they were off-duty at a Southern California recreation area , authorities said .
Deputies responded to reports of a shooting shortly before 1:30 a.m. in the desert just south of Barstow , the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department said .
They found a 48-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body , the statement said .
The man , whose identity was not immediately released , was airlifted to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to survive , sheriff ’ s officials said in a statement .
Deputies arrested Ishmail Tamayo , of Ontario , on suspicion of attempted murder .
Tamayo , 44 , is a Los Angeles police officer , the LAPD said in a statement .
It wasn ’ t known if Tamayo had an attorney who could speak on his behalf .
Tamayo , the shooting victim and a third off-duty officer were camping and shooting guns at Stoddard Wells Off-Highway Vehicle Area about 120 miles ( 194 kilometres ) northeast of downtown Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Stoddard Wells , which offers miles of off-road trails on federal Bureau of Land Management property , is open during the coronavirus pandemic , according to a phone recording at a number listed for the site .
The three men are friends , authorities said , and it ’ s unclear why or how the victim was shot .
The third man was not hurt .
Los Angeles officials were co-operating with the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department , which is leading the investigation , LA Police Chief Michel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culminating in the serious injury to our off-duty officer , apparently at the hands of another member of this Department , give me great concern , “ Moore said in a statement .
” I spoke earlier this morning with San Bernardino Sheriff John McMahon , pledging our full support of their criminal investigation .
I am thankful our injured officer is in stable condition and expected to survive .
I am committed to determining what and how this occurred.
” Tamayo was in possession of a firearm when he was arrested without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The LAPD has opened an internal probe into the incident .
“ Officer Tamayo has been relieved of his police powers pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigation , ” the LAPD statement said .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Houston officer injured in helicopter crash now serious

HOUSTON - A Houston police officer injured in a police helicopter crash that killed another officer was in serious condition Sunday at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center , according to spokesperson Natasha Barrett .
Chase Cormier , 35 , was upgraded from critical condition following surgery after the early Saturday morning crash that police said caused fatal injuries to Officer Jason Knox , 35 , the son of Houston City Council Member Mike Knox .
Mike Knox , in a statement released Sunday , expressed gratitude for support he said his family had received from the city .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HPD officer and pilot who fully embraced his job and we celebrate Jason as he was outside of his work — a devoted husband , a loving father and our only son whom we cherished every day , ” Knox wrote .
“ We appreciate the privacy you have given us and continue to provide as we walk this road we would never wish for anyone , but that we now accept as ours , ” according to the statement .
The helicopter was part of a search for bodies in a nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tip that Police Chief Art Acevedo has said was “ probably a bogus call — we don ’ t know.
” Police spokesman Kese Smith said Sunday that no bodies have been found and police were still investigating whether the helicopter was struck by gunfire .
Six people were arrested in connection with gunfire in the area about an hour after the crash , according to Acevedo .
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash , along with a homicide investigation by Houston @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Man camped on Disney World island at shuttered park, police say

It had the makings of an adventure straight from Disney ’ s “ Swiss Family Robinson ” : being on an uninhabited island and living off the land .
But for one Alabama man , the adventure — on a former island attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida — was short-lived and ended in an arrest .
The man , Richard McGuire , 42 , of Mobile , Alabama , was accused of trespassing at the theme park after he tried to camp on Discovery Island , a former zoological park that was closed in 1999 , authorities said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s deputy responded to a report of a trespasser on the island , which is east of Disney ’ s Contemporary Resort , in Bay Lake .
A security representative for Disney told deputies that she had seen a man using a boat earlier that day and that the area was closed to the public , with signs warning against trespassing .
As a deputy arrived , Disney staff members were helping a small boat with McGuire aboard to shore , according to an arrest report .
McGuire told authorities that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday to go camping and that he planned to stay there for “ approximately one week , ” the report said .
Told that the area was restricted , McGuire said he was unaware of that and described the island as looking “ like a tropical paradise , ” the report said .
Since mid-March , all Disney theme parks worldwide have been closed , including Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California , because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Discovery Island , which was originally called Treasure Island , was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trees and flowers and walk-through aviaries with more than 500 species of birds .
Online maps show that the park , which opened in 1974 , had a flamingo lagoon , a turtle beach and alligator swamp .
It closed 25 years later , and photos and a 2017 video show the remnants of the abandoned attraction : deteriorating buildings , overgrown trees , a former animal hospital and an abandoned dock .
Jake Williams , creator of Bright Sun Films , who makes short documentaries about abandoned places , resorts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 video using footage from two other filmmakers .
“ On the curiosity aspect , I think for many years people have been enthralled by the idea of an abandoned attraction within Disney , the prestige and premier theme park location , ” Williams said .
“ I myself have been interested in it since 2010 , citing the mystery of why Disney left it there.
” Law enforcement authorities told McGuire that they had been searching for him on foot and by boat and air .
Deputies used a public-address system to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report said .
McGuire told deputies he had not seen or heard them because he was sleeping in one of the buildings on the island .
He was charged with a misdemeanour count of trespassing and was banned from Disney properties .
He could not be reached for comment Sunday , and it was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer .
“ This serves as a reminder that trespassing is not permitted at Walt Disney World Resort , ” a Disney representative said Sunday .
“ We appreciate our security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Office for assisting in this matter .
”


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Report: China hid coronavirus’ severity to hoard supplies

WASHINGTON - U.S. officials believe China covered up the extent of the coronavirus outbreak — and how contagious the disease is — to stock up on medical supplies needed to respond to it , intelligence documents show .
Chinese leaders “ intentionally concealed the severity ” of the pandemic from the world in early January , according to a four-page Department of Homeland Security report dated May 1 and obtained by The Associated Press .
The revelation comes as the Trump administration has intensified its criticism of China , with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying Sunday that China was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be held accountable .
The sharper rhetoric against China coincides with administration critics saying the government ’ s response to the virus was inadequate and slow .
President Donald Trump ’ s political opponents have accused the president and his administration of lashing out at China , a geopolitical foe but critical U.S. trade partner , in an attempt to deflect criticism at home .
The analysis states that , while downplaying the severity of the coronavirus , China increased imports and decreased exports of medical supplies .
It attempted to cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were export restrictions and obfuscating and delaying provision of its trade data , ” the analysis states .
The report also says China held off informing the World Health Organization that the coronavirus “ was a contagion ” for much of January so it could order medical supplies from abroad — and that its imports of face masks and surgical gowns and gloves increased sharply .
Those conclusions are based on the 95 % probability that China ’ s changes in imports and export behaviour were not within normal range , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China could have unleashed the coronavirus due to some kind of horrible “ mistake.
” His intelligence agencies say they are still examining a notion put forward by the president and aides that the pandemic may have resulted from an accident at a Chinese lab .
Speaking Sunday on ABC ’ s “ This Week , “ Pompeo said he had no reason to believe that the virus was deliberately spread .
But he added , “ Remember , China has a history of infecting the world , and they have a history @ @ @ @ @ @


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Islamic State prisoners agree to end riot in Syria jail

BEIRUT - Imprisoned members of the Islamic State group rioted and took control of a prison in northeast Syria for several hours , until Kurdish-led authorities negotiated an end to the unrest Sunday .
The riot began Saturday at a prison in the city of Hassakeh , one of the largest facilities where IS members are held , and control was reestablished Sunday evening , said Kino Gabriel , a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces .
A two-day riot and takeover of the same prison in late March allowed four extremists to escape , although they were caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most serious uprisings by the prisoners since IS was defeated a year ago , when the SDF seized control of the last sliver of land controlled by the extremists in eastern Syria .
Kurdish authorities currently operate more than two dozen detention facilities scattered across northeastern Syria , holding about 10,000 IS fighters .
Among the detainees are some 2,000 foreigners whose home countries have refused to repatriate them , including about 800 Europeans .
Gabriel said SDF officials and members of the U.S.-led coalition had taken part in talks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the riots , he said Kurdish special forces and anti-terror units took part in the operations to try get the situation under control .
He gave no further details , and did not say how many prisoners were involved or if there were any casualties .
U.S. military helicopters flew over the prison Sunday , according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , a Britain-based war monitor , and North Press Agency , a media platform operating in the Kurdish-administered areas .
Gabriel said the U.S.-led coalition and the international community bear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and need to give more support to security and living conditions at the prisons .
A recent resurgence of IS attacks in both Syria and Iraq has raised concerns that the militant group is taking advantage of governments absorbed in tackling the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing slide into economic chaos .
It was not immediately clear if Sunday ’ s prison riot was triggered by concerns about the coronavirus ’ s potential spread in the facility .
Last month , the U.S.-led coalition said it gave hygiene and medical supplies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand-washing stations , disinfectant wipes , face masks and examination gloves .
One coronavirus death was reported in Kurdish-held areas of Syria in April .
The central government in Damascus has registered 43 cases and three deaths .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--Governor: Face covering order ‘went too far,’ was reversed

COLUMBUS , Ohio - An order for people to wear face coverings while in stores was reversed last week because it “ went too far , “ Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine said Sunday .
DeWine reversed the order Tuesday , saying many Ohioans saw it as “ one government mandate too far ” and saying face coverings were strongly recommended but would no longer be required .
He repeated that sentiment Sunday on ABC ’ s “ This Week , ” calling it “ a bridge too far ” and saying , “ People were not going to accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ “ So my ability to communicate to the people of Ohio , frankly , I thought , was going to be really impeded and we would get hung up on the mandatory masks for someone going in as a customer and it just wasn ’ t going to work , “ he said .
“ And so you got to know what you can do and what you can ’ t do.
” On Friday , the Republican governor extended the state shutdown until May 29 while also allowing retail stores to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He spoke as Ohio COVID-19 deaths topped 1,000 for the first time and as dozens of protesters of Ohio ’ s stay-at-home orders returned to the statehouse .
Construction companies , distributors , manufacturers and offices are allowed to reopen Monday , and retail businesses on May 12 .
Health care offices were allowed to reopen Friday .
Bars and movie theatres remain closed , along with in-person dining at restaurants .
Sporting events and concerts are still prohibited .
The governor said reopening Ohio is a “ balancing “ act between bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that he will be prepared to take action should the situation worsen again .
The governor earlier said multiple working groups were being formed to come up with the best and safest way to restart activities , including hair care , dining out , going to the gym , visiting libraries and participating in sporting events .
“ So when we open tomorrow in regard to a lot of businesses as well as office , it ’ s going to be based upon really best practices that were laid out by people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ he said Sunday .
Here are the latest coronavirus developments in Ohio : Ohio state health officials say the number of confirmed and probable deaths associated with the coronavirus has now reached 1,038 .
The Ohio health department posted figures Sunday indicating 957 confirmed deaths and another 81 probable deaths associated with the virus .
The department noted more than 19,000 confirmed cases of the virus and a probable total of more than 19,900 .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness , including pneumonia , or death .
This story has been corrected to show that DeWine called the order “ a bridge too far ” on Sunday , not Tuesday .


thetorontostar--2020-05-03--NY joining six states to buy vital coronavirus gear in bulk

New York is banding together with six nearby states to purchase equipment and supplies that sometimes have been hard to come by during the coronavirus pandemic , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday .
Meanwhile , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is praising residents for mostly adhering to coronavirus social distancing rules during the warmest weekend of the spring , with police handing out only a few dozen summonses .
Here are the latest coronavirus-related developments in New York : After working with neighbouring states on coronavirus-related closing and reopening plans , Cuomo said Sunday that New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delaware to create a regional supply chain for masks , gowns , ventilators , testing supplies and other equipment vital to fighting the disease .
The states are joining together after months of dealing separately with what Cuomo said was a “ totally inefficient and ineffective ” purchasing process that pitted all 50 states against each other , as well as the federal government and other entities , driving up prices as supplies dried up .
New York buys about $ 2 billion worth of medical equipment supplies per year , Cuomo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together spend about $ 5 billion per year .
Working together , they ’ ll have stronger purchasing power and improve their clout with global suppliers , Cuomo said .
“ It will make us more competitive in the international marketplace and I believe it will save taxpayers money , “ Cuomo said .
“ I also believe it will actually help us get the equipment , because we have trouble still getting the equipment.
” The other states in the consortium are Connecticut , Rhode Island , New Jersey and Pennsylvania .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , is to find suppliers within the region , instead of relying on swamped manufacturers in China and other faraway places .
On a parallel track , they ’ ll also continue to work with the federal government to procure medical gear , Cuomo said .
“ Whatever they can do to help is great , “ Cuomo said .
In a lesson learned from the coronavirus crisis , Cuomo said that going forward , hospitals in New York will be required to to keep a 90-day supply on hand of masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ran critically short at times .
In building their stockpiles , hospitals should account not for normal usage , but for the high equipment usage rates they ’ ve seen during the pandemic , Cuomo said .
Because of dwindling supplies , hospitals were rationing supplies and asking staff to reuse masks until they became soiled .
At one point in the crisis , hospitals in the New York-Presbyterian system were burning through about 40,000 masks a day — about 10 times the normal amount , according to Columbia University Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go through this day-to-day moving masks across the state , this mad scramble that we were in and still are , in many ways , ” Cuomo said .
Fewer than 10,000 people in the state were hospitalized Saturday with coronavirus in New York , the lowest tally since the third week of March , Cuomo said .
Hospitalizations peaked far at 18,825 on April 12 and fell to almost half that — 9,786 — on Saturday .
More than 19,100 people in the state have died from coronavirus , though the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in the city that were attributed to the virus on death certificates but weren ’ t confirmed by a lab test .
On Saturday , 280 people died from the disease , the lowest daily total since March 29 , when there were 253 fatalities .
The state peaked with 799 deaths in one day on April 9 .
“ The overall direction is good , even though it is very painful , ” Cuomo said .
Tens of thousands of people flocked to New York City ’ s parks and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( about 23 degrees Celsius ) , and for the most part they complied with social distancing rules .
“ The big story here is what New Yorkers have done right , ” de Blasio said .
Officers issued 51 summonses , including 43 in parks , Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said .
There were at least three arrests .
About 1,000 police officers were out on foot , bicycles , in patrol cars and even on horseback to enforce public health restrictions requiring people — as well as couples , families and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roof — to keep 6 feet away from others .
Officers were also handing out face masks , which people are required to wear when social distancing is not possible , breaking up large gatherings and stopping people from playing team sports , which are still banned .
“ The vast majority of New Yorkers have really risen to the challenge , ” de Blasio said , though he and Shea noted some overcrowding at places like Manhattan ’ s Hudson River Park and Brooklyn ’ s Domino Park .
At Astoria Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six motorcycles , including two that were found to have been stolen , Shea said .
In Harlem , dozens of people crowded a blocked off street for a memorial to a 30-year-old father of three who was shot dead last week .
De Blasio said such large gatherings are a violation of city and state public health guidelines and “ have to be stopped before they even get started.
” “ We have to get clear to people that no such events should be happening , ” de Blasio said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people , the chance of social distancing being maintained is minimal.
“